Behold, the historic and beautiful Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar!
Situated in the town of Bagac, Bataan in the Philippines, Las Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar blends the charm and character of the Philippine's past with exceptionally welcoming and personalized service in a relaxed beach resort and hotel setting.
Home to Jose Acuzar's collection of heritage houses that have been salvaged from total ruin and neglect, these houses were then renovated and rebuilt by team of artisans and craftsmen from the country. Las Casas features the finest of Filipino craftmanship, artistry, and skill giving the property a look and feel that is distinctive and its own.
The owner, Mr. Acuzar, buy historic houses, restore and convert them to hotel rooms and put the houses on a street recreating a vibe of circa 1850-1920 complete with cobblestone streets with and operating street car rails and Calesa (two-wheeled horse drawn carriage).
One of its highlighted Casa is the Hotel De Oriente.
The Hotel was built in 1889. It was a first class hotel and indeed, at one time was the only one in the entire archipelago. It was considered plush for its day and thought to be the Philippines’ best lodging in 1899 by American first-timers to the Philippines.
The Hotel de Oriente could not be moved to Las Casas because it no longer exists. It had to be replicated in exquisite detail by engineers and artists. According to the local guide, "the original was the first in Manila (Capital of the Philippines) to have telephones and electric lighting." It's most famous guest was Jose Rizal in 1892 before he was banished to Zamboanga, Philippines by the Spanish Governor.
Hotel de Oriente was replaced by the original Manila Hotel in 1912. It stood until it was destroyed by the Japanese in 1944.
Today's replica was based on the plans and photographs of the original Hotel de Oriente. The hotel is indeed a work of art.
In the next article, I will share to you some other things you need to know about Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. So the next time you visit the Philippines, it is a must for you to include Las Cas Filipinas de Acuzar and see Hotel de Oriente in its new location.
