The name "Sulu" pays homage to the birthplace of the Philippines' first state and civilization. In the 1400s, the Sultanate of Sulu emerged as the earliest sultanate in the Philippines. Researchers say that Sulu was where the first Philippine state and civilization began, according to “More Islamic Than We Admit.”

The word Sulu was originally written as Suluk or Soolook. The Malays have long referred to the people of the area as Orang Suluk, which corresponds to the present-day Tausug. Over time, Suluk evolved into Sug, as Tausugs commonly drop the letter “L” in speech. The shift from Suk to Sug was influenced by pronunciation variations, eventually solidifying as Sulu in written and spoken language.

Our team carefully chose this name only after consulting with the Muslim community in the Philippines, ensuring it truly represents their story.

This story begins on the southernmost shores of the Philippines in the late 14th century. While archaeological evidence of an Islamic presence in the region dates back to 1175 AD, it was through Muslim traders in the 14th century that Islam began to take root.

The Sheik Karimol Makhdum Mosque in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, established in 1380, is considered the cradle of Islam in the Philippines.

By 1450, Hashim Abubakar founded the Sultanate of Sulu, marking the establishment of the first Islamic state in the archipelago. This pivotal moment in history laid the foundation for a rich and enduring Islamic influence, shaping the cultural and historical landscape of the southern Philippines.

In the southern and southwestern Philippines, four to five million Muslims, known as Muslim Filipinos or politically as Moros, form a distinct community within the predominantly Christian nation.

The six largest Muslim ethnolinguistic groups—Tausug, Sama, Yakan, Maguindanao, Maranao, and Iranun—make up 96% of the Muslim population. Smaller groups include the Kalagan, Sangil, Palawani, Jama Mapun, Molbog, Kolibugan, and Badjao.

Their communities are closely tied to major bodies of water: Lake Lanao (Maranao), Pulangi River/Río Grande de Mindanao (Maguindanao), and the Sulu Sea (Tausug, Sama, Badjao, and Yakan). While each group has its own territory, there are overlaps, such as the Tausug mixing with the Sama in Sulu and the Yakan in Basilan. The Badjao, the smallest group, traditionally lived as sea nomads.

Throughout history, Muslim Filipinos have long resisted European and American colonization, preserving their highly developed societies, economies, and traditional arts, which remain a source of pride today.

Halal means “permissible” in Arabic and refers to food that is prepared according to Islamic dietary laws.

This includes specific guidelines on how meat is sourced and processed, ensuring it is clean, ethical, and free from prohibited ingredients like pork and alcohol.

Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines has been one of the accredited Halal certification bodies in the Philippines and non-food products since 1987.

To honor Islamic traditions and our Muslim Filipino brothers and sisters, we have sourced Halal-certified meats from Afandi Market (5191 W Charleston) for this dinner.