A Legacy in a Name: A Tribute to Nora Aunor

"The world dims with the loss of Nora Aunor, a Superstar whose light touched countless lives. For me, her passing is a deeply personal moment, a reflection on the very essence of my identity. My name, Maria Leonora, is a testament to her enduring influence.

Photo of Nora and Tirso with Maria Leonora Theresa doll.  Photo Credit: Wikipedia (carvin deleon)

Born on May 21st, sharing the same birthday month as the legendary actress, I carry a name gifted by a mother captivated by Nora Aunor's brilliance. My name, a direct homage to the iconic "Maria Leonora Theresa" love doll, a symbol of Nora and Tirso Cruz III's on-screen magic, is a constant reminder of her power.

Today, as we mourn her departure, I want to express my profound gratitude. I am proud of my name, a name that echoes her strength, her artistry, and her unwavering spirit. More than just a label, it is a connection to a woman who inspired a generation, including my own mother.

Through Nora Aunor's influence, my name has become synonymous with the best aspects of life: philanthropy, a spirit of giving that transcends boundaries; royalty, a sense of inherent dignity and grace; and nobility, a character marked by integrity and compassion.

She gave my mother a dream, a vision of strength and beauty, and that dream was woven into the fabric of my being. For that, I am eternally grateful. Nora Aunor's legacy lives on, not only in her remarkable body of work, but also in the lives she touched, and in the names she inspired. My name, Maria Leonora, stands as a testament to her enduring impact, a tribute to a Superstar who will forever shine in our hearts." Maria Leonora narrates.

About Maria Leonora Torres Mastura:

HRH Maha Putri Mariam Leonor Torres Mastura, known to many as the Traveling Queen is a member of the royal family of the Royal Sultanate of Magindanaw, a sovereign monarchy in the southern part of the Philippines. She is one of the siblings of the reigning Sultan of Mindanaw. 

Endowed with numerous traditional titles, including Queen of Maharlika and Queen of Royal House of Luzon Tagalog, Bai Mompong sa Magindanaw (Princess of Unity), under the aegis of the Sultanate of Magindanaw (Maguindanao), she stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. In 2022, Maria transitioned from a Princess to a Queen, crowned by the late His Majesty Abdulaziz Salem Mastura Kudarat V, the 25th Supreme Sultan of Magindanaw, and presently serves as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate.

As a versatile artist, author, speaker, and Universal Ambassador, Queen Mariam is a Filipino-American social activist based in the United States and the Philippines. She is the founder and president of the non-profit organization, We Care for Humanity (WCH), dedicated to promoting peace and humanitarianism, advocating for equality, and eradicating poverty and hunger. Her organization actively campaigns against COVID-19 by distributing PPEs and feeding underprivileged people, particularly children, in more than twenty developing countries.

Furthermore, Queen Mariam is the visionary behind the Greatest Humanitarians of the World (GHW) Awards, formerly known as G.O.D. Awards, held annually at the United Nations grounds. She is also the driving force behind the WCH Royal Summit, which unites kingdoms and tribes worldwide towards peace and development.

Her extensive network and unique ability to build relationships and diplomatic ties among world leaders, dignitaries, and corporate executives have enabled her to expand her vision, innovating and implementing sustainable solutions to problems and issues in various countries.

Queen Maria's illustrious achievements have been recognized through numerous “Honoris Causa” titles, including Doctor of International Law, Doctor of Business Administration, and Doctor of Divinity. She has been dubbed the "Princess of Humanity" by the Brahma Kumaris, "Princess of Humanity and Peace" by All India Human Rights & Social Justice, "People’s Princess" by Uday India, and has received many other accolades from various respectable institutions.

Queen Mariam of the Sultanate of Maguindanao Offers Heartfelt Tribute to the Late Pope Francis, Highlighting Cultural Bridge

 

The world collectively mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, a figure whose profound impact transcended religious boundaries. Queen Mariam Leonor Torres Mastura, bearing the esteemed title of Bae Mompong of the Sultanate of Maguindanao, and recognized globally as the "Traveling Queen" from the Philippines, adds her voice to the chorus of sorrow. She emphasizes the Pope's enduring legacy of compassion, humility, and tireless dedication to serving humanity, virtues that resonated deeply across diverse cultures and faiths.

Art as a Personal and Cultural Bridge

Queen Mariam's recollection of her journey to Italy to meet Pope Francis is imbued with profound gratitude. This encounter, a testament to the Pope's accessibility and genuine spirit, stands as a cherished memory. During their meeting, she presented him with a personally created portrait painting. This artwork, a fusion of realistic and abstract elements, was designed to symbolize the Pope's transformative influence, particularly on the lives of children. The Queen's artistic offering was not merely a personal tribute but also a cultural bridge, carrying with it the artistic traditions and heartfelt sentiments of the Sultanate of Maguindanao. The Pope's gracious acceptance and sincere appreciation of this culturally significant gift deeply moved Mariam, underscoring his ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life.

Recognizing a Global Humanitarian and Cultural Connection

As the founder of We Care for Humanity (WCH), a U.S.-based charitable organization, and chairperson of the prestigious Greatest Humanitarians of the World Award, Her Royal Highness Queen Mariam had the distinct honor of bestowing this recognition upon Pope Francis. His acceptance of this tribute from WCH served as a powerful source of inspiration, reinforcing the organization's commitment to humanitarian endeavors. Furthermore, Queen Mariam played a pivotal role in introducing the Sultanate of Maguindanao to Pope Francis during her visit to the Vatican City in October 2023, forging a unique cultural connection between the Islamic Sultanate and the Catholic Church.

Sultanate of Maguindanao’s Shared Grief and Hope for the Future

On behalf of the His Majesty Supreme Sultan Zulkarnain Abdulaziz Mastura Kudarat VI and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Datu Muamar Mastura of Maguindanao, Queen Mariam extends their deepest condolences to the Vatican and Catholic communities worldwide. Their shared grief highlights the universal impact of Pope Francis's message of peace and unity. Pope Francis's unwavering commitment to social justice, his impassioned advocacy for the marginalized, and his tireless efforts to promote global peace have left an indelible mark on the world. His influence as a spiritual leader and a champion for the vulnerable will continue to resonate for generations. Mariam, alongside the Sultanate of Maguindanao and countless others, prays for the eternal peace of his soul, expressing a collective hope that his remarkable legacy will inspire a more compassionate and just world, fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding.

Queen Mariam Pays Tribute to Warsaw Zoo Heroes During Private Visit to Miejski Ogród Zoologiczny

WARSAW, POLAND – On Monday, 14 April 2025, Queen Mariam of the Royal House of Luzon Tagalog, known formally as Queen Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, paid a deeply moving and symbolic visit to Miejski Ogród Zoologiczny w Warszawie (Warsaw Zoological Gardens) as part of her private four-day visit to Poland. The private engagement, graciously organised by the Zoo and overseen by its longstanding director, Dr Andrzej G. Kruszewicz, offered a moment of solemn reflection and historical remembrance, while also looking ahead to a future of continued cultural and humanitarian collaboration.

The focal point of the Queen’s visit was a private tour of the historic Żabiński Villa and basement, once home to Jan Franciszek Dionizy Żabiński and his wife Antonina Żabińska. The couple’s extraordinary courage during the Second World War—when they risked their lives to save hundreds of Jewish men, women, and children from Nazi persecution by sheltering them within the grounds of the Zoo—has left an enduring legacy of compassion, bravery, and resistance. Their actions took place in plain view of occupying German officers stationed at the Zoo, underscoring the extraordinary nature of their defiance and moral conviction.

Mastura, who is also founder of the international Greatest Humanitarian of the World Awards, had long planned to posthumously recognise the Żabińskis’ unmatched courage and moral leadership. During her visit, she confirmed that Jan and Antonina Żabiński will be formally honoured at the forthcoming edition of the Awards later this year.

Celebrating Humanitarianism Through Legacy

The Greatest Humanitarian Awards, established by Queen Mariam, recognise the world’s most renowned philanthropists and moral exemplars—those whose courage and kindness have shaped history and inspired generations. The decision to honour the Żabińskis at the upcoming ceremony reflects the Queen’s commitment to ensuring that historical humanitarian acts remain part of the contemporary global conscience.

“The Żabińskis remind us that in even the darkest of times, there are lights that refuse to be extinguished,” said Queen Mariam during her visit. “Their legacy transcends borders, cultures and faiths—it is a call to conscience that still echoes powerfully today.”

Following a quiet moment of reflection in the basement—where the Żabińskis once hid their guests in peril—the Queen met with Dr. Andrzej Kruszewicz in a closed meeting to finalize plans for the awards ceremony. It was jointly confirmed that the Warsaw Zoological Gardens will serve as host for the event later this year. In honour of the occasion, the Zoo is planning a full day of festivities, including a commemorative concert and educational programming for the public.

Modern Heroism Recognised

In a heartfelt gesture of acknowledgement, it was also announced that Dr Kruszewicz will be a recipient of a Greatest Humanitarian Award during the upcoming ceremony. His commitment to animal welfare—particularly his efforts to evacuate and safeguard endangered species from Ukraine at the onset of the ongoing conflict—has earned international recognition. The Queen praised Dr Kruszewicz for his tireless dedication to conservation and for promoting ecological education to the wider public.

His leadership has been instrumental in not only preserving rare species but also in transforming Warsaw Zoo into a centre of both refuge and education amid turbulent times.

A Tribute Through Art

In a further show of appreciation for the Zoo’s history and continued legacy, Queen Mariam announced the presentation of a specially commissioned mural to be unveiled during the awards ceremony. The artwork, intended to commemorate the bravery of the Żabińskis and the continued humanitarian and environmental work of the Zoo, is being overseen by Datu Jordan Nirankari-Bowen, Royal Spokesperson and Ambassador of the Sultanate of Maguindanao to Poland.

The mural will be installed within the grounds of the Zoo as a permanent visual testament to the stories that continue to shape the institution’s identity—past and present.

Continued Exploration of Conservation and Community

After formalities concluded, Queen Mariam was given a wider tour of the Zoo by Olga Zbonikowska, representing the Warsaw Zoo Foundation. The tour provided an opportunity to observe first-hand the institution’s extensive conservation work, animal care initiatives, and community outreach program. The Queen expressed particular interest in the Zoo’s collaboration with regional partners in animal welfare, as well as their educational initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation of conservationists.

Throughout the visit, Mastura was warmly received by the Zoo’s staff and extended her personal thanks to the entire directorate for their generosity and hospitality. She noted the importance of cultural institutions like Warsaw Zoo not only as spaces for conservation but as platforms for social remembrance, civic dialogue, and historical education.

“The Warsaw Zoological Gardens are more than a sanctuary for animals—they are a living memorial to courage, a beacon of compassion, and a bridge between generations,” the Queen reflected at the conclusion of the tour.

Strengthening Cultural and Diplomatic Bonds

The visit to the Zoo forms part of Queen Mariam’s wider diplomatic and private engagement in Poland, where she has been involved in a series of meetings and inaugurations, including the establishment of the Royal Embassy of the Sultanate of Maguindanao in Warsaw and the Royal Chamber of the Royal House of Luzon Tagalog.

Her presence in the capital has served as a continuation of the warm and growing relationship between Poland and the Sultanate, centered around shared values of humanitarianism, heritage preservation, and international cooperation.

As Queen Mariam’s visit draws to a close, her engagement with the Żabiński legacy and the present-day work of Warsaw Zoo serves as a timely reminder that history lives on—not only in memory but in meaningful action. The forthcoming awards ceremony at the Zoo promises to be a celebration not just of the past, but of those who carry its values into the future.