Every year, as much as possible, if schedules meet and budget permits, my family and I pay a visit to my parents’ hometown in Cansilayan Murcia, Bacolod. We go there to mainly attend the town’s one-week fiesta that happens on the first week of May. We also visit some places near the area if we still have much time. On our last vacation, we went to The Ruins in Talisay, the city next to Bacolod.
The Ruins is tagged as the “Taj Mahal” of Negros. It is located in the middle of a sugarcane plantation and has its truly fascinating story.
Did you know that this mansion was built in the early 1900’s? It is approximately a 900 square meter structure. It is said to be having similarity with the outward appearance of Carnegie Hall in New York City.
The materials used to building it were imported from Spain, China and Europe. Construction workers from China were also brought to Talisay to help build the Mansion. It took 3 years for the mansion to be completely finished.
The building of the mansion was out of Don Mariano’s deep sorrow and unending love for his wife, Maria. His wife passed during pregnancy with their 11th child. It was built in memory of his wife. It is a remembrance of his admiration and never to be forgotten love for Maria.
During the World War II, The mansion was deliberately burnt down as USAFFE wouldn’t allow Japanese forces to invade and occupy it as their headquarters. The burning of the mansion lasted for 3 days and its remnants are what we call now, The Ruins.
On the other hand, If you look closely and pay attention to the details, you may see turned Es, a ladder made of cement as an escape route in case of fire (that was one of what I imagined haha) or just a mere design. Those are in fact, 2Ms facing each other. They stand for Mariano and Maria. Yes, their initials. You can see them molded on the corners of the house.
If you also get the chance to visit The Ruins, I encourage you to touch its walls and witness how smooth it is up to this day. It is because the cements were mixed with egg whites. Can you imagine the amount of egg whites used to achieve such quality? :)
Here’s my family so stunned while the tour guide tells the mansion’s moving story.
At that time, Angelina, one of the daughters, is said to be maintaining a beautiful lily garden with the help of a Japanese gardener.
Currently, the mansion and its garden are being maintained by 5 gardeners.
From the quality materials used, to bringing construction workers from China, to Mariano’s patience and perseverance to building and completely finishing it, without a doubt I was filled with astonishment.
Mariano’s passion to building the mansion as her tribute to Maria is truly amusing but I also felt that gnawing pain as it had to be burnt. It is indeed a moving story.
We may not have witnessed how the well-constructed mansion looked like before it was burnt but I am certain it is as beautiful and captivating as how its story moves and inspires many. For me, the most amazing part is the mansion’s framework that is still concrete up to this day. It has truly stood a test of time through natural calamities, invasions and wars.
I strongly believe that it refused to be completely destroyed and will continue to, just like their love that they will never allow to be broken. This is just one of the many stories we are yet to hear and witness proving that love really transcends in many ways.
Thank you for reading and swinging by!
No goodbyes! See you on my next post!
Truly,
Larni
This is truly a lovely story which really proves that love is everlasting. This, as I see it would play a similar background on how the Temple of Leah was built, with the relation to the kin of Ellen Adarna in Cebu. Call it the “Taj Mahal of Cebu.” Which was also done through pure passion and love for the wife of Teodorico Adarna, the father of actress/model Ellen Adarna. As I was saying, It is truly a display of sheer love that these structures are created and I adore the romanticism behind it. Great Post!
oh what love can make people do! :)
Your comment certainly speaks from your heart!
Thank you @valski! :)
Thank you for the post. The photos are lovely. My favorite is the shot of the building with vivid colors.
I think the vivid colors truly display how wondrous The Ruins' story is.
You are welcome @fooddadiph! thank you for swinging by!
You're so nice for commenting on this post. For that, I gave you a vote! I just ask for a Follow in return!
Amazing place:)
Steem ON!
apart from its enticing framework remaining strong up to this day, its story has made it even more amazing!
Thanks for dropping by @steemgigger! Yes! Steem on!
The structural design used in that infrastructure is splendid. It is like a mini-palace with the added grandeur. I could only imagine the time when it was finished and not yet ruined. The facade is also well-lanscaped. Over-all, it is beauty in history.
I couldn't agree with you more @luigienius!
BTW, I have tried searching for pictures that could show how it was before it was burnt but I failed. HAHA
But I am certain it was one of the awe-inspiring architectural wonders back then.
Thanks for swinging by! :)
This is magnificient @trulylarni! My heart is grieving...but reading the story and seeing the photos made me smile... thank you for sharing larni! Keep posting! Will add ruins in my bucketlist. Upvoted already.
Yes @itmechille! an awe-inspiring story worth sharing! :)
Thank you TL!
This place was so majestic. I've seen how the people of Bacolod City developed this wonderful place. Now it was one of the best places in the city to celebrate weddings, birthdays etc. Nice work!
As it truly serves as a perfect picture backdrops for indelible events!
Thank you @ooleyjulie!