Originally an events venue place for weddings, debuts, and other parties, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in San Francisco del Monte is the latest edition to the brand outside its pioneer development in Bagac, Bataan.

Acquired in 2016, the Quezon City property showcases the restored Casa Juico mansion that was built in the '60s with the design of National Artist for Architecture Pablo S. Antonio. Just recently, it reopened to the public with a newly built plaza and chapel, imitating the town planning of the Spanish Colonial Period.

It houses replicas of old ancestral houses in Manila that was built to their former glory. The restaurant, Kusina ni Maria, is open to diners who would want to have a taste of Filipino heritage specialities. Then on weekends, Las Casas invites guests to a romantic al fresco dining setup at the palaza. What's more, is that you can have an intimate romantic dinner for two prepared for you!

Located in Delos Reyes Street is Gapan City's newest tourist attraction born out of Mayor Emeng Pascual's penchant for the heritage of Nueva Ecija. Few years ago, Nueva Ecija's oldest city started restoring its ancestral houses and heritage building offices. At the time of the pandemic where people were cooped up in their homes have been itching for good local travel destinations, the night market and park called "Tagpuan sa Lumang Gapan" opened its gate to visitors. With cobblestone roads and grand lampposts, the place was illumined to highlight Gapan's hidden gems.

One of the many surprises of 2020 is the sudden reappearing of the sunken Pantabangan town. This 300-year-old town was submerged in the 1970s when the Pantabangan Dam Reservoir was built in Nueva Ecija. But due to a local drought last summer, the water levels in the dam dropped significantly. The re-emerged ruins are no longer easily recognisable except for the belfry cross of the 18th-century church and a pedestal of where Dr. Jose Rizal's monument used to stand.

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In an earlier article, we shared about how the famed Basilica Menore de San Martin de Tours in Taal was barely hanging on, but not anymore. Just last year, the restoration made for Asia's largest basilica was finished and we can now appreciate the church in its former glory and splendour. Aside from the restorations of its facade, architectural lighting was also put in place, to highlight both its exterior and the trompe l'oeil inside.

This newly-restored seven-storey pre-war mansion built in colonial revival style dates back to the '30s. It's art deco terrazo flooring exhibits an alluring tinikling motif, and is credited to National Artist Juan F. Nakpil. Over the last three years, it underwent massive restoration and is now home to its new owners' (the Lhuilliers) auction house, Casa de Memoria.

Serving as an arts and events space, Palacio de Memoria showcases the best of Filipino and European cultural heritage with its acquisitions and exhibited collections. Moreover, guests may dine at chef Margarita Forés' al fresco cafe called Loggia. 

After years of waiting and praying, 21 of the churches destroyed by the catastrophic earthquake in 2013 have been finally restored. In time for the celebration of the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines, the churches have been reconstructed and restored by the government.

All declared as national cultural treasures, national historical landmarks, and important cultural properties, the number of restored churches in the diocese of Tagbilaran is nearing its completion. As of now, the churches in the towns of Baclayon, Albuquerque, Loay, Dimiao, Dauis, Panglao, Cortes, Valencia, Garcia-Hernandez, Tubigon, Balilihan, Corella, Clarin, Calape, Lila, Sikatuna, Catigbian, Sevilla, Sagbayan, Batuan, and Tagbilaran have been restored to their baroque structures.

Four more are awaiting its completion: Loboc, Maribojoc, Loon, and Antequera.