April 20, 2013 Temple Run in Davao City
I was in Davao City again to spend my restday. Since I want to divert from the nature for this trip, I decided to spend my day by checking the temples around Davao City's Chinatown, watch a movie before I travel back to Surigao later in the evening. I am fascinated by architecture especially when it comes to temples. I fixed myself, got my things and checked out from the hotel where I spent the night in the city so as to maximize my time. Anyway, I was just carrying a backpack.
I hopped on taxi going to Long Hua Temple. The temple is known as Philippine School of Sakya. The driver mentioned about the Chinese temple in Chinatown and I answered with, "yes and please take me there". We drove along Cabaguio Avenue and the temple can easily be recognized from the road.
I hopped on taxi going to Long Hua Temple. The temple is known as Philippine School of Sakya. The driver mentioned about the Chinese temple in Chinatown and I answered with, "yes and please take me there". We drove along Cabaguio Avenue and the temple can easily be recognized from the road.
It was a sunny morning of a Saturday. The temple was so quiet, people free except for the guard who secures the area. This guard doubles as a tour guide. I approached him and greeted, "Good Morning po. Sight seeing lang po." He told me that I can go around but he will escort me within the temple. There is no entrance fee here but only in kind.
First thing that I noticed when I stepped into the grounds of the temple was the laughing Buddha. He greets the visitors from a pedestal placed on a lotus pond. I wanted to touch it but my arms are short to reach it. There's this belief that when you touch a laughing Buddha, you will be blessed with happiness. But if I wanted happiness instantly, I will just drink Coca-Cola Coke. Open happiness as the ad says.
First thing that I noticed when I stepped into the grounds of the temple was the laughing Buddha. He greets the visitors from a pedestal placed on a lotus pond. I wanted to touch it but my arms are short to reach it. There's this belief that when you touch a laughing Buddha, you will be blessed with happiness. But if I wanted happiness instantly, I will just drink Coca-Cola Coke. Open happiness as the ad says.
Manong guard then led me into the stairs. We then walked into the right side of the temple. I learned that The compound is composed of a temple and a school. Both sides of stairs had a lion guarding the temple. According to the guard, it's a male and a female lion. To my mind, it's like the principle of yin and yang, balance force. But whatever, I am not an expert on Feng Shui nor Buddhism. At the temple, I had to remove my footwear for respects. Good news was I could take pictures inside the temple.
Here are photos taken from my Iphone5.
I was then led at the back of the temple. I saw a Shiva-like image with two Christmas tree-like stand. The image turned out to be the Thousand Arms Kwan Yin. I just googled this image when I got home for more info about it. A closer look at the Christmas tree like stand, there are tiny Buddhas on it with LED lights giving the illusion of lighted candles from afar. Facing the Thousand Arms Kwan Yin was a large bronze jar for lighting incense sticks.
After saying a prayer with my incense sticks lighted, we walked back from where we entered. To the left just before we stepped out of the temple was the head monk's office. The room is well lit by natural light coming from the windows. One will notice the circular passageway inside, commonly seen on Chinese architecture. There are also artworks mostly sculptures about Buddha's life
My short tour on the place was finished. Before I left, I asked if I could take some photos more, of which he gladly agreed. I did not noticed earlier the Guanyin statue on the right side of the temple garden. Guanyin is the Goddess of Mercy among the Chinese. After I got the shots I needed, I gave a small donation on the guard and said my appreciation for showing me around.
The Mindanao Taoist Temple
There is another temple based on my research. A few meters away by walking just around the other corner is the Mindanao Taoist Temple. I was surprised to know that Mindanao had Chinese temples like these. I had to ask for some directions though from a guard on another building. Once I saw the red tower of the temple, I knew I am getting closer. It's already 10AM and it's so hot that I had to make quick steps. I just took photos from the street. I no longer went inside the temple. I had to budget my time since I am still going to watch a movie. Another restday spent exploring the unknown to many. When I told my colleagues about these temples, they don't know. Now they knew because of my itchy feet and posts on my FB wall.
“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” – Martin Buber