Asst. Prof. Concepcion V. Velano
Her first eight years in this world was spent in the busy Makati metropolis. But when her Father decided to move permanently in the quiet barrio of Sibulan, Negros Oriental, located a few kilometers north of Dumaguete, her life took a great turn which ultimately led to where she is right now. Serving as a Chemistry professor for 20 years now, Asst. Prof. Concepcion L. Velano is indeed a living testament to the notion that everything we do requires a perfect balance of patience, hard work and passion to achieve that perfect chemistry.
Being the sixth among eight children, Concepcion grew up in a loving family who valued honesty and had God as their constant source of hope and strength. Although she initially felt alienated in her new home, she soon slowly started to love the simple lifestyle that the rural environment offered her. She finished her formative years at Sibulan Central Elementary School and Negros Oriental High School as one of the consistent honor students in her batch.
Her innate inclination towards numbers fueled her desire to take up Civil Engineering. But being the obedient daughter that she is, she followed her father’s advice not to enter into such a male-dominated profession. Since she maintained comparatively high grades in chemistry during her entire stint as a High School student, Concepcion then decided to take up BS Chemistry in Silliman University. She finished it in 1984, and later obtained a master’s degree in the same field in 2008.
Straight from college, Concepcion ventured into the world of teaching. But she took the road less travelled when she decided to spend her first five years teaching chemistry in a college at Jolo, Sulu. She then taught for two and a half years at Foundation University. It was in 1994 when she joined Silliman University.
Her love story is definitely one-of-a-kind for someone in her generation. She found her soulmate through text messaging after a friend of hers gave her number to his husband. They met in 2000 and when they realized that their chemistry is definitely stronger than any covalent or ionic bond, they decided to tie the knot a year after.
Although she feels that she has no luck in the laboratory, Concepcion indeed found genuine bliss and happiness in the field of teaching. With her conviction to be of service to others, she is definitely a blessing not only to all her students but to everyone around her.
Describe yourself in three words.
God-fearing. Understanding. Passionate.
What is your motto in life?
Be humble always.
What makes you laugh?
Funny jokes.
What makes you cry?
Sad situations, movies and teleseryes.
What’s your favorite time of the day and why?
Evening. That is the time I get to rest.
What’s your favorite day of the week and why?
Sunday. It’s the day I get to go to church.
What do you love doing when not working?
Read the scriptures.
What is your favorite hangout place in the University?
Instrumentation Room — because it’s air-conditioned.
What makes you blush?
When people tell jokes which are actually true.
If you were an actor, who would you be?
Agot Isidro.
Tell us a fact about yourself.
I was the only one among my brothers and sisters who was able to take care of both my parents and grandmother until they died.
What’s your favorite game growing up?
Tayukok.
What is your idea of a relaxing day?
A free day with nothing to do.
What song best describes the YOU and the life you have now?
“You” by Carpenters.
What is the first thing you do right after waking up in the morning?
Pray.
What’s your idea of a family?
A family that is always there to understand and support each other.
At this point of your life, what for you is your life’s mission?
To be of service to others.
How do you like to be remembered as a teacher?
To be more than just their teacher – like a mother, a sister, a friend.
