October 2023

Nestled in the heart of the Philippines, amid the lush landscapes of Negros Occidental, lies a place where history and beauty converge in a symphony of grandeur. Known as The Ruins, this iconic structure stands as a testament to love, legacy and the enduring power of architecture to capture the echoes of time. At first glance, The Ruins appears to be a magnificent, albeit enigmatic, ruin. This sprawling mansion was built by the affluent sugar baron, Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, in the early 1900s. While the grandeur of the mansion’s Italianate architecture can still be appreciated, it is the tragic love story behind its creation that lends it an aura of mystery and romanticism. The mansion was constructed as a symbol of Don Mariano’s unwavering love for his Portuguese wife, Maria Braga. Yet, their love story was short-lived, marked by a tragic turn of fate. In 1942, during World War II, the mansion was set ablaze by retreating Japanese forces to prevent its use by the advancing American troops. The fire transformed the mansion into the magnificent ruin we see today, with its towering walls, Corinthian columns and intricate designs basking in the golden glow of the sun’s rays.

Despite its tumultuous history, The Ruins has not withered away into obscurity. Instead, it has emerged as a poignant symbol of love’s resilience and the indomitable spirit of the Filipino people. The sunsets at The Ruins are nothing short of spectacular, as the skies over Bacolod transform into a canvas of vibrant reds and oranges, casting a warm and ethereal glow upon the ruins. Visitors gather along the lush gardens to witness this breathtaking phenomenon, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. The Ruins also acts as a stage for cultural events and gatherings, offering a platform for the arts to flourish. Dance performances, concerts and art exhibitions frequently take place here, infusing the historic site with contemporary vitality. The juxtaposition of the old and the new, the ancient and the modern, adds a unique charm to this place, a bridge between eras

Walking through the corridors of the ruins, one cannot help but feel transported back in time. The echoes of bygone conversations, the laughter of generations and the whispers of a love story still seem to resonate through the shattered walls. It is a place where history has been woven into the very bricks and mortar, where time has been captured in the intricate details of every pillar and archway. The Ruins is not just a remnant of the past; it is a living testament to the enduring power of love, legacy and the human spirit. It stands as a beacon of history and a canvas for the arts, inviting all who visit to pause, reflect and appreciate the timeless beauty of Bacolod’s echoes of time captured in stone and memory.