Ati-Atihan Festival and Sampaguita Gardens

I am not really a fan of festivals. In fact it was just last week that I went to the streets and watch an actual procession for the first time. But it's not hard to fall in love with Ati-atihan festival in Kalibo Aklan. I guess the fact that you can mingle with the dancers in their complete costume and props and dance to the beat of the drums to your feet and heart's content makes you feel at home and part of the celebration. My girlfriend and I made sure that we won't miss the fun by joining the performers and taking these photos.





We also went to Sampaguita Gardens owned by Mr. Sam Butcher, the artist behind the Precious Moments brand of characters based on American-Christian themes. We entered two houses/mansions. One is filled with antique and sophisticated furnitures.







And the other one is filled with Precious Moments' dolls and figurines with a year-long Christmas theme.

We also went inside the chapel where paintings of Mr. Butcher adorned the walls. The chapel is indeed a good place for meditation.

Monuments and cute animal statues surrounding the place also add to its beauty.

It was really a fun and memorable experience especially because I've spent those moments with the one I love the most. :-)