Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (Day One)

I have this fascination or a dream that I want to travel back in time so that I can appreciate arts and architecture back at those time. I really wanted to learn more about the design aesthetics of long gone days and how unique Old Manila was. Yes, we might have Intramuros to relive those good old times but my spirit “old school” me craves for something more.

Old Style Window

Taking A Break From All The Walking

So happy that I share same sentiment with my college friends and we have decided to visit Las Cas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan for an early summer getaway.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a big compound or property where you can delight your sense of sight with pleasing Old Manila/Philippines style, dating back to the 1800s to 1920s-ish style. You got to experience cobblestones driveways which I only read in history books or I’ve seen in real life in Calle Crisologo in Vigan.

Cobblestones and Statues

Shopping District

Just Speechless

Old Building, Modern Times

We have decided to stay for one night in Las Casa to have a full experience how it feels like to live back on old days. Don’t be fooled as their rooms have air-conditioning units and television set (and most importantly, WiFi connection!).

Blending In

Waiting

Waiting For My Old School Lover (LOL)

Greenery

For our first day in Las Casas, we have decided to join the complimentary walking tour. Thanks to this tour, we were able to see the entire compound and even had the chance to enter the houses. The houses are originally came from different parts of the Philippines and they have relocated them all in this place. As wonderful as the exterior of each house, the interior is a spectacle of their own. It’s as if we have visited an entire compound of musuem dedicated to Old Philippines design.

100%

Lights and Dusk

Lamppost Tells a Story

The Facade of The Hotel

Fountain Moment – Cant Miss This One

Always At Awe When Seeing This

Day two of our quick getaway is up next, so stay tuned for more pictures.

Ending This Blogpost With One of The Best Sunsets I’ve Seen Firsthand

‘Til the next pose & post!

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Cebu (Part 2): All Sorts of Water From The South

After the tiring early afternoon trek in Osmena Peak and seeing what the highest peak in Cebu can show, we are off to the first beach in Cebu, which is Moalboal.

I never really knew about Moalboal until I came here. Good thing that my friend Amor is actually from Cebu. Moalboal is located in the southwestern part of Cebu. Pristine white sands and rich underwater are the main selling points of this part of Cebu. Scuba diving, free diving and snorkeling are the activities to do in this part of Cebu.

Long Stretch

I’ll Trade Anything For This Moment

Since Moalboal is facing on the western part, this means great news – superb sunset. Yes, the sunset here is nice, divine, and breathtaking and all the adjectives I can think of. I always make it a point to see the sunset whenever I am on a vacation.

The Moalboal Sunset

The following day, we opted to go to one of the islands to see in the Moalboal area which is known as Pescador Island.  This part of Cebu boasts rich marine life that can match the best diving spots to all the places I’ve been to. I never tried scuba diving but by simple doing a free dive or snorkel, you can easily see the greatness needs to be seen just after you jumped off from the boat. I marked this as a must visit place to visit while in Cebu.

Memories Shared With Friends

Rich

Two Completely Different Worlds

I Love To Try Free Diving Soon

Are They Trying To Drown Me? 😂✌️

After a morning of sea salt, we headed straight to Kawasan Falls. Originally, I did not intend to join this part as you know, I rather be the passive type of traveler, but hey, thank goodness that I’ve given it a go. I never knew that I will have so much fun jumping from a 30-foot waterfall and hurt my butt off after. It was exhilarating yet fulfilling at the same time. We took so many pictures in Kawasan Falls but I honestly think GoPro is not my camera of choice. There are water splashes all over; pictures were out of focused so I guess this part of this vacation will hold dearly in my mind.

Floating

Kawasan Falls

Under The Veil

Damn, My Make-up’s Ruined! 😂

Literally a Concrete Jungle

‘Til the next post & post!

Field Trip: National Museum

I can’t quite remember the last time I had a proper field trip. A field trip where you learn “new” things just like back in school. When an opportunity presents itself to visit one of the main museums in our country, better grab the opportunity then. A simple equation of free schedule plus a friend who shares the same interest plus heritage month equals to a day of field trip.

 

Grand Door of National Museum

  

Field Trip’s Outfit

  

Guardian Angel

 
Thanks to the government’s initiative of having a “Heritage Month”, a whole month (extended to another month) of free admission to the National Museum of the Philippines. I can’t remember when was the last time I visited the National Museum or if I did before; but one thing I am sure is that I feel like a student once again. All giggly and excited whenever we turn a curve or enter a room in the historic museum.

We started in the Old Senate Hall which they have turned into an arts museum. All important paintings and sculptures can be seen in this area.

 

Let’s Not Fall In Love – BigBang 🎶

  

Staircase Session

  

Waiting

  

Grand Architecture Less One Light

  

High Ceiling

  

Between Arts

 I treat arts as my stress reliever. I enjoy getting lost in the world of arts and trying to decipher the meaning of a painting or sculpture. For most of the part, I just simply want to be absorbed in all the swirls of color in the painting. Some paintings tell a story, some just plainly present itself as it is and doesn’t need explanations at all.

 

Arts, Arts, Arts

  

Sweet Smile

  

Black Vs Colors

  

Blacks, Whites, Blonde

  

Absorbing

 
Of course, I will not pass the chance to have my picture taken with the Philippines most popular painting, “The Spoliarium” by Juan Luna. I’m so happy that even there’s a lot people at that time, I managed to have a solo picture as if I am the only one inside the museum. I have to say that everyone was very respectful and nice as they make sure you have your own quality time with the Spoliarium.

 

The Spoliarium

 
Then we moved to another building which is still the National Museum. Though this time, the building houses historical artifacts from sunken ships, mining sites and historical landmarks.

 

China-ware

  

Books About Philippines Flora and Fauna

  

Through The Rabbit Hole

  

Shadow

  

Alibata

 
Perfect timing as there was an exhibition of ethnic Filipino textile. Arts, culture, architecture and fashion all rolled in one. I’m one happy field tripper here. 

  

By The Window

 
After a long day inside the museum, we moved to a Japanese Garden to have some more pictures taken.

   
   
Lastly, just before dinner, one item ticked off from my bucket list ~ Sunset session in Manila Bay! I always wanted and very vocal that I wanted to experience sunset in Manila Bay. Got to say that our country really has one of the best vantage sites in the whole world if you want to see a great sunset.

 

The Sunset in Manila Bay

  

Check.

 I really need to do more of this kind of field trip. I really wanted to visit more museums, get lost in the arts and learn. It was indeed a day in the museum plus more.

‘Til the next pose & post!