Brgy. Busay, Cebu City
27 February 2017
In 1632, the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal, an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra, to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Taj Mahal was built out of Love.
In the same manner, in the year 2012, Teodorico Adarna, father of actress Ellen Adarna constructed a huge Roman inspired edifice called "Temple of Leah" atop a mountain in Brgy. Busay, Cebu City in loving memory of his wife Leah Villa Albino-Adarna.
Temple of Leah was also built out of Love and to some tourists, it is the "Taj Mahal" of the Philippines.
I was excited to see the temple for the first time. Many thanks to Dr. Norway for driving me all the way to Brgy. Busay from Mandaue City to see this marvelous structure.
At 2000H, we traveled north to Brgy. Busay. The place is generally mountainous and is approximately 14KM away from the City of Mandaue. We came near Marcelo Fernan bridge. We took the Cebu Transcentral Highway and braved the winding road at night towards the Temple of Leah.
From Transcentral highway, we turned left at Roosevelt St. towards the Temple. There were several constructions along the road at that time.
From afar, as we moved closer to the temple, I had a glimpse of the warmly lit massive structure. The pillars are quite similar to those of Parthenon in Greece though, the whole structure looked very similar to those in Rome.
At 0838H, we were are the main gate of the temple. After paying the entrance fee of P50, we walked towards the temple and there I marveled at the full grandeur of the structure.
The warmth of the place made me felt as if I was in Rome again marveling at Roman ancient structures that stood the tests of time.
In front of the Temple is a wide open plaza that reminded me of my favorite "Piazza Navona" in Italy. At the plaza, I enjoyed the spectacular view of the City at night.
This new attraction is perfect for those who would want to appreciate the structure at day or night time. I would love to check the art gallery and museum at day time.
This is also a perfect venue for special occasions like weddings and concerts. Further more, this place also is perfect for photo shoots of any kind.
This is also a perfect venue for special occasions like weddings and concerts. Further more, this place also is perfect for photo shoots of any kind.
As I approached the temple, I was in awe of the gigantic gold lions at each side of the stairs leading to the entrance.
As I entered the doors of the building, the grand staircase left me speechless. A life size bronze statue of Leah sits on a marble altar at the middle of the staircase.
On the golden plaque was inscribed the dedication of Teodorico Adarna to his wife Leah that reads as follows:
On the golden plaque was inscribed the dedication of Teodorico Adarna to his wife Leah that reads as follows:
“BELOVED WIFE AND MOTHER
LEAH V. ALBINO-ADARNA was chosen Matron Queen of her Alma Mater the University of Southern Philippines. This nine-foot bronze statue portrays her composure and regal bearing when she was crowned. May the beholder discern her innate beauty, poise and gentleness.
TEODORO SORIANO ADARNA
Born December 13, 1938”
I should very much like to see this place at day time.
Location: Roosevelt St., Brgy. Busay Cebu City
Visiting hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Entrance fee: P50 per person
Parking fee: P100 inside the premises
Contact number: (032) 233-5032
We left the temple at 2112H and headed back to Mandaue. Along the way, we decided to see a popular French Winery at Lahug and tried a bottle of red wine.
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| La Vie Parisienne |
We left the winery at 2246H.
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