Our family trip to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar was a trip down history lane through the stories of each heritage house.
Las Casas is located in Bagac, Bataan, a sleepy town now absorbing touristy energy because of this heritage resort.
Death March
It was on April 9, 1942 when the commander of the Luzon Force, General Edward P. King, surrendered to the Imperial Forces of Japan and the soldiers were taken as prisoners. This has become known in Philippine history as the Fall of Bataan.
Bagac, Bataan is one of the two starting points of the heart-wrenching Death March. The other starting point was at Mariveles, Bataan. On our way to the town of Bagac to visit the now famous Las Casas, I noticed these white mini-towers on the road.
These are the Bataan Death March Markers, a reminder of the more than 100-km deadly walk of 70,000 American and Filipino soldiers who became prisoners of war (POWs). The prisoners started their walk from Mariveles on April 10, and in Bagac on April 11 until Camp O’Donnell in Tarlac. The 138 Death March Markers are prominently lining the roads excruciatingly traversed by the POWs on those dark days. There are 100 of these markers in Bataan, 31 in Pampanga and 7 in Tarlac.
Thousands died. Those who survived the Death March were sent to Japan mainland. Many perished during the voyage. Those who survived the voyage suffered and many died in Japanese prisons in the more than 3 years they were incarcerated. It wasn’t until the end of World War II in 1945 when the remaining survivors got their freedom.
They survived the Battle and Fall of Bataan.
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Annyeong, Mommy Wendy. I’m glad you’re enjoying your Ph vacay. I haven’t been to Las Casas but my, it looks so grand and historic. It sets that nice feel and vibe of the culture, history and heritage that Bataan holds dear. I miss Ph. I miss Seoul. Missing you all. Take care!
Hey, Mommy Des! How are you? This is a great vacation. And yes, Las Casas is grand. We also went to Taal, Bataan which is more historic and authentic. So many materials for blog posts, hahaha!
Interesting piece of history. I assume you are travelling the Philippines at the moment. Your story reminded me of a similar one I encountered at Hellfire Pass near Kanchanaburi in central Thailand. POWs captured from Malay were forced by Japs to begin building a Thai-Burma railroad, and that’s a sad story too.
I didn’t know at all that this had happened before reading your post! I believe I may have heard about it when I was younger, but the true extent to the tragedy here is really astounding. Thank you for sharing.
Just few months ago, I was able to interview a survivor. She toured me around the World War Museum. I was holding my tears while she was talking about their life that time. She was one of the lucky kids who was sent home after days in the death march. Five of her siblings died during the death march because of sickness and starvation. Her story is a part of the history we shall never forget.
Very interesting read, Wendy. Short but very informative. ☺️ As a student I hated listening during history classes. Pero pag fieldtrip super interested ako. 😂
Very timely post for Araw ng Kagitingan! I remember these Kilometer Markers being feautured in the news 2 days ago because they are starting to get dilapidated due to many roadworks and improvements. I still hope they get to preserve these as they are reminders of our history and bravery of the country’s heroes.
There are a lot of that from Bataan and going to Pampanga. When I first saw that, I was amazed to know the history behind it.
Just recently, we went to Bataan to cover their 77th Araw ng Kagitingan. Too much feels habang binabalikan yung history. Sobrang saludo ako sa mga soldiers na nagbuwis ng buhay. Haaaay
I have never been to Las Casas kinda pricey kasi sya. But I am interested to explore the history soon siguro pag may makakasama ako.
Very interesting. I’m looking forward to explore Bataan esp. Las Casa and see these markings too !
We weren’t able to visit this marker when we went to Bataan kasi we only went straight to Mariveles Bataan. Hopefully when we go to Bataan again, we can also visit this historical place.
This post walks on history and it is always good to look back to our roots, where we owe our freedom today. Interesting story about the death march. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I want to go there too! I always read about this place and the history itself on books, I guess I need to see the place with my own eyes. Will schedule a trip on this place. Thanks for the information!
My dad’s family was from Bataan and my late Lolo was a vet. I sometimes think that their stories should be told more and passed down to the next generation so that their sacrifices are not forgotten.
I’m currently very interested in Philippine History and enjoy seeing landmarks on it with my children. This is a good one to see. Been to Bataan but haven’t seen this yet. But I remember seeing something in Luneta about it that I showed and discussed with my kids.
I want to experience to go there too. I also want to visit some places like this that has a big part of our history. I really love listening about the stories of our history especially for those who have experience it. People who have experience the history is a great story teller that will enlighten us about the history.
Napaka interesting naman po nitong kwento na to. Lalo nat Dito sa kwento ng Death march. Gusto ko po itong kwento na to.. Ang dami kopong nalaman about sa death march. Ang saya naman pong maka experience na makarating dito. Thankyou for sharing po …
Thank you for sharing this po ms.wendy 🤗❤️ ang dami po tlgang mggnda lugar at tlagang mkasaysayan sa pilipinas .. im glad na nakrting din po kayo , ung mga ganitong lugar masarap at magandang puntahan 🤗❤️
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Araw ng Kagitingan, also known as the Day of Valor, is a national observance that commemorates the Filipino and American soldiers who stood up against Japanese forces during World War II.
Thank you for sharing ms wendy
This is one of the saddest part of our history. Their sacrifices were never forgotten. I’m glad that you were able to visit some of our historical places.
Thank you for sharing Ms wend
Very Informative Ms. Wendy ❤️ interesting part of our history ❤️ I’m glad that you share this to us po let us not forget their sacrifices .
Thanks for sharing this Ms. Wendy Happy Easter at Araw ng Kagitingan Po., super Glad To Know About this Amazing History..
History and story will never Forgotten !!!thanks for sharing Ms.wend
Thank you for sharing po very informative nito ito ay isa sa mga nakakalungkot na nangyari sa ating mga kababayan s bataan