LION'S
HEAD PARK
The Lion's Head
Park along Kennon Road is the undisputed landmark that is
synonymous to Baguio City. It is commonly said that a trip
to Baguio City would not be complete without taking home
a souvenir photograph with the famous lion head which serves
as the backdrop on Kennon Road.
Local and foreign
tourists make it a point to stop in Camp 6 and have their
photographs taken at the base of the lion head. The 40-foot
high lion head, located a few kilometers from the Kennon
Road view deck, was carved by a Cordillera artist from a
limestone boulder. Lions Club members of Baguio City thought
of creating a symbol that would proclaim the presence of
the group in this mountain resort city.
Just beside the
lion head are a few small stalls that sell woodcarving and
other native handicraft. Softdrinks and light snacks are
also sold to visitors who take time to stop and take a break
after the 45-minute drive up Kennon Road. The vendors have
enjoyed high sales since this popular landmark was constructed.
It was during
the term of Baguio Mayor Luis Lardizabal, who was also Lions
Club governor in 1969 to 1970, when the club conceptualized
the creation of the lion head. Actual work started in 1971
and took a year before this now-famous landmark of Baguio
was unveiled to the public by Lions Club International in
1972. The club tapped donations from Lion members and businessmen
in the city and pooled proceeds from a state convention
to fund the construction of the lion head.