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Explore fresh perspectives on Philippine history, uncovering the people, events, and ideas that shaped the nation.
Undated Notes April 1976
Office of the President of the Philippines Manila No matter what anyone says, what we have done—to announce our desire to take over the bases has antagonized the Americans. Cong. [Donald] Fraser’s statements on the alleged absence of civil rights as well as that there is no longer any need…
Undated Notes April 1973
Office of the President of the Philippines Manila Coded To Ambassador [Modesto] Farolan Djakarta Indonesia For the Philippines to accept the proposal to drop the claim to Sabah after illegal attacks on Philippine territory by Malaysian-trained soldiers with Malaysian equipment and weapons is to legalize and justify such attacks. It…
Undated Notes February 1973.
Office of the President of the Philippines Manila The new strong point in the coastline is Kulongkulong at Palimbang. They are well entrenched. The only thing they fear are bombs from the planes. Alip, Columbio has 1,000 rebels. The following is a series of undated notes included in the February…
March 31, 1984
He left with the angry statement that “anyway, I am going up on a promotion to Washington where the decisions for the Philippines will be made.” Amb. [Michael] Armacost was invited for lunch by F/L [First Lady] through Min. [Manuel[ Collantes and as F/L herself told him in order that…
January 1, 1983
I had sought to protect the sacredness and preciousness of my memories of the war with the sanctity of silence. So I had refused to talk or write about them except in an indirect way when forced to as when I offered my medals to the dead for I believed…
August 31, 1979
We are behind schedule in our plans to liquidate the Old Society. We must concentrate more time and efforts on this objective. Last night Imelda attended the dinner given by the members of the old Senate for Ex-Sen. Pres. [Gil] Puyat. It was an ego trip for the old gang…
June 17, 1979
In the negotiations between China and Vietnam, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Han Nianlon traveled to Hanoi to meet with V ice Premier and Foreign Minister Phen Hien. Vietnam made three proposals: The creation of a demilitarized zone to secure peace in the border region and the exchange of prisoners. Restoration…
June 11, 1979
Clarification of Powers and Functions of the Ministry of National Defense (To Prevent the Division of Command Power in Crisis Situations). I have been asked repeatedly what powers the Ministry of National Defense has in the transfer of and reassignment of military units because of the removal from and transfer…
January 7, 1979
Seaside The formal signing and exchange of notes and other documents between the U.S. and the Philippines finally took place at 5:00 PM, at Maharlika Hall. The documents include: The letter of Pres. [James] Carter to me The letter of Sec. Cyrus Vance to Min. [Carlos] Romulo The letter of…
December 30, 1978
When I was approaching Green No. 12 (we started at Hole No. 10) Paoay Lake Golf Course, I received the call to go back to the house at Paoay Lake to receive the telephone call of Sen. [Daniel] Inouye for which I had delayed my trip back to Manila. In…
Rizal Online
Glimpse into the personal writings of José Rizal and uncover the thoughts, struggles, and hopes of a national hero.
Publications
Ambeth Ocampo’s published works offer a fresh and thoughtful look at the Filipino experience
About Ambeth
AMBETH R. OCAMPO is a Public Historian whose research centers on the 19th-century Philippines, delving into its art, culture, and the lives of the men and women who shaped the birth of the nation.
Through his work, he brings history closer to the public, shedding new light on familiar narratives and uncovering overlooked stories that continue to define the Filipino identity.