Shee Jay Axyne Borinaga 
Today marks the feast day of St. Bartholomew the Apostle, the patron saint of Catbalogan City.
St. Bartholomew is one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ who is celebrated annually on the 24th of August for his life and miracles. He is considered to be the saint of tanners, tailors, plasterers, and leatherworkers and also associated with bookbinders, farmers, house painters, butchers, and glove makers.
Catbalogan City is known to be a fishing village and a town for fisherfolks. Thus, San Bartolome Apostol was chosen by the Jesuits as the official patron saint of the city wherein the arrival of his image and devotion can be traced back in the year 1616.
A day celebrated with solemnity and utmost extravagance, it is said to be a way for Catbaloganon fishermen to express their gratitude to St. Bartholomew who serves as their perennial protector, intercessor, and sustains the bountiful fresh catch in the seas of Maqueda.
