Dirty Dancing

Looking Back #2

by Ambeth R. Ocampo

To a people who are blind to the lessons of the past, Ambeth R. Ocampo is the one-eyed king. Sure, he has his critics, but all the time, he is entertaining, fresh and bracing, not stodgy or stultifying like some academics with their voluminous footnotes and explanations. He always makes historical figures come alive, blemishes and all, and with his curious eye, makes our heroes very human and not the mythic figures that we want to make of them. Ambeth makes history enjoyable reading while at the same time makes it anchor us to the past and therefore, and hopefully, prepares us for the future.

-- F. Sionil Jose, National Artist for Literature

Genres: History, Nonfiction

105 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

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

[K.D. Absolutely · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this second book better than the first. Well, it's quite understandable, I supposed, because Ocampo must have opted to present the ones of "common" knowledge first in Book 1 before delving deeper into the "little known" facts. I also have a feeling that I was already able to adjust to the shortness of the articles that I was no longer bothered of having that feeling of wanting more after each reading. This series has become my toilet companion these past couple of weeks. We, readers, bring our books in the toilet, I supposed?

This book has all these snippets of the lives of less-known heroes like Mabini and Galicano Apacible. It also has this picture of my lost friend's favorite beer: Chimay. It reminded me of how his eyes would bright up if I said we would go to Hobbit House and we could drink his favorite monk-manufactured beer. This book also has the story about The Beatles' visit to the Philippines in 1966. Something that was very interesting for me because it was my first time to read these stories. I was 2 years old then and of course, even if my parents brought me to the concert or to the station to watch The Beatles, I would not have remembered a thing.

The only articles that bored me a bit in this book are those that talk about the different supposed-to-be funny names of establishments here in the Philippines as well as abroad. Some of them have no relations at all to history. Ocampo seemed to have been fascinated by them because he found them funny and he wanted to share those to us. Unfortunately, I am going through some kind of withdrawal from my lost friend's presence so I guess I am also missing my funny bone.

But of course, there is reading to make my brain busier and there is my 2013 Reading Challenge to catch. This is my third year in the Goodreads challenge and I should not blow this one.

[Khonie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains 26 essays about a mix of historic events/people: Philippine revolutionary heroes, names, the Beatles, an earthquake, a murder...among other things. I am not a fan of the Beatles, but the four essays about their visit in Manila in 1966 was pretty interesting.

[JeLo Guevara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.75

The "Looking Back" series is a collection of articles/editorials written by Sir Ambeth Ocampo in his column in a Philippine newspaper. His column talks about Philippine history and his commentary on it.

This book is very endearing - light and entertaining to read. And while the title is a nod to the first article about Apolinario Mabini and the historical connotation of dancing, I feel like it is more apt to entitle it "A History Of Names" or something along these lines as a big portion of this book contains articles about the history and culture of naming here in the Philippines.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Looking Back 2 continues to be as entertaining as the first one. From the capture of Aguinaldo to the facts of false economy during the late 1930s, then to the gays in the Philippine revolution, The Beatles stories in Manila (including postscripts), the human side of Bonifacio, and the heroes in disguise - Mr. Ocampo stirs up my curiosity on things i didn't learn when i was in Philippine history class (seriously, i envy friends who had a chance to sit in his class at admu).

*************

Direct quotations from Bonifacio are rare. But it is indeed a gem to find out the human side of a hero who is portrayed as a man of steel:

"I do not know how much sacrifice you can lend to our cause. Posterity will recognize you and this makes me glad. In case i fall in battle, re-marry so you will be protected, but choose a man who will have the same love and affection which i have for you." --- The Supremo to his Oriang (Gregoria de Jesus' memoirs, 1896)

[Neri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 stars for the writing style that I feel sometimes cut up. Nevertheless the flavor of history cannot be denied in this collection and even makes me want to research more on the points Ambeth started to scratch; thus the additional star.

Filipinos should re-read history like this for us to learn from the strengths and weaknesses of the past, lest we just continue repeating history - the latter being unfortunate.

[Maan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is all about history but I finished it in one sitting because I got lost in layers upon layers of rumors, deceit, and other juicy stuff.

Enjoyed Mabini's English, Fun in Names, and The Beatles in Manila (because I'm such a fan and if I had my way, I wanted to be born during their time).

[kb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way Ambeth Ocampo rewrites history in this entertaining, consumable way is impressive. For instance, I don't think I've ever laughed reading a history book before. It's a mix of good research, good experiences, and good sense of humor.

[Alyssa Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Looking Back series I've read by no other than the renowned historian, Ambeth Ocampo, and so far, this author consistently written it not only with his mind. Ambeth's work has a soul

[Wogie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2nd Part of a History Book series about Philippines' History during Spanish Times and our culture

[Bookbed · Rating 3 out of 5]

"History? Fun? Yes! History, after all, is a collection of stories, complete with characters, settings and plots. History, in Filipino, is “kasaysayan,” which means “salaysay na may saysay.” That translates to 'meaningful stories.' People like stories, right? More so if they bring meaning to them. Some of these stories can be found in the Looking Back series by Ambeth Ocampo." Continue reading our post here.

Please note: We don't use ratings but for this purpose, we tag books with three stars by default.
Would like to be a reviewer/contributor to Bookbed? Sign up here!
We also accept review requests. More info here.

[John Ray Catingub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good collection of essays by Ocampo that touch on the Revolution, the naming conventions of Filipinos, and, surprisingly, the Beatles' 1966 visit and subsequent snub. Ocampo always makes these short essays digestible though I wish they were longer. Some anecdotes are comedic, bringing liveliness to a subject (history) that is often though of as dusty and boring.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Challenge: Around the world in 80 books
Location: Home. Asia. Philippines.
Favorite parts:
- I was going to be named Agrippina, after my grandma and after the patron saint of our birthday. This book says that the name Agrifina is short for Department of Agriculture and Finance in Luneta.
- The Beatles visit in Manila

[Precious Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

* First book done for #AsianReadathon #StanAsianAuthor *

Always a five-star, no matter how tedious I felt reading snippets of our history. Just the sheer dedication to provide unbiased stories to otherwise biased history, and the dedication to humanize heroes and villains alike, Ambeth Ocampo's writing will always be something I won't get tired reading.

[Paransis · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing that made me laugh for 15 minutes straight was "Sylvester's Salon". 😭

[Monzenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Per usual, an enjoyable read. Too bad about the title because a big section of this chapter is about fun with Philippine names. Doesn't deter from the overall enjoyability of the book, though

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book I've learned about the un-Filipino-like treatment received by The Beatles when they came here in Manila; about the gays in Philippine revolution; and offered some smile for those funny Filipino business names.

There's so much more to learn about our history and let's all offer our thanks to Ambeth Ocampo for making it easier for common folks to read about it. History doesn't have to boring and too traditional. We have Ambeth now giving us a new alternative on how to enjoy history—by writing short and entertaining essays about it! Whispers Isn't that great?

[Steffanie Jorj · Rating 4 out of 5]

just see how the way history works and how it's told. when it comes to history, you have to be critical and not believe everything you hear or see unless it's undeniably proven. Otherwise, you have to read a lot and compare historical accounts. What comes next is a judgment call between a thesis and antithesis... As for Looking Back, it sure is a more entertaining way to view history in contrast with typical textbooks.

[Trixie Garvida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting how the author has written history by just playing with names, establishments, and even plate numbers in this book.

This book got me researching my name's etymology as well.

History is not just about the heroes of the country, it may also be from those things another may find ordinary in the present.

[jellybean]

very interesting! i liked the essays about names, some of them were quite funny. also the essays about the beatles in manila were a fascinating read. i'm reading the looking back books out of order though, so assume some topics were adressed here first and were redundant in later books

[Ivy Bernadette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #18 for 2013 Reading Challenge

[Carlo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice cover. :)