San Pascual, Masbate
La Isla Rancho de Burias
THE island of Burias in Masbate holds a fascinating history. It was once part of the Galleon route to Manila, where ships ENTERED FROM THE PACIfiC SIDE THROUGH SAN Bernardino Strait, then sailed through Ticao Strait, passed by Burias, before heading to Sibuyan Sea. This made Burias a crucial sentinel guiding Galleon ships to Manila, also making the island susceptible to pirate attacks.
An image of a saint known for his strict austerities and compassion toward the sick was enthroned in the parish church. Local devotees believed that his intercession helped cease pirate attacks. The saint was St. Paschal Baylon, who passed away on May 17, 1592. In gratitude, the parish and the town of San Pascual were named after him.
Originally part of Camarines, the subprovince of Burias, with Fuerte de San Pascual as its capital, merged with Masbate and Ticao islands in 1901 under Philippine Commission Act 105, forming the new province of Masbate.
The amalgamation of Burias into Masbate facilitated its integration into the cattle industry, existing since the 19th century, converting the grasslands of Burias into cattle grazing farms. The port of San Pascual became a shipping point to Luzon. The surrounding seas teem with fish, making San Pascual a major producer of dried fish. Its islands and islets, with unique rock formations, white sand beaches, and blue waters, have propelled San Pascual into the list of favorite island destinations in the Philippines.
Getting to San Pascual
Various routes lead to San Pascual. The shortest is a 7-hour drive from Manila via South Luzon Expressway, taking the PanPhilippine Highway to Pagbilao, Quezon, then turning right to Bondoc Peninsula, and driving straight to San Andres port, where a two-hour ferry ride awaits.
Alternatively, a 10-hour drive to Pasacao, Camarines Sur, or Pio Duran, Albay, followed by a boat ride to Claveria (the southern town of Burias), then a van ride to San Pascual, is another option. Flying from Manila to Masbate City and taking a ferry to San Pascual is also possible.
For commuters, buses from PITX go directly to San Andres, Pasacao, or Pio Duran ports, where boats to San Pascual are available.
La Isla Rancho
Burias, like the rest of Masbate, boasts numerous ranches for cattle raising, particularly along the road between Claveria and San Pascual. A visit to any of these “ranchos” offers an opportunity to meet local cowboys.
San Pascual bustles with activity upon the arrival of ships to pick up truckloads of cattle bound for fattening farms in Quezon and Batangas. Fresh seafood from the surrounding seas also departs via rollon, roll-off ports. The local market near the port is a prime source of dried fish at prices lower than those in Manila.
San Pascual is also home to many old houses dating back to the early 20th century. The well-preserved Evangelista house offers a glimpse into the town’s past. The Balinsasayaw House, where swiftlets produce saliva nests used for the expensive nido soup, is another noteworthy site.
The old St. Paschal Baylon church, built around the 1840s, retains most of its original structures and showcases simple yet elegant architecture. It serves as the focal point of the annual La Isla Rancho Festival, held every May 17, featuring colorful local cultural activities and traditions.
Island adventures
San Pascual’s beautiful islands offer a unique island-hopping adventure, arranged through the local tourism office. A full day is needed to visit 3 to 4 islands belonging to the municipality.
These islands, including Animasola with its unique rock formation, Tinalisayin with its stunning sandbar, and Sombrero with its hat-shaped rock formation and beautiful white sands, can be explored with the touring boat named Triplerick. Special tours with boodle fight lunches onboard are also available.
After island hopping or heritage tours, visitors can stay in San Pascual at places such as Stern Inn, Orchidia Guesthouse, and Atlaza Resort. Longer stays allow visitors to experience San Pascual’s unique hospitality known as “kugi,” where they are welcomed with local delicacies and a “tagayan” ritual, celebrating the bond between hosts and guests in this hidden gem of Masbate.