MANILA — Solidaridad Bookshop, the iconic Manila literary institution founded by National Artist F. Sionil Jose in 1965, announced its sale and transition to new owner Leandro Legarda Leviste, son of Senator Loren Legarda.

Leviste, a long-time friend of Jose, is investing to ensure the continued operation of Solidaridad and to preserve the legacy of F. Sionil Jose, with guidance from the Jose family. The bookshop, located in Padre Faura, has been a gathering place for Philippine literary figures, writers, intellectuals, academics, cultural workers, and civic leaders, and has hosted numerous international luminaries in literature, culture, and the arts. It also houses PEN Philippines, a chapter of PEN International established by Jose in 1958.

Known as “Asia’s biggest little bookshop,” Solidaridad is famed for having the widest collection of Filipiniana books in the country, providing Filipino authors a platform to display and sell their works. The selection of books has been personally curated by F. Sionil Jose throughout the bookshop’s history.

Following the passing of F. Sionil Jose and his wife Teresita Jovellanos Jose in 2022, Solidaridad has been managed by their eldest son, Tonet Jose. “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,” he said.

Leviste added, “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.”