F. Sionil Jose

Date of Birth: December 3, 1924

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: January 6, 2022

Biography

Francisco Sionil José, widely known as F. Sionil José, was a prolific Filipino writer whose works have been translated into 28 languages and are celebrated for their deep social commentary and exploration of Filipino identity. Born in Rosales, Pangasinan, Philippines, José is best known for his Rosales Saga, a series of five novels that delve into the socio-political upheavals in the Philippines across different historical periods. His writing is often compared to that of William Faulkner due to his detailed depiction of rural life and complex characters. José attended the University of Santo Tomas but did not complete his degree. He began his career in journalism, which heavily influenced his literary work. Throughout his life, he was a staunch advocate for social justice and often critiqued the Philippine government and societal inequalities through his novels, essays, and lectures. In addition to his writing, F. Sionil José founded the Philippine chapter of PEN, an international organization of writers, and was the publisher of the influential Solidaridad Publishing House. His contributions to literature and culture have earned him numerous awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts, and the Order of National Artists of the Philippines for Literature.

5 Interesting Facts about F. Sionil Jose

1. F. Sionil José’s Rosales Saga is considered one of the most significant works in Philippine literature and consists of five novels: “The Pretenders,” “Tree,” “My Brother, My Executioner,” “Mass,” and “Po-on.”

2. He was named a National Artist for Literature in 2001, the highest recognition given to Filipino artists.

3. José’s bookstore and publishing house, Solidaridad, located in Manila, is a cultural landmark and has been a hub for intellectual and literary activities since its establishment in 1965.

4. He was outspoken about his views on social justice and often used his platform to critique corruption and advocate for the rights of the marginalized.

5. F. Sionil José received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts in 1980, often referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from F. Sionil Jose

1. “Literature should be more than just a source of pleasure; it should also be a means of changing the human condition.”

2. “The power of the written word is mightier than any sword or gun.”

3. “A writer must be a critic of society and the government.”

4. “Our country is not poor; it is just poorly managed.”

5. “To be a writer is to be honest to oneself and to the world.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

F. Sionil José’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, but his significant contributions to literature and his successful publishing house suggest a comfortable financial status.

Children

F. Sionil José was married to Tessie Jovellanos and they had seven children. His family was supportive of his literary career, and his children have continued to honor his legacy.