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.