The Philippines is one of the countries with such a rich culture, but you’ll barely see it when you’re living in the metro. Little that people know is that Filipino culture is actually a fusion of different cultures due to its colonial past. The Philippines used to be a Spanish colony for more than 300 years, then came the Americans, and then the Japanese until WW2 ended in 1945.
So we searched for a place away from the city where we can get a glimpse of this rich Filipino culture and heritage. Just three hours away from Manila is this magnificent place in Bagac, Bataan where time seems to freeze, and you can see Spanish era houses made with some original pieces or close replicas of old houses.
We understood why the Philippines is hailed as the second most Instagrammable place in the world as soon as we entered this resort. What caught our attention is that we felt like we rode a time machine that sent us back to old Manila that has all its grandeur and charm, and setting foot on the cobblestone roads of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar was like stepping in to a totally different world, that was very different to the modern Manila that we know.
We were instantly transported to the glory days of Old Manila. We also learned that Filipino history books used to refer to the Old Manila as the Paris of the Orient due to its romantic charm that were all ruined during WW2 with some little reminders of Manila’s olden days.
We knew that we weren’t just taking a look at Philippine history and culture. But we were about to experience it ourselves.
Check our video there at the end of this article!
Location
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is located about 146.8km (91mi for our American friends) from Metro Manila. It took us a three-hour car ride via the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) to reach this resort. But the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) is also another possible route.
However, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can take a series of public vehicles from Pasay or Cubao, or the ferry boat in Pasay City to reach the place. Meanwhile, just 20km (12mi) from Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is another notable element of Philippine culture and history, the Mt. Samat Shrine which was a notable landmark in remembrance of fallen Filipino and American soldiers during WW2.
You can even opt for a ferry boat in Pasay City to reach the place. We actually went twice there and the second time we took the boat from Manila’s harbor and it was very convenient. Just 20km (12mi) from Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is another notable element of Philippine culture and history, the Mt. Samat Shrine.
If you’d like to get more details about how to get there:
HOW TO GET THERE?
By car
From Manila, the easiest is if you have a car or if you can rent one. Just put it the resort as the destination on WAZE and everything will be fine. It’s pretty near. As it took us only three hours to get there.Yes, we were lucky, we had no traffic! Else, it’s maybe a 4 hour-trip one way.
Below is the itinerary we took. The route is pretty much easy to follow. We used the Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX). It can get crowded when you pass by small towns with only one-line road.
By public transportation
There are more steps to follow but it is relatively cheap (around PHP300/pax, like $6). Just follow those steps:
1 – Take the Bus (PHP200)
Go to the Pasay Bus Terminal or the Cubao one. Find the Genesis Bus and ride it to Balanga Bus Station. The trips start at 4AM and the interval between buses is usually 30mns.
2 – Get the Jeepney (mini-bus) (PHP40)
Once you have reached the Balanga Bus station. Take the jeepney going to Bagac or Morong. Once you reach Bagac, get down at the Filipino-Japanese Friendship Tower.
3 – Tricycle (PHP20)
Ask a tricycle to bring you to the resort. They know already where it is. And there you are.
By Boat
There is a new ferry service which takes you from Manila to Bataan in 50 minutes. Schedule are usually as early as 6:30AM to 3:15PM but might change depends on weekdays or weekends.
You should check the FB page to get the latest info: Bataan Boat Information. It is also cheaper to book online: P450 vs P799 as walk-in.
HOW TO GO BACK HOME?
By car
Same but in the other way :p
By public transportation
It can get more difficult but it’s pretty much the same. You can ask the resort to call a tricycle which will bring you back to where you can get the mini-bus to Balanga City.
The last bus leaves around 9pm, so do not miss it. Else you’ll have to spend the night in the area. Apart from that, you’ll be fine.
Accomodation
There were 217 hotel rooms in total in the resort. What’s even more exciting is that the old houses in there weren’t just houses for display, but some of it serves as a hotel accommodation as well that gives your time travel experience a more authentic feel that we will discuss further.
There were different choices to accommodate small and large groups of guests. The deluxe room (36 sqm) is perfect for couples, and has options for the Plaza Belmonte, Plaza Marcelino (river view), beachfront, or accessoria view. The large superior deluxe (42 sqm) is perfect for a small group of 4 people. The studio is a loft-type room (68 sqm) that can hold a maximum of 4 people. It is perfect for a group who wants more space for rest and relaxation.
A family of 5 can stay in the family suite (45 sqm). They can choose between a river or beachfront view which are both beautiful if you ask us. The executive suite (120 sqm) can house 5 guests at most, and great for groups who prefer spacious accommodations.
The rooms exude the quaint beauty of the colonial era architecture and interior, letting you reveal their old-world charm. It’s important to note that there were no elevators available. So getting to the higher rooms and moving around could be quite difficult for those with mobility limitations.
Besides the hotel rooms, you can also stay in one of the resort’s private casas.
If you want to have a feel of how the ilustrados — or educated Spanish/ Spanish-Filipino elite — lived during the colonial period. There are 27 casas to choose from, and each private casa highlights their own unique design and architecture.
This according to where they were situated in the olden days. Staying in one of the casas lets you get up close to elegant and luxurious designs of the colonial period. And live like the royals of the olden days. Some casas are even located on semi-exclusive islands away from the rest.
Food and Drinks
All the overnight stay packages include breakfast. You may also opt for a full board package that includes lunch and dinner as well. Complimentary bottled water is available in all hotel rooms and casas. Minibars were only available if you stayed in one of the casas.
There are four cafes within Las Casas serving local and international dishes, each having its individual menu of Filipino-European cuisine. Having several dining options made it convenient. We didn’t have to leave the resort premises for meals. To cap off a day filled with adventures, head to the beach and unwind at the Dapitan Bar. We enjoyed a cocktail while admiring the breathtaking sunset view of the West Philippine Sea.
Facilities and Service
Although the rooms have preserved the beauty of a bygone era, each room is equipped with modern innovations. Such as an in-room safety deposit box, television with cable channels, and air-conditioning for a comfortable stay, while Wi-Fi connection is free in public spaces.
Since the hotel rooms and casas are actual residences during the colonial era. Their charm is really about their authenticity.
There are a lot of activities to do within the sprawling 400 hectares of this resort. There are several transportation facilities available to get around the resort, and some of them were a cultural experience themselves.
There’s the jeep, shuttle, golf cart, bicycle, kalesa… We learned a lot about old Filipino life through the cultural shows, games, and activities.
The performances were able to perfectly capture important aspects of culture. Such as the folk dances and music, and even the clothing.
There’s also a music shop in one of the main buildings where we played old kundiman songs. A genre of traditional Filipino love songs that young men would serenade the single ladies with back in the days.
Activities and Things to Do
We learned a lot about old Filipino life through cultural shows, games, and activities. The performances were able to perfectly capture the important aspects of culture. We were acquainted with the folk dances and music, and even the clothing of the Philippines that elegantly shows its Spanish influences. There’s also a music shop in one of the main buildings. We played old kundiman songs, a genre of traditional Filipino love songs that young men would serenade the single ladies with back in the days.
Beach and Swimming Pool
Those who enjoy basking in the sun and swimming in the water can take a dip in the batis-inspired (river/stream-inspired) pool or the beach. The thrill-seekers can do water sports available at the beach, which includes jet skiing, wakeboarding, banana boating, and more.
Fotografia dela Escolta
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar also has their own in-house photography studio, which they call the Fotografia dela Escolta. Guests can wear traditional costumes (like we did) while they pose like one of the ilustrados. It’s certainly a great way to immortalize our historical trip and take home memories.
The Napiya Spa
A spa is also available within the resort. The Napiya Spa offers a selection of traditional Filipino massages such as back massages, foot spa, and full body massages. Hilot, a kind of traditional massage offered, is said to relieve the body of stress and relax the mind and spirit as well.
Historical Tours
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar offers different tours for guests who will not be staying overnight in the resort. Each offers a unique way to revisit the past and highlighting a marvelous structure, so they will definitely awaken your interest in history. You can ride a balsa (small raft made out of bamboo tied together to make a plank) and have a relaxing cruise along Umangol River, where you can admire all of the houses while sitting on the raft, marvel at Hotel de Oriente’s spectacular wooden sculptures and architecture, or have an immersive look at each casa while the resort’s dedicated storytellers give you a glimpse of Philippines’ olden days.
Our Special Word
The first time we went to Las Casas was really magical. We were so impressed by how they wanted to showcase Filipino’s old heritage and that this place was near Manila.
We stayed some nights there and we were able to enjoy the different activities that they offer. From swimming in the sea to visiting the factories where they do their craft. If you want to mix a place that combines history, culture, near Manila and fun, you won’t regret going there!
If you want to see more, you can check the full video we have done at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. There are some nice drone shots: HERE!
Why we recommend
- They try to preserve the past which is not something usual. You know what we are talking about if you live in Manila.
- It’s a resort so it offers you the leisure you are looking for.
- There is a real societal project.
- It is not far from the capital.
- We had an amazing experience there.
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