Ambeth R. Ocampo's Blog, page 7

Should I study Law?

Should I study Law?
I once told Mr Justice Adolf Azcuna that I would audit law classes when I retire. I have no intention of taking the bar, I believe law would sharpen my history because as allied disciplines both argue from fact, from weighed evidence.
He threw a shade on my plans with one scary line: “History” he said calmly, “is a jealous lover.”
Should I pursue my retirement plan or not?



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The Ensaimada Lady @Legazpi Market sold out at 9 am

The Ensaimada Lady @Legazpi Market sold out at 9 am. Next time will come early.



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Get to know more about the KJMS host through the books on her shelves

Get to know more about the KJMS host through the books on her shelves.
Flattered to be first on her book recommendations.



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My Inquirer column today on the graduating class of 2025

My Inquirer column today on the graduating class of 2025



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Emilio Jacinto signs in code "Pingkian"

Emilio Jacinto signs in code "Pingkian"
Foundation of the Katipunan Branch in Cavite--MAGDIWANG.
For lack of printed letterhead the Katipunan symbol and the letters KKKNMANB were drawn on paper with handwritten minutes of a meeting of the KKK Supreme Council establishing the "Magdiwang" [Celebrate] Branch of the Katipunan, with "Apuy" [Fire/Santiago Alvarez] elected president,"Bagong-buhay" [New Life/Pascual Alvarez] Secretary, "Mabalasik"[Fierce] Fiscal and "Mabuti" [Good] Treasurer.
...

Foundation of the Katipunan Branch in Cavite--MAGDIWANG

Foundation of the Katipunan Branch in Cavite--MAGDIWANG.
For lack of printed letterhead the Katipunan symbol and the letters KKKNMANB were drawn on paper with handwritten minutes of a meeting of the KKK Supreme Council establishing the "Magdiwang" [Celebrate] Branch of the Katipunan, with "Apuy" [Fire/Santiago Alvarez] elected president,"Bagong-buhay" [New Life/Pascual Alvarez] Secretary, "Mabalasik"[Fierce] Fiscal and "Mabuti" [Good] Treasurer.
Third page of the document, [Highlighted...

Was this KKK document signed in blood?

Was this KKK document signed in blood?
Today is the 133rd birthday of the Katipunan, founded on July 7, 1892 in a house that once stood near the corner of today's C.M Recto and Elcano streets in downtown Manila.
I remember, years ago, examining this Katipunan oath at Leon Gallery where it was put on the block for auction. Nobody paid attention to it because it was written in the Katipunan code, and it was not dieemed desirable as the handful of signed letters in the legible hand of And...

Prewar Women's Basketball Team

Prewar Women's Basketball Team.
Why did Pinoys take to basketball rather than baseball or football as the favorite sport? This photograph clearly shows how differently attired our players were then. Would you rather wear these skirts or shorts? And were those leather shoes comfortable for running?
Photo@Dia Filipino, 1915.



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When ‘dinosaurs’ peopled the Inquirer, they made it No

I came of age as a columnist when the Inquirer was under Letty Jimenez Magsanoc. She is not history to me, but part of who I am and what I became. Chato Garcellano, my former editor at the opinion page, invites everyone to remember Letty Magsanoc and her legacy.


A tempest in a teacup has been stirred by someone who attributed to “dinosaurs” the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s purported bumbling journey to digital.

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Rizal's six-pack

Rizal's six-pack.
Contrary to popular belief, Rizal lifted weights. Underneath that overcoat was a buff, toned well-defined body that will give Andres Bonifacio's six-pack a run for this money.
In 2018 this relief carving by Rizal was sold at auction. I think holds the record of being the most expensive "lechon tray" in the Philippines. It depicts a man lifting weights that historian Leloy Claudio identified as "bent press." Leloy invited me to the gym to learn how Rizal lifted weight...