Maripipi, Biliran Etymology

Jack Maico
6 days ago
2 min read

Isla Rosa (Rosette Island) was allegedly the island's first name. Legend has it that the name Maripipi was derived from the lovers Maria and Pepe, who fled to this uncharted island to escape the wrath of her parents.

The father, after a long search, discovered their hiding place. Maria and Pepe took their own lives to be joined in the afterlife rather than risk being separated in their lifetime. The island became their tomb, a silent testament to their tragedy and love.

The romantic in us refuses to believe that Maria and Pepe did not have their happy ending. Another version of the story was that the star-crossed lovers found their happiness on the island. It was said that their love was what made the island mesmerisingly beautiful. Whatever happened to the couple after remains unknown. The island was named in their names, Maria and Pepe, Maripipi, as a tribute to their love.

Source: https://tourism.biliranisland.com/maripipi-island.php

Special credits: https://www.funinthephilippines.com/maripipi-town.../

https://www.facebook.com/smapmaripipi

https://www.facebook.com/biliranisland

https://www.flickr.com/photos/75721291@N02/44231226981

Church in town: 𝐒𝐭. 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡

St. Michael the Archangel is a Roman Catholic church located in the town of Maripipi, Biliran, Philippines.

Pirates plagued the peaceful existence of the natives in Maripipi throughout the early colonial history. The first center of the settlement was in Danao, and it was transferred to Daan Bungto in 1871. It was made into a town in 1899 during a visit by General Ambrocio Mojica on his way to take the role as governor of Leyte. However, along with Almeria, it was annexed to Kawayan.

It became a town once again in 1915, with Victoriano Salas as the first municipal president.

The church was established in 1841.

The portico of the church extends to a belfry. Its facade and tower are punctuated with arches and embellished with dentil and a deep red brick exterior. The entrance is flanked by arch windows.

Source: https://www.theoldchurches.com/.../st-michael-the.../

𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐩𝐢 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲

During its Spanish period, Maripipi Island was a key point for controlling the sea route between Luzon and the Visayas. The legend of the name Maripipi comes from a love story between Maria and Pepe. According to legend, the island was called Rosette Island.

𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐩𝐢: