A Look at Manila: B&B Italia at the Historic MiraNila Heritage House
This Independence Day, B&B Italia Manila launches its 2025 Heritage Campaign, shot within the walls of the storied MiraNila Heritage House and Library—a National Heritage Site and a rare example of pre-war Filipino architecture.
Built in 1929 and preserved almost entirely in its original form, this ancestral home of former Senator Helena Benitez holds the imprint of four generations, from wartime stories to elegant soirées, from private joys to public service. The house has quietly witnessed nearly a century of Philippine history and is a living archive of Filipino culture, intellect, and resilience.
Watch the video below to witness the interplay between history and modernity at MiraNila Heritage House.
MiraNila — whose very name is derived from the Spanish phrase “Mira a Manila!” or “Look at Manila!” once offered views over a quieter, more contemplative city. The name was an invitation: to look at Manila, to see its beauty. Nearly a century later, that invitation still stands.
In this campaign, B&B Italia responds by placing its iconic Italian design within MiraNila. B&B Italia’s pieces enter not as intrusions, but as respectful guests. The result is a quiet transformation, where modern design deepens the narrative of a home already rooted in heritage and meaning.
The campaign begins on the front porch, where the Canasta 13’ sofa and low table greet visitors with open arms. Set against the home’s weathered stone and wrought iron gates, the Canasta’s open weave and gentle curves become a soft introduction — a gesture of welcome.
Inside, the living room unfolds in two intimate settings. Beneath the grand staircase, the Atoll modular sofa presents a refined yet inviting presence. The Flair O’ Maxi armchair adds a cozy touch with its curved back and generous seat, while the Alanda ‘18 coffee table anchors the space with its glass top and geometric steel frame inspired by upturned pyramids. Here, the modern and the historic converse naturally, as if they have always belonged together. The pieces feel as though they’ve always belonged, settling comfortably among decorative jars, curated objects, and heirloom woodwork. The other side features the Charles sofa with its clean, confident lines paired with the sculptural Mart Relax armchair. Between them, the playful Allure O’Dot small tables, with smoky glass tops and lacquered bases, catch the light like treasured heirlooms.
The music alcove, home to an upright piano and countless whispered melodies of the past, finds a kindred spirit in the bold curves of the Serie Up 2000 armchair. Dramatic and full of character, it mirrors the room’s lingering energy. The Eileen console and Louis Poulsen lamps share a quiet dialogue of light and shadow, crafting a space alive with stories untold.
One of the home’s most intimate spaces, the dining room features paintings by Fernando Amorsolo and Favian dela Rosa adorning its walls. Anchoring the space is the oval Isos dining table, featuring a sleek glass top supported by black Marquinia marble cylindrical legs with refined chisel-tipped edges—a perfect balance of lightness and strength. Surrounding it are the Flair O’ Couture chairs, distinguished by their woven backrests crafted using a traditional circular loom technique, wrapped around a steel frame, and finished with plush cushions for comfort. This is a place where meals, conversations, and legacies are shared.
The heart of the house is the library. Wooden shelves cradle decades of literature, personal letters, and artifacts gathered over generations. In this deeply personal space, the Eileen table’s clean, minimal lines serve as a serene centerpiece, crafted with precision and a refined material palette that enhances focus and contemplation. Surrounding it, the Mini Papilio chairs, inspired by the delicate flutter of butterfly wings, provide both aesthetic grace and ergonomic support for long hours of study or quiet reflection. A pair of Harbor armchairs and a Lemante small table, in a corner by the window, invite one to sit, read, and simply be.
Finally, the home opens onto the East Patio — red clay tiles underfoot, whitewashed walls overhead, and iron-grilled windows that catch the changing light. This outdoor sanctuary features four distinct settings: a vivid red Crinoline armchair makes a sculptural statement in one corner, offering a burst of color and energy. In dialogue with this is a pair of Borea armchairs that evoke the ease of Italian summers, while offering a gentle contrast to the old-world texture of the patio. Close by, the Nooch sofa set beckons with plush, modular comfort, perfect for unhurried conversations. The Link outdoor table paired with Husk armchairs creates an approachable, relaxed setting for dining— a natural extension of the home’s warmth and hospitality.
In every room, B&B Italia’s icons are more than just furniture; they are threads woven into the rich tapestry of MiraNila’s legacy. They honor tradition while embracing innovation — a testament to heritage lived forward.