(Woman About Town features the best places to visit in the different cities in the Philippines. It may be a city’s best kept secret or a favorite leisure destination. Have something to show? Let us know).
The first time I visited Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan, it felt like I went back in time.
The heritage destination Bagac is known for salvaging heritage houses from ruins from different parts of the country and renovating them all in one place.
For years, Las Casas with its beach resort, hotel and convention center, has become a top destination for weddings, heritage experiences, wellness, and dining, drawing local and international tourists alike.
However, social gatherings don’t always mean traveling too far from the city. I found myself recently at a Modern Filipiniana-themed debut at a city branch of the heritage resort and was charmed by how the space brought the well-loved Las Casas experience from Bataan right into the heart of Quezon City.
Located along Roosevelt Avenue, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar – Quezon City is an events space, restaurant, and museum that opened to the public in February 2018.
The first venture of the Marivent Hotels and Resorts Inc. under the Las Casas Heritage Collection shares the same goal of preserving and restoring Spanish-Filipino Houses built in the 18th-century era and showcasing Filipino craftsmanship as its Bataan counterpart.
At the center of the plaza is the St. Joseph Chapel, a small yet striking chapel with intricate brick and woodwork details. It can fit up to 80 persons and it provides a solemn sanctuary for intimate weddings and baptisms.
Much like the larger resort in Bataan, the plaza here is surrounded by several outdoor areas and stately heritage houses, which offer different old-world venues for milestone celebrations like debuts, weddings, baptisms, despedidas, and the like.
The contemporary Casa Juico is the main house consisting of function rooms that can be divided into smaller spaces for events for indoor gatherings, including an elegant Tea Room good for 30 guests.
Casa Palanca, which was originally built in Calle Rosario in Binondo on September 14, 1891, can comfortably fit 50 persons.
The Upper Castillo, which was originally located in Rosales, Pangasinan, takes inspiration from the Edwardian period that influenced the country between 1910 and 1920. It can cater to functions of up to 60 persons.
A replica of Casa Monroy, which was originally located along Calle Arlegui in Quiapo and built on May 5, 1892, is a two-story structure that contains one bedroom for two guests, with complete bathroom amenities and a dining area for functions for up to 60 persons.
In case you prefer to hold events outdoors, the Las Casas plaza does not require a lot of decor, thanks to its timeless surroundings.
The gardens, which can be divided into smaller sections, can accommodate simple to grand celebrations, depending on guests’ needs.
Las Casas is not just an events space. It’s also open for private and restaurant dining, boutique stays, photoshoots, and heritage experiences.
Debutantes and couples looking for a nostalgic venue for pictorials will have a field day with all the photo-worthy spots around the place.
The main structure, Casa Juico houses Las Casas QC’s restaurants, which are open to walk-in guests. Kusina ni Nanay Maria serves Filipino classics while La Bella Teodora is an Italian restaurant specializing in pizza and pasta dishes.
For curious tourists who just want to see the place, Las Casas offers an affordable “Tour and Dine” package for only P300 inclusive of traditional Filipino snacks, including puto bumbong or bibingka, kakanin, and sago’t gulaman.
A new bar and cafe for cocktails and coffee is also reportedly in the works.
In case you’re looking for somewhere new to go in the city with family or balikbayan friends this holiday season, a trip to Las Casas QC is a good choice.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar can be found at 134 Roosevelt Avenue, San Fransico Del Monte, Metro Manila, Philippines. For more information, visit https://lascasasqc.com/.
