We left Pandan, Antique while the sun was still blazingly hot and two hours later we were already buying our admission tickets at the entrance of Sampaguita Gardens in New Washington, Aklan. Thanks to our friend who is a very good driver. By the way, the tickets can be redeemed for food items or souvenirs. This was my second time in Sampaguita Gardens and third time in Washington, Aklan.
Sampaguita Gardens is a vacationers’ haven whose main attraction is the Precious Moments dolls. The dolls were adorable with their big, tear drop eyes and pug noses, created by Sam Butcher from Missouri, USA. They come in several sizes and made of imported materials. Cute figurines are also for sale for PM dolls collectors. A three-storey American-inspired mansion was housing the doll/souvenir shop and exhibits. It looked like a big Christmas cottage decorated with colorful holiday trimmings.
Another must-see is the chapel which was built on the right side of the compound painted with PM dolls images from walls to ceiling, including the walls outside of the building. The doorman said that it was Sir Sam himself, as he is fondly called, who painted all the images which he was able to finish a couple of years ago.
There’s a big building at the back of the compound which has several rooms that can be rented if you want to stay for a longer period of time. It has a simple but impressive lobby with a nice view of the ocean. Other attractions and facilities include two fancy restaurants, museum, adult and kiddie pools, a replica of the house of Sam Butcher, poolside bar and restaurant, kiddie park and rides among others. Sampaguita Gardens is one of a kind in Panay and perhaps in the whole Philippines. I wish they’d continue to develop the place for continued patronage of visitors.
Before we hit the road, we had bam-i, loaf bread and softdrinks at the poolside resto. We used our tickets to pay for the food and we added some cash for the extra. The sun was about to set when we left for a three and a half hour ride back to Iloilo City.
Visit http://www.preciousmoments.com/
Precious Moments huggables
wall paintings made by Sam Butcher
swimming pool
hotel's lobby
the shepherds
