Weekend Escape Part 1

Sunday is the only day that we truly experience rest after six days of working, so we decided to escape, have fun and explore what Cebu City offers.

A familiar Chinese sight

The Plan B

We planned to go to Papa Kitz at Lilo-an but the plan did not push through because of the tight budget and the limited number (from the original 7, only 4 of us were left). We did not want to stay at the house the whole day and bore ourselves out by sleazing and doing the usual weekend routine of watching movies, eating, doing the laundry and so on. Alas a brilliant idea popped up our mind, plan B is to visit the Taoist Temple. This is also a dream come true for Elvie who has been longing to visit the temple to remove the “loser” branded at her. Correct me if I am wrong, we are still strangers in our own places, in our own communities and in our own country. Yes, this will be her first time to be there, so come join us in celebrating this momentous event.

The Dragons

Taoism in the Queen City of the South

Taoism is a philosophy but it is widely recognized as a religion. It follows the teachings of Lao Tze which emphasize compassion, moderation and humility in order to find the Tao or the Path towards attaining harmony with the Universe and ultimately with its source. Taoism is predominant in China and in other parts of Eastern Asia and due to trading and migration, the philosophy or should I say the religion has permeated into our social realm. In Cebu, The Taoist Temple located at Beverly Hills Subdivision is famous because it is open to worshippers, non-worshippers and tourists alike. It is strategically located atop the hill where a picturesque view of the City and the entire subdivision below is visible.

"No taking of pictures", the sign said

The Ritual

Lucky us because the temple was newly painted so we were able to witness the vibrant colors vis-à-vis the shining sun which created the ambiance of ancient Chinese civilization we are only familiar of in books and literature. Believers visit the temple for guidance in huge decisions to be undertaken or to settle confusion relative to things haunting them. You are free to pray and ask for God’s guidance. If you want to ask questions, you can do the ritual by first washing your hands. The washing of hands symbolizes purity of self and of intention. Then you light a joss stick and pray to God by telling Him everything that is bothering you. Pick up the kidney bean shaped wood with its flat surface facing each other, move it and shake it around while praying and ask God if you can ask your question. Drop it slowly on the floor and when it shows its round and flat surface it means yes and you can proceed to ask your question following the same procedure. If it shows both its round surface it means maybe and you can try to drop it again. If it shows both its flat surface it means no and you should return on some other day because God is not ready to answer your questions. Taking of pictures is not allowed inside the altar so try to visit the temple to experience this ritual. But always remember that this is sacrosanct not just a mere game or tourist attraction.

Capture the Shadows

Tourist Attraction

Speaking of tourist attraction, the Temple is open to visitors especially students on excursion, that is why the place is full of signboards reminding the visitors to keep their silence and pay respect to the house of worship. For those who want to bring some food and eat their snacks above the Hill overlooking the beautiful scenery, they have an available place with big umbrellas where the visitors may sit, relax, drink and eat. Just keep in mind to throw your trash on the trash bins provided. I think every inch of the temple is great for picture taking so keep your batteries full so that you won’t miss anything. And one more thing, this is a good venue for stretching those muscles because you have to walk up the steep hill and stairs to go up and then go down on the same path again. If you want to experience, peace, tranquility and meditation within the busy City, visit the Taoist Temple where fun and spirituality are merged into one.

The place where we ate our snacks

P.S.: the unexpected Cebu Zoo experience will be posted as Part 2 of this Weekend Escape.

8:56 am

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