At its worst, Maripipi, the 8th Municipality of Biliran Province is dubbed as the Island of No Return, primarily because even its own people would basically leave this beautiful island to seek for greener pastures somewhere else, to make their lives even better than what their small island can offer for them.At its best, it is known as an island where the sun warms the heart, the sea rejuvenates the weary soul and the breeze soothes the tired mind. Maripipi, Biliran has been called many things aside from being the combined names of its first settlers Maria and Pepe.It is not even a viva voce place which most people will talk and rave about. In fact, so many people do not even know where this island is. Maripipians could not in anyway blame these people basically because for most of its history and social life, the island has always been a backwater.Many people believed that despite its thick forest and foliage, its crystal clear blue seas and vast marine resource, little has been said to this northernmost island in Eastern Visayas.But do you know that at its most simple and humble state now, Maripipi, Biliran has a very dynamic and discernible history compared to its neighboring municipalities. From its early settlers Spanish and Americans, Maripipi, Biliran had then evolved into a haven of nature lovers and adventure-driven individuals seeking to run away from the hustle and bustle of a dog-eat-dog city life.Just about an hour and a half away from Naval, Biliran port, one would just have to basically cross the vast expanse of Eastern Visayas’ waters to reach Maripipi’s luxuriant land of a promising respite.Now the home of the ingeniously-made and popular reddish-brown clay products, Maripipi prides itself of its people creative prowess in making these earthen products, from the most common cooking pot known as daba to a basic building material such as a brick to the more artistic home clay decors and accessories.How Maripipi shines ‘cause of these products! Aside from this, Maripipi is also a good solace for nature-tripping and adventure trek for people who would like to find peace in the comfort of an island surrounded with coco-lined beaches, with pristine and unspoiled coral-rich marine life found in almost every rocky nooks and coves, all waiting and beckoning to be discovered in time.Another pride is standing imposingly amidst this enchanting island, an old Spanish watch tower that speaks of Maripipi’s valiant past.
For some Maripipi could be an unsung and uncelebrated place that some may haven’t even heard of, but for most people who have seen and became part of the glorious beauty that nature had bequeath to this enthralling island, it is an island with a sturdy character, a work of art sculptured by the Creator himself, a home where warm hearts and cheerful dispositions are bred in the folds of a cozy and comfortable solace for people seeking for a much-needed welcome respite.