They say if walls could talk, they’d reveal stories untold—of moments and memories long past. That sentiment rings especially true for the walls of Solidaridad, a quiet, unassuming bookstore tucked away in Ermita, Manila City.

Established in 1965 by the late National Artist for Literature Francisco Sionil Jose, Solidaridad has long stood as a sanctuary for thinkers, readers, writers, and dreamers. F. Sionil Jose, the acclaimed author of “The Rosales Saga,” “Poon,” and “Tree,” built more than just a bookstore—he created a cultural landmark. But now, the legacy he left behind faces an uncertain future: the property is up for sale for ₱38 million.

Unlike trendy shops promoting viral bestsellers, Solidaridad has always been guided by a meticulous, thoughtful curation reflective of its founder’s literary standards. Even after F. Sionil Jose’s passing on Jan. 6, 2022, this principle remains intact. Inside, books aren’t grouped by popularity—they’re categorized by origin, allowing visitors to travel the world through literature. Shelves dedicated to Japan, China, and even Arab nations offer readers a passport to global narratives, all without leaving Manila.

But Solidaridad is more than its collection of over 3,000 Filipiniana titles. It is, in many ways, a living museum. Within its 77-square-meter footprint lies 220 square meters of history, hidden in rooms and corridors rarely seen by the public.

Upstairs on the second floor sits the administration office—functional, yet intimate. Books overflowed from shelves and rested on tabletops, evoking a sense of organized chaos where curation decisions may have been made. The scent of aged paper lingers in the air—a fragrance familiar to lifelong readers.

A narrow door leads to the third floor, where the bookstore’s beating heart once lived. There, a round table, a small kitchen, and dining area, F. Sionil’s office, and a modest bedroom occupy the space.

“Oh that round table! If it could only talk, this could tell you a lot of stories and tales!” said 75-year-old Tonet Jose, F. Sionil Jose’s son and current caretaker of Solidaridad. “That table already hosted different important people including former President Fidel Ramos, even Ninoy Aquino used to come here to have a chat with my father.”

Tonet shared that long before Solidaridad became a bookstore, it was their family’s ancestral home—and a place occasionally visited by none other than Dr. Jose Rizal.

“My great-grandfather said that Jose will visit but never enter the house,” he shared. “Because he was an activist, he didn’t want our family to get into trouble. So my Lolo would just come out and they would walk and talk along the streets of Ermita.”

Inside F. Sionil Jose’s office, a large wooden desk anchors the room, flanked by floating bookshelves. Beneath a glass tabletop are photos of loved ones. A simple curtain separates the desk from a single bed—spartan and sincere, much like the man who slept there. A small window invites in natural light, illuminating decades of quiet labor.

“This is where my father used to do all of his work. I remember Nick Joaquin would come up here, and they would shout at each other. Sometimes, the shouts were too loud, and people in the bookstore on the ground floor could hear them,” Tonet recalled with a laugh. “But actually those are friendly discussions.”

Before concluding the tour, Tonet revealed one final story.

“Would you like to meet Esperanza?” he asked. “Esperanza is a 16-year-old girl, an entity living in this room.”

When asked about the name, Tonet replied:

“He named her. He had a lot of experience with Esperanza. My dad used to wake up early, around 3 a.m., to do his work, and he said he could feel her. Sometimes, she’s even the one who would wake him,” he said. “I wonder if she will stay if this building finds its new owner.”

The decision to sell Solidaridad was not made lightly. But as Tonet explained, the bookstore is no longer financially viable.

“There are days that the sales couldn’t even afford to pay the amount of electricity consumption for the day,” he said. “If we didn’t own this building, the business couldn’t even stand for the last 10 years.”

As the sole person managing the store, Tonet admitted it’s become too much to handle. “It was a very sad decision for the family to sell it. And we are selling this with the stipulation that they need to continue the business for at least a couple of years, if they don’t find it profitable, it’s up to them what they want to do,” Tonet said. “We also want them to retain our staff for at least one year.”

Tonet said that they are hoping to sell the property no later than November this year.

As Solidaridad prepares to turn a new page, what remains is more than just a building filled with books—it’s a vessel of memory, dialogue, and national identity. From whispered stories between its walls to spirited debates at the round table, Solidaridad holds a legacy that transcends commerce. Whether or not the next owner continues its story, the soul of the bookstore—shaped by F. Sionil Jose’s passion and principles—will live on in the minds of readers it has quietly touched over the decades.