If you are a fan of history-rich architecture, places and buildings, and would like a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila then you MUST visit Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. An open-air museum and resort located in Barangay Pag-asa, Bagac, Bataan Philippines developed by Jose “Gerry” Acuzar out of his fascination with old houses and colonial buildings.
Heritage houses from all over the country placed in one spot.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar features old buildings that can take you back to the 18th century. Each and every building features awesome Filipino history and craftsmanship. Some of the buildings were actually transferred carefully from it's original location to this 400-hectare park, then restored to it's former glory. These buildings now serve as hotel accommodations and museums for visitors.
Each house has a unique story to tell.
I already figured out the fastest way and route to go there. Below is a step-by-step guideline I made in case you decided to visit anytime soon.
1). If you are coming from Cubao, you can ride a bus to reach Balanga Bataan from either of these two companies - Bataan Transit or Genesis Bus. Visit their official websites first to check the trip schedules and corresponding fare.
NOTE: Make sure to tell the jeep driver or bus conductor that you intend to visit Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. They will then drop you to a certain spot where tricycles can be found.
3). Upon reaching Bagac, you can ride a tricycle to going to the entrance of the heritage park. Fare is 10 per person and travel time is around 5 minutes.
30 min to 1 hour guided tour of the heritage houses.
Hotel de Oriente Convention Centre originnally built in Binondo, Manila in 1889.
1. Can't stand the heat of the sun? You may borrow a big umbrella at the front desk.
2. The food and drinks inside is a bit pricey so you can bring a few snacks and drinks if you're on a tight budget.
3. The best time to visit Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is around the afternoon so you can enjoy the beach and capture good photos during the magic hour 4-6pm.
5. Ask for a free tour on their own factory of bricks, wood carving.
The food here might be a bit pricey but it wont hurt if you treat yourself once in a while right?
A perfect spot for a cup of coffee.
I'm an old soul so I must say that I really love this place! It takes me back in time and gives me a glimpse of how the Filipino life were decades ago. It’s also so romantic, quaint and rustic making it a perfect place for couples and even for honeymooners. The architectural styles, forms and designs are all breathtaking, making it a good spot for photographers and architecture lovers. Don't forget your #OOTD too!
I can confidently say that the time you will spend and the amount you have to pay to visit Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar are totally all worth it! The ambiance, the views and even the knowledge you will gain just by spending a few nights or even for just a day should you guarantee an unforgettable experience.
How familiar are you with the rice terraces found in our country? I think most of you know the great Banaue Rice Terraces but there are more rice terraces you might wanna check out. The Hapao Rice Terraces in Hungduan, Ifugao is my favorite, the terraces are wider and beautifully sculptured. The visual impact can be overwhelming. Walking around the stoned walled rice-fields going to the the small hot spring is also an awesome experience you don't wanna miss.
From the town of Banaue, Ifugao I hired a motorcycle/tour guide for only 1,500 pesos, the ride took around an hour. The road going to Hapao rice terraces was a bit bumpy, dusty and muddy but it offered an amazing view of the mountains and terraces.
Hungduan is located on the north western part of the Ifugao province, the climate is a bit cool especially in the morning and evening. The sun is very strong at noon so do not forget to put on some sunscreen and bring water to keep you hydrated.
The perfect time to visit is around March-April where the terraces are greener. The people of Hungduan still keep their traditions alive, in Hapao only the women are allowed to plant the rice, the men are the ones to harvest them. I saw a few women toil under the heat of the sun and I couldn't help but to admire how hardworking these people are.
Go for an easy hike through the stone walls of the terraces, at the end of the trail there is a small hot spring and a lovely cold river where you can have a dip. There is also a small store where you can buy a few snacks and refreshments.
Feel free to contact my friend/guide if you want to visit the Hapao Rice Terraces: Marvin Nallayyag 0916-962-0940. There is a side trip at the Banaue Ethnic Village which I will tell you more about later. Top up an extra 200 pesos to visit the Banaue View Point along the way.
The Hapao rice terraces is masterpiece of the ingenuity of the Ifugao people for generations. There's still plenty of rice terraces worth the visit in CAR Region alone. Go rice terraces hopping it's a new, perfect adventure this summer!
Traveling abroad for the first time can be both exciting and stressful. I always get a lot of questions regarding what to do, what to prepare and bring so I created this post to answer all of them and to guide you with your trip. Hope this helps!
Research and plan it well, that's one of the most enjoyable things to do before traveling. There are heaps of sites that may help you plan your trip, you just have to research well.
-Where do you wanna go? What do you wanna do? Where do you wanna stay? Be sure you can answer all of these questions. You may keep a handy notebook or device and take note of ideas or information which can be helpful for your trip.
-Study the social practices and taboos of the country you're going to. Each countries has it's distinct beliefs and traditions, be aware of it and respect it. Ex: clothes you can wear, places to avoid, public displays and behaviors.
-Learn a few greetings and phrases, esp. if you are going to a country where English is not widely understood.
-How much are you planning to spend for shopping? for accommodation and tour fees? Compute them and always allot an extra budget for other unexpected expenses.
-Contact your bank and make sure that your ATM/Credit Cards are activated to be used outside the country, don't forget to ask for any applicable fees.
-Leave some money behind for back up, I'm not trying to scare you but I met a few travelers who lost their money or got scammed along the way so I think it is always best that you keep some money somewhere, could be on your savings account or with a trusted person who can send you the money if ever you'll be needing it.
-There are heaps of maps available for downloads, try downloading some maps application on your phone. The offline maps like GuidePal and CityMaps2Go work wonders for me!
-Head to the local tourist information center as soon as you arrived at your destination they should be able to provide you free maps and tips to help you roam around easily.
-I try to arrive to a city prepared with a list of must visits but the best kept secrets are the ones you find along the way that never make the guides so give yourself a free time to just roam around and soak in the beauty and vibe of your surroundings.
-Make sure your passport and travel documents are updated and current. Your passport must be valid for 6 months before the expiration date.
-Most countries require a visa so make sure your able to secure them before leaving.
-Be ready to answer any questions the immigration officers may ask. Be ready to show all your documents like: sources of funds, itinerary, accommodations, personal identification, employment records. Just be confident with your answers and flash them your best smile.
-Bring a photocopy of your documents (passport, ID etc...) this is helpful in case you lost your important stuff and you need a proof to retrieve them. You may also keep a scanned copy of your documents on your email or phone so you may download it easily.
-Pack all valuables in your carry-on luggage, not inside any bags that will be checked in.
-If you need it, take it with you but don't take too much! Choose a bag that suits you, make sure it is comfortable to carry around and of course secure your luggage as a sensible precaution against tampering or theft.
-This was probably the most helpful video I've ever seen, watch this and become a pro packer.
Don't worry too much just relax and enjoy. Traveling is supposed to be an adventure, push boundaries and try new things. You don't have to stick to your itinerary all the time, a little detour is fun and exciting.
Traveling abroad is actually much easier to do than what you may expect. Always smile, take plenty of photos and cherish the experience.
After visiting Malaysia and Thailand I continued on another long journey by land, they said crossing the border of Thailand and Cambodia is tricky especially if you're a newbie. The idea of saving a lot of money instead of flying made me eager to do it, the amazing view from the bus and the challenge I'll get is an additional. Crossing the border of Malaysia and Thailand was a breeze but my experience in the Poipet border is very much different. The locals can get too aggressive so they can earn money and you may feel harassed at times. Arm yourself with enough knowledge and stay focus throughout the trip and I can guarantee you to have a smooth journey.