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Have you ever been in love? Have you ever felt the warmth of being cherished? To what lengths would you go for love? And, when that love transcends, how do you preserve and share its depth, especially when the one you hold dear has departed?
Hello, hivers it's me again Nine!😊 Come with me as I show you how Teodorico Soriano Adarna preserved his undying love for his wife Leah Villa Albino-Adarna while exploring the charm of Cebu City's Taj Mahal "Temple of Leah".
Temple of Leah is located in Barangay Busay - Cebu Transcentral Hwy, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu. It is very well known as Cebu City's Taj (crown) Mahal (place) - a museum that represents a love that lasts forever, even beyond death💛👫. On the way to this temple, you will experience the freshness of the air, as it is situated almost at the top of a mountain. At the main entrance, the name "Temple of Leah" is displayed. In front of it is the fee section. Of course, there is a separate way for vehicles and individuals who wish to visit the area for safer and easier access.👍👌
FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN THE AREA
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Parking areas are conveniently available right from the entrance onward. This setup is particularly beneficial, ensuring that parking spaces are situated within the premises, providing ease of access for visitors with young children or elderly companions.
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Next to the motorcycle parking area is where their comfort rooms are located. They have separate comfort rooms for males and females, which amazes me due to their blended design that matches the temple's aesthetic. They utilize white-gray marble tiles with quality detailed doors, adding elegance to the area. There is a clean and aesthetic vibe with mirrors, and of course, quality hand soap is provided at each sink, along with a well-functioning hand dryer. The comfort rooms are well-maintained and clean, ensuring your visit is not only safer but also more comfortable with such high-quality facilities.
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On the left front side of the motorcycle parking area is their go-to snacks section. Here, you can purchase biscuits, candies, water, juices, and soft drinks. Trash bins are provided, along with a sign encouraging visitors to "clean as you go" to maintain the area's cleanliness and encourage responsible disposal of trash.
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Once you go straight and turn left, the first room is labeled "Ristorante Teodorico," an Italian restaurant offering drinks, coffee, cakes, Filipino and Cebuano foods, as well as Italian menus. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to visit the area as we arrived at 2 pm and already had lunch and desserts at SM Mabolo, actually, we would love to give it a try, but our budget doesn't allow for it. However, I was able to take a photo of their menus with prices. If you wish to try their foods and drinks, you already have budget ideas and choices.
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This is the panoramic view of the temple, where on the right side, you can see the "Ristorante Teodorico", and on the left side is the vehicle parking area. It has a very wide and spacious layout that can accommodate a large number of tourist visitors. With grand pillars reminiscent of ideal palaces, the area is adorned with statues. Notably, at the center, a fountain showcases three statues of men, each accompanied by horses surrounding its base.
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And this is the surrounding view of the temple. Situated almost at the top of the mountain, the city view is easily accessible. You can fully enjoy the beauty of the area without worrying if you have sensitive skin as you wish to take in the whole view, a cottage-like structure is available to provide shade, complete with seats and trash bins beside it. Here, you can share a moment with your friend, date, or catch up while appreciating the beauty that the temple offers.
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On my way inside the temple, the first thing you'll notice is two huge gold-painted lions, resembling palace guards. They emit a vibe, suggesting that this palace is truly precious and deserves to be protected by these brave creatures.
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And finally, we've come to the main attraction: Leah's own statue. It is gold-plated, portraying the time when she won as the Matron Queen during her studies. The image reveals the statue being guarded by an angel playing a trumpet. I wasn't able to take a clear photo of the area due to the multitude of visitors from different nationalities. As much as I wanted to capture a solo photo, many visitors had the same intention, resulting in shots that included others. Nonetheless, we all enjoyed the beauty it offers, and surely everyone was amazed by the grand gesture Teodorico Adarna made for his late wife.
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What's even more delightful is the presence of a solemn musician, to whom you can contribute as a gesture of appreciation for their talent. This adds a serene and peaceful ambiance to the area, infusing warmth and love that enhances your ability to truly appreciate the beauty and charm of the place.
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These are the preserved image collections of the Adarna Family. In the center of the hall where most of their collection is situated, there is a large frame with two large jars on each side featuring Leah and Teodorico. If you wish to capture a photo as a memento of your visit, as I did, there are also friendly staff members roaming around whom you can ask to take a photo for you.
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These are some of the framed artworks they have. It's not just a simple frame, as presented in the image, it features well-detailed artwork. The horses are in a three-dimensional form, allowing you to have a closer look to pay attention to their details, and appreciate the clean form they provide, even in the smallest parts.
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These are Leah's favorite personal belongings, mostly acquired during her travels abroad. Through these items, you can truly get an idea of how lavish her lifestyle was. She collected items and mementos from the places she visited, much like many of us wish to do. Among them are figurines from different nationalities, Buddha heads, Chinese vases, and jars, all of which she fell in love with.
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Jars with various designs and sizes are visible in Leah's collection. There is a separate room for them, as you can see in the picture. From small to large ones, she has them all. What amazes me the most is the detailing they exhibit. While there may be writings about them, I could not understand the content. However, judging by the design, it surely represents a considerable investment due to the effort and high-quality materials involved.
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And, of course, many women appreciate having a classy and elegant sitting area, similar to Leah's collection. The quality speaks to the investment Leah made in this collection of hers. There are seats covered for visitors to sit and take photos. However, others are marked do not touch or do not sit due to their age, some parts are already broken but are somehow being preserved.
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Some parts of the temple, such as the music room, library, and other areas on the next floors, are currently under construction. Consequently, I couldn't have a complete tour of the area and its rooms. However, once this construction is completed, many more of her collections will be displayed, and I eagerly anticipate exploring them soon.
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After exploring Leah's collections, I took a stroll around the area, where you can still find towering statues, including those of naked soldiers, griffin lions, and angel statue vases. Aged stairs and vases are visible, and I understand the necessity for repainting and conducting minor construction in the area, restricting visitors from fully touring every part of it for safety reasons. Of course, I didn't miss the opportunity to take a photo of their large pillars, emphasizing the temple's aesthetic and making the photo more attractive and pleasing to the eyes.
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Love truly knows no boundaries, much like how Teodorico expressed and honored his undying love and never-ending devotion for his wife. Many of us have already found our Teodorico—not necessarily the one who built a temple for their loved one, but someone with a passion and commitment to their partner. However, there are still those who are in search of their "the one." Nonetheless, let's all appreciate the beauty of love and its boundless nature.💛
May we all find the true love we deserve, whether it's with a soulmate, family, friends, or within our neighborhood. Love is undoubtedly a cloud-nine feeling, especially when it's pure and strong. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Let's all embrace love and enjoy everything this life has to offer. Have a great day!😇