A few days ago, I sat under the clear night sky in the garden of a heritage house in Quezon City watching two modern love films unfold on a big screen. Gitling by Jopy Arnaldo, a best screenplay awardee at Cinemalaya 2023, explores the limits of language and silence between a young Filipina translator and a middle-aged Japanese director. Past Lives by Celine Song, a best picture nominee at the Oscars 2024, traces the lost love of childhood friends over 24 years and reflects on inyeon, a Korean concept of providence or fate.
Watching these two movies during Pelikula sa MiraNila’s inaugural run felt more poignant given the romantic outdoor setting.
If you’re a cinephile looking for unique places to visit this love month (and beyond), Quezon City is a good place to start. Here are some hidden gems where you can celebrate your love for film culture in “The City of Stars.”
MiraNila Heritage House
MiraNila is a historic prewar mansion built in the California Revival Style with graceful gardens and preserved interiors presenting a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Commonwealth period. It was built in 1929 by spouses Conrado Benitez, an educator and legislator, and Francisca Tirona, cofounder of the Philippine Women’s University. Once sequestered and occupied during World War II, it was used as a venue for social and political gatherings and declared a heritage house by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines on April 7, 2011.
MiraNila now serves as an events venue with a museum and library filled with works of art, furniture, rare books, and manuscripts dating back to the 1800s. It has hosted classical concerts, weddings, intimate gatherings, prenuptial photoshoots and was a lovely venue for the special movie night.
They will host the second run of Pelikula sa MiraNila Valentine’s Outdoor Screening on February 12 featuring short films Living Things and Tokwifi, plus the full-length Isa Pa With Feelings. Entry (P700 adults, P560 students) includes a guided house tour, a mat for two, and popcorn for the films.
Beyond events, guided visits by appointment can be arranged. MiraNila will be rebranding the boutique hotel on the premises (formerly managed by The Henry) into a 10-bedroom bed and breakfast MiraNamin Nest by April and visitors can walk-in to dine at Bizu Cafe on the premises.
MiraNila Heritage House & Library. 26 Mariposa St., Brgy. Bagong Lipunan, Cubao, Quezon City
Sine Pop
Sine Pop is a boutique microcinema inside a restored 1948 house in Cubao surrounded by a bamboo garden. This hidden gem focuses on independent Filipino films, documentaries, workshops, private events, photoshoots, and other alternative creative offerings.
While I have yet to watch a movie here, I caught the Back to Bach solo violin recital of Alessio Benvenuti earlier this year and explored the house and grounds. The stylish postwar home boasts a seven-meter big screen with 48 seats on the second floor and Brutalist-inspired architecture in the ingeniously designed outdoor area and restrooms.
If you’re in the mood for serious film appreciation, Sine Pop is hosting an exhibit “Tending to Time”, which explores the art of film archiving on February 12. They’ll also be screening Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan (2013), a 4-hour movie by Lav Diaz on February 22 for free. Slots are limited and pre-registration is required to visit. Check out Sine Pop’s IG account for their schedule of events: https://www.instagram.com/sine.pop
Sine Pop, 14 St Mary, Cubao, Quezon City
Cinema Museum of the Philippines
Back in the 1950s and 1960s, during the film industry’s golden era, Quezon City was known as the foundation of major studios like Sampaguita Pictures and LVN Pictures, producing nearly 300 films annually. Today, QC remains the central hub for filmmaking in the Philippines, housing the country’s highest concentration of production companies and screen enterprises.
While it hasn’t formally opened to the public, a new museum in development that features a treasure trove of Filipino film history is sure to attract moviegoers. The Cinema Museum of the Philippines, located inside the QCX Museum in Quezon Memorial Circle, aims to preserve the legacy and show the evolution of the Philippine film industry.
With exhibits showcasing iconic films, memorabilia, and the history of cinema from the 1930s onwards, this is sure to be a must-visit for movie lovers. The Cinema Museum of the Philippines is a project of the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation or Mowelfund.
Cinema Museum of the Philippines, QCX Museum, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City
Cinema ‘76 Film Society and Cafe
If you can’t decide between watching a movie or having coffee, Cinema ‘76 Film Society, the country’s pioneering microcinema, is a great spot to visit. Their new location in Morato combines the charm of a vintage 60-seater theater with the coziness of an airy café.
Known for screening both local and international films, this venue offers an inviting atmosphere for those looking for a different movie-watching experience. Hang out with friends over coffee or a light meal after catching the latest flicks and shop for local movie memorabilia at Cinema ‘76 Cafe. As a bonus, they have 2 adorable rescue cats named Heneral Luya and Heneral Toyo who you can spot roaming around the cafe. Check out their FB page for screening schedules: https://www.facebook.com/cinema76fs.
Cinema ‘76 Film Society and Cafe, 2/F Terraces Building, T. Morato Ave. cor. Sct. Borromeo St., Quezon City
INT.Bar/EXT.Cafe
Looking for a place to grab drinks at night after catching a flick at the mall? A cocktail bar in the artsy enclave of Cubao X near Gateway Mall serves Hollywood-inspired cocktails. The entrance to this compact two-story speakeasy is hidden behind an Amelie-style photo booth next to walls plastered with old film posters.
Bartenders whip up signature drinks named after classic films like Anatomy of a Murder, Pulp Fiction, and Cast Away. Try The Prestige, a refreshing concoction of espresso, Demerara syrup, angostura bitters, orange bitters, and egg white; or Breaking Bad, a bourbon-based drink with blueberry, basil, and lime. If it’s too early for a nightcap, you can head to their cafe next door for caffeinated beverages and meals.
INT.Bar/Ext.Cafe, Cubao Expo, Araneta Center, General Araneta Avenue, Quezon City
For more travel articles, visit the author’s blog at www.traveling-up.com.
Other Valentine’s events for movie lovers
Enjoy cozy movie dates in other creative venues this love month.
- Sine Sinta: Pag-ibig at Pelikula (Feb 5-16): The FDCP is screening 10 romance films in select theaters nationwide including two premium Past Lives and Gitling (P200 each). Eight other local films will be screened for free at the FDCP Cinematheques, Ayala Malls and Manila Metropolitan Theater in Ermita, Manila. Walk-ins to the screenings are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Eduksine at UP Film Center: Missed the MMFF? Catch special screenings of Isang Himala, The Kingdom, and more this February at the UPFI Film Center (P200 regular, P150 discounted). Tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis at the cinema entrance.
