Seafood Restos at Brgy. Balaring, Silay City
March 31, 2009
(Guest post by The Absentee Negrense)
Balaring, a small barangay in Silay City, is one of our family’s frequent lunchtime destination. We usually go here after the Sunday morning mass especially when the weather is breezy and the skies are clear.
Hectares of sugarcane plantations hide rows of seaside restaurants such as this. (Tama Plaza, the largest among them)
They offer mostly seafood dishes in their menu, with an exception for ’staples’ like porkchop. (Which I usually order, to counterbalance the mostly seafood meal.)
For starters, we almost always get a mini-basin of “talaba” (local oysters) which my father likes.
My sister’s fave is the buttered squid.
Since my mother likes to have her shrimps, veggies, and “sabaw” (soup), what can be more perfect than the “sinigang nga hipon” (shrimp in sour-based soup).
My brother likes the boneless bangus.
Here’s the porkchop, I mentioned earlier.
Sili and calamansi with sinamak and toyo is the perfect all-around sawsawan.
Here’s how to get to there:
(Brgy. Balaring, Silay City, Negros Occidental)
From Bacolod, take the National Highway going north. Right after the Silay City proper, turn left at the Dona Teresita Jalandoni Provincial hospital. You will see a number of “Brgy. Balaring” signs, just follow them until you see rows of bamboo restaurants by the sea.
Enjoy Negros!
Tama Plaza Contact Numbers:
Tel. No. (034) 495-1669
Cell. No.: (0921)3977314
Thank Heavens for Angel Wings/Diwal
March 28, 2009
The diwal or angel wings clam (Pholas orientalis) is a highly seasonal shellfish and prized for its delectable and succulent taste. Diwal thrives in the sandy-muddy bottoms of inter tidal areas in coastal waters of Capiz and Negros Occidental.
I remember eating them while growing up in Iloilo but I haven’t had the fortune to encounter them again. That was so long ago that I can no longer remember how it tastes.
Cleaned uncooked diwal
Diwal in Hiligaynon means “sticking out tongue” and the shellfish probably got it’s Ilonggo name because it’s “feet” sticks out of it’s shell like a tongue when alive. It’s English name was due to the fact that it’s shells are like angel wings when fully opened.
These clams were on the brink of extinction a few years ago because of over harvesting. A total ban in the harvesting of diwal was enforced in Capiz in the late 1990’s in order to protect and rehabilitate the remaining traditional diwal grounds.
Fisherfolks of Valladolid, Negros Occidental happily observed that there is a resurgence in the volume of diwal this year. Only residents of Valladolid are allowed to harvest diwal in their shores and should first secure a mayor’s permit. Harvesting time is only from 6am to 10am.
Diwal clams are harvested by divers up to 8 meters deep. When you happen to pass by Valladolid, you’ll notice bamboo poles sticking out of the water. These poles are used by the divers to hold on to when diving for Diwal.
It’s fortunate that I happen to pass by Valladolid last week so I bought a kilo of diwal from the vendors along the sidewalk. The man offered it to me for P250 which is quite expensive since it’s the price of diwal in Bacolod. I haggled for P200 but I ended up buying it at P220. Yes, I suck at haggling. I thought, I don’t haggle at the supermarkets so might as well give him the extra P20. Diwal can be had for P250-400 in Bacolod markets so I still got a good bargain.
I haven’t tried cooking diwal so I asked the vendor how to clean it. He demonstrated to me how to pry open the shell with a knife and then slice the meat inside and then wash it with water to remove the sand. His other special instructions were not add salt and never overcook.
At home, I did exactly as told and brushed the shells to remove the dirt and then place the diwal over charcoal. As soon as the meat turns a little brownish and the juice comes out of the meat then they’re ready to eat. I easily understood the man’s warning not to overcook since they would lose much of their juice.
And the verdict? Really, I’ve never tasted a shellfish as soft, succulent and sweet as diwal. Diwal tastes heavenly! No wonder they’re sought after for they taste like no other shellfish. Thank heavens they’re still around today so that we can still have a taste of diwal. Hopefully, diwal will be around forever.
Grilled Diwal/Angel Wings Clam
Panaad Sa Negros 2009
March 28, 2009
The Panaad Festival 2009 will once again bring together the 13 cities and 19 municipalities of the Province of Negros Occidental in one big event on April 18-25, 2009 at the Panaad park and Stadium, Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City.
Panaad sa Negros was judged Best Tourism Event of 2008 in the Provincial Category by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP). The Panaad Festival features theme pavilions showcasing the history, culture and arts, products, and tourism of the different cities and municipalities of the province.
Dubbed as the “Festival of All Festivals”, the festivals of the participating cities and municipalities will be showcased during a cultural show. Highlighting the event is the Search for Lin-ay Sg Negros Pageant competition where beautiful Negrense women will vie for the prestigious title.
The Panaad is the Hiligaynon for a vow and its fulfillment. Every year, the Panaad Festival attracts thousands of visitors who want to get a glimpse of the best offerings of Negros Occidental. Be there and experience a colorful and jubilant celebration.
The Panaad sa Negros 2009 Schedule of Activities
April 15 Wednesday Prelude
*Lin-ay sang Negros 2009 Press Presentation
(4 p.m., Event Centre, North Wing, SM City)
April 17 Friday Prelude
*Food Fair, DJ Musical Show Off, Auto Audio Sound Off,
Drum Beating Contest (Capitol Building Driveway, until Saturday, April 18)
*Palumba Session 2 (PAL Bacolod Airport, until Sunday, April 19)
*Panaad Festival Costumes Exhibit at SM City
(Opening: 4 p.m. April 17, runs until April 26, mall hours at North Wing Lobby)
April 18 Saturday Day 1
6:00 a.m. Hataw sa Panaad w/ Ching’s Group (Football Field)
6:30 a.m. 5th Panaad sa Negros National Mountain Bike Race (Alangilan – Granada area)
8:00 a.m. Panaad Thanksgiving Mass (2F Stadium)
National Golf Tournament – Vice Mayor’s League of the Phils. (NOGCC Marapara, until April 19)
9:00 a.m. Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies for:
Panaad Tourism & Trade Fair @ LGU Pavilions (daily)
Negros Products Display, Market Matching (2F Stadium, North Wing, daily)
Organic na Negros Agri-Fest (GF Stadium, North Wing, daily)
Livestock & Dairy Products Fair (GF Stadium North Wing Grounds, daily)
Festival Costumes Exhibit (GF Stadium, South Wing, daily)
Eco-Garden & Wellness Show (South area across Candoni Booth, daily)
3:00 p.m. Motorcade & LGU Floats Competition (Provincial Capitol to Panaad Park)
4:00 p.m. Opening Ceremony & Festival Dance Competition (Stadium)
Fireworks Display
8:00 p.m. GMA Kapuso Show (Stadium)
April 19 Sunday Day 2
6:00 a.m. Hataw sa Panaad w/ Panaad Hot Bodies (Football Field)
6:30 a.m. 5th Panaad sa Negros National Mountain Bike Race – NOCFED (Criterium ? Panaad Park)
8:00 a.m. ABS-CBN RNG Kalusugan Patrol (2nd Level Stadium, Center)
2:00 p.m. Opening of Panaad Derby (Covered Court)
4:00 p.m. Little Lin-ay sang Negros – ABS-CBN (Stadium)
6:00 p.m. Kapamilya Fiesta Caravan – ABS-CBN (Stadium)
Lin-ay sang Negros Festival Costume Parade & Talent Night (Robinson’s Bacolod)
8:00 p.m. Negros Pop Idol (Stadium)
April 20 Monday Day 3
6:00 a.m. Hataw sa Panaad w/ Panaad Hot Bodies (Football Field)
8:00 a.m. Panaad Sports Competitions
1:00 p.m. Drum & Bugle Competition, Secondary Level (Football Field)
2:00 p.m. Panaad Derby (Covered Court)
7:00 p.m. Search for the Singing Peacemaker – Negros Defense Press Corps (Park Stage)
8:00 p.m. Pop Dance Showdown (Stadium)
April 21 Tuesday Day 4
6:00 a.m. Hataw sa Panaad w/ Panaad Hot Bodies (Football Field)
8:00 a.m. Panaad Sports Competitions
1:00 p.m. Drum & Bugle Competition, Elementary Level (Football Field)
2:00 p.m. Panaad Derby Championship (Covered Court)
5:00 p.m. Panaad Breakdance – BBoy Fest III (Park Stage)
6:00 p.m. Composo/Pop Song Writing Competition (Stadium)
April 22 Wednesday Day 5
6:00 a.m. Hataw sa Panaad w/ Panaad Hot Bodies (Football Field)
8:00 a.m. Panaad Sports Competitions
Earth Day sa Panaad (PEMO Provincial Nursery)
UPLBAA Annual Panaad Seminar (2nd Level Stadium, Center)
1:00 p.m. Organic na Negros Agri-Fest Activity (Media Center)
4:00 p.m. Panaad National Dog Agility Competition (Stadium Grounds)
5:00 p.m. Latin DanceSport – Adult & Juvenile Categories (NOMPAC Gym)
6:00 p.m. Dance Revolution – RMN (Park Stage)
8:00 p.m. UNILEVER POP FIESTA (Stadium)
April 23 Thursday Day 6
6:00 a.m. Hataw sa Panaad w/ Panaad Hot Bodies (Football Field)
8:00 a.m. Panaad Sports Competitions
8:00 a.m. Panaad Livelihood Skills Olympics ? TESDA (Covered Court)
5:00 p.m. Negrense/Ilonggo Folk Dance Competition (Stadium)
8:00 p.m. Battle of the Bands – ABS-CBN-MOR (Park Stage)
9:00 p.m. Technical Rehearsal, Lin-ay sang Negros (Stadium)
April 24 Friday Day 7
6:00 a.m. Hataw sa Panaad w/ Panaad Hot Bodies (Football Field)
8:00 a.m. Panaad Sports Competitions
1:00 p.m. Provincial Capitol Employees’ Day (Covered Court)
8:00 p.m. Lin-ay sang Negros 2009 Pageant (Stadium)
9:00 p.m. WILD FM Non-Stop Disco @ Panaad (Park Stage)
April 25 Saturday Day 8
6:00 a.m. Hataw sa Panaad w/ Ching’s Group (Football Field)
3:00 p.m. Closing Ceremony w/ Awarding & Presentation of Winners (Stadium)
7:00 p.m. PAGCOR WANDERS Musical Show (Stadium)
Fireworks Display
9:00 p.m. Aldritz Sinadya sa Panaad 2009 Concert (Stadium)
(Sugarfree Band, Gerald Anderson, Kim Chiu, Valerie
Concepcion, Philip Younghusband & Mark San Diego)
PALumba 2009: 2nd National Drag Race
March 26, 2009
After the success of PALumba sa MassKara 2008, the organizers are once again bringing the sports event in Bacolod City with the PALumba 2009. The 2nd National Drag Race is scheduled on 17-19 April 2009 at the old Bacolod PAL Airport.
Racers from around the country are once again expected to join the event. Several Bacoleños commented on my PALumba 2008 post that they are willing to pay to watch the event. The drag race event makes a good tourist attraction and events such as this will hopefully keep drag races off the street and into legitimate racing venues.
However, the safety of the spectators should be given more consideration. Although there was no untoward incident in last year’s event, the set-up still needs improvement. Hopefully, the PALumba 2009 will surpass the success of PALumba 2008.
Update:
For those who would like to register, contact (034) 476-2266 or email atb_mailbox@yahoo.com. (Info from event poster)
Here are some pictures from the PALumba 2008:
Photos by Annie May Valdez
Bacolod Launching of Ipanema Gisele Bundchen Seeds Collection
March 22, 2009
Tsinelas, slippers, flip flops … no matter what you call them, I’m sure you own at least a pair. These flip flops are very essential to living in a tropical country such as the Philippines. Especially now that the summer is just around the corner, the beach beckons your flip flop clad feet. What better way to prepare for the summer than with your pair of Ipanema?
Last night’s launching of the Ipanema Gisele Bundchen Seeds Collection at Robinson’s Place Bacolod was full of fun. There were games for the audience and cocktails afterward . The flip flop designs are so trendy and owning a pair is a must. Ipanema’s designs are so funky and versatile that you can wear them to the beach, to a walk in the park, or to a casual night out. What makes Ipanema special is not just the trendy designs but the fact that its unique buttersoft PVC is manufactured in such a way that 99% of the residues and surplus materials are recycled.
Every year, supermodel icon Gisele Bundchen comes up with a new collection. Each pair of Ipanema is produced in an environmentally sound manner. Consistent with the company’s commitment to environment protection, this year’s Ipanema GB Seed Collection will raise funds for reforestation projects. Ipanema has partnered with Haribon Foundation on its Rainforest Organizations and Advocates (ROAD) to 2020 campaign. It aims to restore a million hectares of rainforests in the Philippines by year 2020. For every pair of Ipanema flip flop you buy, a portion goes to Haribon Foundation. So everytime you wear your Ipanema, it’s like “Your feet will bear fruit,” as the tag line goes.
Where to buy Ipanema?
In Bacolod City, Ipanema is available at Learning Gallery, Urban Chic, and all outlets of Basix Boutique.
The event was made possible by Islandscape Distributors, the company responsible for bringing Ipanema to Bacolod City.
Here are photos from the event courtesy of Annie May Valdez
Bacolod City to Host 12th IBP National Convention
March 19, 2009
Bacolod City will host the 12th National Convention of Lawyers of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to be held on March 26-28,2009 at teh Bacolod Pavilion Hotel and Resort.
Around 2,000 lawyers of the IBP from all over the country will be joining the national convention with the theme “Upholding the Rule of Law: IBPs Continuing Challenge.”
The Opening Ceremony will be graced by Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno as the keynote speaker. Other notable guests on the first day are Senators Mar Roxas and Francis Escudero.
12th National Convention of Lawyers Program of Activities:
| DATE | TOPIC | LECTURER | MCLE SUBJECT | CREDIT UNITS |
| Day 1, Thursday (March 26, 2009) | ||||
| 9:00am – 11:00am | Registration / Welcome & Opening Ceremonies | |||
| 11:00am – 12:00nn | Upholding the Rule of Law | CJ Reynato S. Puno | Legal Ethics | 1.0 cu |
| 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Latest Trends in Summary Procedure and Rule of Procedure for Small Claims | Justice Magdangal M. De Leon | Trial & Pre-Trial Skills | 2.0 cu |
| 4:15pm – 6:15pm | Upholding the Rule of Law: The Lawyer’s Professional Responsibility | Justice Zenaida N. Elepano | Substantive and Procedural Law | 2.0 cu |
| 8:00pm – 8:45pm | Upholding the Rule of Law | Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero | Substantive and Procedural Law | 1.0 cu |
| Day 2, Friday (March 27, 2009) | ||||
| 8:00am – 9:30am | National Territory | Prof. H. Harry L. Roque, Jr. | MCLE Prescribed | 1.5 cu |
| 9:45am – 11:45am | Oral Argumentation | Prof. H. Harry L. Roque, Jr. | Legal Writing and Oral Advocacy | 2.0 cu |
| 12:00nn – 1:00pm | Good Governance | Secretary Margarito B. Teves | MCLE Prescribed | 1.0 cu |
| 1:30pm – 3:00pm | Media & the Law Profession | Atty. Ma. Carolina T. Legarda | Legal Ethics | 1.5 cu |
| 3:15pm – 4:45pm | Election Law Practice | Atty. Romulo B. Macalintal | Substantive and Procedural Law | 1.5 cu |
| 5:00pm – 6:30pm | Family Law: Future Directions | DCA Nimfa C. Vilches | MCLE Prescribed | 1.5 cu |
| 8:00pm – 9:00pm | Environmental Laws | Cong. Edgar L. Valdez | MCLE Prescribed | 1.0 cu |
| Day 3, Saturday (March 28, 2009) | ||||
| 8:00am – 10:00am | ADR to Declog Court Docket | DCA Nimfa C. Vilches | Alternative Dispute Resolution | 2.0 cu |
| Pre-Convention Day (March 25, 2009) | |
| 8:00am – 6:00pm | Registration & Sports Fest |
| Day 1 (March 26, 2009) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7:00am – 9:00am | Continuation of Registration | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9:00am – 11:30am | Opening Ceremonies
IBP National Officers Atty. Rodolfo A. Parreño – President, IBP Negros Occidental With Chapter Banner Regional Flags to be accompanied by
Govenor Raymund Jorge A. Mercado – Governor, Western Visayas Region with Regional Flag Hon. Evelio R. Leonardia Hon. Isidro Zayco Hon. Rogelio A. Vinluan Hon. Feliciano M. Bautista Hon. REYNATO S. PUNO Entrance of Colors (Visayan Maritime Academy) Philippine Flag Provincial Government Employees’ Chorale
Production Number – MASSKARA Dancers AUDIO VISUAL PRESENTATION (?)
Presentation of Plaque of Appreciation ATTY. WILLIAM N. MIRANO |
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| 12:00nn – 2:00pm | Lunch
ATTY. JOVIM V. ENTILA |
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| 2:00pm – 4:00pm | MCLE Lecture – “Modes of Discovery”
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| 4:00pm – 4:15pm | Break | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4:15pm – 6:15pm | MCLE Lecture – “Upholding the Rule of Law: The Lawyer’s Professional Responsibility”
Presentation of Plaque of Appreciation COUNCILOR JOCELLE BATAPA-SIGUE |
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| 7:30pm – 11:00pm | Dinner / Fellowship
Presentation of Plaque of Appreciation ATTY. ANNABELLE CORRAL |
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| Day 2 (March 27, 2009) | |||||||
| 8:00am – 9:30am | MCLE Lecture – “National Territory”
|
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| 9:30am – 9:45am | Break | ||||||
| 9:45am – 11:45am | MCLE Lecture – “Oral Argumentation on the Law”
Presentation of Certificate of Appreciation ATTY. HENRIETTA VINCO |
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| 11:45am – 1:30pm | Lunch
|
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| 1:30pm – 3:00pm | MCLE Lecture – “Media & Law Practice”
Presentation of Plaque of Appreciation ATTY. ANDREA L. SI |
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| 3:00pm – 3:15pm | Break | ||||||
| 3:15pm – 4:45pm | MCLE Lecture – “Election Laws”
|
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| 4:45pm – 5:00pm | Break | ||||||
| 5:00pm – 6:30pm | MCLE Lecture – “Family Law: Future Directions”
Presentation of Plaque of Appreciation ATTY. RAYMUNDO T. PANDAN, JR. |
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| 7:30pm – 11:00pm | Dinner
Presentation of Awards Regional Presentation Raffle Presentation of Plaque of Appreciation Atty. RODOLFO A. PARREÑO / Atty. LILY UY VALENCIA |
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| Day 3 (March 28, 2009) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 8:00am – 10:00am | MCLE Lecture – “ADR to Declog Court Docket”
Presentation of Plaque of Appreciation JUDGE JOSE PAOLO G. ARIOLA |
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| 10:15am – 11:15am | Plenary Session & Approval of Resolutions
Presided by:
Floorleaders:
AWARDS OF SPORTS COMPETITIONS Recess of Colors Philippine Flag RAFFLE |
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Registration of Fees:
| On- before February 28, 2009 | P 4,500.00 |
| March 1, 2009 to on-site | P 5,000.00 |
| Life Member | P 4,000.00 |
Sources: www.ibp.org.ph, www.ibpbatangas.com
Mambukal Mountain Resort
March 11, 2009
About 30 minutes drive away from Bacolod City lies a picturesque mountain resort manged by the Provincial Government. The Mambukal Mountain Resort locate in the town of Murcia, Negros Occidental lies is 1,200 feet above sea level and serves as gateway to Mt. kanlaon.
The resort was originally developed by a Japanese architect named Kokichi Paul Ishiwata in 1927. The resort started as a bath house and picnic garden and has provided cool haven for Negrenses and their guests.
Spread over 23.6 hectares at the foot of Mt. Kanlaon, the Maambukal Mountain Resort boasts of a number of hot sulfur springs. A big mountain stream, fed by several tributaries, descends in a series of seven falls feeding the swimming pools and boating lagoon.
Things to Do in Mambukal
To commune with nature, the resort has strategically located viewing decks and a Canopy Walk with hanging bridges. If relaxation is what you’re after, there’s the boating lagoon, swimming and dipping pool. You can likewise bring children along since they will surely enjoy the butterfly garden and the kiddie pool.
For a more physical challenge, there’s the Rock Climbing Wall and the Slide for Life. For more adventure, one can trek to the seventh falls where your endurance can be tested.
Accommodation
Mambukal is ideal for family outings and business conferences. For those on a budget, there’s the Tourist Lodge which offers standard rooms and suites. There are single air conditioned cottages or campsites to choose from as well as picnic sheds for day visitors. There are stalls at the resort serving local dishes at reasonable price so don’t worry about going hungry.
How to Get There
Mambukal is a favorite vacation destination of local and foreign tourists since it is very accessible from Bacolod City. The resort is around 30 minutes by private vehicle and 45 minutes by public utility vehicle. From downtown Bacolod, take the “double tire” mini-buses going to Murcia from the Libertad terminal. Fare is around 30. Double Tires are almost always available from Mambukal going to Bacolod City.
Rates
Entrance
Adult P30.00/head
11 yrs. old and below P10.00/head
Entrace w/ Parking
Light vehicles P15.00
Trucks/Bus P30.00
Swimming Pools (Kiddie/Adult Pool, Mambo Pool, Dippng Pool)
12 yrs. old up P50.00
11 yrs. old and below P20.00
Picnic Huts
Small P300.00
Big P600.00
Wall Climbing P25.00
Slide for Life P100.00/2 trips
Canopy Walk P50.00
Boating P30.00/head
Butterfly Garden P10.00/head
Accommodations
LGU Cottages P900.00/2 single beds
P1,200.00/4 single beds
P1,500.00/2 single beds & 2 double decks
Tourist Lodge
Ordinary P600.00
Deluxe P750.00
Suite P1,000.00
Dormitory
Exclusive P2,000.00
Per Person P100.00/head
Tables w/ 4 chairs P100.00
Additional Foam P100.00
Canoppy w/ 1 table & 6 chairs P300.00
Conference hall
- Entirely versatile, configured with audio visual, lighting and meeting equipment for seminars, conferences and banquets.
- The entire hall is divisible into 3 sections.
- Can accommodate up to 400 persons
- Catering and transport service are also available
Check Inn 2:00pm
Check Out 12:00nn
For Reservations, contact:
Mambukal Reservation Office
(034) 709-0990 / 433-8516
Mambukal Office
(034) 710-0800 / 710-0801
Photo by: Tony Manso
Things To Do at The Ruins
March 11, 2009
There has been a lot of developments at The Ruins since we featured it here. Worth mentioning are the staff who are very professional. It was evident that they have been trained well. The tour guides are well versed to the history of the mansion. They explained interesting facts about the mansion. You can also trust them to take your picture and they know just the right angle.
It’s also much easier now to get there even by public transport whereas before, you would still ask around how to get to The Ruins. Below are the developments and attractions at The Ruins that you can look forward to on your visit.
- Take Photos
Take photos of the The Ruins structure or have your photos taken, whichever way you want it, The Ruins is a photo-enthusiast’s haven. It is also an ideal for pre-nuptial shoots. It’s unique architecture offers a romantic backdrop for couples.
Play the 18-hole mini-golf course
This is a latest addition The Ruins. Patterned after the design of a world-renowned mini-golf course designed in the U.S.A., the course is laden with real blue grass and is maintained and cared for daily.
- Dine at The Ruins Restaurant
Restaurant at The Ruins
The Ruins boasts of a semi-fine dining restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine, some of which are still the original recipes of the Lacson family. They serve lunch, snacks, and dinner daily. They also have a mini-bar which offers hot and cold beverages.
Restaurant at The Ruins
- Hold Events
The Ruins is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. They cater to special events such as weddings receptions, pre and post nuptials shoots, debuts, educational tours, etc
Enjoy the Scenery
Though there’s no picnic area yet, there’s nothing stopping you from sitting down on the grass one of the benches, enjoy the scenery and wait for the sunset.
Don’t Forget to Buy Souvenirs
Yes, you can now buy souvenirs at The Ruins from T-shirts, key chains, the mansions’ miniature replica.
Souvenir Shop at The Ruins
Future Developments
The management is planning to open a camping and picnic grounds and a pavilion so they can cater to more guests. This is good so that people will not get tired of coming to The Ruins since they get a new experience every time they visit.
For more inquiries, contact The Ruins:
Mobile: (0917) 832-6003
Telefax: (034) 495-2790
Email: lacson_mansion@yahoo.com.ph
Website: http://theruins.multiply.com
The Ruins Structure & Architecture
March 11, 2009
The Ruins Structure & Architecture
The mansion of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson was built in the early 1900’s but to this day, the 903 square meter structure still stands tall amidst sugar plantation and its grandeur is a testament of the lifestyle of the hacienderos.
The structure of what’s left of the mansion is that we now call The Ruins, withstood the test of time mainly due to the oversized steel bars and the A-grade mixture of concrete used in its construction. The wall finishing which were made of egg whites mixed with cement gave it its marble-like appearance.
The Columns
The structure of The Ruins is of Italianate architecture with neo-Romanesque columns, having a very close semblance to the facade of Carnegie Hall in New York City.
The intricate designs of the columns are still very intact and quite impressive. Whoever made those designs is truly a master in the art.
The Fountain
The 4-tiered fountain was built after the construction of the mansion was finished. Angelina, one of the daughters maintained a beautiful lily garden in and around the fountain. A Japanese gardener painstakingly took care of the plants until the burning of the mansion.
At present, The Ruins is beautifully landscaped and maintained by 5 gardeners.
The Simborio
Simborio is the local name for smokestack or chimney. it was the vent used for the muscovado mill of the sugar farm of Don Mariano Lacson. In those days, they would make their own sugar by extracting juice of the sugarcane through the mill. transfer them in large vats where they are heated to a certain temperature, and cooled to allow it to crystallize.
Today, muscovado is pretty much prepared the same way as it was in those days. In addition to sugar refineries, muscovado is still a thriving industry in Negros Occidental.
The Veranda Lighting
The pipes used to channel the electric wires, embedded inthe ceiling, are the same ones used today. Note the rings beside the ceiling lights which used to hold the chains of chandeliers.
The Wooden Floors
The flooring used for the mansion were alternating red and yellow span, 2-inch thick, hard wood running from the main entrace facing the fountain all the way to the end of the dining room, with no joints. They were a meter wide and were about 67 feet (20.5 meters) long. The living room near the veranda and all bedrooms, downstairs and upstairs inclusing the belvedre, were all of wooden floor.
The Belvedere
A belvedere at the second floor, facing west, in a glassed-in sun-room with bay windows affords a beautiful view of the sunset and the coastline of Talisay.
The Small Arched Window
This is the original window between the kitchen and the dining area. This is common in most Spanish homes in order to facilitate the movement of food and minimize foot traffic in and out of the kitchen. The original kitchen is now turned into a receiving room.
The Tiles in the Mansion
The tiles in the mansion were brought in from Spain. Arrays of varies designs of tiles used throughout the mansion have been grouped together at the foyer of the back entrance of the mansion. It is believed that the excess tiles were used in this area which was masterfully laid out.
The Rain Gutters & The Down Sprouts
The rain gutters all around at the top of the mansion are made of concrete and formed like canals. Rainwater runs to the back portion of the mansion where two large down sprouts lead it to a steel pipe to the ground where all the water is collected,
The Septic Tank
The origincal septic tank of the mansion now lies beneath the newly built toilets. The dimensions of the septic tank is 127in x 289in with a depth of 6 ft. The septic tank is watertight and has two chambers inside with concrete walls. Built in the 1920’s, the same septic tank is now being used at The Ruins.
Digging around the septic tank to locate the outlet revealed blocks of concrete which were the 1920’s molds used to make the balusters in the mansion.
The Initials
At first, I thought the owner has a penchant for letter E since these are molded onto the posts of the mansion. In fact, these are letter M’s, the initials of Mariano and Maria. The mansion was built after the death of Maria Braga so Don Mariano must have built it in remembrance of his deceased wide.
The Shell-Inspired Decor
The shell-inspored decor lined the top edged of the mansion. These same decor are used in those times in New England in the homes of ship captains. Maria Braga’s father was a captain of a ship.
The structure and architecture of The Ruins gave us a glimpse of life iof the hacienderos in those days. Only a few of these grand mansions still stand today and those which are no longer lived in are often destroyed in exchange for more modern structures. It is fortunate that the family of Mariano Lacson thought of preserving this historic structure as a family legacy and to share with those who have an appreciation for it. If The Ruins was torned down, much of these history will forever be lost.
San Carlos Bioenergy Now Hiring
March 9, 2009
As of March 2, 2009, the San Carlos Bioenergy, Inc. has the following vacant positions:
* Automotive Mechanic/Driver
* Cane Supply Traffic Coordinator
* Community Relations Officer* Legal Officer* Loading Station Operator* Machinist
* Pollution Control Officer
* Shift Mechanics
* Switchgear/Transformer Tender
Submit application letter and resume with recent 2×2 picture to:
Option 1:
San Carlos Bionergy, Inc.
Emerald Arcade, F.C. Ledesma Avenue
San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
Option 2:
San Carlos Bioenergy, Inc.
c/o Rm 202, 2nd Floor, A. Chan Bldg.,Lacson St., Mandalagan, Bacolod City
Option 3:
EMAIL: info.ethanol@gmail.com
For more information, please call
7294559 / 7294655 / 3125539
and look for Frances or Gemma
Career Opportunities
For inquiries, info@scbi.ph
