The iconic Solidaridad Bookshop is now owned by Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste after it was put up for sale last June.
In a statement, the bookshop said ownership was transferred after Solidaridad was successfully sold and turned over to Leviste, son of Senator Loren Legarda, who was a long-time friend of National Artist F. Sionil Jose, the former owner of the bookshop.
‘Leviste is making this investment to ensure Solidaridad’s continued operations and help preserve the legacy of F. Sionil Jose, with the ongoing advice of the Jose family,’ the bookshop said.
The Jose bookstore on Padre Faura Street in Ermita, Manila, opened in June 1965 with a collection of books curated by Jose himself.
It served as a gathering place for many of the Philippines’ literary giants, writers, intellectuals, academics, cultural workers, and civic leaders, and is known for having the widest collection of Filipiniana books in the country.
On January 6, 2022, the national artist died in his sleep at the age of 97.
‘Our family will always cherish the memory of Solidaridad and the work our parents put into it. We are excited about the transition to new ownership and wish them success as they continue the legacy of F. Sionil Jose,’ the Jose family said in the statement.
Meanwhile, Leviste expressed his gratitude to the Jose family for entrusting Solidaridad to him.
‘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,’ he said.