Travel CHALLENGE Day 2 Part 4: The Ruins

After a great meal with a chicken inasal in Silay City, I then took a ride going to Talisay City, where the Nuts Berry Garden or the Ruins was situated. From Silay City to Talisay City, it costed 13 pesos jeepney ride.

I stopped to this point below. You would see a signage that the Ruins was 2.4 kilometers stretch from the highway. I had researched about the place and said that the means of transportation going to the Ruins were hired jeepneys or motorcycles. However, looking around, I saw not even a motorcycle but jeepneys passing the highway. I told myself that it would be costly to hire a jeepney with only me alone. So, I took the first step to walk towards the Ruins. :)

Signage to the Ruins

Passing Along Sugarcane Field

2.4 kilometers was not a joke, but I was used to walk so it was not a problem. :) I passed along sugarcane fields. Then, when I came along some locals, I asked for directions. Good thing that it was not a hot afternoon because it was around 1 o'clock. :)

It took me 20 minutes to walk the 2.4 kilometers stretch. EUREKA! I found the gold at the end of the rainbow, the Ruins was then in front of me. It was so magnificent. It was well-preserved. It stood with so much story to tell.

The Ruins

The Ruins was said to be among the 12 most fascinating ruins in the world. Indeed, I searched it on the net, this structure was one with the ruins of Machu Picchu (Peru), Babylon (Iraq), Palenke (Mexico), Ayutthaya (Thailand), Colosseum (Italy), Ruins of Tikal (Guatemala), Chichen Itza (Mexico), Parthenon (Greece), Jesuit Ruin at Trinidad (Paraguay), Ruins of the Copa, and Ruins of Palmyra (Syria). It was truly a world class architecture and only could be seen at Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

The Ruins was one of the best landmarks in the Philippines where you would see a marker from the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) that confirmed its fascinating architectural structure. :)

Aside from being among the best structure in world, this was also considered the Taj Mahal of Negros. This was because Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built this mansion in loving memory of his wife, Maria Braga.

Entering the Ruins, there was an entrance fee. It was 60 pesos regular, and 40 pesos for students. Upon entering, you would see the beautiful garden with its original fountain since its golden days.

The Garden of the Ruins

There were tourist guides who could accompany you during your visit at the Ruins. :) I went there alone so I waited for a group to arrive. At least, I could join them during the tour. :)

Second Floor of the Ruins

While waiting for some guests to arrive, I took my own tour around the mansion. I went to the second floor of the mansion and was so fascinated with the view. I was even surprised that there were plants on the second floor.

View from the Second Floor

The Ruins' Foundation Designs

It was visible in every posts of the mansion. You might think that these were just letters. However, these symbolized the great love of Don Mariano to Maria. These were letters M facing to each other: these letters meant for Mariano and Maria. :)

It arrived at the Ruins as early as 1:20 PM. Then, I had read that the most beautiful sight of the mansion was during the sunset. You would see the mansion lit with the sunset rays. So, I waited until 5 in the afternoon. I was a bit hopeless because the sky was gloomy and thought that the sun set rays might not be visible. However, to my surprise, here was the mansion with the sunset rays. :) See below...

5:00 PM View of the Ruins

It could be a good place where you could spend some time with friends, family or even with special someone. :)

So, the darkness was now covering the whole area. I was still planning to walk for another 2.4 kilometers, but I was a bit tired. So, I commissioned a tricycle going to the highway. :) It would cost you 20-25 pesos for the motorcycle. :)

Dusk View of the Ruins - Lovely

From the Ruins, I went back to Bacolod City to eat dinner, rest a bit and view their newly opened Bacolod Baywalk. :)

Expense Report:
Fare - P13 (from Silay City to Talisay City)
Entrance fee - P40
Fare - P25 (from the Ruins to the highway Coca-Cola)
TOTAL - P78