CEBU TOUR, Part 7 The Taoist Temple on the Mountain

The Staircase leading to the Temple. It would be nice to be bald like the Shaolin monks and carrying buckets of water back and forth in this staircase for Kung Fu training, isn't it? Jackie Chan did it, Jet Li also as well as The Black Mamba...

This is my first time to visit and see for myself a Taoist Temple. And just like everybody I was struck by its beauty and majesty. It was very beautiful and very serene. It fulfilled my expectations and it was exactly how I envisioned it would be and more.

Picture taking with the Facade of the Temple looming large at the back

However, as we were roaming around I feel so empty because the images inside the Temple are all gods and goddesses and not the Biblical figures that we have. Definitely it is not the Lord Jesus who is at the center but the image of the Old Man with golden cloth sitting like Buddha with long white hair and even eyebrows. So, instead of feeling holy it gives me fear because their god the father looks like the terribly violent Kung Fu Master in the movie Kill Bill [Part 2] -- Pai Mei!

The panoramic scenery on top. The area is like Beverly Hills it is owned by the rich and the powerful. Large mansions and luxurious apartments

For those who are familiar with Kung Fu movies, Pai Mei is the evil White Lotus Clan priest who is considered as one of the greatest Kung Fu Masters of all time. He massacred the Shaolin Monks using a technique called 'The Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique'. Then, their god looks like Pai Mei, sits like Pai Me or exactly like Pai Mei when Beatrix Kiddo, a.k.a. The Black Mamba saw him for the first time. O, NO THIS CANNOT BE MY GOD! No way.

The Elephant and the Dragon

Empire of the Sun

Their artforms are simple but beautiful, colorful and majestic

It reminds me of the Disney movie Mulan wherein the ancestors told the young dragon: "You have to awaken the GREAT DRAGON at the gate!" This one reminds me of the burning cauldron of almost exactly the same shape bodily carried by Jackie Chan and David Carradine in Kung Fu movies in order to become a full Kung Fu Master. He,he,he... I wanted to try it there and then but my companions prohibited me. I wanted to show to everybody my Kung Fu expertise. He,he,he...

The Hall at the side of the Temple

Beautiful Pagoda

This hall is best for Swordsplay like the final fight between Shou Lien and Sha Long in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. Ha,ha,ha... Next time I will bring a Kung-fu Sword. Who will dare cross swords with me?

The right branch of the Temple The Upper part of the Temple, exquisite architectural designs

I am being tempted to do Kung Fu actions here. He,he,he... I feel like Jet Li - "Once Upon A Time In CEBU". Ha,ha,ha...

Their goddess of peace or Kwan Yin

The Morning of the Dragon from Miss Saigon... Well, it reminds me of China and Japan facing each other in Martial Arts challenge.

Phoenixes. Beautiful bird. Reminds me of Kim's final song to her son in Miss Saigon: "...for the great sacred bird is reborn..." It also reminds me of JUMONG.