José 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. "The Pretenders" is his most popular novel, which is the story of one man's alienation from his poor background and the decadence of his wife's wealthy family.