By Dr. Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin, L.H.D (Hon.)

Cotabato City — The Sultanate of Maguindanao has successfully hosted a landmark Royal Friendship Event, bringing together tradition, diplomacy, and humanitarian service in a celebration that continues to resonate across communities at home and abroad.

The historic gathering welcomed distinguished members of the Filipino-American community, including the Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston and a Las Vegas Delegation, who traveled across the ocean to join their royal hosts in Cotabato City. The event marked more than a formal visit—it became a heartfelt reunion anchored in shared heritage, mutual respect, and a common vision for the future.

Queen Maria Torres Leonaro, Sultanate of Maguindanao & President, We Care for Humanity described the event as colorful and sucessful. She commmended the Cotabato City for hosting the ceremony.

Together with the Royal Houses of Maguindanao, discussions focused on opening new pathways for investment, trade, and tourism, underscoring that Maguindanao’s rich cultural legacy remains vibrant, progressive, and open for global partnership.

Beyond diplomacy and economic engagement, the Royal Friendship Event was defined by compassion in action. Through the “Bags of Hope” initiative sponsored by Las Vegas partners under the Philippine American Charities Foundation (PACF), hundreds of families in Cotabato City received vital support. The humanitarian outreach expanded further through the “Global Santa” mission, jointly led by We Care for Humanity (WCH) and the Sultanate of Maguindanao, reaching communities in Lebak and Kalamansig and touching thousands of lives.

Organizers and participants described the event as historic—demonstrating how friendship, when guided by purpose, can translate into meaningful impact for communities.

“This was not just a celebration, but a shared mission of love, unity, and service,” leaders noted, as they expressed gratitude to all partners and supporters who helped turn the vision into reality.

The Royal Friendship Event stands as a powerful testament to how cultural heritage, global cooperation, and humanitarian values can come together to build bridges and uplift lives.