F. Sionil Jose: Literature Love

AFTER its initial foray into capsule collections featuring our country’s celebrated artists from different media, Freeway is back again with a collection to honor one of the greatest Filipino writers of all time, National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose.

Featuring snippets of his words on dresses, oversized shirts and graphic tees, this pocket collection makes for a great statement, a gift for relatives abroad or any bibliophile.

We asked Freeway owner Sheree Gotuaco some questions about the collection.

Why did you choose F. Sionil Jose?

We chose F. Sionil Jose because of his accomplishment in the field of literature.  His works have been translated into over 22 languages and it is an honor for us to feature our first living National Artist.  We are able to listen to his thoughts and get an insight into his personality first-hand.  Also, FSJ is an engaging, fearless and candid conversationalist.

Who designed the artwork for the collection?

We have a team of designers—graphic and fashion—who worked on the collection.  We had to choose the right silhouettes for the right artwork, with the proper production technology that matches the artwork.

How did you go about securing the rights to feature FSJ?

We went to visit him at his bookstore, La Solidaridad Bookshop in Ermita.  We explained to him our plans of honoring him and his works and asking his permission to do so.  He and his wife appreciated the tributes we have done in the past to other National Artists, and they readily agreed.  FSJ and his wife are very down-to-earth, and they truly have the interest of our country and its people at heart.  Since that meeting, it has been a pleasure to work with them on this tribute.