We all have our mothers to thank for the people we’ve become. They shape our earliest experiences, values, and habits—molding us in both subtle and profound ways. While each of us has a different story, shaped by the unique personalities of our mothers, one thing remains constant: their influence is deeply embedded in who we are. (They even say that sixty percent of our intelligence comes from our mothers!)
In my case, my mother, Pamela, is an architect and builder. Early in her career, she worked with the government during a time when urban redevelopment projects focused on improving residents’ living conditions. Later, she moved into private practice. Though not the eldest among her siblings, she was the ate—a role that instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility and leadership. It’s a quality that carried over into her professional life, where she became a commanding presence in the male-dominated construction industry. People called her “Madam,” and you could always spot her on-site: standing beneath a brightly colored umbrella, using it both to issue instructions and to shield herself from the sun.
Charismatic and tireless, she was active in the United Architects of the Philippines, eventually serving as National Treasurer and later as Chancellor of the College of Fellows. Her methodical nature extended beyond her work and into her daily life—she disliked surprises and thrived on structure, cleanliness, and carefully planned routines. Though she was unable to finish her graduate studies in landscape architecture after having my sister and me in quick succession, her dedication and drive never faltered. That, in turn, inspired both of us to pursue and complete our own graduate degrees.
So, how does her story shape mine?
Her experience with urban redevelopment and relocation taught me what it means to design under pressure and to meet human needs with courage and creativity. I saw firsthand how architecture could improve lives—and how a better tomorrow is built through consistent, purposeful effort. I spent my childhood in the safer corners of construction sites, where sand piles became the backdrop to my toys, and everyone was either a kuya or an ate, regardless of their role.
My mother’s obsession with cleanliness instilled in me an understanding of how material choices directly impact maintenance and quality of life. Her preference for method and order also influenced my design thinking—from how spaces and activities are grouped to the fine details of their execution. Here are just a few of the many lessons I absorbed from her:
Material Choice
For my mother, the first consideration when selecting any surface or finish is always: How easy is it to clean? The second: What can and will stain it? This led her to favor solid, non-porous surfaces—especially for kitchen countertops. Natural stones were often reserved for less stain-prone areas. In her view, the ideal material is a composite of synthetic binders and natural stone—durable, hard, and resilient against wear.
Sun Exposure
The sun behaves predictably, rising in the east and setting in the west. By observing how shadows fall and how light moves through space, she could determine the optimal placement for household items. Fruits are stored in shaded spots to prolong freshness. Beds are positioned to avoid morning glare or afternoon heat. Even the location of the television is chosen to prevent screen glare from sunlight.
Space Planning and Detailing
Her movements shaped the way spaces were organized. Cutlery is placed near drying and prep areas for a seamless workflow. Dish-drying spaces are positioned for convenience—like the reimagined banggerahan my father designed based on her system, which directly channels water from overhead cabinets into the sink. We later discovered that in Finland, it’s called an Astiankuivauskaappi; in Israel, Almagov; and in English, simply the dish-drying cabinet.
It’s fascinating how many lessons can emerge just from watching how she interacts with her environment—and how she adapts it to suit her needs and preferences. Her mother-architect story has undeniably shaped how I see the world and why I chose to pursue a life in design and architecture.
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