Lon Wa Buddhist Temple (re)Visited{12}
I’ve spoken before about my interest in visiting the Lon Wa Buddhist Temple (also known as Long Hua Temple). Finally I had an opportunity to do so, and I was not disappointed.
Though the structure itself was fascinating, along with the many sculptures and furnishings, the tour is not an all day event. It makes a great side trip when you are in the area (near Davao Medical Center on C.P. Cabaguio Ave.), or passing by.
Upon arriving I was not certain that I was at the correct place because I could see no indication of the name Lon Wa anywhere. The security guard assured me that it was the correct place, and proceeded to act as my guide through the main hall. I was quickly informed that “no” shoes were allowed in this area.
After a brief explanation of things I was left on my own to explore the facility. There were various rooms in the building behind the main hall, and it seems there was an ongoing school on the premises. I did not pay much attention to that, but I did notice students at times while I perused the complex.
The place was really quite simple, but at the same time very ornate. I did not take any notes, or get any kind of hand out regarding the history, though the guard was able to answer most questions (of which I’ve completely forgotten as of now). I was given a free “Be a Lamp Upon Yourself” book upon my departure. It is a brief explanation of Buddhism, and quite interesting really.
I feel the photos do best to demonstrate the temple and it’s interesting pieces. I could have taken more, but I feel like I got a good representation. It certainly is one of those places that is better to see in person. I recommend doing so if you’ve got some free time in the area.
Google+
. Finally I had an opportunity to do so, and I wa){kind=link}
Sep 18, 2011 @ 23:21:17
Working on that happiness thing. Thanks for the kind words about the photos.
Sep 18, 2011 @ 18:09:04
Interesting write-up, Randy. And it points up perhaps the number one reason the Philippines is always playing catch-0up with tourism, rather than being a top destination in people’s minds.
The attractions the Philippines already has are virtually ignored by Filipinos in the tourism business. While the official organizations, from the Department of Tourism down through the multitude of competing organizations for travel agents spend their days trying to figure out how to attract multi-billion dollar foreign investors, the gems of the Philippines lie ignored .. promoted mainly by security guards and others, good hearted but only informally connected.
This mirrors my trip to the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan … sort of the Independence hall of the Philippines.
First you have to find the place .. not an easy task,since road signs for it virtually don’t exist, then when you get there, it’s filthy, ill-maintained and totally open to vandals and desecration. We wandered about for 30 or 40 minutes, met not a single soul connected with the facility and left wondering if Filipino Pride stops where Manny Paquiao’s exploits leave off. I mean the place is so unpopular not even beggars don’t hang out there.
Yet it’s historical significance can hardly be denied, and it’s an impressive structure which could easily be made into a showplace … and a learning center for Filipino children, many of whom know absolutely nothing about the events that transpired there in 1898/1899.
It’s not only the cradle of the Philippine nation, but the birthplace of democracy in all of Asia.
If Only *sigh*
“If Only” the country would stop saying “If Only” and start promoting what they have at hand the rulsts might be quite amazing.
Sep 18, 2011 @ 20:20:19
It was not my intention, but you are correct, after reading through it again it does point out pretty clearly that there was a lack of information/promotion about the place. It was even unknown to the taxi driver, as we had to check with the guard before we let him leave us there.
Though I’ve been to only a few historical destinations, the White House on Samal comes to mind, it seems to me there are many fascinating spots/buildings due to the interesting history of the Philippines.
I’m no expert on tourism, but it does seem to me that there is a lot of misplaced thought, if not energy transpiring there.
I went to another well known attraction and was discouraged with how difficult and expensive it was just to get there, only to find that it wasn’t really set up for walk ins. The only way to really view the complex was through a tour, which they only do twice a day. I pretty much hit it right between, did a little exploring and left wondering why I went there.
Sep 18, 2011 @ 20:08:26
Are you in Samal now Randy?
Sep 18, 2011 @ 20:19:29
No Cheryl. I’m back in the States.
I did visit Samal, but just for one night. I wanted (and was mostly successful) to spend more time in Davao and the surrounding area this trip. I think I accomplished everything on my “Davao Top Ten to do List“.
Sep 18, 2011 @ 21:24:23
Im at a loss for words. Sounds like you are happy and content with life and yourself. These days thats saying something. Congrats.
Sep 18, 2011 @ 22:20:55
Pictures were amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Sep 19, 2011 @ 00:21:35
That happiness thing,I dont think we ever stop trying to achieve that. I get there, then life happens all over again….
Sep 19, 2011 @ 00:32:44
Life does not happen, it just is…
Meditation in Davao | Zen Meditation Philippines | Journey to Samal
Apr 29, 2012 @ 10:59:37
[...] to be a Zen practice that is done at someone’s residence. I thought I remembered that the Lon Wa Buddhist Temple offered meditation, also, but I will need to check on that again. I believe that would be my [...]
Lon Wa Buddhist Temple
Nov 10, 2012 @ 06:10:31
[...] Lon Wa Buddhist Temple – inside Philippine Academy of Sakya [...]
Lon Wa Buddhist Temple
Jul 29, 2013 @ 21:15:31
[...] Lon Wa Buddhist Temple – inside Philippine Academy of Sakya [...]