Lion’s Head at Kennon Road in Baguio

If you're going away or to Baguio via the major Luzon highway named Kennon Road, you would need to stop by the Lions Head landmark for some awesome picture taking. This 40 ft (12 m) high limestone statue has been carved out by a local artist and woodcarver from the area. The project started in the year 1968 and was unveiled in 1972. Try to go on off-times or seasons since there could be too many selfie takers on there.

Considered as the “King of the Jungle,” the lion symbolizes fierceness and strength. The same is true for Baguio City’s iconic lion head, although its original meaning has been obscured by time. Today, local and foreign tourists look at it as the majestic symbol of the country’s “summer capital.”

But what is the real story behind this gigantic lion head? Who built it? And for what purpose?

The lion's head 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.

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.