The Ruins at Talisay City

The Ruins as the name suggests is actually what remained of a house built by sugar baron Don Mariano Lacson for the love of his life- Maria Braga. During my college days way back a long long time ago in 2007, I've always been intrigued of that 'This way to The Ruins' sign pointing to some narrow road surrounded by sugarcane fields along Talisay Highway. Unknowingly that little signage would soon become The Taj Mahal of Negros Occidental paving way for many curious tourists about the tales of this majestic mansion. 

How much?

Php 95 for Adults. I couldn't complain though because I am much more enthralled of what is in front of me. 

Ikaw Lamang ang peg...

The Ruins frame stands tall amidst the changing times..

I can imagine what a beautiful mansion it could've been if not for the US Armed Forces during WW2 who burned the place with the consent of the family so that Japanese Forces won't use it as headquarters. They continuously burned the mansion for 3 days before the parts finally came off. Even the tiles they said were imported from Spain, the hardest and most expensive during that time. 

Poleng's favorite spot..

Across the mansion is a fountain and a garden.

Side entrance of the mansion and the grand staircase ..

Come give me hug Mamu *insert crying*

Unfortunately, we can't wait until 6PM so we weren't able to see the mansion turned gold and sparkle upon the sunset background. Anyhow, we had a really really great time! We dropped by at the District for some delicious hot batchoy, coffee and toasted bread to end the day! 

My alaga getting comfortable. Love you Ellie girl!

Cheers,

itsmelory (^.^)

Beauty of DSB

Jump starting 2015 and although fresh from the rage of Typhoon Seniang, that still didn't stopped us to go on a road trip to Don Salvador Benedicto. 

To the highlands

Dubbed as the Summer Capital of Negros Occidental and named after the late Vice Governor Salvador Benedicto, DSB is located in the mid center highlands of the Northern part of the province of Negros Occidental. This Little Baguio is around 47kms from Bacolod City. 

How to reach DSB

Since we're coming from the South (Binalbagan) we traveled to Pontevedra passing La Carlota City>Murcia and finally Don Salvador Benedicto.

If from Bacolod City take Murcia>Don Salvador>San Carlos>Vallehermosa>Canlaon>La Castella>Isabela> and Binalbagan will be the end point.

Welcome to Don Salvador Benedicto

Prepare yourself to a long and winding road but less likely that of Baguio City, watch out for the Magnetic Hill and Hairpin Curve as well...There's a rainbow after the rain indeed!

This viewing deck is just along the road beside the  

popular landmark of the Lion Monument!

Impeccable rice terraces and beautiful landscapes! 

Views like this gets me singing What a wonderful world!

Malatan-og Falls

Driving a little farther will take you to another landmark at Brgy. Kumaliskis The Malatan-og Falls which is one of the highest spot at 120 ft. Ceres bus stops over here if passengers would like to use the restroom from San Carlos City via DSB trip. 

Overlooking the Malatan-og Falls! Did you catch the fog? Yes, I feel chilly here!

The La Vista Highlands

It was past a little than 10AM and the temperature dropped when we arrived at La Vista Highlands. Nestled at the foot of the hill in San Carlos City and overlooking two mountains; Mt. Marapara and Mt. Kanlaon. 

Souvenir mugs from LVH

 Poleng and her epic pose by the poolside..

We were slightly disappointed to learn that they ran out of native chicken for tinola ahuhu...so we ordered KBL instead - which turns out okay, but not so fantastic! Even the pork liempo was also thickly cut I couldn't even chew it. The attendant was also quite less attentive, we need to repeat our orders. Ok, chill..good vibes lang dapat. 

Brief history of the building of resort..

By the time we finished our early lunch, the whole place was so foggy, and 

the strong wind is messing with my hair!

Good weather gives perfect blooms. My family loves plants and flowers so they couldn't resist buying a pot to bring home and add to my mamita's garden.

Dr. J's Tea Garden

We come acrossed this Tea Garden carved in not-so-catching-wood signage. We were curious enough and with our available time, we stopped over for a delightful find. It has a small restaurant offering organic and healthy foods. I'd like to try the fusion drinks but I'm still full from an earlier lunch. So yes, we bought home another pot of herbs!

and a bottle of Honey for Php 250 but managed to haggle until Php 220.00

then  en route Murcia to Bacolod City..

We traveled at least an hour to Bacolod City and we took the road via the new diversion road to The Ruins.

See you next time,

itsmelory (^.^)

Merry Moments (My Holiday Diary)

The busiest, liveliest and happiest time of the year is here again. I bet most of you had been to Christmas rush sales, prepared gift-wrapped presents for loved ones, kicked off Christmas parties at offices or with friends, shopped for KrisKringle or if you're just like me, still stuck in the office until the 25th because my official leave starts on the 29th. By God's grace I completed the 9 mornings(all toothy smile). There was one instance I had to juggle late night meeting to attend 8PM mass and another 4AM the next day. It was tiring but fulfilling! Thank you Lord. So here's a recap of how I spent the Holiday Season and the moment we arrived HO-HO-HO-Home! Warmest of the warm Merry Moments.

**December 24, 2015**

We all gathered at my sis' house. Everyone helped in preparing for an early noche-buena. We also did our traditional exchange gifts. The kids loved it and kids at heart, oh yeah.

**December 25, 2015**

Christmas Day! Went to church later afternoon and practically enjoyed family time bonding before tomorrow's flight! #Excited

**December 26, 2014** 

We flew to Bacolod-via-Cebu at 11PM. We made tambay muna as in literally cause we can't think of anything to do with the available time at Cebu International Airport until 4AM and connecting flight to Bacolod is at 5. It was a good thing that our scheduled flight is after Christmas. My sis and her family flew on the 25th and she tells me it was crazy like Divi.

When in Cebu..it's time for some Zubuchon.

Holiday cheat  officially begins!

When you're stuck in the airport.

 **Dec 27, 2014**

Touchdown Bacolod! Good morning sweet smelling sugar canes, it feels good to be back. These Christmas carolers was a welcoming sight. 

By 6 we are all off to Lacson St. to grab some breakfast before heading home. We made a few stopovers at Central Market and then SM Supermarket. Epic car engine fail can't even ruin the mood. By after 3PM and 73.7 km away from the City of Smiles, we were finally home. Warm hugs and chitchats fills our home once again.. and whole bunch of kids were messing the whole place. Ahhh.. this is really home!!!

**Dec 28, 2014**

We woke up early to prepare some breakfast for like 12 people in the house. It was a bit gloomy and was very cold. Iba talaga sa probinsya! After what was like a brunch, we lounge outside the house to do some catching up again. Isn't it nice when you don't have anything planned to do and just sit by the veranda and listen to the birds?  Lols.  It was also my ate's wedding anniversary so by afternoon we had a small celebration ahem another eating session. (hello Calories)

**Dec 29, 2014**

Rainy morning makes me want to sleep longer. Is it even lunchtime by now? Goodness. I'm suppose to be at the church by this time, so I hurried off since  Manang Honey invited me to attend the Parish's Family Day today.  Just in time for lunch, menu for today? Boodle-fight-style over some laughter's. Though the food seemed to be not enough for everyone, it seemed less important when you enjoy the company of the people you're with. It felt like the old days when we were camping for Diocesan Youth Assembly or Parish Youth Assembly. Something I truly miss.

**Dec 30, 2014**

Rizal Day,  also Riza's birthday and still a bed-weather. I remembered to send Riza a birthday message.  Been raining all day and what I learned typhoon Seniang is threatening to rage the Visayas & Mindanao region. I am attending the Parish Youth Year-end party. We ordered pizza for the youth as a treat  and while waiting for our orders, we tried their best seller too. The youth really loved it. It was a simple treat but the overwhelming gratitude is beyond words.

Wasn't so bad after all!

By the time the party was done. We made our way to visit our departed ones to light candle and offer prayers. We dropped by at the Supermarket before heading home. It was all good with a go except that the whole town was totally black-out when we went home!  Oh it wasn't so fun when you're phone is battery dead. We ended up making up horror stories to scare the kids and let them sleep early. hahahah! Not so good for a year end I say.

**Dec 31, 2014**

For always, can't believe I have to wake up to 31st of December, every time it gives me a certain feeling of gratitude that yes, I have survived 2014 and another year to thank the Lord and enjoy with my dearest family. Certainly the Lord has blessed me so much and 2015 will be more blissful!
Finally, light was back by lunchtime and we prepared  something for Media noche later. By 6PM, the Christmas tree was filled with exchange gifts which we normally do as a family.

Before midnight, we gathered around our humble table, each one said prayers of thanksgiving, wishes and hopes for a bountiful year, ended just in time before the firecrackers lit up to announce it's 2015!

Thank you Lord for a another year.

Welcome 2015!
itsmelory (^.^)