Mr. Leandro S. Cabrera

Mr. Leandro S. Cabrera

Since his childhood days, Mr. Leandro S. Cabrera have always loved animals. His love for dogs began when, after watching The Lion King, he realized that it is impossible to have a pet lion. The next best thing for him would be to have a pet dog. And a pet dog, he did get.

“I got my first dog in 2000 and this started my passion for dogs,” he said.

For five years now, “Kuya Dalo” has been the dormitory adviser of Ipil Cottage. His love for dogs has provided his dormers more security guards to look after them, as he currently has Nano and Caleb with him. 

Born on September 5, 1987 to Mr. Pablo A. Cabrera and Mrs. Phoebe Ruth S. Cabrera, “Kuya Dalo” became a Sillimanian in 2007 after he decided to shift from music to biology. Considering to study here in Silliman did not come as an easy decision because he did not have any relatives in Dumaguete. It was through a family friend, now Department of Education Secretary Leonor M. Briones, along with other churchmates that his parents were convinced to send him to Silliman. He originally came from Baguio City.

“On my part, I wanted to study outside my comfort zone where I can be more responsible with my actions and also to improve my skills in decision-making and managing resources. Being a dormer in Silliman is one thing that I will always be thankful for. It is through the dorm life in Silliman that I became a better person in handling and dealing with other personalities and situations. Studying biology in Silliman exposed me to different environments (terrestrial and marine) in the island which also motivated me to pursue my masters degree here,” Kuya Dalo added. 

In 2011, he finished Bachelor of Science in Biology, and earned his Masters of Science in Biology in 2015. He has been a strong addition to the University’s Biology Department as one of its faculty members for two years now. 

Even with his love for nature and the creatures that lurk in it, “Kuya Dalo” has not forgotten his love for music.

“One more thing that I cherish in my student life in the University is the Silliman Concert Band and the Christmas tour every year in different islands of the country. It was through the Concert Band that I was still able to practice my skills in music and it also exposed me to the different culture within the Philippines. I will always be thankful and grateful to God for allowing me to study here in Silliman, and for guiding me in every decisions I make,” he said.

Describe yourself in three words.
Patient, Funny, Approachable and…. three words lang eh

What is your motto in life?
There is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3)

What makes you laugh?
Simple jokes

What makes you cry?
Movies with sad endings. Tsk3

What’s your favorite time of the day and why?
5-6AM; my quiet time with God.

What’s your favorite day of the week and why?
Weekends (Friday-Sunday) – break from school works

What do you love doing when not working?
Playing and listening to music

What is your favorite hangout place in the University?
Amphitheater 

What makes you blush?
Embarrassing moments

Tell us a fact about yourself.
I love classical movies/music

What’s your favorite game growing up?
Chess

What is your idea of a relaxing day?
Birdwatching in the forests/mountains.

What one thing would people be interested to know about you?
I love drinking…….coffee

What song best describes the YOU and the life you have now?
Sometimes By Step – Rich Mullins

What is the first thing you do right after waking up in the morning?
Go to the bathroom, thank God for a new day

What’s your idea of a family?
Group of people with strong ties/bond to each other. Solid.

At this point of your life, what for you is your life’s mission?
To promote conservation of God’s creation through education.

What is the most fulfilling thing about being a teacher?
You get to influence and share your knowledge and experience with others.

How do you like to be remembered as a teacher?
Strict but approachable