top of page

THE OTHER SIDE OF NEGROS: BACOLOD RUINS LIKE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE

When in Manila, Intramuros is a sure answer for tourists craving for romance in history, thanks to its architecture and famous features. After all, a visit to the museums and ruins is an easy way to throw some light onto the history of the Philippines. However, only a few know of the places hiding on the other side of the country.

 

When you mention Bacolod, one of the main cities in Negros, the first things that come to mind for many filipinos are the Masskara Festival, Piaya, and Chicken Inasal. However, most are still unaware that the province is also rich in Philippine history and culture.

 

About 10 kilometers from the Bacolod-Silay International Airport lies Talisay’s most cherished tourist spot—The Ruins. Dubbed as the Taj Mahal of the Philippines and living up to its title as one of the 12 most fascinating ruins in the world, the Bacolod Ruins is a sight to behold, whether during day or night.

Wealthy sugar baron Mariano Ledesma Lacson built the mansion in 1900′s as Maria Braga’s gift of love. The mansion was the largest residential structure ever built at that time filled with European furnishings, Chinaware and decorative items.

 

During World War II, Japanese spies were around the place such as the gardener, barbers and photographers. A Japanese gardener was hired to maintain the gardens until he disappeared just before the war. It was found out later that the gardener they hired was an informant to the Japanese Military.

 

The mansion met its sad fate by World War II, then guerilla fighters in the Philippines burnt the mansion to prevent the Japanese forces to turn his mansion their headquarters. It took days of inferno to bring down the 2-inch wooden floors and the roof. To this day, the structure still stands tall and continues to awe both local and foreign tourists.

The whole place will give you goosebumps – not because Don Mariano haunts you inside but because the nostalgic feeling it gives as you travel back in time discovering the lost tales the ruins hold. Visiting the place is like witnessing an untold love story. The influence of Greek architecture is evident as the Ionic columns firmly graces the balcony. Initials depict the signs on each side in every pillar (MB), suggesting the unparalleled love of Don Mariano to Maria Braga.

 

The opportunities for unique photos are limitless with the ruins’ architecture and grounds. It is best to be there during sunset, though, as it is more romantic to witness the mansion turning yellow gold.

bottom of page