When I saw in our itinerary that we were going to a place called “The Ruins“, I was not the least bit excited. I remembered how I was very disappointed by the Colosseum in Rome compared to how I envisioned them from watching the movie Gladiator. I know that was quite naive on my part, so this time I kept my excitement in check.
Talisay City is located between Bacolod and Silay, where the airport is located. It took us around 15 minutes from Bacolod City, passing thru residential areas before emerging in a flat, open area.
Seeing the structure from afar, I was quite intrigued at the place and was eager to venture around.We paid our P25 per person entrance fee and was parked at the back of the structure.There was a tour guide that explain much of the history to us as we walked around the property.
The mansion was built in the 1900s by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, a sugar baron, for his Portuguese wife, Maria Braga, who he met during his travels abroad.
The structure was razed by the US Armed Forces with permission from the owners to prevent the Japanese Army from using it. It took them three days and gallons of gasoline to burn it down completely.
I loved the skeletal concrete structure with its corners, balustrade and columns all around. The 2nd floor can be accessed by an open stairway but we were informed by the guide as well as a posted sign that it is dangerous to go up.
The tour guide taught us the trick on how to take this picture.
We came back to The Ruins near dusk, after the guide told us that this was the best time. We definitely were not disappointed, the whitish concrete structure took on a golden glow due to the setting sun with a bonus rainbow because of the slight drizzle.
Since it was nearing night time, we decided to wait it out awhile to see the structure lighted up this time.
The owners have added a small cafe at the ground floor that serves some food and drinks, but unfortunately we did not get to try it. We were also told that the place can be used for functions and events.
I really enjoyed both of the visits to The Ruins, it is definitely a must not be missed attraction.
The Ruins
Talisay City, Negros Occidental
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