Batangas 1st congressional district Representative Leandro Legarda Leviste has taken ownership of Solidaridad Bookshop, the iconic Manila literary institution founded in 1965 by National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose.
The agreement formalizes the transfer of the Padre Faura landmark from the Jose family to Leviste, who was a long-time friend of Jose. The move secures the continued operation of one of the country’s most important cultural spaces and protects the legacy of its founder.
The bookshop stands on property held by the ancestors of Teresita Jovellanos Jose, the late wife of F. Sionil Jose. For decades, Solidaridad functioned as a hub for leading Filipino writers, academics, artists, and civic leaders. It also drew international luminaries in the fields of literature, culture, and the arts. The shop houses PEN Philippines, the chapter of PEN International that Jose established in 1958.
Solidaridad became known as “Asia’s biggest little bookshop” because of its extensive Filipiniana collection, giving Filipino authors space to display and sell their work. Every title on its shelves was individually selected by F. Sionil Jose, who curated the bookshop throughout his life. The couple passed away in 2022, leaving management of the shop to their eldest son, Tonet Jose.
Jose said, “Our family will always cherish the memory of Solidaridad and the work our parents put into it. We are excited about the transition to the new ownership and wish them success as they continue the legacy of F. Sionil Jose.”
Leviste thanked the family for entrusting him with the landmark, stating, “We thank the Jose family for entrusting us with Solidaridad. We hope they can remain involved and help ensure that the Bookshop’s operations stay true to its history and the legacy of F. Sionil Jose.”
The sale marks a major cultural development. Solidaridad has survived multiple political eras, economic shifts, and the steady disappearance of independent bookshops across Manila.
With the transition now complete, the bookstore enters a new chapter under an owner who has publicly committed to sustaining its mission. The familiar façade on Padre Faura remains, and the legacy of one of the Philippines’ most influential literary figures continues forward under new stewardship.
