DR. FELICE NOELLE RODRIGUEZ HOLDS LECTURE ON “THE PHILIPPINES IN THE NUSANTARA CONNECTIONS AND EXCHANGES"

KUALA LUMPUR - Philippine historian Dr. Felice Noelle Rodriguez, the Director of El Kaban de Zamboanga, Center for Local History and Culture (CLHC), delivered a lecture entitled “The Philippines in the Nusantara Connections and Exchanges” at the Islamic Arts Museums Malaysia (IAMM) on 26 April 2025. The lecture was part of the ongoing ‘Oceans That Speak’ exhibition and was jointly organized by the Philippine Embassy and the IAMM.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Rodriguez quoted a poem of Dr. Albert Alejo: “Sa ibabaw ng tubig, mga isla’y hiwalay, sa pusod ng daigdig, lahat ay magkakaugnay” (In malay: “Di permukaan ayir, pulau-pulau terpisa, di tengah dunya, semua bersambuk”). She underscored that understanding this interconnectedness within the Malay world—both historically and culturally—is essential for recognizing the Philippines' significant ties to the Nusantara waters surrounding the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian archipelago.

In her lecture, Dr. Rodriguez highlighted the significance of the Manunggul Jar, a funerary vessel found in Lipuun Point, Palawan dated between 890-710 BC. This intricately designed earthenware reflects the craftsmanship of a master potter, features two figures in a boat on its lid, referred to by anthropologist Robert Fox as the "ship of the dead." The figures, adorned with headbands similar to those worn by contemporary Filipino ethnic groups such as the Tagbanua, have their hands folded across their chests, mirroring burial poses seen among various groups, including the Ifugao and Imbaloi in northern Luzon, as well as the Najid people in Borneo.

Dr. Rodriguez further elaborated on the jar's artistic details, noting the hematite patterns that evoke the motion of seawaves, symbolizing the sea's significance in ancient times. The boat's curved prow features a head that may symbolize either a snake or a hornbill—motifs also found in the traditional vessels of the Sama in the Sulu archipelago and the Iban in Borneo.

In addition, Dr. Rodriguez discussed the Butuan boats, known as Balangay, dating to the 8th and 9th centuries, which highlight the shared maritime technology between the Philippines and Indonesia during that period. These vessels were crucial for trade and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

The lecture showcased other significant findings, including artifacts from various shipwrecks like the Balitum wreck in western Mindanao and the Pandanan shipwreck. Illustrations from the 16th-century Boxer Codex offered a glimpse into the pre-colonial lifestyles of various Filipino ethnic groups. Dr. Rodriguez also touched upon the Laguna Copperplate Inscription, the history of Enrique de Malacca, and the royal visit of Paduka Batara, the Sultan of Sulu, to Ming Emperor Yong Le (Zhu Di) in Beijing, China, in 1417, and many other interesting topics related to the cultural and historical heritage of the Philippines and its ties to Southeast Asia.

The lecture reaffirmed the significance of acknowledging the historical connections between cultures as "waters know no borders." Attendees included members of both the Malaysian and Filipino communities, as well as Filipino students eager to know more about these shared narratives. After the lecture, attendees had the opportunity to tour the "Oceans That Speak" exhibit, which will be open until June 15, 2025.

Ambassador Ponce expressed her sincere gratitude to the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia for its partnership with the Philippine Embassy. She also thanked Dr. Rodriguez for delivering an insightful discussion that illuminated the rich tapestry of culture and identity within the Malay heritage. END

Embassy of the Philippines (Attention: Information Section)