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.

A-grade mixture of concrete made this structure triumphed over time

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