CEBU CITY — Temple of Leah, dubbed as “Cebu’s Taj Mahal,” is a grand gesture of love from a husband to his late wife.

But unlike the Taj Mahal, which is a mausoleum, Temple of Leah is a shrine holding the memory and treasures of Leah Albino-Adarna, the late wife of Teodorico Soriano Adarna. The two are grandparents of actress Ellen Adarna.

Some say the temple, which is now one of Cebu’s most visited new attractions, is gaudy and a bit too much. It is a must-see, however, to those who are curious how an act of love worth P80 million (reportedly) looks like.

The Adarna family, which runs the motel chain Queensland in Cebu, opened Temple of Leah to the public two years ago. Construction started in 2012 and is still ongoing.

The temple is a 45-minute drive from the city center, and entrance fee is at P50.

“I constructed this temple in the year 2012 A.D. as a symbol of my undying love for and ceaseless devotion to Leah Villa Albino-Adarna, my wife of 53 years. I adopted an architectural design that can withstand time and still be appreciated for a millennium so this temple will become a landmark of Cebu, where future generations of the Adarna clan …can come and trace their roots and heritage,” explains a brass plaque plastered on the wall beside Leah’s statue.

Located on top of the hill in barangay Busay in Cebu City, Temple of Leah is seven storeys high, and covers a land area of more than 5,000 square meters. The gate opens to a driveway that leads to the main courtyard, with granite floors and a marble fountain at the center.

The structure was inspired by ancient Roman architecture complete with Doric columns made of granite. Various Grecian statues adorn the corners and different parts of the building.

Two golden lions stand guard on both sides of the main stairs that lead to the portico that then leads to the shrine, which features a nine-foot bronze statue of Leah.

A brass plaque on its podium signed by Teodorico says: “Beloved Wife and Mother: Leah V. Albino-Adarna was chosen Matron Queen of her Alma Mater the University of Southern Philippines. This bronze statue portrays her composure and regal bearing when she was crowned. May the beholder discern her innate beauty, poise and genteelness.”

The main structure houses 24 chambers that holds Leah’s collection, from antiques to Chinese jars to a library of books.

By:CAGA, T.

BY SANCHEZ,L.N

ONE OF THE BEAUTIES OF  NATURE

Bukidnon is a landlocked province in the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao region. Its capital is the city of Malaybalay. The province borders, clockwise starting from the north, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, and Lanao del Norte. A highland paradise in the heart of Mindanao.

Rafflesia arnoldii

The Rafflesia arnoldii  is commonly called the corpse lily, is a species of flowering plant in the parasitic genus Rafflesia. It is noted for producing the largest individual flower on Earth. It has a very strong and unpleasant odor of decaying flesh, earning it the nickname “corpse flower”. It is endemic to the rain forests of Sumatra and possibly Borneo. However it can also be found in mountains of Bukidnon.

The breathtaking and captivating trees of Bukidnon will surely leave you in awe and will leave you breathless (literally) because the hike is real but the reward will surely daze you. If you are health nut then this place is perfect for you. You can jog while enjoying the scenic route. The roadways are cemented and surrounded by dense population of pine trees. You are literally jogging across a mini forest minus the possibility of tripping on wayward branches or uneven ground. Either Biking, hiking, walking, running or just roaming around this paradise will give you peace and ease for your travel. 

Kaamulan Festival

And of course who can forget about the heart warming and colorful festival that is Kaamulan, Kaamulan Festival is an ethnic cultural festival held annually in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon in the Philippines from the second half of February to March 10, the anniversary date of the foundation of Bukidnon as a province in 1917. It is held to celebrate the culture and tradition of the seven ethnic tribal groups—Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and Umayamnon—that originally inhabit the province. It is the only authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines.

 

 

CREDITS

@bukidnontravels

@facebook.com/ace.krieger

 

By:Lopez,T.F

 

Palawan Island Philippines is famous for white beaches, clear water and amazing biodiversity, also for Puerto Princesa Underground River. Palawan is the first time on the podium. Its beauty is in its profound simplicity compared to other beaches and marine systems in the Philippines that have been polluted by millions of tourists, the people of Palawan were able to preserve the natural integrity of their environment, and have been critical in keeping the place charming and inviting to both international and local tourists alike. You can easily see their collective effort in the beaches that are nearly spotless, coves that are free of any floating debris, or the lagoons full of crystal clear water and nothing else. In fact, the waters are so clean that when light hits the water at a very specific time, you can see all the way to the bottom When most people think of Palawan, their minds automatically go to El Nido and Coron. If you ever came to Palawan and didn’t visit these two areas in the north, you’d be absolutely crazy. However, there is so much more wildlife, island hopping, wreck diving and food devouring to be done on this island.

…………………….thank you for visiting…………………….