This special time worth timeless, precious mementos

A very nice article about Precious Moments creating a figurine for President Cory Aquino.  Read on for more details.


WHEN A BELOVED ARTIST MEETS a beloved former President, it’s one of life’s “precious moments.”

Samuel John Butcher, creator of the “Precious Moments” inspirational greetings cards, posters and figurines, has added a “Cory figurine” to the “Precious Moments” collectibles, in honor of the late President Corazon Aquino and in memory of their friendship.

The porcelain figurine shows a young girl with classic teardrop eyes looking at a shoe marked “Cory,” the nickname of the former President who succumbed to cancer in August last year.

Also inscribed at the base of the figurine are the words, “Who’s gonna fill your shoes?”

According to Jojo Sonillo, a spokesperson for Butcher, the words express the artist’s admiration for the world’s “Icon of People Power” and “Saint of Democracy.”

“He is a big fan of Cory and her family. He admired her clean image; he always liked the simplicity of her lifestyle,” Sonillo said of Butcher, who resides in New Washington, a municipality in Aklan.

According to Sonillo, the image of the young girl looking at Aquino’s shoe was originally a painting Butcher made for the birthday of Aquino’s third child, Pinky Abellada.

After a dinner with the Aquino family in December, Butcher, who is known for artwork that conveys the message of “loving, caring and sharing,” decided to design a figurine based on the painting. The first prototype of the figurine was finished in March.

A “first Philippine exclusive,” the “highly collectible” Cory figurine would be available in the market, retailing for $40 or P1,800, Sonillo said. Part of the proceeds of the sales would be donated to the Aquino Foundation.

Two versions of the Cory doll in the Children of the World Collection would also be launched alongside the Cory figurine, Sonillo added.

Humble beginnings

Originally from Michigan, Butcher, who is now 70 years old, has chosen to retire in the Philippines. He owns the Sampaguita Garden Resort and Spa in New Washington, Aklan, a family-oriented recreation spot that also hosts a “Precious Moments” gallery and a “Precious Moments” Chapel by the Sea.

Butcher’s life is itself an inspiration.

Born poor, Butcher spent his childhood sketching on paper rummaged from a factory. He pursued formal art training following his high school graduation and won a scholarship to the College of Arts and Crafts in Berkeley. After graduation, Butcher married his college sweetheart, worked as an artist for the Child Evangelism Fellowship where he devoted his time to art and studying the Bible.

Forever special

“Precious Moments” was launched in 1975 on inspirational greeting cards and posters designed by Butcher. The first “Precious Moments” figurines were unveiled three years later.

To date, he has painted over 3,000 “Precious Moments” images almost all with the endearing teardrop-eyed child trademark. His designs have propelled an international giftware industry for weddings, birthdays and baptisms.

How does he feel about his life’s work?

In his coffee table book, “Sam Butcher: An Artist for Everyone,” he wrote: “When it comes to special times, ‘Precious Moments’ is forever.”

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