Bagac, Bataan
We set out early on Sunday morning for an adventure to explore Bagac, Bataan. This little trip that we had rekindled my interest for Philippine history and our rich cultural heritage. Scroll on down and have a glimpse of the things I've discovered in Bagac.
Welcome marker to Bagac. This also landmarks the Battle of Tuol Pockets
Heavy fighting took place between Japanese and Filipino/American Forces
in an attempt to pocket the Tuol River Valley area
Reading a bit of the history of Bagac
Bagac was the location of the last stand of the Battle of Bataan
Philippine - Japan Friendship Tower
As a symbol of friendship and peace
the KM 0 of the infamous Bataan Death March
A large private area in Bagac housed Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
A resort site of architectural reconstruction of old Philippine buildings
The reception area - Casa Mexico
A reconstructed house originally from Mexico, Pampanga
Restored based on pictures and house parts sold to a junk shop
Las Casas is a relocation site of restoration projects of
old dilapidated house and building structures
The place looked like a small town from 19th century Philippines
Las Casas provides a short tour of the structures
My favorite buildings include: Casa Binondo III
Casa Tondo (Front), Casa Hidalgo (Back)
Observe that old houses had the 'Silong' beneath the house
And the actual house itself is situated on the 2nd floor
Casa Hidalgo was the first Campus of the UP school of Fine Arts
Originally located in Quiapo, Manila
Inside the building were two painting by the late Joey Velasco
Last I saw an exhibit of his work was in DLSU library
Casa Luna, a typical Ilocana bahay na Bato
Sculptures of children playing donned some of the areas
Remember the days when we used to go outside and play?
Luksong baka, patintero, Ciucok (agawan base)?
We also explored Bagac Bay. The wind and waves were crazy!
... might as well enjoy the sea breeze :)
Some other notes:
> Bagac is 2.5 - 3 hours drive away from Manila (via NLEX, SCTEX, Roman Highway)
> The day tour in Las Casas is a bit pricey but is inclusive of lunch and snacks
> The guided tour of the compound did not elaborate much about Bataan, but ask the staff around they are sure to give you tips on places to stay and see (We were not able to pass by the memorial shrine in Mt. Samat)
> Do not bother to go to Montemar Beach Resort. They have the worst reception service ever! They did not allow us to enter the resort to inquire because they were at 96% capacity. I wrote a review on tripadvisor
> Photos courtesies of: Lance, Marion and Emil
> Bagac is 2.5 - 3 hours drive away from Manila (via NLEX, SCTEX, Roman Highway)
> The day tour in Las Casas is a bit pricey but is inclusive of lunch and snacks
> The guided tour of the compound did not elaborate much about Bataan, but ask the staff around they are sure to give you tips on places to stay and see (We were not able to pass by the memorial shrine in Mt. Samat)
> Do not bother to go to Montemar Beach Resort. They have the worst reception service ever! They did not allow us to enter the resort to inquire because they were at 96% capacity. I wrote a review on tripadvisor
> Photos courtesies of: Lance, Marion and Emil
