Critical Analysis

What has made this popular historical reading authentic? The answer is simple. It is superbly written. Contextually infectious in a sense, that is.
This may be written in an easy manner considering that this is just a compilation of all his lectures about Rizal. No proper sequence of ideas or any sort of technicalities at that. But mainly, it’s a book full of awakening ideas that can feed thousands of enthusiastic readers.
Meaning and History: The Rizal Lectures serves a great purpose for those who know little about what history is truly all about. The deep questions may not necessarily be explicitly presented but many of the answers are - all this in an extremely simple and enjoyable book.
Ambeth R. Ocampo is a historian, writer, educator, and a cultural administrator. So to say, I’ll consider him as a relentless researcher and a good storyteller too. He has achieved distinction for his articles detailing fascinating little-known historical facts.
It may be hard to believe the popular appeal of his bi-weekly column in Philippine Daily Inquirer or his published books sold in different bookstores nationwide. He dispenses with the staid tone of scholarship, and retells history from an angular point of view whose congeniality is quite infectious as he shares his greatest tragedy - being a historian with severe sinusitis, allergic to the very materials (dusty papers) of his own profession.
It may be more of a joke when someone said “Ah si Ambeth, kung magsulat kala mo kapitbahay niya si Rizal”. But that person has a point. It’s really as if Ambeth Ocampo knows too much that it’s finally hard to accept the validity of his works. But just to realize in the end that everything he did were just fruits of his never ending research and inquisitive explorations of overused resources. “I don’t understand why people think I am writing new things when all my materials are at least a hundred years old”, he tells us in the introduction.
He’s just simply curious. “We all use the same books, but I find something new simply because I ask questions no one has dared ask before”, he said. Ocampo is nosy and sometimes tends to be makulit I think with anything that deals about Rizal or anything historical at that. He never stops until he gets what he wants. Which I think is quite clever though. For instance when he’s looking for a draft of Rizal’s novel which turns out to be more than what he expected. Instead of a draft, he discovered another novel of Rizal. One of the greatest treasures of Philippine history if not unearthed, might as well be lost ceaselessly through time.
He rarely has answers but he’s able to tell a story. As Mr. Ocampo held on the readings, “This is the first mark of a good historian. On must be a good storyteller”. This might be true for some reasons. At least for me, because I believe that as to history, one needs to create a story for it to be fully understood.
Speaking of history, ever since, I was blind on how to get myself a real definition of the word. Not until the author gives me one.
History, as Ambeth Ocampo clearly pointed out in the entire reading, “must have story and meaning to become an effective tool in helping people appreciate and see their past, present and hopefully their future”. This statement is perhaps the major thought of the book that kept me reading until the end. I just simply found what I’ve wanted all my history teachers to discuss to keep me awake during history classes. It’s not dreary. Not just a bare enumeration of historical events, names and dates but there’s always the affecting details that made me read more. There’s the spirit.
Ocampo didn’t simply talk about Rizal here. Which was quite amusing especially since the style is unusual and the approach is more intense. The good thing with this book is that the author was able to portray Rizal not as superhuman (like what we usually read in common history books) but just simply as a person. He discussed how Rizal influenced the course of Philippine history in search of national identity. How Rizal was interpreted and misinterpreted. How history was corrupted or perhaps lost in the course of translation, and many others. There’s more in Rizal than mere “recorded history. “Rizal points to meaning” as the author puts it. “Rizal is a reflection of the Filipino’s continuing search for national identity”. “Rizal and other heroes are important because they reflect ourselves”.
Honestly, Ambeth Ocampo has a nice way of presenting his ideas. And I really agree with him in many ways. He’s very much effective in dramatizing his arguments that his stands are set unnoticed. He’s very much effective in establishing the truth of his statements although most of them are passed off merely as his opinions. He presents the facts about a subject or an issue as clearly and impartially as possible. Which is quite successful especially since he’s good at backing them up with explanation, analysis and examples. Another reason which propelled validity of his works is his notable caution when it comes to sources. Although it’s intricate, Ocampo tries as much as possible to get his information from primary sources. He is very much particular with citations and references in which readers can have at least an assertion about the basis of his judgments.
Ocampo always leave witty lines with indirect meanings, which again, I found so competent enough in carrying out whatever purpose he may have. For instance, Ocampo was quite sharp when he says, “I am absolutely sure that if Rizal were alive today, he would have been shot all over again”. In the course of reading the book, there are more than just witty lines. There are more enlightening opinions.
This may be exaggerated I may say so, but truly, at a simple compilation of his “rehashed” lectures, the author has created a masterpiece in a broader historical sense which has the ability to sway his readers to his scrupulous historical interpretation.
Contextually speaking, in the course of the reading, I have gained so many insights which helped me a lot in understanding not only the author’s main I idea, but also articulating my own judgment towards the end.
Primarily, let me rephrase what Ocampo said. “Rizal is a central figure in the development of Philippine nationalism and yet, paradoxically, remains the greatest obstacle to its fulfillment”. True enough yes. Rizal, by name and by figure, has been a tool for the previous Filipinos in searching out for their national identity and reevaluating Philippine history. I said previous Filipinos for I’m not certain if our present day Filipinos are doing the same. Maybe some, but I guess not all.
In two ways, Rizal has positively triggered the course of seeking Philippine independence (I’m not sure if it’s intentional at all). But consequently, he also became an avenue for Spaniards, American, and worse Filipinos in defeating our own struggles. As Ocampo discussed in his writings, “Rizal has been used and abused more effectively to serve the needs of an emerging nation and sense of nationalism”.
By reading this book, you can identify not just the simple flaws of utilizing “Rizal” for historical purposes but one can get a glimpse of the huge mistakes that happened even from the very beginning of the Philippine history.
The main thought of the book as I’ve mentioned earlier does not simply talk of how to define history or any sort but it has something to do with the people. I agree when the author said that “Men with knowledge with the past and present can chart the course of their future”. Knowledge here is not only about knowing what had happened or what is happening but also understanding them and articulating them. It’s a matter of asking How? Why? What if? So what? And all about seeking for near possibilities in the past and of course the future. It’s all about understanding the connection and importance of things that are happening around us.
It may be too difficult to dwell on the past as we usually say, for we cannot move on for the future. Too contrary to Rizal’s line “And taong hindi marunong lumingon sa kanyang pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa kanyang parorounan”. Anyhow, for me it’s quite simple. Review, and renew. The difficulty lies not in tracing the mistakes in the past because records are readily available, anywhere, anytime. But badly obvious, it’s about asking: Are the people willing to see or create change? Are they willing to take risk? The answer lies there.
It’s really irritating to dwell on the thought that “History does not repeat itself. We repeat history”. We kept on reading this line and yet everything seemed so hopeless in initiating “change”. The answer is there. We read it but not acted on it. You know, it just sounds so funny after all because people today still act as same idiot natives before. As if they don’t know anything, being bullied by Spaniards. Puppets, pets, toys of foreign nations. We have our own table but still we eat and drink happily in the same table of our oppressors. We’re NOT INDEPENDENT! Give back our independence! Same words, same shout as ever! We’re like funny little idiots for our enemies. We’re crying out loud as they gave off their “crazy’ smiles.
Anyway, Rizal started it all unconsciously, but he has nothing to do with those ever whooshing battle cry of Filipinos. He initiated change, but we let him do it alone. Who will do it next? Ninoy who is now dusty six feet below his own ground? Or shall we wait for more seemingly qualified nationalistic Filipinos die every century?
Well, it’s really difficult to work on ideas and interpretations so varied. But for me, I don’t agree with Ocampo saying all throughout his writing that “Rizal’s misfortune is his becoming a national hero”. It’s as if Rizal’s legacies are not helpful at all though. Unfortunately I don’t really like Rizal himself. But I so admire the lasting effect of his coincidental or intentional merits. I respect the value that he has given as to what is really our own identity as Filipinos. Values that remained as memories that might soon be forgotten if not reviewed, retackled, or reconsidered.
There are so many things to embark upon and reflect on Ocampo’s Meaning and History: The Rizal Lectures. But ideally I guess, there is no perfect or right main idea for it because readers are subject to their own personal interpretation and reflection.
I guess what’s right to say here is that, readers must feel the spirit that lies in this book. Or else, they will end up reading but forgetting it all. If that is so, better not read it at all.

If by chance we know how to demand for what is right….

I’ve been teaching Koreans for almost four years now. From children to grownups, I teach whatever they want to know, basically because I need a part time job. I teach English, Mathematics, Science, History, and many more. Well I admit it’s my chance to buy what I need and what I want without spending my allowance. It also helped me to carry on some financial shortages at times. I was not the only one who do part time tutorial though. Most of my friends do it as well. Of course we share our experiences and we’ve got a chance to learn what we just exactly are muttering about.
I’m not sure in other parts of the country but certainly I know that Korean population here in Cebu is already swarming and almost totally packed out. Yeah, maybe they have carried along with them some positive impacts to our economy and more jobs to our people. And we are of course very much grateful for that and we respect them in any way we could. But I guess, it doesn’t mean we owe them that much, up to the point that we tolerate some of their meanness.
Koreans if not all take chances to those they think they can easily intimidate. I say this maybe because of cultural differences or simply because they are just opportunists. Well, I’m trying not to be biased here although I know you would say so. I’m just merely saying what I can obviously see. Which I think you are also aware of.
You know, I always remember what my friend kept on saying. “I really hate Koreans. They’re supposed to adjust to our culture not us, because this is not Korea, this is Philippines.” Well, this may sound so temperamental but it hit me so much to reflect on how unfortunately cordial I am to them (Koreans).
I guess it’s natural for us Filipinos to be very friendly to our guests especially to those from other countries. This is very evident even during the time of our ancestors. Just as hospitable are we when our forefathers openly welcome the Spaniards, the Americans and other foreign invaders who just simply stolen our identity as Filipinos.
Well, I’m just trying to remember my history classes you know. Anyway, let me go back to the Koreans. The newly said invaders of today’s Philippine generation.
Actually before, I paid less regard to their arrival although I can observe some mistakes to it. I just thought it’s really okay since they came here legally and with permission from the government. But, not until I was alarmed with the increasing complaints against them. Harassment, fraud, exploitation, violence etc… I just continue to observe things until I witness and experience injustice myself.
I accepted a tutorial job from a Korean although the salary is not that worth it. Especially since I know that my friend who is teaching Japanese receives a rate 3 times higher than what is offered to me. Just the mere fact that I need a part time job and that I badly need money.
Anyway, after 3 months after since I started the job, I demanded for a little increase for I can no longer bear the additional burden of looking for resources and topic information to be discussed in which I was the one who pay for the expenses. Well, basically because she doesn’t want to make a refund. I gave her an option in which I won’t insist for a salary increase given that she will provide the handouts for the lessons. Well, okay, I guess the case has been resolved. But unfortunately, worst thing happened without prior notice. When I came back to teach her nephew, I was just so shock to discover that I was already fired and that the boy has already other tutor. As simple as that. Wow! I wasn’t even able to talk to the woman since she’s out of the house. Well, not really house since it’s a church. Whatever. I really cannot contain my anger that time. I just control it a little bit to avoid praying some guiltless curses along the way. However, I spent few minutes talking to some of their helpers and guards outside the house to know the real score. Anyway though, I just simply learn some of the undesirable nature of those aliens. Never mind citing them for they just make me more upset and irritated.
But just the real point is that, why can’t they just respect us? In my case, is it wrong to demand for what is just necessarily fair at least for my own sake? How can that Korean fire me as simply as making me go back there as if I’m a forgotten ghost? Do we have a labor code for that? Anyway, enough for my temper for it has already been charged to experience.
What I am trying to say here is that, why should we just tag along with what they want? Why should we allow them to just easily degrade our being Filipinos? This is our country and we must maintain our right. Our right to unbend the crooked incidents that has been intimidating our pride as people of our own land.. Especially, when these incidents are done by foreign invaders.
We have already lost our identity as Filipinos once. Can we afford to lose our dignity also? Well, everything is just really a matter courage and collective interest. And of course, willingness to break what has been set are ordinary.