Continuing with the traveling firsts on Nostalgia.

I didn't know the exact reason why I traveled to La Union in August of 2007... I remember that time, my brother was based in La Union that time, and I just went there. I knew there was a reason (otherwise I wouldn't travel alone), but since I was already there, I decided to make the most of it.

One weekend, I asked brother if we could go to the Ma-Cho Temple in San Fernando City, because I have seen his pictures, as well as the pictures posted of souvenir magazines my Aunt had (every year during the provincial day, the provincial government release these magazines to the government employees), it made me want to visit it, too. I still don't have a travel blog that time, but I am already blogging... so even if we still own a film camera that time, it didn't hinder me to go places and take pictures.




Welcome Arch. This was the entryway from the highway... there are still a few more steps before reaching the main entrance.


Statues. There is a row of different statues (possibly gods, sorry, I really don't know), and it was so interesting to see what each symbolizes.


View from the top. Having a good view of the South China Sea.


At the main temple. Sadly, the temple was closed, so we just took the time to enjoy the surroundings.

A little background about the place: It was constructed on September 11, 1975 through the initiative of then Tourism Minister Jose D. Aspiras and cooperation of the Chinese community, this majestic Taoist Temple is located on a hill 70 feet above sea level at Barangay II, San Fernando City, facing the China Sea. Here, people form all walks of life come and pray for change of luck from Ma Cho, a Chinese deity, whose eight inch wooden image surprisingly has a counterpart in the Roman Catholic faith known as the “Virgin of Caysasay” who is enshrined at the Basilica of Saint Martin in Taal, Batangas. (Source HERE)

Everybody (regardless of their religion) is welcome to visit the temple. At times, there are some staffs who welcome guests, but, there are also times like this one - that guests will just have to enjoy the place. After this visit, I think I have visited the temple about three times more, and I might re-visit it when I travel to La Union on October.

*** Jenn ***