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In a small city of Tandag, there lives a young gal full of hopeful ambitions and dreams to fulfill. She is Kirby Coquilla, a first year student in BS Accountancy. Within the world full of numbers to analyze and duties to play, her true passion resides in the art of writing — whether through poems full of metaphorical fiction or the unwavering gaze of non-fiction and journalism. Beyond the walls of Kirby's studies, she finds herself intrigued by the wonders of the Philippine Pop culture, As an aspiring writer, she continuously ponders on the idea of change and how people are influenced to change. Hence, Kirby immerses herself in her beloved country's literature, films, music, practices/trends, and art, to unravel the mysteries that these bring.

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Ranked 1st place in Copy Reading and Headline Writing during the 2023 Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC).

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Taken during the Mindanao Art Fair at SM Lanang last September 27, 2023.

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Solidaridad keeps Philippine literature alive.

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"Writers are exalted because of what they wrote."

— F. Sionil Jose

One thing that she wants to highlight the importance of is the Philippine literature. It is truly disheartening to witness that Philippine literature hasn't been popular or became mainstream in the country due to its heavily influenced history and limited outlets for creative writers (NOLISOLI, 2017). "I believe our country has something more to offer in this field," Kirby says. Literature still plays a huge part in the Philippine popular culture, nonetheless, especially since there has been a rising number of young writers in this generation. A prime example representing the country's culture is the works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

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With such a high literacy rate, one would expect readership in the Philippines to be just as high, that bookshops would always be filled with well-read people browsing through heaps and heaps of books stacked on the shelves. That scene is likely to be true at the bestseller fiction sections of bookstores, yet the Filipiniana sections would always be, well, empty.

In the heart of the urban jungle, Manila, a city of rich history and culture that is equally tainted with chaos, there lies a bookshop that has withstood the test of time for almost 50 years, that dreams of saving Filipinos from ignorance and idiocy. Solidaridad stands on the busy street of Padre Faura, a stone's throw away from a popular shopping mall. Owned by National Artist for Literature F. Sionil José, the author envisions a society where people yearn to read and discover more about their very own literature. Plastered on Solidaridad's window is a sign that reads: "A call for Honesty and Integrity as the foundation of Filipino society. Speak out! Evil Prospers Where Good Men are Silent."

Writers are exalted because of what they wrote. -F. Sionil José

Because of our heavily influenced history, Filipino literature has not been very popular in the country. There are limited outlets for creative writers in the country and José has dedicated his life to changing this through his own multitude of books. Once he mentioned, "Writers are exalted because of what they wrote." But despite his numerous award- winning literary contributions to Filipino society, he wanted to keep his bookstore alive to become an avenue for striving Filipino writers to have their works seen, read and sold. Solidaridad brings us the best books that won't be found anywhere else, such as José's works translated into different languages, and it even claims to carry some titles that have been pulled out of major stores because of their controversial content, like the Hour Before Dawn by Marites Dañguilan-Vitug.

Solidaridad is truly a treasure trove with the amount of rare books found in its little space. The Filipiniana section is its pride and glory, but it also carries foreign titles handpicked by José himself. People from all walks of life-students, researchers, professors, lawyers and foreigners alike-drop by to browse through his wondrous collection. Solidaridad is an escape from the mainstream fare offered on the shelves of other, bigger bookstores.
Solidaridad is located at 531 Padre Faura, Ermita, Manila. This story was originally published in Southern Living, June 2014.
Writer: DENISE DANIELLE ALCANTARA
PHOTOGRAPHY JILSON SECKLER TIU

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Solidaridad keeps Philippine literature alive

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F. Sionil's bookstore still stands after over 50 years

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Photo from: Kuya Carlou Espedillon's page, Tales by CB Espedillon

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There is also another masterpiece crafted by Pete Lacaba entitled, "Prometheus Unbound", which is a moving expression of opposition to the injustices of Martial Law (read more here: Prometheus Unbound: Silence can’t be bought). Kirby has witnessed Facebook friends who have published a few zines, embedding regional dialects within their works while showcasing various themes about life in general, Philippine culture, and others. For instance, Carlou Espedillon or also known by his pen name 'Lolo Penguin', is a writer based in Alabel, Sarangani, and currently the chairperson of the Sarangani Writers League. He writes for the masses, for the daily struggles that people go through and can relate with, he aims to widen the influence of literature in their town. Indeed, it is interesting enough to know how much power words hold and how they can empower the minds of many through this medium.

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Photo references: https://tadonggeniuskuno.wordpress.com/2014/02/15/bob-ongs-aba-nag-review-ka-na-ba/; https://medium.com/@nikka.seculles.jhs/dekada-70-8e76a4d80fa0; http://rizal.library.ateneo.edu/node/811; https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/238067/smaller-and-smaller-circles-by-fh-batacan/; https://jieteodoro.com/2022/05/11/basa-tayo-4-dagat-ang-dugo-ng-mga-kataw/; https://www.penlab.ink/titles/katipunera-warrior-kalabaw-kolektib/; https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/791031/you-may-read-the-first-volume-of-trese-komiks-online-for-free/story/; https://twitter.com/penlab_ink/status/1396752834385829888

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Philippine literature in the context of pop culture provides an avenue for critique and cultural celebration within the framework of the Carnival Theory. According to this theory, social norms and hierarchies are slightly repealed during carnival periods, allowing for a reversal of power dynamics and the expression of marginalized voices. Similar to this, there is a carnival-esque feel found in Philippine literature, especially in forms like poetry, social media narratives, and komiks (comics), where traditional boundaries are blurred and alternative discourses flourish. Literary works offer a space for resistance against oppressive structures and challenge prevailing ideologies through humor, satire, and exaggeration.

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Literature in the Philippines becomes a carnival of ideas where overlooked viewpoints are given voice and cultural traditions are celebrated, a country filled with historical injustices and current social issues. Dictatorship, human rights violations, and social inequality are examples of works that embodies this carnival spirit, such as Lualhati Bautista's "Dekada '70" and Bob Ong's satirical novels. Through its incorporation of carnivalesque elements such as humor, parody, and grotesque imagery, Philippine Literature has become a force for social change in pop culture, in addition to providing entertainment. It gives people the confidence to question the status quo, reconsider social norms, and imagine a more fair and just world.