Melo Villareal
The Ruins in Talisay City: A Historical Landmark Worth Exploring
The Ruins in Talisay City, Philippines, is a must-visit attraction for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. The mansion was built in the early 1900s by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, a sugarcane baron, and his wife, Maria Braga Lacson. Inspired by Italian architecture, the mansion’s grandeur and elegance are evident even in its current state of ruins.
The Ruins is a tourist magnet with a saga of love, betrayal, death, and war. A mysterious mansion says many things in silence. The estate is a quiet observer of history. Now, it is empty and companionless, mourning for the loss of its glory in the past and the friendly company of Don Mariano Lacson, the owner, and his wife, Maria. The luring estate has gone through the love affair between the couple and their unforgettable days.
Despite being heavily damaged during World War II, the mansion’s remains remain tall and majestic. The Ruins serve as a reminder of the region’s rich history and the opulent lifestyle of the sugar barons during the early 1900s. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion to learn more about its history and the tragic love story behind its construction. The estate also features a restaurant and souvenir shop, making it a perfect destination for a day trip.
Historical Background
The Ruins is a popular tourist attraction in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines, and is known for its tragic history. It was built in the early 1900s by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, a wealthy sugar baron, in loving memory of his Portuguese first wife, Maria Braga.
The mansion was said to be the most prominent residential structure in the area at the time and was inspired by Italian architecture. The Ruins were built in the middle of a sugar plantation and were surrounded by a beautiful garden.
During World War II, Filipino guerrillas employed by the United States Armed Forces intentionally set the building on fire to prevent the Japanese forces from using it as a headquarters. The mansion was burned down, and only the skeletal structure remained.
After the war, the property was abandoned until the 1980s, when the family decided to turn it into a tourist attraction. Today, The Ruins stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and his love for his wife, Maria Braga.
The Architecture of The Ruins
The Ruins in Talisay City is known for its impressive architecture and rich history. It was inspired by Italian architecture and features neo-romanesque elements.
The mansion’s facade is concrete and adorned with elegant columns. The main entrance features a belvedere, a popular architectural element during the Renaissance period. The Belvedere is a small tower or pavilion that provides a scenic view of the surrounding area.
The mansion’s interior is just as impressive as its exterior. The ground floor features a grand hall used for receptions and other social events. The hall is flanked by two smaller rooms: a music room and a dining room.
The mansion’s second floor was used as the family’s living quarters. It features ten bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. The bedrooms are connected by a long hallway that runs the length of the mansion.
Despite being in ruins, The Ruins still stands as a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of its builders. Its Italianate design and neo-romanesque elements make it a unique and impressive architectural feat. Visitors to The Ruins can marvel at its beauty and learn about its rich history.
Location and Accessibility
The Ruins is approximately 8 kilometers north of Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental. The mansion is situated on a 440-hectare sugar plantation owned by the Lacson family. Here’s how you can get to The Ruins Mansion:
From Bacold-Silay Airport
Take a shuttle to Bacolod from the airport and tell the driver to drop you off at The RUINS. It is along the way to Bacolod City from the airport.
By private car or taxi, from the airport, take the access road to the airport going south to Bacolod City. Turn right to Don Mariano L. Lacson Highway (5th intersection), and in about 900 meters, you will arrive at The RUINS.
From Bacolod City
From Bacolod City, take an airconditioned coaster ride to BATA and get off at Acropolis Gardens/Rose Lawn. Then, take a tricycle ride to Octagon Village and walk a few meters to The RUINS.
By private car or taxi, take Lacson Street going north to Talisay City. After the flyover at the CERES North Terminal and PEPSI bottling plant, turn right towards the mountains on Don Mariano L. Lacson Highway and in about 2.3 km. you will arrive at The RUINS.
Visiting The Ruins
To enter The Ruins, visitors must pay an entrance fee. The entrance fee for adults is PHP 150, while children and students with valid IDs can enter for PHP 100. Senior citizens and PWDs are also entitled to a discount and can enter for PHP 120.
The Ruins is open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Visitors are advised to come early to avoid the crowds. The best time to visit The Ruins is between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, when the beautiful sunset colors fill up the remains of what was once a beautiful mansion.
Aside from exploring the ruins, visitors can also check out the souvenir shop. The shop offers a variety of items, including shirts, keychains, and other memorabilia.
Features and Attractions
The Ruins in Talisay City is often called the “Taj Mahal of Negros” due to its stunning architecture and rich history.
One of the most notable features of The Ruins is its beautiful water fountain, which is surrounded by lush gardens and towering pillars. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the fountain and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the estate.
The Ruins is also a popular venue for weddings and other special events. The estate’s sugarcane plantation provides a picturesque backdrop for wedding photos, and the mansion’s grandeur adds a touch of elegance to any occasion.
For visitors who enjoy golfing, The Ruins also features a mini-golf course perfect for a fun afternoon with family and friends.
One of the best times to visit The Ruins is during sunset when the estate is illuminated by the sun’s warm glow. The view is simply breathtaking and is not to be missed.
Contact and Inquiries
For those who want to visit THE RUINS in Talisay City, it is important to know how to contact the right people for reservations and inquiries. The management of THE RUINS can be reached through their official website at http://theruins.com.ph or via phone at +63 (34) 476-9448 / (034) 476-9448 or Mobile +63 (905) 513-3347 / +63 (939) 2985657. For email inquiries, interested parties can message lacson_mansion[at]yahoo.com.
Making reservations ahead of time is recommended, especially for large groups or during peak season. Raymund Javellana, the current owner of THE RUINS, is known to be accommodating and responsive to inquiries and feedback from visitors.
Nearby Accommodations
Several accommodations near The Ruins cater to different budgets and preferences.
Hotels and Resorts Near The Ruins
Several hotels near The Ruins offer comfortable and convenient accommodations. One of the most popular hotels is Seda Capitol Central, located just a few kilometers from The Ruins. The hotel offers modern amenities, including a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. Other hotels near The Ruins include Nature’s Village Resort, L’Fisher Chalet, L’Fisher Ecotel, and Go Hotels Bacolod.
Budget Accommodations Near The Ruins
If you’re traveling on a budget, several affordable accommodations near The Ruins offer comfortable and convenient lodging options. Some popular budget accommodations include Stonehill Suites, Avenue Suites, and LOC Residences Inn. These accommodations provide basic amenities, including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and hot showers.
Other Interesting Facts about The Ruins
During World War II, the Japanese forces occupied the Philippines and used the mansion as their headquarters. The mansion’s sturdy structure and thick walls made it an ideal fortress. However, the Japanese forces eventually abandoned the mansion, leaving it to deteriorate.
The ruins of Talisay City have also been used as a backdrop for various films and TV shows. The mansion’s grandeur and haunting beauty make it a famous filming location for local and international productions.
Don Mariano Lacson, the original mansion owner, was a wealthy sugar baron who owned a 440-hectare sugar plantation in Talisay City. He built the mansion in memory of his Portuguese wife, Maria Braga Lacson, who died during childbirth. Today, the mansion is owned and maintained by the grandson of Mercedes, Mr. Raymund Javellana.
Interestingly, the mansion was also used as a Pepsi plant during the 1950s. The company used the mansion’s spacious grounds to grow sugarcane, which was used to produce Pepsi’s signature sweetener.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion and learn more about its fascinating past. The mansion also hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts, art exhibits, and cultural festivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history behind The Ruins in Talisay City?
The Ruins in Talisay City is the remains of the ancestral home mansion of the family of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Maria Braga Lacson. The mansion was built in the early 1900s and inspired by Italian architecture. The mansion was burned down during World War II by the retreating Japanese forces to prevent the advancing Allied forces from using it as their headquarters.
How do I get to The Ruins from Bacolod City?
The Ruins is located in Talisay City, which is approximately 14 kilometers from Bacolod City. Visitors can take a taxi, jeepney, or tricycle from Bacolod City to Talisay City. The travel time is approximately 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the traffic.
What are the opening hours of The Ruins in Bacolod?
The Ruins is open daily from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM. Visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
What is the story behind The Ruins mansion?
The mansion was built by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson as a symbol of his love for his Portuguese wife, Maria Braga Lacson. The mansion was designed to be a replica of their ancestral home in Portugal. After Maria’s death, Don Mariano turned the mansion into a sugar plantation and named it after her.
What happened to The Ruins in Bacolod?
The retreating Japanese forces burned the mansion during World War II to prevent the advancing Allied forces from using it as their headquarters. After the war, the mansion was left in ruins until the 1980s, when the family decided to preserve what was left of the mansion and turn it into a tourist attraction.
When was The Ruins burnt down?
The retreating Japanese forces burned the mansion during World War II in 1942 to prevent the advancing Allied forces from using it as their headquarters.
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