Jaime Daez: I was born with a lot of pride

In the early days, Jaime Daez realized that architectural books were scarcely available so he took individual orders which he would deliver to his customers’ offices. In time, a dozen people would order the same title which pleased Jaime since this would subsidize his own copy. As requests from customers multiplied, this 6’1" bachelor ventured into retail in 1997 with his first bookstore, Bibliarch.

Bibliarch grew to the two stores it has today, all controlled by its managing director Jaime Daez, 30. Strengthened by his success, Jaime dared to open the Philippine’s most inviting bookstore, Page One, in Rockwell Power Plant Mall. His concept of providing an ambience which encourages readers to browse at leisure is backed by over 50,000 titles of imported books. His Press Café adjacent to Page One complements the casual atmosphere of hanging out amid intellectual and artistic books.

The youngest in a family of eight and raised by his mother who was widowed when he was 12, Jaime studied architecture at the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain. He treasures the 10 years he lived and studied in Spain.

What is your passion ?

Without music, I would die.

What is your most fervent wish ?

Ultimately, to go to heaven.

What sports do you like most?

Basketball in Urdaneta Village Park. I try to go to Rockwell Club gym more often but since I tore the cartilage in my ankle, I go to the gym once every two weeks only.

Where would you like to live?

Europe. I’m so at peace when I am in Europe. I miss visiting museums and listening to classical music.

What film influenced your life?

So many. Shawshank Redemption , based on a story by Stephen King. The guy was wrongly convicted of killing his wife. The essence of the movie is about freedom, living life without limits. You come out feeling that life is worth living.

Which hero of fiction can you most identify with?

Can it be a villain?

What is your greatest fear?

Going to hell. That is my only fear.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Pride. People say I am mayabang. I was born with a lot of pride. My father’s last words to me before he died were, " Jaime, don’t be arrogant."

What do you dislike most about your appearance?

I hardly look at myself in the mirror except when I comb my hair. Luckily, I don’t mind the way I look.

How do you start your day?

I’m a night person; I sleep around 3 am and wake up about 9. Turn on my laptop and get my e-mail. Have an early lunch at home then at work by noon.

What is your current state of mind?

Pensive about my current business situation.

What is your greatest extravagance?

My 2,000 CDs and over 300 DVDs which are all listed in my inventory.

What words or phrases do you overuse?

The bottom line is…

If you could be any historical character, who would you like to be?

Mozart. He was the greatest figure in music. Pure genius.

Name a moment that brings back happy memories.

Three weeks in Europe last year with one of my best friends, Paul Avancena. We attended the Bach Festival.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

So far, setting up the book business and being able to expand. I feel very accountable knowing that God is expecting more from me.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Seeing God face to face.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Feeling that you are totally alone in this world with no one to go to. I felt that for a month and was so lonely.

What is your favorite journey?

Every time I go to a CD or DVD shop abroad. I always make sure that I set aside a few hours to visit Virgin Records or HMV.

What is your favorite occupation?

Being an entrepreneur.

Name an embarrassing moment at work?

Recently, I called for a general meeting where all the staff had to be here by 8 am. I got a call in my house at 8:15 am. I just woke up and made this excuse that my driver was late.