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

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