The God of Filipino Literature

Last 28^th of February 2008, Fransisco Sionil Jose was given a salutation by the literature community at our very own Arrupe Convention Hall at the Ateneo de Naga University College for his lifetime achievements as a national Filipino artist. F. Sionil, as he is better known, is said to be the "god of Filipino literature".

Not many writers of his time had lived to see their talents become the core of contemporary Filipino literature, but F. Sionil was one of them. He sits at the pedestal of Filipino potential. What was it that gave him this honor? Were the critiques and students of the arts that gave it to him? Was it solely due to his talents as a fictionist, novelist, and essayist? Or was it something which he held so strongly, principles of ethical nationalism and an eternal hope for his own countrymen?

During his speech, he spoke of words of nationalism and social peace. According to him his passion for the art did not solely come from a personal recognition of his abilities but something more external. He wrote because he felt a gnawing need to save his country. According to him, his writing was not for him but for others; to realize within themselves the limitless potential of a nation. According to F. Sionil, if he had seen no more hope for this country, then with all his fame, could have migrated already to another country. It is very apparent that even at his age, he still holds a strong dedication and devotion to his fatherland, an adamant obligation to his duties as a Filipino, and that inspires him to express his abilities.

During the said event, there also happened an open forum between F. Sionil and the audience. One of them pointed out what was Jose's reaction on the rise of regional writers which this region has many. When asked by this question, he only answered that there are no regional writers, only Filipino writers. Looking at what he said it is evident that he considers every one daring to write in his own heritage as both rivals and peers.