Baguio tourist landmark wins bid for high-profile luxury vehicle

BAGUIO CITY — The owner of the Igorot Stone Kingdom acquired a 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan for more than P29 million at a public auction Wednesday, outbidding television host Willie Revillame for the luxury SUV formerly owned by the Discaya couple.

Pio Velasco, representing the popular cultural theme park, secured the vehicle with a winning bid of P29,026,000. The SUV was sold through a government-regulated asset disposal process, drawing significant attention due to its high-profile history and premium status.

Named after the largest diamond ever discovered, the 2023 Cullinan is powered by a 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine.

The vehicle is known for its “waftability” — a term describing its signature smooth and silent ride — and features an interior with hand-stitched leather, wood veneers, and a fiber-optic “Starlight Headliner” on the ceiling.

The acquisition creates a unique juxtaposition at the Igorot Stone Kingdom, a sprawling landmark built to honor the heritage of the Cordillera people. The park is renowned for its massive towers and walls built using traditional rock-layering techniques modeled after the ancient Rice Terraces.

It remains to be seen how the ultra-luxury vehicle will be integrated into the park, which has become a primary destination for tourists visiting the highland city.