WANDERLUST WEEKEND: TEMPLE OF LEAH

TRAVEL

TEMPLE OF LEAH: A TASTE OF TRUE LOVE

SEPTEMBER 13, 2015 | AIZY ZAPANTA | ADMIN

“a taste of true love”

---

Who wouldn’t want to have a man whose love is undying? Who wouldn’t want a man who oath to do anything for the woman who he truly loves even if it is so close to impossibility? Who wouldn’t appreciate a man who stayed as devoted as ever to his wife who left this beautiful world? All of us, and when I say all of us, I mean the entire universe love (maybe an understatement) to be in Leah’s shoes.

“Til death do us part”

See that golden statue lady? That is Leah Villa Albino-Adarna, Teodorico Adana’s wife to whom he devoted the temple. Teodorico and Leah were married for 53 years! (Wow, forever is undeniably unquestioned). When Leah died in 2010, Teodorico, Ellen Adarna’s grandfather (thought it would make an additional point), decided to construct the temple as an emblem of his never-ending love to Leah. Today, Leah is a 9-foot bronze statue seated at the heart of the temple that exposes her beauty. She will be forever remembered, thanks to Teodorico.

                                 

Just some piece of an advice, you may wonder why there are bulldozers, some timbers and different machines right after you move in the temple because the temple is still under construction. Despite all the ongoing constructions, most of the major parts are beautifully done. The temple is expected to be fully furnished and to be completed this year, 2015. As of now, they open the place for people who love to see and be amaze with an entrance fee of Php50.00.

As you cross the temple’s threshold, you will eventually feel like you are in Rome! I have never been there, but then again based on some researches Rome has magnificent architectural designs. Some say it’s similar to the ancient Rome for the reason that it vaunts a Roman inspired architecture. The temple has 24 chambers that display all of Leah’s grandest possessions. In the meantime, there is still a limited access due to its ongoing construction.

The place is so dramatic and has a perfect spot for photo-shoots.The best time to visit the temple is around 4-5 o’clock in the afternoon when the sun is about to set. The view from up here is truly breathtaking. The temple has a wide open space in front that makes marvelous viewing deck.

Temple of Leah is located on top of Roosevelt, Busay Cebu City a few meters from Lantaw Native Restaurant and Mountainview Resort. For those commuters who is excited to visit the temple it can be reached by motorcycle(habal-habal) from the JY Square, as someone who’ve been there I prefer you the motorcycle than a taxi since it has steep roads, it will approximately cost you P75-P100 one-way per person depending on the driver. On the other hand, make sure you find a driver that is harmless to be as your guide. Safety first!

In behalf of the unfinished beauty, I must say the temple is a work of genius, love and art. I assure you that it is worth your time visiting the place. It is beyond your expectations. What are you waiting for? It’s just in Cebu!

WANDERLUST WEEKEND: WHALE SHARKS!!

TRAVEL

SWIMMING WITH GIANTS:

WHALE SHARK WATCHING, TAN-AWAN OSLOB CEBU

September 5, 2015 | Mark Mionda | ADMIN

“Despite the itchy salt water, swimming with one of the world’s magical creatures was a worthwhile experience”

---

      Oslob, Cebu is definitely a one stop destination for travelers.  It has almost all the places a traveler or a tourist wants to be. It is a place of historical infrastructures, finest white sand beaches and waterfalls. However, what makes you crave for Oslob is their famous “whale shark watching” attraction.  Yes, you heard me correctly, whale sharks.  You get to see and SWIM with one of the gentlest and biggest giants on Earth. How amazing is that?  So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your friends and head to OSLOB!

HOW TO GET THERE: From Manila to Cebu: If you are highly interested to visit and experienced the whale sharks, simply book a flight from Manila to Cebu, Mactan Airport. From the airport, you take a taxi or cab to South Bus Central Station. The ride will take you about 30 to 45 minutes depending on the traffic. Further, the taxi fare will approximately range from Php150.00 to Php200.00.  From the South Bus Central Station, you take the Ceres bus to Oslob Cebu. The fare costs only about Php150.00. If you are unaware where the site is, simply ask the bus conductor to drop you off the whale shark site in Barangay Tan-awan, Oslob.

      From Cebu City to Oslob: If you are from Cebu City and is planning to see the whale sharks, you just simply go to the  South Bus Central Station and take a Ceres Bus to Oslob.

      The drive from Cebu City to Oslob takes a three hour drive but it is all worth it. Keeping in mind that there is not many places where you get to see and swim with whale sharks in Cebu or in the Philippines for that matter.  Unfortunately, the whale shark watching is only available from 6am to 12pm so I suggest you get there early.

      From the site, you together with other tourists will be escorted by a staff and briefly orient you about “the do’s and don’ts” when encountering with the whale sharks. You want an early friendly advice? If you’re planning to wear a sun block lotion, I suggest you don’t because wearing of sun block lotions during the activity is highly prohibited. This is due to the chemicals that can harm the health of the whale sharks.

      The price rates may be high but trust me it is worth it.  For Oslob residents, the fee only cost Php50.00. For local tourists, the fee cost Php500.00 and for foreign tourists the fee cost Php1000.00.

      In addition, rentals are also available such as snorkeling gears or cameras. So if you failed to bring an underwater camera with you or don’t have one, you can rent in the site for as much as Php500.00.

     “After paying for the fee, you are off to the sea.”

         The spot or the whale shark area is not too far from the coast so it’s safe enough.  In each boat or “Bangka”, there will be two staff accompanying you. Take note, the activity has a time limitation. In each group you get to swim with the whale sharks for only thirty minutes so I suggest you make the best out of it to justify your fee.   For an additional tip, if you want to dive in with the whale sharks, better come on a weekday because weekends are completely packed with people.

      Since we were the first batch to dive in with the sharks, we got to spent 45 minutes in the water. It was completely and utterly the best moment I got to experienced. I was little bit nervous at first when I saw them because of their insane size. Not to mention they are wild animals. However, as time passed by, I became comfortable with them and I realized that they are truly the gentlest things I’ve ever encountered. I swear, they’re even gentler than my friend’s cat. Despite the itchy salt water, swimming with them was still a worthwhile experience.

      Now that you have tips and ideas of the place, you are ready to go Oslob. Enjoy and get fascinated in marveling with the gentle giants!