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According to the José family, the cultural landmark in Ermita, Manila is now up for sale
MANILA, Philippines – After nearly six decades, Solidaridad Bookshop in Ermita, Manila, is officially up for sale.
The announcement was confirmed to The Varsitarian by Antonio “Tonet” José, the eldest son of the late National Artist for Literature F. Sionil José. Antonio, who oversees the shop’s administrative affairs, cited the family’s advancing age and lack of successors as the reason behind the decision.
“Yes, we are selling it. We would like that whoever buys it will continue Solidaridad Bookshop,” Antonio said.
“After me, none of my siblings will be able to manage it. We are all getting old. My siblings are all abroad — it was only I who came back to take care of our parents and manage the bookshop. If I were a lot younger, I would not sell it at all.”
Established in 1965 along Padre Faura Street in Manila, the Solidaridad Bookshop has long been considered a cultural landmark, described as the “best little bookstore in Asia” carrying materials of literature, history, society, and politics.
It also served as the headquarters of the Philippine Center of International PEN (Poets & Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists), which José founded in 1957 to support freedom of expression and Filipino writers.
José, born in 1924 and a native of Pangasinan, studied literature at the old Faculty of Philosophy and Letters at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). In 2001, he was named National Artist for Literature.
He died in 2022 at the age of 97.
“We would like [the next owner] to continue Solidaridad Bookshop,” Antonio said, regarding the uncertain future of the literary landmark.
The Solidaridad Bookshop will mark its 60th anniversary on July 20. It remains open to the public Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 10 am to 5 pm. – Rappler.com
