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

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.
Dit verhaal komt uit de July 06 2025-editie van Manila Bulletin.
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