There's an authentic shaolin temple in Davao City; one that teaches kung fu. The official name is Long Hua (Long Wa) Temple, but locals simply call it Chinese Temple.
Located along JP Cabaguio Avenue, this mostly spare temple is a friendly environment for any visitor. You're greeted by a security guard who subs as a "tourist guide" or a bald woman in authentic shaolin attire - or at least like the ones you see in old kung fu films. The buddha enshrined at the main temple is actually colored white, but at the back of this hall is a smaller prayer room with a crowned golden statue with multiple arms spread around its squarish face. Shiva perhaps? The smell of incense linger in the rooms. Elsewhere, carved doors depict various incarnations of Buddha. I was led down a flight of stairs until I reached another hallway. It was a temporary repository of ashes of the temple followers where their relatives could pray for them. Elsewhere, I could see some photos of monks - their priests - hanging on walls. Several spiritual heads from abroad recently visited this temple to celebrate a feast day.
Though free of charge, you have to share some gratuities to your guide who will make sure that you get access to the otherwise restricted rooms. At the back of this temple is a school - the Philippine Academy of Sakya which offers lessons in shaolin kung fu. Wanna float on mid-air like Jackie Chan and Jet Li? I'm kidding, of course.
There are very few temples of such kind in the Philippines, and this one is particularly important because it underlines the existence of a religious movement that has flourished all over Asia, but has remained an almost forgotten minority in this country.
There is another temple - a Taoist Temple nearby. I'll take you there next.
This is the Eye in the Sky!
The main altar with a white Buddha. Ceramic?
Not too sure if this is Shiva...
Wood carving at the door
Room for the departed
Foreign dignitaries (above and below) visit during the temple's feast day.
