The Ruins

It took me almost one year to finally post my finale for that quick Bacolod trip. I felt that I could not give enough justice to this amazing piece of engineering. Each time I wish to write about the place it not only ends up being saved as draft and for a very long time. However, for some odd reason my blogging mojo is back and here is the much awaited post.
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What I love about Bacolod is that you can just go about anywhere just by a quick jeep ride. Other than that, I noticed that they have a straight forward routes. It also pays to research ahead or ask the locals on how to get to places. When in doubt, do not be afraid to ask the locals. If you have trust issues, ask a guard instead.

How to get to The Ruins:
Take a jeepney heading to Bata and tell the driver to drop you off at Pepsi bottling plant. Then you will see motorcycles lined up to head you east to the mansion. The ride was roughly about 15-20 minutes long and I would like to note that the road heading there is well cemented.
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Entrance fees as of May 2014, they open at 8AM and I believe closes at 8PM as well. They also recommended to visit the place before sunset to see the whole structure sparkle. Since, I did not have time and certainly transportation may be an issue I opted to head out there early in the morning. Flocks of people started to come in at around 10AM and was told that most tourists head out there late afternoon just before sunset. 
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Entrance includes an interactive tour with their designated guides. Today, we were given a funny narrative by Kuya Mars. He spoke about the structure of the mansion and how it came to be what it is right now.

The structure of the mansion of the sugar baron Don Mariana Ledesma Lacson is of Italianate architecture with neo-Romanesque columns. In New England, they often were homes to ship's captains with shell-like crowns around the top of the mansion. IT is believed that the father of Maria Braga, who was a caption of his own ship, had much influence in the design and architecture of the mansion. 
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It was built after the death of Maria Braga around 1911 and became the residence of their unmarried children. It was the largest residential structure ever built at that time. The structure met its sad fate in the early part of World War II when the United States Armed Forces in the East, then guerrilla fighters, burned the mansion to prevent the Japanese forces from utilizing it as their headquarters or garrison. 
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The tiles in the mansion are all original. Arrays of varied designs of the tiles used throughout the mansion have been grouped together at the foyer of the back entrance near the kitchen. It is believed that the excess tiles were used in this area which was masterfully and creatively laid out.
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Despite the inferno that it underwent, bringing down the roof and the solid wooden floors, the structure has withstood the ravages of time mainly due to the oversize steel bars and the A-grade mixture of concrete used in its construction. 
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Bring some souvenirs with you or just take a photo like what I did. Lol! They also have a cafe which is open for al fresco dining. Did not dare to check the menu for fear that I might end up staying in and burn more money than usual.

If you happen to be in Bacolod, try and find time to visit The Ruins. I definitely will be back and dine outside eating some freshly made pizza and look how the mansion shine.
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Braving Bacolod Series
Braving Bacolod - Getting There
Braving Bacolod: En Route
Silay City
El Ideal
Balay Negrense
Hofileña Museum
The Ruins
Calea Pastries & Coffee

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