THE LION HEAD AND SIGNIFICANT OTHERS
THE LION
HEAD AND SIGNIFICANT OTHERS
Sturdy, solid and phenomenal even the whole world over, it was only a big
limestone rock formation.
However, some residents and travelers noticed that it had a strange
resemblance to a large lion head with a flowing mane. No one knows how it came
to be so but one thing sure is that it was the varied forces of nature and
weathering that first shaped and created the lion head.
It was, then, a natural consequence that the rock became a desirable
figure for the Baguio Lions to lay claim, improve and develop it into an
imposing landmark.
Many people are associated and involved with the project because it
was club endeavor but prominent names stand out. Foremost of these are Lion
Luis “Lardi” Lardizabal who was then the city mayor and then incumbent Lion
President Mauro “Mar” Leonen as it was during his term in 1968 that the project
was conceived.
Informants, former Host Club members, said work started as early as
June or July 1968 but was stopped the following year.
It was gathered that an optician in the person of Dr. Bernardo B.
Suarez of the popular Suarez Optometric Clinic was commissioned to undertake
the project. Dr. Suarez who had his clinic at the back of the present Plaza
Theater dabbled as vases used as backdrops for movies aside from making paper mache props and pieces of sculpture for movie companies in Manila. Because of
some problems, Dr. Suarez and his workmen were reportedly taken out of the job
sometime in early 1970 though it was unfinished.
Earnest work on the boulder to form it into the Lion Head was
initiated by Robert John “Bob” Webber when he assumed as club president for 1970
– 1971 and continued as he went on to become District Governor for 1971 – 1972.
Work crews and engineers from his mining firm helped in the clearing
and ground preparation while Reynaldo Lopez Nauyac, a famous Ifugao woodcarver
from Asin, did the finishing touches until it was completed in 1972.
The Lions Head Welcome landmark was completed under the Presidency
of Lion “Pete” Claravall but was finally unveiled after a paint job in 1972 by
Moises Cating, and his Vice-presidents David Borja and Arturo Santiago.
From its original black color, the Lion Head had undergone various paint jobs
from the golden black, to brownish with white face and even a bright yellow
ochre all over, only to return to the original golden black coat.
The 40 foot, 4 – storey high statue also had it share of woe when
the killer quake struck on July 16, 1990. Its visage had been damaged and to
make matters worse, it was even vandalized. The members of the Lions Club were
not disheartened and give it a facelift.
The monument’s restoration was accomplished by Manuel Moyamoy, a
public works and ethnic arts contractor in the city. The sculptural landmark
was reconstructed under the auspices of Alfredo Delos Santos, Gloria Vergara,
and Peter Go, all key figures of the Club.
The Lion Head is only one of the many structures that Baguio Lions
constructed in the city which have become major landmarks, tourist attractions
or useful public structures. Many people have benefited from such projects
prompting the city council to pass a resolution on June 20, 1973 “…to take
official recognition of the contributions of the Lions Club of Baguio … and
commend … its officers and members for their display of civic spirit and for
leadership in environmental regeneration.”
Aside from the lion head and the Lions Clubhouse which has become a
major venue for public gatherings whether private or government sponsored,
others mentioned in the resolution are the Filipino – Japanese Friendship Garden
(below UP Baguio); the sheds along Harrison Road, near the Baguio General
Hospital (BGH) and at Aurora Hill; the Melvin Jones Grandstand; the tryllon near
the Baguio city National High School; the Police Outposts at Kennon Road, Lucban,
Pacdal, Governor Pack Road, and Mines View Park; the flagpoles at Baguio
Athletic Bowl, Philippine Military Academy and Loakan Airport and also the
paneling of the Nursery at the BGH among others.
Some of these structures have stood the test of time while there are
also those that have been replaced by new ones.
The Tryllon has since been flattened because it was traffic hazard.
The Melvin Jones Grandstand was torn down by the Tourism Department and replaced
by a more massive structure. Gone also are the distinctive trash receptacles
and some of the police checkpoints or outposts as either the city government or
other civic groups pitched in their share for the betterment of the city.
Many may claim it is easy to make structures – cement, rocks, steel
and money to spare. For the Lions though, it is more of the personal effort and
time spent, the special care and responsiveness of answering a felt need of the
community which make their projects significant – that gives value to their
endeavors.
