In every house they have at the resort, each one of them surely have some colorful history. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is offering free heritage tour to some of the original Heritage houses in place. Actually, it is part of their package when coming to the resort.
After fixing ourselves, we go back to the reception area to checkout and avail of the free heritage tour. Upon giving us clearance, we immediately walk to the building right behind the reception. Casa Jaen 1 is the venue for the hourly tours that the resort is offering.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a resort in Northwestern Philippines featuring original Heritage Houses from different provinces of the country. They are collections of houses that are carefully transferred from its original location to the resort. Some of the houses are poor when it comes to maintainance while some are almost in state of abandonment. Most of the houses have rich history during its time. There are some new constructions of old houses at the resort though the basis in building it is the original blueprint from the National Archives.
At 1pm, we start the tour. More participants are joining the heritage tour despite the hot weather on a mid-day. Firstly, there are orientations from our tour guide that we are going to visit not all but several houses at the resort. All of the houses have different functions. The resort utilizes most of the houses as hotel rooms, while some are function rooms and recreation rooms. Secondly, our guide is instructing us that as we are going inside each house, we are going to take off our footgears being one of the Filipino tradition and as a sign of respect to the homeowners.
As part of the introduction, our guide shows us some pictures of the houses before they transfer it to the resort. At the pictures, it shows some poor maintenance or even showing portions that are already destroyed. Some houses have new owners; some are rental properties thereby showing no care on the property. When they are in search for heritage houses, part of their research is to gather original pictures of the house that can be their basis on restoring the property.
Part of their processes in transferring the house is to carefully study the structure. Piece by piece, plank by plank and stone by stone they will mark each one of it to exactly identify each of the material’s position. They also take photos of each angle to properly document how they take it down. Then they will transport it to the resort and rebuild it again using its original pieces. Though you cannot guarantee 100% of the house to be complete and still of good quality, some of the parts that are to be custom-made at the resort to compliment and replace the same part that is not in good condition. As much as possible, they will be using the same material on the replacement.
When rebuilding the houses, it is like a 3D puzzle wherein they will assemble it also piece by piece, plank by plank and stone by stone. They are also securing the original blueprint of the house to make it more durable so guests will enjoy its comfort. They as well are upgrading the furnitures and fixtures on the houses for accommodations. The resort buy some of the houses together with the original displays so they also feature it with the house itself.
The tour commences at Casa Luna just beside Casa Jaen 1. The entrance of the house is at the back and we climb its stairs on the second floor. It has a huge terrace right at the entrance of the house. The structure of the house amazes me too. It has a huge door outside and another door inside. This house typically features the house separating the elites and the poor. Only the elites could get inside second door of the house, the poor or servants will just pass at the first door along the corridor.
This house also has several rooms in which several activities take place. They have also some of the accessories and the original owner’s collections on display inside the house. In this house, they usually have twin toilets where both can do at the same time and our guide says that this is one kind of the family bonding.
So much for Casa Jaen 1, we go down the road and have a brief introduction of the Casa Cagayan and Casa Baliuag that are being rebuild in the area. Then we proceed to Casa Lubao, which comes from Lubao, Pampanga. As we notice, they name the houses from the place where it come from. Most of the furnishings of Casa Lubao are original to the house. Also, the recreation area is at the ground floor of Casa Lubao. They also have several indoor games like table tennis, chess, dart and pool.
We are also to visit the first UP Fine Arts Building or so they say Casa Hidalgo but in Las Casas, this was named Casa Quiapo from its original location. The house has a very rich history. Its owner is Don Enriquez. The house is the first UP Campus for Architecture. When our curator tells us about its history, it’s so amazing how the building survives. It has such a colorful story from being a house, school, dormitory, and a portion being an abortion clinic. Now, the house shine again to its glory as one of the featured houses in Las Casas.
The last house that we come to visit is the Casa Binan. Some scenes on the movie Heneral Luna is shot here. They also have rich history and some myths regarding the original owner of the house.
We are suppose to visit the grandest of all houses in Las Casas, the Casa Vyzantina. It’s the most pricey and high-end accommodation at the resort. It is available for rent for a fortune per night. Though it can accommodate more guests too. We just have a look at the outside since it is occupied during that time.
Having known this really enlighten me on the rich history of the Philippines. Some of the houses plays a big part of the history of the land. I am thankful that I get a chance to see these houses even if most of it are restored yet it still depicts its glory during their time.
There are on-going constructions on some portions of the resort, so there’s more to expect in the coming days. They are also constructing the tram track so they can ferry guests throughout the resort using the tram. For now, they have Kalesa and Jeepney being used as main transportation inside the resort.
I am looking forward to another comeback and see it’s progress.
Been here: December 13, 2015
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