F. SIONIL JOSÉ: THE VOICE OF THE PHILIPPINE SOCIAL JUSTICE

"We write from life and call it literature, and literature lives
 because we are in it."

    Francisco Sionil José, born on December 3, 1924, in Rosales, Pangasinan, is a key figure in Philippine Literature. His works, reflecting the complexities of Filipino society, have greatly influenced the country's literary scene. Growing up in a modest family, Jose faced social and economic challenges that deeply informed his writing. His early experiences in Rosales, where his father was a farmer and his mother a teacher, gave him a strong sense of realism and empathy in his stories.

    After World War II, F. Sionil José attended the University of Santo Tomas but left to focus writing and journalism in Manila. He quickly became involved in editing various publications, started his own publishing house, and founded the Philippine branch of PEN, an international writers' organization. Though he didn't complete his formal education, his experiences in Manila's literary scene greatly shaped his work. 

Works

    His novels, particularly the Rosales Saga, reflect his commitment to social justice and often draw on themes from José Rizal's writings. It is a series of five novels that explore Philippine history and society through the Rosales family. 

The Rosales series includes five novels that chronologically explore the Samson family's story and the Philippine socio-political landscape. "Po-on" is set during the Philippine-American War and is the first novel in the series, focusing on the Samson family's struggles. "Tree", the second novel, follows the unnamed grandson of Don Jacinto and depicts the hardships faced by Filipino peasants under Spanish rule. "My Brother, My Executioner", the third novel, is set in the 1950s and details Luis Asperri's conflict between his privileged position and the Hukbalahap rebellion. "The Pretenders", the fourth novel, tells the story of Antonio Samson, an Ilustrado who struggles with his past and ultimately takes his own life. The final novel, "Mass", moves to the 1970s and follows Pepe Samson, Antonio’s illegitimate son, who joins a revolutionary group and leaves Manila to support the guerrillas. 

             

    Each novel provides a different parts of Filipino history and society, from the Samson family's experiences during the Philippine-American War to the personal and social challenges in later times. 

Together, they showed on how the Philippines changed over time through different historical periods.

His other works similar to the novel, "Rosales Saga" is titled "Dusk".

 "Dusk" is a novel, set in the late 19th century and tells the story of a tenant family forced to leave their village due to social and political upheaval. They relocate to the small town of Rosales, where they face new struggles as they attempt to rebuild their lives. The novel explores themes of displacement, resilience, and the impact of societal changes on individuals and families. Through their experiences, José paints a vivid picture of the difficulties faced by those caught in the turmoil of their time.

Through the protagonist's experiences, José examines the moral and ethical challenges faced by individuals in a society dealing with its own complexities and injustices.

Awards

He has garnered numerous prestigious awards throughout his illustrious career reflecting his profound impact on literature. His notable accolades include the National Artist for Literature Award in 1997, none of the honors for a Filipino writer, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the country's heritage. Additionally, he received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts in 1991, highlighting his commitment to social justice and insightful storytelling. 

Jose's work has been highly recognized by the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. He won for his short story "The God Sealer" in 1959,  

and then for "Waywaya" and  "Arbol de Fuego (Firetree)" in 1979 and 1980. His novel "Mass" earned him an award in 1981, and his essay "A Scenario for Philippine Resistance" also received an award in 1979 These awards highlight Jose's influence and the importance of stories in Philippine literature.

    Thoughts

    Francisco Sionil José is a highly impactful writer especially in the Philippines whose stories offer a clear view of Filipino society. His focus on real-life issues such as corruption and social injustices, combined with his engaging storytelling makes his work both compelling and meaningful. His ability to address social problems through relatable characters and gripping plots has earned him a respected place in literature, helping readers understand and reflect on important societal challenges especially to the current situation in the Philippines. 

References

https://tl.wikipedia.org/wiki/F._Sionil_Jos%C3%A9

https://up.edu.ph/celebrating-the-life-of-national-artist-f-sionil-jose-97/

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/88800/dusk-by-f-sionil-jose/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rosales_Saga