The Ruins Bacolod: Exploring The Taj Mahal Of The Philippines

What if falling in love is the worst decision you can make? What if love is the biggest scam of all? We’ve always been taught that love makes the world go round. They say it’s a powerful emotion that can move mountains and build timeless, iconic landmarks, such as The Ruins of Bacolod and The Taj Mahal. 

But I always believed love is overrated. 

I always thought love was too glorified, and pursuing it often brought more pain than joy.

Why do we always chase love like a drug, knowing it might destroy us?

What if we’re all just chasing a fantasy when it comes to love?

Then, something changed when I explored The Ruins Bacolod on a spontaneous weekend adventure in June. 

I saw a different kind of love.

It’s the kind of love that doesn’t exist in the 21st century. 

And it’s certainly not the type of love portrayed by Hollywood, K-Dramas, Netflix, and even Vivamax.

As I explored the hauntingly beautiful ruins of this mansion, I also realized why it’s called the Taj Mahal of the Philippines.

Exploring The Ruins Bacolod 

My tri-city day tour had, thus far, been a blast.

From the whimsical giants of Campuestohan Highland Resort to an eye-catching welcome sign, it was filled with gorgeous sights. 

After having lunch in a fast-food outlet, my tour guide and I headed to the main event of the day’s tour – The Ruins Bacolod.

As always, I was traveling solo for this trip to Bacolod.

Even with the persistent rain, I was buzzing with excitement to see the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Talisay, Negros Occidental.

Moments later, we arrived at the entrance of this iconic early 20th-century Italianate mansion in Talisay.

From the parking lot, we walked straight inside the mansion, where I was mesmerized by the chandeliers and old-world charm of The Ruins Bacolod.

Honestly, it was smaller than what I expected.

Still, it was a sight to behold and had a unique aura that transported me to a bygone era.

Watching the video 

Exploring the mansion, I admired its architecture and felt its historic charm.

The mansion was a little crowded and busy that day, and most of the photogenic spots inside had queues. 

Instead of waiting for everyone to finish their poses, I went to the seating area, where there was a video presentation highlighting the history of the Ruins Bacolod.

And guess what?

It was one of the highlights of my visit to these enchanting ruins in Talisay.

Some people skip this part of their tour of the Ruins Bacolod. 

But as far as I’m concerned, it’s something you definitely shouldn’t miss.

I get it.

These videos aren’t as catchy, flashy, and mind-blowing as Facebook reels, YouTube shorts, and TikTok. 

Nevertheless, it’s an insightful and educational experience that teaches you things you can’t learn in a four-corner classroom or from TikTok.

While watching the video, I learned how the people from Panay Island migrated to Bacolod.

Afterward, the video showed the love story of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and his future Portuguese wife, Maria Braga.

And it’s something that transcends the typical love story. 

A Different Kind of Love

Society has created an unachievable measure of love.

Our modern culture has made us think love is all about butterflies and sunshine.

Movies and pop culture made us believe romance should be intense and that finding “the one” would solve all life’s problems.

They made us believe life is boring and dull until the right one comes along.

Because of this, many of us are constantly searching for a relationship that will fill the holes and voids in our lives.

And if that person couldn’t fill those voids, you’d feel miserable AF.

No wonder dating apps are so popular these days.

Our unachievable measure of love includes a fairytale-like love story, zero problems, happily ever after, and perfect soulmates.

But we all know that’s not how reality works.

Ever wonder why fairy tales end at the wedding? Because that’s when the real drama begins.

The thing is, no relationship or marriage is perfect.

It’s messy, chaotic, and can be extremely frustrating.

It’s not a storybook with castles, singing animals, fairies, and enchanting forests.

And it’s not a romcom or a Wattpad movie adaptation.

Every relationship has challenges and rough patches that you need to face directly. 

And sometimes, it feels like a never-ending storm with dark gray skies and heavy downpours.

But those who survive these storms will feel true love. 

Not the romantic love you see in pop culture.

The thing is, real love naturally evolves.

It takes a whole lot of time and is consistently nurtured.

Based on what I’ve seen, the love between Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Maria Braga Lacson is undying and pure. 

Would Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson build a mansion in her name if he didn’t truly love his wife?

Would they have had 10 children if he wasn’t deeply in love?

With 10 kids, I’m sure this couple went through many battles and storms.

The stairs and photogenic spots inside the mansion

Although small, there are many photogenic spots inside the mansion. 

There’s the kalesa and a stairway. 

Furthermore, there are arches and windows that photographers can use for framing.

If I were a photographer, I’d have a blast and field day at The Ruins Bacolod.

With a little creativity, photographers will have a bunch of fantastic photos inside the mansion.

The landscaped garden of The Ruins Bacolod 

The rain showed no signs of slowing down.

And like real love, I didn’t let the rain spoil my passion for exploration and experiencing new things. 

I roamed around the landscaped garden of The Ruins Bacolod and was mesmerized by its beauty.

Sure, it was gloomy and not as grand and majestic as the Taj Mahal, but this mansion was still a thing of beauty. 

And there are plenty of spots and angles to capture the beauty of The Ruins Bacolod in the landscaped garden.

My favorite spot?

The fountain with the ruins of the mansion in the background.

There’s something enchanting and wonderful about this spot.

It has a romantic and old-world feel to it.

And it seemed like I was in the 1920s at this spot.

Some days, I dream of being transported into a different era in history.

Don’t get me wrong.

I love the comforts and conveniences that modern technology brings. 

But, let’s face it, sometimes it sucks to live in this century. 

The 21st century is an era where love is costly, and sex is free.

We live in a world where lies turn into realities, and love is more important than family and friends.

It’s a world where you’re only worthy of love when you’re successful and notable.

It’s a place where love is a drug that we often confuse with lust. 

And it’s an era where people go through divorce because they would rather change their partner than change themselves.

There’s no way to escape this reality, but at least travel and exploring new places allow me to get off this madness.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t spend the whole day admiring the old-world charm of The Ruins Bacolod.

So, I continued exploring the area, including the restaurant and a well.

After a few snaps, I left the mansion and headed straight to the car to continue my tri-city tour in Negros Occidental.

Afterward, I saw a bunch of people traveling from Bacolod City to The Ruins to witness its timeless beauty.

The best form of love

On our way to Silay City, I realized another form of pure and undying love.

Self-love.

And I think it’s the best and most important kind of love.

For the past 10 months, I had suffered from panic attacks and other emotional disorders.

After a few trips and contemplation, I realized what was causing me this emotional and mental anguish: I wasn’t kind and good to myself.

I was a “good person” who complied with the will of others.

I wasn’t self-assertive, and I neglected my own needs and desires to live in accordance with others.

And I suppressed the voice inside my head to go along with what others wanted me to do.

I couldn’t speak up honestly and express my feelings properly.

Then, things slowly changed when I began to spend more time with myself.

I traveled alone and joined other groups in conquering different mountains across the Philippines, like Mount Kitanglad and Lake Holon.

I treated myself to delicious meals, out-of-town trips, and books.

When you’re in love with someone, you want to spend time with only that person.

And that’s why I’m constantly going on these solo trips.

Most of us invest a lot of time in the person we love.

And that’s okay. Just don’t forget to invest in yourself too.

Some of the world’s greatest architectural wonders were built in the name of love.

The Taj Mahal, Temple of Leah, and The Ruins Bacolod are stunning, elaborate wonders made in memory of old, undying romances.

I won’t be building a mausoleum or mansion to express my love for myself. 

But I have my own Taj Mahal: a blog that reminds me to rest and be good to myself.

What is the story behind The Ruins Bacolod?

The Ruins is the remains of a mansion built in 1920 by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, a wealthy sugar baron in Negros Occidental. Don Mario created this ancestral home as a testament to his undying love for his wife, Cora Maria Osorio Rosa-Braga, after passing away in 1911.

Why is it called The Ruins?

The Ruins Bacolod is called The Ruins because it’s a remnant or ruin of a once grand mansion that was destroyed during the war. But it’s also a symbol of beauty, hope and rising from the ashes.

How much is the entrance in The Ruins of Bacolod City?

The entrance fee to the ruins is 100 PHP for adults, 50 PHP for students, and 60 PHP for senior citizens. 

Why is the ruins called the Taj Mahal of Negros?

The Ruins is called the Taj Mahal of Negros or the Philippines because of its romantic and tragic backstory that resembles the iconic mausoleum in India. While it’s not as massive and stunning as the Taj Mahal, it also has a majestic Italian Renaissance architectural style.

Why are The Ruins famous?

The Ruins of Bacolod is famous for its intriguing story of war and undying love. It’s also steeped in history, with origins dating back to the early 20th century. Most people are drawn to its historic charm since it lets them step back and imagine the grandeur of the mansion.

How to get to The Ruins Bacolod?

The easiest and most convenient way to visit The Ruins in Talisay is to take a guided tri-city tour. It’s affordable, convenient and includes stops at many attractions in Bacolod, Talisay, and Silay. It usually includes stops at Campuestohan Highland Resort, The Ruins and Welcome Bacolod Masskara Marker. If you’re looking for an operator, contact sir Alvin or Ryan.