Dr. Joefe B. Santarita, Assistant Professor at the Asian Center, spoke at a lecture-forum, "Comparative Perspectives on Pre-Islamic Visayas and Mindanao," on 20 March 2014 at the University of the Philippines Visayas Iloilo City.

In his lecture, Capitalizing on Cultural Connections: Indian Influences in the Philippines, Dr. Santarita highlighted such non-architectural influences, such as that in language (Sanskrit) and literature (Maharadia Lawana, a Maranao adaptation of the great Indian epic, Ramayana).  

The lecture was organized by the Center for West Visayan Studies, College of Arts and Sciences in partnership with the Southeast Asia Commonality Research Center (SEACOM). According to the UPV press release, the lecture sought to explore "the importance of history, customs, and traditions" between the 9th and 14th centuries C.E. in the Philippines, especially in the Visayas. 

For more information, read the UPV press release. Dr. Santarita also serves as the College Secretary and coordinates the South Asian Studies graduate program of the Asian Center. He teaches Masters-level courses on South Asian history, culture, society, and ASEAN regionalism.

PHOTO: Dr. Joefe Santarita (Left) with organizers and fellow speakers. Courtesy of SEACOM.