📍 PADRE PIO SHRINE - MOUNTAIN OF HEALING at San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan

 - The Padre Pio Shrine is located at Barangay Paradise 3, San Jose Del Monte City. This place possesses a distinctive ambiance with its prominent 50-feet statue of the figure of Padre Pio. The place is accessible via a staircase with 150 steps which this sacred site invites visitors to enjoy the environment, attend healing masses every Sunday, and embrace its breath-taking view. 

Did you know that Padre Pio, also known as St. Pio of Pietrelcina, was the first stigmatized priest in the history of the church. He was known for the miracle of healing through his intercessions. Padre Pio had a stigmata for over 50 years and disappeared instantly after his death. Padre Pio fixed a boy's broken back just by touching it.

We went on Padre Pio Shrine last Sunday of the month, which is last February 25, 2024. We took a ride from  Starmall, which is located at Quirino Highway, Brgy. Kaypian, CSJDM, Bulacan, travelers or tourists must take a modern or traditional jeepney to arrive at Tungko infront of Jollibee. After arriving at Tungko, they must take a traditional jeep that has the sign Licao-Licao Terminal, Padre Pio to Mt. Balagbag to arrive at Quatro. After arriving at Quatro, they must ride a tricycle to arrive at top of Padre Pio.

It was a 10mins ride from Quatro to Padre pio, and when we arrived at Padre Pio, we first write down our names at the logbook at the chapel. Then proceed to walk up to the Statue, upon walking you'll see shops and singnages at the side of the road. Walking from Chapel up to the Statue is a 10mins walk also. Upon arriving at the place, before entering we saw a playground at the right side, and walk further you'll be able to enter the Padre Pio Shrine on the left side. 

Upon entering, there is a designated shop where you can buy some Candles and other snacks also before entering you'll see a kalinderya shop beside the place. There are signages that says "Silence please", Their Mass Schedule and other rules posted at the side of Candle Station. Beside the Candle Station you'll be able to buy some Souvenirs and lots more too. 

After touring the place we proceed to about the list of things you should remember before going to Padre Pio, the first one is you should have an energy or must not have asthma, heart problem, or lung problems, as i've mentioned we walked for like 10mins uphill, and people who have asthma or other heart problems who can't stand a long walk should not plan to visit Padre Pio or they can bring their own car or 4wheels car. Second, Padre Pio is a good place to pray. Before going to Padre Pio make sure that you have checked their page first, and lastly Donation is Open. 

Here are the list of things we bought for Padre Pio,  Water for your hingal when u walk up, second is coin for the wishing well, donation or for your candles, thrid is handcherchief for your pawis, and then lastly is cap and sunscreen for the sun protection. 

So in the span of 10mins. we got to interview three people for our vlog, at our YT channel "Engraved Travel Memories". We asked 3 questions from our SOP and heard their feedbacks and experience from the place. 

When visiting a place we should also know the Safety precautions and Packing tips.

And after the interview we also should the place again form inside to outside, we went outside to tour what are the things you could see beside the Padre Pio Shrine, on the right side of the entrance we saw a parking, ( Pay Parking- CAR P20 - MOTOR/TRICYCLE P10), and infront of the entrance you'll see a no parking sign because there are designated parking in the area. There are many food stalls around the area, and there is also a playground. 

So what are the Pros and Cons of visiting Padre Pio shrine? For the Pros, Padre pio is a healing place so it'll help your soul and mind, another is it not a crowded place you'll be able to light your candle in designated spots of the area, you'll also be able to take photo of the beautiful view. Cons is its to uphill, but when you get there, it'll be worth it. Another thing if you walk up to the top, it's fine to take a rest. 

Check out our Vlog for more info:

https://youtu.be/CDp1zQUdGPw?si=Y8d_8xH4gtMWejiu