Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson’s Mansion

A “must-see attraction” in Talisay City, very close to Bacolod City in Negros Occidental is “The Ruins”. As what it’s name says, it a “ruin” of mansion of a sugar baron way back in the early 19th century, Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson.

This extravagant abode is lavishly decorated with intricate designs, from shell-inspired edges to their names’ initials,  Spanish tiles and a four-tiered water lily fountain. From a simple or even scary old remnant of a mansion to a popular attraction, people who are behind is “comeback” deserves a warm of applause.

When we first laid our eyes on her amidst the tall sugarcanes and under the heat of the sun..it was simply striking, like looking at a femme de monde. It stands so proud and elegant, never worn out and when we arrived after walking for more than 2.4 kilometers ( whew!), the mansion is really a marvelous sight.

We paid for 40 pesos for the entrance fee and you can freely walk on its well-manicured lawn, take some awesome shots and just reminisce how lavishly these elite people used to live. They have a semi haute cuisine restaurant serving pasta and some recipes of the Lacson family with impressive live jazz music.

I have told my companion that I dont agree with its name “The Ruins” and I have said it many times. The old mansion is more than just “the ruins” for me. I would just prefer to call it “the old mansion” for though it has its ill-fated story;burned for days by the local guerilla fighters during the Second World War, you cannot deny how grand and luxurious this home is.

Photos by: Ace Francisco