The Temple of Leah: A Symbol of Undying Love and Ceaseless Devotion

22 April 2015

When my sister, Twinkle, came over to visit, we checked out the newest tourist spot in Cebu.....

The Taj Mahal of Agra is one of the most famous structures in the world. The emperor had the monument built in loving memory of his wife (third), Mumtaz Mahal.

The Temple of Leah is slowly becoming one of the most famous in Cebu. Perched high above the hills of Busay, the "temple" is breathtakingly huge.

We entered through the side near the parking area. (We found a really neat spot under a tree.) And then I discovered that Facebook pictures do not really show that the building is still under construction so we had to go through dusty stairs to get to the main floor. But oh when we got to the main floor, wow! Transported to Rome! Or the Parthenon.

The Roman architecture was constructed in 2012 by Cebuano businessman, Teodorico Adarna, as "a symbol of undying love for and ceaseless devotion" to his late wife, Leah Adarna, whose golden image sits regally in the middle of the temple. Awwww...

As inscribed in the temple, he also wanted a structure that would withstand time so that future generation of Adarnas who came from her would be able to go back to their roots.

(A detailed family tree may also be found in the temple.)

When finished, the temple will have 24 chambers that will showcase the lifetime collections of Mrs. Adarna. We saw a library and sections upon sections of porcelain and marble statues and figurines. The items were just covered in plastic and not in glass cases befitting them.

Guarding the entry way of the temple were two giant golden lions (sphinx inspired). On one side, a naked Roman archer poised ready to shoot. There is also a coin operated telescope on the temple grounds apart from the statues found sporadically.

Unfinished, the building was already impressive. The Adarnas are very generous in sharing this edifice for FREE. (Although, I wonder how the workers get things done with so many people checking out the place daily.)

On our way out, I saw mermen lying on the floor. I am not sure where they will be placed but I sure am coming back to find out.

Cooking Mama: Bangus Belly ala Pobre

22 April 2015


My children are fond of fish. The boneless kind. Maybe because that's all we have in the fridge most of the time. Normally, I'd marinate it in calamansi juice, soy sauce/Worcestershire sauce and magic sarap. But since a friend shared his instant fish rub, I'd been using that ever since. But of course, toyomansi is still good.

Deep-fried and crispy. That's how we do our fish. Until I got bored and I tried this....

BANGUS BELLY ALA POBRE

INGREDIENTS

1 boneless bangus belly, marinated with toyomansi
2 tbsp calamansi juice
1/4c soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar / muscovado
1 med onion, cut into rings

PROCEDURE

1. In a bowl, mix calamansi juice, soy sauce and brown sugar. Set aside.
2. Fry bangus belly on non-stick pan (if available). Fry both sides but do not overcook. Fish shouldn't be crispy.
3. Add onion rings.
4. Pour over the fish your calamansi-soy sauce-sugar mixture.
5. Simmer for a few more minutes to cook the fish with its sauce.

Serve with garlic bits on top. (I couldn't coz hubby is allergic to garlic!)

Summer Mommy? Hah!

April 22, 2015

What was I thinking? Posted too soon, I guess.

Once again, I find myself without a yaya. Between my last post and today, I have had a barrage of problems but I am still fortunate to be alive and breathing. So, from "summer mommy", Super Mommy is back. (Super Mommy is sometimes mistaken for Always-Angry-Mommy because of the many things she needs to juggle day in day out. Lol!)

Let me warn you about the yaya who recently deserted us.

GEMMA RODRIGUEZ. Native of Manjuyod, Negros Oriental.

I liked her. She did not cook but she cleaned very well. She took care of Zasha, too. And I knew she genuinely liked my 2-year-old.

BUT she did not like Draco, my 7-year-old. What irked me most was that she once sent Draco out of the house, out the gate, to the street -- because he was misbehaving. She also lied. She'd say one thing and then the kids would tell me differently. And when I confront her, she'd say sorry like it was nothing. I know, I know. I should have fired her then. I didn't. I needed a helper. Who's gonna watch over the kids when P (my husband) and I go to work? Yup, losing end --> moi.

She was referred to us by the helper next door (who eventually upped and left, too). When I interviewed her last February, it was her first time to set foot in Cebu. She had two previous employers whom she stayed with for also just a few months. (IKR? Alarm!) True enough, a little after a month, she said she was leaving because she was going to school in June. By first week of April, she already found a replacement. Yaya sent her money but she was a no-show. And so...yaya killed her dad. At least that's what she said. She needed to go home. ASAP. Her father died. Fell off the coconut tree. Or so she said. She was a liar and I did not believe her. But I let her go right then and there because she sulked to kingdom come. And I HATED IT.

And so now I am hash tag yayaless once more.