Showing posts with label jojo's christmas cottage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jojo's christmas cottage. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Precious Moments in Kalibo

I've been to Kalibo several times, most of the time as a passageway to Boracay and once for work. I never did have time to look around since I was usually rushing about. A few weeks ago I actually stayed a night at Kalibo, still for work, but it was such a pleasant surprise to find out that I was going to stay at Sampaguita Gardens Resort. Sampaguita Gardens Resort was built by Sam Butcher, the founder of Precious Moments, so you can imagine my delight when I saw Jojo's Christmas Cottage.


I was grumbling on the flight from Manila to Kalibo since the jampacked Domestic Airport made me grumpy, but when I realized I was going to stay at an interesting place I couldn't help but ask questions from the resort's driver who picked me up at the airport. It was drizzling when I arrived but this did not stop me from exploring the place. The resort has a lot of stuff to see and there are educational tour packages (costs between PhP56 to 246 with food) and you can go swimming as well for a small fee.


Here's what I saw:

convention center - that's where I did my talk

a 43-foot aquarium
- quite a number of fish, I don't know though what kind

Oriental Flavors
- fine dining restaurant (will blog about what I ate there soon)

the SJB Mansion
- the presidential suite overlooks the ocean and the mansion is filled up with furniture and houseware from all over the world (including a 300-year old bed)


The Spa
- I had a body scrub treatment in the evening and it was truly relaxing, most especially since I had the place to myself.

Jojo's Christmas Cottage
- I spent quite a lot of time there chatting with the employees and asking about the dolls. I ended up buying 2 sets. I'll blog about that soon.

Precious Moments Meditation Chapel
- the chapel from the outside looked gorgeous, it was unfortunately closed.


Sammy's Circus Rides
- I tell you, seeing the ferris wheel and boat made me feel like a kid again.

I unfortunately missed going to the Precious Moments Gallery since my time was limited and I had to catch a plane. Well, check out the photos below.



If you find yourself on your way to Boracay or Iloilo I strongly suggest spending a night at Sampaguita Gardens Resort or set your meetings/seminars/conventions, their packages are quite affordable. Room rates range from PhP1,000 to PhP3,000. You may call them for reservations at +(6336) 264-6556 or 264-3422.