According to Francisco, an indologist from the University of the Philippines Manila, the Ramayana arrived in the Philippines some time between the 17th to 19th centuries, via interactions with Javanese and Malaysian cultures which traded extensively with India.[48](p101)
Francisco first heard the poem being sung by Maranao bards around Lake Lanao in 1968. He then sought the help of Maranao scholar Nagasura Madale, resulting in a rhyming English translation of the epic.[2]
Gold images of 'Garud' found in Tabon Caves, the cradle of Philippine Civilization, points towards the evidences of Ramayan.
There is a document of 900 CE, inscribed on a copper plate in Kavi Script- Pali alphabet.
*Note- Traders from Orissa ,for the Bali Jatra have known to go via the Port of Malaya.
Juan R Francisco discovered a miniature Ramayan among the Maranvas, an ethnic group converted to Islam around 500 yrs back, they were narrating a story called
'Maharida Lawana’ / Maharaj Ravan, at a community gathering.
Just like Ramleela the story accompanied with music begins with Ravan praying to Allah and jibrael, Lakshman is depicted as the monkey son of Ram Sita.
Before the arrival of Arabs to Sulu Island in 1450, the chiefs of most Philippine islands were called Rajas. The script was derived from Brahmai.
The vocabulary in all Philippine languages reflect Hindu influences.
The Philippine Ramayan is called, Maradia Lawana and Darangen
Rajah Mangandiri is another oral tradition Ramayana of the Southern Philippines.
