The name Singhapaha comes from Sanskrit word via TamilSingam become Singa in Old Malay which means, and Puram which become Pura in Old Malay and then Pala in Philippine languages, it's variation of the sanskritized Singa-Puram, Singapura literally means "Lion city" from Singapur, the same root name of the country of Singapore.
Location
The location of ancient Singhapala was said to be in what is now the currently part of the Northern district in modern day barangay Mabolo in CebuCity, with estimated population of 21,842 in 2010. while the modern Cebu City where comprises 80 barangays. These are grouped into two congressional districts, with 46 barangays in the northern district and 34 in the southern district.
As a trading center
During Rajah Humabon's reign, the region had since become an important trading center where agricultural products were bartered. From Japan, perfume and glass utensils were usually traded for native goods. Ivory products, leather, precious and semi-precious stones and śarkarā mostly came from India traders and Burmese people traders. The harbors of Sugbu and the capital Singhapala became known colloquially as sinibuayng hingpit, shortened to sibu or sibo, from which the modern Castilian name "Cebú" originates. It was also during Humabon's reign that Lapu-Lapu arrived from Borneo, and was granted by Humabon the region of Mandawili, including the island known as Opong or Opon. First contact with the Spanish also occurred during Humabon's reign, resulting in the death of Ferdinand Magellan.
Foundation
According to Aginid, Bayok sa atong Tawarik, a Visayan folk story, prior to the coming of the Spanish conquistadores, rajahnate was the common form of state or government of Cebu island. This rajahnate was established by Sri Lumay, who was a prince of Chola Dynasty that ruled Sumatra then who settled in Cebu with his son, Sri Alho, they ruled the south known as Sialo which included Valladolid, Carcar, up to Santander.
During the Spanish period
Singhapala might continued to exist until 1565, when the Rajahnate was dissolved during the reign of Rajah Tupas by the forces of conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi in the battle of Cebu. Singhapala and the areas which is now composed of the modern Cebu City has incorporated in Spanish rule, and Miguel López de Legazpi 's party named the new cityVilla de San Miguel de Cebú." In 1567, the Cebu garrison was reinforced with the arrival of 2,100 soldiers from New Spain. The growing colony was then fortified by Fort San Pedro.
