Bolkiah "Nakhoda Ragam" -- Conqueror of Maynila?





The photo highlights the tomb of Sultan Bolkiah, the 5th Sultan of Brunei, who reigned, 1485-1524. He was also believed to be the legendary Malay figure known as "Nahkoda Ragam" (the Captain of the ship). Perhaps a form of reverence to him who extended the sultanate's territories and influence beyond Borneo.
Much of the early history of Brunei and its ruler are still shrouded in obscurity. The Brunei "Silah-Silah" (Tarsilah) would have only mentioned names and figures of rulers, often leaving their marks and even achievements in speculations-- Its Historiography, wanting.
Borneo came to the direct interest of the Portuguese, after their conquest of Melaka in 1511. Incredibly, the Luções merchants (natives of Luzon) living in Melaka, who sail to Brunei to do trade, were mentioned by the Portuguese Captain General of Melaka Rui de Brito Patalim in a letter to Alfonso de Albuquerque, 1514.
A couple of years later, Portuguese writer-apothecary, Tome Pires wrote about the Luções in his book 'Suma Oriental', highlighting these prehispanic natives of our archipelago, living and thriving in Melaka. Pires also mentions that the Luções and the Borneans at that time were almost considered as "one".
But I am also asking: "When did Sultan Bolkiah incorporate the Rajahnate of then Manila into his realm? What clear connections can still be deciphered in this tale of both legend and fiction? Was he really the legendary Nakhoda Ragam whose roaring cannons were said to have brought fear to the coast of Seludong?

Pasig City. November 2021

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez: Rizal's Batman

Image
   Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez (1849-1928) Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez, a Spanish Jesuit, held a special place in Rizal's heart as his favorite teacher at Ateneo, where the priest taught Literature. It was under Fr. Sanchez's guidance that the young Rizal delved into the treasures of Greek and Latin Classics. The priest's encouragement led Rizal to hone his literary talents, engaging in the crafting of essays and poetry. The relationship between mentor and student was characterized by mutual respect and admiration. Father Sanchez even staunchly defended Rizal's work, 'Noli Me Tangere.' However, in a letter to Blumentritt dated May 1890, Rizal shared a nuanced description of the priest: "Father Sanchez is a keen observer, albeit somewhat pessimistic, often inclined to view the darker aspects of life. During our school days, he was often playfully referred to as a 'dark spirit,' and students affectionately nicknamed him 'Paniki,' a
Read more

Jose Rizal's Bomb Plot

Image
Victorian lamp The Plot Even before international terrorists adopted the horrific tactics of suicide bombers and bomb couriers in their campaigns of vengeance, Philippine national hero José Rizal conceived a plot in his novel El Filibusterismo that involved a catastrophic explosion to ignite a revolution. In Chapters 34 and 35, Simoun arrives at the wedding reception of Juanito Pelaez and Paulita Gomez bearing a seemingly innocuous gift – a lamp. However, concealed within it is a potent explosive: nitroglycerin. The reception takes place at the former residence of the deceased Captain Tiago, which Simoun has meticulously rigged with explosives beforehand. According to his plan, the lamp will remain lit for only twenty minutes before flickering. If anyone attempts to adjust the wick, a catastrophic explosion will ensue, claiming the lives of all those gathered – a significant portion of Manila's elite, including prominent figures from both civil society and the church hierarch
Read more

Pinagbuhatan Fiesta -- San Sebastián

Image
Every year on January 20, the typically monotonous streets of Barangay Pinagbuhatan in the City of Pasig transform themselves into a vibrant place of merrymaking and festivities. The focal point of the Mardi Gras-like atmosphere in the barangay is always the parish church, as January 20 marks the feast day of its revered patron saint—San Sebastian. "Viva San Sebastian!" At the break of dawn on the said day, brass bands parade the streets, as if calling the people to start the festivities—the traditional early morning rounds called "djana" (or diana to some bands). Now and then, that heroic sound of martial music would be broken by the distant sounds of exploding fireworks. The formal celebration starts with the morning mass officiated by the parish priest. In truth, the building excitement would not be found inside the church where mass is being held but instead outside. In the church grounds, the brewing festivities heat up. People gather outside, young and old ali
Read more