Showing posts with label Bataan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bataan. Show all posts

June 09, 2023

Birthday Staycation at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar tagline is “Pride in the past, hope for the future”. It is the home of the heritage houses of the owner Jose Acuzar. These houses have been rescued, renovated, and rebuilt.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a beach resort, convention center, and heritage destination rolled into one. Indeed this is a unique destination for every traveler because there are so many things that you can experience in this resort so it is not surprising that they received a lot of awards for over a decade. 


I’ve visited open-air museums in Norway and Sweden where I was able to see old houses too but our very own Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is much better because you can stay in the heritage houses and experience what is like to live in old houses. 


I mentioned in my previous post that it’s been almost a decade since our last visit and I am glad that we were able to go back and this time, hindi na Day Trip lang, nakapag-overnight na kami. We were supposed to go back here last December when my mom was here but we were still in Da Nang, Vietnam so hindi kami nakasama sa family outing. 

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar has special offers or special promos so you can visit their website for the latest offerings. So depende na lang sa budget niyo, we did not avail any promos since our budget is limited. Hehehe! My husband just book a room accommodation on their website, full payment is required and will be charged after booking. 

We are a group of 5 people so our initial plan is to book a room for 4 people and additional payment for an extra person but we changed our mind when we learned that the extra person is PHP3200 and no extra bed. We realized that it is practical to book a room for six people and because of that, naging six na kami sa lakad namin. 

We booked the standard room for 6 people for PHP16,000 and the package includes: 

Room Accommodation 
Breakfast at Binondo Hall 
Heritage Walking Guided Tour for 30 mins to 1 hour 
Complimentary Tramvia Ride 
Complimentary Hop On and Hop Off Jeepney Ride Within the Resort 
Use of Beach and Batis-Inspired Swimming Pool 

We live in the South Luzon area so we left as early as 6AM and nagdrive thru na lang kami ng breakfast on our way to the resort. Surprisingly, our travel time is less than four hours so we were really early, check-in time is still 3PM. 


Upon arrival, the security guard gave us an “Entry Pass Check List” and instructed us to go to the reception area. It is not yet check-in time so the staff, get our luggage and store them in the luggage area. At the reception, we fill-out a form, konting orientation, and the staff gave us a map. I hope ibalik nila yung welcome drinks, iba pa rin nagagawa nito after ng mahabang biyahe. 



Anyway, from there, we rode a jeep and the driver dropped us at Casa Biňan for our 10:30AM Heritage Tour. The staff informed us na meron Mass at the La Bella Teodora but we chose the tour kasi mainit na kung sa hapon pa kami magtour. 

Heritage Tour 


We already experienced Heritage Tour during our first visit pero sa tagal na, limot ko na yung ibang information so it is nice to refresh my memory. In addition, okay din yung una naming experience kasi mas marami kami nabisita unlike ngayon na limited na and may off limits na rin sa part ng house.


At the time of our tour, we are only two groups and more than an hour din so sakto sa lunch ang tapos. For lunch, we ate at Kusina ni Maria

Hotel de Oriente 


After eating our lunch, we went to Hotel de Oriente as per the advice of our tour guide, we had no idea na may bayad pala which is PHP200 per head so ending hanggang entrance lang kami. Hehehe!

Tramvia Ride 


We just availed our complimentary tramvia ride from Plaza Mayor de Tobias to Dewey Blvd and vice versa. The ride is only less than 10 minutes back and forth. 

Standard Room for 6 People 


During our tramvia ride, my husband received a text that our room is ready so we are glad that we were able to check in as early as 2PM. Our room is already old, ito pa yung mga nauna na rooms so you can see signs of wear and tear but my husband still chose this room since mas malapit kami sa lahat and hindi mahihirapan yung mother-in-law ko na nakawheelchair. Other room options yung bandang beach area. 


The room is big. We have a living room and bathroom on the first floor, one bed and bathroom on the second floor, and 2 beds in the loft area. The downside of this room, madilim kahit nakabukas ang ilaw. No hot water in the bathroom. 



Cultural Show 

After taking a nap, we watched the Cultural Show at the Paseo de Escolta, the show is less than an hour din. I think sa Villa Escudero pa yung last panood ko ng Cultural Show. It was a good show so we finished it even though we knew na late kami makakapagdinner. We had dinner at La Bella Teodora



Swimming Pool 

The following day, after our Buffet Breakfast at Binondo Hall. we spent our remaining time in touring the other part of the resort pero hindi pa rin namin naikot lahat. We had a quick deep at the Batis Inspired Swimming Pool pero hindi kami tumagal kasi nangangati kami. I hope they won’t forget to clean and maintain the pool. 


There are more activities that you can do so bitin talaga kung overnight lang but we still enjoyed our trip kasi ang tagal din nung last na alis namin which reminded me na hindi ko pa naiblog yung La Chevrerie. Check out is 12PM but we left as early as 10AM para sa labas na kami maglunch. 



Activities: 
Lola Basyang Storytelling 2:30PM at Casa Lubao 
Freedomland Show AM/PM 
Cultural Show 6PM 
Film Showing at 7PM at Casa Lubao 
Arts and Crafts Workshop PHP1,000/head 
Balsa and Gondola Tours PHP600/head 
Balsa Breakfast PHP3500 for 5 pax PHP1,000 for additional person 
Balsa with Meal PHP5,000 for 5 pax 
Hotel de Oriente Viewing PHP200/head 
Kalesa Ride PHP75 per head 
Golf Cart PHP750/per hour



June 08, 2023

Food Trip at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

It’s been almost a decade since our last visit to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar and as far as I can remember, there is only one restaurant during our first visit but now, they have six restaurants and bars. So even though food and beverage are not allowed inside the resort, you will not go hungry or thirsty. In addition, they offer different cuisines like Filipino, Italian, and Spanish. 

Binondo Hall - Breakfast Buffet 
Cafe Del Rio - Spanish Tapas Bar 
Dapitan Bar - Beach Bar 
Kusina ni Nanay Maria - Filipino Cuisine 
La Bella Teodora - Italian Cuisine 
La Parilla and Pica - Filipino Delicacies Snack bar 

Since we only stayed for 2 days and 1 night we only tried 3 restaurants for our lunch, dinner, and breakfast. 

Lunch at Kusina ni Nanay Maria 

After our Heritage Tour, we immediately went to Kusina ni Nanay Maria for our lunch. This is where we ate our lunch too when we had our Day Trip at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar but now, they have a separate venue for day-trippers. 


I was a little bit sad because the menu has changed already, akala ko kasi maoorder ko yung dating kinain namin. Hehehe! Kusina ni Nanay Maria offers Filipino dishes that are good for singles and families. For family combos, they offer 4 sets that are good for 4 persons but we are a group of 6 so we decided to order, a la carte na lang. 



There are only few options, we ordered Lechon Carajay PHP710, Kare-Kare PHP780, Pinakbet PHP490, Laing PHP380, Rice PHP75 per cup, and Softdrink in Can PHP125





We waited for more than 30 minutes before our food was served and I was surprised when I saw the serving, konti lang pala so I was thinking kung kakasya ba sa amin. Buti nagkasya naman. We were satisfied with the taste of the food but we were shocked that their version of Laing is different, walang gata? 

Dinner at La Bella Teodora 

For our dinner, we are choosing between Cafe del Rio or La Bella Teodora but we chose the latter because it is near. We just finished watching the Cultural Show at Paseo de Escolta, so malayo ang Cafe del Rio. 


La Bella Teodora is named after Teodora Alonzo because it is beside Casa Biňan. This restaurant serves Italian food like brick-oven pizzas, pasta, grilled meat, and seafood. There is also an acoustic band here where you can also request a song.


Browsing the menu is hard, madilim kasi yung restaurant so we need to use our phone flashlight pa para lang makita namin. The rate of the food is more expensive compared to Kusina ni Maria, good thing na mahina kami kumain kapag dinner. Just like the quote “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper” 



We ordered Margherita Pizza PHP630, Insalata Mista PHP450, Carbonara PHP695, Braciola Di Maiale PHP850, and Azimut Sparkling Wine PHP965. While waiting for our food, they served complimentary bread. 


It was already past seven so I really appreciate their fast service, mas mabilis ang serving ng food dito.




But I was a little bit disappointed with the Braciola Di Maiale because according to the menu “Grilled Pork Chops with Italian Herbs and homemade Mashed Potatoes”. So in my mind, 2 pieces of pork chops just like the pork chops that I ordered at Apartment 1B, 2 pieces of porkchops na magkapatong. But I was wrong because there is only one pork chop so the PHP850 is good for one person lang pala. 



Buffet Breakfast at Binondo Hall 

The buffet breakfast starts at 7AM pero wala pa 7AM ang dami ng tao sa labas ng Binondo Hall. I overheard other guests na sobrang late daw ng 7AM breakfast, hindi sanay ang mga working people and senior citizens. I am not surprised because the breakfast time was also too late for us na sanay sa 5:30AM breakfast especially since I have a student na maaga pumapasok. 


Anyway, the door was opened at exactly 7AM so the guests were all happy. I was excited about the buffet breakfast but unfortunately, the options are very limited. Imagine for the main viands, tuyo and sweet longganisa lang ang options. 


Enumerating the buffet spread during our trip. 

Fruits 
Salad 
Homemade Potatoes 
Plain Rice 
Pansit Bihon 
Tuyo 
Sweet Longganisa 
Congee 
Lomi Soup 
Waffles 
Scrambled Egg 
Sunny Side Up Egg 
Boiled Egg 
Bread 
Biko 
Lansong Mais 
Puto Cheese 
Melon Juice 
Watermelon Juice 
Coffee 




I am thankful for the scrambled egg and sunny side up egg, may naulam ako. So if you plan to go here, don’t expect too much sa buffet breakfast. Nabusog naman ako sa kakanin. 

Read: Day Trip at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar 
Birthday Staycation at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Breakfast at Binondo Hall - 7 - 10AM
Day Tour Binondo Hall (Set Lunch) 12 - 4PM
La Bella Teodora  and Kusina ni Maria
12 - 4PM Lunch
6-10PM Dinner
Cafe Del Rio 3-10PM

April 07, 2016

Things to do in Bataan

This coming Saturday is another holiday in the Philippines but unfortunately no long weekend for us. April 9 is Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor, aka Bataan Day or Bataan and Corregidor Day. On this day we recall and show respect to all World War II heroes. 

Have you been to Bataan? 


Bataan is located in Central Luzon region of the Philippines; the capital is Balanga City. Bataan is known for World War II history and Nuclear Power Plant but of course, there are so many things to do in Bataan. 


I was already in college when I first visited this province; I have a friend who invited us to their house. It was sembreak so off we went and stayed there for few days. We visited Mt. Samat and went to a resort which I can’t remember the name anymore. Hehehe! Then we had a day trip Corregidor, from their place we just rode a boat to reach Corregidor. (rented) 


Do you know that Corregidor is not part of Bataan but it is located in Cavite?


I revisited Corregidor with my family and we availed a tour of Sun Cruises, it is a guided tour so it is a different experience compared to my first visit. 



Can you see me? 
I live in Southern Luzon so Bataan is really far from where I live but I’ll be sharing with you the places that we have visited during our few trips. 

Morong Star Beach Resort and Hotel


From its name, it is located in Morong, Bataan. The resort is big that it can accommodate big groups. I just went there for a seminar so I was not able to tour the whole place. My relatives always visit Parmata Bali Beach Resort which is also located in Morong, Bataan.


Read: Morong Star Beach Resort and Hotel  


Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar 


Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is known as heritage resort where you can see different restored houses from different parts of the Philippines. When you entered the place, it seems that you’ve been transported to a different era. It is nice to see and learn the history of each house which I did not learn in my History class. 




They do accept day trip and overnight guests but I suggest you stay in the resort so you can also use the swimming pool. 

Read: Day Trip in Las Casa Filipinas de Acuzar


The Heritage Resort is located in Bagac, Bataan so on your way to the resort you will pass three tourist spots such as Mt. Samat, Zero Kilometer Death March Marker and Philippine-Japan Friendship Tower


Read: Bataan Road Trip


The Plaza Hotel in Balanga 


The hotel is located in Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga, where you can see the City Hall, the 18th century Balanga Cathedral and Galleria Victoria Mall. The place already is historical and you will be amazed because the buildings are Spanish inspired. 




Cafe Kyoto, a Japanese restaurant is located inside the hotel but if you are not into Japanese food, do not worry because there are fastfoods around the area and Galleria Victoria Mall. 

Read: The Plaza Hotel Balanga

          Cafe Kyoto

If you are into World War II history, you can go to Balanga Elementary School. Inside the school, you can see the Surrender Site Marker, Torture Chamber and Bataan World War II Museum


Read: Bataan Historical Site 


So far, these are the tourists' spots that we have visited, feel free to share if you have suggestions.

November 19, 2015

Bataan Historical Site

Bataan is a province which is rich in history, it is known for World War II and Bataan Death March. It is sad to know that there were lots of people died in that war but we should not forget their courage to fight and defend our country.

There are so many historical sites that you can visit in Bataan, I have visited some of the sites last year when we had a Bataan Road Trip. We were able to check the Mt Samat, Zero Kilometer Death March Marker and Philippine-Japan Friendship Tower.  


Last sembreak, we stayed in The Plaza Hotel in Balanga, Bataan, which is the capital of the province. I searched for possible places that we could visit in Balanga, Bataan for our side trip. 

1. Bataan World War II Museum 
2. St. Joseph’s Cathedral or Balanga Cathedral 
3. Surrender Site Marker 
4. Tortugas Bird Site 
5. Flaming Sword 
6. Balanga Nature and Wetland Park 
7. Bataan National Park 



Due to time constraint, we just visited three places. We were lucky that the St. Joseph Cathedral is just in front of our hotel. This church was used as an artillery emplacement during the Japanese invasion. It was renovated by Bishop Celso Guevarra, the first bishop of the Diocese. 



Then we went to Balanga Elementary School where the Surrender Site Marker and Bataan World War II Museum is located. This school served as the command post of Lt. Gen. Homma at the time of Bataan’s surrender. 



At the back of the school you can see the Surrender Site Marker, this marked the exact spot where surrender terms were negotiated by Major General Edward King with Japanese Colonel Motoo Nakayama (who represented Gen. Homma) on April 9, 1942 after three months of relentless siege by invaders. 



We waited for few minutes because the Bataan World War II Museum was still closed. The museum was opened last February 2014, it was just a small museum where you can see pictures, war artifacts, doll diorama of Death March and 9 minutes video during World War II. Picture taking is not allowed. 

Entrance fee: P50 adults P20 students P40 senior citizens 
Operating Hours: Mon to Sat, 9AM to 4PM 

Even the museum is small, there's a tour guide that will tour you so you will learn new information and personal stories of World War II which is not written in history books. 



Before we left, the tour guide informed us that the Torture Chamber was also inside the school. This is used by the Japanese to torture Filipino and American Soldiers. 

After I took this picture, my husband asked me.

Hubby: kinunan mo ng picture? 
Me: Yes, bakit? 
Hubby: Wala lang, parang nakakatakot mamaya may lumabas sa picture. Dami namatay diyan. 

Honestly, natakot ako and parang ayaw ko tingnan picture. Isa kong matatakutin pa naman so sa biyahe namin napapaisip ako then I realized na bakit sa cemetery, marami din naman patay pero pag dumadalaw mga tao nagpapipicture. Hehehe! 

Bataan has fallen, but the spirit that made it stand- a beacon to all the liberty-loving peoples of the world cannot fall. - excepts from a radio broadcast from Corregidor.

November 11, 2015

Lunch at Cafe Kyoto

We stayed in The Plaza Hotel in Balanga, Bataan two weeks ago and the only restaurant in the hotel is Cafe Kyoto. A Spanish inspired building has a Japanese restaurant inside. There is Jollibee at the ground floor and there is Max’s beside the Balanga Cathedral but of course we want something new so we decided to have our lunch here. According to their website, the lunch and dinner is prepared by their Japanese Executive Chef. 



We went to the restaurant at 10:45AM but we were advised that 11AM is the opening time. So while waiting, we browsed the menu to save time. The staff went to our table at 11AM to get our order. We ordered Chicken Teriyaki Bento + Miso Soup P320, Mixed Tempura P320 and Rice P50





They have a big serving of bento meal, chicken teriyaki is just ok for my taste. Mixed Tempura includes shrimp, squid, fish, crab stick, okra, onion, eggplant, okra and bell pepper. I enjoyed my ebi tempura and my husband ate the rest.




The following day, we had breakfast in the same restaurant but we chose Filipino meals. :) 

Cafe Kyoto 

3rd Flr The Plaza Hotel 
Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga, 
Balanga City, Bataan, Philippines
Klook.com