Asst. Prof. Dionesio V. Piñero II
Talk of the swim team of Silliman University and his face would hardly be detached from it.
Assistant Professor Dionesio V. Piñero II is the coach of the Silliman swim team and concurrently Chairperson of the Physical Education Department of the College of Education.
He says swimming is his passion, something that he developed within himself after being inspired by his older brother Jose Enrico, a former Silliman faculty who was among the city's more popular trainers in swimming.
“My brother was the one who inspired me to follow in his footsteps. He always taught swimming in the most passionate way,” Dionesio says.
When he was in high school at Foundation University, he always qualified for the Palarong Pambansa — an achievement he enjoyed for four consecutive years. “My specialty was breaststroke!” he adds. During his time, however, he said it was difficult for provincial teams to compete in the nationals as they were up against athletes from the Gintong Alay, the former name of the Philippine National team.
Dionesio obtained his undergraduate degree in Education major in PEHM from Silliman in 1998. Ten years later, he completed his master's in Educational Managenemt. He is currently a Doctor of Philosophy in Education candidate.
He joined Silliman as an instructor in 1999, and is presently serving his second term as Chairperson of the Physical Education Department.
As a coach, Dionesio describes his style as very aggressive. But he admits that he has learned to adjust and be more responsive to his swimmers over time.
“I started to become a coach who is very open, because the best way for my swimmers to learn about swimming is through open communication. You have to establish a very good relationship with them in helping them improve,” he explains.
Dionesio is happily married to Mary Joy, a registered midwife, with whom he has two children: daughter Jan Nicole and son Josh Nicholei.
Despite the demands of his work, he said he is able to manage his time efficiently.
“I am able to handle all my chores and responsibilities at home and in school every day. That helps me to better provide for the needs of my family,” Dionesio says.
Let’s get to know Dionesio more:
Describe yourself in three words.
Loving. Understanding. Enthusiastic.
What is your mantra in life?
Do it today, for tomorrow is another day.
What makes you laugh/cry?
I laugh when I am with my family; I cry when I am not with them.
What’s your favorite time/day of the week and why?
Late in the afternoon because I am with my passion: teaching swimming.
What do you love doing when not working?
I am in the swimming pool, looking around, trying to ponder on things to do in swimming.
What is your favorite hangout place in the University?
Gym and the Shaw Memorial Pool.
What makes you blush?
When somebody is interviewing me.
If you were an actor/actress, who would you be?
Clint Eastwood
Tell us a fact about yourself?
If you talk about swimming then I am in, that’s when you know me.
What’s your favorite game growing up?
Swimming.
What is your idea of a relaxing day?
When I am in the pool, swimming, chatting with my swimmers.
What one thing would people be interested to know about you?
My abilities, especially in swimming. Breaststroke is my specialty.
What song best describes the YOU and the life you have now?
“What a Wonderful World.”
What is the first thing you do right after waking up in the morning?
Exercising.
What’s your idea of a family?
A family is where love, care, prayers and communication are nurtured.
(NOTE: “Colleague of the Week'” serves as a window into the life of the faculty and staff members of Silliman University. It seeks to showcase colleagues from different departments and units, and present them as “the” faces that form part of the foundation of Silliman. Featured weekly are faculty and staff who have committed themselves to providing members of the Silliman community a campus experience that cultivates competence, character and faith within one and all. We get to know them as people who like any of us also have their fair share of challenges, successes, and an inspiring story to tell. Not all of them may be popular, but not a single one of them lives a life without hope and meaning to share.)
