Mr. Romel C. Bohol
This 27-year-old, God-fearing bachelor shares that he can’t imagine life doing anything else other than teach Science to grade-schoolers at the Elementary Department. When stress from work is overwhelming, Mr. Romel Bohol unwinds with a cup of coffee.
As a child, Romel grew up in a dogmatic traditional conservative household which kept him indoors while most neighborhood kids played outside. He remembers taking mandatory naps with his only sibling, her younger sister Kirsty. Any attempt at deviancy meant discipline with a stick. Such was his life as a young boy in the rural landscapes of Tanjay, before its eventual cityhood in 2001.
But this uncompromising environment at home was especially helpful in equipping Romel for an admirable performance in school. His family had moved to Barangay Tubod in this city by the time he started elementary. He was a consistent honor student at the North City Elementary School since third grade. He also maintained a slot in the top section throughout his four years at the Negros Oriental High School.
In 2004, Romel came to Silliman University and enrolled under the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program, following his mother’s prodding. With help from then College of Education Dean, Dr. Pablito De La Rama, he received a scholarship that covered a good portion of his tuition fees.
His diligence consistently landed him on the list of Class Honors from his freshman to senior year. The academic scholarships that he also received helped him defray other school-related expenses. His hardwork also paid off as he earned enough for his allowance from the wages he received as a student assistant at the Campus Chaplaincy Office.
Sustaining him in strength and wisdom for study and work was the helpful counsel and encouragement of brothers and sisters in faith from the Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF). He was also active in the Pilgrim Choir of the Silliman University Church. These involvements in faith-strengthening activities came along with other responsibilities as a student leader.
In 2008, he made himself and his family proud when he received his college diploma.
Immediately after graduation, Romel was hired to teach at a UCCP early childhood school in the town of Amlan. While there, he prayed constantly for an opportunity to work in Silliman. One year later, his prayer was answered. He was recommended to occupy a slot vacated by a Science teacher who retired. He was hired by the University in 2009.
At present, Romel is pursuing his Master of Arts in Education.
Describe yourself in three words.
Random. Normal. Clean.
What is your motto in life?
Make the most of today for tomorrow may never come.
What makes you laugh?
Just about anything. It’s very easy to make me laugh.
What makes you cry?
Stress.
What’s your favorite time of the day and why?
Evening – I am a nocturnal person.
What’s your favorite day of the week and why?
Saturday – because it’s my free day.
What do you love doing when not working?
I love drinking coffee in the company of friends.
What is your favorite hangout place in the University?
In college, I enjoyed hanging out at the Amphitheater. Now that I am working, my favorite place on campus is my dorm room at Duhat Cottage.
What makes you blush?
When I’m the target of jokes in the group.
If you were an actor, who would you be?
I grew up not idolizing any actor. I watch movies for their stories, not for their actors.
Tell us a fact about yourself.
People say I’m vain. I enjoy taking selfies and group selfies.
What’s your favorite game growing up?
I don’t have one in particular since I didn’t grow up playing any that much.
What is your idea of a relaxing day?
Doing nothing.
What one thing would people be interested to know about you?
I am a spontaneous person. I can go on a random road trip by myself when I’m stressed out.
What song best describes the YOU and the life you have now?
None yet.
What is the first thing you do right after waking up in the morning?
I start prepping for work right away.
What’s your idea of a family?
A family is a unit of people who enjoy each other’s company. I consider my friends my family.