Designing woman Mae Heredia
August 14, 2002 | 12:00am
How many Filipino architects dare to join international competitions? Bachelorette Mae Heredia is one pre-eminent example of this rare species. She is a distinguished architect who thrives on presenting spectacular designs that astonish viewers. Mae is fascinated by the challenge of displaying her talents following the rigid requirements of big projects such as the one she is now preparing for the Great Gem Museum in Cairo. Design and construction of the Egyptian museum’s almost 50-hectare development will be awarded to the winner and Mae’s pleasure is to vie for it.
As the eldest of the 11 children of architect Antonio Heredia, Mae did her first sketches at age two. She earned her BS Architecture at the University of the Philippines. This 5’8" lady now runs her firm with five staff and 15 volunteer students.
Mae is on the Committee of Ethics of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP). She is an active member of the Opus Dei group.
Name a moment that brings back happy memories.
When I was embraced by Pope John Paul II in 1981. It was like getting an embrace from our Lord.
Which living person do you admire most?
Dr. Jo Magno, an 81-year-old oncologist. After developing breast cancer, she realized how important it is to have hospice care.....and is currently engaged in establishing hospice care here and in the USA.
What is your thrill?
To design.
What is your most fervent wish?
Aside from going to heaven, to do good for our country.
How do you resolve your conflicts?
I sometimes get caught in the crossfire between contractors and owners. I like to fix differences between people immediately.
What sports do you like most?
Badminton in San Lorenzo and Dasmariñas Villages.
What film influenced your life?
The Last Castle with Robert Redford. He was a general who was put in prison then rose to be a leader of the inmates.
What is your greatest fear?
To lose my good name or even to tarnish it.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
When I have made a decision and I go back and think, "Was that right?"
What is your motto?
Everything is for the best.
What is your greatest extravagance?
To do nothing. To be free of any concern.
What words or phrases do you overuse?
I am sorry.
What is the first thing you look for in a woman?
If she is a mother, how she cares for her children and her husband.
If you could be any historical character, who would you like to be?
El Cid. When the Spanish army was losing its morale, they mounted El Cid’s dead body on a horse and it led the people to victory.
Which famous quotation would you have wanted to be the author of?
It is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned. It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Not to admit one’s misery. I believe every misery has its solution but if you can’t admit your trouble, how can you be helped?
Which talent would you most like to have?
Good humor.
What is your greatest regret?
Not having more time with my friends.
What do you do most with your hands?
When I have a concept or portions of designs, I immediately draw them on my sketch book.
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