A Day Trip at the Land of Valor: Bataan

The second part of our Bataan trip led us to the Shrine of Valor on Mt. Samat in the town of Pilar. The shrine was created in memory of the Filipinos and Americans involved during the World War II.

From Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, it took us around 45 minutes to get to the entrance of the national park. It closes at 5pm, and we almost missed it. Good thing the guard let us in even for 15 minutes. I heard that long time ago, people have to walk up to the cross because the path isn’t concrete  yet. Now, cars and even coasters can go up near the foot of the cross. There is also an elevator that will allow you to go up the cross, but since we were late, the elevator was closed already.

Aside from nostalgia, there is a unique feel you’d experience once on top. I don’t know. Knowing that many people suffered and died in pursuit of freedom gave me goosebumps.

From the cross there is a pathway leading to what they call as “museum”. This doesn’t have an exhibit of portraits or memorabilia, rather it is a spacious white building surrounded by canyons and bombs during the World War II. From the “museum” you can take a nice photo of the cross.

A panoramic view of the nearby towns and cities including Manila is visible from the museum. 

We also went to the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in Morong. The power plant is a project of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos in response to the then oil crisis in the Middle East. It was completed but never started operations due to myriad safety concerns.

A few kilometers away from the power plant is the Pawikan Conservation Center. A hatchery haven for sea turtles, this conservation center is managed by a group of volunteers that aims to protect nesting turtles.

Entrance fee is Php 20 per person, but feel free to donate whatever amount you can give to help the organization fund their advocacy. There were 3 large turtles swimming in the little pond when we get there. 

Our last stop before heading back to Manila was the Abucay Church. Built in the 1600’s, the church witness the fierce battle between Dutch invaders and 600 Pampango defenders. History recounts that about 200 of the 600 died at the courtyard of this church. 

It was a breathe of fresh air to get to see places of historical significance for me. Being used to “sand, sea and sun” trips, exploring places that  appear to be something that had popped out of a history book is a worthwhile experience. Learn more about the past. It is, afterall, the origins of what we have at present. 

Special Thanks to the Department of Tourism. 

Visit http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/ 

for more exciting travel tips and exhilarating destinations.

Time Machine: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

From the time I had stepped foot on Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan, I knew for sure I’ll learn a lot about history and heritage altogether. It was as if I was on a time machine, trying to turn back time in my own pace. It was only then that I got to appreciate the glories of the past.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar isn’t your typical weekend getaway. Here, there’s no long stretch of white beach, nor the climate wasn’t as cool as the highland destinations of Baguio or Tagaytay. But that’s the whole point – this place has the nostalgic charm of its own.

Under the scorching heat of the sun, we were greeted by the friendly staff dressed in intricately-designed Filipiniana attire with a refreshing glass of Sago’t Gulaman (a local drink made of brown sugar, tapioca and jelly). Everyone was given a native wide-brimmed hat for protection against the roaring rays. The welcome arch served as a the portal to history. After gulping the last droplets of the sugar potion, off we went retracing history that lives within the walls of the 27 old houses.

Mansions and stone houses were sourced from around the country. The owners made an effort to bring these houses piece by piece, plank by plank. Yes, you read it right. These houses weren’t replicas. These are the real ones transported to this village-like place.

Though the old houses are the main attractions of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, there are also houses which they converted into villas, and a hotel building called Paseo de Escolta. The rooms feature modern facilities enough to make you comfortable during your stay. 

We went on a walking tour of the heritage houses together with the delegates of the 7th Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tours of the Philippines, an initiative of the Department of Tourism, Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Trade and Industry. This venture brought together delegations from the US and Canada, and aims to reintroduce the Philippines to Filipinos and and their families who had been living abroad for many years.

While walking around, we also saw this stone bridge, reminiscent of the ones we usually see on TV shows and movies covering the rich Philippine history. I can imagine how beautiful it is at night, when all the lamps bordering the bridge are brightly-lit.

Interesting stone carvings are also part of the picturesque landscape. This verdant lawn serves also as a helipad for the discerning visitors.

A batis-inspired swimming pool at La Piscina is also open for guests. It faces the West Philippine Sea and the hills of Bataan. 

While walking from the La Piscina back to our meeting place, we had a glimpse of what used to be a building of the University of the Philippines – Casa Quiapo. 

There are houses improved to welcome overnight visitors. These are fully-airconditioned villas with one or two bedrooms, a dining room, a spacious bathroom with a bathtub and a living room. 

While there are villas available for overnight stays, the other houses, like Casa Lubao, are only open for heritage tours. This is my favorite among the houses we visited during the walking tour.

The tour guide said it was originally owned by the Arastia/Vitug families in Lubao, Pampanga, who sponsored former President Diosdado Macapagal’s education way back. The exquisitely-designed ceiling is one of the main attractions of the huge abode.

The decades-old furniture were also preserved, as well as the large balcony that commands a panoramic view of the heritage village.

The four-poster bed radiates the luxurious life of the previous owners. 

Casa Mexico

The walking tour ended a little before lunch, where a plethora of cultural dances were displayed to the viewers delight. The sumptuous buffet spreads resemble a typical Filipino fiesta or feast, where viands of pork, beef and seafood are abundantly available. The long queue at the halo-halo station left  me with a huge cup or ube sorbetes instead. Right after lunch, we left the heritage village to have  a quick tour of Bataan.

Special Thanks to the Department of Tourism. 
Visit http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/ 
for more exciting travel tips and exhilarating destinations.