The Ruins stands majestically in the heart of the extensive sugar plantation in Talisay City. The Mansion was built by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson in memory of his beloved wife who died giving birth to their youngest child. Sounds like a familiar story? Yes the ruins is considered as the Taj Mahal of Negros Occidental. The Italian structure of the heritage house is magnificent. The Ruins is more than just a wedding venue, its well-known construction is spectacular during sunset. The aesthetic beauty of the ruins is indeed elegant never to mention that the mansion was created because of enduring love.
It was believed that the Mansion was burned during World War II to prevent the Japanese Soliders from utilizing it as their headquarters to invade the Philippines. The foundations remain, thanks to the A-grade mixture of concrete. The skeletal structure is now being visited by locals and foreign visitors. One can experience a nice view of the sugar plantation from the second floor, picnic downstairs and having a cup of coffee while enjoying the dramatic sunset. The place is amazing and it won’t cost you so much. The entrance is PHP25. Being the Major landmark in Negros, the ruins is a good spot for photo enthusiasts out there.
The fountain outside the mansion is lovely surrounded by exquisite lilies in its glory days. It was considered that the garden was maintained by the Japanese Gardener who bafflingly disappeared after the torch of the mansion. Rumors spread that Don Lacson’s gardener was the one who notified the Japanese Army regarding the mansion. Despite the ruins state, the architecture still looks romantic and amazing. The ruins offers Mediterranean cuisine inside and one can enjoy an elegant drink at the mini bar.
Negros is more than just sugar, after your visit to the Ruins, you may want to consider a side trip to the Paris of Negros where numerous of heritages houses including the infamous Balay Negrense can be visited in Silay City. You can stay overnight in the city to make the most of your stay in Silay. Make sure to drop by at JJ Cansi House to experience Lutong-Silay. Unsatisfied? Go to Victorias City to see Victorias Milling Company or Carbin Reef in Sagay City if you want to hit the beach. Surely, your Bacolod visit will not be completed without experiencing the magnificent ruins. Now you know where your next stopover will be when you take a break in Bacolod City. Experience the Ruins and be mesmerized of how it will transport you back in time.
How to get there?
From Bata (aka Bangga Pepsi), Bacolod City, turn east and follow the signs going to the Ruins if you’re getting there by Car. If not, rent a tricycle going to Ruins. Approximately 20 minutes and fare is PHP20.
From Silay Ariport, Take PUV’s to Silay Proper, Approximately 20 mins, Cost: PHP70-80, from Silay Proper catch a Jeepney going to Talisay city for 10-15 mins then Rent a Tricyle going to the Ruins or you can even negotiate a trike from Silay Proper.
The Ruins, Talisay City
Contact Number: +63917-832-6003
Email: lacson_mansion@yahoo.com.ph
Nice post sis! I’ll be in Bacolod this coming October (hopefully) naghhanap pa ako ng ticket. Epic fail ang ZestAir 🙁
Thanks Sis! 🙂 October: Masskara Festival! I miss the fest! 🙁 Go for it Sis! 🙂
thank you for your post! it helped a lot on my school project 🙂
It was just last year when I and my Tita celebrated our birthdays at The Ruins. It was a “Bring-Your-Own-Baon” get together with all other singles friends. Though we were charged for a corkage fee, we were still happy eating at the newly built picnic huts few steps away from the skeleton building. Facilities are indeed improving from year to year. Aside from birthdays, The Ruins is also a good venue for weddings and reunions. Just don’t forget to bring your fully-charged cameras.
http://tambay.ph/city-blogs/reminiscing-the-ruins
I’ve been there once. And yes, I was mesmerized by the beauty itself, as if I was transport back in time. Not to mention the story of enduring love behind the construction of the mansion. The Ruins stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunsets. From a great structure before, to a magnificent architecture today. — My visual inspiration for my upcoming novel.
Thanks for posting this, it’s really a big help.