The Sampaguita is the national flower of the Phillippines.
The Sampuguita Club of Hilo was organized in June, 1980 by a handful of families and Mary and Jaime Tomas. The first Jr. Miss Sampaguita Pageant was held on April 4, 1981, an idea of Mary and Jaime, who were then the directors of the then Pahala Sampaguita Dancers. They also chose the title of "Jr. Miss Sampaguita."
By January 2000, nearly 200 girls, ages from 13 - 17 years, had participated since the first pageant. In April of that year the Club was honored at the Governor of Hawaii Kilohana Awards for its community spirit and service.
Some of the Club's projects included:
- Scholarship awards
- Sponsored Child (Phillippines)
- Family of the Year Award
- Hall of Honor Awards
After over 20 years of over seeing the organization, Mary and Jaime Tomas decided to retire and let the next generation take over the reins of the Club. They continue to be active in the community. In 2010 the Tomas' launched a new venture producing made in Hawai`i products under the product label Mary Manila of Hawai`i. The Mary Manila label is distributed exclusively by CAPTAINPICARD.COM of Hawai`i.
