I was never a
history buff but I adore beautiful things. So when I visited Las Casas
Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan, I was fascinated on the aesthetic appeal
of this huge outdoor living museum filled with heritage buildings and more. We
had a guided tour but I yielded and went exploring on my own.
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| Paseo de Escolta |
The moment I
heard about this place in Bataan that would transport you back in time it has
become one of my dream destinations in the north. So when I was invited by the
Bataan Tourism to check out some cool spots around the province I immediately confirmed
if we would visit this grand exhibition of traditional Philippine structures. I
was enthralled upon knowing that it is indeed included in the itinerary.
Las Casas
Filipinas de Acuzar is the brainchild of construction magnate Architect Jose
Rizalino “Jerry” Acuzar. The heritage park features centuries-old houses from
the country. Almost all of the structures here are the actual ones from the
ceiling to the walls and the flooring. The arduous and passionate task to
collect and rebuild started in 2003 and was opened to the public in 2010.
The main
attractions are the 22 mansions (that are still growing) from the 17th to 19th
century. They took down the mostly neglected houses in a very orderly manner and the meticulous
process of rebuilding was done in precision to what its original state was.
Each brick, tile, window and door was carefully sorted to finally reconstruct
everything to its former glory thus, making this heritage park a
one-of-its-kind in the Philippines.
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| Casa Binondo |
Aside from it
being a heritage park, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar also has accommodations (check rates), pool, beach, spa, restaurants, cultural show,
heritage tour, conference and banquet facilities and more. A day will not be
enough to tour around.
It was ten in
the morning as we approached the entryway to the heritage city. Cobblestone
paths welcomed us as we stepped into an old house cum front office of the
resort. It was extremely hot but the cool sea breeze revived our souls.
We had the
afternoon for the walking tours and as we gathered around the swimming pool
area, the journey back in time started. The guide was very knowledgeable and
answered to each and every question that guests throw at him. It was funny how
some little secrets about history and stuff were revealed during the course of
the tour (me not squealing it).
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| Casa Baliuag II |
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| The aisle used by the aliping saguiguilid |
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| Casa Luna |
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| Casa Candaba |
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| Casa Binan |
I got lost on
how many houses we visited but the stubborn me went on the other direction in
the middle of the tour and went around myself. Yes, you could do that.
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Casa Hidalgo | Enriquez Mansion: The first campus of the UP School of Fine Arts
|
A special
tour on the newest Hotel de Oriente was done for the group. Originally in
Binondo, this was a replica of the oldest hotel in the country that was
destroyed during the war. Everyone was stunned as we stepped into the grand hotel/convention center.
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| A replica of Binondo's Hotel de Oriente |
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Wood
parquets, wood mosaics, wood panelings, wood carvings and more done in exquisite local
craftsmanship. It was jaw-dropping. From the ceiling to the flooring and the
walls, everything was done in precision. For this alone, seven local wood
products were used; molave, kamagong,
yakal, red narra, balayong, gamelina and
bangkal.
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| Amazing wood parquet |
And it was
fascinating, reliving the past. I admire the passion and love of Sir Jerry for this
wonderful gift to all Filipinos. This should be included in all field trips of
the students. And I will be back. I will stay here for two to three days and explore each house.
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| Maranaw: Torogan houses of Maranaos |
My eyes
were fixed on the Maranao’s torogan houses
on an islet. It’s not part of the standard tours but seeing the real thing without
going to Mindanao would be the icing on the cake for me. I know every detail of
this unique house by heart, blame my research subject way back in college. If
only they could let me stay there for the night…
Barrio Pag-asa,
Bagac, Bataan, Philippines
Contact Numbers:
(+63) 2.546.9123 | (+63) 917.872.9371
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