The Ruins of Talisay City: For the love of Maria Braga



The Ruins

If there is one most photographed architectural gem in the Philippines, perhaps, it would be "The Ruins" in Talisay City in Negros Occidental.  Why not?  Despite the fact that it is just a remnant from the savagery and conflict of WWII, no one can deny that this piece of architecture, exudes beauty from the past that lingers up to the present.  It is also an exquisite rendition of a marriage of cultures, and a representation of a fine taste of architecture of European influence.  Touted as the Taj Mahal of the Philippines, this also becomes an icon of undying love and devotion.


So many stories have been told about this place--details of the architecture, its historic and glorious past--but there is one thing that is not missed--the enduring love affair between Mariano Lacson and Maria Braga.

From afar, The Ruins majestically stands in the middle of a sugar plantation.  Back in the day, one can only imagine how grandiose it was. Being in The Ruins allows one to travel back in time.  As one reads bits and pieces of historical facts posted on the walls, from how it was made, what it was made of, it becomes clear why it was built in the memory of Maria that becomes the symbol of Mariano and Maria's love for each other.

Photographing The Ruins is one great opportunity for a photography enthusiast like me.  Photographing it in two days, and at different times even makes it even more thrilling and fulfilling.

Here are some of the photos I took, with some factual information lifted from their brochure.

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The Ruins stands majestically in the middle of a 440-hectare sugar plantation.

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The house which has European influences is made up of high-grade concrete.


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The smokestack or simborio is the most intact relic of its kind in existence today.

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The Ruins has a dining area that operates from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm daily.

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The Ruins during twilight.

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The four-tiered original fountain adorns the garden dedicated to Maria.


For more photos, please CLICK THIS LINK.

For information on The Ruins, please check their website.



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Admin/Author

Aside from my day job, I love photography and storytelling. Going places--be it a cliche destination or the far side of the road--stoke and free my soul. I dig deeper into the people’s psyche, culture and ethnicity, and heritage. I love to observe how they thrive and build social institutions, preserve their culture and traditions.

13 comments :

Pinoy Adventurista said...

an icon of Negros Occidental... a showcase of love... great shots! :)

Admin/Author said...

Indeed! Thanks!

Pinay Travel Junkie said...

So lovely, especially at night! Too bad we were not able to see it When we were in Negros last year :(

SunnyToast said...

Wow...never heard this place...haist ang dami ko pa tlga di napupuntahan:( kainggit naman!

thanks for the info of this place and your photos are superb:)

Christian | Lakad Pilipinas said...

Your shot from the sugarfield is quite unique Ding ah. First time ko makakita ng ganung shot ng the Ruins.

Punta ka ba photowalk ng indios pala? Gusto ko sana pumunta pero kelangan ko pa ipaayos restday ko hehe

Admin/Author said...

@PTJ, there is always next time. Me too, I have not been to many places in Negros when you are limited by time.

@Sunny Toast, punta na!

@chirstian, I only noticed this while on our way the 2nd day when I was sitting infront of the van. I asked the driver to stop, and hurriedly captured it.

journeyingjames said...

ganda noh? iba talaga nagagawa ng pag-ibig!

Admin/Author said...

Indeed, James. Thanks for the visit!

Islandvacations said...

I have an invitation for a conference in Bacolod City this coming September. Candidly, I am still weighing options to whether attend or not. However, as I stumbled upon this blog post, I had already made up my mind to attend and have a visit to Talisay City to savor the Ruins. Thanks very much for sharing this.

Admin/Author said...

@islandvacations, it's just a few kilometers away from Bacolod City, so, go!

Astrid said...

Excited to go here this November!

Admin/Author said...

HI caz! Indeed! Something to look forward to. Thanks for dropping by.

juanderfulpinoy said...

wow ang romantic, parang hindi ata ito ideal sa solong lakwatsero.hahaha