Temple of Leah: A Monument of Undying Love

The Temple of Leah is a beautiful shrine in the style of ancient Roman architecture on top of a hill in Busay, Cebu, Philippines. It has been dubbed Cebu's Taj Mahal. Both were built as symbols of the love and devotion of a husband to his wife.

Taj Mahal is a mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favorite wife, Mumtaz. The Temple of Leah on the other hand is a museum built by Teodorico Adarna for Leah V. Albino Adarna his wife of more than 50 years. It serves as a repository for Leah's material possessions like vases, jars, and figurines among others, collected from the couple's global travels.

It is a 7-storey mansion and covers a land area of more than 5,000 square meters. It is made up of 24 chambers and the facade alone is lined with 22 Doric columns.

The driveway leads you to a spacious balcony which offers an overlooking view of downtown Cebu. The west side, surrounded by beautiful statues along the balustrade, has a panoramic view of Cebu City's highlands.

Sculptures on the balustrade

As we explored the vast area, we saw more life-size sculptures and statues of griffins lining up the entrance of the basement.

The magnificent fountain made of marble, in the main courtyard has statues of four seated horses at the base and three naked maidens standing at the top. I saw some visitors toss a coin on the fountain perhaps thinking that it can make their wishes come true. My Mom followed suit (fingers crossed)!

A wide stone staircase leads to the portico and towards the lobby where a 9-foot bronze statue of Leah is erected. Golden statues of gigantic seated lions, stand guard on each side of the grand staircase looking like roaring sentinels.

The building has a portico of Doric columns, sun patterned granite floors, and engraved moldings on the ceiling inspired by temples of India. It has 24 chambers housing Leah's favorite and personal belongings and includes a bar.

As you go further into the lobby, you see more brass angel sculptures. In the middle is a grand staircase, a pair of trumpet blaring brass angels, and the 9-ft. high, bronze statue of Leah. Behind the statue is an arched stained glass window.

This is the 9-foot bronze statue of Leah-The Queen of the Temple The Commemorative plaque at the base reads: “Beloved Wife and Mother: Leah V. Albino-Adarna was chosen Matron Queen of her Alma Mater at the University of Southern Philippines. This bronze statue portrays her composure and regal bearing when she was crowned. May the beholder discern her innate beauty, poise, and gentleness.”

We were not able to go inside any of the chambers. They were closed. We were able to see and take pictures only through the windows. Perhaps this is a safeguard against breakage and theft. It would have been more interesting though if there is a story behind each chamber's contents.

The Bar This is the conclusion of our temple tour. We saw how an expression of love can be worth millions. I believe however that no matter how grand or small the gesture, what matters most is that it is pure. What do you think?

Thank you for the read dear Hivers. Till the next post.

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