"If you are planning to go to a place where you can feel the
presence of the past, The Ruins in Talisay City is the best place to visit. "
The mansion reflects a real Filipino culture; with the scene
of how rich is the Filipino way of life before. The Ruins is a great place to
reflect and be amazed of the wonders of the past, brought back by the antiquate
design of the house. You can also feel that you are closer to nature by just
wandering on the gardens filled with flowers, fountains and exceptional
landscapes.
You may wonder how this mansion came into existence. Here’s
the story behind the enchanting past…
(source: http://ilonggos.net/the-ruins-of-talisay-negros-occidental)
...Wealthy sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built the
mansion in 1900′s for Maria Braga, his Portuguese wife. He made sure that the mansion
was furnished with imported luxurious items. The Mansion’s structure resembles
that of the Italian architecture with neoclassical columns. The facades
of the mansion are comparable to the ones in Carnegie Hall. The belvedere
facing west enables one to view the beautiful sunset through the bay window.
The garden of the mansion was tended by Don Mariano’s
daughter Angelina. Imported lilies filled the garden and around the fountain. A
Japanese gardener was hired to maintain the gardens until he disappeared just
before the war. It was found out later on that the gardener they hired was an
informant to the Japanese Military. When the World War 2 broke out, the guerrillas burned down the mansion to prevent the Japanese from occupying the
area. The mansion burned down leaving behind the concrete structure that still
stands to this day.
There are no current plans of getting the ruins restored
back to its glorious form. For now there’s a mini cafe and restaurant to chill
inside the ruins. Guests can amuse themselves with a quick game of golf in the
mini golf area.
