Diverse Cultures of our Community: Potential Tourist Spots

Sampaguita Gardens Resort

Aklan Sampaguita Gardens Resort, Inc. is the brainchild of Samuel John Butcher, an American artist and creator of Precious Moments artworks that promote messages of loving, caring and sharing. Mr. Butcher, who owns Precious Moments Park in Carthage, Missouri, put his plans into action in December 2001 and in June 2003, the resort began commercial operations.

Today, Sampaguita Gardens is recognized as a landmark in the Travel & Trade Industry, and provides employment for hundreds of Aklanons as well as training opportunities for students not just from Aklan and nearby provinces but from as far as northern Luzon and southern Mindanao.

This sprawling 2.6 hectare multi-awarded boutique resort offers world-class facilities, amenities and services and is recognized as a landmark in the Travel & Trade Industry. It is home to Jojo’s Christmas Cottage, the first all-year round Christmas store in the Philippines.

The name Sampaguita was chosen because of three reasons: (1) it is the national flower of the Philippines; (2) Sam was fascinated by the little children who sold these flowers in the streets of Metro Manila; and (3) it bore the first three letters of his name.

The resort is an attraction in itself, and true to its Vision, is focused on a dynamic and motivated organization that continues to grow and prosper as it provides world-class amenities and services to an ever-growing clientele.

The Mission of Sampaguita Gardens is to operate a world-class resort that values customer satisfaction at every encounter, providing a seamless experience from reservation to departure, and, cognizant of its role as a good corporate citizen, is committed to its employees as it moves forward to achieve superior return on shareholder investment.

The sprawling 2.6 hectare property features 48 Guestrooms and Suites; three restaurants; Convention Facilities; Business Center; Spa and Fitness Center; 2 swimming pools; Circus Rides; a 43 Ft. Aquarium; Oriental Garden, Precious Moments Gallery; the Samuel J. Butcher Mansion with its vast antique collection and stunning pieces of bric-a-bracs and other Orientalia; Precious Moments Meditation Chapel and Jojo’s Christmas Cottage, a Victorian cottage showcasing Precious Moments collectibles and the unique JCC Museum of Christmas.

Sampaguita Gardens has become famous for celebrating Christmas all year round. It is currently being marketed as more than just a destination but an experience.

Everyday is Christmas at Sampaguita Gardens

This is the one liner marketing of the resort that you will surely remember every time you will hear it name because of Jojo's Christmas Cottage. Sampaguita Gardens has become famous for celebrating Christmas all year round. It is currently being marketed as more than just a destination but an experience.

JOJO's CHRISTMAS COTTAGE - A three-storey structure including the attic, with a very Western interior and majestically seats at the center of the resort is considered to be the most popular attraction in the resort and have served at its landmark since it started commercial operation in June 2003. Considered to be the only all-year round Christmas Store in the country, it manufactures and distributes Precious Moments dolls.

If the structure of the cottage looks interesting outside, it's even more amazing and interesting inside. You will really feel the spirit of Christmas because every corner of it you will see all sizes of Christmas tree and decors plus the real Santa Claus.
On the first floor you will find Hundreds, if not thousands, of Precious Moments dolls. These dolls with teardrop shaped eyes are for sale. You'll be surely amazed with the huge collection and with the different variety of this dolls.

On the second floor you will be greeted "Merry Christmas" in different languages posted along the stairs. You will also find here collection of Precious Moment "belen" and Christmas Small Village.

More of these collection and toys will be found on the third floor. For only 10 pesos (entrance fee for the Christmas Museum) you will be transported to Christmas land inside Jojo's Cottage. You will feel like a child again who's always excited for Christmas and Santa. You'll also be amazed with doll and toy collections.

Maria Mercedes Resort

For a rustic setting 'far from the maddening crowd' there is Maria Mercedes Resort. It is located at Malogo about two kilometers away from the town proper. It is named after the mother and mother in law of the owner. Here, you will get pampered in a way, only a loving mother can.

Isla Kapispisan

Across the Lagatik river to the south, 20 minutes boat ride from the town proper is the Isla Kapispisan Mangrove Reforestation Aquasilviculture and Eco-tourism Project.

It won First Place in the Regional Development Council (RDC) and National Development Authority (NEDA) Search for Best Public Sector Project Award in Region 6. It is under the Aklan State University (ASU) College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (CFMS), New Washington campus.

The project hope to reforest the wetlands and bring back marine resources in the area. It is one big step to help the environment and have a positive impact on climate change.Here you will see mangrove trees just starting to grow and others in different stages of development.

The development of Isla Kapispisan uses various approaches and strategies including — crafting a shared vision, charting the intervention, mobilizing people and enhancing participation, partnership and collaboration, massive mangrove planting, organizing fisherfolks, training for responsible fishing, out-sourcing, research and technology information diffusion and modeling, environment education and advocacy through eco-tourism and pro-ductivity enhancement.