Bienvenido lumbera

F. Sionil José

Filipino writer (1924–2022)

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Sionil and the surname or paternal family name is José.

National Artist for Literature and Far Eastern University (FEU) Alumnus, F. Sionil Jose, dies at 97, leaving behind a legacy that shaped Philippine literature. Most of his work dwells on the stories of the ordinary Filipino people, focusing on issues of poverty and social class divisions.

A writer for the ordinary Filipino

Deemed as one of the leading contemporary Filipino writers in English, Jose has left a permanent mark in Philippine literature—proving this by winning numerous accolades including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for journalism, literature, and creative communication arts in 1980. He later received the National Artist award in 2001.

With his goal to become a voice of seeing heroism in the ordinary Filipino, he participated in protesting the Martial Law. With pen and paper, he wrote the stories of political injustices during those tragic years thus writing “Mass,” the fifth and final installment of his infamous series, Rosales Saga. 

A man’s long search for justice and a moral order

Before being one of the most prolific writers of Philippine Contempo

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F. Sionil José

José in 2017

BornFrancisco Sionil José
(1924-12-03)December 3, 1924
Rosales, Pangasinan, Philippine Islands
DiedJanuary 6, 2022(2022-01-06) (aged 97)
Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Pen nameF. Sionil José
OccupationFilipino Novelist, Writer, Journalist
NationalityFilipino
Alma materFar Eastern University
University of Santo Tomas (dropped out)
Period1962–2022
GenreFiction
Literary movementPhilippine literature in English
Notable worksThe "Rosales Saga" Novels (1962–1984)
Notable awards
  • Order of National Artists of the Philippines
    Pablo Neruda Centennial Award (2004)
  • Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres (2000)
  • Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature and Creative Communication Arts (1980)
  • City of Manila Award for Literature (1979)
  • Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature (1959, 1979,

    F. Sionil José

F. Sionil José

José in 2017

BornFrancisco Sionil José
(1924-12-03)December 3, 1924
Rosales, Pangasinan, Philippine Islands
DiedJanuary 6, 2022(2022-01-06) (aged 97)
Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Pen nameF. Sionil José
OccupationFilipino novelist, writer, journalist
NationalityFilipino
Alma materFar Eastern University
University of Santo Tomas (dropped out)
Period1962–2022
GenreFiction
Literary movementPhilippine literature in English
Notable worksThe "Rosales Saga" Novels (1962–1984)
Notable awards
  • Order of National Artists of the Philippines
    Pablo Neruda Centennial Award (2004)
  • Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres (2000)
  • Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature and Creative Communication Arts (1980)
  • City of Manila Award for Literature (1979)
  • Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature (1959, 1979, 1980, 1981)
SpouseTessie Jovellanos Jose