“This is the harsh truth about us: not only do Filipinos ignore books, ...” — F. Sionil Jose Quote

“This is the harsh truth about us: not only do Filipinos ignore books, literature - we do not understand how important the arts are - not just to those of us who work at it, but to the nation as a whole.”

“Contemplation is a luxury of the middle class, the very rich.”

“Self-respect, the value of 'face,' is universal but is most pronounced in China, then in Japan where the Confucian ethic is most influential.”

“Well, I'm not afraid to say something if I think it's funny, even if it's harsh or racist.”

“You can't be a strong or cool woman and be represented except in a harsh way, looking mean and cold and hard. It's like reverse sexism.”

“Nothing I say is harsh. What I do say is the truth. If people have a problem with that, they need to realize that's on them. That's not on me.”