Marilyn Cahatol

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste is the Solidaridad bookshop’s new owner.</p><p>In a Facebook post, the Solidaridad bookshop announced it has been sold to Leviste, who it said was “a long-time friend of <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/life/01/06/22/f-sionil-jose-dies-at-97">F. Sionil Jose</a>,” the late National Artist for Literature who founded it in 1965.</p><p>“Leviste is making this investment to ensure Solidaridad’s continued operations and help preserve the legacy of F. Sionil Jose with the continued advice of the Jose family,” Solidaridad said.</p><p>The bookshop initially <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/7/2/60-year-old-solidaridad-bookshop-in-manila-seeks-new-owner-1849?photoId=f1091e1e-e71f-4614-bed7-8dea0e78d0c8">announced </a>in July that it was looking for a new owner.</p><p>After Jose and his wife, Teresita Jovellanos Jose, died in 2022, the bookshop had been managed by their eldest son, Tonet Jose.</p><p>Tonet said: “Our family will always cherish the memory of Solidaridad and the work our parents put into it. We are excited about the transition to the new ownership and wish them success as they continue the legacy of F. Sionil Jose.”</p><p>The 60-year-old Solidaridad bookshop housed titles from local writers, intellectuals, academics, cultural workers and civic leaders.</p><p>The “Asia’s biggest little bookshop” is known for its wide collection of Filipiniana books: “The unique selection of books at this legendary bookshop were specially curated by F. Sionil Jose, who singularly selected all the books that are sold.”</p><p>Meanwhile, Leviste said he hopes for the bookshop’s operations to “stay true to its history and the legacy of F. Sionil Jose.”</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/33bYX9KM1KI?si=o8RARqdmZAcR-3cG" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>In a Facebook post, the Solidaridad bookshop announced it has been sold to Leviste, who it said was “a long-time friend of <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/life/01/06/22/f-sionil-jose-dies-at-97">F. Sionil Jose</a>,” the late National Artist for Literature who founded it in 1965.</p>

In a Facebook post, the Solidaridad bookshop announced it has been sold to Leviste, who it said was “a long-time friend of F. Sionil Jose ,” the late National Artist for Literature who founded it in 1965.

Leandro Leviste is Solidaridad bookshop’s new owner

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Leandro Leviste is Solidaridad bookshop’s new owner

Marilyn Cahatol,

ABS-CBN News

Published November 23, 2025 04:04 PM PHT

Read More:

Solidaridad bookshop

F. Sionil Jose

Leandro Leviste

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