“1898 reminds us that it is one thing to gain independence and quite another to know what to do with that independence.” – AMBETH R. OCAMPO from “1898 as reference point”

"Textbook history didn't teach me much about World War II, the Japanese were portrayed as evil, but not as bad as the Spanish who shot Rizal. From this viewpoint the U.S. liberated us twice: first from the Spanish in 1898, then the Japanese in 1945. Extended stays in Japan made me rethink many things personal and historical that resulted in essays compiled in this book." From the Introduction Ambeth R. Ocampo was awarded the 2016 Fukuoka Prize.

A short Tagalog poem written by a young lady from San Roque, Cavite in 1898 described first-hand the war waged by Emilio Aguinaldo against the Spaniards. She said the gunfire during battle resembled the terrible rumble of thunder, yet through all the noise she could distinguish the sound made by particular guns: “palconete’t cañon Revolver, Remington ang putoc bung bung” “Ang mauser at Riple ay pac bung pac bung” Palconete, cannon, Revolver and Remington go “bung-bung” Mauser and Rifle go “pac bung pac bung” this simple poem, ignored by most historians focused on the great narrative, inspired me to see into the forest and look at the trees. .. God, they say, is in the details, and if it these can add color and understanding to the sepia-toned history we were forced to learn in school then the effort to dig them up and deploy them in my writing has been worthwhile.

"A history of food is fascinating not so much because of the scents, colors, and flavors of food but the way in which food shapes people and how people shape the food they eat... A history of ice cream in the Philippines is not just a catalog of taste but an alternative way of looking at how Filipinos have changed to become the nation we want to be." - From the lead essay A History of "Dirty Ice Cream"

This fifteenth compilation of articles by historian Ambeth R. Ocampo on his Looking Back series is based on the diaries of the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos, including articles on confidential diplomatic cables and documents that have been recently declassified by the United States and on contemporary attempts to rehabilitate the dictator after the controversial burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in 2016, and give him state recognition in its aftermath.

"Querida, in the Philippines, refers to a mistress. In its original Spanish sense, however, querida/querido means someone beloved or cherished. It is in this light that I share these essays, as appetizers for the definitive book on Rizal’s loves that I will work on in retirement.”

Lockdown had forced all of us to rethink life as we knew it, and it was hoped that we didn't just return to pre\-lockdown routine later but to adapt and adopt new ways on a new life.