‘Naa gani temple akong lola’: Why Ellen Adarna has high standards in men

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebuana actress and social media personality Ellen Adarna jokingly attributed her high standards in relationships to one thing: her grandmother has a temple built in her honor.

Speaking in the two-part episode of Kuan on One hosted by Melai Cantiveros, Adarna shared the story behind the Temple of Leah and how growing up around such a grand gesture influenced her outlook on love.

“Mao na taas kog standards sa laki, dae, kay kana akong lola naa gani temple, nya kita diri labad-labaran atong ulo,” Adarna quipped.

(“That’s why I have high standards in men, because my grandmother has a temple, while we’re here suffering headaches over ours.”)

READ: Ellen Adarna recalls working in a call center at 17 after leaving home

A love story immortalized in stone

The Temple of Leah, one of Cebu’s most visited landmarks, was built by businessman Teodorico “Dodong” Adarna in honor of his wife, Leah Villa Albino-Adarna, who died in 2012.

Often dubbed Cebu’s version of the Taj Mahal, the structure has become synonymous with enduring love and devotion.

During the interview, Adarna also revealed that the landmark was not originally intended to become a tourist attraction.

According to her, the structure initially served as a storage space for her late grandmother’s belongings.

Over time, however, people began visiting the site to take photographs and admire its architecture, eventually turning it into one of Cebu’s top destinations.

Lessons from her father

Adarna also recalled one piece of advice from her late father that continues to resonate with her.

“No man is worth your tears,” she said, recalling his words after witnessing her heartbreak over her first boyfriend.

She admitted that she once cried every day for three months after their breakup.

“Mamatay na ko, maypag mamatay na lang ko kaysa iya kong byaan,” she recalled thinking at the time.

(I’d rather die than see him walk away)

Seeing her swollen eyes from constant crying, her father stepped in and reminded her not to allow anyone to diminish her worth.

“Di ka sayon-sayonon. Di ka pwede masayon,” she recalled him telling her.

(No one should underestimate your worth)

READ: Ellen Adarna: Mataas standards ko sa lalaki kasi lola ko binigyan ng temple

‘Ayaw pagminyo’

Adarna also shared that her father had unconventional views on marriage.

“‘Ayaw gyud pagminyo, panganak lang,’” she said, laughing.

(Don’t get married. Just bear a child)

According to the actress, her father often warned her against idealizing romance.

She jokingly blamed Disney movies for shaping unrealistic expectations about relationships.

“Magsige kag tan-aw og Disney movies nga naay happy ever after, murag mag-expect ka nga ingon ana ang marriage,” she said.

(I always watch Disney movies with happy endings, then I would fantasize that marriage is like the movies I watch)

“At least karon, naa sad jud koy nakat-onan. I can say, been there, done that.”

Though she made the remarks in jest, Adarna’s anecdotes offered a glimpse into the values and family influences that helped shape her views on love.

And perhaps, she suggested, having a grandmother with an entire temple dedicated to her does tend to raise the bar.