Francisco Sionil José, born December 3, 1924, is one of the most well-read Filipino writers in the English language. His series of novels and short stories depict the social underpinnings of class struggles and colonialism in Filipino society. December 3 is the 337th (in leap years the 338th) day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1924 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link will take you to calendar). ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... Filipino is a term originating and relating to the Philippines. ...

Born to a poor Ilocano family in Rosales, Pangasinan, the setting of many of his stories, he attended the University of Santo Tomas after World War II, but dropped out and plunged into writing and journalism in Manila. In subsequent years, he edited various literary and journalistic publications, started a publishing house, and founded the Philippine branch of PEN, an international organization for writers. José received numerous awards for his work, with The Pretenders being his most well-read novel. It is the story of one man's alienation from his poor background and the decadence of his wife's wealthy family. Ilocano, also Iloko and Ilokano, refers to the language and culture associated with the Ilocano people, the third largest ethnic group in the Philippines. ... The University of Santo Tomas, is a Catholic university in the Philippines run by the Order of Preachers. ... Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 18 km into the air. ... Manila (Maynila in Filipino) is the capital city of the Philippines. ...

Throughout his career, his writings espouse social justice and change to better the lives of average Filipino families.

Novels

Rosales Novels Saga

A five-novel series that spans three centuries of Philippine history, widely read around the world and translated into 22 languages

Po-on (Roots)

Tree

My Brother, My Executioner

The Pretenders

Mass

Original Novels which contained the Rosales Saga

Dusk

Don Vicente

The Samsons

Gagamba

Ben Singkol

Short Story Collection

God Stealer and Other Short Stories

Puppy Love and Other Short Stories

Olvidon

Waywaya (Freedom)