Wanderlust: Bataan 2012

I've always wanted to go to places and make a travel blog in the future. It's a dream that I plan to start now.

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." - St. Augustine  

September 01, 2012
Bataan, Philippines

Three hours away from Manila, I went to Bataan along with my college blockmates for a major class, Philippine Arts 198 (Introduction to Cultural Heritage) outing. We had to take the Bataan Transit bus from Doroteo Jose station in Manila at around 6 in the morning and arrived at Bataan at exactly 8AM.

Upon our arrival, the jeepney we rented was already there and the driver brought us to Jollibee for a quick breakfast stopover before the whole trip starts. We met our professor at the terminal and drove our way to Mt. Samat.

9AM: Mt. Samat, Bataan

Mount Samat is the location of the historical marker for the Bataan Death March. Also found here is the Shrine of Valor or Dambana ng Kagitingan which is found near its summit.
From the terminal, we drove our way through the zig-zag roads around the mountain to reach almost the top of Mt. Samat. There we found the Holy Cross/Shrine of Valor which was really a great view up close. We also found ourselves inside the museum that showcases artifacts (Japanese soldier uniforms, bullets, grenades, rifles, pictures, flags, etc.). Unfortunately, picture taking wasn't allowed inside the museum. My professor was also able to buy a framed bullet which only costed Php 2000. Other historical collectibles are sold for a great price (in case anyone is interested, do visit because items are really a great addition to a historical collection).

Shrine of Valor/Dambana ng Kagitingan

 All the while, I thought we could view the Shrine of Valor only by standing from afar. What I didn't know is that we could still hike up going to where the cross actually stands. It took us 400+ steps before reaching the summit of Mt. Samat, and we were able to ride an elevator all the way to the TOP OF THE CROSS. Yes, the view was really breath-taking. The cross showed carvings of the lives and struggles of Filipinos who took part during the Bataan Death March.

Captivating view from the top of the Shrine of Valor.

 1PM: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

It was a very wise decision for us to push through our trip by going to the "living museum of Philippine customs and traditions" (www.lascasasfilipinas.com). At first, we had second thoughts because of the price rates they implement. But since we were already in Bataan, me and my blockmates decided that visiting Acuzar would be a first for all of us and it would be nice to have that first experience altogether.

Day tour rates at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (via www.lascasasfilipinas.com)

We took Package 1 of their day tour rates since we wanted to experience the food they offered and the guided tour of the heritage houses found inside Acuzar.

There were two lunch meals offered to us. The first meal is a set of Filipino-Spanish cuisine while the other one is an unlimited offer of Italian cuisine. Well of course, we took the second meal choice. All in all, the block had six rounds of assorted pizzas, fifteen plates of different pastas and unlimited iced tea. With the lunch itself, the Php 1200 was already worth it. But of course, we still had our tour. Imagine happiness to its extent.

Unlimited carbonara 

Unlimted lasagna

Unlimited bolognese

Unlimited hawaiian pizza

Unlimited four cheese pizza

 After our bountiful Italian meal, we had our tour around Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. Architectural treasures are found inside with 27 cultural houses, and still counting... Paintings of Juan Luna and Amorsolo are also found inside the houses. What is good about it is that these heritage houses are open to events and can be used as function rooms. It is a little bit price-y but I have to say that ambience and experience are worth the pennies. Furthermore, the crew is very hospitable and approachable to visitors of all kind.

One of the paintings displayed in Casa Candaba.

The first UP building is now located in Acuzar.

Tour guide explaining the history of Escolta.

With blockmates riding the kalesa.

After a 2-hour exhausting tour, we were really glad to have cold face towels and sago't gulaman to quench our thirsts and to refresh us even a little. We also tried their dessert specialty, the gabi ice cream. It tasted like another Filipino dessert, the buko pandan. The ice cream costs Php 45 only, just perfect right after the tour.

Acuzar's gabi ice cream

It was definitely an exhausting day but visiting two places that speak a lot about our history, culture and traditions was worth the tiring feeling. I will surely be back here anytime this year, probably with my family at Acuzar then with my friends again for the pilgrimage at Mt. Samat which occurs every November or December. :-)