The Ruins in Talisay

It’s the picturesque beauty of The Ruins in Talisay who had captured the interest of my good friends to visit my home province. It started when I shared some pictures of the beautiful Ruins to them and immediately after seeing it, they had asked me if they can visit Bacolod. Actually it has also ignited our desire to travel and discover the beautiful places here in the Philippines and I’m so happy and proud that we visited my home province, Negros Occidental, for our first ever out of the province trip! 

Beautiful Ruins

Just before dusk

at night

I’ve visited The Ruins a number of times already and still, I’m in awe of its beauty, every time. The best time to visit the place is around 4:30-6:30PM to witness how the structure looks like during daylight and how it looks more spectacular during sunset and see how its rays give a golden and romantic touch to the mansion.

Bittersweet History

According to the ‘short facts’ about the mansion posted on the structure I had read during one of my visits, the sugar baron Don  Mariano Ledesma Lacson had it built after the death of her wife, Maria Braga. The structure of the mansion is of Italianate architecture with neo-Romanesque columns.

It was during the World War II that the mansion was burnt by the USAFE, then the guerilla fighters, to prevent the Japanese forces from using the place as their headquarters. It’s said that they had poured a mixture of 2 drums of gasoline with 4 drums of used oil unto the wooden floors of the mansion to ignite the floors. The mansion was burning for 3 days which consumed all of the wooden floors, ceiling and roof. But thanks to its high grade concrete mixture and oversized steel bars, the structure has withstood the fire.

More than a Structure

The picturesque structure has a restaurant and café for those who want to chill or have a romantic dinner. There are also some picnic tables in the garden and mini golf course for the kids. The place is also getting popular for wedding events, large functions, and banquets.

Restaurant at night

Minnie Golf Course

 To help maintain the grounds and develop more facilities, entrance fees are as follows:
•    Adults – Php50
•    Students with valid ID & Senior Citizens – Php40
•    Students Group (20 or more) – Php30
•    Child (below 8yrs old) – Php20

Getting There
Whether you’re coming from the Northern (i.e. Silay Airport) or Southern part or Metro Bacolod, there’s a common landmark and that’s the Pepsi Bottling Plant in Barangay Bata.

•    When you’re coming from metro Bacolod (i.e.Lacson, Libertad, etc) - Take a jeepney with the “Bata” route and ask the driver to drop you at “Bangga Pepsi”. There’s a tricycle terminal there with a big signage “The Ruins Terminal”. Price is Php100 per person for a round trip.
•    When you’re coming from Silay or Northern part of Negros, usually all routes pass on the ‘Pepsi’ landmark so ask the driver to drop you off in “Bangga Pepsi” and take the tricycle going to The Ruins as the above option.
•    If you don’t want the above hassle, just take the cab. :)

The Verdict
Undeniably, The Ruins is by far the most picturesque structure I’ve seen here in the Philippines and I’m so proud that it can be found in my home province. Looking at this spectacular structure would make you wonder how it had survived its bad fate. It’s really a sight to behold..a must see when visiting the City of Smiles, Bacolod!

Posted in: Bacolod,Talisay