heyrocketgirl June 2, 2011
{SOUL Lifestyle dress}

Held last May 31, 2011 at The Row, Glorietta 5, Freeway paid tribute to our honored living Philippine National Artist F. Sionil Jose. It was an intimate gathering that celebrated the life and works of F. Sionil José. I was really excited for this one coz it’s not everyday you meet a national artist and luckily, I had just the right shift dress thanks to our recent Davao trip.

After paying tribute to National Artists Nick Joaquin (Literature), Ang Kiukok (Visual Arts), Jose Garcia Villa (Literature) and Ramon Valera (Fashion Design), Freeway was excited to feature its first living National Artist in the fifth of this Series. Freeway launched the National Artist Collectors’ Series Fall 2011 Collection featuring the works of National Artist for Literature Francisco Sionil José who is the most translated Filipino writer.

The event was hosted by Prima Ballerina and Ballet Manila’s Artistic Director, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde

The tribute started with a video presentation of F. Sionil José’s life, followed by a Tertulia. The Tertulia, a gathering of artistic or literary overtones, has already been a tradition in past Freeway literary event launches. The readings for the evening were carefully chosen by Philippine Inquirer Editor Lito Zulueta and they were accompanied by live classical guitar played by Mr. Ferdie Medina, a UP College of Music instructor
 Lourd De Veyra read from “Tree” and “The God Stealer”
Cherie Gil read from “The Pretenders” and the famous “Ermita”. Her powerful interpretation of Ermita gave me the goosebumps and it made me miss acting. 🙁
 No Holds Barred Question & Answer and Fast Response Words with the candid and funny F. Sionil José. It was very interesting to discover the personal side of this living legend, or fondly known as Sir Frankie or Manong.
By this time, I was already endeared by Sir Frankie. We have the same favorite president (Magsaysay) and his comment about judging artists by how they live their lives and not just by their works was so Atenean (although he’s from UST)!

Freeway’s CEO, Sheree Roxas-Chua Gotuaco recounting her first meeting with Sir Frankie
closing remarks and thanking everyone who attended the event
the nation’s artists
if you follow me on Twitter, you might’ve read my tweet: “F. Sionil is so cute 🙂 love how he’s so in love <3” and here’s why: when asked who the most beautiful woman is, his reply was his wife. asked his happiest moment, his reply was when his wife said yes. you all know I’m a sucker for cheese! haha!

with National Artist F. Sionil Jose
Freeway’s Sheree Roxas-Chua Gotauco and Katty Roxas-Chua Qua
 
Freeway’s Mira Sagrado

 
with Ava, Aisa, Alex, and Melai

Melai+JR, Aisa+Mich, Ava+Gersh, oo na, kayo na ang sweet. hahaha 🙂

The entire collection was viewed for the first time on the same night, extending a special discount to guests only for that evening. The collection is currently available in all their branches. Freeway features some of Sionil José’s well known works as interpreted in a pocket collection which includes staple favorites graphic tees in trendy silhouettes, modern tailored woven tops and dresses and accessories. All items have a printed seal, a bio-swing tag and packaged in the signature National Artist Collectors Series envelope. Here are some photos:

thank you so much Freeway for inviting us! I know I’ve said this already in this entry but it’s not everyday you meet a national artist. Thank you Freeway for giving this opportunity. 🙂
most of all, thank you Freeway for this…
a signed copy of F. Sionil Jose’s To The Young Writer and Other Essays. 🙂

To know more about the collection, visit www.freeway.net.ph. Plus get fresher updates at their Facebook Fan Page (search for “Freeway Online”) and Twitter http://twitter.com/FreewayOnline. 🙂

xx
Reg

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13 thoughts on “FREEWAY X F. SIONIL JOSE”

  5. Great pics! Is very cool to meet fabulous artists from your own country…btw I never realized how tall you were..fantastic!

    xx
    Andy
    The Black Label

  6. Looks like an amazing event. I love the pieces with the writing on them. I often customise my basics so that they have poetry on them so those are the kinds of designs that really make my head turn.

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