Tonan Talk: “RIZAL RANSOMED: Access and Research in the Philippines”

Date:November 29th, 2013, 12:00-13:30
Venue: Tonan-tei (Room No. 201), CSEAS, Inamori Foundation Memorial Building, Kyoto University

Abstract:
Priceless since the time they were made in the late 19th century Jose Rizal’s surviving manuscripts are preserved in the National Library of the Philippines and the Lopez Museum. In 1961 the manuscripts of: the Noli me tangere, El Filibusterismo and Ultimo Adios were stolen from the National Library and held for ransom. The sensational theft and equally incredible story behind their recovery obscures deeper issues of access and preservation that impact historical research in the Philippines. Dr. Ocampo is currently: Visiting Professor, Sophia University, Tokyo; Associate Professor and former Chair, Department of History, Ateneo de Manila University; Professorial Lecturer, Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature, University of the Philippines (Diliman). He served as Chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines 2002-2011 and concurrently as Chairman National Commission for Culture and the Arts (With Minister Rank) 2005-2007.

Bio note:
AMBETH R. OCAMPO is a public historian whose research covers the late 19th century Philippines, its art, culture and the birth of the nation.
He has published 21 books on Philippine history, writes a widely read editorial page column for the Philippines Daily Inquirer, and moderates a growing Facebook Fan Page.

Moderator: Calorine HAU, CSEAS, Kyoto University

*This Tonan Talk is supported by “Southeast Asian Studies for Sustainable Humanosphere” Research Program, the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University

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