Ellen Adarna recently shared the story behind the creation of the Temple of Leah, one of Cebu's most popular tourist destinations, which was built for her grandmother, Leah Adarna.
In the latest episode of Kuan On One, 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's extensive collection of belongings and heirlooms.
"Actually, ang lola ko hoarder siya. Hindi talaga 'to dapat tourist spot. Originally hindi talaga kasi ang daming gamit ng lola ko sa bahay," she shared as per Filipino translation.
Ellen recalled how her grandmother would jokingly warn the family against selling any of her possessions.
"Dahil maldita 'yung lola ko, [sabi niya], 'Kung ibebenta niyo ang gamit ko, mumultuhin ko kayo lahat!' Ang dami niyang drama na ganun," she recounted.
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.
"So naisip ng lolo ko sige 'yung lupa sa Busay gawan na lang natin 'yan ng storage. So 'yan storage talaga siya ng kanyang gamit. Storage siya pero ginawang ganun ang design. Trip lang din ng lolo ko kasi wala siyang magawa," she relayed.
What began as a storage house eventually evolved into a tourist destination as more people started visiting the property.
"Bigla na lang 'yung mga tao pumupunta dun. Magde-date, magpi-picture.... So ginawa na lang siyang negosyo," she said.
The actress then joked that the Temple of Leah is one reason why she has high standards when it comes to relationships.
"Kaya mataas ang standards ko sa lalaki kasi 'yung lola ko binigyan ng temple," she stressed.
Ellen further highlighted that the landmark was named the Temple of Leah because it houses her grandmother's treasured possessions.
"Pinalanganan lang na Temple of Leah kasi gamit niya 'yun lahat. Nilagay dun lahat na hinoard niya," she explained.
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In the same interview, Ellen shared that she was largely raised by her grandmother, with whom she developed a close bond.
"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 'yung kinuha niya... So dun ako lumaki sa lola ko. Dun ako nagmana. Ang aking pagka-maldita at pagka-matapang kay Leah ko namana," she stated.