Cultural Heritage in Motion: MSEUF Executives, Deans, Heads, and Staff immerse in the Legacy of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

 

In the quiet hours of early morning, before the first light touched the streets of Lucena, a 21-member team of leaders from Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF) gathered at Gate 2. The date was May 24, 2025—a Saturday marked not by routine, but by purpose. What followed was a powerful cultural experience, a day devoted to rediscovering the country’s architectural and historical roots.

At 12:20 AM, the group assembled, energized by anticipation. By 1:00 AM, the team set out for Alabang to meet their most distinguished Chairman and CEO Wilfrido L. Enverga, Ma’am Grace Enverga, daughter Rosario Michelle “Ma’am Mitch” Enverga, and grandson Liam Tabuena. The team arrived at Ayala, Alabang by 4:00 AM, continuing on to Tapa King along NLEX for a refreshing breakfast from 6:00 to 7:00 AM.

Their next destination: the timeless beauty of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan, reached by 8:30 AM.

A Journey Through Filipino Time

Nestled along the West Philippine Sea, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is an open-air museum and heritage resort known for its impressive collection of Spanish colonial-era buildings. Each ancestral home was transported from different parts of the country and meticulously reconstructed. The site reflects the architectural brilliance and the spirit of Filipino resilience and creativity.

Led by MSEUF’s top administrators Chairman Enverga, Board of Director Atty. Ben Quiling with Atty. Dario R. Opistan (Vice President for Administration), and Celso D. Jaballa (Vice President for External Relations), the group walked through cobblestone streets lined with Bahay na Bato, grand stone mansions, and neoclassical facades. They were joined by college deans and department heads, including Dr. Rey Oliver Alejandrino (Enverga Law School), Dr. Claudia Odette Ayala (Arts and Sciences), Dean Rodrigo Belleza, Jr. (Computing and Multimedia Studies), and Ar. Jennifer Sanchez (Architecture and Fine Arts), Fe Bartiana (Basic Education Department), among others.

One of the highlights of the morning was the stirring performance of excerpts from José Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere”, which brought to life the characters of Crisostomo Ibarra, Maria Clara, Sisa, and Padre Damaso—reminding everyone of the power of literature and the enduring relevance of history.

Amidst these meaningful encounters, John Paul Cedric “JB” Reig of EMRC (photos) and Dean Belleza (videos) captured the moments with their documenting scenes that will serve as lasting reminders of a day shaped by meaning and cultural pride, while Dean Belleza 

Midday Reflections

At 12 noon, the team gathered for lunch at the elegant Binondo Hall, a venue within Las Casas inspired by the vibrant heritage of old Manila’s Chinese-Filipino community. Over delicious Filipino dishes, the group reflected on the morning’s discoveries, sharing insights and reaffirming their shared commitment to cultural education.

The tour continued from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, offering a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving Filipino heritage. The experience served as a living textbook for deans like Dr. Divinia Glifonea (Education), Dr. Flormando Baldovino (Business and Accountancy), Dr. Corazon B. Valdeavilla (Nursing and Allied Health), and Engr. Cielito V. Maligalig (Engineering), all of whom saw the immense value in connecting history to higher learning.

A Green Perspective and a Safe Return

From Bagac, the team journeyed to Karilagan Stevia Farm in Bocaue, Bulacan, arriving at 5:00 PM for an early dinner. The visit introduced the group to sustainable agriculture through stevia cultivation—a timely topic as MSEUF strengthens its commitment to environmental education and community innovation.

The day’s travel was made smooth and secure thanks to Jorge D. Calvendra, the skilled university driver who served as the team’s trusted pilot throughout the entire 24-hour journey.

The trip concluded by 7:30 PM with the Enverga family’s return to Alabang, and by 12:00 Midnight, the rest of the group arrived safely back at MSEUF, Lucena—tired, but deeply inspired.

Behind the Scenes

Much of the day’s seamless flow and success were thanks to the meticulous preparations of Teresa Arleen B. Dellosa, and Arby S. Lagman, who crafted the day’s itinerary with thoughtfulness and precision. Their attention to detail ensured every moment was enriching, meaningful, and memorable.

Embracing the Filipino Legacy

This cultural immersion reminded all participants that history is not simply something to read about—it is something to be walked through, touched, experienced, and passed on. As one of the most meaningful institutional activities of the year, the Las Casas visit reaffirmed that cultural heritage is the cornerstone of identity and progress.

In honoring the past, the university reaffirms its mission to shape the future—through education that is rooted in love of country, appreciation of tradition, and the determination to build a society that knows where it came from and where it dreams to go.

Las Casas, like MSEUF, is more than its walls. It is a story. And on this unforgettable Saturday, the leaders of Enverga lived that story together.