FASHIONISTA: Freeway honors National Artist F. Sionil Jose

We only have a handful of great National Artists that are living as of today, though being awarded with a prestigious honor, most of us still don't even know them. And I am not reffering to a so called artist that the industry also disgust (pun intended). But its good to hear that Freeway and similar brands Solo have infused fashion and the contributions of our National artists. Today Freeway honors National Artist for Literature Francisco Sionil Jose, author of the Rosales Novels like the Pretenders, My Brother My Executioner, Poon, Tree and Mass, with its new line up of clothes with quotes from his books and essays. 

Though I have not yet read all of his works, I am a big fan of his essay writings which are bold yet brings justice to questions left unanswered. And on this event, some celebrities graced the night to read some of his works namely the legendary kontrabida icon and award winning actress Cherrie Gil, and the talented, charismatic and witty anchor od Sapul sa Singko Lourd De Veyra. The Master of Ceremonies is also a celebrity in the performing arts world, as a prima ballerina and also the founder of Ballet Manila, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.

Aside from reading his works, Lisa Macuja also made a no holds barred interview of F. Sionil Jose himself to know his views an opinions upon the issues of today. His style of writing and also the passion that drives him to write even up to today, which he said is his secret to live long.  And even his fashion style which he loves wearing a beret which he says protects his head from the heat and cold. He is very happy with his life together with his wife who is always by his side and also happy that freeway recognizes the contributions made by deserving National Artists. Aside from F. Sionil Jose, Cartoonist Larry Alcala (Slice of Life) was also part of this campaign under the brand Solo, which looks really cool too.

I would like to say that the brands under THE ROW ( Solo, Ensembles, Freeway) have made a terrific job not only in making quality and fashionably in clothing but also a great advocacy that many of us have overlooked. There works have made history and molded our culture which the present generation must also know and discover. I was also inspired to write more after this night and also would be proud to wear these apparel not only to be fashionable but also be a reminder of how great our artists are and be inspired to follow them.