For Jerry Acuzar, restoring the heritage houses in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar took a village
Jerry Acuzar, the founder and owner of the famed resort, guested in the latest episode of "Power Talks with Pia Arcangel" where he shared his inspiration for Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, also known as the "Vanguard of Filipino Heritage."
According to the real estate magnate, who started as a draftsman, it was his travels around Europe that inspired him to build the resort.
"Dun ko nakita 'yung heritage, buong Europe... Awang-awa ako sa Pilipinas, wala tayong ka heri-heritage, tapos 'yung anak ko nag-graduate pa ng art history. Doon nabuo 'yung Las Casas," said Jerry.
"Nakita ko Estonia, maliit na town, 'Ah pwedeng gayahin 'to.' Ta's nadinig ko sa London kung paano nirebuild 'yung London, nakita ko rin 'yung Moscow, kung paano nirebuild 'yung Moscow, kada tour ko."
The process of restoration is meticulous. Per Jerry, one must find the source of the raw materials that were used in the heritage houses and follow the method of construction during the time they were constructed.
"Dapat gagayahin mo, 'pag pinagtama mo 'yung dalawang materyales at dalawang finished product, hindi nagkakalayo at hindi magkaiba," he said.
He also emphasized the importance of having a backup, especially when it comes to manufacturing certain materials.
"Dapat marunong kang gumawa ng old Spanish tiles, dapat marunong kang gumawa ng baluster na luma, marunong ka gumawa ng old bricks," said Jerry.
One must also know how to create old-fashioned grills and study how these parts are made to know how to properly rebuild the missing parts of a heritage house.
Restoring the heritage houses in Las Casas, thus, would not have been possible if it were not for the team of artisans, carpenters, and laborers who made Jerry's vision possible.
"'Yung mga support group mo na mga karpintero, mga mason, mga artist, mga painters, tsaka 'yung mga nag-uukit, malaking bagay 'yun. 'Pag walang ganun, walang Las Casas. Kaya 'pag pumunta kang Las Casas, ang una mong titingnan, paano ba ginawa 'yung mga missing parts?" he said.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar opened to the public in 2010.
The centuries-old Spanish heritage houses in the resort were transferred from their original locations in various parts of the Philippines and carefully rebuilt and restored by the resort's artisans and craftsmen.
In 2021, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar received the Historic Hotels Worldwide award for the Best Historic Hotel in Asia and the Pacific.
Receiving the award through a video message then, Jerry credited the craftsmen whose work made Las Casas Filipinas possible.
"We are delighted that the efforts of our artisans, carpenters, and the people who supported us are now recognized, especially their skills,' he had said.
"I built this for my love of my hometown Bataan, my love for the Philippines, and especially my family whom I have shared so many beautiful memories with in Las Casas Filipinas. This historic hotel is my gratitude to my country and people."
—CDC, GMA Integrated News
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