L-R Prof. Elsa Clavé, Prof. Jan van der Putten, Prof. Ambeth Ocampo, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega
Filipino historian and best-selling author Prof. Ambeth Ocampo, engaged an international audience at the Asian-Afrikan Institute of the University of Hamburg, Germany at a special lecture on 21 October 2010.
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 into Philippine history both past and contemporary.
The talk of Prof. Ocampo was organized by the Philippine Embassy in Berlin in cooperation with the Asian Afrikan Institute of the University of Hamburg. Prof. Dr. Jan van der Putten and Prof. Elsa Clavé of the Institute were on hand to welcome Prof. Ocampo.
Prof. van der Putten in his welcome remarks stated 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 Theresa 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 Asian African Institute.
After the lecture, Prof. Ocampo responded to questions from the audience during the open forum and at the Post-talk 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.
L-R 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 (all photos by Berlin PE)
