Philippine Taoist Temple - Home of Dragons | CJ Travels

I never expected what my summer was going to be. All I wanted was to visit peaceful places where I can unwind. I already took a dip from various of pools of Cebu Westown Lagoon which was very worth it. I felt like my summer was missing something. I had to travel and explore the Cebu City.

There are many places to visit here in Cebu City Philippines, places that are accessible and not that far away from the city. I was thinking of a tourist spot that I haven't visited yet. An interesting place or perhaps a temple that I know I could spend hours of beholding the architectural designs and the views.

Philippine Taoist Temple

When we arrived at the parking lot, this sign foreshadows of what could be in the temple. The designs and the colors are Chinese-related. Obviously, the temple was meant only for the people who believe Taoism. It is for them to have a place to implore their faith and life. However, the temple became an attraction for all tourists and the local community.

The Entrance to the Place

Before I entered, a friendly reminder was noticed. When we enter the temple we should observe silence and manners. We have to respect those people who are solemnly praying inside the place. Another reminder is the outfit we wear. We should wear a formal attire especially when it comes to Wednesdays & Sundays. It is to respect their religion and the people praying.

Whats with Wednesdays & Sundays?

Every Wednesdays & Sundays, a ritual among devotees are witnessed. The ritual includes washing of hands, going inside the chapel barefoot and dropping two blocks of wood. If the blocks of wood are both face up then one could make a wish. If not then it is not yet the time for one's wish to be granted and one has to come to the temple some other time. Another ritual among the devotees is the climbing of its 81 steps, which represents the 81 chapters of Taoism scriptures, and lighting joss sticks and having their fortune be read by the monks. I went there along with my family last April 22, Sunday. Sadly, I didn't witness and done any of the mentioned rituals.

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So after reading those rules & reminders, we started climbing those stairs. Eventually, I stopped after 20 steps. I noticed this small old fish pond. The pond looks like old and never cleaned. The water is brown but the bird statues itself made the pond look amazing. The waterlilies floating made it more look perfect. Also by having every step in the stairs. This red lamp catches my attention. Its red color obviously fits the Chinese-designed architectures of the place.

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The Main Temple

We continue to climb the stairs and I never saw the color of the stairs. It's red! Oh my, I really appreciate the uniqueness of the place. Few more steps to go and we are able to see the temple. The temple was said to be built last 1972. As we arrived at the top, I saw a sign with words that were painted red. I thought it was just nothing when I tried to capture the look of the temple. Suddenly, the guard approached me and said that we were not allowed to take some photos of the temple or with the temple. I almost broke the rules but I have to respect the people, the place, and the religion. I may not be able to share at least a glimpse photograph but I can tell you what's inside the temple.

Whats Inside?

This main temple is the primary structure where the saints inhabit. It is perhaps called an "altar". Other religious structures and writings can also be seen that were carefully set and positioned. The symbols and statues are facing towards the worshiper's direction just like most religious structures. The temple has small rectangular-shaped cushions that are arranged properly. These cushions are a support for someone who kneels down to make their supplications. I was there to witness some devotee that was humbly kneeling to implore there prayers to the saint.

Statues

Aside from the altar, I also want to share that there are these statues. These statues greet every people that enter the place. It made me think that these statues were the guardians of the temple. I am also wondering if what animal or creature were the statues are.

Beside the temple, there is a large area or somewhat called a hall. The hall is very spacious, there are free teas, and soups for the people to try to. There are free seats provided for those who tried their specialties.

In the hall, there are also framed pictures that are being displayed. The pictures look very old from its color and filter. Then I realized that maybe these photos were captured decades ago. These photos exhibit the beauty of the temple.

There are also benches provided for the visitors to have a seat in case they don't want to try those foods in the hall.

I wasn't finished wandering yet. I climb upstairs to the 2nd temple. Again, taking photos was not allowed so I only took a photo of this fisherman. This fisherman statue situates in the middle of this Koi pond. The fisherman seems to be a Chinaman and is trying to catch a fish. I was amazed at the architecture and also the rules. We people thought that we can make a wish through tossing a coin to a pond but unlike any other pond, this fisherman seems don't like his pond to be tossed some coins though. Funny huh? But seriously tossing a coin to this pond is highly prohibited.

Being on the 2nd temple or most likely being at the top of the temple gives me a very breathtaking moment while holding my camera. There are several of dragons in the roof of the first temple. I am really gobsmacked! I wonder how do they manage to put several of dragon statues at the top of their temple.

Dragons

The first sight of these dragons made up my mind. I already knew how special and important these dragon statues are in the temple. These magical green dragons are very symbolic in the Taoism Religion. That's why I can see many dragon statues, paintings, and sculptures around the temple, you can witness it as well!

Aside from being a very symbolic creature, I realized that they were the guardians of the temple. There are two dragons on each corner of the 1st temple's roof. How wonderful isn't it?

There are two dragons at the very most top of the roof. They are facing each other which was very interesting to take a photo with. Imagine you broke the rules, you shouted or took some shots of their altar and then these dragons went alive and come to you from the top of the roof. Omy!

Moving on to the third temple which I didn't have a photo as well. The third temple was just located on the same floor where the 1st temple was situated. Inside the temple lies "Budha" or the golden sitting saint. Unlike the other temples, the Budha Altar was not that big.

There is also a park just located nearby the 3rd temple. There are seats where we can sit and relax for a moment. The park is very tranquil and very unique. There are flowers with various colors of white, pink, and purple that completes the park.

In the other side of the park, there is a beautiful artwork that caught my attention. Two peafowls that are facing each other. Hmmmmm, now I am very obsessing on finding out why some of the creatures here are facing each other. But nevermind, whatever it is I am very sure that it is a religious theme of Taoism. Aside from the creatures, I am very amazed at those symbols and colors they used.

In the park, you can capture the beautiful architecture of the 2nd temple from above. You can see how unique and peaceful it is. The temple is very different from other places here in Cebu, Philippines. From its architecture and designs, I feel like I visited China.

The Giant Dragon

The most famous thing here in the Taoist Temple was this giant Dragon Statue. The giant dragon is located at the most-right side of the place. The giant dragon surprises every visitor of the temple. Its long waving body and its claws are very frightening. Overall this giant dragon scared me and amazed me the most.

My most important goal here in the Taoist Temple is to witness the green hills and cool city scapes from above. It was a very wonderful moment for me to take a deep breath and unwind. The place was not just for the tourists to witness those dragons and Chinese-stuffs but also to witness the great view of the Cebu from above. Most importantly, the place is for the devotees of Taoism which is if we aren't a devotee we have to respect the place, the religion, and the people.

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More About a Taoist Temple

A Taoist Temple is obviously a place where Taoism believers offer their supplications for almost everything, including health, prosperity, success, passing exams, safety, marriage, among everything. If you have noticed in Cebu Taoist Temple, there are so many symbolisms that are being reflected in the decorations, images, and constructions. It is the religious theme of Taoism the pursuit of longevity and prosperous life. You will notice that the construction of a temple is usually built with huge windows, wide open doors, eves, and girders are carved with Chinese characters.

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Conclusion

There are several places here in Cebu City and it was my first time to visit the Taoist Temple. The temple was very charming, I love the Chinese-theme from the dragons, paintings, the colors green & red, the architects and the saints. From my travel, I learned that we have to respect any religious-place. The tranquility and serenity of the place were very perfect for me to forget and even relieve stress.

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How To Get There

Jeepney-Habal2×-Hike

• From Cebu City go to SM Cebu City Terminal and ride a jeepney with a code 04L which leads you to Lahug Cebu City. You may ask the driver to drop you at JY Mall. (8 php)

• Find a motorcycle or habal-habal to ride. Tell the driver that you were going to Beverly Hills Taoist Temple. (10-20 php)

• You would be dropped at the entrance gateway of vehicles. You need to hike atleast 5-10 mins.

Taxi

• You may ride a taxi from any part of the Cebu City directly to the Taoist Temple. (40-150 php)

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References: 1, 2, 3