A V-Day idea: Take your date on an outdoor film screening
MiraNila Heritage House, a storied estate in Quezon City, is finding new ways to stay relevant to younger audiences through cinema.
In its first-ever outdoor film screening event, the historic site paired the award-winning Filipino film “Gitling” with the Oscar-nominated “Past Lives,” creating a unique pre-Valentine’s experience that blended romance, nostalgia, and cultural storytelling.
For “Gitling” to be featured alongside “Past Lives” was both an honor and a thrill, according to “Gitling” director Jopy Arnaldo.
“I’m honored that my film is part of the screening, especially alongside a film I truly admire. Honestly, I’m just happy that people still want to see ‘Gitling.’ It means so much to me and the entire team behind it,” he told Lifestyle.
Arnaldo also praised MiraNila’s initiative. “I love what they’re doing. Screenings like this [and the one scheduled for Feb. 12] help attract audiences who might not have watched these films otherwise. By turning it into a special event, they’re giving people a unique experience. I hope they continue this and encourage more people to watch films, especially local ones.”
To be screened on Feb. 12, starting at 6 p.m., are two short films—Martika Escobar’s “Living Things” and Carla Pulido Ocampo’s “Tokwifi”—and the full-length feature “Isa Pa with Feelings” by Prime Cruz, starring Carlo Aquino and Maine Mendoza.
Immersive events
MiraNila’s new initiative transforms film screenings into immersive events, making heritage more accessible and engaging. Tickets, priced at P700 (P560 for students), include a tour of the historic home, a bag of popcorn, and a garden mat for two—setting the stage for a memorable evening.
Curator and museum archivist Petty Benitez-Johannot credited the idea to one of her nieces, who suggested using films to connect with Gen Zs. “This was our suntok sa buwan (long shot),” she admitted, as she recalled the challenges they faced in licensing, logistics, and programming.
“We had no clue how to do this,” she began. “We’ve never organized a film festival or a screening program before. I didn’t even know we needed MTRCB permits—I can barely get the letters right! Plus, we had to go through a whole slew of licensing fees and paperwork. It was a learning experience, but we did it. Now, we’re all set and legal.”
Despite the initial hurdles, she’s excited about the next round of screenings planned for November. “For our pre-Halloween screenings, we want to keep attracting younger audiences. The best part is that, this time, we won’t feel like we’re groping in the dark,” she said.
Reflecting on their first attempt, Benitez-Johannot said they had to schedule screenings on weekdays because weekends are reserved for weddings and other events—the estate’s main source of income. “We were lucky that people still came on a weekday to watch. I think the secret was pairing ‘Gitling’ and ‘Past Lives’—it really put people in the Valentine’s mood,” she observed.
Even small details added to the experience. “Did you see the messages on the popcorn bags? That was our interns’ idea,” she shared proudly. “They wrote: ‘If you’re alone, taken, or want out—whatever your situation, you deserve a popcorn.’ Our four hardworking interns from UP Diliman’s Department of Arts Studies made this happen. They were my students, so they know how committed I can be. They committed themselves, too, and I consider us very lucky.”
Tender and sweet
Benitez-Johannot is already thinking ahead to the Halloween lineup. “Again, we will have a mix of short films and full-length features. They have to be award-winning, and they have to fit the theme. They don’t necessarily have to be horror, but something anxiety-inducing, something that pushes you to the edge. Our Valentine’s screenings were tender and sweet. Halloween will be a bit edgier.”
Beyond film, Benitez-Johannot hopes more heritage house managers find creative ways to keep their doors open to the public. “If more of us advocate for preservation, we’ll have a stronger voice. Right now, we’re the only heritage house in Quezon City. Others are giving in to the wrecking ball, selling to developers who replace these homes with condominiums. Land is expensive, and we don’t get tax breaks like in other countries. We pay full property taxes, and real estate here is costly,” she pointed out.
She dreams of a future where more people, especially younger generations, see the value in history and heritage. “I hope more heritage homes open up and join us in this advocacy. We’re stronger together. I see it happening in Iloilo, Bacolod, and Ilocos. I just wish we had more in Quezon City so we could collaborate.”
Her personal wish? “That the next generation—not just my nieces and nephews, but young people in general—embrace heritage and history. I just hope more and more of them see its value,” she said.
MiraNila is at 24 Mariposa St., Quezon City. Call tel. +63-9454876827 or +632-87214942.
