Sultanate Golden Crescent Award

05/12/2025

Banda Aceh, Indonesia

05/12/2025

Before Spanish colonization, Batangas was culturally connected to the Muslim trading networks of Brunei, Sulu, Borneo, and the Muslim-led Rajahates of Maynila and Tondo, which influenced the early Tagalog communities around Balayan and Taal. Muslim merchants and missionaries introduced Islamic terms, customs, and expressions into local life, some of which survived even after Christianity replaced Islam in the region. One popular example is the Batangueño expression “Ala eh!”, which some historians believe may trace its root to the invocation “Allah!”, preserved as a linguistic remnant of Batangas’ early Islamic contact and later blended into Tagalog speech.

24/11/2025

Masjid Al-Sultan Abdullah is a historic mosque located in Kuala Lumpur, known for its elegant traditional architecture blended with modern Malaysian design. Named in honor of Sultan Abdullah, the mosque serves as a central place of worship and community gathering for Muslims in the area. Its serene ambiance, spacious prayer hall, and beautifully crafted minarets make it a peaceful refuge amid the busy city. The mosque also hosts regular religious classes, community programs, and serves as a symbol of Islamic heritage and unity in Kuala Lumpur.

23/11/2025

Kudos Rajah Solayman Awardee!

20/11/2025

Sultan Masjid, Singapore 2025

20/11/2025

20/11/2025

Sultanate Golden Crescent Award 2025

20/11/2025

The island of Mactan was once home to the historic town of Opon, a settlement that grew during the Spanish and American periods. For centuries, the name “Opon” represented a thriving coastal community known for trade, faith, and local leadership.

But long before Opon existed, the island was ruled by Datu Lapu-Lapu, the courageous chieftain who defeated Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521. His victory became the earliest recorded act of Filipino resistance against foreign domination.

To honor this legacy, the Philippine government enacted Republic Act No. 3134 on June 17, 1961, officially changing the name of Opon to Lapu-Lapu City. This law restored the identity of the place to its original hero and ensured that his story would remain central to the community’s heritage.

Decades later, during the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the recognition of Lapu-Lapu as a national hero was further strengthened. Through Republic Act No. 11040 (2017), April 27 was declared “Lapu-Lapu Day” or Adlaw ni Lapu-Lapu, cementing his status as a national symbol of courage.

From Opon to Datu Lapu-Lapu, the transformation reflects the nation’s journey toward reclaiming indigenous history and honoring the hero who first defended Philippine freedom.

19/11/2025