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Las Casas Filipinas
Olongapo
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a 400-hectare historic site in Bagac, Bataan (about three to four hours from Metro Manila). It's home to several heritage houses and structures that have either been transported from their original locations or replicated in the area. Many local artists and talents have been tapped to contribute to the site's development in form of paintings, murals, sculptures, and more. It offers a great look into Philippine history! 🇵🇭
Updated 4 years ago
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Casa New Manila originally stood in Balete Drive in Quezon City, Metro Manila. The American architecture-style house was often used in local television shows and movies. It's now Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar's reception area. There's also a Western restaurant in the second floor!
Unnamed Road, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines
As you stand on the riverside balcony of Casa New Manila, you are granted with a gorgeous first look into the entirety of Las Casas. The nearest house to your right is Casa Majayjay, one of the oldest and most prestigious houses in the complex. It became the home of at least four gobernadorcillos; and was owned by the Pangotangan's, a prominent money-lending family.
Unnamed Road, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines
Perhaps my favorite house in Las Casas, Casa Lubao was a plantation house originally located in Lubao, Pampanga. The bottom part of the house is made of concrete, while the top part is entirely wooden. Notice the intricate fruit-themed touches! It's my favorite house because it's the starting point of many activities such as bike rides, kalesa (horse carriage) rides, sungka games, and even pool!
Las Casas Rd, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines
Casa Quiapo used to be the old Fine Arts College of the University of the Philippines found in Escolta, Metro Manila. When the school was relocated, the structure became several establishments—a commercial center, a brothel, a clinic, etc. It is now home to the Bellas Artes Projects, and often exhibits local artworks and installations.
Las Casas Rd, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines
The real Hotel de Oriente was destroyed during World War II, but a replica was created on Las Casas to commemorate the country's first luxury hotel. Fun fact: it was one of the first locations to have a telephone line. To call it, you just had to dial 2 (#1 was Malacañang Palace, the president's residence)! The interiors are not true to the original, but it's nevertheless breathtaking. It's now a convention center that can hold 1,000 people. It was even used in the recent ASEAN meeting.
La Puesta Del Sol, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines
Las Casas practically salvaged Casa Mexico from the ashes. Parts of the house were found and purchased from a junkshop and recreated using a photo that showed it in its heyday. The stairs were beautifully crafted using the art nouveau style, which carries over to the whole exterior.
Las Casas Rd, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines
Casa Byzantina is representation of the three-story-high commercial structures that proliferated in the old Manila (Binondo) area in the past.
Las Casas Rd, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines
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Casa Luna was owned by Primitivo Novicio, the uncle of the famous Luna brothers (General Antonio Luna and painter Juan Luna). It was a typical ilustrado (high society) house, so it features the standard volada—a narrow hallway that encircled the house's perimeter that only the "alipin saguiguilid," a sort of low-tier servant used (because they're not allowed to serve in front of their masters). Casa Luna has great historical value. It became the rendezvous point of the Liberation, a war headquarters, and a venue of the Nationalista party convention in the 70's.
Las Casas Rd, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines
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Paseo de Escolta is a replica of the row of commercial buildings typically seem in Manila in the early 1900's. They have rooms available for guests in the upper floors, but at the street level there are a few shops—there's even a photography studio where you can take photos wearing clothing from the past!
Las Casas Rd, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines
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Estero de Binondo is a wonderful area that recalls the esteros (canals) of old Manila, as well as the heritage houses and plazas that were also found in the area. It's a great spot to take photos especially during sunset! Most of the houses in Estero de Binondo can be rented out, plus the beach is right across the road.
Unnamed Road, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines
We didn't get to enter this part of Estero de Binondo since it was closed off to non-guests of the resort; but our tour guide Mark said that the three-house island can be rented as a package and comes complete with your own pool!
Unnamed Road, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines
Plaza Marcelino is a lovely plaza with plenty of greenery, a nice stone walkway, and a fountain centerpiece.
Unnamed Road, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines
For me, Casa Hagonoy is the most beautiful house in the complex, primarily because of its unique red-brick facade. Next time I hope I can see the inside. Based on what I've read in the brochure, it's supposed to be large, well thought-of, and pleasing to look at!
Unnamed Road, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines
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Las Casas holds river tours throughout the day, which usually ends by 5:00 PM. We were lucky that they let us take the tour at 6:00 PM, just in time for the sunset. It was absolutely surreal! Instead of a usual boat, they use a balsa—a flat floating device with two benches facing each other and a table at the middle.
Bagac, Bataan, Philippines
Casa Maranao is the only pre-colonial house in the entire complex. It's actually a torogan, the home of either a datu or a sultan. To mark this, panolong's (wing-like carvings that flare out from the floor beams) surround the house.
Unnamed Road, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines
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Casa San Juan was the last house on our tour, accessible via the river tour. The stairs from the water feature beautiful tilework which continue onto the wall below the home as a mural. The house is almost entirely in its original form, complete with amazing woodcarvings preserved through time, all made by prison inmates.
Unnamed Road, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines
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