MANILA, Philippines — Many of us are familiar with the world-wide Precious Moments characters that have been immortalized in porcelain figurines, greeting cards, children’s clothing, stuffed animals, dolls and even bibles. Precious Moments products are top of the line collections’ items especially in the United States for the past three (3) decades. Sam Butcher, the soft-spoken American artist who has been creating the lovable Precious Moments characters for the past thirty (30) years – has been getting world-wide acclamation. His creative talent has touched the hearts of thousands and thousands of people of all ages in different countries.

Not many know that the Precious Moments dolls has been produced in the Philippines since 1981 – not for local sale but produced especially for export to other countries. It was only last July, 2010 that Precious Moments formally opened its first store in Metro Manila to accommodate the requests of Precious Moments collectors and customers who are mostly based in Luzon and Metro Manila. Precious Moments dolls like the other adorable little creatures of Precious Moments have one common feature – they all have droopy soulful eyes.

Today, there is now a Philippine Precious Moments Collectors Club (PPMCC) formally organized last July 22, 2011 with 62 members. The PPMCC meet every 3rd Sunday of the month at the Precious Moments Showroom located at 4227 Laredo St., Palanan, Makati City.

The Precious Moments Showroom is primarily engaged in operating a giftshop and a restaurant. Beautiful, dainty and colorful Precious Moments dolls and other characters positioned all around the restaurant exude a festive atmosphere in the restaurant that is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Those interested to be members of the Philippine Precious Moments Collectors Club (PPMCC) can go to its social networking sites/addresses as follows: www.wix.com/preciousmoments/showroom; www.manilapreciousmoments.com; and facebook: manilapreciousmoments@yahoo.com.

One may ask: What is the personality of Sam Butcher, the creator of Precious Moments characters, who in his early struggling years worked as a dishwasher, a cook, a story-teller and illustrator of “The Tree House Club,” a popular national television program in US.

I first met Sam Butcher in the late 80s. I have talked with him and have observed his ways. There is so much humility, humor, and candor that one couldn’t believed that he has achieved so much success internationally in his business. It’s heartening to note that after all these years, Sam Butcher has not changed his way. Today, together with his business partner Jojo Sonillo, Sam Butcher is still active not just in the operations of Precious Moments Showroom but also in the affairs of the Philippine Precious Moments Collectors Club. The following are the pioneering club officers elected last July 22, 2011 for a one year term:- President – Dr. Francis Edward Santamaria; Vice President – Ms. Cecille Dysueco; Secretary – Ms. Mary Ann Ignacio; Treasurer – Ms. Vivian Camano; Auditor – Col. Fe Ea; Business Manager – Ms. Josie Venco; Press Relations Manager – Ms. Ellen Malihan; Club Membership Committee Chairpersons – Mr. & Mrs. Jun & Sugar Delena; Club Headquarters Manager – Ms. Amiel Carmona; and Club Advisers – Mr. Jojo Sonillo & Mr. Sam Butcher.

Lastly, we Filipinos are really privileged, honored and blessed to have with us Sam Butcher, the world-famous creator of the Precious Moments products. Sam Butcher is now a permanent resident of our country. He goes to the United States once or twice a year.

Says Sam Butcher: “I love your country and the friendly and warm Filipinos.”

Have a joyful day!