On 21 May 2026, the Asian Center at the University of the Philippines Diliman hosted a webinar in collaboration with the Historical Treaties of Southeast Asia project. The roundtable, which was initiated by Ariel Lopez and entitled “Revisiting Philippine Diplomatic Histories: Treaties and Treaty-Making in the Early Modern Period,” brought together scholars of Philippine history to explore indigenous diplomatic traditions and their role in shaping political outcomes across the archipelago.
The event opened with welcome remarks by Associate Professor Noel Christian A. Moratilla, Dean of the Asian Center. Professor Moratilla highlighted how recent developments in New Diplomatic History have encouraged historians to reconsider traditional narratives of early modern diplomacy. By shifting attention to treaty-making practices and expanding the scope beyond Eurocentric frameworks, scholars are increasingly foregrounding indigenous agency. The timeliness of this approach was reflected in the strong turnout: more than 150 participants attended the webinar, engaging actively in a lively discussion following the presentations.
In his presentation, Prestige and Affection in Interpersonal Negotiations, Mark Dizon (Ateneo de Manila University) explored the dynamics of early encounters between indigenous communities in Luzon and Spanish actors. Dizon underscored the reciprocal nature of these interactions, demonstrating how both parties actively negotiated status, recognition, and trust. For example, the use of honorific titles and gestures of respect was not simply imposed by colonial agents but was part of a shared repertoire of diplomatic language. Such practices reveal how indigenous actors engaged strategically in interpersonal negotiations, shaping the terms of their relationships with colonial counterparts.
Birgit Tremml-Werner (Stockholm University), in her contribution Writing Early Mindanao-Spanish Relations into Global Diplomatic History, turned attention to Mindanao as a crucial vantage point for rethinking diplomatic history. She introduced conceptual frameworks such as “governor-general diplomacy” and “archipelagic diplomacy” to capture the layered and interconnected nature of political relations in the region. By situating Mindanao within broader global and regional networks, Tremml-Werner highlighted the importance of moving beyond Manila-centered narratives and recognizing the multiplicity of actors and perspectives involved in early modern diplomacy.
The third presentation, by George Emmanuel Borrinaga (University of San Carlos, Cebu City), entitled Ritual Diplomacy and Alliance Formation among Spanish-Contact Visayan and Mindanao Polities, 1521–1622, focused on ritualized forms of diplomacy. Borrinaga provided compelling examples of blood compacts and other ceremonies that solidified alliances among geographically and linguistically diverse communities. Significantly, these alliances often extended beyond Spanish colonial control, illustrating the persistence and adaptability of indigenous political systems. Rituals, in this sense, functioned as powerful diplomatic tools that structured relationships and affirmed mutual obligations.
In his concluding remarks, Stefan Amirell reflected on the broader implications of the presentations, emphasizing how the study of treaties and treaty-making can enrich our understanding of early modern Southeast Asia. He suggested to bring these case studies, which challenged Eurocentric narratives and highlighted indigenous acumen, in conversation with the theoretical frameworks of International Law and global IR.
A key takeaway from the roundtable was the recognition of the frequency and diversity of indigenous diplomatic practices in the Philippines. Rather than passive recipients of colonial power, indigenous groups actively shaped political and diplomatic outcomes, drawing on their own traditions, values, and networks. The speakers demonstrated how a closer reading of sources—combined with new conceptual approaches—can uncover a more nuanced and inclusive history of diplomacy.
The webinar highlighted the cutting-edge research to which the Historical Treaties of Southeast Asia (SEAT) project continues to make a significant contribution. It also created a vibrant space for interdisciplinary exchange, bringing together historians, students, and scholars from Asia, Europe, and the Americas to rethink the global dimensions of early modern diplomacy. By foregrounding indigenous perspectives and cross-cultural encounters, the discussion pushed toward a more inclusive and connected understanding of diplomatic history. Those who missed the event—or wish to revisit its insights—can watch the full recording on YouTube via the link below.
Here is a link to the Youtube Video of the event.
Written by Birgit Tremml-Werner
