A total of P539,000 was collected during the gala or "money shower" that went viral, according to the Hermano Mayor 2025 of the Feast of Saint Bartholomew in Catbalogan City, Province of Samar.

Contrary to accusations that the money used during the gala was from government coffers, Ruben Panaligan, the hermano mayor, said that it is from private individuals who participated in the gala event.

Panaligan emphasized that the proceeds of the money shower were donated to four Catholic churches in Catbalogan City.

Panaligan apologized to Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan whose participation in the money shower drew flak from netizens.

As for the issue on individuals stepping on banknotes, Panaligan said this has been part of the Samareño cultural tradition while dancing the “kuratsa,” a Visayan folk dance often performed at weddings and other social occasions.

Meanwhile, in the context of religious or community festivals in the Philippines, the hermano mayor refers to a male sponsor of an event.