What is a Datu, a Rajah, and a Lakan? (Philippine Royalty)

[@KirbyAraullo]

The TAGALOG version of this video will be posted tomorrow! Tune in 😉

[@saranghae1433]

Pa request naman po.. About Marcos Regime😁tnx po

[@chrono-glitchwaterlily8776]

Quick question. "Rajah" is pronounced as "rah dya?" Isn't it "Raha" similar to how Indonesians call it?

[@alimybad]

@@chrono-glitchwaterlily8776 Radia, Raha was because of Spanish influence of how they pronounce J as H like Jose as Hose.

[@singkilfilipinas5574]

@@alimybad It is actually called "ladia" in Tagalog. Shows your superficial knowledge of precolonial culture. #fact #truth

[@alimybad]

@@singkilfilipinas5574 Pakyuu, I am not a native speaker of Tagalog, Rajah is still the acceptable term in Filpino.

[@brutalmadness9099]

Damn, our society was sophisticated even before spanish came. This is probably the reason why I am always fascinated to learn more about pre-colonial history. Maharlika ,madirigma, timawa , aliping namamahay and my most favorite Aliping saguiguilid!

[@easyislander]

I think the better analogy would be feudal Japan. Datu are the feudal lords or a Daimyo. The Raja is the Shogun or the warrior king. And the Lakan is the emperor, who was granted a leadership based on blood lineage to the Gods and Goddesses who created Japan.

[@roddelacueva3885]

I agree.

[@Heavenlyrules]

Dang, it is really fascinating, philipinos feudal society was really cool and absolutely indigenous with their own ingenuity. As comparison here in java, indonesia, during the time of Majapahit empire, we got from the lowest position: 1. Adipati: Mayor of a city or a territory, more of a military commander, similar to a count in european feudal system, most of them born as commoners. 2. Patih: Lower ministers/ ministry officials of the central court, they often dispatched to the kingdoms/states under the soverignty of the empire, and in many cases, they act as investigators and supervised the local Rajas/Kings of those states. They had similar position with Adipati, albeit less into military affairs and sent more to the outer territory(Nusantara), most of them born as commoners that excelled in writting and calculation. 3. Mahapatih: Greater/High ministers, Ministers that worked and served in the imperial court, they had a position above patih(s) and held offices in the imperial palace of Negara Agung (Imperial capital). They are similar to a marquis, though they came from noble class people, they are not directly related to the imperial family. 4. Mahapatih amangkubhumi : Prime minister that worked right under the emperor/empress. They should born from common class people and not directly releted to any of imperial family if possible, as per the imperial laws. 5. Mantri: Ministry officials/lower ministers that had familial ties with imperial familiy, their authority was a lill bit higher than that of a patih but still below mahapatih(s) 6. Mahamantri: Grearter/ High ministers that had the blood of the imperial family, their authority could even chalenge that of the prime minister. they often sent to the outer territory(nusantara) to replace rulers or even govern along with the local Raja(s). similar to a duke and reigned principalities outside java. (eg: prince balagtas/bhre wirabhumi and adityawarman, raja of pagaruyung) 7. Raja: king of semi autonomous state that was under the empire, who did not had direct ties with the imperial family, they frequently got replaced by mahamantri if found rebelling or showing disloyalty to the central court. 8. Bhre : they were basically the same with mahamantri, dukes , except they ruled dukedomes or principalities in java/madura/bali, that was near the imperial capital (Negara agung) and influenced directly by Javanese culture. These were people with Imperial blood, members of the imperial family who had a tested and unquestionable loyalty to the current emperor/empress. Bhre title was the testament for members of the imperial family with purest of javanese blood, closest in ties with the emperor/empress, and never disobeyed the imperial commands. (eg: prince balatgas a.k.a bhre wirbhumi and bre mataram, bhre kahuripan, ect). they were in similar position with a. Mahapatih amangkubhumi b. Mahamantri c. Raja 9. Maharaja: The emperor/empress, they were often revered and enshrined, or even worhiped by the loyalist as demigods, the personification of budha or hindus gods. It was more complicated and confusing than our philipinor brothers it seem, which i believe the philipinos one resembles more the japanese feudal systems and perhaps, mor eficcient, especiall when i look to barangay or such system that their military hierarchy was well defined , albeit the terriotry managed/governed was not as large with the indonesian empire. The majapahit military on the other hand was more defined in terms of the purpose and obejctive of each units or corp, for example, Jaladhi was tha navy, Bhayangkara was the imperial palace guard, the regular army was consisted of aristrocatric private armies of the Bhres and the Bhayangkara. often times, the private armies bore the name of the dukedome in which they originally served. and their officers were mostly titled as Bekel or the liteunant, Rakryan or major, Rakryan tumenggung which was basically a general or warlord, lakshamana the admiral, all of which took command from mahapatih amangkubhumi or tje prime ministers themselves

[@chillingsaga1622]

So sad that just this day i learned so much about what 'history' truly is. But on the other hand it's so exciting to know who u really are as Filipino. Thank u and keep educating sir.. Love from Southern Leyte❤. I hope to see and have chat or know local historian here in Southern Leyte.

[@estongyamot9123]

all my elementary history knowledge .... shattered ... tnx mate ... your doing a fine service ... our curriculum is in need of update

[@nightbro5896]

Question lang kuya po. Didn't the term hari a misconception brought about by the spanish translators at the time and that the Datus were rulers of bayans. While Lakans were the paramount rulers of the Datu. My question would be if the term Hari or king would be a wrong way to describe them? As this term at the time be referred to the kings outside of the nation like those in china and Spain. Also I would like to learn about fortifications of pre colonial philippine. How they were constructed and how they were used. I've heard that there were castles at those times but, I would like to know more about the architecture of different tribes and bayans at the time. Also thank you for making quality videos about the philippine I really admire your comitment to educating our fellow countrymen and plus the philippine at that time is pretty dupe and interesting. Like raids to china, being mercenaries and also a pretty fun and unique culture that I wish would be touched more in school.

[@louisgandionco]

I would be happy if sir kirby replied to this good question!

[@lanzfarnazo6484]

I like the way you compare our ancient system of goverment to the Game of Thrones.. It's called the Feudal System

[@dayangmarikit6860]

Yes, it's called "non-western" feudalism.

[@lanzfarnazo6484]

@@dayangmarikit6860 I agree.

[@Averroes_313]

Datu in Malaysia is spelled differently. In Malaysia, there are three versions. Though, people with the rank doesn't necessarily have royal ties. People get these ranks are mostly businessmen and politicians. However nowadays, people can buy these ranks to increase their credibility to their clients and as a show off. It's Honourable if the Sultan himself awards this title instead, based on your years of experience and hardwork dedication. 1) Dato' is for people getting that rank for their exemplary service in either one of the 13 States in Malaysia. 2) Datuk is also a rank given for their exemplary service, but only in the Federal Territories of Malaysia. 3) Atuk means grandfather or old men, but there are people who say Datuk. Maybe people say Datuk because of mispronounciation or y'know, children as they grow up tend to mispronounce things and when they become adults, they still call their grandfather Datuk, but this is in extreme rare cases.

[@nabztraveldiaries511]

Thank you so much! I love learning through you about my ancestors, as it is very difficult for me to do so having grown up as a half-blood in Germany...

[@Kulintronica]

Your new studio is coming together very nicely! My family and all of our gongs moved recently too so I can really relate to what you must be going through. Thank you for this needed explanation of terminology. It reminds me of the lake in Meranao country that is referred to today as “Lake Lanao,” which literally is saying lake lake. Mikitiks!

[@MJay558]

Very well explained. You so great research before producing vlog. In Sanskrit Raja means King, Datha means landlord or leader who feed his people. Love from 🇮🇳🇵🇭

[@martycanete9628]

We bisaya people, we also use sri Rajah humabon, and Sri balintawak

[@Johnliann]

And the patriarch Sri Lumay

[@prettyangel1928]

Sri is also used in Malaysia...

[@jaymoulic8144]

Sir Humabon, Sir Balintawak, Sir Lumay ngayon.

[@lapulapupintado2892]

👆 Sri LapuLapu but Pigafetta wrote it as Ci LapuLapu. Ci or Si is a cognate prefix of Sri or Shri or Shree it is derived from ( Sanskrit ) as an Honorific title, Kind of like saying ( Sir ) in English.

[@jassenjassejassjasja]

Hi Im so amazed that you were a datu.. may datu pa pala hanggang ngayon, I'm just researching about datus and rajah and nakita ko ito very educational po!! tha k youu. also abangan ko po yung about sa philippine indigenous writing scripts, I really love writing suyat - baybayin, hanunuo, tagbanwa and buhid

[@littlemystic4340]

@JassConcepcion Not "were" but "are" ;). Kuya Kirby is still a datu based on his lineage ;)!

[@jaejaw258]

Hello po Kuya Kirby! I'm so thankful na nahanap ko channel mo. I am actually planning to write a fictional story based on Pre-Colonial Philippines history but I can't find any more info abt it here as internet. I'll be binge-watching your videos starting today at sana po makagawa rin kayo ng vid about as mga architectural designs ng pre-colonial Philippines palaces o kung ano man and tawag nila dyan. Stay safe po and Thank you!

[@nativitymusic]

Makes sense. Maraming Salamat! I'll be able to use this knowledge for when I meditate daily and give thanks to mga ninuno, diwata, anito, at Bathala.

[@dmxb8258]

Thai - King Oldest System Brunei - King Oldest System with some Modern System Malaysia - King Oldest System + Modern System with 9 King every State...

[@ConstellationOrion1]

Datu- ruler Rajah-king/paramount king Lakan-Divine King

[@florenzryansotelo8552]

Hi Kirby! Another eye opener you have there. Thank you for this video. I have some questions: 1. How does one become a Datu in pre-Hispanic Philippines? 2. If the Paramount Datus of Manila where Lakans (devine kings), to what deity did they come from? They were descendants of the Sultan of Borneo, right? 3. What was the name of the person who has the title of Lakan Dula of Tondo during the Spanish conquest manila?

[@singkilfilipinas5574]

To become datu, you just claim to be a descendant of Rajah Matanda through KZbin.

[@florenzryansotelo8552]

Singkil Filipinas hmmm... there are Datus in Mindanao, especially the tribal people, who are known Datus but are not descendants of Rajah Matanda. Also, Lapu-lapu is a Datu, but not a descendant of Rajah Matanda, actually by deduction, Lapu-lapu is older than Rajah Matanda.

[@superaccurssed3857]

You just have to be a leader

[@dayangmarikit6860]

Datus are the ruling class, they are of noble lineage and the title is hereditary most of the time... which means that it is highly unlikely for a commoner to become a datu. When a datu and his family/clan becomes very influential, they could make confederations or alliance networks with other less influential datus... by this time, the paramount datu could take the title Rajah.

[@florenzryansotelo8552]

@@dayangmarikit6860 you have not watched the video, have you?

[@Istorahsan]

Almost all of the title are comparable to Malaysia/Indonesia feudal system.

[@gabrielpanganiban4704]

I think because they came from malaysia.

[@superaccurssed3857]

It is because Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia weren’t a thing at the time there were just kingdoms, no colonial amalgamated states

[@gabrielpanganiban4704]

@@superaccurssed3857 i see i see thanks for that info.

[@RamRam-vn5kv]

cuz we are part of SRIVIJAYA EMPIRE back then

[@rynhartpicpican6172]

@@RamRam-vn5kv and Filipino's at those times are employed against their endeavor against Siam

[@childofthesunreturning]

May I ask, where can I find the drawing used for the Devaraja at 8:46? Please & Thanks

[@KirbyAraullo]

It's by James Claridades a.k.a. Squeegool :) www.deviantart.com/squeegool

[@lychajanepascua8512]

Kuya, how do they choose po who will be the Datu/Rajah of a certain kingdom? Do they fight for the throne Po ba o sila yung pinipili dahil the current king is Yung ama nila?

[@KirbyAraullo]

Magandang topic yan sa isang future video 😉

[@kmen07]

I read they elect. Usually the oldest one/wisest one.

[@littlemystic4340]

@@KirbyAraullo Yes, I also had the same question in my mind ;)! How do you actually become "blue blood"?! Is this something that is passed by blood from one generation to the next? Who chooses the next person to become lakan or rajah? Is it the people they govern or the ruling family at the time who decides the diviniry of the rajah or lakan? And can't a maharlika aspire to become a rajah or even a lakan? Also, where do the rajahs and lakans get their wealth (referring to the legend of the Maharlika Nation who is supposed to be the owner of tons of gold ;)?

[@princessleia1122]

@@littlemystic4340 Legend of Maharlika nation is a myth. It is made up by the Marcos to cover up their corruption. Maharlika is a Malaysian degrading word means oversized testicles due to elephantiasis. Malaysians with such conditions (Maharlika) were exiled to Philippines before Spanish era. Modern Filipinos thought that Maharlika is a Malay word of royalty but NO. It means oversized testicles.

[@littlemystic4340]

@@princessleia1122 Is this really true about the "oversized testicles"?! I don't remember reading this in some history book before ;)? It might be just some racial lambasting between two neighboring countries :)? I remember the Cambodia-Thailand border rift before when my Cambodian friend said that the word " Thai" means "thief" or magnanakaw in the Khmer language -- referring to Thailand's claim that a large part of the Cambodian Kingdom used to be part of the Siamese Kingdom in ancient times :)!

[@ksorangeeee840]

I'm now curious of Mindanao's royal system

[@daddyloup3145]

Maraming maraming salamat Kapatid, Napakarami Kong natutunan sayo at naway Pag palain pa Ang iyong Buhay atga Gawain...iilan nalang Ang mga katulad mu na merong pagpapahalaga at malalim na pagmamahal sa Ating Nakaraan ....god bless and more power bro , Mabuhay ka🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡

[@KirbyAraullo]

Maraming salamat din 💖

[@bronx2889]

I appreciate what you are doing. More power to you!

[@alien-shark1525]

Thank you! This was extremely helpful with my research! Subscribed!

[@artesiningart4961]

I love the connection between our ancient and pre-Hispanic Philippine politics and our ancient and pre-Hispanic religions and beliefs. I am not sure with this knowledge, but I learned from the Philippine fictional and epic TV series "Amaya" of GMA Network that in the Visayas region (where the main protagonist of the series, Amaya, and all of the other characters mostly are from), a "babaylan" or "baylan" is a religious, spiritual, healing/medicine, cultural shaman of a tribe, mostly are women or also sometimes men (but what I also learned in other sources, is that these male babaylans or baylans are not necessarily cisgender masculine male men but may be of other sexual orientations, gender identities, or gender expressions, or are transvestites/cross-dresser men), highly reveared and respected by datus and rajas and are even serving as counselors to the rulers, and can reach a higher potential to highest power, transcendence, abilities, talents, wisdom, skills, and knowledge that are similar or even equal to a diwata (gods and goddeses/deities/divine and sacred higher beings) and be called, referred, or labeled as a "bunggaitan". A bunggaitan is a living human being similar or even equal to the deities, with immense spirituality higher than any humans, manifested through their talents, skills, abilities, wisdom, knowledge, power, and transcendence or self-actualization and realization of the highest of human potentials. A bunggaitan even before ro after physical dead can be reveared, respected, or even worshipped as a deity or a diwata, and more after physical dead, even being a hero/heroine and in equality with the other deities. In the series, Amaya is a "bai" (lady/princess/royal maiden) and a "binukot" (kept mostly hidden from other people except the immediate family, and must be kept pure and clean, even forbidding to step the ground/soil/earth to maintain physical purity and cleanliness. This is to continually give honor to her father who is a datu or raja, to her father's dignity, reputation, and status, and to honor her position or status, to her family and clan, to her purity, cleanliness, dignity, and reputation). Amaya later became an "uripon"(akin to oripun, oripon, uripun, and alipin) (servant/slave), then later became a "timawa" (free and common citizen), then an "alabay" (babaylan or baylan in training), also a "mandirigma" (warrior), then as far as I remembered about the series, she didn't became a "babaylan" or "baylan" but secretly and immediately or directly becomes a "bunggaitan" while also being widely known as a "datu", and thus regained her status as a part of the highest, upper, and ruling royal class. This concept of a creature becoming or being able to achieve the level similar or even equal to a deity is also found in another fantasy TV series in GMA Network, which is the Encantadia franchise, especially in the requel of the series in 2016-2017, wherein in the fictional world of Encantadia, a character "Cassiopeia" who was the first ruler and queen of the young queendom of Lireo, a pure-blooded diwata (a diwata in this series is not a deity but a race of enchanted beings or denizens of Encantadia who are the community or race who will later become the main residents of the queendom of Lireo. Pure diwatas in this series have pointed ears like elves, don't become old after reaching the height or peak of being a young adult, and possesses varied magical powers, beauty, and youthfulness, as well as immortality of life unless severely wounded and killed from any physical or magical and other non-physical means. Half-blooded and mixed diwatas in this series still possess the other qualities and characteristics of a pure diwata, but looses the pointed ears.) Cassiopeia is a fortuneteller, a seer, a clairvoyant, and a psychic who possesses all other psychic abilities and powers, which gained her the name "Mata" or the eye, due to her ability to see everything and all events that happens in the whole of Encantadia when she chooses. The only problem is she is still under and less powerful than their deities (their deities here are banished cherubs or powerful heavenly beings from a higher dimension or plane, sent and banished to a lower dimension and plane where three of them created Encantadia and its first denizens and all creatures of all of its races. These banished beings have various creative and destructive powers that are superior to the creatures and denizens but inferior and less powerful to some othee forces, instances, and circumstances of events, their creatures, and other fellow deities. They are the heavenly beings who didn't join the heavenly war between the good beings of light and the evil rebel beings of darkness, and they were labeled and treated as neithee of light nor darkness but of twilight, and thus doesn't belong to upper realm where they are from nor to the lowesr realms where the evil rebel veings of darkness where banished and punished. They were banished down to a magical realm/dimension wheich they named and called as Encantadia, and where they created and ruled over Encantadia and its magical creatures and denizens. In the requel, the origin story changed a little bit, and they were banished first and came to the human world or realm/dimension, saw human creatures already living there, but were not satisfied with humanity's powerlessness and need to work and do a lot of labor to achieve something, gain something, or want and need something, so they came to a different magical realm/dimension and created then ruled over Encantadia and its magical creatures and denizens). Cassiopeia, even a creature and a pure-blooded diwata, is able to reach and achieve transcendence in the end, which gained her the status of being in equal to the other deities of their world while still being a creature herself.

[@xosa2k]

you have mention that you are a direct descendant of Raja Matanda, can you please talk about your family tree? Starting from the farthest that you know, I would really love that. please

[@singkilfilipinas5574]

Yeah Datu Kirby, please show us your family record. We'd love to know whether you're a real deal or a charlatan.

[@maharlikangtimawa7838]

Sir Kirby, please also make a video about the term "Hari" & "Hara". This vid is so knowledgable, kudos!

[@robertballesteros2275]

Hara=Raha or Rajah. Sinkit=Intsik; erap=pare! Idol=Lodi

[@strawberryshortcake_1994]

Proud of my roots moro + lumad + bisaya ilocano ❤️

[@kirkdaguinod9983]

It’s like understanding the dynasty of China and its constitution with the CLAN LEADERS and etc. which made me confuse but finally understand it a little

[@DnDDigest]

This is so incredibly insightful, helpful, and well-produced. Thanks for making these! Jumping onto Patreon NOW! :D Salamat!

[@KirbyAraullo]

Maráming Salámat 😊

[@Junezor]

Very nice!!! Keep up the good work

[@mrmiss8062]

Love watching your informative channel! Thank you.

[@KirbyAraullo]

You are so welcome! And thank you for supporting my channel 😊

[@melg3590]

Pwede rin sigurong gawing analogy na ang Raja and Lakan is equivalent of King, and every Datu is equivalent of Earl or Jarl, if we use History Channel's "VIKINGS" as an example...

[@jankrisbondoc136]

I like to think of Pampanga as the Riverlands, from GOT, of The Philippines

[@RootMenu]

From what I understand, the difference is Datu is along E Rod Avenue and Lakan is in Araneta Ave.

[@singkilfilipinas5574]

This is the only correct answer! Also, we are all descendants of Rajah Matanda.

[@alimybad]

@@singkilfilipinas5574 Dami mo alam

[@singkilfilipinas5574]

@@alimybad Thank you very much. 🥰

[@singkilfilipinas5574]

@@alimybad You should study too.

[@alsuvarnadvipadanargentum1743]

Kirby from I also understand and pls correct me if I’m wrong ok 👌🏼 is that the Filipinos who bear surnames that are native like Magsaysay, Makalintal, Makaraig etc.....have at least one ancestor who is of native Royalty or Nobility (Principalia during the Spanish phase) right? If you can further elaborate pls explain to us more on what you know for us the viewers to know more about ourselves pls?

[@roseanntano2600]

I've also read about this somewhere. The more native your family name is, the more noble your blood is.

[@KirbyAraullo]

Not all but yes, certain native/indigenous last names indicate royal lineages, many to Datus, and some to the Lakans and Rajas. Perhaps the most well-known in recent history (having elected 2 Philippine Presidents) would be the Macapagals who are among the legitimate/proven descendants of Lakandula 😊 Other legitimate descendants of Lakandula, Matandá, and Sulayman include: Capulong, Salonga/Salunga, Tayag, Umali, Soliman, Salalila, etc. Other present-day last names with royal lineages are: Gatbonton, Gatdula, Gatmaitan, Gatchalian, Pamintuan, Punsalan, etc. *Gat and Magat are also royal titles I didn't get to cover in this video.

[@alsuvarnadvipadanargentum1743]

Kirby Araullo Kirby, the reason why I shared what I know is because I do know some classmates of mine that have “apiliedos”-surnames that are native sounding to me, the aforementioned 2nd and 3rd ones are just some examples. And I have a teacher 👨‍🏫 whose surname is “Gatchalian” one of the many surnames that you mentioned that implies “Dugong Bughaw”-Blue blood right? You want to add more info?

[@roseanntano2600]

@@KirbyAraullo wow thank you so much for the confirmation, Kirby!!! Hope you could make a video about this one day... the royal family names, the reason why some Filipino families retained their local surnames and why the rest did not. I love your videos and I know they are all legit!!! Keep up the good work!!! 🇵🇭♥️🔥

[@mariona3982]

Interesting talaga😍💥❤️

[@KifPH]

Underrated channel, but content is good

[@KirbyAraullo]

Thank you 😊

[@killedbyme1439]

We also use Lakan as a Rank in Arnis, Kali, and Escrima.

[@wazzupjbab]

Maybe i am a LaKum... Lakas Kumain 😁 Great video and i learned a lot... i would certainly share this one... And maybe students can watch this as well..

[@KirbyAraullo]

Maraming salamat! :)

[@emman2702]

@@KirbyAraullo maraming salamat or in tausug MAGSUKOL

[@sriwija8755]

Datu in Malaysia can be someone from the ruling royal family.....for example during the Malacca"s Malay Sultanate.....The Sultan normally appoint his uncle either from father or mother side as the Datu Bendahara or Prime Minster in the present day....

[@Thefinalspacedeity-h7b]

Great vid i finally understand thanks po sir kirby! 😃

[@jonathanestrada9729]

"Muda" is cognate to "mura," right? Halimbawa, pag hilaw pa ang gulay, minsan ang sinasabi ay "Mura pa 'yan, pahinugin pa natin." Sa Indonesian, alam ko ang ibig sabihin ng "muda" ay "young" (which would make sense kasi ang palayang kuya ni Rajah Muda/Sulayman ay "Rajah Matanda."). Also, posible kaya na ang pagbikas ng mga sinauna sa "rajah" ay "rasa"? Sa Baybayin kasi, walang simbolo para sa /j/ sound (Tama ba ako?). Puwede rin kayang "radya"? Kaso, sa Baybayin, wala ring simbolo para sa /dy/, pero hanggang ngayon, maraming matatanda ang hindi mabigkas ang /j/ nang malinaw. This possibly indicates na ang /j/ ay bago lang para at least sa mga ilang ethnic Luzones.

[@geprapanut1029]

Thank you Kirby!

[@migidemacati]

Which held more power the Raja Matanda of Maynila or the Lakandula of Tondo? When the Spaniards arrived the 2 and Raja Soliman had to be there. We know Soliman was the selected heir of the Raja Matanda. So between the Matanda and the Lakandula, you explained that the Lakandula was more paramount because he used the title more related to the divine, particularly the older gods. But the Raja Matanda as you said embraced Islam as a Muslim ruler. Would he allow himself to be subjugated by "pagans"? I remember there was a prior conflict between the two when the Lakandula of Tondo (maybe not the same person as when the Spaniards arrived) tried to sieze control of the lands of Raja Matanda who was then not yet matanda but went by his name Raja Ache. Ache brought the Bruneian fleet against the Lakandula to reclaim the territory and reinforce the dominance over Tondo. In the Visayas, Raja Ache was referred to as the King of Luzon and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi wrote a letter to him directly to forge amity.

[@KirbyAraullo]

Yes, the Lakandula of 1521 was not the same as the Lakandula in 1571. And yes Raja Matandá = Raja Ache = the Prince, and later the King of Luzon. I actually answered your questions in this video but it's already a long video 😅 (it would've been 30+ mins if I didn't take out some parts 😬) so I had to cut out the parts that answers your questions here, since I plan on making a separate video about it anyway. So yeah stay tuned! 😉

[@migidemacati]

@@KirbyAraullo that's great! I really think the old raja is a very underrated figure in our history but his and his clan's contributions are far-reaching and affect us up to now.

[@thaisaints5633]

Informative.

[@aurorasarmiento5742]

I become hooked on history again.....very informative talaga......danghan salamat din sayo...

[@KirbyAraullo]

Salámat ♥️💛💙

[@superaccurssed3857]

Let’s bring these systems back?

[@marilenpozon-basilio8331]

Very informative. Thank you 😊

[@hualian5339]

this was very informative and interesting.. but I'm still a bit confused with the raja and lakan I wonder where to read more of how they work back in the days... if you are a son of the lakan.. can you also be a lakan? or they have certain processes besides having a blood of "divinity". I hope there can be another videos of these, I wonder how these royalties lived before...

[@solimanpangan]

kahangahanga! maraming salamat :)

[@paolaneyra1692]

Paano po naiidentify yung royalty ng isang Rajah? Crown? Sword? Tattoo?

[@jamesdavid6337]

Very informative and entertaining!

[@vishkamolot3043]

datu is a chief of balangay , Rajah is a king , pero some histories shariff arab missionary pumunta dto sa borneo ,,tinatag ang sultanate ,,kaya ang rajah o raha ay naging mababa, Rajah muda o raha mura means the youngking ,,highest king sultan,,Salamat sa dagdag kaalaman

[@uswingtv7504]

Can I ask what is the definition of Pueblo, Royal Audiencia and Katipunan Please po i didn't know what's the definition of this🙏

[@kurmatt8916]

it would be cool to hear about the stuff in the background

[@branroyce9236]

Fascinating. Kaso hnd kami kasali jan .Lol. We in the cordilleras had our own separate culture

[@KirbyAraullo]

Tama! Kaya napakayaman ng Pilipinas pagdating sa makukukay na kulturang dapat nating ipagmalaki! Lalo na ang mga katutubong kultura ♥️

[@alsuvarnadvipadanargentum1743]

@@KirbyAraullo Sang ayon ako sayo dyan; dapat kase masmalalim pa ang pagsasaliksik sa kultura ng ating mga ninuno para wala nang mangdidikta kung sino talaga tayo

[@ngykesng3066]

All Supreme Court Judges are Lawyers but not all Lawyers are Supreme Court Judges...

[@awesomevideo5525]

Is it link to indian civilization??

[@gungatz6696]

Yes

[@paulsinon2716]

May mava-violate po bang batas sa bansa kung halimbawang magsusulat ako ng isang novel or gagawa mg film na may concept ng Datu, Rajah and Lakan pero may halong fantasy like magic? Thanks po sa reply!

[@irwansyahtourguide832]

Malay Language spoken in the Phillipines was introduced by Srivijaya Kingdom of Indonesia. There is an Island in the Phillipines called Visayas is derived from the word " Srivijaya ". Malay Language spoken in Southern Phillipines was a mixture of Old Malay, English, Tausug, Tagalogm, and Arabic.

[@alas2210]

No. Read about austronesian migration. And Rajah Sulayman is not indonesian. He came from brunei with their people and then became tagalog people.

[@GaryHField]

@@alas2210 Rajah Sulayman both has Tagalog and Bruneian roots.

[@zachzoldyck1796]

Lol, so how are we communicate? Sign language? Body language? Pointing with our lips? Wtf. Of course malaysia claims everything like how they claim the culture as if they were the original. That's why you people are been bashing from SEA mainland from being extremist as if you're the owner of a culture. Have a research first before commenting such a nonsense statements, it makes you st*p*d actually. Read about the Austronesian migration pattern and the expansion of hindu-buddhist culture into the eastern world. Also, read about your roots not the islamic but the real roots that you haven't seen.

[@Borderose]

I would like to hear about the wangdoms of Luzon. As we were basically just a loose collection of independent states originally, some of us were also apparently tributaries/vassal kingdoms to the Chinese Empire.

[@alimybad]

Huang and Wang lang yung title

[@jaycecross4110]

Caboloan of Pangasinan

[@GaryHField]

There are only two Huangdom in Luzon, Ma-i and Caboloan.

[@dayangmarikit6860]

In Hindu mythology, "Lakhan" is the younger brother of Lord Rama, who is also known as "Lakshmana", from where the Filipino surname "Laksamana" and its variations "Lacsamana" and "Laxamana" come from. So do you think that the Hindu deity "Lakhan" could be somehow related to the ancient Tagalog royal title of "Lakan"? en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshmana

[@singkilfilipinas5574]

No, just because words sound alike doesn't mean they are related etymologically.

[@dayangmarikit6860]

Singkil Filipinas - Wow you really did convince me with your argument.

[@singkilfilipinas5574]

@@dayangmarikit6860 Thanks! Simple yet logical. You don't just connect words only because they vaguely share the same sounds.

[@dayangmarikit6860]

Singkil Filipinas - Nothing really tells you insecure than upvoting your own comments... let me give you an upvote too... you may need that for your self esteem.

[@singkilfilipinas5574]

@@dayangmarikit6860 Kung inggit ka, upvote mo rin mga walang kwenta mong comment 😂. Namaste Hara Lingayan!

[@cielitolindogoyena8438]

Sir, I notice a Harvard banner at your background. Can I ask why is that? Are a student of Harvard or an alumnus of it?

[@jamesA18]

8:33 i see hara lingayan, lamitan and mantal from Amaya👍👍👍

[@nickchase9150]

Kirby what about Ari? I read about it in prehistoric Pangasinan journal in Jstor that Ari = King. I'm curious what is the origin of this.

[@roddelacueva3885]

My two cents comment: Ari means King in Iloko (Ilocano).

[@RavenPH12]

From what I understand: Datu - leader/king Raja - King among kings (like Arthur and the Knights of the round table) Lakan - demigod (similar to Egyptian royalty)

[@beardoromal3638]

Good story telling. Thanks

[@MrPangahas]

Do you have an episode regarding pre colonial weaponry,armor and also clothing?

[@reidsite]

u make history so interesting!!!!!!! i was smiling the whole time its so fun to listen and learn with you thank u sm! although i dont watch got i still understood it all even before the comparison. now i wanna learn more about kapapampangan's history as i am a part of them but unfortunately i only know one kapampangan word and its tanaydana JK thank u again and i hope u continue on making videos like this! kudos !!

[@blah1133]

Hi Kirby! How are you related to the Lakans? This video was so interesting!

[@aileenpearl9227]

alam ko po na hindi siya parte sa paksa na 'to pero may mga palabas po ba kayo na mayroong mga datu,lakan,at raja???? Katulad don sa 9:40 (?)

[@associationartsetculturesd7350]

Very great explanation ! Is there any la or rules in modern Philippines who regulate the use of the datu title ?

[@rynhartpicpican6172]

Can you also cover the Cordillerans and the Lumads, as well as the Muslims? all those who resisted Spanish colonial rule

[@ryan-smith]

Video starts at 2:12 -- you're welcome.

[@benjamingamez1718]

What is the proto austronisan word for Emperor

[@robertballesteros2275]

JPR said, "A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots."

[@helenaprudenciado4388]

How did you know your ancestors are the datus? I was very curious about my own family ancestors from the precolonial era that I often research the Ilocano and Visayan (I couldn't find anything about Negros Occidental's precolonial era) culture, based on the birthplaces of my parents.

[@ronisworld2916]

wow! love your content. glad i came across your channel! Q?; todays day and age, how can, or will it even be possible, for a commoner to gain the rank of a Datu (Lowest Rank of all, right?)? if YES. How? I'm from the North (Nueva Ecija), so the title Lakan is applicable, right?

[@maximoramosjr.2397]

Hello kuya kirby I have a question is rajah and sultan equivalent like the rajahnate and sultanate of sulu ?

[@DxMySongxD]

How did you trace your ancestry up to the lakans?

[@KirbyAraullo]

Hi! I first learned about it growing up as a little kid in Pampanga, we were raised knowing about it 😊 The descendants of Rája Matandá, Lakandúlâ, and Rája Sulayman, have actually been well documented since the late 1500s. Many Kapampangan elders, scholars, and culture bearers, especially among the older clans, still know who's who and who descended from whom. These are also known through oral traditions combined and balanced with archival documents (both by the state and the church), academic research, and other written accounts. Throughout the colonial period, many branches of the royal family of Luzon kept records of our genealogies, both written and oral. Many of these family trees were also intricately carved into hard wood such as the doors of the Bale Matua (old houses). These records were kept safe and verified by the clans, the church, and the colonial government. These same families were the Principalia class (local elite/recognized nobility) during the colonial period, and many of them remained among the influential families of Central Luzon today, not just in politics but also socially and culturally. The descendants of Rája Matandá, Lakandúlâ, and Rája Sulayman, retained certain privileges under Spain, but of course the Spaniards were very strict on recognizing such privileges, hence the necessity of official record keeping through the centuries.

[@DxMySongxD]

@@KirbyAraullo Are the records available to the public in Pampanga?

[@singkilfilipinas5574]

@@DxMySongxD No, he'll get exposed as a charlatan if he releases the records.

[@davidjuco9463]

I'm really learning a lot from you. I am a pure capampangan but didn't know that "luid" is mabuhay.

[@joycel6848]

Kaka stalk ko po kay Prince Mateen ng Brunei Kung saan saan nako napadpad at eto ako ngayon Ang dami kong natutunan sa history 😅🤣😂

[@lanzfarnazo6484]

I love your videos😮😊😊😊😊

[@IvarDaigon]

So comparable to English Historical terminology. Datu = Lord. Raja = King. Lakan = King of Kings, High King or Divine King. One thing to also point out is that in European cultures, Middle east cultures and also Hindu/Buddhist cultures it was common to combine titles to give the leader more importance. It was common to say "Lord King", "Lord God", "King of Kings" in England for example when referring to the King or God and later they even added the title "Empress of India" to the many titles that Queen Victoria already had. And the king of Thailand's official title is "Phrabat Somdet Phra Paraminthra Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej Sayamminthrathirat Borommanatthabophit" which means something like.. Majestic Lord of all, high supreme ruler, greatest son of King Rama IX, king of Thailand and the great Chakri Dynasty. So to me it sounds like Datu-Lakan would just imply Datu of one tribe (or region) and also King of all Datus because the Datu-Lakan does not give up his role as Datu of that region just because he became Lakan of all Datus. Nice video though.. keep up the good work... great to see more people with a passion for history.

[@hannanhaziq8223]

Malaysia is a perfect example of how modern/western system combine with the ancient South East Asia ruling system 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@option-learner5984]

and all of them came from india

[@hannanhaziq8223]

@@option-learner5984 wat???

[@option-learner5984]

@@hannanhaziq8223 entire south east asia culture is inspired from india and part of indian cultural empire before arival of islam (mallacan sultanute)

[@hannanhaziq8223]

@@option-learner5984 that's true, actually in South East Asia first religion came here Hinduism,after that Buddhism and lastly Islam

[@option-learner5984]

@@hannanhaziq8223 don't take it serious but people in se asia never willing to accept islam they forcefully converted into islam.. but some how they retain their hindu identity, but due to some extremist movement in se asia muslim nation are more focusing on sharia law

[@reginamahawan2399]

Kirby I just love that name omg

[@KirbyAraullo]

Salamat 😊

[@gaiusmarcus8]

Parang may nabasa ako dati na ang south east asian ang vikings of the pacific.

[@makkabayan]

Ano po tawag noon sa prinsipe at princessa?

[@alimybad]

Sa mga Tagalog siguro ay Binibini at Ginoo?

[@jaycecross4110]

Dayang = Princess Rajamuda = Crown Prince Datu = Prince / Fief

[@alimybad]

@@jaycecross4110 Rajahmuda is Young Prince, actually pero satin mas ginagamit sa prinsipeng susunod sa truno. Muda is Malay meaning 'young'.

[@alimybad]

@@jaycecross4110 Dayang is the feminine equivalent of Datu

[@lakas_tama]

@@alimybad walang binibini maginoo lang mapababae o lalaki kaya nga sa dasal may aba ginoong maria gender neutral yan

[@melchorcarino9375]

.. neighboring SEA Countries have Building Relics and Structures that still exist today. Almost none survive, If their is, its been repurposed or completely destroyed!!! Could there be any building relics left and found in the Philippines???? the Intramoros could still be, but are there any left??

[@eondonbueno3024]

Saan mo po nabili shirts ganda

[@KirbyAraullo]

Sa www.ugatclothing.com, marami pang magandang designs 😉

[@KillingKunoichi]

This is really informative! Thank you for posting this. Do you know where I can search more info on Lakandula? :)

[@robertballesteros2275]

Why only Lacan Dula?

[@robertballesteros2275]

Lacan Dula TAGEAN. LAPU LAPU TAGEAN, SOLAIMAN TAGEAN! SICATUNA TAGEAN, KOLAMBO TAGEAN.

[@perzonaopinion8219]

What about SULTAN?

[@JettoGospel]

Can you dig into the further history of south east Asia prior to western and Islamic colonization and more to the time of Hinduism and Buddhism in south east Asia.

[@albertdepanojr]

Related raw sila sa Tagean Tallano, Sir Kirby?

[@johnramirez3247]

Hahahahahahah

[@jademarvelous3660]

How about my grandmas surname lacanlale? What that means by lale?

[@miguelnuki6097]

can you do surnames, most of us here are already familiar with the catalogos it's just we want to dig deeper like how the spanish ortography massacred foreign surnames whether it's the local filipino native surname and foreign like chinese and okinawan(japanese)

[@KirbyAraullo]

One of my most recent videos is about last names in the Philippines :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaq5oGhrg7-Hfbc

[@cykeagustin]

Good day Kirby. Thank you for this informative post. I am currently making a tabletop game regarding the Pre colonial PH and I want to make sure that I get the roles accurate. Based off of what I understood from your video (correct me if I am wrong), a Datu is lower than a Rajah, and a Rajah and Lakan are interchangable. Did I get it right? How does a Sultan fit in all of this? Thanks :)

[@joeawk]

Kirby, just curious. Do you have any knowledge of the dragon family? If you have, it might be interesting if you can share.