Field trips to Cebu is never complete without a visit to this place, but still, it is only now that I had the chance to actually go there. LOL
So guys, I present to you... the (Cebu) Taoist Temple!
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| one of the worship areas |
General Overview
It's basically the largest Taoist Temple in the Philippines (or so I've been told).
For a bit of history, it was built by the local Chinese-Filipino community as a place for worship back in 1972 (wow, 40 years and it's still looking pristine).
The solemnity of the place is taken very seriously that although it is considered as one of the destinations tourists (both foreign and local) visit, there are guards and personnel around who are there to make sure that the sanctity of the place is kept.
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| one of the frequently posed areas of visitors |
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| the popular fisherman koi pond |
Kind Reminders to Keep in Mind
Common rules when visiting the temple includes:
* no taking of photos inside the worship area where the Taoist saints and sacred objects are located.
* silence must be observed at all times.
* guards and personnel are NOT to be asked to take your pictures.
* no throwing of coins in the koi pond -- it is a pond, not a wishing well.
Things to Do
But of course, there are a lot of things that you can do when visiting the Cebu Taoist Temple. Here are a few:
1. Enjoy the View
With the temple located in Beverly Hills, a subdivision on a hill, it is actually 300 meters above sea level. So you'll have a great view of the city. Great for soul searching, photos, and just having that "I'm on top of the world" moment. :)
2. Light Joss Sticks
They have joss sticks instead of candles. So you can light them and you can also try doing the rituals since there are signs telling you how to do it. It would be a nice experience.
3. Take Photos
This place is one of the shutterbugs' choices in their itineraries. It is quiet, it is tranquil, it is green, and it is interesting. And if you're that crazy and fun, you can fake your shots that you're in China or somewhere... just pick the right angles! ;-)
4. Have a Relaxing Walk
Whether it is taking a reflective walk by yourself, or a romantic walk, the Cebu Taoist Temple is really a great place to take that walk. It is calm, peaceful, and just has the right kind of vibe for that relaxing walk.
5. Meditate / Reflect
Where else to meditate than here, right? It was built for this purpose. So you can go and sit in a quiet corner and meditate / reflect. There are shady areas with trees, or nice corners around the place. Take your pick...
6. Climb the 81 Steps
This is one of the rituals done by Taoist devotees during Wednesdays and Sundays.
What you do is, you climb the 81 steps of the stairs (each step representing the 81 chapters of the Taoism scriptures), light joss sticks and have your fortune read by the monks.
For a non-Taoist, this is an interesting experience. I would have wanted to try this. Too bad I went there on a Thursday. :-(
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| the popular facade of the temple for picture taking (beside the mini "Great wall of China" too..) |
Getting There
You can basically take a taxi, or a private car.
Since it is in a subdivision, those who opt to ride tricycles or jeepneys can make it just up to the entrance of Beverly Hills, and they can walk to the temple.
If you're someone who likes to walk, it isn't such a long way to the temple from the entrance. However, it is uphill, so a bit of extra effort should be expected.
And bring an umbrella if walking -- it can be quite hot.
Next time you find yourself in Cebu, drop by and enjoy the view, snap a few photos, and just enjoy the tranquility.
After all, we're here, we're there, we're everywhere! :)
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