The Ruins a.k.a. Lacson Mansion Ruins (Talisay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines)

The Ruins also known as the Lacson Mansion Ruins is hailed as the "Taj Mahal of Negros Occidental."

This mansion was built in 1920 by Don Mariano “Anoy” Ledesma Lacson’s who was the youngest of the 8 children of Lucio Lacson and Clara Ledesma from Molo, Iloilo.  It was build as a grand tribute to his Portuguese wife Cora Maria Osorio Rosa-Braga who passed away in 1911 while giving birth to their eleventh child.  Among their 10 children is the former governor of Negros Occidental, Rafael Lacson.

In 1942, it was intentionally burned down by the guerrillas, with the permission of the family, after they heard that the Japanese intended to use it as their headquarters.  It burned for 3 days resulting to the steel and concrete shell as can be seen today.

In 2008, after 67 years of being abandoned, it was developed into a tourist attraction and opened to the public by Mr. Raymond Javellana's family, current owners who are descendants of the original family).

Upon entry, guests will be taken on a 20-minute long tour led by the  Roger Lucero, a reknowned energetic and engaging tour guide.  After placing third in the 2015 season of Pinoy Big Brother: 737, Roger returned to Talisay to pursue his passion for promoting local tourism. Recently, he was awarded the title of Best Tour Guide by the Department of Tourism, Region VI (Western Visayas).

The two-story mansion was built in the middle of his 440-hectare sugarcane plantation.  Thus, the Simborio or local name for smokestack or chimney can be seen nearby.  The mansion had a floor area of 903 square meters with 10 bedrooms. 

At the back, you can find a 4-tiered fountain which used to be surrounded by a beautiful lily garden maintained by a Japanese gardener, who mysteriously disappeared during the outbreak of world war II.

Stories of love continuous as many couples book their weddings at The Ruins.  As the romantic ambiance can still be felt by is still felt by its visitors. True love endures.

Every detail of the mansion are remnants of true love.  These Machuca tiles were especially brought in from Spain.  These were the hardest, famous and most expensive tiles during that time.

Metal columns used in railways were used to reinforce the mansion’s pillars.  

In the Italianate architecture with neo-Romanesque columns, you can find the initials of Mariano and Maria - letter "M" facing each other.

The 2-inch thick wooden floors, doors and windows were made of hard wood like tindalo, narra, and kamagong.

The shell-inspired decor at the top edges of the mansion were a tribute to Maria Braga’s father who was a sailor.   

The marble-like finishing touches on the walls and posts were a mixture of pure concrete with egg whites.  

With the Ruins now available for booking, the flames of burning love lives on as more wedding stories are written within its historic walls.  

Tourists can also relive their experience by purchasing a memento at the Souveneir Shop.

The best time to visit is during dry season in the Philippines, which usually starts in November and ends around May.  An hour or so before sunset is one of the best times to visit the Ruins.  You can watch the magical transition from bright daylight to golden hues as the sun gently descends. 

The Ruins has been ranked as the 12th most fascinating ruins in the world.  In 2016, DOT also awarded the Ruins as the Best Destination (Heritage Sites Category). 

It was also awarded by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) as the best landmark in the Philippines.   

The house was also an awardee of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineering (PICE) Landmark Award with a 3-meter high obelisk.

While waiting for the sunset, you can dine at The Ruins Gazebo Restaurant which offers an all-day breakfast, pasta, pizza, steak and more.

There are also soft-serve ice cream and 

sugar cane juice stalls for refreshments.

To reach The Ruins, you can take a jeep going to Bata and tell the driver to drop you off at the road going to The Ruins.  You can also book a Grab ride.

The Ruins a.k.a. Lacson Mansion Ruins
Address	Talisay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines
Budget Per Person	Adults: 150 php Senior/PWD: 100 php Students: 80 php Children below 8 yrs. old (accompanied by an Adult): FREE Photoshoot: 1,000 php/1st 5 persons; excess just entrance fee	The Ruins a.k.a. Lacson Mansion Ruins Map
Payment Options	Cash
Operating Hours	Monday to Sunday: (check FB page for notice on closure due to exclusive events) 11:00 am-8:00 pm
Reservation Required	No
Contact	+63  (34) 213-1145 +63 (905) 513-3347

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Aqua Felmida Resort: The White House Zambales Cottage Village Annex ( Cabangan, Zambales)

One of the advantages of the Philippines being an archipelago is that people from Metro Manila can enjoy the long stretch of beaches along the West Philippine Sea within just a few hours drive.  With the vast beach area comes numerous resort options.  Aqua Fel Mida in Cabangan Zambales is one of the latest resorts to be developed.  It is owned and managed by the same people behind the popular The White House Zambales which was developed a bit earlier - August 2018 located just beside it.  Hence, we consider it as one of the several annexes of The White House Zambales.

Aqual Fel Mida

Earlier this year, one of our office mates was retiring so we wanted to have an office outing before his retirement date which was his birthday.  Now, we feel fortunate to have had such a decision since the COVID pandemic soon hit the Philippines.  Although this resort is open and offering discounted rates, we still feel that traveling before was more convenient as there are no check points and requirements.

AQUA

The other The White House Zambales annexes are AQUA and...

RGV

RGV.  During our summer weekend visit, all annexes were occupied.  All of them are maintained by the same set of staffs who we believe are just nearby locals.


But, each resort annex offers its own unique ambiance. 

Aqua Felmida Resort looks like a mini native hut village.  

Day Tour Beachfront Cottages (DOLPHIN)

DOLPHIN

There are different types of cottage huts.  Some comes with a mini pool which didn't look appealing so we did not avail.

Modern Cottage B (MILK FISH)

MILKFISH Dining Area

All huts have a dining area, a rest room and

MILKFISH Twin Bed Room

 

and an air-conditioned bed room.  There are electrical sockets for charging in all areas.

Aqua Felmida Resort Beach Front

As with other beaches within the Zambales shoreline, the sand is a bit grayish.  The water is not clear blue but it is clean enough for swimming.

 

As a bonding activity, we avail of the videoke (1,000 php) and bonfire (500 php).   We enjoyed cooking our smores by the bonfire.  It was a first time for us so it was an awesome experience.

Overall, the service was good.  We also availed of its cooking serving.  The staffs prepared a boodle feast for us for lunch and then grilled variety for dinner. 

 

Aqua Felmida Resort
Hotel Address	Brgy. Felmida-Diaz, Cabangan, Zambales
Contact	(63923) 0819898 | (63906) 0917387 | (63923) 0862898	Reservation Required	Yes
Payment Options	Cash	Public Transport	Bus, Tricycle
Room Types	Room Amenities		Price
Modern Cottage A - (YELLOW FIN)	•1 Queen-size bed •Fully air-conditioned room •Comfort Room and Kitchen  •Free water, use of rice cooker and kettle		2,500 php (2 Pax) 2,900 php (3 pax)
Modern Cottage B -(MILK FISH)	•2 Twin size bed •Fully air-conditioned room •Comfort Room and Kitchen  •Free water, use of rice cooker and kettle (Additional Charge for the use of Gas Stove 150 - Grillings 100 charcoal not included,)		2,500 php (2 Pax) 2,900 php (3 pax)
Modern Cottage C -  (STARFISH & JELLY FISH)	•2 Queen-size beds •Fully air-conditioned room •Comfort Room and Kitchen  •Free water, use of rice cooker and kettle (Additional Charge for the use of Gas Stove 150 - Grillings 100 charcoal not included,)		2,500 php (2 Pax) 2,900 php (3 pax)
Non Aircon Cottages	•Use of Electric Fan •Comfort Room and Kitchen		6,000 php (2 Pax) 2,900 php (3 pax)
Day Tour (6AM-6PM) Beachfront Cottages (BLUE MARLIN & DOLPHIN)	•Comfort Room and Kitchen		2,500 php (10 Pax) 250 php (per pax excess up to 15 persons)
General Amenities	•Gas Stove (150/350 php) •Grilling Charcoal (100 php) •Kayak (200 php/hour) •Bonfire (500 php) •Boat ride (750 php/hour) •Karaoke up to 10pm only (1,000 for whole stay) •Cooking service 450 php (3 meals good for 3-4 pax) and 100 php (per additional dish)	Parking	Yes
Travel Tripsters Hotel Review Rating		Aqua Felmida Resort Map
Location	★★★★
Room Comfort	★★★
Cleanliness	★★★★
Service	★★★★
Price	★★★

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Campuestohan Highland Resort: 10 Features of Bacolod's Pride Amusement Park (Talisay Negros Occidental)

In between Bacolod City and Talisay City is Campuestohan Highland Resort, Bacolod's pride amusement park.  Ask any local from the area and they will mention Campuestohan Highland Resort as the first place to visit.  

The entrance fee in Campuestohan Highland Resort is amazingly cheap.  It only costs 200 php.  The real challenge on your visit is how to make the most our of your time while in the gigantic and 5-hectare wide amusement park.  So allow us Travel Tripsters to familiarize you with at least 10 features of Campuestohan Highland Resort that you should avail of. 

1. Campuestuhan Shuttle Service

Since the location of Campuestuhan is not really within Bacolod City and is actually in Talisay City, it is not easily accessible through public transport.  While we rented a private car and drove ourselves to the park, we noticed that a lot of locals availed of the affordable Campuestuhan Shuttle Service.  Best to be mindful of the schedule since it observes a first-come-first-serve policy. 

The details are as follows: 

Shuttle Rate	60 php
Shuttle Schedule	Everyday (Monday to Sunday)
Pick Up Point	Across lopues east imart-caltex gasoline station circumferential road in front of McDonald
Schedules
Bacolod(IMART) to Resort	Resort to Bacolod(IMART)
7:00 a.m.  8:00 a.m.  9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 1:00 a.m.  1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.	7:00 a.m.  8:00 a.m.  9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 1:00 a.m.  1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.

2. Themed Accommodations

The easiest way to make the most out of your Campuestohan visit is to stay there overnight.  The price for lodging is a expensive but its a unique experience as the lodgings are actually incorporated within the amusement park.  You could even mistake the themed accommodations as part of the amusement attractions. 

The room rates which is inclusive of breakfast vary depending on the room.  The most luxurious room is Presidential Suite in the Raphaella Mill priced at 15,000 per night.  

But there are more affordable lodging options like the Bonita Huts.

For only 3,500 php, a group of four (4) can stay in this air-conditioned hut which comes with its own bath room. 

But of course, price isn't the only consideration, like who wouldn't want to live in such a colorful atmosphere right?

3. Multiple Swimming Pools

One of the most highlighted activities in Campuestohan is swimming.  Perhaps, its because the Philippines is a tropical country that we Filipinos really love to swim.

Because Campuestohan is located in the highlands of Mt. Makawili, at around 800 meters above the ground, it is actually quite cool and misty at any time of the day.  You don't need to worry about getting burnt while swimming. 

There are many kinds of adult and kiddie swimming pools to choose from. 

Some are fancy with slices and waves.

The capacity of the pools can cater hundreds of people so you need not worry about it being crowded. 

4. Foamy Fun

We were walking around the park just to choose a swimming pool when we heard horns blaring followed by giggles and laughter. 

Around the foamy fun, the air isn't just filled with puffy foam, it was filled with the air of happiness.  

5. Asia's Tallest Dinosaur

It was really surprising for us to find Asia's tallest dinosaur attraction in Campuestohan. 

We truly admire the owners for being so ambitious.  The locals and foreign visitors are so lucky to admire and have photographs around these gigantic dinosaurs.

 By the way, did you know there's actually a lodge inside this huge mammoth?

Aside from the Dinosaur's around the park, most of them although not as huge are displayed in Ram's Dino Park.  Some of the dinosaurs here can walk and roar though.  You can also ride the Walking Dinosaur for only 30 php.

6. Fun Rides

Perhaps the noticeably least appreciated feature of the park is the fun rides.  The pricing is really affordable but some would rather first the park fee inclusion than the add-ons.  Also, while passing by the Viking Ride (30 php/person), we can't help but be ward away by the smell of oil.  Other rides seemed fun and interesting enough for toddlers.

The Grand Carousel is only 30 php/person.

7. Outdoor Activities

The grassy terrain seems fun for a horseback ride but there are hardly any interest for it. 

Activities that involves heights were pricier but they had long lines. You can choose between Sky Bicycle (100 php/person for one-way), Cable Paraglide (250 php/person for two-way) and Hamster Wheel (100 php/person for one-way). 

The more strenuous and longer physical challenge is the Rope Course (200 php/person).

The place is really well-rounded, there's even a Basketball Shootout (35 php/min).

As if the playground within the pool area is not enough, there's another full-featured playground that kids will surely enjoy.  

8. Relaxing Dining

The most convenient way to enjoy a meal is to dine in the Restaurant Pavillion or Coffee Shop.  Just make sure that all your companions will order with you as there is a corkage fee only applies if you bring food or drinks in.

On the other hand, you can also enjoy a fun and more affordable meal if you opt to go for a picnic or grill and barbecue your own food.  You can make use of its facilities for this for free. Just remember to clean you own mess too as there are many others who avail of them too.

For dessert, you can hang out at the Ice Cream Parlor which offers a colorful and fun atmosphere.

9. Superb Photo Attractions

Surely you also cannot resist taking some photographs with their creative photo attractions.  The gigantic King Kong blends well with the foggy air.

The designers were very meticulous in every detail.

As you can see, the themes vary as this one is from a Disney movie...

there are others from movies and this water wheel one makes me feel like its from a fairy tale book. 

10. Chair Massage Spa

After or in between spending time and energy on so much of the Campuestohan's activities, you can avail of its Chair Massage Service. 

Overall, we Travel Tripsters hope we were able to give you at least ten (10) features which you can avail of during your visit to Campuerstohan Highland Resort.  If we missed any detail, please do let us know!

Campuestohan Highland Resort
Address	Sitio Campuestohan, Barangay, Talisay City,  Negros Occidental., Philippines (6115)
Budget Per Person	200 -1,000	Campuestohan Highland Resort Map
Payment Options	Cash
Operating Hours	Monday to Sunday: (even holidays) 7 am - 6 pm
Reservation Required	Encouraged especially for weekend visits
Contact	(034) 702-0964 | (034) 433-3335 | (0915) 211-1406 | (0917) 300-5007 | (0925) 600-8088

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