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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Leviste buys iconic Solidaridad Bookshop, vows to preserve it

Leviste buys iconic Solidaridad Bookshop, vows to preserve it

Published Nov 23, 2025 04:57 pm

At A Glance

  • Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste has once again flexed his deep pockets for a noble cause. The billionaire businessman-turned-congressman announced on Sunday, Nov. 23 that he bought Solidaridad Bookshop, the iconic Manila literary institution and long-standing cultural landmark that was founded by National Artist F. Sionil Jose.
Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)


Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste has once again flexed his deep pockets for a noble cause.
The billionaire businessman-turned-congressman announced on Sunday, Nov. 23 that he bought Solidaridad Bookshop, the iconic Manila literary institution and long-standing cultural landmark that was founded by National Artist F. Sionil Jose.
With the purchase, Leviste has ensured the continued existence of "Asia's biggest little bookshop" as it is currently known and cherished.
“We thank the Jose family for entrusting us with Solidaridad. We hope they can remain involved and help ensure that the bookshop’s operations stay true to its history and the legacy of F. Sionil Jose,” the 32-year-old said in a Facebook post Sunday.
The bookshop was founded in 1965 by F. Sionil Jose and stands on the property held by the ancestors of his wife, Teresita Jovellanos Jose. The National Artist for Literature was the long-time friend of Leviste’s mother, Senator Loren Legarda.
Located in Padre Faura, Solidaridad was the gathering place for many of the Philippines’ literary giants, writers, intellectuals, academics, cultural workers, and civic leaders.
The bookshop has hosted numerous international luminaries in the field of literature, culture, and the arts. It is also the home of PEN Philippines, a chapter of PEN International, which F. Sionil Jose established in 1958.
Solidaridad is known for having the widest collection of Filipiniana books in the Philippines, giving Filipino authors an outlet for displaying and selling their publications. 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.
The Jose couple passed away in 2022 and the bookshop has been managed by Tonet Jose, their eldest son.
“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,” he said.
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