Solidaridad for sale: F. Sionil José chose independence over profit

THE DECADES-OLD bookstore Solidaridad founded by the late National Artist for Literature F. Sionil José is now up for sale, a sad scenario born out of a decision not to surrender its independence and identity as a cultural landmark.

The Flame and other media entities reported on Tuesday, July 1, that Solidaridad was sold to an undisclosed buyer for less than P35 million. The reports were based on interviews with the late literary icon’s eldest son Antonio “Tonet” José, who said that the sale was closed on the same day.

The news triggered mixed reactions from its patrons, some of whom were worried that it would be turned into a commercial establishment that does not reflect its cultural significance.

A day after, a statement was posted on Solidaridad’s Facebook page clarifying that the bookshop is not yet sold and apologizing for the confusion that the “incorrect” information caused.

Tonet claimed that the incorrect information had stemmed from a “miscommunication” among the members of his family.

According to Tonet, Solidaridad, which is located along Padre Faura in Manila, is still “open to anyone interested.”

While many were saddened by the present status of the iconic bookstore, it was preferred over income-augmenting measures that were seen to affect its reputation.

Big sacrifice

Upholding Solidaridad’s reputation in literary curation was a “big sacrifice” for Tonet, who serves as the manager of its administrative matters.

Despite its reputation, Solidaridad did not do well financially, prompting the family to sell it. According to Tonet, sales have failed to generate enough revenue to cover operating costs in spite of the shop’s prime location and steady foot traffic in the Ermita district.

“I’ve been telling everybody here… even if we get just 5% of foot traffic, and even if only 2% buy, we will make money. But it is not happening,” he told The Flame.

Tonet revealed that there was a suggestion to start selling school and office supplies, but it was declined to maintain the bookshop’s reputation.

Proposals to expand Solidaridad into a branch network, including one that offered free space, were also offered to the José family in the past. However, the late National Artist rejected them to keep the bookshop independent and singular.

“My father was against it. His point was if people…want to buy your books, they’ll come, they’ll go to you. Now, that is impossible because of the heavy traffic on the way here,” Tonet said.

With no younger family member available to take over, Tonet said sustaining the business has become increasingly difficult.

“Almost a year. It took us almost a year to [decide to put it up for sale]…The point of my sibling was, I’ll always be here. That I’ll always be here and I’ll take care of it…I said, ‘Hey, I retired from my work…I retired when I was 52. I need a break,'” he added.

More than just a bookstore

Solidaridad was founded by the elder José in 1965, and has long stood as a landmark of Philippine literary culture. Located along Padre Faura Street in Ermita, Manila, the three-story shop was known for its curated collection of local and international titles and served as a gathering place for writers, intellectuals and students.

Solidaridad was also the headquarters of the Philippine Center of International PEN (Poets, Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists), which was founded by the late National Artist in 1957 to promote literature and defend freedom of expression.

The elder José, a Thomasian litterateur and one of the Philippines’ most celebrated literary figures, was named National Artist for Literature in 2001.

His most acclaimed works include the Rosales Saga, a series of five interconnected novels that detail the country’s transformation from Spanish colonization to post-war independence. He passed away on January 6, 2022 at the age of 97.

As of writing, Solidaridad remains open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some titles currently marked down for sale. F