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The Beauty of heritage houses can not only be seen in the eyes but can only be appreciated by knowing it’s history
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Heritage houses are one of my favorite places to visit. Though it’s creepy for some but for me it’s a treasure that's worth preserving. My love and appreciation to this old houses can be seen on most of my previous post, like the Heritage Houses of Taal in Batangas, The Ruins and ancestral houses in Bacolod, and a lot more. Since my daughter had her school exam, me and my wife took an almost four hours drive from Binan to a private open air museum in Bagac Batan, this is the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar which literally means The Houses of the Philippines of Acuzar. Acuzar is a well known family name in the real estate business headed by Jose “Gerry” Acuzar, owner and President of the construction firm New San Jose Builders Inc. and brother in law of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar was a collection of heritage houses dismantled brick by brick and pieces by pieces from its original locations all over the country and transported to this private property which begun in 2003. Seven years later the museum was opened for public viewing with more than 27 Spanish colonial and stone houses that was restored from its original structure.
In fact there are more old houses being re-constructed at the other side of the river called Estero de Binondo.
Arriving at the gate of this open air museum resembles of the modern times that passing to an old era.
Upon entry, the first house that you’ll see is the Casa Bizantina, a floral stone house originally located at Binondo Manila. The house is the most beautiful floral house ever build in Binondo Manila during those times.
See the ceiling and the walls that was artistically decorated.This was built in 1890 by Don Lorenzo del Rosario.
Our next stop is Casa Unisan claimed to be the first bahay na bato built in Unisan Quezon in 1839. This served as one of the eating places in Las Casas and we ordered Pollo San Bernardino and Ensaladang Talong.
Casa Mexico is where the current administration office of the museum is located. Materials used from the reconstruction of the house came from the salvage materials bought from the junkshop.
Casa Jaen Uno is where the assembly area is located if you desire for a guided tour which I prefer.
Casa Luna formerly Novicio house was renamed in honor of the Luna Brothers , General Antonio and famous Filipino painter Juan Luna as the native of the province wherein their mother Laureano Novicio was born in this town. The house became the headquarters of the USAFIL during World War 2.
Paseo Escolta is the replicas of the Original Escolta buildings still located in Intramuros Manila which has stores and mini shops at the first floor and a hotel room on the 2nd and 3rd floors.
This are among of the many Heritage houses build here pieces by pieces like constructing a puzzle in a large scale. Other houses found inside the museum are used as a Hotel, dining places and activity area.
I suggest that upon visiting the place, why not join a guided tour where you’ll learn more of the history of every houses and its true value.
Day Tour Rates:
Package 1 ( 1 set meal) = Php1,200.00 net per person
Entrance fee only = Php650.00 net per person for Adult
and children 5 years old and below is free of charge
For more information, you may call
Bario Pag-asa Bagac, Bataan Office
Telephone (632) 546.9123, Mobile (0917) 8729371
Manila Sales & Reservation Office:
Mezzanine Floor, Victoria Towers #78 Timog Avenue Quezon City
Telephone (632) 332.5338 (632) 355.3032 (632) 332.5286
Fax 738.4728
Email:reserve@lascasasfilipinas.com
www.lascasasfilipinas.com
