The Ruins Bacolod, also known as the Taj Mahal of Negros, is a magnificent structure that stands tall amidst the lush greenery in Talisay City. It is a testament to an era long gone and a monument to enduring love.
This mansion was built by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson in memory of his Portuguese wife Maria Braga who passed away during her pregnancy. The construction began in 1902 and took three years to complete. The mansion was constructed with Italianate architecture featuring neo-Romanesque columns, intricately designed interiors, and a beautiful garden surrounding it.
Despite the grandeur of its design, what truly makes this place interesting is the story behind it. Don Mariano was said to be deeply in love with his wife Maria. When she died tragically at a young age due to an accident during her pregnancy, he was devastated. In order to immortalize their love and keep her memory alive, he decided to build this mansion.
However, during World War II when the Japanese forces invaded Philippines, they made use of many large buildings as their headquarters including this one. To prevent them from taking over completely, guerilla fighters in Negros set fire on The Ruins which lasted for three days but still could not bring down its sturdy concrete structure.
Today what remains are just skeleton structures of the once grand mansion; yet even these ruins exude an aura of elegance and charm that mesmerizes visitors from around the world. As you walk through its hallways or stand under its open sky roof gazing at stars above you can almost feel history coming alive around you.
The Ruins offers more than just historical significance; it also provides perfect photographic opportunities for both professional photographers and hobbyists alike because every corner tells a different story waiting to be captured through lens.
Visitors can take photos against beautifully carved pillars or archaic staircases leading nowhere now but were once a part of the ruins bacolod also offer breathtaking views during sunset when the rays of the setting sun bathe its skeletal structure in an orange glow, providing an ethereal backdrop for photos.
The Ruins Bacolod is not just a tourist attraction; it is a place where history meets art and love transcends time. It serves as a poignant reminder that beauty can be found even in destruction and love can endure even after death.
In conclusion, The Ruins Bacolod provides an immersive experience that goes beyond mere sightseeing. Every brick, every pillar, every arch has a story to tell – stories of love and loss, war and peace, life and death. And all these stories are waiting to be discovered by those who have the heart to listen and eyes to see beyond what meets the lens.