Kyra Marie Cagas, Alyssa Brina Sanchez, and Joana De Leon | BS Tourism | Tour 118 (Cultural Tourism)
Posted on August 20, 2024
Our group was assigned to create a case study on cultural tourism in any area of Luzon. We chose Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan, as our focal point due to its proximity—just three (3) hours away from Metro Manila—and its growing popularity as a heritage resort attraction. Many visitors from the National Capital Region (NCR) frequent Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, making it an ideal subject for our study. Additionally, we were intrigued by the controversy surrounding the resort, specifically the relocation of heritage houses and its impact on the cultural authenticity perceived by domestic tourists.
On May 18, 2024, our group embarked on a day tour at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar to observe, gain first-hand experience, and collect data via one-on-one interviews with domestic tourists. The tour package included a heritage walking tour, lunch at any available restaurant in the resort, a kalesa ride, a balsa ride, a tram ride, and access to the pool and beach. Given our time constraints and primary objectives, we were only able to participate in the heritage walking tour and an interactive play; ride the kalesa, balsa, and tram; and have lunch at an Italian restaurant there.
Upon arrival, we began with the heritage walking tour. A knowledgeable guide led us through the resort, providing background information and fascinating historical context for the heritage-themed houses we visited. However, we only explored a few houses since some were rented out and occupied by tourists.
After the heritage walking tour, we took a short break as we captured photos and watched an interactive play titled “The Rebirth of Noli Me Tangere.” The actors were outstanding and involved the audience by allowing them to portray characters from the play. One of our group members, Kyra, was selected from the crowd to act as one of the Illustradas. Following the performance, the actors generously posed for photos and videos with the audience.
Students participating in the Interactive Play and enjoying the Tram ride
For lunch, we dined at an Italian restaurant, enjoying pizza and ravioli. With our appetites satisfied, we turned our attention to gathering insights from domestic tourists. We wandered around the resort, seeking willing interviewees. Fortunately, we found six (6) respondents who shared their own perspectives on the resort’s cultural authenticity in light of the relocated old structures, surpassing our minimum target of five (5).
To relax after our interviews, we rode a kalesa and tram throughout the resort, admiring the views and snapping photos and videos for our documentation. The picturesque scenery of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar truly lived up to its branding as it transported us back in time with its authentic ambiance. As the day drew to a close, one group member, Alyssa, opted for a balsa ride during sunset, where she discovered hidden yet remarkable parts of the resort. It was definitely well worth the cost.
Students riding Jeepney, Balsa, and Kalesa
Ultimately, our day at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar was not just delightful, but also productive. We successfully interviewed six (6) domestic tourists (with their consent), which granted us valuable data for evaluating the cultural authenticity of the resort.
Students conducting their interviews
The class being an elective, the authors are upper-class students of BS Tourism who took the initiative to conduct field research on a case study they presented and submitted, discussing issues of authentic cultural experiences.