‘Cinema Paradiso’ under the stars at MiraNila

On Thursday, 5 February 2026, MiraNila Heritage House in Quezon City opens its gates for “Concert and Cinema Under the Stars,” an evening where music and cinema come alive beneath the night sky. As the sun sets over the 1929 ancestral home, guests will stroll through its halls on a private tour before gathering on the lawn for a concert and outdoor film screening.

Violinist Alessio Benvenuti, acclaimed as an “Artist of High National and International Value,” joins pianist Mariel Ilusorio, whose performances have spanned four continents, to perform the music of Ennio and Andrea Morriconefrom the beloved film Cinema Paradiso.

The film that never fades

Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore in 1988, Cinema Paradiso is one of cinema’s most cherished classics. Set in postwar Sicily, it tells the story of a boy’s friendship with a village projectionist and his enduring love for film. It is a celebration of memory, love and the power of cinema to connect generations.

The film earned the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. Its score, composed by Ennio and Andrea Morricone, is considered one of the most moving in film history, its melodies instantly evoking nostalgia and warmth.

The music makers

Alessio Benvenuti brings his Italian artistry to Manila, praised worldwide for his emotional expressiveness and precision. Mariel Ilusorio, a Filipino pianist who has performed across Europe, North America and Asia, is celebrated for her refined musicianship and lyrical touch.

Their live performance of the Cinema Paradiso score will offer audiences a rare experience — music and film entwined in perfect harmony under the open sky.

The charm of MiraNila

Built in 1929 by educators Conrado and Francisca Benitez, the MiraNila Heritage House is one of Metro Manila’s few officially declared heritage homes. The Florentine-style mansion, with its preserved furnishings, artworks, and 4,000-volume library, stands as a testament to a gracious era of Philippine history.

Guests will enjoy a guided house tour before the concert and film screening on the lawn. After the movie, Giuseppe Tornatore will appear on screen with a special message to the audience.

Early bird tickets are available until 15 January 2026, offering discounted admission to this one-night celebration of heritage, harmony, and the timeless beauty of cinema.