On the National Historical Institute’s 75th anniversary this month, Minor Prints (a subsidiary of Manila Prints Australia) has released Footnotes to Philippine History, a collection of essays on various topics on Philippine experience that aims to reinforce knowledge of every Filipino bound overseas, to help them tackle questions about themselves and their country in their new surroundings.

It departs from the usual Philippine history textbooks that some regard as largely distant and formidable, typical of books on history written by academics or as textbooks containing dogmas and definitive treatises by historians. Many Filipino expatriates have regarded this kind of reference material as not only boring, but a waste of time in this age of globalization.

The millions of Filipino expatriates have no time to sit down and read book-length historical writings aimed at readers who have the luxury of time on their hands.

Footnotes to Philippine History is a non-academic book that any one of the eight million Global Filipinos scattered worldwide could easily use as a back-up reference to what they already know about the Philippines, not a history book with dogmatic and largely unimaginative academic approaches.

This book tries to capture the kind of information that Global Filipinos need in their current situation — a quick reference for the information they need mostly in their interaction with other people in foreign lands, whether Australia, Europe, the United States, the Middle East or Asia and the Pacific.

Footnotes to Philippine History is by Australia-based historian Renato Perdon, who pioneered the research and writing of Philippine-Australian histories. In his latest book, Perdon examines Philippine history and identity and the Filipino diaspora in a contribution to the vibrant emerging field of transnational history.

After reading the book, Dr. Samuel K. Tan, former chairman of the National Historical Institute and former Chairman, Department of History of UP, and currently Director Convenor of Mindanao Studies Program (UP-CIDS) said:

“Footnotes is a well sought out initiative to bring Philippine history in meaningful perspective to a growing community of overseas Filipinos searching for roots, identity, direction and purpose as they look back in nostalgia to their native land.

“As one reads through the arresting details of each of the 13 chapters, the schematic focus of the author flows passionately through familiar and controversial topics of Philippine history such as the Filipino struggle for freedom and enigmatic evolution of its symbolism, music, literature, and the arts… it reveals an unmistakable and profound sense of purpose, Filipinism and nationalism so critically wanting in practically all aspects of Filipino contemporary life, including those in the Filipino diaspora, beyond the mere need for survival.”

Dr. Paul Mathews of the Australian National University and secretary of the Philippine Studies Association of Australasia, Inc., adds: “These stories and perceptions by a distinguished scholar provide insightful views of Filipino history and the Filo-Oz experience. The book is full of interesting ins and outs we have all wondered about but were never answered. Here the author combines his own Filipino background, knowledge and migration experience with detailed research of all things Filipino, great and small.”

Another satisfied reader is language consultant Aila Edgarda Lenard of Australia: “This is a new take on history, more focus on details and a lot of juicy and intriguing bits. The author did not only focus on the relevant events in Philippine history, but also gave attention to details that are oftentimes just glossed over in most history books. And this is what people like to read.”

In answer to why he embarked on this kind of book, Perdon said: “During a promotion of a previous book, I learned from many Filipino expatriates in Australia and other countries that the type of books they want are something from which they can get ready information about Philippine history and culture to answer urgent questions that surfaced in their interaction with people in their new environment overseas. And time is of the essence to them.”

The essays have been grouped into three parts, with the first providing answers to the questions of Filipino identity, and how that identity formed. What are the symbols of Filipino identity, national and political? The second part discusses why Filipinos became known as

”the brown Americans of Asia,” explains how America’s Pacific adventure changed the lives of Filipinos and how the Americanization of the Filipino was easily realised.

The last part talks about Global Filipinos, the problems they encounter and how they survive outside the Philippines. How does Filipino migration help the Philippines survive?

Two current issues that need clarification are also discussed – the Philippines’ territorial claims to Sabah and the Spratlys and a revisit of the life of Imelda R. Marcos, the most maligned woman in Philippine history.

The book is available in the Philippines (P390.00) in Minor Prints, No. 13, 10th Street, Pacita Complex, San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines, Tel. +6328686513 and in Australia ($24.00) in The Manila Prints, P. O. Box 1267, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia, Phone/Fax: +61293138179.