In an interesting part of history, the Philippines and China have a closer connection than many people think. In 1417, Sultan Paduka Batara, who was the ruler of the East Sulu Sultanate, went to China to show respect to the emperor.
The Sultan was welcomed warmly when he arrived. But something unexpected happened. On his way back, Sultan Paduka Batara got sick and died in Dezhou, China. The Chinese emperor, who liked the Sultan, decided to build a big and beautiful tomb for him that still exists today.
But the story doesn't end there. Following their tradition of ancestor worship, Sultan Paduka Batara's sons, Andulu and Wenhalla, stayed in China to look after their father's tomb.
They became part of Chinese society and married into the local Hui ethnic group, a Muslim community. This mix of cultures created a lasting legacy.
Today, around 3,700 descendants of Sultan Paduka Batara live in China, spanning 21 generations. Recognized as part of the Hui nationality, they still cherish their Filipino heritage. This unique presence in China reflects a Sultan's journey that united different cultures.

свернуть