Prince Abdul Mateen Captivates Attention at Asean Summit in Cebu

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines: Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen became one of the most talked-about figures during the 48th Asean Summit in Cebu, as photos of the royal with local officials quickly spread across social media and attracted widespread attention online.

Prince Mateen accompanied his father, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who represented Brunei at the regional summit and related high-level meetings attended by leaders from across Southeast Asia.

The prince, who is fifth in line to the Bruneian throne, drew admiration from many attendees and netizens alike during the official events held in Cebu and Lapu-Lapu City.

Several Filipino officials shared photos and experiences from meeting the prince during the summit celebrations and gala events.

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro described meeting Prince Mateen as a “mission accomplished” in a social media post that gained attention among local followers.

Lapu-Lapu Congressman Junard “Ahong” Chan and his daughter, Basak Barangay Captain Jasmine Chan, also posed for photographs with the Bruneian royal. Jasmine later playfully wrote online, “Why so handsome, Prince Abdul Mateen?” — a caption that quickly went viral among social media users.

Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King-Chan revealed that although she did not get the opportunity to take a photo with the prince, she still received a special gift from Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

“Thank you, Sultan and Prince Mateen, for visiting Lapu-Lapu again. We hope you will return for a longer stay next time,” she said.

The officials were among guests attending the grand gala dinner hosted by Philippine First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, which officially concluded the 48th Asean Summit.

Earlier during the summit, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah also gained attention after personally piloting his own aircraft to Cebu. The Bruneian monarch, who is a licensed pilot, flew the plane that landed at the Mactan–Benito Ebuen Air Base before participating in summit activities.

The Asean Summit, held until May 8, brought together leaders from member countries to discuss regional cooperation, economic partnerships and geopolitical challenges affecting Southeast Asia.