History behind Polangui's name

     Polangui traces its roots in 1584 when a Spanish friar, Baltazar de la Magdalena founded it shortly after the landing of the Spaniards in the remote part of Pantao in Libon, a neighboring municipality. The 10-year construction of the parish church began in 1654 by Fr. Juan Bautista. Camilo Jacob, a photographer and resident of Polangui, was executed along with other Bicolanos in January 1897. A year later, the "Guardia Civil" in Naga City led by Don Elias Angeles mutinied against Spaniards. This ended the Spanish rule in the Bicol Region. Legends say that the name Polangui was taken from the name of a red-leafed tree called "Oyangui", which is now extinct. The town which was originally called "Binanuaan" was inhabited by about 500 natives and with the baptism of 25 elderly citizens, the place was named Polangui. Another legend, which is now the focus of search for the most beautiful and talented Polangue, is about the story of beautiful maiden named "Pulang-Angui" which means "Red Maria" (Angui is the nickname for Maria) who loved red colors for dress and whose beautiful body, face and red lips became the object of affection by the males to the point of adoration. She was modest in her ways, talented for possessing various skills, with happy disposition, showing love of arts and religious. She would lead the tribe in festivities. When the Spaniards came, the soldiers who first set foot in Polangui asked for the name of the place. The native thought the foreigners was asking for the name of "Pulang-Angui" and said so. The Spaniards recorded the name of the place as PULANGUI, a concoction of the name which was later on, as years went by, was converted to POLANGUI.