Christmas All Year Long at Sampaguita Gardens

*Contributed post by Aggie Bermejo

I spent Christmas in Boracay with my children, but before heading back to Manila, we decided stay overnight at the very charming and always Christmas-y Sampaguita Gardens.

It was amazing. This resort hotel was meant to give all its guests the Christmas experience 365 days a year. And boy did they succeed in bringing out the child in every guest.

Created by Sam Butcher of Precious Moments, Sampaguita Gardens has a huge dollhouse called Jojo’s Christmas Cottage where different Precious Moments dolls of all shapes and sizes are sold and displayed.

Jojo's Christmas cottage had a Christmas museum on its second floor. For day guests, the entrance rate is only ten pesos. But since we checked in their hotel, we could go in and out for free.

My favorite spot was the Chapel by the Sea. It's a humble chapel where people can pray and meditate. The murals on its walls were created by Mr. Butcher himself.

Sampaguita Gardens has its own hotel, restaurants, pools for kids and adults, and spa. It also offers free carousel rides for kids from 4:30 to 5:00 pm. It is located beside the beach and is a perfect destination for families and couples as well. Who knew that Christmas could reign all year long in the Visayas?!

*Sampaguita Gardens Resort is located at 506 Rizal Street, Poblacion, New Washington, Aklan. Contact numbers are: (6336) 264-3422; (6336) 264-3474.