The Taj Mahal of Cebu, Philippines. My entry in architecturalphotography photo contests @juliank.

“Some people don't understand the promises they're making when they make them," I said.

"Right, of course. But you keep the promise anyway. That's what love is. Love is keeping the promise anyway.”
― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

The Temple of Leah is one of Cebu’s most visited new attractions, is gaudy and a bit too much. It is a must-see, however, to those who are curious how an act of love worth P80 million looks like.

The Temple of Leah in Cebu City, Philippines is the counterpart of Taj Mahal of India, both are a grand gesture of love from a husband to their late respective wife.

While the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum which is the centrepiece of the 17 hectare complex which includes a mosque and a guest house, and is set in formal gardens bounded on three sides by a crenellated wall, the Temple of Leah is a shrine holding the memory and treasures of Leah Albino-Adarna in a seven storeys high temple with a land area of more than 5,000 square meters.

A brass plaque on its podium signed by Teodorico says: “Beloved Wife and Mother: Leah V. Albino-Adarna was chosen Matron Queen of her Alma Mater the University of Southern Philippines. This bronze statue portrays her composure and regal bearing when she was crowned. May the beholder discern her innate beauty, poise and gentleness.”

Men of greatness and history erected edifices like mausoleums and temples as an expression and symbol of their undying love to their most beloved. And there's no better way to immortalize their eternal love than to enshrine this in mausoleums and temples.

Well, that's one way of keeping their promises, a promise that has to be fulfilled. And that is one of a hell true love.

That is me paying a visit at the temple as I stand in the posts structure that is inspired by ancient Roman architecture complete with Doric columns made of granite.

This is all for now.

Thanks for dropping by.

Cheers!

@irhey

Category: Architectural Photography
Camera: SONY
Model: SLT-A77V
Exposure: 1/500 sec
f stop: f/10
ISO Speed: ISO-100
Lens: Sony Macro 18-250 mm
Location: Cebu City, Philippines