HERstory: Southeast Asia
By Agas Ramirez
HERstory: Southeast AsiaDec 09, 2023
24 | The Burmese Women of the Khit Kala
In this episode, we’ll examine the Burmese Women of the Khit Kala, the women of the times, the “It girls” of colonial Burma. Beginning in the 1920s, they were seen in magazines, advertisements, and newspapers, a clear and controversial symbol of change that mirrors what other women went through in the Southeast Asian colonial period.
Thank you to our patrons: Yati, Charlie, Shereen, Matt, Raymond, Christina, Jennifer, Xiaomei by Milish, Beverly, Lawrence, and Airene. Airene joined the Patreon just last month so welcome and I hope you’re enjoying the additional content especially the bonus episodes! We have:
An interview with Haldi Patra on the Minangkabau matriarchal society;
- Ma Ying Taphan and the Krom Klone;
- Nyai Gede Pinateh, the Harbour Master of Gresik;
- Queen Suriyothai and the War Elephants;
- Paz Marquez Benitez and Dead Stars;
- The Rise and Fall of the Acehnese Queens, 1641 to 1699;
- The Portrait of Dara Rasami; and
- The Women of No. 14 Lebuh Leith
If you want to join the Patreon, you can give as little as $1 to get a copy of the show notes with all the references, a shout out at the end of the next episode, and of course access to the bonus
Cover Photo: Two girls in new fashions at the Shwe Dagon Pagoda, 1947. Henri Cartier-Bresson.
Tracks:
- Goddess of War - Unicorn Heads
- 1940's Slow Dance - Doug Maxwell_Media Right Productions
- Soothsayer - John Patitucci
23.3 | Meet Me at the Manila Carnival: End of an Era (1927-1939)
Thank you to our patrons: Yati, Charlie, Shereen, Matt, Raymond, Christina, Jennifer, Xiaomeiby Milish, Beverly, Alyssa, and Lawrence.
This is Part 3 of the series on Meet Me at the Manila Carnival. For 31 years, young women from across the country vied for the title of Miss Manila Carnival, then Miss Philippines, navigating racial prejudice and standards of beauty, and becoming an integral part of the nation-building process. Now, we’ll talk about the End of an Era, 1927-1939, the final years of the pageant before the outbreak of the Second World War.
If you want to join the Patreon, you can give as little as $1 to get a copy of the show notes with all the references, a shout out at the end of the next episode, and access to bonus episodes. We have:
- An interview with Haldi Patra on the Minangkabau matriarchal society;
- Ma Ying Taphan and the Krom Klone;
- Nyai Gede Pinateh, the Harbour Master of Gresik;
- Queen Suriyothai and the War Elephants;
- Paz Marquez Benitez and Dead Stars;
- The Rise and Fall of the Acehnese Queens, 1641 to 1699;
- The Portrait of Dara Rasami; and
- The Women of No. 14 Lebuh Leith
Tracks
- (Theme Music) Goddess of War by Unicorn Heads
- Buhat - Rudy Concepción and Rosario Moreno - Tunay na Ina (1939)
- Invisible Beauty by Aakash Gandhi
- Miss Universe Theme Main Title
23.2 | Meet Me at the Manila Carnival: Becoming Miss Philippines (1909-1926)
We’re continuing our deep dive into the Manila Carnival, a two-week festival held during the early American colonial period which culminated in the crowning of the queen and her court at an elaborate formal ball. For 31 years, young women from across the country vied for the title, navigating racial prejudice and standards of beauty, and becoming an integral part of the nation-building process.
Last time, we talked about the origins of the Manila Carnival and how we found our first queen, in so many senses of the word, in Pura Garcia Villanueva Kalaw. Listen to that episode first if you haven’t. Now, in part 2 we’ll follow the Carnival as it comes into its own. This is Part Two: Becoming Miss Philippines, 1909 to 1926.
If you want to join the PATREON, you can give as little as $1 to get a copy of the show notes with all the references, a shout out at the end of the next episode, and access to bonus episodes. We have:
- An interview with Haldi Patra on the Minangkabau matriarchal society;
- Ma Ying Taphan and the Krom Klone;
- Nyai Gede Pinateh, the Harbour Master of Gresik;
- Queen Suriyothai and the War Elephants;
- Paz Marquez Benitez and Dead Stars;
- The Rise and Fall of the Acehnese Queens, 1641 to 1699;
- The Portrait of Dara Rasami; and
- The Women of No. 14 Lebuh Leith
Thank you to our patrons: Aqilah, Karen, Kheiro, Xiaomei BY Milish, Jennifer, Christina, Raul, Raymond, Matt, Shereen, Charli, and Yati.
Next time, in the third installment of Meet Me at the Manila Carnival, we’ll talk about the End of an Era, 1927-1939, the final years of the pageant before the outbreak of the Second World War.
23.1 | Meet Me at the Manila Carnival: The Queen of the Orient (1908)
In the next few episodes, we’re taking a deep dive into the Manila Carnival, a two-week festival held during the early American colonial period which culminated in the crowning of the queen and her court at an elaborate formal ball. For 31 years, young women from across the country vied for the title, navigating racial prejudice and standards of beauty, and becoming an integral part of the nation-building process. This is Part One: The Queen of the Orient, 1908, which talks about the origins of the festival and the first queen, Pura Villanueva Kalaw.
Join the Patreon for as little as $1 to get a copy of the show notes with all the references, a shout out at the end of the next episode, and access to bonus episodes:
- Nyai Gede Pinateh, the Harbour Master of Gresik;
- An interview with Haldi Patra on the Minangkabau matriarchal society;
- Ma Ying Taphan and the Krom Klone;
- Queen Suriyothai and the War Elephants;
- Paz Marquez Benitez and Dead Stars;
- The Rise and Fall of the Acehnese Queens, 1641 to 1699; and
- The Women of No. 14 Lebuh Leith.
The song in this episode is Bodabil by Andre Lagoy. Bodabil is an indigenized form of vaudeville, introduced in the Philippines around the time of the Manila Carnival. Hope you enjoyed his song inspired by it. Check out Andre Lagoy’s music on Facebook and Spotify.
Thank you to our patrons: Alyssa, Beverly, Karen, Kheiro, Xiaomei BY Milish, Jennifer, Christina, Raul, Raymond, Matt, Shereen, Charli, and Yati.
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @herstoryseapod.
There are so many more stories to tell and we’re just getting started. This podcast was hosted and edited by Agas Ramirez.
Tracks:
- Theme Music: Goddess of War by Unicorn Heads
- Jesse's Carnival Waltz - The Great North Sound Society
- Dios te salve Maria - Christian David
- On Foot - Underbelly & Ty Mayer
22 | The Many Lives of Emiria Sunassa
In this episode, we’re going to talk about the many lives of Emiria Sunassa, a pioneer of Indonesian modern art, who was also a nurse, singer, pianist, and traveler, who claimed to be a princess of the Tidore sultanate. Emiria was one of only three female artists in Persatuan Ahli Gambar Indonesia (PERSAGI). The other two were Saptarita Latif and Tridjoto Abdullah. However, in contrast to the two other women artists, Emiria started painting individually. She was not linked to any nationalist movements before she became involved with art.
PERSAGI's nationalistic vigour came from an unmistakably masculine perspective; most of the paintings represented common subject matter: self-portraitures, still-lifes and, most importantly, the portrayal of the Indonesian people during and after the revolutionary period - and yet they were limited to the island of Java. Emiria’s choice of subject matter offered a different perspective of the new nation. - Dr Wulan Dirgantoro in Feminisms and Contemporary Art in Indonesia
If you want to join the Patreon, you can give as little as $1 to get a copy of the show notes with all the references, a shout out at the end of the next episode, and access to bonus episodes. We have:
- Nyai Gede Pinateh, the Harbour Master of Gresik;
- An interview with Haldi Patra on the Minangkabau matriarchal society;
- Ma Ying Taphan and the Krom Klone;
- Queen Suriyothai and the War Elephants;
- Paz Marquez Benitez and Dead Stars;
- The Rise and Fall of the Acehnese Queens, 1641 to 1699; and
- The Women of No. 14 Lebuh Leith
Thank you to our patrons: Aqilah, Karen, Kheiro, Xiaomei BY Milish, Jennifer, Christina, Raul, Raymond, Matt, Shereen, Charli, and Yati. Aqilah joined the Patreon just last month so, welcome!
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @herstoryseapod.
There are so many more stories to tell and we’re just getting started. This podcast was hosted and edited by Agas Ramirez.
Tracks:
- Theme Music: Goddess of War by Unicorn Heads
- Violet Spirit by Dan Henig
- Tanah Papua: A Paradise for Birds by Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- No.1 A Minor Waltz by Esther Abrami
- Papua New Guinea - Enga Traditional Music (197?) - Vinyl Reincarnation
- Greater Bird-of-Paradise by Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Dolphin-esque by Godmode
Bonus Episode | Excerpt from "The Women of No. 14 Lebuh Leith"
PATREON EXCLUSIVE | A couple of months ago, I took a very memorable trip to George Town, the capital city of the Malaysian state of Penang. It was founded as an entrepôt in 1786 and was the first British settlement in Southeast Asia. Currently, it’s the second largest city in Malaysia and possibly number one in my heart. So, digressing from our usual format, this bonus episode will take you through some parts of this trip, and by the end perhaps I can convince you to visit too.
No. 14 Lebuh Leith is the address of the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, also known as the Blue Mansion, the most prominent Chinese garden-style architectural example in Malaysia and sometimes called the most photographed building in Penang.
EXCERPT:
Once they let us inside, they took us to the open courtyard, where two pillars and two trees stood, said to be the center of energy according to Feng Shui. The mansion in general is in the Chinese siheyuan architectural style but reflects the eclectic background of the trader Cheong Fatt Tze, with Gothic windows, stained glass, and Glasgow cast iron works by MacFarlane's for example. The mansion has 38 rooms, 7 staircases, 5 courtyards, and 220 windows. I would not want to be the person cleaning this house.
Up the polished wooden staircase, on the second floor, is a series of rooms displaying the house’s history as well as artifacts left behind by the original occupants. One room, which of course sparked my interest, had a collection of women’s clothing, and some information about the women who lived on no. 14, Lebuh Leith.
21 | The Black and White Amahs of Penang
In this episode, we’re going to talk about the Black and White Amahs — Chinese women from the southern provinces of China who emigrated to the Straits Settlements and the Malay States in the 1930s and established themselves as domestic servants par excellence. The beautiful song in this episode is Penang Hill by Malaysian singer songwriter RJ Kevin.
HERstory Southeast Asia was a finalist at the Asia Podcast Festival Awards held in Singapore on December 4. Our category was best arts, society, and culture podcast and it was ultimately won by Miss Conduct: An Indian True Crime Podcast with Ragavi and Nisha. Please do check them out as they are doing excellent work in spotlighting women’s stories in their unique and often humorous way.
Also check out Fidellithy Tan's The History of Colonisation for chronological introduction to the history of European imperialism and colonialism from a history student's perspective.
The theme music is Goddess of War by Unicorn Heads. If you want more HERstory, go over to the Patreon and join Karen, Keiro, Xiaomei, Jennifer, Christina, Raul, Raymond, Matt, Ashley, Charlie, and Yati who have been supporting the show. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @herstoryseapod. That’s herstory S-E-A pod.
20 | Erb Bunnag's Photographs of Early 20th-Century Siam
In this episode, we are going to meet Erb Bunnag, a woman whose photographs give us a rare and important glimpse into the early 20th-century Siamese royal court. Chao Chom (royal consort) Erb Bunnag is a rather unique historical figure. I’m happy to report that there ARE sources of information about her, although they’re mostly academic. "Erb's insightful photos of Bangkok women suggest the ease of an aristocrat long acknowledged in Siamese society and politics. At a time when European colonizers considered annexing Siam, Thais accepted and imitated the culture and tastes of the outside world, especially command of the English language, writing, dance-drama, and other avocations.” (Snodgrass, 2019: 30)
Also check out Fidellithy Tan's The History of Colonisation for chronological introduction to the history of European imperialism and colonialism from a history student's perspective.
The theme music is Goddess of War by Unicorn Heads. This episode includes clips from The King and I's Shall We Dance, André Rieu Live in Bangkok, Float by Geographer, and Animaux Obscenes by Dan Bodan.
As always, thank you to our Patrons – Kheiro, Xiaomeiby by Milish, Jennifer, Christina, Raul, Raymond, Chito, Matt, Ashley, Shereen, Charlie, Chanda, Yati, Kara, and Mando. If you want to join the Patreon, you can give as little as $1 to get a copy of the show notes with all the references, a shout out at the end of the next episode, and access to bonus episodes.
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @herstoryseapod.
Bonus Episode | Excerpt from "The Rise and Fall of the Acehnese Queens, 1641-1699"
PATREON EXCLUSIVE. Extremely excited to share this bonus episode with you on the 4 queens of Aceh who ruled from 1641 to 1699, beginning with Sultanah Safiatuddin or Taj al-Alam Safiatuddin Syah. Unlike the four queens of Patani, this was not an unbroken lineage.
EXCERPT:
Khan argues that maintaining peace and stability so commerce could thrive was an even bigger challenge than the ones faced by the male predecessors of the Acehnese queens. During the time of the queens, although the VOC might have controlled a larger share of the international trade in this region by the end of the century, Aceh’s regional trade continued to thrive and, as a trading port which served private traders from all over the world, Aceh’s international commercial networks continued to be resilient. By the end of the reigns of these women sovereigns, Malay writing and literature in Aceh had developed to a height unrivalled till today: this could be said to constitute the real golden age in Acehnese history. Sorry, Iskandar Muda. The book really goes into detail so I recommend reading it, the text is already up in our resource library under Episode 19.
Bonus Episode | Excerpt from "Paz Marquez Benitez and Dead Stars"
PATREON EXCLUSIVE. This bonus episode is supplementary to the Episode 16, Filipino Girlhood in American Colonial Manila, 1908-1939, with Tala Wong. Best if you listen to that first (if you haven't).
Paz Marquez Benitez, born in 1894, was known for her athletic prowess, captaining Manila’s first girls’ basketball team, and playing tennis in European dress. In 1925, she published Dead Stars in the Philippine Herald, widely acknowledged to be the first modern English short story written by a Filipino, giving rise to a new generation of writers and writing that we still enjoy today.
The cover photo is the one accompanying an article entitled, “The Real Paz Marquez Benitez,” from the Philippine Free Press, Oct. 4, 1933.
Bonus Episode | Excerpt from "Queen Suriyothai and the War Elephants"
PATREON EXCLUSIVE. This is a Patreon bonus episode on Suriyothai, a queen who fought and died during the Burmese–Siamese War of 1547 to 1549. We go into the royal family drama at the time because it is a doozy and a half. And war elephants. I have a ton of feelings about war elephants.
Bonus Episode | Excerpt from "Nyai Gede Pinateh, the Harbourmaster of Gresik"
PATREON EXCLUSIVE. In the regular episode, we talked about Dyah Gitarja, the third monarch of the Majapahit Empire. The Majapahit Empire lasted from the 1200s until the late 15th or early 16th century. Around 1500, there was a Chinese-Muslim trader who rose to prominence in that part of the world. This is a bonus episode about Shi Daniang, better known as Nyai Gede Pinateh, the Harbourmaster of Gresik.
Bonus Episode | Excerpt from "Ma Ying Taphan and the Krom Klone"
PATREON EXCLUSIVE. The Krom Klone were the all-female bodyguard of the King of Siam. They were established in 1688 and were a well-disciplined force, responsible for the security of the royal family and the maintenance of order within the palace grounds.
Bonus Episode | Excerpt from "Haldi Patra on the Minangkabau Matrilineal Society"
PATREON EXCLUSIVE. This is an interview with Haldi Patra, a history Master's student, writer, podcaster, and Orang Minang.
This is supplementary to episode 07, the Minangkabau Matrilineal Society. I would recommend listening to the episode first as we reference many of the terms I explained there like suku and pai merantau. This bonus episode is gonna be a lot more candid than the usual upload.
You'll get to hear what Haldi thinks of the myth about Alexander the Great and rendang, a classic Minang dish. Hope you like it!
19.2 | Acehnese Women at War: Anonymous was a Woman
This is Part 2 of Acehnese Women at War.
In Part 1 we talked about Cut Nyak Dhien and Cut Nyak Meutia, two heroines with very similar elite backgrounds, both widowed twice, and fought the Dutch to their very last breath. Their legacy is preserved in both national and popular culture, something that has not been afforded to the majority of female palace guards, guerillas, and combatants who gave their lives for their country.
This month you will also be hearing from Teacher Mia who creates English language learning guides and coaching sessions over on Patreon.
Credits:
- Bungong Jeumpa - Aceh Traditional Song
- INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC ACEH | TRADITIONAL MUSIC INDONESIAN | BY MEUTUAH MUSIC
- B - Somber Ballads by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license
- Cover Photo: Tari Saman di TMII
19.1 | Acehnese Women at War: Cut Nyak Dhien & Cut Nyak Meutia
In this two-part episode, we’ll be talking about Acehnese Women at War. In part 1, we’ll discuss the “Named” women, Cut Nyak Dhien and Cut Nyak Meutia, whose lives are fairly well-documented. Cut Nyak Dhien and Cut Nyak Meutia were two noblewomen turned guerilla fighters who were widowed twice and defied the Dutch colonizers to the very end of their lives.
In part 2, we’ll talk about the less known Acehnese women warriors: Pocut Meurah Intan, Pocut Baren, Cut Nyak Meuligoe, Teungku Fakinah, and Teungku Fatimah, as well as the “Anonymous” women, palace guards, guerillas, and combatants, whose names have long been lost to history.
Like and share to support for free! $1 on Patreon and one-time donations through Ko-Fi.
Theme Music: Goddess of War by Unicorn Heads
Intro: Indonesian Cordana Youth Choir | Rampai Aceh
Ad: History of Colonization Podcast
Second track: Cokelat - Bendera
18 | The Life and Times of Osoet Pegua
Episode 18 is about Osoet Pegua, an influential Thai businesswoman of Mon descent who acted as the business agent between the Ayutthaya Kingdom and the Netherlands in the mid-17th century.
This episode was made possible by the generosity of Dr. Dhiravat na Pombejra, former Associate Professor at Chulalongkorn University, who shared his 2011 lecture on Osoet Pegua.
This month's ad is the History of Colonisation podcast, hosted by Fidellithy.
Like and share to support for free. $1 on Patreon and one-time donations through Ko-Fi. 😊
17 | Nyai Ontosoroh and the "Housekeepers" of the Dutch East Indies
This episode is not about a particular historical figure, but about an embattled group of women known as the nyai, housekeepers, companions, and concubines in the former Dutch East Indies, or present-day Indonesia.
We’ll learn about them through several narratives, the most popular of which is Nyai Ontosoroh’s story from the 1980 novel, This Earth of Mankind. We’re going to start with a bit of background – how Indonesia was colonized and how the nyai came to be. Then we’ll end with the life stories of several nyai as immortalized in novels and newspapers of the time.
Click here for the trailer of the 2019 Indonesian film, Bumi Manusia.
The cover image is a hand-tinted photograph of a nyai by Jacobus Anthonie Meessen, c. 1867
As always thank you to our Patrons: Kheiro, Xiaomeiby by Milish, Jennifer, Christina, Raul, Raymond, Chito, Matt, Shereen, Charlie, Chanda, Yati, Kara, and Mando.
This month's ad is Tuktuk Box. They are a specialty food retailer offering curated Southeast Asian boxes and products founded by two Southeast Asian American women who recognized the need to create a cross-cultural bridge to foster social change. They partner with vetted small business owners and local farmers to share carefully crafted ingredients and recipes from their own community. If you're in the US, go check them out!
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, @herstoryseapod!
For a copy of the show notes, a shout out at the end of the next episode, access to the resource library, regional current events updates, the occasional bonus episode, and your own Spotify scannable magnet of the podcast, join us on Patreon.
16 | Filipino Girlhood in American Colonial Manila, 1908-1939 with Tala Wong
We’re back from the long much-needed break and ready to continue our exploration into the hidden worlds of Southeast Asian women, with diverse topics and interviews centered on the colonial period before World War 2. This episode is about “Filipino Girlhood in American Colonial Manila, 1908-1939.”
Girls’ studies or girlhood studies is a developing field of historical research in the Philippines, says Tala Wong of the Ateneo de Manila University. Her MA thesis on “Filipino Girlhood in American Colonial Manila” explores the emergence of the Filipino girl, and by doing so, aims to give her a voice long denied in Philippine history and historiography. Educational materials and print media from 1908-1939 reveal that girlhood was an ideological battlefield for adults—colonial and local, male and female. In this episode we find out what it is about girlhood that makes for such a vibrant discourse.
Joining us too in this episode is Dark Theory, a Filipino-made podcast about mystery, intrigue, conspiracy, the sinister, the bizarre, the unsolved and twisted tales that push the boundaries of what we know to be real.
Producing a podcast like this takes a lot of time and research. If you like what we do, consider joining our Patreon like Christina, Raul, Raymond, Chito, Matt, Shereen, Chanda, Yati, Kara, and Mando who have been supporting this podcast. Give as little as $1 to get a copy of the show notes with all the references, a shout out at the end of the next episode, and the occasional bonus episode. There’s one coming out in the next few weeks. And if you can’t join us on Patreon, just tell your friends about this podcast! That works too.
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @herstoryseapod. That’s herstory S-E-A pod.
PS: Stay until the very end for a blooper!
15.3 | Trese the Babaylan-Mandirigma with @KaijuQgle
This is the last part of episode 15, where we sit down with Kai, a musicology major and comic book fan, for a casual chat about Trese, a Filipino komik series written by Budjette Tan and illustrated by Kajo Baldisimo. Alexandra Trese is a Babaylan-Mandirigma who deals with crimes of supernatural origin. Its first issue was published in 2005 and the animated adaptation for Netflix premiered on June 11, 2021.
THANK YOU to the wonderful patrons Raul, Raymond, Matt, Chito, Shereen, Chanda, Yati, Kara, and Mando. And please check out the article, "Filipinos find podcasts to be in tune with their culture," written by Raul Dancel for The Straits Times where this podcast is mentioned.
Follow Kai on Twitter: @KaijuQgle and Twitch: kaijuqgle
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, @herstoryseapod! For a copy of the show notes, a shout out at the end of the next episode, access to the resource library, regional current events updates, the occasional bonus episode, and your own Spotify scannable magnet of the podcast, join us on Patreon.
15.2 | The Babaylan of Pre-Colonial Philippines with Makadiwata
This is episode 15, part 2, where we sit down with independent researcher, Makadiwata, to get their thoughts on the babaylan's role in uprisings during the colonial period as well as the divide between the indigenous or traditional babaylan and the modern babaylan in the Philippines and abroad.
Follow Makadiwata on Twitter if you want to send them more questions after listening to the episode!
Below is a list of other babaylan-led uprisings during the colonial period for those who want to do further research:
- Tapar rebellion, Iloilo 17th century
- Lagutao, Nueva Vizcaya 18th century
- Ponciano Elofre “Dios Buhawi”, Negros Oriental 19th century
- Gregorio Lampinio “Gregorio Dios”, Antique 19th century
- Papa Isio, Negros Occidental 19th century
- Papa Faustino, Negros Occidental 20th century
- Papa Pablo, Negros Occidental 20th century
Once again, thank you to the patrons Raymond, Matt, Chito, Ashley, Shereen, Chanda, Yati, Kara, and Mando, as well as Fidellithy of the History of Colonisation podcast, the women of Tuktuk Box, and so many other friends and followers of the show.
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, @herstoryseapod!
For a copy of the show notes, a shout out at the end of the next episode, access to the resource library, regional current events updates, the occasional bonus episode, and your own Spotify scannable magnet of the podcast, join us on Patreon.
15.1 | The Babaylan of Pre-Colonial Philippines
The last episode of Season 1 is about a group of people, usually women, called the Babaylan -- shamans endowed with powers to cure the sick, predict right times of planting and harvest, and invoke the souls of ancestors to guide the deceased to the afterlife. There are many people I'd like to acknowledge.
First, the patrons Raymond, Matt, Chito, Ashley, Shereen, Chanda, Yati, Kara, and Mando, as well as Fidellithy of the History of Colonisation podcast, the women of Tuktuk Box, and so many other friends and followers of the show.
Second, Talahib People’s Music, who graciously allowed the use of their song, Babaylan, composed by the late singer/songwriter Tony Palis. The song is available on Musika Publiko TV’s YouTube channel if you want to listen to it again after this episode.
Third, David, Doctoral student of Sociocultural Anthropology at the Arizona State University, for sharing his resources and providing feedback, including the gaps in the information, which we hope to address in subsequent interviews.
Fourth, composers Sancho & Morin, for letting the public use their composition, Indigenous Filipino Music | "Firelighting Ceremony." You'll hear it in several places throughout.
And fifth, you, reading this -- thank you for being here for the ups and downs, mistakes, corrections, and I hope, audible improvement. As we always say, there are so many more stories to tell and we’re just getting started. I will be taking a break from regular episodes until I'm ready to launch Season 2, the Colonial Period.
If you want to check out the webinars I mention in this episode, head over to NHCP's Museum of Philippine Social History on Facebook.
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, @herstoryseapod!
For a copy of the show notes, a shout out at the end of the next episode, access to the resource library, regional current events updates, the occasional bonus episode, and your own Spotify scannable magnet of the podcast, join us on Patreon.
14 | Ba Trieu and the Uprising of 248 AD
A heroine nine-feet tall, with yard-long breasts, and a voice like a temple bell riding an elephant into battle? There is a lot going on in episode 14, Ba Trieu and the Uprising of 248 AD.
Ba or Lady Trieu was a 3rd century Vietnamese warrior who managed, for a time, to resist the Chinese state of Eastern Wu during its occupation of Vietnam. We also present a correction about the "cetbang," or the breech-loading canons mentioned in episode 13, Dyah Gitarja and the Majapahit Empire.
Still joining us this month are the History of Colonisation podcast -- @hoc_pod is hosted by Nanyang Technological University student, Fidellithy -- and @tuktukbox, a specialty food retailer offering curated Southeast Asian boxes and products to US and Canada subscribers.
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, @herstoryseapod!
For a copy of the show notes, a shout out at the end of the next episode, access to the resource library, regional current events updates, the occasional bonus episode, and your own Spotify scannable magnet of the podcast, join us on Patreon at https://bit.ly/herstoryseapatreon.
As always, many thanks to the patrons Shereen, Chanda, Yati, Kara, and Mando, and to Michael who gave the idea for this episode.
13 | Dyah Gitarja and the Majapahit Empire
This episode is about Dyah Gitarja, a Javanese queen regnant and the third Majapahit monarch, reigning from 1328 to 1350. I went over the top on clips on this one, but it's a long story!
We have two ads this month: First is the History of Colonisation podcast! @hoc_pod is hosted by Nanyang Technological University student, Fidellithy. Second is @tuktukbox, a specialty food retailer offering curated Southeast Asian boxes and products to US and Canada subscribers.
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, @herstoryseapod!
For a copy of the show notes, a shout out at the end of the next episode, access to the resource library, regional current events updates, the occasional bonus episode, and your own Spotify scannable magnet of the podcast, join us on Patreon at https://bit.ly/herstoryseapatreon.
As always, many thanks to Shereen, Chanda, Yati, Kara, and Mando for supporting the podcast.
12 | The Cham Matriarchy with a Note on Queen Ang Mei
In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into the Cham, a matriarchal and matrilineal society descended from the refugees of the Kingdom of Champa, whose members now mostly reside in Vietnam and Cambodia. Later in this episode we’ll meet Ang Mei, one of only three female Cambodian rulers, who was queen during a pivotal moment in Cham history.
We have two ads this month: First, meet @tuktukbox, a specialty food retailer offering curated Southeast Asian boxes and products to US and Canada subscribers. Second is the History of Colonisation podcast! @hoc_pod is hosted by Nanyang Technological University student, Fidellithy.
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, @herstoryseapod!
For a copy of the show notes, a shout out at the end of the next episode, access to the resource library, regional current events updates, the occasional bonus episode, and your own Spotify scannable magnet of the podcast, join us on Patreon at https://bit.ly/herstoryseapatreon.
Welcome to the Patreon, Ashley! And as always, many thanks to Shereen, Chanda, Laura, Yati, Kara, and Mando.
11 | Cik Siti Wan Kembang and Puteri Saadong
In this episode, we’ll meet Cik Siti Wan Kembang, who according to some sources was the ruler of the state of Kelantan from 1610 to 1677. Like the previous episode on Prinsesa Urduja of Tawalisi, fact meets fiction for Cik Siti Wan Kembang and her daughter Puteri Saadong.
This month's ad is the History of Colonisation podcast! @hoc_pod is hosted by Nanyang Technological University student, Fidellithy.
Please also check out Tuk Tuk Box's newsletter, "January: Royal(Teas) ft. HERstorySEA Podcast."
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, @herstoryseapod!
For a copy of the show notes, a shout out at the end of the next episode, access to the resource library, regional current events updates, and the occasional bonus episode, join us on Patreon at https://bit.ly/herstoryseapatreon.
Welcome to the Patreon, Shereen and Chanda! And as always, many thanks to Laura, Yati, Kara, and Mando.
10.3 | Prinsesa Urduja of Tawalisi with Tiffanie Ang
This December, we are joined by Tiffanie Ang, a University of the Philippines Film Institute graduate, Creative Director of VISH Media, and director of the short film Princess Urduja. In the second part of this two-part interview, we will take a deep dive into the filmmaking process and discuss the legacy of this warrior princess. Please stay until the end for a preview of the History of Colonisation podcast! @hoc_pod is hosted by Nanyang Technological University student, Fidellithy.
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, @herstoryseapod! For a copy of the show notes, a shout out at the end of the next episode, access to the resource library, regional current events updates, and the occasional bonus episode, join us on Patreon at https://bit.ly/herstoryseapatreon.
10.2 | Prinsesa Urduja of Tawalisi with Tiffanie Ang
This December, we are joined by Tiffanie Ang, a University of the Philippines Film Institute graduate, Creative Director of VISH Media, and director of the short film Princess Urduja. In the first part of this two-part interview, we will be talking about myth versus legend, how the short film came to be, and the immense power of telling stories. And stay until the end for a preview of the History of Colonisation podcast! @hoc_pod is hosted by Nanyang Technological University student, Fidellithy.
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, @herstoryseapod! For a copy of the show notes, a shout out at the end of the next episode, access to the resource library, regional current events updates, and the occasional bonus episode, join us on Patreon at https://bit.ly/herstoryseapatreon.
10.1 | Prinsesa Urduja of Tawalisi
In this special two-part episode, we’ll uncover the story of Prinsesa Urduja of Tawalisi, a legendary warrior princess who led her own army. While she was recorded in the travel accounts of Ibn Battuta in the 14th century and is a popular heroine in the Philippines, we still don’t actually know for sure where Tawalisi is.
In the first part we’ll talk about Ibn Battuta’s account of Tawalisi and why this may or may not be rooted in historical fact. In the second part which will be released next month, we will be joined by Tiffanie Ang, a filmmaker whose short film Princess Urduja, is part of this legendary icon’s legacy.
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, @herstoryseapod! For a copy of the show notes, a shout out at the end of the next episode, access to the resource library, regional current events updates, and the occasional bonus episode, join us on Patreon at https://bit.ly/herstoryseapatreon.
Sampai jumpa lagi!
9 | Indradevi, the Poet Queen of Angkor
In this episode, we’ll meet Queen Indradevi of the Khmer Civilization, one of Cambodia's first known women poets and the author of the Sanskrit poem inscribed on the stele at the temple of Phimeanakas in Siem Reap.
While this episode is called Indradevi, the Poet Queen of Angkor, this really is about three people -- Queen Indradevi, her younger sister Queen Jayarajadevi, and their husband, King Jayavarman VII. Together they formed a sort of royal trinity that transformed Angkor Thom, a metropolis of one million inhabitants in the 12th century.
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, @herstoryseapod! For a copy of the show notes, a shout out at the end of the next episode, access to the resource library, regional current events updates, and the occasional bonus episode, join us on Patreon at https://bit.ly/herstoryseapatreon. Sampai jumpa lagi!
8 | Hajjah Fatimah, the Sultana of Gowa
In this episode, we’ll talk about Hajjah Fatimah, the Sultana of Gowa, a tradeswoman and philanthropist from Malacca who built the Hajjah Fatimah Mosque, a rare example of a mosque named after a woman in Singapore. We'll also discuss the mosque as well as Hajjah Fatimah’s descendants who still play a role in managing it today.
This month's short bonus episode on Patreon is about the Krom Klone of Thailand.
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, @herstoryseapod! For a copy of the show notes, a shout out at the end of the next episode, access to the resource library, regional current events updates, and the occasional bonus episode, join us on Patreon at https://bit.ly/herstoryseapatreon. Sampai jumpa lagi!
7 | The Minangkabau Matrilineal Society of West Sumatra
In this episode, we’ll talk about the Minangkabau, a matrilineal society in West Sumatra, Indonesia which traces descent and inheritance through the female line. In the second half of this episode, we will be joined by Haldi Patra, a writer, podcaster, history master’s student, and Orang Minang. Haldi's full interview is available on Patreon.
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram, @herstoryseapod! For a copy of the show notes, a shout out at the end of the next episode, access to the resource library, regional current events updates, and the occasional bonus episode, join us on Patreon at https://bit.ly/herstoryseapatreon. Sampai jumpa lagi!
6 | The Trung Sisters and the Vietnamese Rebellion of 39 AD
This episode is about the Trung Sisters, Trung Trac and Trung Nhi, heroines of the first Vietnamese independence movement, who headed a rebellion against Chinese Han dynasty overlords and briefly established an autonomous state.
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram, @herstoryseapod! For a copy of the show notes with all the references, access to the close friends Instagram stories, and a shout out at the end of the next episode, join us on Patreon at https://bit.ly/herstoryseapatreon. Sampai jumpa lagi!
5.2 | The Life and Legacy of Raden Ajeng Kartini with Priscilla Riabertha
In this special two-part episode, we are going to talk about the Indonesian heroine Raden Ajeng Kartini, with our guest Priscilla Riabertha.
Raden Ajeng Kartini is a prominent Indonesian national hero from Java. She was a pioneer in the area of education for girls and women's rights for Indonesians. In the first part, we discussed her early life, experience during pingitan or seclusion, and views on women's emancipation in Indonesia. In the second part, we talk about the last years of her life, her lasting legacy in Indonesia, and what we can take away from her story. We also feature the national song, Ibu Kita Kartini.
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram, @herstoryseapod! For a copy of the show notes with all the references, access to the close friends Instagram stories, and a shout out at the end of the next episode, join us on Patreon at https://bit.ly/herstoryseapatreon.
5.1 | The Life and Legacy of Raden Ajeng Kartini with Priscilla Riabertha
In this special two-part episode, we are going to talk about the Indonesian heroine Raden Ajeng Kartini, with our guest Priscilla Riabertha.
Raden Ajeng Kartini is a prominent Indonesian national hero from Java. She was a pioneer in the area of education for girls and women's rights for Indonesians. In the first part, we discuss her early life, experience during pingitan or seclusion, and views on women's emancipation in Indonesia. In the second part, we talk about the last years of her life, her lasting legacy in Indonesia, and what we can take away from her story. We also feature the national song, Ibu Kita Kartini.
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram, @herstoryseapod! For a copy of the show notes with all the references, access to the close friends Instagram stories, and a shout out at the end of the next episode, join us on Patreon at https://bit.ly/herstoryseapatreon.
4 | Admiral Keumalahayati and the Inong Balee
Welcome! In episode 4 we’re going to talk about Aceh’s Laksamana Keumalahayati, the first female admiral in the (modern) world, who led the Inong Balee, an all-women army of widows. This episode is special because we feature a song called Malahayati by the Indonesian band Keubitbit.
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram, @herstoryseapod! For a copy of the show notes with all the references, access to the close friends Instagram stories, and a shout out at the end of the next episode, join us on Patreon at https://bit.ly/herstoryseapatreon. Sampai jumpa lagi!
This episode was digitally enhanced for audio clarity on May 14, 2023.
3 | Ladies Chan and Mook, the Heroines of Phuket
In this episode, we’ll meet Lady Chan and Lady Mook, the Heroines of Phuket, who defended the island in the Burmese–Siamese War of 1785–1786. How did two sisters come to be in charge of an island's defence? What does their memory mean to the people of Thailand? Find out now and don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram, @herstoryseapod! For a copy of the show notes with all the references, access to the close friends Instagram stories, and a shout out at the end of the next episode, join us on Patreon at https://bit.ly/herstoryseapatreon. Maraming salamat!
This episode was digitally enhanced for audio clarity on May 14, 2023.
2 | Raja Hijau and the Queens of Patani
In this episode, we’ll talk about Raja Hijau’s rise to power, and the Malay Sultanate of Patani’s nearly unbroken line of queens from 1584 to 1718. This episode features a music clip, "Bangkit Pemuda Pemudi - Patriot Patani" by Fai Kencrut. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram, @herstoryseapod! For a copy of the show notes with all the references, access to the close friends Instagram stories, and a shout out at the end of the next episode, join us on Patreon at https://bit.ly/herstoryseapatreon. Maraming salamat!
This episode was recently improved with AI noise cancellation software.
1 | Supayalat, the Last Queen of Burma
In this episode, we’re going to meet the beautiful and ruthless Queen Supayalat. She has long been credited for the massacre of a hundred of the King's relatives to ensure her claim to the throne. But she would not hold on to power for long. Join us as we take you through the story of the last queen of Burma.
This episode has been re-recorded on the first year anniversary of the podcast using better equipment and software.
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, @herstoryseapod!
For a copy of the show notes, a shout out at the end of the next episode, access to the resource library, regional current events updates, the occasional bonus episode, and your own Spotify scannable magnet of the podcast, join us on Patreon.
Many thanks to Ashley, Shereen, Chanda, Laura, Yati, Kara, and Mando for making this possible.
Trailer | Welcome to HERstory Southeast Asia
Welcome to HERstory, the history of Southeast Asia, told from her perspective. We’ll discover historical figures, matriarchal societies, and contemporary female icons — and maybe learn about ourselves along the way. Season 1 focuses on the Southeast Asian age of commerce up to the colonial period. HERstory SEA is hosted by Manila-based Agas Ramirez.
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, @herstoryseapod! For a copy of the show notes, a shout out at the end of the next episode, access to the resource library, regional current events updates, and the occasional bonus episode, join us on Patreon at https://bit.ly/herstoryseapatreon. Sampai jumpa lagi!