Profiles: F. Sionil Jose

Summary

This video profiles Francisco 'Manong Frankie' Sionil Jose, the 92-year-old National Artist for Literature in the Philippines. It explores his life, works, and influence as the author of the Rosales Saga, his contributions to Filipino literature, and his founding of the Solidaridad Bookshop and publishing house. The video highlights his experiences during the Marcos regime, his thoughts on culture and politics, and his creative process. It also includes insights into his personal life, including his relationship with his wife and family, his literary inspirations, and his reflections on his legacy.

Takeaways

• 📚 Solidaridad Bookshop in Manila is one of the most famous bookstores and cultural hubs in Southeast Asia, established in 1965 by National Artist for Literature Francisco Sionil Jose.
• 👴 Francisco Sionil Jose, fondly called 'Manong Frankie,' is a 92-year-old National Artist known for highlighting social fabric, class struggles, and colonial history in his works, particularly the Rosales Saga.
• 🏆 He has received prestigious awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, the Pablo Neruda Centennial Award, and the Officer in the French Order of Arts and Letters.
• 🖋️ Jose established the Solidaridad Bookshop and its publishing house, turning it into a cultural salon where intellectuals and writers gathered to discuss issues such as American influence and Filipino culture.
• ✍️ Jose emphasizes the importance of going back to the classics for aspiring writers, as he believes that all modern literature stems from these foundations.
• 👶 Jose shared his humble and imaginative childhood, filled with self-made toys and adventures in nature, despite growing up poor in the Philippines.
• ❤️ Jose and his wife Tessie met in college, with Tessie initially hesitant about marrying a journalist, but their relationship has thrived through almost seven decades of give-and-take and mutual support.
• 🎨 Jose believes that all artists, including writers, are romantics at heart, and his writing process often involves long periods of thinking before the actual writing begins.
• 🖨️ Jose prefers writing in English and feels comfortable with it, advising young writers to write in the language they are most proficient in. His work often reflects his personal experiences and ideas.
• 🇵🇭 He is proud of his work's focus on Filipino class struggle and society, gaining recognition both locally and internationally, including being published in Russia for his portrayal of the Filipino condition.

Q & A

Who established the Solidaridad Bookshop in Manila and when?

The Solidaridad Bookshop was established in 1965 by Francisco 'Manong Frankie' Jose, a National Artist for Literature in the Philippines.

What is the significance of the Rosales Saga in Francisco Jose's body of work?

The Rosales Saga is a series of five novels that provide a vivid documentary of Filipino life, capturing over a hundred years of Philippine history, highlighting social fabric, class struggles, and colonial history.

What awards has Francisco Jose received for his work?

Francisco Jose has received several accolades, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature and Creative Arts, the Pablo Neruda Centennial Award, and the title of Officer in the French Order of Arts and Letters.

Why is the Solidaridad Bookshop considered a cultural hub?

The Solidaridad Bookshop is seen as a cultural hub because it became a gathering place for intellectuals, writers, poets, and political leaders. It hosted discussions on literature, culture, politics, and Philippine society, making it a 'literary salon.'

What role did writers’ organizations play during the Marcos regime according to Francisco Jose?

According to Francisco Jose, writers’ organizations provided emotional support and a sense of community during the Marcos regime. They played an important role in protecting freedom of expression, especially during periods of oppression.

How does Francisco Jose approach the selection of books for his bookshop?

Francisco Jose is very selective about the books he curates for Solidaridad Bookshop, avoiding bestsellers in favor of more thoughtful and literary works. Every title goes through him for approval.

What are Francisco Jose’s thoughts on writing in English versus Filipino?

Francisco Jose believes writers should write in the language they are most comfortable with. Though he writes in English, he feels that nationalism should not be judged solely by the language used in writing.

What was Francisco Jose's experience growing up like?

Francisco Jose recalls a childhood enriched by imagination. Despite growing up poor, he enjoyed activities like making his own toys, swimming, and racing water buffaloes, finding joy in nature.

What does Francisco Jose believe is the real struggle of a writer?

Francisco Jose believes that the real struggle of a writer is in producing meaningful work. He also points out that Filipino literature, especially written in English, has not gained a global audience, which remains a challenge.

How does Francisco Jose describe his creative process?

Francisco Jose’s creative process involves extensive thinking and planning. Although he doesn't outline, he keeps detailed notes on his characters. He writes in longhand or on a typewriter, especially when away from distractions.