Dr. Dave E. Marcial

His secrets to success at a young age? “Hard work and character.”

Dr. Dave E. Marcial, a professor at the College of Computer Studies, never fails to share with his students that in life, one has to always be ready to face the consequences of one's actions and decisions. 

“Don’t be afraid to try. Just do your best,” said Dave. It could have been a determination that he started developing as a baseball player during his elementary days. When he entered high school, he held on to the same principle as he ventured in other extra-curricular activities — from being a member of a choir, a dancer, a marching band member, a cadet officer to being a student government leader. He proved to himself that he could at least conquer his own world with the many opportunities before him. And he proved himself right. He did not only manage to excel in activities that he joined in, he also found a spot for himself on the roster of honor students — he graduated salutatorian when in high school in his hometown of Maribojoc, Bohol. 

Even as he was in high school, Dave already had a strong interest to pursue college in Silliman. But for some reasons, he was convinced to keep the plan at bay and study closer to home instead. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Computer Science at the Holy Name University in Bohol in 1999. 

After graduating, he was recommended by an uncle, who was working in a pharmaceutical company, to be a medical representative. He took on the job, but realized he was not cut for it. It was his mere love of travel (being assigned in Cebu, Bacolod, Bohol and Dumaguete) that attracted him to it. So, after six months, he was convinced quitting his job was the right thing to do. He decided to teach instead; he grabbed a teaching post at a local college. 

In 2003, his heart still beating for Silliman, he made what he described as the biggest leap of faith in his life. He applied for a job in the University that he had for long been wanting to be a part of.  In the same year, he was invited to join the faculty of the then College of Information Technology and Computer Sciences, which is now known as the College of Computer Studies. 

Now on his tenth year in Silliman, Dave said he couldn't be happier and more grateful for how his life has turned out because of Silliman. Over the same period of employment with Silliman, many opportunities came his way to join the corporate world — with handsome offers. But Dave believes it is in the academe where he is able to gain genuine fulfillment.

Dave's childhood dream of becoming a “Sillimanian” was realized in 2011 when he obtained his Doctor of Philosophy in Education from the University. (Earlier, in 2006, he finished his master's in computer science from the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in Cebu.) 

Dave has been blessed with many opportunities. He has served as Dean of the College of Computer Studies for two terms. He continues to take on leadership positions in projects funded internally and externally, and maintains his drive to assist the University in developing programs that further enhance its capability in information and communication technology. 

Believing that learning is a womb-to-tomb process, he continues to search out new things in life. Last summer, he enrolled in a piano lesson.

Dave shares his life with wife, Minerva, an instructor at the Institute of Rehabilitative Sciences. 

Describe yourself in three words.
Hard-working. Patient. God-fearing.

What is your mantra in life?
“Do your best and God will do the rest.” 

What makes you laugh/cry?
I laugh when people crack jokes. I cry easily whenever a loved one passes away. 

What’s your favorite time/day of the week and why?
Saturdays — No classes to handle. 

What do you love doing when not working?
Watch reality TV shows. Oftentimes, I would just sleep. 

What is your favorite hangout place in the University?
College of Computer Studies building. 

What makes you blush?
I blush when I’m angry. 

If you were an actor/actress, who would you be?
Tom Hanks. 

Tell us a fact about yourself?
Only a few know that I dance. 

What’s your favorite game growing up?
Baseball and “Litik”  

What is your idea of a relaxing day?
No work. 

What one thing would people be interested to know about you?
I always want to study music. 

What song best describes the YOU and the life you have now?
“You’ve Got a Friend.” 

What is the first thing you do right after waking up in the morning?
Pray silently.

What’s your idea of a family? 
Family is a place of happiness.