New in Baguio! – Igorot Stone Kingdom
The Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio has the newest attraction that you should not miss!
This year, in Baguio City, a new tourist attraction opened that perfectly exemplifies what it means to be a creative city. One of the attractions you must see the next time you visit Baguio is the Igorot Stone Kingdom, a historical park that displays Igorot culture. Apart from the cool air and delectable products, it appears that this will be one more thing to look forward to Baguio City. It showcasing the Igorot people’s culture and workmanship.
The Stone Kingdom of Igorot
In March 2021, residents of Baguio City first noticed the Igorot Stone Kingdom as it was being built. Stunning photos of the attraction quickly went viral on social media. The enormous Igorot-themed park is surrounded by tall trees and features stone constructions that resemble stair-like rice terraces. Throughout the day, visitors can meander via walking routes that go to the top of the kingdom, passing through rocks organized in heart-shaped designs. Surprisingly, the stone attraction’s outside walls are designed to look like the fortifications of a medieval castle.
The Igorot Stone Kingdom, located along Long-Long Road in Pinsao Proper Village, will captivate you with its gorgeous layers upon layers of stone-formed castle construction. Pio Velasco designed the Stone Kingdom, which spans 6,000 square meters and is encircled by tall trees and resembles rice terraces. From above, the location appears to be a remains of an old Roman empire stronghold.
The stone kingdom was built in the style of riprap. Towers depicting Gatan and Bangan, both Igorots who survived the holocaust, and a Kabunyan tower– a tower for the Igorot god– are among the highlights in the stone kingdom. There’s also a white carabao statue here, which the owner claims was his sign to build the Stone Kingdom. Another attraction here is a bridge and an Igorot gold mine, both of which showcase the Igorot’s talent and skills. A fertility stone tower is also present! There are so many picture-worthy sights and discoveries to be found at this site.
According to a news item released by the Philippine News Agency, Velasco’s inspiration for the man-made kingdom was “Igorot child’s castle imaginations, his upbringing in Mountain Province, and a caring God and family culture brought by the Igorot’s talent of stone laying.” Velasco’s mother, who taught them patience and strength, was also honored with the stone park.
The center also tries to dispel myths about Igorots, describing itself as a “culture revolution” that aims to demonstrate people that Igorots are civilized and culturally evolved people who take pleasure in their abilities and traditions. This attraction is designed for tourism and for everyone to learn about the Igorot people’s rich culture.
Safety protocols
Visitors visiting the Igorot Stone Kingdom are asked to maintain correct social distance. It is also necessary to use a face mask. Tourists must also adhere to Baguio City’s travel requirements based on the current alert level status of their visit.
Entrance Fee
The park’s entrance cost is P100 for adults and P80 for children. Toddlers under the age of three are admitted free of charge.
The park is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
