About Us
Family is the heart of our garden, where love for community and nature grows and memories of time together are cherished. The Escario ancestors taught us to care for the environment and the people. They guide us to be present, inspire us to enjoy life and share our gifts as we reach for our dreams which includes a thriving and sustainable Rosario and Kandingan community filled with warmth and joy.
Forget where you come from and you will never know where you are going.
ANCESTORS
The Escario family in Rosario, Aloguinsan today are the grandchildren of Jose Gandiongco Escario and Vicenta Causing Abello Escario originally from Bantayan Island. Jose was part of the Escario clan who served the municipal government of Bantayan and Cebu. In Aloguinsan, Jose G. Escario is remembered as the patriarch of the Escario family whose love for community and presence brought local people together. In his lifetime, Jose and Vicenta planted native trees, developed the plaza, constructed a chapel with their son Antonio and wife Lila, and donated land for Sto. Rosario Elementary School and National High School.Jose’s visionary dream was to have an educated and thriving community in Rosario and Kandingan.
After serving in Municipal Government, Jose primarily lived at the family farm in Rosario. His daughter, Herminia served as the Barangay Captain for many years. With her husband Eriberto, they donated land for the construction of San Jose Parish. Jose's fourth son, Ramon with his wife Corazon developed their Rosario property and continued the local traditions including Sinulog.The family’s love for the community lives on with Jose’s grandchildren.
Opened in 2023, Maria Socorro "Corito" with her husband Joseph created (Ramon and Corazon's daughter), developed their property and operates La Joya Farm Resort & Spa bringing luxury-agri tourism to Rosario. The resort brought life back to the community, attracting visitors and providing work opportunities allowing residents to stay local. Through the effort and generous donations from the Escario and Villacastin children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, improvements to the town center, local fiestas and annual Sinulog continues.
In 2026, Stella, Cheryl, Antonio Jr. “Jun-Jun”, Antonio Jose “Jo-Jo” (Antonio and Lila's children) and Ma. Vicenta “Amay” (Herminia and Eriberto's daughter) welcomed visitors to Escario BOTANICAL Garden. Divided into 16 areas consisting of a bamboo walk, maze, fruits, medicinal plants, food of the gods, ornamentals, butterfly sanctuary, orchidarium, nursery, vegetables, poultry, cafe and a Lady of Fatima grotto, the garden provides education and opportunities for the locals continuing their parents and grandparent’s vision for the community that they dearly love. Friendly garden animal sculptures have joined the original native giants bringing magic, fun and amazement to the garden. We work hard to improve Escario BOTANICAL Garden every day.
