THE RUINS: A Romantic Landmark of Negros Occidental

The Ruins in Hacienda Sta. Maria, Talisay, Negros Occidental is one of the major stops among tourists visiting the province. The structure is, literally, ruins of the mansion owned by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built before the World War II. The mansion is said to be built in remembrance of his wife who died during pregnancy of their 11th child.

MY MOST ECSTATIC ENCOUNTERS IN 2012

2012 is my most trekked year so far. The past year has been filled with new explorations, new discoveries, new acquaintances and new fulfillments. As I reminisce my numerous treks and trips, all of them are truly worth sharing. I can't just simply identify which among them is/are the best, so I'm giving you my 20 most ecstatic encounters (in chronological order).

1. MT. KITANGLAD CLIMB. A solo climb was really a great year-starter. My 7th climb to the country's top 4 highest peak was like a first time. Though I was treading through the same trail, the experience was totally different from my other climbs. This is my only unguided 2-day climb. I got to meet other hikers, though. This 2-day strenuous climb tested my stomach without rice intake. I only thrived for burger buns, eggs, canned goods and a lettuce clove.  

MY TOP FIVE MOST-ADMIRED ARCHITECTURES

Aside from mountains, falls, lakes, caves and seascapes, I am also appreciative of architectures in the country. My years of traveling finally let me decide to rate the architectures I’ve visited to. I just don’t see their beauty but also their uniqueness, historical value and cultural relevance. Here’s the list of the TOP 5 structures that stunned me.

But, hey, before moving on to my 5 top favorite structures, here’s a bonus:

Bonus: THE RUINS, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

The Ruins in Talisay City is the remains of the mansion built by Don Mariano Lacson for his first wife, Maria Braga.

Tagged as the Taj Mahal of the Philippines, the Ruins is now a tourist destination. Others question of the possibility of reviving the structure but I see it better this way. People are more interested of visiting the ruins rather than the complete one.  The entrance fee to The Ruins, however, is overpriced.

Talisay City can be reached by jeepney from Bacolod. Tricycle and trisikad can bring you to The Ruins