Friday, May 13, 2016

Talisay City: The Ruins

Check for updates: https://travellingandbeyond.com/

LOCATION: 
Talisay, Negros Occidental

FESTIVAL: 
Minulu-an Festival (September 10)
Pasidungog Festival (February 11)

FEES: (as of May 2016)
Fast Craft fare from Toledo to San Carlos (est. 200.00)
Lite Ferry fare from Toledo to San Carlos (est. 150.00)
Van Rental from San Carlos to Talisay City (est. 3500.00)
Bus fare from San Carlos to Bacolod (est. 120.00)
Entrance Fee in The Ruins (adult 95.00, child 40.00)

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT:
Statue of Andres Bonifacio
Campuestohan Highland Resort
Natures Village Resort
Bamboo Spring Garden and Leisure Farm
Spa by the Sea Resort
The Ancestral Homes
The Henares Garden and Resort
Balay Negrense

Summer not ruined!



Upon arriving at The Ruins in Negros, I never intended to leave the vehicle because I am not one who enjoys walking around a ruined mansion, plus, the scourging heat of the sun was unbearable. But even with the van's air-conditioning system running, it wasn't able to keep the summer heat out of the vehicle. So I got off the van and thought it would be such a waste not to witness this talked-about mansion.

Upon seeing The Ruins, it would seem like all the other architectural ruins in the country. But it wasn't that. 'The Ruins" has a story of its own.

Like the Temple of Leah in Cebu City and the Taj Mahal in India, The Ruins was also built as a symbol of a husband's undying love for his wife. It was built in memory of Maria Braga - wife of Don Mariano Lacson.

The mansion is of Italianate architecture. The initials M (Mariano) and M (Maria) can be seen on the mansion's posts - such a romantic gesture by Don Mariano. It became his residence along with his unmarried children. Unfortunately, during Second World War, it was reduced to its skeletal frame when the mansion was set ablaze by the guerrilla fighters and US armed forces. It was done to prevent the Japanese from using it as their headquarters. What is left are the mansion's thick skeletal frame - a strong foundation, which was believed and was known to be an A-grade mixture of concrete. Like most churches built in the same era, the walls of the mansion contained egg whites.



The mansion's fine, strong structure was the result of the continuous pouring of the concrete for twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. It was a method to prevent air from mixing with the concrete - the result turned out magnificent, an architectural masterpiece.

Many couples have used the premises for their wedding receptions. Its garden is landscaped with a fountain that adds beauty to the ambiance. The 'romantic feel' is what makes it popular among lovers for picnics and tours. It is open from eight in the morning until eight in the evening.



Aside from the mansion, there is also a restaurant within the premises and food kiosks which offer sugarcane juices and other snacks.

To get there, if you are from Toledo City, it is best to ride the fast craft which is an hour and a half to two (1.5 - 2) hours going to San Carlos. It is a lot less hassle to find car rentals in San Carlos. We had one which picked us up and brought us to 'The Ruins'.

It would be practical to first search for 'The Ruins' location online, but you may ask the locals. They will definitely guide you to where it is situated. From the PEPSI plant, head east and seek the Rose Lawn Memorial Garden at about 6 kilometers away. From there, follow the road ahead and check for signs that will lead you to The Ruins.

For details, contact (+63) 9178326003, (+63) 9392985657, or (+63) 34 4764334

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