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The three island municipality of Rapu-Rapu; Rapu-Rapu Island (the principal/capital island), Batan Island, and Guinanayan Island (as well as a few more islets like the Pagol Islet) was once a bario of Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon, but was later proclaimed in 1891 as part of the municipality of Bacon, Sorsogon owing to territorial proximity claim. On the other hand, Governor Arlington Brett, the then-Civil Governor of the Province of Albay, declared the plebiscite that formally established Rapu-Rapu as an autonomous and separate municipality in 1901. (Rapu-Rapu Tourism E-Data, 2010).

Rapu-Rapu has been the lone coastal municipality in Albay since then, and it is regarded as one of the richest in natural resources. The abundant biodiversity, from lush forests to deep waters, has a lot to offer. In fact, it was the source of contention from 2006 to 2012, when Lafayette, an international operating mining company mostly owned by foreigners, was still widely mining the island's gold, copper, and other natural minerals and was proven to contaminate the surrounding waters because of the dangerous substances from mine spills affecting the livelihood of the fisher folks. (Kevin Brigden & Janet Cotter, Greenpeace Research Laboratories, October 2006).

These natural riches are primarily highlighted at the Layag Festival, the town's largest and most celebrated event. Layag Fest is an annual festivity that takes place from May 20 to May 27. The name of the festival was derived from a native word "Layag," which referred to a boat used by early Rapu-Rapu's inhabitants as a mode of transportation. The early Rapu-Rapunhon traders used to trade Abaca fibers and other Island Crops, including fruits, vegetables, and fish. More importantly, Layag illustrates the people's journey through life. (Provincial Government of Albay, 2021). Layag, or "sibidsibid" as other locals refer to it, is a variant of vinta covered with colorful sails that imitate actual cultural designs specific to the area. The layag is also propelled by wind and paddles and must set sail as early as 1 a.m. to arrive in nearby towns before daybreak (according to the locals).

In this regard, Many folktales and superstitions clouded people's perspectives by the creative assumptions of the neighboring municipalities who then observed that early Rapu-Rapunhon traders used to sail during nighttime and arrive before dawn. Since then, the Rapu-Rapu has been portrayed as the Aswangs' lair, and Rapu-Rapunhons have been suspected of being Aswangs and other mythological superhumans who practice witchcraft or sorcery, and students and professionals who study or work in the city are frequently asked, "May aswang sa Rapu-Rapu?" or "Aswang ka/Totoo Aswang saindo?".

Aswangs, according to Bicolano mythology, are “demonic beings with the power to change their appearance regularly, most usually in the bestial form at nigh; Carnivorous and cannibalistic species that can solely feed on humans and other animals, it feeds mostly on human liver and blood, and that it has an evil penchant for unborn children. It is also known to prey on children and the sick” (Bicolano Myths, 2018).

Away from the myth, the main feast day is celebrated every May 27th, coinciding with Sta. Florentina's Feast, the patroness of Barangay Poblacion, the municipality's capital (Local Government of Rapu-Rapu, 2013). Meanwhile, as soon as the festivity been adopted by the LGU, the celebration was transformed into a week-long festival that includes numerous events such as the Layag Fluvial Relay/Race, Cook Fest, Local Products Exhibit, Mutya ng Layag and Sereyna ng Layag, Street Dance Competition and Exhibition, Layag Fun Run, Municipal Night, and many more. These activities encourage both locals and tourists to patronize Rapu-Rapu products and support local businesses in town, as well as visit the island's travel sites, particularly during the summer season.

The fest also proudly features authentic and signature dishes from the island, such as Sahang, Surahan, and Dudu-Dudu, as well as some delicacies such as Pinakro na Lagikray, Ibos, Suman, and Binutong, paired with a hot drink made from cocoa tablea, which is usually served on the last day of the festivity. The location, occasion, products, meals, and practices are all worth seeing for travelers who come to visit Albay's hidden gem, the proud and lush Island of Rapu-Rapu.