Hi it's me again, Jo! Ready for our next stop?
Photo edited using Canva
From Little Amsterdam or the Sirao Garden in Cebu, we went straight to our next stop, Temple of Leah.
A little back story about the temple, it was built by Teodorico Adarna to honor his late wife, Leah Albino-Adarna. He made the temple as a symbol of his deep love and lasting devotion to her. Leah loved books, art, and culture, and the temple now holds many of her things for people to see. Its design looks like old Roman buildings, with large pillars and statues. Often called the "Taj Mahal of Cebu," the temple is a place where visitors can remember Leah’s life and the love story behind it.
Upon reaching the temple, this spacious courtyard with an ornate fountain in the center welcomed us. The thing is we reached the place 11:30 in the morning when the sun is already up and place became so bright that a sunglasses is needed (I don't have one though)
This one here is the element entrance of the temple. Two golden lions are on the side of the stairs.
Here's 2 of my partner's sisters and nephew. The day was actually intended for meet and greet with them after more than a year of just communicating online which turn into a day tour. Such a lovely ladies they are.
This is a statue that stand along with the railings of the courtyard. There are more 10 of these statues that symbolize nobility, strength, and grandeur. The entire layout, including the statues and railings, is part of the owner's homage to his late wife, Leah Albino-Adarna, projecting her as a matriarchal figure worthy of imperial honor. Such a husband we can wish for.
Inside the temple we are welcomed by a musician who was playing classical music which is perfect for the vibe of the temple. The music will serenade you will checking the souvenir shops which showcases some of Leah's favorite things.
Under the bright sun and clear blue sky, the Temple of Leah stands tall and proud, shining in all its beauty. The heat wraps around you, but the breathtaking view and grand design make it all worth it. Every stone and statue tells a story, and even in the warmth of the day, there's a quiet, peaceful feeling in the air. It's a place that makes you stop, look around, and take it all in—where love, art, and history come together in one unforgettable experience.
That's it for today. Until next time hivers!