An outdoor cinema in a quiet side of Quezon City is hard to resist. What more if it’s within the compound of Mira Nila, a heritage house declared by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 2011.
Built in 1929 by Conrado Francia Benitez and his wife Francisca Tirona Benitez, Mira Nila is a one-hectare property which houses four thousand pieces of art, furniture, ceramics and memorabilia. The house designed in California Revival Style, clearly shows an abode of erudites. Conrado was one of the drafters of the 1935 Constitution of the Philippines and the first dean of the College of Business Administration at the University of the Philippines (UP). His brother, Francisco, was the first dean of the UP College of Education. Conrado’s wife, Francisca, was a co-founder of the Philippine Women’s University, the first university for women in Asia founded by Asians. Their daughter, Helena, was administrator of PWU and served as senator. She also founded the Bayanihan Dance Company.
Mira Nila’s role in Philippine history spans nine decades from events and personalities related to the writing of the Philippine Constitution to the occupation of the Japanese Imperial Forces and the takeover of the American Armed Forces. Most of all, it was home to the Benitez family. Nearing its centennial, four years from now in 2029, it has opened its doors to the public.
Aside from the scheduled outdoor cinema, it is also a concert venue. Last year, a cello and piano concert was held featuring a newly restored 1904 Steinway grand piano. During a house tour guided by Petty Benitez-Johannot, she led us to aĺl the rooms, halls, even the top floor which overlooked many parts of Quezon City. This was the same spot when a viewer, in 1932, shouted in Spanish, “Mira a Manila!” after seeing Ateneo in Intramuros burn to the ground. Thus arose the sobriquet “Mira Nila” which refers to the heritage house. Intramuros may no longer be seen from atop the house with the advent of high-rise condominiums but the grandeur of Mira Nila remains timeless.
Guided visits by appointment: Entry is P400. It is located at 26 Mariposa St., Bgy. Bagong Lipunan, Crame, Quezon City. Contact (+632) 8722-0243, (+63) 945-4876827 or email HelenaZBenitez@gmail.com.
For catered events: Contact Gallery MiraNila by The Blue Leaf at (+63)917-7960106 or email mikee.reyes@blueleaf.com.
For walk-in or reserved indoor or outdoor lunches or dinners: Contact Bizu MiraNila at (+63)927-2015129, (+632) 8562-5098 or email bizu.miranila@bizugroupe.com.
MiraNamin Nest will open on April 1, 2025 as a bed and breakfast. Book in advance through AirBNB, Google Vacation Rentals.
Jing Ordoña (Manilakad) leads Manilakad Walks in Intramuros, food crawls in Binondo, Quiapo, and Angeles City, and more. Let him guide you to several walking destinations in Manila and beyond. Manilakad (Jing Ordoña) can be reached on Facebook Messenger or through text at (+63) 916-3597888 and Viber (George Ordona) at (+63) 960-6975930.
