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Standing majestically in the "island of tranquility" of Golden Haven Memorial Park in Talamban, Cebu City, Philippines is the Middle East-inspired Garden Pavilion. Strikingly visible right in the center of the Moon Gate is a testament of a wife's love for her beloved husband, Alireza "Ali" Etemadi, with whom Heaven has destined them (Ali and Felisa) for 45 years of blissful partnership on earth and beyond. ​ 

Since the marine blue stone is considered as the national stone of Persia, the center of civilization in the Middle East in ancient and medieval times, turquoise dominates the unique landmark. The Pavilion is a fitting tribute to Ali who, upon God’s grace, has lived an exemplary Bahá’í life of integrity— gentle, humble, kind, generous, compassionate, and service to others. He was always at peace with himself and with others and had prioritized the needs of his beloved ones over and above his own. ​ 

The turquoise wall is matched by the Chinese earthen red flooring reflecting the harmony of the cultures of the two lovebirds. The festive aura celebrates the sacred memory of Ali whose lifework has touched many Cebuanos. ​ 

Conceived as a burial and prayer-cum-social area, the structure gathers family, close extended family and friends for prayers and meditation on special occasions. It also welcomes the faithful of all religions to meditate and pray. ​ 

The nine arch-entrances interlinked by exquisite rose gold panels was conceptualized architecturally in the context of the Baha'i core theme of "One God, Unity of Religions and Oneness of Humanity". To the Bahá’ís, there are nine major revealed religions whose Founders have written records; they are: Krishna, Abraham, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, the Bab and Baha'u'llah. The appearance of God's Manifestations at particular timelines to educate mankind in response to their specific needs is known as Progressive Revelation. The concept of unity, completeness and fulfillment is well illustrated by the arches of the Pavilion. ​ 

Furthermore, in another Middle Eastern symbolism particularly among the Sufis, nine being the highest single digit opens up to infinity beyond numeric digits unto the spiritual realm. As the soul progresses toward nearness to our Creator, the architectural design lends meaning to eternal beauty and bliss with the Almighty! ​ 

Overall, the aesthetics and spatial orientations reflect the values of the Etemadi family— full of life, warmth, color and joy; always in communion with nature and the Supreme. Through the arches and perforated patterns, interplay of light and shadows blend beautifully. Thus, the space is never the same throughout the day. Simple and seemingly repetitive, the Pavilion is always alive as it coasts along with the sun. ​ 

The elegant Mausoleum is the product of synergy of collaboration among architects, contractors and builders who did their work with so much love in close coordination with the prime mover of the project. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ​ 

— Script — ​ 

Prof. Emeritus Felisa Uy Etemadi 

Prof. Henry Francis B. Espiritu 

Architect Keshia Lim