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Our Lady of the Smile in Jibao-an, Santa Barbara

In time for the Lenten Season, a new attraction has emerged in Santa Barbara particularly in Brgy. Jibao-an near its boundary with the town of Pavia. 
Called as the Our Lady of the Smile, the statue sits on top of a man made mound called the Hill of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. Located in a former ricefield, the "hill" is about 2-3 storeys high with snaking paths going all the way up.
The winding path is dotted with the Stations of the Cross for simple pilgrimage along the way making devotees and tourists as well experience Via Crucis all year round.
At first it may seem so near but as you follow the path, you feel like treading the path Jesus took along the road to Calvary.
But it only takes around 15-20 minutes to complete the whole trek, even under the scorching heat of the sun. A brisk walk or a few jogs would make it even faster.
The hill is photogenic from almost all angles but the best spot is marked with a selfie or posing deck which captures the whole scene.
Once you reach the top of the hill, the final station of the cross is located beneath the statue. It can double as a mini chapel which is also a perfect resting area after a long tedious walk.
But the "icing on the cake" as they say is the final climb to finally meet Our Lady of the Smile.
With opens arms as if to embrace those who took the pilgrimage, Our Lady stands (based on my personal estimate but will correct this when the corrects measurements are out) to be around 50 feet from head to foot.
 Now you might wonder why it is called Our Lady of the Smile. A plaque fully explains the personal  account of St. Therese of Lisiuex who was healed of her sickness because of the ravishing smile of the Blessed Virgin.
And you might find yourself also smiling as you can see a grand view to all directions from around 5 storeys. All the rice fields and the creeping developments all around is slowly inching in.
  With one final look at the Blessed Virgin, one makes a downhill trek through the same winding road - no short cuts please, as one silently says a little prayer. 
Of thanks for all the blessing including  making it all the way up and of provision which includes the strength to make the final leg of journey and a safe travel back home. Amen! 
 Here's a vicinity map of Our Lady of the Smile from major roads.

If you have your own car:
  • From ILOILO CITY, the best way is via Pavia then turn left at Bangga Aganan then ask around for Angela Avenue towards the site.
  • Alternative route is take the Iloilo City-Aleosan Road (via Mandurriao) then make a right the crossroad (it's right after a softdrink plant). Ask around for the junction to Santa Barbara, the site is 10 minutes away
  • Those from the south (Oton, Tigbauan, Guimbal, Miag-ao, San Joaquin, etc), take the Oton- Santa Barbara road. 
  • Those coming from the airport and central towns like Cabatuan, Janiuay as well as New Lucena, Leganes,etc, just take the road from Bangga Dama Santa Barbara towards the place around 25minutes.
  • From the Oton-SB road junction, the landmark is a large mansion beside the river. It takes less than 5 minutes from there to reach the site.
If you commute:
  • Take Pavia, Santa Barbara, etc jeeps from the Iloilo City, Jaro or Ungka Terminals then alight at Bangga Aganan. Then ask for the terminal of tricycles that will will bring you the site. Fare is PhP10 (subject for confirmation) per person for a full passenger capacity
  • From Bangga Dama Santa Barbara using the same jeepneys above or different if coming elsewhere, look for "yellow" tricycles that ply the Buyo-Tagsing Route. Or just tell them that you will be going to the statue  in Jibao-an. Fare is PhP15/pax (subject for confirmation) for a full capacity which is around 6-8 pax.
  • If you opt to take a taxi fro Iloilo City, the Pavia route is the most convenient.

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