Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar - a trip to the past

July 21-22, 2012

It was a rainy weekend as a typhoon is currently pounding northern Luzon when we had our stay at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. And this is at Bataan. But for architectural and historical aficionados, the stay here is worth it and a photographer's heaven as well. The whole resort is comprised of mansion replicas from the 18th century, and the theme is preserved with cobblestone roads and staff that are dressed with Filipino traditional clothing such as barong for male and baro't saya for female.



The trip to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is about 4 hours from Manila depending on the traffic and about 143 kilometers from Manila. We got there after 5 hours due to flooding at Olongapo. But it was worth the trip. Parking space is available before you enter the resort and is secure because of security personnel guarding it 24/7.

The resort is at the foot of Mt. Samat in Bataan and is very near the ground zero of the Death March marker.

We were welcomed with 18th century houses and the staff that welcomed us are in full traditional Filipino attire. I couldn't help looking at my watch to check if I am still at the year 2012.

There are about 20 replica houses in the resort and one of them is a replica of an old church in Calatagan, Batangas. All of them are built with pristine Narra and Mahogany wood. Some of them are still under construction.

Casa Candaba

Casa Bizantina

Calatagan Cathedral Replica under construction

Casa Binan and Casa Baliuag I

Cobblestone walkways

The cobblestone bridge connecting the resort to another island.
The river here is the entry of Bagac river to West Philippine Sea

Fountains also beautifies most of the road intersection in the resort and the pool is excellent.

Food served during meals is single-serve but they are complete and do tastes great except for the snacks and merienda (snacks) as I am not too satisfied. There is also a corkage fee if you bring in drinks so you are left with buying from their store a high prices though. A can of beer that costs P30 at convenience stores costs P80 here.

Houses may look a flashback 200 years ago, however, the facilities are complete and restrooms have bath tubs. I stayed at one of the rooms in the Paseo de Escolta replica. The whole building is a replica of 19th century apartments in Escolta, Manila. But when you are inside one of the units, it is a house with an open 3-storey rooms.

Paseo de Escolta

Dinner is served for all at Casa Mexico and is great tasting with entertainers singing and dancing to traditional all-Filipino artistry. The singing group Kundiman si Lolo, si Lola serenaded us at dinner time.

Casa Mexico

Traditional Filipino Cultural Dance as performed during dinner at Casa Mexico
Photo courtesy of Marc Albay

The venue is great for an exhibit and for wedding themes from the 18th century. And all the staff is so hospitable, you feel you are a "haciendero" when you are here.


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