I was at the entrance The Ruins, in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, when I saw its artistic and gigantic shadow. With my backpack, of course on my back, that’s why it’s called backpack because it’s really on my back, right? Upon paying the entrance fee, I headed to the fountain area, sat on the bench and was staring at the structure for 20 minutes. The ambiance was relaxing because the area is surrounded by gorgeous landscape. Below are the facts written on the printed materials on the wall - courtesy of the Management.
This structure is known worldwide as one of the best ruins of the modern time, because of its gorgeous Italianate architecture with neo-Romanesque columns. A lot of names circulated, like: Balay Daco, Simento nga Balay, Mansyon, Palasyo, Lacson Mansion, Balay ni Anoy and many more, but one name best describes the structure – the management.
A Perfect Place for Wedding or Prenup Photoshoot.
It was the largest residential structure built at that time. This mansion belongs to sugar baron Don Mariano “Anoy” Ledesma Lacson (1865-1948.) Built after the death of his wife Maria Braga (1911) and served as the residence of their unmarried children. But, early part of World War II, USAFEE and then guerrilla fighters bunt this mansion to prevent the Japanese forces in making this structure as their headquarters. It was burning for three days, leaving no traces of its glorious past, but still the effort of the workers paid off, because it’s gorgeous RUINS are still standing and part of our today.
Structure, Design, and Architecture.
One of the sons, Felipe was the one supervised the construction of this mansion. He insured that the mixtures of concrete that they were using were all in A-grade. The pouring plan was precisely followed and he made sure that he and the builders run their hands to the walls, posts, columns and arches and they should feel the marble-like effect on that. Before pouring, he even gathered more people to ensure that the process will be done non-stop until the whole structure is complete.
The electric wires used in this structure are the same on what we are using today. At the Veranda, there were no wires exposed at the ceiling lights. This is just one of the proofs that the knowledge of the builders before was remarkable.
The flooring used in the mansion were long-span 2-inch thick hard wood, running from the main entrance facing the fountain all the way to the end of the dining room with no joints. The woods were about a meter wide and were approximately 20.5 meters long. They initially poured three drums of gasoline to ignite the floors of the mansion but nothing happened. Upon returning, they mixed two drums of gasoline with four drums of used oil and poured the mixture on the floors of the mansion.
The rain gutters at the top of the mansion are made of concrete and formed like canals. Rain water runs to the back portion of the mansion were two large down spouts leads the water to a steel pipe to the ground where all the water is collected and used for washing their clothes.
During my visit, I was fed with a lot of historical facts. After my visit to, I rode in a tricycle and headed back to the PEPSI plant, by the highway. Crossed and walked to the terminal nearby. Took a ride in an UV Express van to the airport. Checked in. Waited for my flight. And flown back to Manila.
Rates, Budget Friendly and Affordable Place to Stay
In Bacolod, I stayed at the CHECK INN near the plaza in front of Bacolod Cathedral. Other recommended hotels are Bacolod Business In, White Hotel, Go Hotels Bacolod.
Location, How to Get Here, My Travel to Bacolod City
There are scheduled shuttles services from Robinson's Bacolod to The Ruins in Talisay City. Or, across Robinson's Bacolod, there are jeepneys with "Bata" signboard and alighted at the PEPSI plant. Then, ride in a tricycle.