The festivities commenced with a lively July 4th Parade in Huntington Beach, California, followed by an official ceremony in Santa Ana. The event was attended by prominent USNRC officials, including Lt. General Gregory Bone, head of USNRC Alabama, and Region IV Chief Major General Randy Nguyen, who officiated the ceremony.
Queen Mariam is an internationally acclaimed humanitarian and the visionary founder of We Care for Humanity, an organization dedicated to promoting education, health, wellness, and the eradication of poverty and discrimination worldwide. WCH operates under the principle of "Spreading Humanity through Education, Health, and International Trade."
Upon receiving the honor, Queen Mariam expressed, “I am humbled and honored to receive the rank of Honorary Colonel. My life's work with WCH has always been centered on service to communities around the globe. This appointment allows me to bring that same spirit of service to the United States, supporting our veterans and communities in need. It is a privilege to work alongside the USNRC in this noble mission.”
This recognition also reaffirms Queen Mariam’s esteemed position within the Royal House of Luzon Tagalog, also known as Royal Maharlika, and the Sultanate of Magindanaw—historic and culturally significant institutions in the Philippines.
The award further strengthens the existing partnership between WCH and the USNRC. On May 27, 2025, during the 7th WCH Royal Summit at the Gold Coast Hotel in Las Vegas, WCH awarded the USNRC the Medal of Honor and Valor for their exemplary service. Building on this collaboration, WCH and USNRC have announced a new initiative: a three-month feeding support program for veterans and USNRC members in California. This vital program will be led by WCH Los Angeles Regional Director Bai Huong Vo.
About We Care for Humanity (WCH):
WCH is an internationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to creating a world free of poverty, hunger, and discrimination. Through various global initiatives, WCH provides opportunities in education, health, and wellness to underprivileged and marginalized communities.
About United States National Reserve Corps (USNRC):
The USNRC is a volunteer reserve military organization composed of patriotic volunteers and veterans. Its mission is to support local, state, and federal emergency response efforts by providing trained units capable of operating within the Emergency Management System during natural or man-made disasters.
WARSAW, POLAND – On Saturday, 12 April 2025, Maha Putri (Queen) Maria Amor Leonora TorresMasturaundertook a momentous and historic return to the Republic of Poland, marking her second official visit to the capital city of Warsaw following her initial diplomatic mission in 2023. This highly anticipated occasion bore witness to the formal inauguration of two pivotal institutions: the Royal Chamber and Administrative Office of the Royal House of Luzon Tagalog, and the Royal Embassy of the Sultanate of Magindanaw (Maguindanao) to Poland.
In her dual capacity as Bae Mompong and Minister for Foreign Affairs for the Sultanate of Magindanaw, Queen Mariam officiated the solemn opening of the Royal Embassy, an endeavor made possible through the efforts of Datu Jordan Nirankari-Bowen, who serves with distinction as Ambassador of the Sultanate to Poland. The newly inaugurated Embassy symbolizes the growing bonds of friendship, cultural exchange, and diplomatic collaboration between the Sultanate of Maguindanao and the Republic of Poland.
A Private Audience of Cultural and Diplomatic Exchange
The day’s formalities were followed by an intimate private audience held at the Royal Embassy, which was attended by family, close friends, and distinguished colleagues of the Embassy. The reception provided a reflective and enriching space for meaningful discussion on contemporary global issues and offered guests the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Sultanate’s unique heritage and mission.
A focal point of the event was an insightful open question and answer session led by Hania Dębowska, a student of Cultural Anthropology at the University of Warsaw. With a depth of scholarly curiosity and thoughtful articulation, Ms. Dębowska steered a vibrant and enlightening discussion on the cultural, historical, and geopolitical significance of the Sultanate. Her questions enabled the gathered audience to appreciate the Sultanate’s legacy as an enduring sovereign entity in the Southern Philippines, its diplomatic ethos, and its commitment to peace and cultural preservation.
The Maha Putri responded with candor and poise, underlining the importance of cultural diplomacy and intercultural understanding in today’s increasingly interconnected world. She also highlighted the unique contributions of the Sultanate to global dialogues surrounding indigenous governance, international diplomacy, and cultural resilience.
A Voice for Peace and Solidarity
Another deeply poignant moment came during reflections by Marta Shokalo, BBC Editor-in-Chief for Ukraine, who took the floor to speak on the continuing crisis in Ukraine. Ms Shokalo provided an emotive account of the ongoing human toll resulting from the Russian invasion, offering a sobering reminder of the stakes facing Europe and the world in these uncertain times. Her words struck a particular chord with the Royal House, for whom the plight of Ukraine remains a matter of profound personal concern.
Indeed, the Queen’s earlier visit to Poland in November 2023 had been specifically undertaken to express solidarity with the people of Ukraine and to advocate for global support in their time of need. During Saturday’s address, Queen Mariam reiterated her unwavering support for Ukrainian sovereignty and peace, reaffirming the Sultanate’s dedication to humanitarian principles and justice.
A Speech of Gratitude and Unity
In her opening remarks, delivered with warmth and elegance, Queen Mariam who is also known as the “Traveling Queen”, reflected fondly on her previous visit to Warsaw and conveyed her heartfelt appreciation for the enduring hospitality and kindness extended by the Polish people.
“I return to Warsaw not only as a representative of the Royal House of Luzon Tagalog and the Sultanate of Magindanaw, but as a friend of Poland and its people,” Mariam said. “The generosity, grace, and solidarity I have witnessed here have left an indelible mark upon me. Today marks a new chapter in our shared journey—one of cooperation, cultural exchange, and mutual respect.”
Mastura extended special thanks to the legal and diplomatic teams who played a critical role in supporting the establishment of the Embassy and Royal Chamber, naming Nirankari-Bowen i Partnerzy Kancelaria Prawna, Mr Jakub Gałęzowski, Adwokat Monika Górna-Bieniek, Radca Prawny Krzysztof Lis and family, and Mrs Barbara Piasecka, commending their steadfast commitment and friendship.
Additionally, the Royal House extended their gratitude to several esteemed guests, including Dr Urszula Kopczyńska, inż. Magdalena Frynas, Miss Divya Dhyani, and Miss Sejal Kesharwani, for their presence and contributions to the event.
A Standing Ovation for a Distinguished Ambassador
A resounding standing ovation was given in honor of Datu Jordan, who has served tirelessly not only in his formal diplomatic post but also as the Royal Spokesperson of the Sultanate of Magindanaw. His instrumental role in facilitating the Embassy’s establishment, and his continuous efforts to advance the voice and vision of the Sultanate across Europe, were widely acknowledged by all in attendance.
An Enduring Symbol of Cultural Legacy and Sovereign Dialogue
The inauguration of the Royal Chamber and Embassy signifies more than the opening of new diplomatic missions—it embodies a broader vision of unity through cultural recognition, sovereign identity, and the nurturing of peaceful international relations. Through her enduring efforts, Queen Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura continues to promote intercultural diplomacy and advocate for the shared values of dignity, cooperation, and mutual understanding.
The Warsaw visit forms part of a four-day private diplomatic mission within the Republic of Poland, during which the Queen will continue engaging in closed-door meetings with officials, cultural figures, and members of the international community.
As the Sultanate of Magindanaw deepens its engagement on the European continent, this historic occasion marks a meaningful step in expanding bridges of trust and cooperation—beginning in Warsaw, and extending across borders, cultures, and peoples.
The Permanent Mission of the Ivory Coast in Vienna hosted a notable event designed to encourage the exchange of innovative ideas and foster collaboration across various sectors. This gathering served as a vital platform for dialogue among thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers to exchange insights and best practices.
Among the distinguished attendees were HRH Prince Sandor Habsburg of the Habsburg Monarchy and HRH Queen Mariam Leonor Torres Mastura from the Sultanate of Magindanaw and the Royal House of Luzon Tagalog in the Philippines. They were accompanied by Datu Abdalla Sharief, president of the United Nations Communications Association of Vienna (UNCAV), who played a key role in facilitating their participation.
The royal guests expressed keen interest in exploring collaborative business opportunities with the Ivory Coast, aiming to attract investors and stakeholders to the region.
Event highlights included keynote addresses from H.E. Dr. Souleymane Diarassouba, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Promotion of SMEs for Côte d'Ivoire, and H.E. Mr. Cissé Yacouba, Ivory Coast Ambassador in Vienna. The Côte d'Ivoire Embassy in Austria warmly welcomed attendees, complemented by inspiring remarks from H.E. Mr. Rapulane Sydney Molekane, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Austria. A panel discussion titled “Côte d’Ivoire – Austria: A Growing Economic Partnership” further enriched the program.
During the Q&A session, Queen Mariam, often referred to as the “Traveling Queen,” posed an insightful question: “How does the Ivory Coast government protect foreign investors during significant crises and political instability?” The panel provided reassuring responses, confirming that investors are well safeguarded and always have a safety net.
The involvement of ECEXA, an environmental cluster company, highlighted the commitment to exploring the transfer of expertise in critical areas such as environmental technology and renewable energy solutions.
In an exclusive interview, Queen Mariam shared that her charity organization, We Care for Humanity (WCH), had previously visited Abidjan in 2023 to provide scholarships to underprivileged students pursuing higher education. During her visit, she engaged in discussions with influential figures, including Mrs. Alina Ouattara, President of NGO HUDAS, Mr. Dia Yomi, Chief Diaspora Kalé, Mr. Arsène Kobea, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Mr. Fulbert Brou, Secretary General of IUA (Institut Universitaire d'Abidjan).
As the event wrapped up, it was clear that the discussions and innovations shared would leave a lasting impact on the Ivory Coast and beyond. Tangible outcomes, including commitments to ongoing partnerships and collaborative initiatives, underscored the event’s primary objective of promoting meaningful change. Attendees departed feeling inspired and equipped with a clearer vision for a more innovative and sustainable future for the Ivory Coast.
