Benitez Legacies, Five Generations of Imprints in History

Erehwon Artworld Corporation launched its latest coffee-table book, “Benitez Legacies: Art,
Culture, Education, Governance and Business,” a 182-page, full-color, multi-generational
narrative of the lives and contributions of 23 members of the Benitez clan over five
generations. The foreword was written by one of the most multi-awarded Filipino writers, Jose
“Butch” Dalisay, Jr.

The book launch was a collaboration of several Benitezes: Raffy, who was responsible for
printing and publishing the book; Fil, the restaurateur, who provided the venue, Mario’s
Restaurant, which was established by his father; and Steve, who provided flowing coffee drinks
through his Bo’s Coffee barista.

It became an instant reunion for the large Benitez clan and friends, who shared memories and
anecdotes of grandparents and great grandparents, and discovered connections to more
cousins. They gathered together to celebrate their patriarch, Higinio Ortega Benitez’s 175 th
birth anniversary.

The book is rich in historical accounts, with three generations of the family having participated
in the drafting of three constitutions. It also traces their active participation in the United
Nations, with the Benitez women at the forefront of advocacies promoting women and
children’s rights. Education became another pillar of contribution, recognized through edifices
named in their honor in the largest university of the country.

The narratives are also stories of diversity in challenges faced and overcome, in fields pursued
and inputted with accomplishments, in controversies triggered and resolved. The book ends
with a beautiful illustration of a tree, tracing the relationships of family members from their
great grandparents, Higinio Ortega Benitez and Soledad Fernandez Francia.