A doll-inspired wonderland in Aklan

Posted at 7:38 pm April 07, 2010

Tags: Hotels and Resorts

SHARE YOUR STORIES

Got a similar Story? Share it here

See list of businesses related to Hotels and Resorts

By Lawrence Casiraya

The Flash Player and a browser with Javascript support are needed..

KALIBO, AKLAN – Taking the kids to Boracay Island this summer? Put in a little extra and make the trip worth it by making a short detour to the provincial capital to visit this wonderland that takes inspiration from a man and his dolls.

Located some 20 minutes away from Kalibo Airport, Sampaguita Gardens houses a hotel, resort, a restaurant and a spa and fitness center. But the place is a lot more famous for Precious Moments vinyl dolls characterized by their tear-shaped eyes.

Sampaguita Gardens was built by Sam Butcher, a Christian minister and the artist who created those iconic dolls. While traveling all over Asia to find suppliers, he fell in love with the Philippines so much he ended up buying property in Aklan.

Mr. Butcher is now retired and spends most of his time in Aklan. His Thai-inspired mansion is actually open to the public and a must-see for visitors. Try to spot the Tita Cory-inspired doll.

If you’re a parent, you must not fail to take the kids to Jojo’s Cottage, that three-storey castle-like structure in the center of the resort. There you can find Precious Moments dolls (these sell from 1,000 to 2,000 pesos) and other souvenir items. Even if it’s summer, it feels like Christmas all year round inside.

There is also the Precious Moments by the Sea, the second of its kind after the Precious Moments chapel built by Butcher in his native Carthage, Missouri. The blog Biagensiak carries more details and photos about what to see in Sampaguita Gardens.

In her blog, freelance writer Valerie Caulin says she loves Sampaguita Gardens because of the fact that it provides employment opportunities for the locals of the municipality of New Washington.

The entire resort does feel like you’ve stepped into a mini Coney Island of sorts. With all these things to see, there is no limit to the “precious moments” for parents and their children.