First hotel in Philippines rebuilt to celebrate Filipino artistry

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines’ only Heritage Resort by the sea, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, unveiled Hotel de Oriente Convention Centre, the latest addition to its facility.

The new convention site is inspired by Hotel de Oriente built in 1889 as the Philippines’ first premier hotel located in Plaza Calderon de la Barca in Binondo, Manila.

It was one of the first buildings in the country to have a telephone line and electricity and its historical account included Jose Rizal’s stay in one of its rooms in 1992 after living in Europe for several years. 

The hotel was later destroyed during World War II.

The exteriors of the new Hotel de Oriente Convention Centre were designed according to old photographs of the original hotel. Its interiors, on the other hand, were uniquely planned to showcase local craftsmanship.

Its lobby is a magnificent sight featuring a masterpiece inspired by Juan Luna’s Spoliarium, ceiling marquetry works inspired by Carlos “Botong” Francisco’s murals, and beautiful wood sculptures and figurines.  

The sculptors who made the lobby’s spectacle came from Paete, Laguna, the Philippines’ wood carving capital, and from Betis, Pampanga, a place also known in the wood carving industry. 

Hotel de Oriente’s Convention Centre has two large venues, Manila and Binondo Halls, which can each accommodate up to 1,000 guests.

These were earlier previewed to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit guests during its Bataan leg in June.

 Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is located in Bagac, Bataan, about two to three-hour drive from Manila via NLEX and SCTEX. It is a project of New San Jose Builders Inc. and managed by Asian Grand Legacy Hotels Corp.