CCP, Philippine PEN to pay tribute F. Sionil Jose on Feb. 14
In honor of the late National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose, the Philippine Center of the International PEN and the Cultural Center of the Philippines is holding a virtual tribute on Feb. 14.
The critically acclaimed writer passed away at 97 in his sleep on Jan. 6, as he was awaiting an angioplasty procedure on Jan. 7.
At the event, titled "Tribute to F. Sionil Jose, An Afternoon of Reminiscences and Encomiums," CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Chris Millado, PEN chair and novelist Charlson Ong, retired Justice Antonio Carpio, former Ombudsman Justice Conchita Carpio Morales, poet Ricardo de Ungria, fictionist Jose "Butch" Dalisay, lawyer/historian Saul Hofilena, and more are set to pay tribute to the late author.
Estonian writer and PEN International board director Katlin Käldmaa, acclaimed American author James Fallows, and Singapore's poet laureate Edwin Thumboo will give messages during the tribute.
One of Jose's children, Alex, will speak on behalf of their family.
The virtual tribute will also launch three new books from the National Artist for Literature, including Collected Short Stories, Writing the Nation: Essays on Philippine Literature, Politics, and Culture, and Promdi: An Ilocano Autobiography.
You can watch the event on Feb. 14, 4 PM on the Philippine PEN and CCP's Facebook pages.
Jose's written works include novels and short stories such as The Rosales Saga, Gagamba, Three Filipino Women, as well as a regular column in the STAR titled Hindsight.