Dr. Christopher A. Ablan
A man with few words lives a purposive life.
Born under the sign Leo, he describes himself as “cold and calculating at first contact, takes time to warm up, but warm and alive when melted”.
Leos are said to be “enthusiastic, energetic and optimistic”, and likes to stick to things and get them done. Just like a true optimist Leo, he tries to find interesting and productive things to do even when he’s not working. He believes that “in one’s daily existence, there are good and bad times that we do need to confront”.
A self-proclaimed pragmatist, Dr. Christopher A. Ablan is the Liaison Officer of Silliman University to the United Board of Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA). He joined the University in 1967 as a faculty member at the then Department of Agriculture (DA). Within two years, he became the chairperson of the Department. During his term, the DA elevated to School of Agriculture in 1976 and became College of Agriculture in 1981, making Dr. Ablan the last director of the school and the first college dean.
Retiring in 2002 at the age of 58, Dr. Ablan was rehired as a support staff during Dr. Agustin Pulido’s presidency. This 2011 marks his 44th year in the University.
Single, Dr. Ablan is the second to the eldest in a family of six. He is left with four siblings, after his only brother passed away this year. Three of his sisters are in the United States, while their eldest is based in Manila.
Dr. Ablan, a spoiler, enjoys his time with his apos – children of an employee of the Silliman Farm whose family has become close to him. Janine, 12, and Danica, 8, have grown up adopting Dr. Ablan as their Lolo.
Let’s get to know Dr. Ablan beyond the four corners of his table.
Describe yourself in three words.
Cold and calculating at first contact, takes time to warm up, but warm and very alive when melted.
What is your mantra in life?
Live a life that is purposive.
What makes you laugh/cry?
You can laugh till you cry and cry until you can laugh.
What’s your favorite time/day of the week and why?
I do not have a favorite time of the day or week. In one’s daily existence there are good times and bad times that we do have to confront.
What is your favorite thing to do when not working?
Trying to find work to do that is interesting and productive.
What is your favorite hangout place in the University?
I do not hang out.
What makes you blush?
When blood rushes to my face (Ha ha ha) that is a physiological explanation! Evasive reply?
If you were an actor/actress, who would you be?
Honestly, I have ceased to know about movie personalities.
Tell us a fact about yourself?
I would like to think that I fit the description of those born under the sign Leo.
What’s your favorite game(s) growing up?
I must have been too serious about growing up; I did not know there are games that can be played.
What is your idea of a relaxing day?
No schedules, nothing planned to be done. Anything goes.
What is one thing people would be interested to know about you?
What drives me in my goals and visioning activities.
What song best describes the YOU and the life you have now?
None that I know of.
What is the first thing you do right after waking up in the morning?
Thank God for another day.
What’s your idea of a family?
Loving and caring people who would be with you through thick and thin.
