Broken-hearted from the death of his beloved Maria Braga, Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built a mansion in remembrance of his Portuguese wife, whom he met in Macau.

Built in the 1900s, the Italian-inspired architecture of The Ruins, was recognized by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineering-Negros Occidental Chapter as an Outstanding National Civil Engineering Landmark for the year 2010.

It’s a well-deserved recognition for such a stunning sight especially when the sun bids farewell and the moon says hello!

Last October, I got the chance to visit The Ruins, which was one of my sidetrips. I was surprised when I saw a number of tourists in the area. It has become famous to both local and foreign tourists.

The picturesque beauty of the Ruins makes it a favorite venue for weddings and other celebrations. It’s also great for pre-nuptial shoots. How I wish I had models to shoot during the time that I was there.

Nonetheless, I just waited for the magic hour and the after glow and started clicking away. A stable tripod is a must when shooting the Ruins at night.

In case you get hungry, you can buy snacks and sip a cup of coffee at the Ruins’ coffee shop.

I’d definitely return and take more shots in this romantic garden of the Ruins.

How to get to the Ruins:

From Bacolod City:

1. From Araneta Avenue (Old Bacolod City Hall), ride a jeepney with the Mandalagan-Lopues route.

Fare: Php 7.00

2. Alight at Lopues (another landmark is Robinson’s place) and  ride another jeepney going to Silay City. Talisay City is nearer to Bacolod City. Tell the driver you’re going to Talisay.  Fare: Php 7.00

3.  Alight at Bata (PEPSI bottling plant). You will see a signboard here going to the Ruins. Ride a tricycle and tell him to bring you to the Ruins.

Fare: Php 20.00

Travel time: around 15 minutes and you’ll see yourself transported back in time.

Entrance fee: Php 40.00

Contact details:

Email:
ruins@theruins.com.ph

Contact Number:
(+63 34) 476-4334
(+63 917) 832-6003