01 August 2016 — The Philippine Embassy and Sentro Rizal in Jakarta in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts invited the multi-awarded Filipino historian and author Professor Ambeth Ocampo to Jakarta to share his expertise and passion on Philippine History on July 22 to 23. 

90 Kababayans in Jakarta attended the first lecture entitled “Bayan Bago Sarili: Jose Rizal and the Emergence of the Filipino Nation” held at the Embassy Multi-Purpose Hallon July 22.  Professor Ocampo provided a factual and captivating explanation of the life of our national hero by humanizing a paragon of Filipino nationalism.  The event became an avenue for a deeper appreciation of the Philippine history by unfolding the myths most Filipino students are taught in schools. The lecture was met with a standing ovation and ended with an equally dynamic exchange of thoughts through an open forum.

Meanwhile, Professor Ocampo’s second lecture ”Philippine Banknotes as a Mirror of the Nation: Mukhang Pera” was delivered at the third meeting of the Philippine Business Club Indonesian (PBCI) at the Mediterranean Function Room, Pacific Place, Sudirman, Jakarta on July 23.  143 Filipinos in Jakarta were given insights on the currency of various nations and an explanation of the evolution of the Philippine currency through history particularly on how the creation of money was affected by the nation’s history and culture.  The Professor concluded, “Banknotes design is the expression of national identity.” Every participant went home with a renewed pride for his/her national identity and a deeper desire to achieve excellence in their workplaces. END