MiraNila Heritage House and Library: A Glimpse into the Philippine Commonwealth Era

As of this writing, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has designated 60 heritage houses...

As of this writing, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has designated 60 heritage houses across the country. The majority of these are located outside Metro Manila, with only two officially recognized within the NCR. Last week, I had the opportunity to visit one of these—the MiraNila Heritage House and Library in Quezon City. This heritage house, declared by the NHCP in 2011, sits atop a one-hectare property in the San Juan hilltop along Mariposa Street.

The living room area at the ground floor

The stairway to the upper floor and the restored Steinway piano

A California Mission Revival Style Heritage

MiraNila Heritage House and Library is a fine example of the California Mission Revival Style, characterized by whitewashed stucco walls, red-tiled eaves, arched doorways and windows, decorative wrought iron details, and wide verandas with a courtyard. It also incorporates elements of Spanish-Filipino architecture, making it a unique heritage gem in the country.

Unlike other heritage houses that have undergone massive restorations, MiraNila has remained largely intact, preserving its original design and structure.

Photo of the Seven Wise Men who helped draft the 1935 Philippine Constitution

A portrait of Helena painted by Vitalis and the dining area lit by a Lalique Chandelier

MiraNila: The Benitez Family Ancestral Home

Built in 1929, MiraNila was the family home of Conrado Francia Benitez—an educator and constitutionalist who helped draft the 1935 Philippine Constitution—and his wife, Francisca Tirona, co-founder of the Philippine Women’s University. Their children, Helena, Tomas, and Alfredo, grew up in this home.

The mansion was designed by architect Gregorio Paredes, a key figure in the Philippine Beaux-Arts movement. Construction was overseen by the Italian engineering firm Pedro Siochi and Company, the same firm that worked on the Philippine Post Office.

One of the two Sheraton-style altar tables in the dining room and a Malacañang chair with the Philippine Republic Seal

The house has four floors, including a tower attic room where Alfredo, who had a heart condition, often stayed. Its north-facing orientation maximizes airflow, keeping the tower breezy. The name MiraNila was born when someone, gazing from the attic, exclaimed, “Mirar Manila!” (Look, Manila!) upon seeing part of the city in flames.

The library at the second floor

Using the Dewey Decimal System in the library

A Library and Collection of Antiquities

Our guide, Petty Benitez-Johannat, daughter of Tomas Benitez, walked us through the house she grew up in. She and her team have been extensively cataloging its contents since 2019. MiraNila boasts an impressive collection of 4,500 books—including rare editions—and around 2,000 original furniture pieces and artworks. Many of these came from the travels of Helena Benitez, who had a passion for collecting unique items.

The tour began on the first floor, where a recently restored Steinway piano sits beneath a grand staircase, surrounded by paintings of Francisca. The living room area features a portrait of Conrado, along with shelves of rare books and old photographs of Conrado with the “Seven Wise Men” who drafted the 1935 Constitution—Noberto Romualdez, Manuel Roxas, Filemon Sotto, Vicente Singson, Manuel Brinones, and Miguel Cuaderno.

View of the courtyard and an intricate chess piece beside a bulol chair

The dining area houses remarkable pieces such as a Lalique chandelier and two Sheraton-style altar tables, appraised by León Gallery as among the most valuable in the collection. A rare portrait of Helena Benitez by Macario Cruz Vitalis, who seldom did portraits, is also on display.

The second floor features a spacious private library, meticulously organized using the Dewey Decimal System, complete with index card filing cabinets. The library opens onto a large veranda overlooking the courtyard. Also on this floor are the bedrooms and access to the mezzanine and tower attic. Interestingly, the house’s three-person mini elevator is still operational.

One of the rooms at the second floor

Conrado's love letters to Francisca and a fascinating electric fan.

Surviving the War

MiraNila’s survival during World War II can be attributed to its occupation by Japanese forces, sparing it from destruction. In contrast, their neighbor, Jose Abad Santos, had his house burned down for resisting Japanese control.

Unbeknownst to the family, their gardener was a sleeper agent for the Japanese. He warned them that the mansion would be seized, giving them time to leave. After the war, the U.S. Infantry deactivated 16 live mines the Japanese had left around the house.

Alfredo's room at the tower attic

The Benitez family seal and the NHCP Heritage Marker

NHCP Designation

On April 7, 2011, the NHCP declared MiraNila a heritage house for the following reasons:

• Its residents were pioneers in education and legislation.
• The house was built in a style distinctive to its period.
• It served as a Japanese military post during World War II.
• It hosted political and social gatherings of national importance.

The courtyard can be a venue for events

A Heritage for the New Generation

We owe a debt of gratitude to the Benitez family for preserving MiraNila and preventing its demolition. Through their efforts, they have established a foundation that allows people like me, fascinated by heritage, to experience a glimpse of life during the Commonwealth Era.

Interestingly, period films and historical dramas have gained popularity in recent years, reflecting a renewed interest in history and heritage. MiraNila is tapping into this cultural shift by organizing events such as Pelikula sa MiraNila, an outdoor film screening held last Valentine’s Day. They continue to host similar events to attract younger audiences—follow MiraNila Heritage House Events for updates.

Pelikula sa MiraNila is one of the events to entice the younger generation to appreciate our heritage.

Visiting MiraNila

Guided visits are available by appointment for PHP 400 per person, with a minimum of seven and a maximum of 20 people per group. For more details, follow their main page, MiraNila Heritage House and Library.