Unbiased opinion: The Philippines is an incredibly beautiful country. And I don’t just say that because I’m half-Filipino! Part of its charm is the fascinating history it carries that, though dark and painful at many points, remained to be a reflection of the collective Filipino spirit that’s full of strength, resilience, and faith.
A massive chunk of the country’s history would be the time it fell under the Spanish rule from 1565 to 1898. (That’s 333 years!) During this time, the Spaniards influenced a great deal of the Filipinos’ way of life, such as culture, language, lifestyle, and architecture. If you are a history nerd like I sometimes am, then you would likely be interested in getting a glimpse into or relive what life may have been like during a specific period in the past. Enter: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar.
In 2017, on one of my visits to the Philippines, I discovered Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, a resort three hours away from Metro Manila. They promised “a taste of what it’s like to be one of the illustrados (referring to the Filipino educated class at the time) during the colonial period.” This claim piqued my interest, and, in no time, I was in a van heading for the resort with six of my girlfriends!
We made our way to the sprawling property in Bagac, Bataan, for a one-night stay in one of the resort’s thirty heritage houses. It was interesting to discover that the casas or houses were actual replicas of Filipino-Spanish homes, mostly from the 1900s! Each of the houses was carefully taken down from its original location, transported to the current site, and rehabilitated and restored to what it is today.
Full disclosure: Though I was all in for a historical experience, a part of me was pretty terrified of spending the night in an antique house in case of any possible unearthly beings or spirits lurking around. Thankfully, there was no such thing — at least, I don’t think so — and, had there been, I didn’t have to face it alone!
Our home for the night was Casa Binondo II, a two-story villa complete with three bedrooms and spacious living and dining areas. The casa’s architecture served as “a reflection of the typical structural design of houses in the country’s capital (Manila) during the Spanish colonization.” The layout and design of the home gave us an idea of how households were like at the time.
While it was tempting to lounge all day long in our airy casa, we knew there was so much more to see around the premises. Every corner was a delight to discover and appreciate! The amount of thought and effort placed into recreating Las Casas as it is today is truly praiseworthy.
We were further mesmerized by the treasures held within the property when we dropped by Hotel de Oriente, deemed as the “First Luxury Hotel in the Philippines.” Here, we somewhat could imagine what it was like being an upper-class woman in the Spanish era, given the hotel’s grand design. While the structure currently serves as the resort’s convention center, the panels of artwork, primarily made of wood, are still a sight to behold — craftsmanship at its finest. After all these years, there still remains to be a regal flair to Hotel de Oriente.
Note: In an effort to preserve the flooring’s wooden panels, guests who visit Hotel de Oriente to marvel at its interiors are asked to proceed so barefooted.
As with any resort, Las Casas offers activities and unique entertainment for its guests. The water activities at the beach and swimming pool facility include a river cruise and most water sports — something for everyone, from the young to the young at heart! The live cultural performances are also a delight and another way that the resort showcases the country’s rich history.
One of the perks of spending the night at the Las Casas resort is the opportunity to enjoy the property long after the sun has set. The lights emanating from the houses add a special touch to the already enchanting atmosphere. Another perk is getting to enjoy more of the dining options — something we most certainly did!
At dusk, our group opted for a bonfire by the beach. The skies were clear and the weather was pleasantly cool as we roasted some marshmallows, listened to the waves as they hit the shore, and stargazed the night away. We may have also gone on to share some scary stories to frighten each other even more for nothing! But, jokes aside, it was such an incredible day, one where we experienced what it was like to travel back in time and find a home at Las Casas.
Just in Kace (tips)
If you intend to visit with a bigger group, some of the grander, private houses may accommodate up to 20 adults. Additionally, the resort also offers hotel rooms for individuals who do not wish to book an entire house.
Since Las Casas is a heritage park, visitors to the property may join the walking tours (complimentary to hotel guests) conducted by the management on a regular basis, without having to spend the night. Tours start at $30 per person on weekdays.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic:
In order to ensure the safety of our guests and staff from the COVID-19 pandemic and in compliance with government directives on Enhanced Community Quarantine, Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar Office will be non-operational from March 17, 2020, until further notice.
Las casas filipinas de acuzar management
Lots of love and travel miles,
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