MANILA, Philippines — A destination unlike any other in the country, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan showcases Philippine heritage through a collection of fully restored Spanish-Filipino houses and replicas of historical architectural gems.
This August, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar will be elevated from stunning landscapes to venues of five historic moments with the launch of its newest attraction dubbed “HistoryLand.”
An interactive theatrical show, HistoryLand reenacts Philippine history in five key areas of the sprawling 400-hectare heritage hotel and destination. It will be staged in celebration of History Month this August.
“We want to offer an enrichment that is in line with the historical houses that we have here. It only makes sense to tie them up with historical acts in key periods in the Philippines,” Paul Kerr, president of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, told Philstar.com in an interview.
Commemorate the heroism and triumphs of our forefathers with these five historic moments that you can relive at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar:
Watch how the native Filipinos used their might to fight the powerful Spaniards. Photo Release
1. Battle of Mactan
With his undeniable love for his community, Mactan Island’s chieftain Lapu-Lapu fought and won a bloody war. Watch how the native Filipinos used their might to fight the powerful Spaniards and expect to see the death and defeat of Ferdinand Magellan.
2. Execution of Jose Rizal
Jose Rizal lived his entire life igniting change and inspiring his countrymen. Realize the impact of Rizal’s contribution to society while reviving the last scenes of his life.
3. Cry of Pugad Lawin
The tearing of cedulas is, more often than not, overlooked as far as our history is concerned. Know the significance of this action, from what encouraged Filipinos to finally fight for their country.
Feel the patriotism that our Katipuneros felt during the Cry of Pugad Lawin as guests are encouraged to participate. “Punitin ang cedula!”
Realize the impact of Rizal’s contribution to society while reviving the last scenes of his life. Photo Release
4. Sewing of Philippine flag
Learn the depth of every symbolism of our Philippine flag. Each color represents a Filipino trait, creating a momentous design, which greatly speaks the collective stories of our ancestors.
In fact, the Philippine flag we have today underwent a lot of revisions, and HistoryLand will give us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the making of this authentic Filipino symbol.
5. Declaration of Philippine Independence
Our forefathers’ long and arduous battle against invaders culminates with the declaration of our independence on June 12, 1898, at Kawit, Cavite, led by the eventual first president of the Philippine republic, Emilio Aguinaldo.
Watch the waving of the Philippine flag from the window of Aguinaldo’s house—a replica of course—while singing the national anthem.
learn a thing or two from these iconic characters as they roam around Las Casas Filipinas. Photo Release
Bonus. Ambiance actors
Take pictures with the famed El Katipuneros Sisa, General Luna, Maria Clara and Friars, and learn a thing or two from these iconic characters as they roam around Las Casas Filipinas.
Guests can enjoy and marvel these events and characters for the whole month of August. There will be three performances daily.
“Las Casas developed over the past 20 years, and has been open to public for 10 years. It’s been growing and growing. But we found that there is little reason to come back to Las Casas once you’ve been here. We hope to attract old and new guests with HistoryLand, especially the younger crowd,” Kerr said.
Located at the heart of Bagac, Bataan, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar features Jose “Jerry” Acuzar’s collection of restored Spanish-Filipino houses. It is Acuzar’s mission to bring Filipino heritage to greater heights, here and abroad. — Euden Valdez
For inquiries and reservations, call 0917-8729361 or visit our website at www.lascasasfilipinas.com or book your Rooms/Private Casa at bit.ly/LasCasasRoomReservation.