The mansion of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson (1865 – 1948) or better known today as The Ruins is one of the tourist magnets in Negros Occidental. It has amused visitors both foreign and local alike with its majestic architecture. It was built in an Italianate architecture with neo –Romanesque twin columns. The materials used for the foundation and main structure of the manse was made of an A-grade mixture of concrete with oversized steel bars and a finishing of egg whites mixed with cement. Don Mariano Lacson is a very rich “haciendero” at that time that affords him to build such this kind of magnificent residence in the middle of his sugarcane farm plantations. It has been said to be one of the largest residential structure ever built at that time. It was constructed after his wife Maria Braga died, and out of despair he had his and her initials molded onto the posts that represented Mariano and Maria. The surrounding field and the garden of the mansion are beautifully landscaped with a 4-tiered fountain at the middle fronting the main door. Right in front of the gate is the “Simborio” a local name for the smokestack used then in the production of the mascovado sugar from the crops of the sugarcane.
During the World War II, the USAFFE (United States Armed Forces in the Far East) or the then guerilla fighters in the Philippines burnt the mansion to prevent the Japanese forces from expending it as their headquarters. But the structure was very rigid that it withstood the fires that could turn it into ashes, because of its strong foundations and superior materials. The fire has eaten the roof and the 2-inch wooden floors of the mansion, hence it is now called “The Ruins”.
The Fountain’s view from the main door
Most of the structures and parts of the house are still the original construction built about a century ago. To sustain the visitors with some modern facilities various new conveniences was developed including the 18-hole mini-golf course. The Ruins has served also as the venue for various parties, weddings and other events including concerts and plays. They also take pride in their modern, semi-fine dining restaurant which serves some of the dishes that are originals from the menu of the Lacson family.
Overlooking the Simborio (Chimney)
The Fountain overlooking the Simborio
The Restaurant
The Souvenirs
The Entrance
The way to The Ruins
If you happen to drop by Negros Occidental, don’t miss to visit The Ruins in Talisay. Bring your cameras with you; I tell you, a picture-perfect splendid masterpiece is right there standing, waiting to be devoured by your lenses. The most ideal time to visit is in between 3 and 4 in the afternoon, where the old grand mansion and its surroundings turn golden; unluckily when I visited during the Masskara Festival 2009 it was partly cloudy. I’ll surely visit this oasis again and again, I can’t get enough of its grandeur.
The Ruins c/o Raymond H. Javellana
Sta. Maria Farms, Bo. Simborio
Talisay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines
Mobile: +63 917 8326003
Telephone: +63 34 476-4334
Website: http://theruins.multiply.com
4 Comments on "The Splendid Grandeur of The Ruins in Talisay, Negros Occidental"
Undeniably great pics you’ve got.
Thanks to you guys for promoting The RUINS and for your valued patronage.
Again, maraming salamat po.
handsdown ako sa pics. :)
panalo…how i wish to see ruins in iloilo as well that has been preserved by our kasimanwas for valued patronage. Thanks for post Jun2.
Me too..There are a lot of old majestic structures here ruined by time (i.e Spanish Casino near Fort San Pedro).Hope the city could do something to preserve those and even make it securely available to the people (tourists).