For several decades, the Lion’s Head at Kennon Road has heralded the journey of tourists to the city of Baguio. The creation of the monument was commissioned by the local Lion’s club and was sculpted from a face of limestone rock. Work began in 1971 and was finished a year after in 1972. Through the decades the lion has undergone several facelifts, with one that had the lion’s face painted in white -which made it look like a gorilla. Although not as precisely grand as Singapore’s merelion, the Lion at Kennon road is one of the most famous landmarks in this part of the Philippines.

Photo from cityofpines.com

You might be wondering how a five-star hotel in Baguio City in the Philippines came to have such a name. The Manor Hotel is built within the 250 hectare Camp John Hay.  It was constructed in 1903 to act as a recreation center for American servicemen. Hence the name!

Towering pine trees surround the manor and give it, along with its chalet style architecture, a somewhat alpine appearance. The stone and shingle exterior is complimented by the Colonial style wooden paneled walls and furniture. Truly a warm and comfortable atmosphere! There are over 180 rooms available in the four story structure, divided between studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom sizes. The larger units have cooking facilities.

The Manor restaurant, Le Chef at The Manor offers great dining with five-star service. Lunch, breakfast and dinner are served encompassing a wide range of international foods. There is also a delicatessen for snacks and pastries. The piano bar is a cozy lounge with a fireplace, a good place to relax with a drink and friends.

Other facilities to be found at Camp John Hay Manor are the Palm Garden Health Spa, a completely equipped business center and the lobby shop for souvenir shopping.

Camp John Hay Manor is a comfortable, first-class hotel in a park-like setting of towering pine trees with a great view of the mountains and caressed by their cool breezes.

Photo from: theworldofdj.com