Arzen Rose Dulzura

Ellen Adarna shares story behind why Temple of Leah in Cebu was built

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E. Kristhoff Cagape

Push Team

<p>Ellen Adarna recently shared the story behind the creation of the Temple of Leah, one of Cebu&#x27;s most popular tourist destinations, which was built for her grandmother, Leah Adarna.</p><p>In the latest episode <em></em>of <em>Kuan On One</em>, Ellen revealed that the structure was never originally intended to become a tourist attraction. Instead, it was meant to serve as a storage space for her grandmother&#x27;s extensive collection of belongings and heirlooms.</p><p>&quot;Actually, ang lola ko hoarder siya. Hindi talaga &#x27;to dapat  tourist spot. Originally hindi talaga kasi ang daming gamit ng lola ko sa bahay,&quot; she shared as per Filipino translation.</p><p>Ellen recalled how her grandmother would jokingly warn the family against selling any of her possessions. </p><p>&quot;Dahil maldita &#x27;yung lola ko, [sabi niya], &#x27;Kung ibebenta niyo ang gamit ko, mumultuhin ko kayo lahat!&#x27; Ang dami niyang drama na ganun,&quot; she recounted.</p><p>According to Ellen, her grandfather, Teodorico Adarna, then came up with the idea of building a storage facility on one of their properties in Cebu.</p><p> &quot;So naisip ng lolo ko sige &#x27;yung lupa sa Busay gawan na lang natin &#x27;yan ng storage. So &#x27;yan storage talaga siya ng kanyang gamit. Storage siya pero ginawang ganun ang design. Trip lang din ng lolo ko kasi wala siyang magawa,&quot; she relayed.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="913" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UyyaXjl2fOg" title="ELLEN ADARNA (Part 1): “Ay nag pagminyo, panganak lang.” | KUAN ON ONE S5 EP1 w/ Subs" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>What began as a storage house eventually evolved into a tourist destination as more people started visiting the property. </p><p>&quot;Bigla na lang &#x27;yung mga tao pumupunta dun. Magde-date, magpi-picture.... So ginawa na lang siyang negosyo,&quot; she said.</p><p>The actress then joked that the Temple of Leah is one reason why she has high standards when it comes to relationships.</p><p>&quot;Kaya mataas ang standards ko sa lalaki kasi &#x27;yung lola ko binigyan ng temple,&quot; she stressed.</p><p>Ellen further highlighted that the landmark was named the Temple of Leah because it houses her grandmother&#x27;s treasured possessions.</p><p>&quot;Pinalanganan lang na Temple of Leah kasi gamit niya &#x27;yun lahat. Nilagay dun lahat na hinoard niya,&quot; she explained. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/6/6/ellen-adarna-calls-isabel-santos-the-best-stepmom-mahal-kita-0905"><strong><u>READ: Ellen Adarna calls Isabel Santos the ‘best stepmom’: ‘Mahal kita!’</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>In the same interview, Ellen shared that she was largely raised by her grandmother, with whom she developed a close bond.</p><p>&quot;Ako ang eldest, and then only girl... Ang lola ko isa lang ang anak niya na babae. Tapos ang kanyang dalawang apo at that time before me, are Manila-based na babae so ako  lang ang nasa Cebu. So ako &#x27;yung kinuha niya... So dun ako lumaki sa lola ko. Dun ako nagmana. Ang aking pagka-maldita at pagka-matapang kay Leah ko namana,&quot; she stated.</p>

<p>The Temple of Leah in Cebu was built for Ellen Adarna's grandmother, Leah Adarna. </p>

The Temple of Leah in Cebu was built for Ellen Adarna's grandmother, Leah Adarna.