THE CULTURAL Center of the Philippines and the Philippine Center of International PEN (Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists) will hold a virtual tribute to F. Sionil José on Feb. 14.
José, a National Artist for Literature, passed away on the evening of Jan. 6 at age 97.
In 1957, he founded the Philippine PEN, the local chapter of the international federation of writers promoting freedom of expression.
He became National Artist in 2001.
Alex, one of José’s children, will speak on behalf of the family during the tribute.
CCP Vice President Chris Millado, PEN chair Charlson Ong, retired justice Antonio Caprio, former ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, and writers Jose “Butch” Dalisay and James Fallows are among those who will pay tribute to José.
The virtual event will be streamed at 4 p.m. on the Facebook pages of Philippine PEN and the CCP.
It will also launch José’s new books: “Collected Short Stories,” “Writing the Nation: Essays on Philippine Literature, Politics, and Culture,” and “Promdi: An Ilocano Autobiography.” Samantha Fatima C. Creencia
