Solidaridad's silent stories

The final chapters of the late National Artist F. Sionil Jose's bookshop are about to be written

- JESSICA PAG-IWAYAN

They say if walls could talk, they'd reveal stories untold of moments and memories long past. That sentiment rings especially true for the walls of Solidaridad, a quiet, unassuming bookstore tucked away in Ermita, Manila City.

Established in 1965 by the late National Artist for Literature Francisco Sionil Jose, Solidaridad has long stood as a sanctuary for thinkers, readers, writers, and dreamers. F. Sionil Jose, the acclaimed author of "The Rosales Saga," "Poon," and "Tree," built more than just a bookstore-he created a cultural landmark. But now, the legacy he left behind faces an uncertain future: the property is up for sale for P38 million.

Inside the humble Solidaridad

Unlike trendy shops promoting viral bestsellers, Solidaridad has always been guided by a meticulous, thoughtful curation reflective of its founder's literary standards. Even after F. Sionil Jose's passing on Jan. 6, 2022, this principle remains intact. Inside, books aren't grouped by popularity-they're categorized by origin, allowing visitors to travel the world through literature. Shelves dedicated to Japan, China, and even Arab nations offer readers a passport to global narratives, all without leaving Manila.

But Solidaridad is more than its collection of hundreds of Filipiniana titles. It is, in many ways, a living museum. Within its 77-square-meter footprint lies 220 square meters of history, hidden in rooms and corridors rarely seen by the public.