The official name of Barangay "Anilao Proper" was taken after the separation of other sitios to form the new barrios of San Jose, Anilao East and Majuben.

The place was originally known as "Janao - Janao", and is said to be derived from the geographical shape and feature of the land and water comprising the barrio, and from the "Janao - Janao " palm trees (resembling the anahaw tree) that served as cool resting place for foot travelers going to and coming from the mother town Bauan. The invigorating shape of these "natural umbrella" and "old salakot" refreshed our forefathers who had gone dog-fired beating the long hot trails in the pursuit of this commercial transactions, in the pursuit of their commercial transactions, religious obligations and socio-economic activities in the old town proper.

The place was also variably called "Dagatan" and "Ragatan". "Dagatan", by the island fish peddlers who bought sorts of fish from the body of water called Janao Bay, located west of the peninsula, which now comprises the geographical body of the town of Mabini. "Ragatan" by the highlanders who speak with different dictions and intonations. Likewise, people on other places called the coastal area "Aplaya" and its inhabitants, "taga-aplaya." It then became popularly known as "Anilao" on account of the fall medicinal tree, which stood conspicuously near the northwestern boundary of Mabini and Bauan. The old folks in curing malaria and rheumatism used the bark and leaves of the Anilao tree. The tree became popular also because it was located near the bank of a river where big crabs, shrimps and lobster once bound. The river is now but a trickle buried by coral stones, silt and sand which now serves as a ground for drying the fish nets. Now, covered by wild lush foliage, vines, pandamus trees and thistles, the heart of the river is said to be inhabited by a mischievous and mysterious spirit.

Going back to the origin of Anilao, many attest to the fact that it was so called because of the prominent Anilao tree that once stood toweringly,even long before the time Mabini was created into a municipality.

Former Sitios of Barrio Anilao:

1. Pirasan - where "peras" edible and nutritious once abound in the shore
2. Lagundi - abundance of "lagundi" shrubs
3. Puntang Kawayan - a place where bamboo groves are plentiful
4. Kabila ng Ilog or Ibaba ng Ilog - land immediately located south of the barrio river, later or called "Mujuben" - derived from the three fishing boats "Magsimpan, Juanita, and Ruben."
5. Putol na Kalsada - the place where a wide path went unfinished.
6. Tibagan - where adobe chunks are abundant
7. Gulod - hilltop side of Anilao Elementary School
8. Taal-taalan - means "little Taal" becaunse many residents and landmowers of the place came from Taal town.
9. Tamauyanan - where tamauyanan trees are growing mighty tall.

Nutshell history of the Former sitios:

The sitios of Pilapon (Pirasan, Lagundi, and Puntang Kawayan), located at the southwestern part of the barrrio collectively called "Kanluran" is now barrio San Jose; the old site of "Kabila ng Ilog" or "Ibaba ng Ilog" located south of the barrio river unto the boundary of San Jose and includes "Putol na Karsada" became the new barrio of Majuben: the sitios of Taal-taalal, Gulod, Tibagan and Timauyanan merged into what is now called Anilao East. What remains of the old Anilao, now called Anilao Proper, are Heroba, Reytal and Lalabhan.

The people of this barrio are mostly fisherman during summer time and farmers during rainy season. Being hard-working men and enterprising women, most of them are not only physically well-built but also have moral courage to face the vicissitudes of life. The barrio folks are resolutely resourceful people.

Today, a good number of its sons and daughters belong to the professional circle with many young ones working a broad for a much better oppurtunity of giving comfort to their love ones back home. The restless and dynamic young generation of this barrio are wasting no time to further improve their lots and prove their worth to the burgeoning community in particular and to the country in general.

Just about 75 years ago, the old barrio of Anilao had only a big houses which had tree trunks for its posts. The rest was classified as small nipa huts beins supported by bamboo posts. Prior to World War II, there were already houses were spared by the American forces including the residential house of the guerilla officer Juan Panopio and his father-in-law, Mr. Marcos Medrano. The entire barrio and all its properties were almost totally burned and destroyed by heavy bombardments and strafing of the "American Air and Naval Forces from November 1, 1944 to March 14, 1945.

Immediately after the liberation time, the people re-occupied and reconstructed the charred barrio-building new houses from ruins. Today, with many groceries, bakeries, restaurants, other business establishments, numerous concrete and big houses, motorized fishing boats, vehicle for private and public use and other tangible assets, the barrio exists prosperously prouder and economically mightier. It has now an optimistic outlook for a profession and promising future.

Improvement / progress of Barangay Anilao Proper

1. Concrete pavement at the barrio lane extending from Heroba to Reytal
2. Asphalthing of the barangay that reached the barangay proper
3. Construction of Anilao proper by the DPWH
4. Construction of mini market/talipapa
5. Spout of Beach Resorts
   1. Riverside Beach Resort
   2. Gordence Beach Resort
   3. Letty's Beach Resort
   4. Reiner Beach Resort
   5. Ocean View Beach Resort
6. Availability of Water supplies through Brgy. Waterwork Association.
7. Barangay electrician
8. Existence of more stores and other business enterprise to cope with the increasing demand of the growing population.
9. Construction of concrete and buildings
10. Addition of more professionals such as nurses, teachers, engineers, etc.
11. More people working abroad contributing to the economic well-being of their families and dollar reserves of thje country.
12. Totally clean beach of Anilao Proper
13. Most of the people are living in comfort and convenience with complete home furnishing and appliances.
14. Reconstruction and lightning of a makeshift basketball court.

Aside from these accomplishments, Brgy. Anilao Proper devised a development plan the aim of which is to bring about progress and to improve the general welfare of the community. It includes the following:

1. Constuction of Open Canal
2. Construction of Fish Port extension
3. Construction of Sea Wall
4. Purchase of Water Pump (fire-fighting equipment)
5. Cleanliness and beautification program
6. Construction of Shallow Well
7. Construction of Drainage System
8. Construction of Health Center
9. Repair of Talipapa
10. Installation of street lights
11. Purchase of medicines
12. Purchase of Service Vehicle
13. Purchase of Bry. Ambulance