HISTORY OF PILI
THE NAME
According to unofficial sources, the town got its name from the word Pili which has several meanings. One theory traces its origin to a fruit by the same name. The Pili fruit according to one historian is a specie of fruit bearing tree which fruit resembles that 'almendral' 'pinone' of castilla found inside the shell. But other sources point to word "Pinili" as the source of the name. The Bikol word pinili or of pili refers to anything chosen. The second was believed to be the most likely origin of this name. But nothing is known as to the reason why the idea of having been chosen was applied to Pili.
THE EARLY PILI
The History of Pili, Prof. Danilo Gerona wrote: "Compared with most of the lowland settlements, Pili evolved in the colonial charts at as much later period in the history of the region. Located on the inac cessible slopes of Mount Isarog far removed from the main highways of regional commerce, the Bicol river, Pili has eluded the intrepid Spanish conquistadors and the zealous missionaries. Thus, for more than two hundred years since the imposition of colonial rule, Piii remained out side the ambit of effective colonial control. While the rest of the lowland villages were already suffering from onerous colonial taxations and regi mented life, those in the territory of Pili were still enjoying an atmosphere of unmitigated freedom."
THE CULTURE ICONS OF PILI
THE PILI MUNICIPAL HALL
The Spanish pueblo of Pili is believed to already have a municipal building in the second half of the 1800s. Records show that the building, damaged by a typhoon in 1883, already had a small detachment for civil guards and an office for the Juez de Paz, tasked of dispensing justice. It is very likely that the first municipal hall was located in San Isidro, a stone throw from the parish church and logically by the Hamorawon Creek, a gateway to and from the town and the old city of Nueva Caceres. Surviving photographs of the municipio during the American Commonwealth Era in its old location reveal a 2-storey wooden structure consistent with the American aesthetics of the time, high-ceilinged and with imposing entrances. The Pili Municipal Hall was moved to its present location in San Juan in 1959.
THE EARLY PILI
The History of Pili, Prof. Danilo Gerona wrote: "Compared with most of the lowland settlements, Pili evolved in the colonial charts at as much later period in the history of the region. Located on the inac cessible slopes of Mount Isarog far removed from the main highways of regional commerce, the Bicol river, Pili has eluded the intrepid Spanish conquistadors and the zealous missionaries. Thus, for more than two hundred years since the imposition of colonial rule, Piii remained out side the ambit of effective colonial control. While the rest of the lowland villages were already suffering from onerous colonial taxations and regi mented life, those in the territory of Pili were still enjoying an atmosphere of unmitigated freedom."