It was a “no-holds-barred” event, as one participant put it, honoring National Artist F. Sionil José. And anyone who knows Manong Frankie (as the younger writers call him) was not surprised, because the novelist is known for his outspoken views and candid opinions which sometimes jolt the uninitiated.
In death, a good man brings his friends and foes together. The binding element is the afterglow of a life almost impeccably lived, one that deeply saddens the mournful many while clothing with remorse the unkind few.
In a tribute to Isagani Yambot, Ronalyn Olea wrote: “Gani, considered a giant in the Philippine media industry, is a simple man, a loving father, a passionate teacher and a staunch defender of [press] freedom.” Not known to many, Gani was also a true friend of the Filipino farmers. He inspired the growth and strengthening of Alyansa Agrikultura (AA). AA is a nationwide farmer-fisherfolk coalition with 42 federations and organizations covering all major agricultural sectors.
