Past Revisited... History Unfolds... Part 1

A Blast from the Past

I am a big fan of old houses that are centuries old. When I first visited Vigan, I was really thrilled and excited, but the shops along the old pavement made me feel so disappointed.

December 2016

You see, when you are inside a century old house, it  tells you a lot of things particularly their  way of life back in the olden times.  The house itself talks to me in so many other ways.

So when I heard about Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bacag, Bataan, I told myself “I have to see this for myself."

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar means "houses in the Philippines" and the idea of putting these historical houses from different parts of the country in one place came from Mr. Acuzar.

Behind me is Hotel De Oriente. According to them, the original structure was destroyed during the Second World War. This is just a replica.

It was on the 24^th of December 2017 when our family decided to have a feel of it. We had a day tour before our check in time, and I must say:  the place definitely brought us back in time!

Tip: Join the day tour in the morning before your check – in time. The tour itself is one and  a half-hour, therefore it’s something that you will not do anymore once you are officially checked in. You can spend it in other things like swimming, and more selfies!

Checking-in is not the usual. Guests are only allowed to park in the designated area which is outside the resort. There's a drop off point (Casa Manila) where you can leave your baggage while checking in or doing your day tour in the morning. Then, once everything is settled, ride a jeepney (for free) to proceed to your hotel or to Casa Lubao where the Day Tour starts. Tip: BE A LIGHT PACKER!

Our service going to Plaza Escolta, where we spent our Christmas Eve

the view from the second floor of Casa Manila

Waiting for their turn to  be transported to their hotels. It was a little inconvenient to those with big families

Day tour starts at Casa Lubao. I have not much to say. The whole experience was so overwhelming that I focused more on taking souvenir shots than listening to our guide. My daughter was even telling me: "Mommy, please listen." What an irony.  Here's a little girl telling a teacher to listen.

Gabrila Silang in red skirt...

Ceilings are original!

Next stop is  Casa Luna. 

The house was originally from La Union. It was said that it belonged to the Uncle of the famous Luna brothers. It has passageways intended for aliping sagigilid. According to our tour guide, these alipins were not allowed to mingle with their masters. They shouldn't be seen. They use a particular term for this pasilyo; I just forgot. 

Anyway, the artifacts inside this house belong to Mr. Acuzar and it was fascinating to see where most of our things now a days came from.

The bridges are replicas of the old bridges in the past-- sort of European style.

Below are other sights to see. Old houses turned into hotels with private pools and staircases leading to the river to serve  as docking areas of the balsa in case the occupants want one.

2017: Wherever the Wheels Take Us (Part II: Baler)

Our next stop: 
BALER
(December 9, 2017)

It was our GAD (Gender Awareness Development), and we usually hold our GAD training outside the school. For this year, the school chose Baler. I do not know why. As a matter of fact, it was an unpopular choice, plus we heard a lot of bad comments from people who did an ocular of the place.

Anyway, the original plan was I AM NOT JOINING because of health issues. To cut the story short, husband took me there so I can join  my co- teachers during the night bonding. So off we went.

It was a five- hour trip and an hour of  "seemingly"winding road. The view that I really loved the most was that of the Pantabangan Dam. It was just sad I had no picture of it, but, I tell you, this is one must- see view along the  way.

In Baler, there is not much to see. It was good I knew the right places to go to. Thanks to my fellow bloggers.

The Hanging Bridge. This attraction is five minutes away from the town. There are souvenir shops and there is this group of girls who will take pictures of you, well, for a price. One 5r will cost you P170.00!

Museo De Baler. This museum showcases pictures of Manuel L. Quezon and his wife, Aurora and the famous attractions in baler. The second floor is mostly a painting exhibit.

Diguisit Beach. This is a white sand beach famous for its rock formation. It's a little dangerous on your way there (prone to landslide), but it's really must- see place in Baler.

Ermita Hills. In case of tsunami, this where people must go.

It was said that in the 1800s, a family was seen to be traversing this path to save themselves from tsunami.

The House of Aurora Quezon offers old pictures of her and her husband and relics of the old house. For P60.00, you can already enter the Museum and the old house.

Baler Church. This was built in 1939 and folks say that it still holds its original bell and it is highly known during the Siege of  Baler (1898- 1899).

And our last stop, the 600- year old Balete Tree... (It is known as the Millennium Tree)

We were told that Baler has the best falls, like the Mother Falls. However, since it involves trekking, i really had to pass.

When you visit Baler, do not leave without its famous suman (organic brown rice) and its PAKO SALAD which I must say, is the only reason why I will be going back to Baler!

S.M.A.R.T. Beach Resort's version of Pako Salad is way much better than the others!

Address: M. Querijero St., Barangay Sabang, T. Molina St, Baler

Phone: 0928 507 6551

The owners especially Manong (Gosh, I forgot his name) are very cordial and hospitable!