Visiting Philippine National Artist F.Sionil Jose & Tessie Jose

There are now two additional tropical storms around Manila, which accounts for the bad weather. The rain is sporadic but very strong when it falls. Despite feeling intimidated by the rain and traffic, I visited Frankie (F. Sionil, Philippine National Artist) and Tessie Jose at their iconic Manila bookshop, Solidaridad.



I admire and have affection for Frankie and Tessie and do my best to visit them when I can.

Yesterday, Frankie announced that we should visit My Dream World, a huge and glitzy casino in Manila's reclamation area. We had a pleasant merienda at The Red Ginger. Frankie said we should try the Japanese restaurant there next time; he had heard it's good.

We did not seem to have much time to talk; or I seeemed to be the one talking mostly.  But it was nice to see them well and happy.

Visiting them and the Solidaridad feels like "going home" in many ways.

Thank you Frankie, Tessie - mabuhay!

Read also
F.S. Jose Collection Turnover to DSLU Libraries
Lunch with F.S. Jose
F.S. Jose Play, Progress
Tags: Philippine literature, Philippines, literature, Filipino, authors, novelists, F.S. Jose, Philippine national artist, Tessie Jose, F.Sionil Jose, Cecilia Brainard

This is all for now,
Cecilia