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Looking Back
Hindsight is the lowest form of intelligence–except for historians. In this handy collection of Ambeth Ocampo’s “Looking Back” column pieces, the popular historian digs deep and looks back carefully at events, places and important people who make up the country’s history.
92 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
69 people are currently reading
920 people want to read
About the author
Ambeth R. Ocampo
69 books409 followersLamberto 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 17, 2013
Unlike most of my Filipino friends here in Goodreads, this book is neither my first history book nor a required reading in my History class. I've read a lot of history books and had them for leisure. Primarily because I am interested to know about what happened in the past as they are oftentimes used by my favorite and not-so-favorite authors in their works. You see, sometimes you encounter a novel with a historical event as a backdrop and that perks up your interest to know what really happened in the novel's milieu.
Intention-wise, this book is good. Ambeth Ocampo is now a respected young historian in the country. However, this book (first in a series of 6) is only a compilation of this articles previously published in the country's leading broadsheet (newspaper), The Philippine Daily Inquirer. Because they are articles, they oftentimes suffer in the brevity. They are not enough to satisfy my cravings for the particulars and details. Sure, Ocampo can make the cold boring story that we used to study in school more interesting by throwing some jokes and by relating the lives of our heroes to what we have now. However, in the course of my reading Philippine literature and history books, I have encountered most of the things that Ocampo mentioned in this book. So, oftentimes my reading was boring and forgettable.
I would like to list down the nice information that I learned from this first book in the series:
Intention-wise, this book is good. Ambeth Ocampo is now a respected young historian in the country. However, this book (first in a series of 6) is only a compilation of this articles previously published in the country's leading broadsheet (newspaper), The Philippine Daily Inquirer. Because they are articles, they oftentimes suffer in the brevity. They are not enough to satisfy my cravings for the particulars and details. Sure, Ocampo can make the cold boring story that we used to study in school more interesting by throwing some jokes and by relating the lives of our heroes to what we have now. However, in the course of my reading Philippine literature and history books, I have encountered most of the things that Ocampo mentioned in this book. So, oftentimes my reading was boring and forgettable.
I would like to list down the nice information that I learned from this first book in the series:
1. "Mier das" in Spanish means "shit." So next time you say, "Mag-la mierda tayo" it could be misinterpreted as you are inviting your friend to each shit. (p. 20)Those were just the three new things that I learned from this book. All the 6 books in the series have been in my possession since a couple of years now but I decided to read them one after the other now to catch up with my 2013 Reading Challenge. My backlog is increasing and I want to hit my 300-book target. I can still make it, don't you think?
2. "Pitoy" in colloquial Spanish means "penis" so when Pitoy Moreno was called on the stage after his models did their modelling, the public burst into laughter because his name means "dark penis." (p. 40)
3. Magellan was not the one who named our country "Felipinas" (that later was changed to its present name Philippines). It was Ruy Lopez de Villalobos. In 1521, when Magellan reported about his voyage to Spain, he used the name Islas del Poniente or "Isles of the West." (p. 61)
December 17, 2012
Philippine History is my favorite aspect of history. Written in a witty manner, the book uncovers unfamiliar yet cool facts about our nation’s past. If only these would be taught in a similarly motivating way, I’m sure the younger generation would grow to love our country’s rich and wonderful history.
The book also portrays our national heroes in a different angle. These historical figures have been confined in our minds and classrooms as superheroes with seemingly extraordinary stature, and yet they are also human beings like us. Ambeth Ocampo’s book showed their human side, helping the readers identify to their character as ordinary Filipino with extraordinary desire to serve the country.
This is my first Ambeth Ocampo book, and I like it. His expertise as a historian and researcher was exemplified in Looking Back. I also like the way that he encourages his readers to not cease in exploring our history, for the lessons of the past will certainly guide our present and benefit the future. I will definitely collect more of his books!
The book also portrays our national heroes in a different angle. These historical figures have been confined in our minds and classrooms as superheroes with seemingly extraordinary stature, and yet they are also human beings like us. Ambeth Ocampo’s book showed their human side, helping the readers identify to their character as ordinary Filipino with extraordinary desire to serve the country.
This is my first Ambeth Ocampo book, and I like it. His expertise as a historian and researcher was exemplified in Looking Back. I also like the way that he encourages his readers to not cease in exploring our history, for the lessons of the past will certainly guide our present and benefit the future. I will definitely collect more of his books!
February 24, 2015
I always loved history but this book showed another side of history. Other side of heroes whom we believe as superhumans. Ocampo showed their human side. Suddenly the became real, like us. I can imagine being friends with Quezon, helping him in courting women. I can imagine hating the Luna brothers. I also enjoy the Spanish lessons, very enlightening. Every Filipinos should read this. This is the juicy part of Philippine history not taught in the classroom. I would definitely read more Ambeth Ocampo books!
February 17, 2012
I got a copy of this book when I attended Dr Ambeth Ocampo's lecture: Mukhang Pera: Bank Notes and Nation, at National Museum. I paid only Php. 200.00 and I was able to get into the lecture plus the book.
The book, a collection of articles extracted from Ambeth's column in Inquirer which bear the same name as with the book, is a worthwhile reading. Instead of going into the usual presentation of History, Ambeth, a true historian, examines deeper on things which might other historians do no bother. Throughout the book are pages filled with revelations we would not expect that will surely make you utter those hackneyed exclaimations such as "Really?", "OMG!", "Wow", etc.
The book made history not only a painstaking, serious profession but a fun, enjoyable, and more interesting to read.
The book, a collection of articles extracted from Ambeth's column in Inquirer which bear the same name as with the book, is a worthwhile reading. Instead of going into the usual presentation of History, Ambeth, a true historian, examines deeper on things which might other historians do no bother. Throughout the book are pages filled with revelations we would not expect that will surely make you utter those hackneyed exclaimations such as "Really?", "OMG!", "Wow", etc.
The book made history not only a painstaking, serious profession but a fun, enjoyable, and more interesting to read.
November 18, 2012
A good read book! It's like I'm reading a very compelling novel where all the characters are inspired by real events and true story.
I never had an enormous interest to our local history (although I always loved history) since this book had reached me. I just realized how our history classes had deprived us in knowing much of what we should have learned from our past. That limitation is disheartening knowing that our students today have so much better to learn from our own history.
If Ambeth R. Ocampo was my History Professor, I might had another career direction to go through on becoming the same as he; haha! Not as best as him of course but perhaps having the same passion to learn more and go beyond whatever it takes for the sake of learning. His approach of sharing the history is far different from what we had accustomed to have of which how our academic learning of the discipline can be much as "fascinating as a whodunit"-A.R.O
I'll definitely read the rest of the editions.
I never had an enormous interest to our local history (although I always loved history) since this book had reached me. I just realized how our history classes had deprived us in knowing much of what we should have learned from our past. That limitation is disheartening knowing that our students today have so much better to learn from our own history.
If Ambeth R. Ocampo was my History Professor, I might had another career direction to go through on becoming the same as he; haha! Not as best as him of course but perhaps having the same passion to learn more and go beyond whatever it takes for the sake of learning. His approach of sharing the history is far different from what we had accustomed to have of which how our academic learning of the discipline can be much as "fascinating as a whodunit"-A.R.O
I'll definitely read the rest of the editions.
June 1, 2014
This book is not just about heroes and politics, it has also given us a background of some of the terms we now use which reminds us, as we have always been reminded, to think twice before we utter something.
December 28, 2012
Mahirap basahin ng isang upuan kasi hindi mo naman maabsorb lahat mg facts ng isang upuan nuh.
pwera na lang kung pasikat ka at gusto mo matapos agad. ( just like what I did. XD )
pwera na lang kung pasikat ka at gusto mo matapos agad. ( just like what I did. XD )
October 15, 2023
Short book, the first of many collections of Ambeth Ocampo's columns. I do wonder sometimes if I would rather just look for the columns themselves, but having the collection in standalone books is good too. Definitely a great set of side stories about Philippine history, and more to the point, a good humanising tome on several key figures in the national consciousness.
January 20, 2013
A history like you've never heard before.
Balik tanaw. Unang akda ni Ambeth Ocampo na nabasa ko. Ang Looking Back ay series ng mga nailathalang artikulo niya sa mga pahayagan.
At bilang paunang tikim sa series na ito. Pinili niya ang mga artikulong may kinalaman sa ating mga sikat na bayani. Ibinunyag niya dito ang mga buhay pag-ibig ng mga nasabing bayani.
Bukod sa mga bayani at kani-kanilang pag-ibig. Ikinuwento din niya ang kasaysayan ng iba't ibang mga pangalan.
Napakarami kong bagong natutunan. Tinuro niya dito ang mga bagay na kailanman ay hinding hindi ituturo sa paaralan.
Mabuhay ka Ambeth.
Balik tanaw. Unang akda ni Ambeth Ocampo na nabasa ko. Ang Looking Back ay series ng mga nailathalang artikulo niya sa mga pahayagan.
At bilang paunang tikim sa series na ito. Pinili niya ang mga artikulong may kinalaman sa ating mga sikat na bayani. Ibinunyag niya dito ang mga buhay pag-ibig ng mga nasabing bayani.
Bukod sa mga bayani at kani-kanilang pag-ibig. Ikinuwento din niya ang kasaysayan ng iba't ibang mga pangalan.
Napakarami kong bagong natutunan. Tinuro niya dito ang mga bagay na kailanman ay hinding hindi ituturo sa paaralan.
Mabuhay ka Ambeth.
September 11, 2013
This was a required read for my literature class. I really didn't want to buy this book because I never did fancy buying/ reading books written in my own language but after finishing this book, I dont regret a single cent that i spent buying it. It was hilarious and entertaining. If history classes were told the same way it was, I probably would have listened, understood and cared more about philippine history.
Highly recommended book for my fellow Filipino people!
Highly recommended book for my fellow Filipino people!
October 16, 2015
I'll give it 4.5 stars
Interesting, informative yet not quite as reliable as a regular history book (not the government-sponsored books though). Like any other historians, he has his own interpretation of the history. Though unlike the notable historian Agoncillo with his writings against Luna, he's not as aggressive about his findings.
Interesting, informative yet not quite as reliable as a regular history book (not the government-sponsored books though). Like any other historians, he has his own interpretation of the history. Though unlike the notable historian Agoncillo with his writings against Luna, he's not as aggressive about his findings.
December 16, 2025
His book is exactly the way he talks, as if he’s speaking through every page.
I came across his history books thanks to strangers I met at a totally unrelated art event who said they were fans. The following weeks, I found out that his work is really popular, you can easily spot his name plastered on books displayed on shelves. That made me curious, so I started watching and listening to his interviews and videos on YouTube. And now I understand what they meant. He really is fascinating. He’s the history teacher everyone would want, and I’m so jealous of those who get to experience his in-person lectures. The video that fascinates me the most is the one where he talks about the geography of the Philippines and our long history even before colonialism.
Anyway, about this book Looking Back. It’s a short read. He really humanizes our heroes and notable historical figures, making their stories interesting not because of their achievements or contributions, but because of who they were as people… with personality, emotions, and even stupidity. And that’s what makes it easier to remember who’s who, since their stories are told in a descriptive, almost fiction-like way.
If I had to choose my favorite part, it would be the chapters on surnames and cuss words. I’m fascinated by how Ambeth examines the everyday details we take for granted and reveals the history hiding in them.
I came across his history books thanks to strangers I met at a totally unrelated art event who said they were fans. The following weeks, I found out that his work is really popular, you can easily spot his name plastered on books displayed on shelves. That made me curious, so I started watching and listening to his interviews and videos on YouTube. And now I understand what they meant. He really is fascinating. He’s the history teacher everyone would want, and I’m so jealous of those who get to experience his in-person lectures. The video that fascinates me the most is the one where he talks about the geography of the Philippines and our long history even before colonialism.
Anyway, about this book Looking Back. It’s a short read. He really humanizes our heroes and notable historical figures, making their stories interesting not because of their achievements or contributions, but because of who they were as people… with personality, emotions, and even stupidity. And that’s what makes it easier to remember who’s who, since their stories are told in a descriptive, almost fiction-like way.
If I had to choose my favorite part, it would be the chapters on surnames and cuss words. I’m fascinated by how Ambeth examines the everyday details we take for granted and reveals the history hiding in them.
May 22, 2017
"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.
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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.
October 14, 2025
"if only we were not separated from our past by language, we would appreciate our history and heroes more."
sometimes, i find philippine history to be very fascinating, but most times, just sad. esp because of the ones that are forever lost, no record or documentation. even the people that were forgotten, their wisdom and knowledge died with them.
in hindsight, a lot are just hearsay, aside from those on record, but even some of it are slightly, if not heavily distorted to fit certain narratives. etymology in this context, a lot of them literally got lost in translation. i learned new things from this book, sana lang ma-retain ng utak ko haha
nakakatawa sya na nakakapikon 🥲 like, what if nga nabili ng japan or ng belgium ang pilipinas? pero ang gigil ko sa spaniards and americans talaga haist sksks chz
4.0 ⭐️
sometimes, i find philippine history to be very fascinating, but most times, just sad. esp because of the ones that are forever lost, no record or documentation. even the people that were forgotten, their wisdom and knowledge died with them.
in hindsight, a lot are just hearsay, aside from those on record, but even some of it are slightly, if not heavily distorted to fit certain narratives. etymology in this context, a lot of them literally got lost in translation. i learned new things from this book, sana lang ma-retain ng utak ko haha
nakakatawa sya na nakakapikon 🥲 like, what if nga nabili ng japan or ng belgium ang pilipinas? pero ang gigil ko sa spaniards and americans talaga haist sksks chz
4.0 ⭐️
December 16, 2020
I'm a sucker for anything related to PH History, especially if it's written by Sir Ambeth Ocampo. I've actually read a few 'Looking Back' books before this one, so me liking this one is probably a result of getting used to the clipped writing style.
The text was honestly enough for me to be able to digest the weird and fun facts shared in this one. It gives you just a tiny hint, but gives you references on where you could find other things for yourself. I am quite frankly glued to this series, and I could thoroughly understand why my Social Studies teacher ultimately recommends why we tune in on the newspaper just for Ambeth's column alone.
(Terribly sorry for the way this is structured. It's 2 a.m.)
The text was honestly enough for me to be able to digest the weird and fun facts shared in this one. It gives you just a tiny hint, but gives you references on where you could find other things for yourself. I am quite frankly glued to this series, and I could thoroughly understand why my Social Studies teacher ultimately recommends why we tune in on the newspaper just for Ambeth's column alone.
(Terribly sorry for the way this is structured. It's 2 a.m.)
March 25, 2018
Pretty fun. I've always been a fan of studying history — an interest which was fueled even more by my time in the university — so I'm always excited to read new material about certain aspects of our history that never seem to be mentioned in our schoolbooks, or are often told inaccurately that they end up misguiding instead of informing. The essays do feel a bit short, although I feel part of it is because we still have yet to discover much more about our own past.
Finally, historians will always have their own bias and that was clearly evident here, but to me it only encourages more research and a bigger effort to consult other works.
Finally, historians will always have their own bias and that was clearly evident here, but to me it only encourages more research and a bigger effort to consult other works.
October 31, 2018
In his "Looking Back" series, Ocampo makes Filipino history even more palatable than in his academia. Not that his more formal writing is harder to digest but his shorter essays are perfect for lighter fare, such as on a commute or before bed. Focusing on the two centuries before the turn of the millennium, Ocampo brings overlooked or supposedly unimportant details in the national history to the forefront. He makes history more a story than a collection of dates and facts and its characters relatable.
September 18, 2023
One of the few books I've finished reading in a day.
Still reeling from my encounter (I nearly bumped into him!) with the great Ambeth R. Ocampo at the recently held MIBF 2023, I got interested in his works, thus picking up a couple of his books, including this one.
Every chapter of this first book in a series gave me a "Weh? 'Di ko alam 'yun ha!" moment.
This is a great book to read and have if you're a history buff and a bookworm at the same time.
Kudos to the author for giving us additional information on the history of our country that otherwise wouldn't have been taught in schools.
Still reeling from my encounter (I nearly bumped into him!) with the great Ambeth R. Ocampo at the recently held MIBF 2023, I got interested in his works, thus picking up a couple of his books, including this one.
Every chapter of this first book in a series gave me a "Weh? 'Di ko alam 'yun ha!" moment.
This is a great book to read and have if you're a history buff and a bookworm at the same time.
Kudos to the author for giving us additional information on the history of our country that otherwise wouldn't have been taught in schools.
December 11, 2024
Ambeth Ocampo has a unique way of telling accounts of history in a very engaging and educational way compared to the usual memorization of dates, names and places in schools.
Despite the book being thin and small, it carries substantial value as it shares very interesting fragments of our rich history told in a very captivating manner.
It's interesting to know about General MacAthur's Filipina lover and how we could have been a German colony.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series and expand my knowledge on Philippine history.
Despite the book being thin and small, it carries substantial value as it shares very interesting fragments of our rich history told in a very captivating manner.
It's interesting to know about General MacAthur's Filipina lover and how we could have been a German colony.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series and expand my knowledge on Philippine history.
February 19, 2022
This book does read like “Tsismis” or a gossip column. I see the author’s intentions to make history more fun or relatable, but for me the book felt a little disjointed and lacked cohesion.
I will say though, that Ocampo does make history and historical figures more relatable, seeing their humanity and little known bits of info that you wouldn’t know or read otherwise in typical history books. There were some facts I learned while reading that other reviewers have mentioned, thus the 3 stars.
I will say though, that Ocampo does make history and historical figures more relatable, seeing their humanity and little known bits of info that you wouldn’t know or read otherwise in typical history books. There were some facts I learned while reading that other reviewers have mentioned, thus the 3 stars.
September 3, 2018
Ambeth Ocampo’s Looking Back
His tidbits regarding some moments in Philippine History is truly a delight! Though it did not made me think about what the Philippines ought to be nor did it challenge the way I viewed my country, it was a good book, in the sense the it was a trivia book!
To anyone who wants to discover some moments of Philippine history, I suggest you read this book!
His tidbits regarding some moments in Philippine History is truly a delight! Though it did not made me think about what the Philippines ought to be nor did it challenge the way I viewed my country, it was a good book, in the sense the it was a trivia book!
To anyone who wants to discover some moments of Philippine history, I suggest you read this book!
February 10, 2024
Interesting tidbits of history, made even more interesting with the clarity that Ambeth Ocampo possesses as a writer. Enough to whet your appetite, but just as your interest is piqued, each column ends.
Nevertheless, this series is still valuable primarily considering the limited attention span that we now have for reading and especially for history.
Nevertheless, this series is still valuable primarily considering the limited attention span that we now have for reading and especially for history.
May 4, 2024
The writings in this book give depth and nuances to people whom we only know by studying Araling Panlipunan or HeKaSi.
Highlights of the book (for me!):
- Pitoy Moreno anecdote
- the steamy love affair tsismis-es
- Maynilad vs May nila
- Luna's Bulaquena and "Paz Pardo de Tavera" painting
- Gregoria de Jesus's badassery
Highlights of the book (for me!):
- Pitoy Moreno anecdote
- the steamy love affair tsismis-es
- Maynilad vs May nila
- Luna's Bulaquena and "Paz Pardo de Tavera" painting
- Gregoria de Jesus's badassery
January 31, 2024
Enjoyed reading these essays. And having attended one of his lectures, I can definitely hear his voice in my head while reading this (parang audiobook lang 😅).
Looking forward to reading more from the series.
Looking forward to reading more from the series.
February 7, 2018
Easy read and entertaining but very educational as well. :)
December 9, 2018
So entertaining and informative. I'm glad I bought a set so I can read a volume after finishing a serious tome.
February 3, 2019
Some anecdotes you can share over coffee.
December 8, 2019
Review to follow.
August 21, 2020
Like a casual, "tsimis" version of history -- and I don't necessarily mean that in a bad way!
October 17, 2020
Lots of cool stuff here!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews