SOLIDARIDAD Bookshop, the Manila bookstore established in 1965 by the late National Artist for Literature F. Sionil José, has been sold a month after it was put up for sale.
The deal was sealed at noon on Tuesday, July 1, for less than P35 million, Antonio “Tonet” José, the writer’s son who had managed the shop’s affairs, confirmed to the Varsitarian.
The Varsitarian broke the news that the store was up for sale on June 28. The Josés had offered to sell the store and the lot on which it stood, as well as the inventory.
Sionil José, founder of the Philippine Center of the International PEN (Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists), had published the quarterly journal “Solidarity” from the Manila bookshop, which became a saloon for the country’s budding and established writers.
According to José’s son Antonio José, the identity of the buyer could not yet be disclosed to the public as they were still waiting for the final signing of the deed.
“If we didn’t own the building, hindi ito tatagal nang 10 years,” José told the Varsitarian. “It’s not a money-making business e.”
“If nagbabayad kami ng rent? Wala. ‘Yong bumibili ng libro dito, there are days na it cannot even afford to pay the electricity on that day,” he added.
Despite the lack of profits faced by Solidaridad Bookshop, which was deemed a cultural and historical landmark for almost six decades, José said his main motivation for managing the store prior to the sale were his parents.
“Their hope was that people will read,” he said.
Though he and his siblings hope that the new buyer will keep the legacy of the store, he has acknowledged the possibility of the bookshop closing for good.
“Our hope is that it continues for another 60 years. But we never know. Once they find out that it’s not really a money-making business, they [can] decide to close it down or rebrand it,” José said.
Solidaridad Bookshop, referred to as the “best little bookstore in Asia,” is located at Padre Faura Street in Ermita, Manila. with reports from John Kobe S. Balod
