Quezon's Sukiyaki

Looking Back #12

by Ambeth R. Ocampo

"Textbook history didn't teach me much about World War II, the Japanese were portrayed as evil, but not as bad as the Spanish who shot Rizal. From this viewpoint the U.S. liberated us twice: first from the Spanish in 1898, then the Japanese in 1945. Extended stays in Japan made me rethink many things personal and historical that resulted in essays compiled in this book."
From the Introduction

Ambeth R. Ocampo was awarded the 2016 Fukuoka Prize.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

122 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Lamberto R. Ocampo better known as Ambeth R. Ocampo (b. 1961) is Filipino historian, academic, journalist, cultural administrator and author best known for his writings about Philippines' national hero José Rizal, and for his bi-weekly editorial page column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, "Looking Back." He became the Chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 2002 until 2010, and was appointed as Chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in 2005 until 2007.

Reviews

[Lightgrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read. Would have wanted more "aha moments".

[kb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This looks at our Japanese ties (roots?) in particular, which is both a terrifying and enlightening experience given our history with them and given the fact that a lot of us can be Japan-crazed, yours truly included. But that's kind of the point of this book - to show where our cultures intersect and to remind us what we should continue to remember





Everything I read in 2020 here :)

[Monzenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the risk of being yet another "topic - okay; topic, Japan - woah" rating, I liked this entry in the Looking Back series. I would like to say the strongest Ambeth article collections are those that revolve around a theme, with this one full of Philippines-Japan connections as well as Ambeth's personal experiences. I would like to say that strong, cohesive narratives blend well with the usual historical flair and interesting stories. And, all right fine, it helps that I recognize the places he's been to and allat.

[Joe Zralka · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than half of this book was all about Japan's influence in Philippine history and its astrocities during WWII. Ocampo's bold and vivid narratives on the abuses during the Japanese occupation was rightfully compared to the destruction of Nagasaki. A lot more personalities were discussed in this book such as Ricarte, Leonard Wood and John Steinbeck. Overall Ocampo's books bring us to another time that our textbooks never brought us.

[Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm considering this a personal favorite because it is a Japan-Philippines collection of essays. From tansan to Lord Takayama, Sir Ambeth was able to draw the ties that bind Japan and the Philippines, more than manga and anime (which I both like anyway). It's a must-read for those who search for culture in the shoddy streets of Manila and elsewhere in the country.

[Delie Dell Chua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aside from some essays on pres manuel quezon, mr ocampo introduced sir artemio ricarte, mariano ponce—- now theyre more than just a name we come across with from history textbooks.... this book also talks about a lot of stuff about japan-philippines way before worldwar2- the connection and relationship.

I find this book another 5 stars out of mr ocampo’s looking back series :)

[danicatalyst · Rating 4 out of 5]

"...our relations with Japan are not just historical but cultural too."

A quick and great read that not just refreshed my memory in history but also taught me more new things I never read in textbooks. This book introduced me to new names I never heard of and trivias I found amusing. I learned so many new knowledge in 122 pages, and I'm craving for more.

[coppélia ୨९ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book with nothing in mind but to entertain myself while waiting for a friend in a café. If you are a person who always has a packed schedule and wants to lose yourself in the pages of the past in a much-relaxed manner, this is the perfect book. Para ka lang nakikipag-chika dito.

[emil · Rating 5 out of 5]

insightful and well written :-)

[Marianne Gaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Quick read
- Interesting to read about Japanese-Filipino connections during Spanish and American Colonial times versus the usual WWII stories.

[Edd Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Either too easy, or I'm too out of it. Granted I read it whenever I was in line at the jeepney terminal, Sukiyaki actually unearths a lot of interesting facts you kind of only encounter during conversations while having lunch with your history professors. Ambeth Ocampo circles around facts of the Philippines' cordial relationship with Japan which had been long lost because of the war. The collection of articles narrates in very personal ambiance (almost anecdote-like) his research in digging into this link to the land of the Tansan. PS Especially loved the bio on the mysterious Osei-san

[Matthew Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Looking Back volume by Ocampo mostly focuses the cultural and historical references between the Philippines and Japan. What I found quite interesting in this volume is that this book by itself become a guidebook for Philippine travelers exploring Japan for the first time.

[Nathan Elmido · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read. Shines a light on Philippine-Japanese relations not often highlighted in history books. Shows how connected our cultures actually are. Interesting facts + cool stories = chika sessions with Ocampo.