Punta sa Solidaridad:
A Session with National Artist F. Sionil Jose

Not all historic moments can be experienced. Sometimes we have to walk through halls that contain the story of others so we can understand how we have become. Or we read the lines of someone else. As a nation, we must learn to be open to the truthfulness of
the words and experiences of others. That is how we build a nation that provides a voice to all.

F. Sionil Jose, National Artist For Literature and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, is a literary genius recognized worldwide. His works vividly capture the dynamics of Philippine society and have greatly influenced many young minds. This is why we arranged a session with him.

The three-hour discussion focused
mostly on the formation of a Filipino identity, as well as the importance of history in nation-building. F. Sionil Jose said that many of our questions about the present condition of the Philippines can be answered by history. We only have to search for them. History can bond us, he said, but only if we remember.

Nation-building efforts have to start there; in Filipinos - remembering, working for a collective memory and having a nobler image of ourselves. We will do that by looking back and working today. In building our nation, the past and the present must meet so we can establish a future that will capture the essence of our national identity. A society that reflects brilliance and compassion.

YTRiP volunteers trekked to Solidaridad* to converse with a man of great literary talent and influence, as well as with each other. Because in the end, we were all looking for answers. And we have to start somewhere. F. Sionil Jose said that “someone who has a sense of nation, someone who has some kind of loyalty to this nation - that is someone who will find the best way to be a Filipino.” And that is really what we wanted. To find the best way to be a Filipino.  That is our challenge.

He encourages Filipinos to travel more. Explore the Philippines and learn from those explorations. There is a vast cultural heritage that we must uncover and remember. Development will be difficult if we do not know the resources that we possess.

YTRiP encourages all Filipinos to explore the country. Discover the Philippines.  Learn from your trips and ask more questions. So you will once again search for more answers. The task of redefining our Filipino identity is the responsibility of everyone. Young and old.  Because collective identity calls for collective action that thrives on individual passion and talent. 
He said he is glad that we have idealism. "Inspire me so I can learn from you. Make this old man work harder."

*Solidaridad is an independent bookshop owned by National Artist F. Sionil Jose. It is located at Padre Faura St., Ermita, Manila

YTRiP arranged this session as part of its Filipino Writers Series. We want more Filipinos to have the opportunity to talk to our literary talents. Tell us, which Filipino writer would you like to meet?

Email comments to youthtrip@gmail.com.

Text: Leslie Anne Umaly
Photo Credit: Gang Badoy © 2007

Leslie is one of the YTRiP pioneers. She loves F Sionil Jose and Philippine history.