READING

‘In the beginning there were islands: The Philippines visits the Weltkulturen Museum’ Thursday, 16 October, 7pm
Reading as part of the OPEN BOOKS 2025 book fair reading festival 

Before there was the Republic of the Philippines, José Rizal, revered as a national hero, and Google Maps, there were the islands. And there were people who travelled across the sea as if it were something completely natural and self-evident. This evening will not be a dry history lesson. The authors take a look at a ‘Philippine chamber of wonders’. Without the colonial horror, but with a vivid memory: a tattooed truth and a gold splinter that once touched the skin. Ambeth Ocampo, historian, journalist and admirer of the doctor and reformer José Rizal, and author, actor and musician Jay Ignacio, who is also a martial arts fan and documentary filmmaker of ‘The Bladed Hand’, take everyone on a visually stunning journey through memory and myth. No lectures. No timelines. An immersion in a unique and self-determined version of the history of the Philippine Islands in a young and fresh tone. The books in focus are: Ambeth Ocampo, Philippine Wunderkammer. History of an Archipelago in Objects, 2025, and Jay Philipp Ignacio (author) and Alex Niño (illustration): Alandal, 2024. Both will be available for purchase on site from the publishers. The event is a collaboration with the National Book Development Board/GOH Philippines. 

Free admission,
In English
Weltkulturen Bibliothek, Schaumainkai 35