Sunday Date at Taoist Temple
Sunday is considered as our "date" day because both James and I are free so it's the only time that we can spend a whole day together. Aside from going together to Church, we need to go out and bond a little. For the past three weeks, we made it a point that we should roam around Cebu, anywhere nice and in which we haven't been to. Last time, we've been to Crocolandia where Lapu-lapu, the biggest crocodile in Cebu is situated. We also visited the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House last week and felt the ancient days inside the treasured house. And then yesterday, July 31, 2011 we finally made it to Taoist Temple in Lahug, Cebu City.
Taoist Temple is a sanctuary of prayers, meditations and worship for Taoism, the religion which follows the teachings of the ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao Tze. It is located in Beverly Hills Subdivision in Cebu City, Philippines. The temple is open to the worshipers and non-worshipers, one good thing is that admission is free! I had been there once when I was still I guess three or four years of age, I still have some vivid memories about our visit.
Going to Taoist Temple isn't hard, you can go there with your private vehicle or commute. With our case, we got to ride on a public vehicle. From downtown Cebu, we rode PUJ route number 17B to Sudlon, Lahug. From there, we stepped on a habal-habal (public used motorcycles) for Php 10 per head. Since habal-habals can't get inside the Beverly Hills subdivision, we just walked approximately 10 minutes to the main spot. It wasn't tiring at all because the weather was gloomy that time and we had each others. But a few blocks before the temple, it rained! Bummer! Good thing I brought with me my super umbrella, we were lucky that it didn't rain hard.
I first thought this is the main entrance but then, it's actually the entrance to the parking lot. The main entrance is located a few blocks away from here. Once you enter, the security guard will give a leaflet printed with the reminders. Here are the list of the reminders:
This is the main entrance, you need to climb 81 steps to reach the main place. This has been considered as a replica of the Great Wall of China.
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| the parking lot entrance |
1. All tour guides must accompany their group or guests when entering our premises. Any damages done by your guests or unruly behaviors will be at your responsibility.Not all things inside can be photographs so make sure all signage and reminders are thoroughly read.
2. Your presence is needed in order to assists us in controlling each respective group tour and help us maintain the silent atmosphere and most of all to avoid any accident that may incur during your visit.
3. Posted signs, rules and regulations must be strictly followed.
4. Keep our environment clean and beautiful.
5. The temple is a sanctuary of prayers and meditations. Please observe silence and solemnity.
6. We reserved the right to refuse your entry at anytime or in the future of your visit, if any of the above mentioned reminders are not followed or observed.
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| main entrance |
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| more steps to climb...at the end is the first temple where the statue is located, strictly no photo taking there. |
The temple includes a chapel, a library, a souvenir shop and a wishing well. More photos:
Now there are two things that I can still remember when my family and I visited this place two decades ago, the Tiger-look like statue and the Dragon of course. So I was like looking for those things there. I found the dragon located on the right side of the temple.
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| dragon |
The temple is full of dragons, it's roof is dominated by dragons and dragon paintings all over the ceilings. Check this out:
For the Taoist, these dragons symbolize strength, energy, and life force. It also is a symbol of Yang power or the sage or saint.
At the top of the temple lies a statue of a fisherman, fishing for some fishes. One group of tourists came near the pond as well so I decided to listen to the tour guide. I then learned that the fishes there were called Koi fish also known as carp and the fisherman is Lao Tzu himself.
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| Mr. Lao Tzu Koi Fishing |
One great and famous principle that made Lao Tzu famous as well:
"Give a Man a Fish, Feed Him For a Day. Teach a Man to Fish, Feed Him For a Lifetime."
We had an informative day! Next week, we will go to Bohol for my mom's birthday. I am looking forward for another date in my home land.
More photos at my photomists page.
xoxo,
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