MANSION MARVEL
An ancestral house in Quezon City shines anew
One of Quezon City’s best-kept architectural marvels opened its doors, offering those who have an eye for beauty and nostalgia a chance to dine in style and hold their own private affairs.
The place is a grand “annex” of the Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar, the one-of-a-kind resort in Bagac, Bataan that restores old and beautiful heritage homes from all over the country. This time, the brand is setting roots in Quezon City by preserving the beautiful Casa Juico, a sprawling Italian-style mansion designed by National Artist for Architecture Pablo S. Antonio Sr. Casa Juico was first owned by the Juico family, headed by patriarch Felipe Juico who owned the first travel agency in the country. The business meant that the family would often hold important gatherings, hosting prominent clients like artists, poets, businessmen, and even past presidents. When most of the family migrated to other countries, the Juicos decided that Casa Juico needed another caretaker. Fortunately, the property went to
Gerry Acuzar, who made a commitment to preserve the country’s heritage homes exemplified by the larger Las Casas property in Bataan. Acuzar believes that these works of art are not just meant to be looked at but also to be experienced. Each restored and preserved house can be booked by guests for a quick getaway, with each fitted with modern comforts.
Casa Juico, on the other hand, retains 100 percent of its original floor plan, with most of its original furnishings still being used. This means that Las Casas has preserved the structure’s art deco and maximalist features, a design reminiscent of the grand social scene of yesteryears.
Acuzar wanted to retain the ‘wow factor’ of the property so the original structure was retained. The company simply added a few features like wood carvings to showcase the skills of Bataan’s woodcarvers.
The maximalist design of Casa Juico (now formally known as Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Quezon City) is evident starting from the driveway where a beautiful fountain and sprawling lawn greet guests.
The grandness of Casa Juico is, of course, more evident in the interiors. The main parlor, which serves as a reception area of the main house, is fashioned with intricate wood details, lofty chandelier, and Italian-style furnishing.
What catches the eye is a large painting of Juico matriarch, Maria
Ella, which was painted by no less than Fernando Amorsolo. Turn-ofthe-century furniture also adorns this room. Outside the room is Las Casas Manila, a fine dining restaurant.
The second floor is reserved for special events and guests are regaled by a grand staircase made of wood tiles that form intricate leaf patterns. The steps are complemented by beautiful wood carvings, truly fitting for a mansion of this scale.
Las Casas has preserved the structure’s art deco and maximalist features, a design reminiscent of the grand social scene of yesteryears.