The Ruins in Talisay, Negros

My sister in law, Dimple, is from Bacolod. She lives in the US but this February she is in Bacolod visiting family, relatives, school mates, and friends.

She picked us up from the airport in Talisay and we went straight to the Ruins which was only a few minutes away.

Located on 440 hectares of sugar plantation south of Bacolod City in Negros Occidental, the Ruins is what remains of the 1900s ancestral home of sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson who built it in memory of his Portuguese wife Maria Braga Lacson, who died after giving birth to their 11th child.

The Italian inspired mansion was ordered razed by the US Armed Forces during World War II to prevent the advancing Japanese invaders to occupy the mansion as their military headquarters.

The Ruins is currently being maintained and preserved as a tourist attraction by the present owners, the great-grandchildren of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Cora Maria Osorio Braga.

P30 vehicle entrance, plus P100 per person for adults. They gave an old-age discount— for Edmund and for Dimple. The ticket guy looked unconvinced that Dimple deserved a discount. Well, she looks young.

OMB with the gracious Ilongga host, my sister in law Dimple Montelibano – Tan.

OMB with the tall, dark, handsome Ilonggo companion, my husband by law, ECY.

I was an instant fan of this architectural beauty. I just love stately buildings and mansions that are European inspired.  This is so pretty.

The grand staircase leads to nothing. The second floor is gone.
Cement shell

The roof was installed to protect what was left of the structure and to shelter the visitors from rain and sun.

Even at its present state, I could still feel its grandeur.
Welcome to our mansion.

Pre-nup moment

Some have asked if we’re getting married (again) on our 40th wedding anniversary. Not anymore, just straight to honeymoon.

This place is perfect for prenups and weddings.