The two and a half hectare resort is in itself a work of art, bearing the imprint of American artist Samuel J. Butcher, creator of world-renowned Precious Moments designs – a collection of teardrop-eyed children for every special occasion. As part owner of the resort, he is responsible for the creative designs around the area from his beautiful paintings on surrounding walls to sculpted doors masterfully crafted by locals. The resort is managed and partly-owned by Ilonggo Jojo Sonillo, Sam’s friend and long time administrative and creative assistant in his Precious Moments Company.
Originally intended to be his retirement place when he bought the land in 2001, Sam decided to share his swimming pool with the community in 2002. As more Aklanons came to enjoy the place, they requested for a little canteen then a restaurant, rooms to rest in and a convention center to hold assemblies, until the property became a full-blown resort in June 2003.
Named after the country’s national flower and after Butcher’s nickname, Sampaguita Gardens is a special place for the young and the young at heart. The kind and humble artist designed his resort to be family-oriented and kid friendly, an environment where guests can regain a childlike sense of wonder and joy.
Indeed there are a lot of beautiful details in the resort that will leave you in awe. Upon stepping into its carved stone pathway, a first-time visitor would immediately feel the serenity of the area amidst beautifully landscaped gardens and the fresh air coming from the nearby ocean. One cannot help but feel the presence of unseen guests, real angels hovering around to protect and preserve this beautiful retreat. Around the area, Sam’s Precious Moments angel artworks reveal themselves to remind guests to be quiet and enjoy the peace.
Sampaguita Gardens’ focal point is Butcher’s residence called The Mansion, which displays his rare Asian finds and Thai-inspired designs and artifacts. His home beside the sea has become a favorite among students and guests who tour his living room and library and appreciate his collections with picture taking.
At the center of the resort complex, is Jojo’s Christmas Cottage, the only all-year round Christmas store in the Philippines and the resort’s souvenir shop. This three-storey Victorian house holds a selection of Precious Moments collectibles such as figurines, dolls, journals, children’s clothes, Christmas ornaments, local food delicacies and native products.
Other unique amenities include Sammy’s Circus Rides for children; Sammy’s Showboat set in a middle of a lagoon, a venue for children’s parties; the first Butterfly Farm in Panay Island and the Aquarium, a 43-feet structure which holds a variety of tropical fishes for kids and adults to enjoy.
Hotel guests and walk-in visitors should not leave town without trying the resort’s Oriental Flavors, the first fine dining restaurant in Aklan serving authentic Thai and Chinese cuisine. Apart from tasting the best spicy squid in town, diners will already have their fill with visual delights of the restaurant’s superb Chinese interior design.
“The long-term goal of the company is to develop the place into a unique, world-class destination,” says Sonillo. The company seeks to do this by becoming a one-stop resort providing a wide range of amenities, excellent food choices, superb ambience, and quality services, all these at competitive prices.“We create new amenities every quarter, so that people can always look forward to something new,” he adds.
As a masterpiece-in-progress, the resort opened Jojo’s Fitness Center with state-of-the-art gym equipment and the Sampaguita Gardens Spa which offers their relaxing signature massage to soothe the weary traveler. Sam also built the Meditation Chapel which he designed as a smaller version of his famous Precious Moments chapel in Carthage, Missouri, known for his 2600-square foot ceiling mural of heavenly angels.
At the back of the resort is their Waterfront venue, an open space that can accommodate 500 people. It is a perfect spot for special occasions, since the ocean can be found behind it and serves as a beautiful backdrop to a wonderful evening. Meanwhile, the Precious Moments Gallery, a museum about Sam Butcher and his Precious Moments collection can be converted to a fine dining venue that can accommodate 100 people.
As an additional service, Sampaguita Gardens also takes its guests on a city tour to see the 70-hectare mangrove reforestration in Bakhawan Eco Park considered to be the best in Asia, Aklan’s famous piña weavers, the Ati-Atihan Village, Museo it Akean and the Pink Sisters Convent among others. It also conducts day tours to Boracay island, and can make arrangements with its partner resorts to accommodate its guests.
Despite stiff competition from nearby Boracay, Sampaguita Gardens gem is Sam Butcher and Precious Moments. “I’ve learned from Mr. Butcher: to share what you have with people, to place no price on beauty, to see people really enjoy your place, I cannot equate that to money,” Sonillo says.
Point of Origin:
Sampaguita Gardens
506 Rizal St.
New Washington, Aklan
+6336.264.3422
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