Davao Sights: Lon Wa Buddhist Temple

The Lon Wa Buddhist Temple also known as Long Hua Temple is the biggest Buddhist temple in Mindanao. A short stopover to this shrine is a worthwhile experience especially for those who are interested in the teachings of Buddhism or for those who simply want to marvel at the temple’s architecture and interiors. There are only few Buddhist temples in the Philippines and visiting one in a predominantly Muslim region was an opportunity that we didn’t want to miss.

After our visit to the Davao Museum and T’boli Weaving Center, our group headed to J.P. Cabaguio Avenue about four km north-east of the city center to visit Lon Wa temple. Monks and nuns live on the temple grounds and the Philippine Academy of Shakya (a Bhuddhist religion movement) can also be found here. A stone throw away from Lon Wa temple is a Taoist Temple with a beautiful pagoda that stands in a side street off Cabaguio Avenue. Upon arrival, one will not miss the magnificent white sculpture of a smiling Buddha and the two figures of lions beside the stairway that seemed to be guarding the temple from rowdy intruders. The lily pond filled with carp as well as the green and well-maintained surroundings evoke a serene and calm atmosphere very fitting for this holy place.

The main entrance of the temple was still closed when we got there so we used the adjacent door to its right side to gain access inside. The hall has a high ceiling, well-polished floors and there were several lighted candles lining the walls of the temple, true to the Buddhism tradition. Just like most Buddhist temples, Lon Wa’s interiors adhere to Buddhism’s tenet of simplicity. Except for the gold Kuan Yin and the Italian marble slabs, the shrine’s adornment is simple and austere.  It was also interesting to learn about the life of Buddha through the wood carving embellishment. It has been a year since I last visited a Buddhist temple and being able to visit one in my own country reminded me of how diverse we are and that we can still co-exist peacefully despite our differences in religion.

How to get to Lon Wa Temple

The temple can be easily reached by taking a cab to Cabaguio Avenue – an extension of Leon Garcia Street or riding a jeepney with the sign “Sasa”.

OTHER BUDDHIST TEMPLES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Bacolod Fo Guang Yuan

Address: 2nd Floor, Lopues East Center Burgos Cor, Hilado National Highway, Bacolod City, Philippines
Tradition: Mahayana, Humanistic Buddhism
Affiliation: Fo Guang Shan
Phone: 63 (34) 433-5131
EMail: fgsasph3y@fgs.org.tw
Spiritual Director: Ven. Master Hsing Yun

Chu Un Temple

Address: 246 V. Rama Avenue Cebu City 6000 Philippines
Tradition: Mahayana, Humanistic Buddhism
Affiliation: Fo Guang Shan
EMail: fgsasph3y@fgs.org.tw
Spiritual Director: Ven. Master Hsing Yun

Iloilo Fo Guang Yuan

Address: 13-A Fuentes Street, Iloilo City, Philippines
Tradition: Mahayana, Humanistic Buddhism
Affiliation: Fo Guang Shan
EMail: fgy-ilo@skyinet.net
Spiritual Director: Ven. Master Hsing Yun

Ongpin Fo Guang Yuen

Address: 634 Nueva Street Binondo, Manila, Philippines
Tradition: Mahayana, Humanistic Buddhism
Affiliation: Fo Guang Shan
Phone: 63 (2) 241-5797~8
Fax: 63(2)242-4957
Spiritual Director: Ven. Master Hsing Yun

Philippine Tibetan Nyingma Palyul Buddhist Center

Address: #700 Piña Avenue Santa Mesa   Manila
Tradition: Vajrayana, Tibetan, Nyingmapa, Palyul Lineage
Affiliation: Namdroling Monastery
Phone: (+632) 715-2090
Fax: (+632) 715-1859
Website: http://palyulph.org/
Spiritual Director: Ven. Samten Phuntsok Rinpoche
Teacher: His Holiness Kyabje Pema Norbu

Phu Shian Temple

Address: 25 Beverly Hills Lahug, Cebu 6000 Philippines
Tradition: Mahayana, Chinese
Contact: Josie Chang

Soka Gakkai International of the Philippines

Address: 66 Timog Avenue, Quezon City
Tradition: Mahayana, Japanese
Phone: (632) 921-28-79; 929-71-34; 929-43-79
Website: http://www.sgi.org.ph/

Universal Wisdom Foundation Inc.

Address: 2/F, 700 Aurora Blvd., Corner Gilmore Ave. New Manila, Quezon City, Phillippines
Tradition: Mahayana

Van Phat Temple

Address: PO Box 100- 5300 Palawan, Phillippines
Tradition: Mahayana, Vietnamese
Contact: Ms. Le Thi Khoe
EMail: universal@netasia.net

You may visit this website for the complete list of Buddhist temples in the Philippines and more information about Buddhism.