Navigating an inconspicuous, unpaved road off Talisay’s bustling highway, just a stone’s throw from Bacolod’s boundary, a mysterious house emerged from behind the curtain of towering trees – the Gen. Aniceto Lacson Ancestral House.
Welcoming us at the gate was Alfonso “Pons” Balcells, one of the heirs. As we stepped at the entrance, the imposing structure came into view. Signs of ceiling wear begged for attention, but the outer shell, particularly the first floor, remained steadfast and sturdy.
Built in the 1880s, the Gen. Aniceto Lacson Ancestral House is more than a dwelling. It’s a living testament to the harmonious blend of Filipino and Spanish design influences, encapsulating the essence of “Bahay na Bato” architecture. Scholars affectionately refer to its style as “Floral,” a delightful marriage of Neo-Gothic intricacies with rare materials like coquina coral stone and Philippine hardwoods.
This architectural gem, a testament to Aniceto Lacson‘s opulence, passed through different hands within the family but steadfastly endures. Beyond mere bricks and mortar, it symbolizes Negros’ vibrant history and architectural legacy. It is often affectionately known as GALAH, Casa Grande, or the Claparols Mansion – the intriguing stories behind these monikers await.
In the Footsteps of Gen. Aniceto Lacson
General Aniceto Ledesma Lacson, a key figure in Philippine history, was not just a Talisay-based sugar baron but also a revolutionary leader. Born on April 7, 1857, he shared his academic journey with cousin Juan Araneta at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila. During this time, he crossed paths with our National Hero, Jose Rizal, laying the foundation for his revolutionary spirit.
Active in the revolutionary cause, Lacson forged a blood compact with Andres Bonifacio, solidifying his role as a key Katipunan member. His prominence soared during the Cinco de Noviembre event, the Negros Revolution, standing alongside Juan Araneta. This led to Gen. Lacson assuming the presidency of La Republica Cantonal de Negros, making him the inaugural and sole president of the Negros Republic from 1898 to 1901.
Amidst the tumultuous era, Gen. Lacson managed official affairs from the General Aniceto Lacson Ancestral Home, a significant site for governance and ceremonial events. Beyond his revolutionary feats, Aniceto Lacson’s legacy intertwines with the sugar industry’s prominence. His marriage to Rosario Araneta, a descendant of the Kabunsuan royal Muslim line of Mindanao, adds a distinctive cultural layer. With twenty-one children from two marriages, Gen. Lacson’s impact reverberates through Negros Occidental’s political landscape. His extensive family lineage leaves a solid impression on the region’s history and socio-cultural fabric.
A Tapestry of Generations: Lacson Family Lineage
When it comes to the Lacson family lineage, the tale weaves through the lives of Aniceto Lacson, his kin, and the subsequent generations that have become part of the history of the ancestral house. Marriages, children, and intriguing anecdotes pepper the family’s rich history, creating a captivating narrative that echoes through the walls of the historic residence.
As financial woes loomed over the house initially given to Aniceto’s son, a pivotal moment unfolded. Aniceto, with foresight and familial devotion, made a strategic move by transferring ownership to his daughter Carmen and son-in-law Ricardo Claparols. This transaction wasn’t a mere exchange. It involved the transfer of Hacienda Christina, a lucrative sugar hacienda, alongside additional cash. The ancestral house transformed into “comunidad” property for the Claparols-Lacson siblings and their descendants, forging a lasting legacy.
Transitioning to a side note, another architectural gem emerged in Talisay City, bordering Bacolod City, courtesy of Aniceto’s brother, Mariano Lacson. This mansion, now a tourist landmark named The Ruins, adds another layer of historical richness to the vibrant tapestry of the Lacson family’s heritage.
Journey to the Hacienda: Locating the Gen. Aniceto Lacson Ancestral House
Nestled within the expansive Lacson sugar hacienda in Matabang, Talisay, Negros Occidental, the Gen. Aniceto Lacson Ancestral House stands as a testament to the opulence and social stature of the Lacson family. As locals affectionately dub the area Hacienda Claparols, the mansion has earned the moniker Claparols Mansion, a nod to its esteemed heirs.
Travelling from Bacolod City into Talisay City, one traverses the Ayala North Point and the Town & Country villages, greeted by the Nature’s Village Resort signage. The key to unlocking the mansion’s secrets lies off the Lacson Highway, where an unpaved road beckons just beside the asphalt path leading to Nature’s Village Resort. A row of slender trees gracefully separates these two roads, ushering visitors into the captivating realm of the historic mansion.
Architectural Marvels: Gen. Aniceto Lacson Ancestral House Structure
Entering the domain of the Gen. Aniceto Lacson Ancestral House, the architectural marvel tells a tale of craftsmanship and historical richness. The columns and the lower floor are meticulously crafted from bricks and coral stones – commonplace construction materials in the Visayas. Thus, it stands as a testament to the rich heritage of its time. Reflecting the affluence of Gen. Lacson as one of Negros’ esteemed sugar planters during his peak, the structure exudes grandeur.
As sunlight dances through windows and substantial doors of both floors, the architectural nuances of the past come to life. A chapel at the ground level, with its altar commissioned and crafted in Spain by the discerning eye of Aniceto himself, adds a sacred dimension to the residence. During World War II, the house faced potential destruction by Filipino guerrillas, who contemplated burning it to thwart Japanese occupation. However, a chapel’s discovery altered their plans. Later on, the house transformed into a haven for the Marian Missionary from 1989-1999.
A distinctive feature of this ancestral haven is the wrapped-around veranda on the upper floor, a rarity in houses of its time. The second level, constructed with premier Philippine hardwoods like tindalo, balayong, and molave, showcases the era’s penchant for durability and quality. Delving into the details, Chinese craftsmen left their mark, carving intricate designs within the house. Notably, the second-floor family quarters boast ornate fretwork, creating an open flow that deviates from the compartmentalization often seen in Western architecture.
Preserving Heritage: Restoration of the Mansion
In the year 2002, the National Historic Institute bestowed a significant honor upon the General Aniceto Lacson Ancestral Home, officially designating it as a National Historic Landmark. This prestigious title carries a profound purpose – to cultivate an enduring appreciation for this unique facet of Negrense and Filipino heritage among future generations.
As the pages of its history turn, the Gen. Aniceto Lacson Ancestral House emerges as a silent witness to the ebb and flow of significant moments, enduring the occupation by both Japanese and American forces. The latter, notably, played a pivotal role in preserving and maintaining the house, leaving an ineradicable trace on its well-preserved state. However, the echoes of occupancy fell silent in 1970, as the Lacson family, compelled by the destructive forces of a powerful typhoon, reluctantly evacuated.
Fast forward to the present, where restoration becomes an imperative need. Termite infestation has cast a shadow over the structure, causing severe sagging, cracked floors, warped walls, and posing a structural risk to the upper floor.
The silver lining in this story lies in the assurance provided by the government to the heirs for supporting the restoration endeavors. Pons, one of the heirs, passionately shared the vision and plans for the future of the Gen. Aniceto Lacson Ancestral House. It aspires to not just be a restored edifice but a vibrant landmark, weaving together Negrense history, culture, and local enterprise. As we gaze back into the historical tapestry, we look forward to the coming days, holding the promise of unveiling new chapters for this ancestral house.
