Renowned Historian Presents "Rizal: the Hero as Traveler" in New York

Professor Ambeth Ocampo (center) shares fascinating facts and stories of Dr. Rizal's travels during a forum in New York commemorating the 158th birth anniversary of the Filipino national hero. (New York PCG photo)

NEW YORK 03 July 2019 — The Philippine Consulate General in New York organized a presentation by Professor Ambeth R. Ocampo in New York with the theme "Rizal: the Hero as Traveler held on 19 June 2019 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center.

The event was the highlight of the 158th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal which fell on the same day and was held in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Knights of Rizal New York Chapter (KOR-NY).

In his remarks, Consul General Claro S. Cristobal highlighted the importance of studying the life and ideals of Rizal.  He said that the Consulate General and the Filipino-American community in New York is lucky to have Professor Ocampo who is a renowned public historian, researcher, and Rizal expert.

During his talk, Professor Ocampo presented fascinating stories and interesting facts about Dr. Rizal's travels and how his exposure abroad helped shape his ideas and strengthened his love of country.  He said that looking back on the travels of the Filipino national hero helps one understand and appreciate Dr. Rizal as a human being. Like many overseas Filipinos, he said that Dr. Rizal missed the Philippines, including Filipino food, while he was abroad.

Professor Ocampo likewise shared to the audience rare photos and writings of Rizal which he discovered during his years of intensive research.  During the question and answer session that followed his lecture, he shared how his research and interest on Dr. Rizal have grown and deepened through the years, and how so many things about the hero continue to be revealed or rediscovered to the present day.

The presentation was followed by a Knighting Ceremony by the KOR-NY, where five new knights were accepted to the Order, five became lifetime members, and chapter member Sir Dr. Roy Guinto was exalted to the rank of Knight Grand Officer of Rizal (KGOR). END

Consul General to New York Claro S. Cristobal welcomes the audience to the forum and introduces Professor Ocampo. (New York PCG photo)

Professor Ocampo's talk was attended by the Filipino-American community and Knights of Rizal members in the Tri-state area. (New York PCG photo)

For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.newyorkpcg.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNY/.