Backtrack to old Philippines (Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar)

After driving all the way to Mount Samat for me and my bff's double birthday celebration, we decided to take our lunch in the neighboring town of Balanga because food establishments are limited in Pilar area. What others do when visiting Mount Samat, they bring their own food and share it with their companions in picnic style. After our heavy lunch, we took the road again heading Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. Las Casas is on the same road as Mount Samat. Distance between the two locations is about 20 kilometers more or less an hour travel time.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (The Philippine Houses of Acuzar) is a 400 hectares heritage park and resort located in Bagac Bataan built by José “Gerry” Acuzar, owner of the New San Jose Builders and history art collector. Entrance fee is 680 pesos for day tour with guided tour, welcome drink and cold towel. You can also use the resort's facilities including the swimming pool and witness the cultural show every 6 in the evening. Guided tour usually takes 1 and ½ hour which will bring you to different beautiful restored houses. The old houses are mostly Spanish design which will really let you travel back in time. These heritage houses were painstakingly transferred and carefully dismantled, brick by brick from their original locations in the different parts of the Philippines and carefully restored by the resort’s artists. These houses were rehabilitated to resemble the original structure. The parts that were missing like woodwork and bricks were replicated to resemble the original structure.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Some of the old houses you can see at Las Casas. Guests are allowed to enter to some of the houses just remove your footwear first. 

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Old milk can

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Old way to iron clothes

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Mosaic interior

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Walking tour

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

First Class hotel in the area is Hotel De Oriente from Binono Manila. 

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Hotel De Oriente

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Hotel De Orient

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Hotel De Orient

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Lola Basyang bridge

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar walking tour

Cultural show

Generally, our historical tour in Bataan was so memorable. Not only we have got the opportunity to see the beauty Bataan has to offer but the chance to get a glimpse of the province’s rich culture and history. A history every youth should know and appreciate to ignite their heart for the love of country that can be passed on the next generation. 

Exploring Mount Samat

For a double birthday celebration, I and my best bud Vino decided to have a historical tour in Bataan. A side trip to Mount Samat for Shrine of Valor in Pilar and a visit to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac. We left Manila 8 in the morning and arrived 11 at Mount Samat. You have to pay 30 pesos for the entrance fee including the elevator ride to Mount Samat’s cross viewing deck. I believe that getting in Mount Samat is not that easy as it is advisable to bring your own vehicle to reach the steep summit.  Nevertheless, if you’re the adventurous type and loves to walk without worrying the steep slope you can reach the summit for 2 hours or more after riding a trike (100pesos) that will bring you to a certain drop off point.

Long line to the elevator Mount Samat viewing deck

Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

We reached the cross filled with people falling in line for the elevator ride. Luckily we rode the elevator just right in time before lunch break. Elevator ride to the cross closes at 12pm and reopens at 1 in the afternoon. The capacity of the elevator is just for 8 people that will lift you to 30^th floor where the viewing deck is located. You can see here 180 degree view of Bataan province and Manila Bay too. View in here is so relaxing because of lush greenery and cool breeze kissing your skin. We stayed here for just 15 to 30 minutes as guards on duty will take their lunch break.  Unfortunately we have no luck in visiting the museum since it closes at 12 but we’re able to explore the other side where stained glass murals and a historic stage are located.

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan viewing deck

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan viewing deck

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan viewing deck

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan Bataan

Mount Samat reminds us how our fellow countrymen and even Americans suffered during the World War II battle. We likewise saw the “Death March” marker while on the road that somewhat made us imagine how those heroes walked through their death. You will realize how great having countrymen that shows bravery and heroism for the love of country during the World war II.  Hopefully new generation will visit this Shrine of Valor so they can look back at our history.