The Ruins of Bacolod City
2The famous ruins is a must-visit whenever you go to Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Philippines. It showcases what is left of the Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson Ancestral Home, a rich sugar baron. The mansion was the largest residential structure ever built there. Sometimes considered as the city’s Taj Mahal because it was said to be built for his beloved wife, Maria Braga, a Portuguese from Macau whom he met during one of his vacations in Hong Kong.
This historical spot shows the remains of the mansion built during World War II wherein the family intentionally burned the house so the Japanese won’t be able to use it as a headquarters during the war. Even though it was already burned down, the great interior of the house is still noticeable. It is said to be of Italianate architecture with neo-Romanesque columns, having a very close semblance to the facade of Carnegie Hall in New York City. It shows the art and culture during those times because the owners had the finest furniture, Chinaware, and other items collected by Don Mariano.
We went there around 5pm. It was recommended by a friend to visit before sunset to enjoy the view of the place and see the real colors of the mansion. There’s a coffee shop set up in the garden area for people to stay and have a few snacks. Soon, a recreational golf course nearby will be opened too.
Nowadays, weddings, birthdays, and some events are held in the mansion. For a minimal fee of P50.00 and P40 (students), one can take pictures around the mansion. There are also staff members around who’ll be willing to take pictures of you.
The 903-square meter structure still stands tall amidst sugar plantation and continues to awe both local and foreign tourists. It is truly a picture-perfect lomo subject! Don’t miss this must-see attraction which is only 15 minutes away from Silay City. The Ruins is open from 8:30am to 8:00pm, Mondays through Sundays including holidays.
DIRECTIONS:
If you are commuting, you can hire a tricycle, either at Bangga Pepsi or at Bangga Rose Lawns (Memorial Park) and tell the driver to take you to the Ruins.
If you are driving, take the turn at the PEPSI bottling plant in Bata Subdivision towards the mountains. Enter the narrow road leading to Rose Lawn Memorial Garden, then turn right and navigate the main road of Goldcrest and Octagon Villages. This will lead you all the way to The Ruins.
Read more about The Ruins online:
http://bacolodphilippines.blogspot.com/2009/09/bacolod-tourist-destination-ruins.html
http://www.visitnegros.com/ruins-bacolod-city-negros-tourist-spot.html
written by bluemie5 on 2011-08-17 #places #culture #ruins #philippines #house #home #location #tourist-spot #negros-occidental #mansion #select-type-of-location #bacolod #art-and-culture #silay
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