Pre-Colonial Name of the Philippines

A Journey Through Forgotten Identities!

Coron Palawan

Long before the islands were unified under the colonial name “Las Islas Filipinas” in honor of King Philip II of Spain, the archipelago we now call the Philippines was a vibrant patchwork of independent communities, thriving trade ports, and powerful indigenous kingdoms—each with its own name, identity, and system of governance. These pre-colonial societies were not hidden in the shadows of history, but rather deeply engaged in regional diplomacy, commerce, and cultural exchange, well before the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century.

From the riverine kingdom of Butuan in Mindanao to the coastal trade center of Ma-i, recorded in early Chinese chronicles, the islands bore names that reflected economic vitality, spiritual significance, and local sovereignty. Some of these names, like Selurong (Manila) and Sugbu (Cebu), echoed through the maritime routes of Southeast Asia, while others, such as Tawalisi, became wrapped in legend and foreign fascination.

This blog takes you on a journey through these forgotten identities, revealing how names such as Ma-i, Lusong, Butuan, and Sulu tell stories not just of place, but of pre-colonial power, resilience, and pride. In rediscovering these names, we also rediscover the deep roots of Filipino civilization—long before the nation had a single name.

Ma-i (Ma-yi): The First Recorded Name of a Philippine Polity

The earliest documented reference to a Philippine settlement in foreign records comes from the Chinese Song Dynasty, which mentions a place called Ma-i (also rendered as Ma-yi) as early as 971 CE. This name represents the Philippines' initial appearance on the global historical stage—not through conquest, but through commerce and diplomacy.

A Trade Hub in the South

Chinese imperial records describe Ma-i as a prosperous and well-organized coastal community. Most scholars believe it was in or near present-day Mindoro, based on geographic clues and archaeological findings in the region.

Connected to the World

Ma-i engaged in regular trade with China, sending exports like beeswax, cotton, pearls, betel nuts, tortoise shells, and medicinal plants. In return, they received porcelain, silk, and metal tools—evidence that Ma-i was part of a broader Asian trading network that included Champa (Vietnam), Siam (Thailand), and Borneo.

A Society with Structure and Order

Chinese observers described Ma-i’s people as honest, courteous, and law-abiding, with established marketplaces and trading systems. This contradicts colonial-era narratives that portrayed early Filipinos as disorganized or primitive.

Ma-i’s story shows that the Philippines was already part of global trade and diplomacy centuries before European contact. Its name marks the beginning of the archipelago’s recorded interaction with the outside world—and reminds us of that early Filipino societies were autonomous, skilled, and respected on the international stage.

The Batad Rice Terraces Banaue in the Ifugao Province

Lusong / Luzon: The Northern Gateway of Power and Trade

Before the name “Luzon” became widespread under Spanish rule, early texts and oral traditions referred to the region as Lusong—a term believed to be derived from a wooden mortar used to pound rice, a fitting metaphor for a fertile, agrarian society. Over time, Lusong evolved into Luzon, becoming the largest and most politically influential island in the Philippine archipelago.

A Center of Early Settlement and Trade

Even before colonization, the Manila Bay region and central Luzon were home to advanced coastal communities. Chinese, Japanese, and Arab traders frequently visited these settlements to exchange goods such as pottery, gold, and textiles. These interactions indicate that Lusong was a well-connected hub in pre-Hispanic Southeast Asia.

A Name Rooted in Culture

“Lusong” symbolizes not only agricultural productivity but also community labor and resource sharing, reflecting the social structure of early Tagalog and Kapampangan societies. The name may have originated in the rice-producing regions of central Luzon, where daily life revolved around farming and river systems.

Linked to Selurong and Bruneian Influence

In Malay and Bruneian records, Lusong—especially the area now known as Manila—was referred to as Selurong. It was believed to be a Muslim-led principality under Bruneian protection, ruled by leaders like Rajah Matanda and Rajah Sulayman prior to Spanish conquest in 1571.

From Lusong to Luzon

As the Spanish colonizers expanded northward, “Lusong” gradually shifted to “Luzon,” becoming the name for the entire island. Despite this colonial rebranding, the historical identity of Lusong lives on through its cultural legacies, ancient river communities, and enduring urban centers.

Lusong was more than a name—it was a dynamic region of agricultural wealth, trade connections, and political sophistication. Its transformation into Luzon reminds us how deeply rooted Filipino history is in local knowledge, indigenous naming, and cultural continuity.

Sugbu: The Pre-Hispanic Trade Capital of the Visayas

Long before it became known as Cebu, the bustling port city in the Central Visayas was called Sugbu, derived from the old phrase Sinibuayng Hingpit, meaning "a place of complete trade". Sugbu was not only a thriving coastal settlement—it was a cosmopolitan hub that attracted merchants from across Asia and played a crucial role in shaping pre-colonial Philippine commerce and diplomacy.

The Rajahnate of Cebu

Sugbu was the seat of the Rajahnate of Cebu, founded by Sri Lumay, a minor prince from Sumatra with ties to the Srivijaya Empire. The rajahnate established a local system of governance and transformed Sugbu into a politically organized and economically vibrant kingdom, ruled by local leaders known as rajahs.

A Crossroads of Asian Trade

Sugbu's strategic position made it a prime stopping point for Chinese, Arab, Indian, and Malay traders. It was known for trading local products such as gold, wax, spices, pearls, and dried fish, while importing foreign ceramics, textiles, and beads. It became a multicultural marketplace, where different languages, goods, and beliefs mixed freely.

Cultural Sophistication Before Colonization

By the time the Spanish arrived in 1521, Sugbu had a thriving port economy, fortified settlements, and diplomatic ties with other kingdoms. The presence of distinct social classes, local coinage (barter rings), and a robust maritime fleet showed that Sugbu was highly developed and self-sustaining.

From Sugbu to Cebu

Following Spanish contact and colonization, Sugbu was renamed Cebu, becoming the site of the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines under Miguel López de Legazpi. Despite the colonial shift, Cebu’s identity as a historical trade and cultural center has remained strong.

Sugbu's legacy is one of openness, prosperity, and resilience. As the beating heart of pre-colonial Visayas, it stands as proof that even before European contact, the islands were already part of a sophisticated and far-reaching maritime world.

The Boardwalk overlooking Cloud Surfing spot, Siargao

Butuan: The Maritime Kingdom of the Southern Seas

In the northeastern coast of Mindanao lies Butuan, one of the most historically significant pre-colonial polities in the Philippines. Long before Spanish galleons entered Philippine waters, Butuan had already established itself as a major maritime kingdom, renowned for its craftsmanship, international diplomacy, and thriving trade relations with powerful Asian neighbors.

First Contact with Imperial China

Chinese Song Dynasty records dating as far back as 1001 CE identify Butuan as a tributary state, making it one of the earliest known Philippine communities to engage in formal diplomatic relations with the Chinese empire. Butuan's emissaries brought gifts of tortoise shells, spices, and gold, and returned with silk, porcelain, and other luxury items.

The Balangay Boats: Proof of Seafaring Skill

The discovery of the ancient Balangay boats in the 1970s at Libertad, Butuan City, solidified the kingdom’s maritime reputation. Dated to as early as the 4th century, these massive wooden plank boats—held together without nails—are evidence of advanced boat-building techniques and large-scale sea voyages long before Spanish colonization.

A Center of Gold, Governance, and Trade

Butuan was known not only for its naval ingenuity but also for its abundance of gold, which was fashioned into jewelry, ritual objects, and currency. Archaeological finds such as the Butuan Gold Surigao Treasure suggest a rich culture with organized social hierarchy, religious practices, and artistic excellence.

Strategic Riverine Power

Situated along the Agusan River, Butuan controlled vital inland and coastal trade routes. It acted as a gateway between Mindanao’s interior communities and foreign traders, making it a crucial node in the regional economy.

Butuan’s legacy is that of a sovereign and seafaring society, whose influence reached far beyond the Philippines. Its achievements in maritime trade, craftsmanship, and diplomacy remind us that long before colonization, the Filipino ancestors were already charting the seas—confident, connected, and culturally advanced.

Selurong: The Early Muslim Kingdom of Manila

Before Manila became the seat of Spanish colonial power in the Philippines, it was already a thriving Muslim-led polity known as Selurong. Documented in Malay texts and Bruneian records, Selurong was a coastal settlement of political importance and part of the greater maritime Islamic world in Southeast Asia.

A Principality Under Bruneian Influence

Selurong was believed to be a vassal or allied state of the Bruneian Sultanate, which extended its influence across parts of northern Borneo and Luzon in the 15th century. This political relationship helped strengthen Selurong’s trade networks and religious identity, especially as Islam spread through regional trade and diplomatic ties.

Governed by Muslim Rulers

At the time of Spanish arrival in 1570, the area now known as Manila was ruled by Rajah Sulayman, alongside Rajah Matanda and Lakan Dula of nearby Tondo. These leaders governed fortified settlements with thriving markets, mosques, and established systems of law based on a blend of local customs and Islamic principles.

A Bustling Port Town

Located at the mouth of the Pasig River, Selurong was an ideal port for trade. Its proximity to Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay gave it access to both inland and maritime trade routes. Goods from China, Japan, and the Malay world passed through its docks, making Selurong a strategic commercial and political center in Luzon.

Spanish Conquest and Transformation

In 1571, the Spanish, led by Miguel López de Legazpi, launched a campaign to take control of Selurong. Despite resistance from Rajah Sulayman and his allies, the Spanish eventually succeeded, renaming the area Manila and turning it into the capital of the Spanish East Indies.

The story of Selurong is one of sovereignty, faith, and cultural exchange. It challenges the notion that Manila was merely a creation of Spanish rule and instead highlights its deeper history as a cosmopolitan Islamic polity, integrated into the regional currents of trade, religion, and diplomacy. Its legacy lives on in the enduring cultural layers that shaped the nation’s capital.

Mayon Volcano and Cagsawa Ruins, Albay

Tawalisi: The Legendary Kingdom of the North

Among the most intriguing names associated with the pre-colonial Philippines is Tawalisi—a place shrouded in mystery, legend, and scholarly debate. The name appears in the travel chronicles of Ibn Battuta, the renowned 14th-century Moroccan explorer, who claimed to have visited this distant Asian kingdom ruled by a warrior princess.

Ibn Battuta’s Account

In his famous Rihla (travel journal), Ibn Battuta describes Tawalisi as a prosperous coastal kingdom whose ruler was a woman skilled in warfare and governance. He noted that the inhabitants were non-Muslims, yet tolerant, and the society was orderly and respected its leaders. He also claimed that the region had trade connections with China and India.

Theories on Its Location

While some historians suggest that Tawalisi may have been a mythical or exaggerated account, others believe it could correspond to a real place—possibly Pangasinan or parts of the Ilocos region in northern Luzon. The description of its coastline, local customs, and trading activity has led some scholars to associate Tawalisi with early settlements on Luzon’s western shores.

Symbol of Cultural Pride and Regional Identity

Regardless of its precise location, Tawalisi stands as a symbol of the rich oral histories and undocumented sovereignties that existed in the pre-colonial Philippines. It suggests the presence of strong, locally governed societies that were known—even if faintly—by the wider world.

Bridging Legend and History

Tawalisi’s story reminds us that not all of pre-colonial history is inscribed in stone or written in foreign archives. Some of it survives in myths, fragmented accounts, and the cultural memory of local communities. Whether literal or allegorical, the kingdom of Tawalisi invites us to explore a past where Filipino identities were diverse, dynamic, and deeply respected by those who encountered them.

Though often overshadowed by more documented polities, Tawalisi endures as a powerful symbol—one that blurs the line between history and legend but ultimately affirms the presence of a proud and independent culture in the northern Philippines long before colonization.

Pangasinan (Panag-asinan): The Salt-Making Coast of the North

The name Pangasinan is derived from the root phrase “Panag-asinan,” meaning “place where salt is made.” Situated along the Lingayen Gulf in northwestern Luzon, Pangasinan was known in pre-colonial times for its productive salt beds, vibrant coastal economy, and independent political organization. Far from a backwater province, Pangasinan played a significant role in regional trade and indigenous governance.

Center of Coastal Industry and Trade

The region’s abundant access to the sea allowed local communities to develop sophisticated salt production techniques, which became a mainstay of their economy. This trade drew merchants from other parts of Luzon and even from Southeast Asia, establishing Pangasinan as a valued coastal market long before Spanish arrival.

Indigenous Polities and Alliances

Pangasinan was home to several independent barangays and confederated domains, each led by a chieftain or datu. These settlements maintained relative autonomy and had their own systems of law, tribute, and trade. Their location along rivers and coastlines made communication and resource-sharing efficient and secure.

Strategic Location and Early Resistance

Because of its position between central Luzon and the Ilocos coast, Pangasinan became a strategic buffer zone—and, later, a battleground—during the early years of Spanish incursion. Its people fiercely resisted conquest, notably under leaders such as Don Andres Malong, who led a rebellion against Spanish rule in the 17th century.

Lingering Cultural Legacy

Today, traces of this pre-colonial identity remain in the Pangasinense language, traditional industries, and local folklore. The region’s name continues to reflect its deep relationship with the sea, salt, and self-sufficiency.

Pangasinan’s story is one of economic ingenuity and regional independence, shaped by salt, sea, and strong local leadership. Its name, rooted in production and community, reminds us that before foreign maps and monarchs named the land, it was already home to thriving societies with their own enduring identities.

Chocolate Hills Bohol

Maguindanao and Lanao: The Sultanates of Sovereign Mindanao

In the southern Philippines, long before Spanish colonizers extended their reach into Mindanao, powerful Islamic polities had already risen—most notably the Sultanate of Maguindanao and the Confederation of Lanao. These were not loosely organized communities but highly structured, sovereign states with deep roots in Islamic governance, diplomacy, and commerce.

The Rise of the Maguindanao Sultanate

Founded in the early 16th century by Sharif Muhammad Kabungsuan, a missionary of Arab and Malay descent, the Sultanate of Maguindanao became a dominant political and religious force in Mindanao. It was centered in what is now Cotabato City, strategically located along the Rio Grande de Mindanao, a vast river system that connected coastal and inland settlements.

The sultanate maintained diplomatic and trade relations with Borneo, the Malay Peninsula, and even the Ottoman Empire, exchanging goods and political favors while spreading Islam across Mindanao.

The Confederation of Lanao

Meanwhile, around Lake Lanao in the highlands of what is now Lanao del Sur, a separate but equally sophisticated political entity emerged. Known as the Pat a (The Four Principalities of Lanao), this confederation of Maranao sultanates maintained its independence through a system of collective governance, customary law (adat), and Islamic tradition.

Each principality, or pangampong, was governed by its own sultan but maintained unity through shared laws and religious values, showcasing a unique form of indigenous federalism.

Resistance to Spanish and American Rule

Both Maguindanao and Lanao fiercely resisted Spanish colonization. Despite repeated military campaigns, the Spanish failed to fully conquer these sultanates. Resistance continued into the American period, with local rulers and communities defending their autonomy, culture, and Islamic faith through prolonged uprisings and negotiations.

Legacy of Islamic Governance and Identity

These sultanates left a lasting impact on Mindanao’s political, religious, and cultural landscape. Their systems of leadership, legal codes, and traditions continue to influence local communities, especially among the Moro people, who still trace their heritage to these ancient powers.

The names Maguindanao and Lanao are more than geographical markers—they represent centuries of independent statecraft, cultural pride, and religious identity. In the broader narrative of pre-colonial Philippines, they remind us that sovereignty and resistance were never foreign concepts, but native ones deeply rooted in local traditions.

Sulu: The Maritime Sultanate of the South

The Sultanate of Sulu was one of the most powerful and enduring pre-colonial states in the Philippine archipelago. Established in the 15th century, it thrived as a maritime empire that controlled not only the Sulu Archipelago but also parts of Mindanao, Palawan, and northern Borneo (including what is now Sabah). With a strong Islamic foundation, a sophisticated system of governance, and wide-reaching trade connections, Sulu played a central role in the political and economic landscape of Southeast Asia.

Origins Rooted in Faith and Trade

The sultanate was founded by Sharif ul-Hashim, a religious scholar and missionary from Arabia who married into local nobility and introduced Islamic law, education, and leadership structures. Sulu quickly became a center of Islamic learning and culture, attracting scholars, traders, and diplomats from across the Islamic world.

A Thriving Maritime Power

Situated along key maritime routes, Sulu’s strength lay in its control of sea lanes between the Philippines, Borneo, and the wider Malay world. Its people were skilled seafarers, merchants, and warriors, navigating vast waters to trade goods such as pearls, sea cucumbers, wax, and spices.

The sultanate maintained diplomatic ties with China, Arabia, and the Ottoman Empire, as well as regional neighbors like Brunei and Makassar. These relationships elevated Sulu's standing as a sovereign Islamic kingdom with international recognition.

Resistance and Autonomy

Despite repeated Spanish attempts to conquer the archipelago, the Sulu Sultanate remained largely autonomous throughout the colonial era. It engaged in both armed resistance and political negotiation to maintain its independence, even signing treaties with European powers. Spanish campaigns in the south met fierce resistance from Sulu warriors, whose naval strength often outmatched colonial forces.

Enduring Cultural Influence

Though its political influence waned during the American occupation and post-colonial nation-building, Sulu's legacy endures in the traditions, governance, and Islamic heritage of the Tausug people. Elements of the sultanate’s system, such as the use of titles like Sultan, Datu, and Hadji, continue to carry cultural and symbolic weight.

The name Sulu evokes images of a once-mighty sultanate that navigated the tides of global diplomacy and regional power. It stands as a testament to indigenous governance, maritime skill, and cultural resilience, reminding us that the Philippines’ pre-colonial history includes sovereign states with deep spiritual, political, and international roots.

El Nido Palawan

Zabag / Zabaj: The Legendary Land of Gold

Among the most enigmatic names linked to the Philippine archipelago is Zabag (also spelled Zabaj), a term that appears in ancient Sanskrit, Chinese, and Arab texts as early as the 9th century. Though historians continue to debate its exact location, many believe Zabag referred to parts of Luzon or Palawan, possibly even encompassing wider regions in maritime Southeast Asia. What makes Zabag significant is not only its early mention in global records but its legendary reputation as a land rich in gold.

A Kingdom Known in Distant Lands

Chinese records and Arab geographies describe Zabag as a distant and wealthy kingdom located in the “islands beyond the seas.” It was said to be a land of abundant gold and exotic goods, a reputation that drew the attention of traders and travelers from as far as Persia and India.

A Place of Myths and Marvels

Zabag was often depicted in semi-mythical terms—as a land of riches and mystery, where the rulers were said to consume gold dust and where elephants and spices abounded. While these accounts may be embellished, they reflect the powerful allure of the Philippine islands to ancient maritime powers and suggest that the region was already well-known in international trade lore.

Possible Connections to Luzon and Palawan

Some scholars link Zabag to Luzon, citing its early connections to Chinese and Japanese trade and its gold-rich rivers, such as those in Benguet and the Pampanga region. Others associate it with southern Palawan, where ancient gold artifacts and tools have been uncovered, indicating long-standing metallurgical traditions.

A Symbol of Pre-Colonial Wealth and Prestige

Whether Zabag refers to a specific polity or a general term for the golden islands of Southeast Asia, it affirms that the early inhabitants of the Philippines were part of a global web of imagination, myth, and trade. The mention of Zabag in early foreign chronicles challenges the misconception that the islands were isolated or primitive before European arrival.

Though shrouded in mystery, the legend of Zabag reminds us that the Philippine archipelago has long captured the curiosity and admiration of ancient civilizations. It stands as a symbol of the region’s untold wealth, cultural richness, and historical depth—a golden chapter in the forgotten identities of the pre-colonial Philippines.

Reclaiming the Names That Shaped the Past

The Philippines was not born with a single name or identity—it was a constellation of distinct polities, cultures, and languages, each with its own name, history, and worldview. From Ma-i’s trade diplomacy with imperial China to the seafaring strength of Sulu, from the gold-rich legends of Zabag to the independent Muslim sultanates of Maguindanao and Lanao, these names tell us that the archipelago was once a vibrant, connected world—long before it was drawn into Spanish maps and baptized with a colonial name.

Each name—Sugbu, Butuan, Selurong, Tawalisi, and others—is more than a historical footnote. It represents sovereignty, innovation, resilience, and interaction with the wider world. These identities weren’t erased by colonization; they live on in languages, traditions, folklore, and ancestral memory. Recognizing and reclaiming these names helps deepen our understanding of what it means to be Filipino—not as an invention of empire, but as the continuation of thriving pre-colonial civilizations.

As we revisit these forgotten identities, we gain a richer, more empowering view of our national story—one that doesn’t begin with colonizers, but with ourselves. To remember these names is to honor the ingenuity and spirit of the ancestors who once ruled the coasts, valleys, and rivers of these islands—on their own terms, with their own voices.

The question now is: How do we carry their names forward?