This is the harsh truth about us: not only do Filipinos ignore books, literature - we do not understand how important the arts are - not just to those of us who work at it, but to the nation as a whole. F. Sionil Jose artbookfilipino share on social
I was born in an Ilokano village called Cabugawan. Most of the houses in it were roofed with thatch, pan-aw, a species of wild grass. F. Sionil Jose bearcabugawancall Change image and share on social
Literature - Eastern and Western - abounds with stories, myths, legends about the search for youth, for eternal life. F. Sionil Jose aboundeasterneternal Change image and share on social
To fund major cultural efforts, we must not rely alone on government and foundation patronage; if the farmer can spend for beer, he can pay for good entertainment which he can understand, which he can identify with and which will fortify his spirit. F. Sionil Jose beerculturaleffort share on social
The Japanese covet important symbols - their heroic past as enshrined in Yasukuni, the Imperial family which has never been sullied by scandal. F. Sionil Jose covetenshrinefamily Change image and share on social
What is needed in the theater, in fact for all our art forms, is a vibrant critical tradition. F. Sionil Jose artcriticalfact Change image and share on social
I tell young people who ask me about a future in writing not to go into it unless they get married to someone rich. F. Sionil Jose futuremarrypeople Change image and share on social
I find it always pleasurable talking with young people, particularly those aspiring to be writers, out of nostalgia, and because I've always felt that we oldies can learn so much from them and draw from them inspiration in our flagging and rickety years. F. Sionil Jose aspiredrawfelt share on social
We are shallow because we are 'mayabang,' ego driven, and do not have the humility to understand that we are only human, much too human to mistake knowledge for wisdom. F. Sionil Jose driveegohuman Change image and share on social
The literary depiction of life and its moral dilemmas compel us to use our conscience, to make those infallible distinctions between right and wrong. F. Sionil Jose compelconsciencedepiction Change image and share on social
