F. Sionil Jose's Solidaridad bookshop has been sold

F. Sionil Jose's famed Manila bookshop Solidaridad has been sold.

The news was confirmed to GMA News Online in a text message by the national artist's son, Antonio "Tonet" Jose on Tuesday afternoon, July 1.

"The deal was closed this noon," he says, adding it was acquired "very close to the [family's] asking price."

News of the family selling Solidaridad went viral over the weekend but Antontio said they started selling the bookshop "about a month ago."

"After me, wala na kasing mag-manage ng book shop. We decided we had to let it go," he explained, calling it "a very sad decision."

Located on Padre Faura in Ermita, Manila Solidaridad has become something a of cultural and even a historical landmark. "Ermita's biggest little bookshop" has even amassed quite the following online, too. On Facebook it boasts of 15,000 avid followers.

Established by F. Sionil Jose in 1965, Solidaridad is turning 60 years old in July. 

Congratulations to the new owners and long live Solidaridad! — LA, GMA Integrated News