The City of Smiles’ Most Famous Landmark Looks Like a Tragedy, but It Started With a Love Story
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Bacolod is a city in the Philippines that is famous for its sugar industry, its friendly people, and its cultural heritage.
One of the most popular attractions in Bacolod is The Ruins, a majestic mansion that was built by a wealthy sugar baron in the 1920s.
But why is it called The Ruins in Bacolod? What happened to this beautiful building that made it look like a skeleton of its former glory?
Why Is It Called The Ruins in Bacolod?
The Ruins is called The Ruins because it is a ruin of a once magnificent mansion that was burned down during the war.
But it is also a symbol of hope and beauty that rises from the ashes.
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The History of The Ruins
The Ruins was the dream project of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, who wanted to honor his late wife, Maria Braga Lacson, who died during childbirth.
He hired Italian architects and engineers to design and construct a mansion that would rival the Taj Mahal of India.
The mansion was made of pure concrete, reinforced with metal columns, and finished with egg whites to give it a marble-like appearance.
The mansion had 10 bedrooms, a ballroom, a library, and a fountain. It was surrounded by a vast sugarcane plantation and a beautiful garden.
The mansion was the home of Don Mariano and his 10 children for many years, until the outbreak of World War II. During the war, the Japanese forces occupied the Philippines and used the mansion as their headquarters.
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To prevent the Japanese from using the mansion as a fortress, the Filipino guerillas decided to burn it down. They poured gasoline on the wooden floors and furniture and set them on fire.
The fire lasted for three days, but the concrete structure remained intact. However, the fire destroyed the roof, the windows, the doors, and the interior of the mansion, leaving only the bare walls and pillars standing.
After the war, the mansion was abandoned and neglected for decades. It became a playground for children, a grazing ground for animals, and a dumping site for garbage.
It was not until 2008 that the descendants of Don Mariano decided to restore and preserve the mansion as a tourist attraction.
They cleaned up the area, landscaped the garden, installed lights and sound systems, and hired tour guides to tell the story of the mansion and its owners.
The tour guides are really friendly, and interactive, and speak in Hiligaynon, Filipino, and English. So, there’s nothing to worry about communicating or asking questions with them.
The Attractions of The Ruins
Today, The Ruins is one of the most visited places beyond Bacolod. It is a testament of love, history, and resilience.
It is a place where you can admire the architecture, learn about the culture, and enjoy the scenery. It is also a popular venue for weddings, parties, and events.
The Ruins is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm, and the entrance fee is 150 pesos for adults, 80 pesos for students, 100 pesos for senior citizens, and FREE for children below 8 years old.
You can also book a tour online or join a group tour to visit The Ruins and other attractions in Bacolod.
Wrapping-Up: The Ruins of Bacolod
If you are looking for a place that combines history, romance, and beauty, then The Ruins is the perfect destination for you.
Book your trip to Bacolod today and experience the charm and wonder of The Ruins.
Check Out These Recommended Articles:
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- 10 Must-Try Bacolod Delicacies That Will Leave You Craving for More!
About the Author
Hi! I’m Kristine (aka KR). I’m the main developer of Philippine Hidden Gems. My work includes going to places to cover events and places that I’m happy to share with the readers.
Even though I’m an introvert who loves to read and stay indoors all the time, I love to travel outside the country (at least once a year) and nearby regions within PH.
My recent hobbies include learning Japanese culture and exploring the world of K-Pop as a Carat.
