THIS Valentine’s month, MiraNila Heritage House and Library in Quezon City opens its doors to couples, friends, and families for a truly unique Valentine’s celebration, as Pelikula sa MiraNila presents an experience where love, history, and cinema come together. Built in 1929, this landmark Filipino mansion offers a glimpse of a gracious past, while also hosting events and offering dining options and hotel accommodations.
Petty Benitez-Johannot, MiraNila Heritage House archivist and curator, says, “Through ‘Pelikula sa MiraNila,’ we aim to extend MiraNila’s appeal beyond heritage and history by engaging young cineastes. By presenting non-formulaic films that resonate with younger audiences, we hope to create a dynamic cultural experience that will encourage more people to explore the unique charm of MiraNila.”
Last February 4, in the first of the two Valentine’s outdoor screenings, Pelikula sa MiraNila presented a back-to-back showcase of Gitling by Jopy Arnaldo and Past Lives by Celine Song. Gitling, winner of Best Screenplay at Cinemalaya 2023, tells the story of a young Filipina translator and a middle-aged Japanese director as they navigate the challenges of language and understanding. Past Lives by Celine Song, an Academy Award Best Picture nominee in 2024, traces the lives of two childhood friends over 24 years as they reflect on love, connection, and their divergent paths.
On February 12, the event continues with an equally captivating line-up, beginning with two acclaimed fantasy-romance short films. Martika Ramirez Escobar’s Living Things, a Cinemalaya 2014 Best Short Film winner, tells the tale of a woman’s partner turning into a cardboard standee. Carla Pulido Ocampo’s Tokwifi, an award-winning film from FAMAS, Gawad Urian, Cinemalaya, and QCinema, tells the story of a 1950s mestiza star trapped in a television that fell from the sky and discovered by a young man from Bontok who does not know how to kiss. The evening culminates with Isa Pa with Feelings by Prime Cruz, a heartfelt romance about an aspiring architect and her deaf neighbor, played by Maine Mendoza and Carlo Aquino, as they navigate their growing connection.
MiraNila will open at 4:45 pm. A mini art fair will be on site. Screenings will start at 6 pm.
Tickets are priced at P700 for regular admission and P560 for students. Each ticket includes the film screenings, a Heritage House tour, and a bag of special popcorn. Garden mats will also be provided to ensure a cozy and comfortable outdoor screening experience. Guests are encouraged to bring their own mini-pillows.
MiraNila is located at 26 Mariposa St., Brgy. Bagong Lipunan ng Crame, Quezon City. This event is in partnership with the Third District of Negros Occidental and Gallery MiraNila by The Blue Leaf, with the support of Star Cinema, Sinegang.ph, and Bizu Cafe and Patisserie at MiraNila.
For ticket reservations, call Robeen at tel. no. (0927) 277–6335.
