There is a new amazing attraction in Baguio that sends visitors and tourists flocking to the summer capital of Manila: the Igorot Stone Kingdom.
Nestled on a 6,000-square-meter lot on the mountainside of Baguio City, the Igorot Stone Kingdom is inspired by the iconic rice terraces of Batad in Banaue. Owned by
Pio G. Velasco, the modern-day castle was conceptualized and built through a recurring sighting of a white carabao. No wonder a statue of a white carabao greets visitors and guests in the entrance of the park, the same spot where Velasco had an encounter with the mystical creature.
Step into the Igorot Stone Kingdom and get lost in its grandeur and architectural marvel of meticulous craftsmanship. A fitting tribute to the ingenuity, strength, and enduring spirit of the Igorot people, indigenous peoples of the Cordillera in Northern Luzon, the interlocking stone walls were carefully built using boulders and large stones that showed precise and great attention to detail. The park is also dedicated to Velasco’s mother, Rita Gal Velasco, an Igorot herself, whose enduring spirit, resilience, strength, and wisdom are etched in the heart and mind of her son.
The castle-like structure boasts cultural performances, educational tours, fantasy stories, a place for reverence and reflection, Baguio products, and other attractions that celebrate the region’s cultural and traditional heritage.
Located at Long Long Benguet Road in Baguio, the Igorot Stone Kingdom is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with an entrance fee of P100 for adults; P80 for senior citizens, persons with disability, and children. Toddlers are free. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear if you plan to visit the place. Bring water to stay hydrated as you will do a lot of walking/touring.
