Ga onbeperkt met Magzter GOLD

Ga onbeperkt met Magzter GOLD

Krijg onbeperkte toegang tot meer dan 9000 tijdschriften, kranten en Premium-verhalen voor slechts

$149.99
 
$74.99/Jaar

Poging GOUD - Vrij

Solidaridad's silent stories

Manila Bulletin

|

July 06 2025

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

- JESSICA PAG-IWAYAN

Solidaridad's silent stories

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.

MEER VERHALEN VAN Manila Bulletin

Manila Bulletin

Green Archers bounce back

DLSU sends FEU to 0-3 hole; Lady Tams take 1st win

time to read

2 mins

October 2, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Burnham Lake rehab begins

The rehabilitation of Burnham Lake here started Wednesday, Oct. 1.

time to read

1 min

October 2, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Manila Bulletin

Tiny chef, big flavors

An immersive dining adventure with Le Petit Chef at Grand Hyatt Manila

time to read

4 mins

October 2, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Manila Bulletin

The thrill before the 'Thrilla': My two hours with Ali, 50 years ago

The Philippines marked yesterday, Oct. 1, the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic events in boxing history: the “Thrilla in Manila” heavyweight match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier held on Oct. 1, 1975 at the Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City.

time to read

4 mins

October 2, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Manila Clasico to open Season 50

A marquee duel between the league's biggest rivalry is set to raise the curtain to the PBA Season 50 action when Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia lock horns in the opening day of the Philippine Cup on Sunday, Oct. 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

time to read

1 min

October 2, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Check your walls; disaster preparedness starts at home

The magnitude 6.9 earthquake that rattled Cebu-its tremors felt in Negros, Iloilo, and beyond-is another stark reminder that disaster preparedness is nonnegotiable. Many believe that it is the government's job. True-but it is also, fundamentally, our personal responsibility. And it should start long before a disaster strikes (and not end with a go bag).

time to read

3 mins

October 2, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Marcos orders release of ₱100M for Masbate rehab

President Marcos has directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release ₱100 million in local government support fund (LGSF) to typhoon-stricken Masbate for the province's rehabilitation.

time to read

2 mins

October 2, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Timeless in Baguio

Purplish mountains. Blue skies. And dreaming under fluffy white clouds, pine trees reaching for the sun.

time to read

2 mins

October 2, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Manila Bulletin

PH to host Miss Environment International '25 in November

KAPIHAN SA MANILA HOTEL

time to read

4 mins

October 2, 2025

Manila Bulletin

Government shutdown begins as nation faces new period of uncertainty

Plunged into a government shutdown, the U.S. is confronting a fresh cycle of uncertainty after President Donald Trump and Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep government programs and services running by Wednesday's deadline.

time to read

2 mins

October 2, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size