Profs. Fred & Connie Cadeliña (Valentine's Day Feature)

Love Blooms within the Gates of Silliman

“I could search the whole world over until my life is through. But I know I’ll never find another you!” Indeed, they have never found anyone like each other. For one, they didn’t anymore bother looking for someone else, or perhaps they just simply found each other. 

What started as a research project has developed into “research study” about each other. This couple first met during a research project on the socio-economic well-being of the resettled sugarcane workers in Kambuiao, Bais, Negros Oriental — a study they were both working on as field interviewers. She was 18. He was 22. During the one year course of going to and from the project site, tabulating data and doing some validation research together, love just bloomed between the two. 

Prof. Fred V. Cadelina and Prof. Connie P. Cadeliña are faculty members of the Sociology-Anthropology Department of the College of Arts and Sciences. Fred chairs the Department. while Connie handles the Silliman University Anthropology Museum as its curator. They joined the Silliman team as teachers in the years 1977 and 1979, respectively. This 2012 marks Fred's 35th and Connie’s 33^rd year with the University. 

Also celebrating their 35^th wedding anniversary this May, the couple reminisces their memorable experiences in and with the University. From their first meeting, to getting married on P25.50 worth of processing fee, to having kids, and to finding and calling the Campus by the Sea their home. 

“Ours was a journey full of surprises and unexpected blessings from God,” the couple said. Blessed with two kids, son Abe and daughter Ayshen Roberta, the couple shared further: “Silliman gave us, my family, the opportunity to grow professionally, intellectually and most of all, spiritually.”

 Let’s get know Fred and Connie beyond the corners of their classrooms.

 How long have you been married?

 35 years.

How did you meet?

We met in a research project on the socio-economic well-being of the resettled sugarcane workers. We were both field interviewers at the project site which was Kambuilao, Bais, Negros Oriental.

Describe your spouse in three words.

Connie: He is hardworking, humble and brave.

Fred: She is incomparable.

Describe your relationship/partnership in two words.

God-centered.

What pet names or terms of endearment do you use for each other?

Papa/Mama.

What is your most memorable experience together?

When we had our civil wedding in a judge’s home and we spent only P25.50 for the whole process. This was during May 1977.

What are the traits you admire about your partner?

Connie: I love it that wala siya’y bisyo (he does not have vices) and he’s a very responsible family man.

Fred: Her being God-fearing/-loving. She is also very caring and generous.

What are some of the things you two are commonly interested in?

We are both interested in teaching, church ministry, community outreach, especially for children, farming, and undertaking research — where it all began. 

What makes Silliman University your home?

 Silliman gave us, my family the opportunity to grow professionally, intellectually and most of all, spiritually.

Describe your personal, spiritu*]}*al and professional growth living and working individually and both in this Campus by the Sea.