Filipino Historian Speaks on Mapping the PH, Nat’l Identity in Germany

From left: Prof. Elsa Clavé, Prof. Jan van der Putten, Prof. Ambeth Ocampo, and Ambassador to Germany Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega. (Berlin PE photo)

BERLIN 29 October 2019 — Filipino historian and best-selling author Professor Ambeth Ocampo engaged an international audience with a special lecture on the Philippines at the Asia-Africa Institute of the University of Hamburg, Germany on 21 October 2019.

Prof. Ocampo’s talk entitled, “Mapping the Philippines: Before Waze and Google Earth,” is an examination of how the Philippines’ historical narrative and identity can be read partly through maps and other cartographic depictions across the centuries.

Drawing from his many years of research on maps done in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, Prof. Ocampo shared some lesser known insights on both past and contemporary Philippine history.

The talk of Prof. Ocampo was organized by the Philippine Embassy in Berlin in cooperation with the Asia-Africa Institute of the University of Hamburg. Professors Elsa Clavé and Dr. Jan van der Putten of the Institute welcomed Prof. Ocampo.

Prof. van der Putten stated in his welcome remarks that it is a great privilege for the University of Hamburg to have Prof. Ocampo as a guest speaker and to hear his insights on Philippine history and identity, as well as the state of Philippine Studies in Europe.

Ambassador to Germany Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega shared that the Philippine Government is stepping up its efforts to promote Philippine Studies programs in German educational institutions such as the ongoing Advancing Philippine Studies Program at Humboldt University and the just concluded agreement for a Philippine Studies Program at RuHR University. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega likewise announced the Embassy would collaborate more closely with the University of Hamburg in screening Philippine films and organizing Philippines-related discussions and activities at the Asia-Africa Institute.

After the lecture, Prof. Ocampo responded to questions from the audience during the open forum and at the reception catered by Filipino-German Chef Larry Galicia of Lubeck.

Filipino-German Divina Gracia-Martens, who taught Filipino Culture and Language at the University of Hamburg, shared that the talk presented fresh insights into approaching Philippine history and that Prof. Ocampo makes history come alive. END

Dr. Ocampo engages the audience with his take on Philippine historical narrative. (Berlin PE photo)

(from left) Fr. Simon Boiser, Chaplain of the Filipino Ministry in Hamburg has his books signed by Prof. Ocampo; Prof. Ocampo talks about history being current and connected. (Berlin PE photo)

For more information, visit  https://www.berlinpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassy.de or https://www.facebook.com/PHinGermany.