Ambeth R. Ocampo's Blog, page 10

My Inquirer column today on Mexico’s attempt to jump-start the revolution in the Philippines and its independence from Spain

My Inquirer column today on Mexico’s attempt to jump-start the revolution in the Philippines and its independence from Spain.



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Have you ever read the Declaration of Philippine Independence from Spain?

Have you ever read the Declaration of Philippine Independence from Spain?
The declaration composed and read by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista by the window of Emilio Aguinaldo’s Kawit home on June 12, 1898 explains the flag differently from that taught in Araling Panlipunan.
The White Triangle refers to the Katipunan, the three stars symbolize: Luzon, Panay, and Mindanao. The mythical sun, with a face, lights our way to progress, its eight rays represent the eight provinces placed under M...

Photos from Ambeth R. Ocampo's post

My Inquirer column today is on the time the dark blue field in our flag turned pale and the controversy it created in the name of historical "accuracy." Then there is the slip in the Constitution that forgot to specify the color of the sun and stars in our flag.
https://opinion.inquirer.net/183837/o...





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Do you prefer the Philippine flag with or without a face?

Do you prefer the Philippine flag with or without a face?
When Henry L. Stimson, U.S. Governor-general of the Philippines, left Manila in 1929 to assume the post of U.S. Secretary of State (he served twice under two different presidents as Secretary of War), he has given a despedida by Manuel L. Quezon (Left) and Manuel Roxas (Right).
Governor and Mrs Stimson were presented with a huge Philippine flag as a souvenir. Not only was it made of fine silk, but the sun had a pair of eyes, a nose,...

APOLINARIO MABINI “nagugulo na ang aking ulo.”

APOLINARIO MABINI “nagugulo na ang aking ulo.”
It’s a pity Mabini has been cheapened by his handle, “The Sublime Paralytic” or “Dakilang Lumpo.” He was much more than being a Person With Disability or PWD. He was summoned to Kawit on the strength of his reputation of having an “ulong ginto” or “head/brain of gold.” As Emilio Aguinaldo’s closest adviser, he acted like today’s Executive Secretary, going over all papers sent to the president, and making a recommendation for action or disapproval. H...

See you at the conference on Faith, Empire & the Archive"

See you at the conference on Faith, Empire & the Archive"
I will deliver the Keynote: "History: Lost & Found."
Date: Thursday, 26 June 2025
Venue: San Agustin Museum and Library from 9:30 AM
Free and open to the public, but seating is limited.
Programme details and required registration:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/135737......



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Photos from Ambeth R. Ocampo's post

My Inquirer column today on a woman behind one of the most influential Filipino historians of the 20th century.
https://opinion.inquirer.net/183729/l...





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KKK Entrance Exam Cheat Sheet

KKK Entrance Exam Cheat Sheet.
Men applying to the Katipunan had to pass a three-point written exam in Tagalog. I have seen blank exam sheets in private collections, some auctioned some years ago in Leon Gallery, but one in the Archivo General Militar in Madrid provides the answers!
The exceptional penmanship, if I am not mistaken, could be in Andres Bonifacio's fine hand.
Translated from the original Tagalog:
Question 1: “What was the state of the Philippines in the past?”
Answer: “Once upon a ...

A stunning sketch of a manta ray (thanks to everyone who corrected my earlier post) Rizal saw in the sea left for us in one of h...

A stunning sketch of a manta ray (thanks to everyone who corrected my earlier post) Rizal saw in the sea left for us in one of his travel diaries. I wish I could draw half as good as this.
Original manuscript preserved in the National Library of the Philippines.



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Did you know that there is a secret passage from Emilio Aguinaldo’s bedroom to this mirror-finish two-lane duckpin bowling alley...

Did you know that there is a secret passage from Emilio Aguinaldo’s bedroom to this mirror-finish two-lane duckpin bowling alley?



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