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 33rd year with the University.
Also celebrating their 35th 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, spiritual and professional growth living and working individually and both in this Campus by the Sea.
Ours was a journey full of surprises and unexpected blessings from God.
How do you spend your time when not at work?
Soul-searching.
What is your favorite hangout place in the University as young couples? Now?
Before, we used to hang out at the Silliman Hall grounds. Now it’s the Anthropology Museum within the Silliman Hall. And when Fred doesn’t have classes or is done with work, he visits me at the Museum.
What’s your idea of a family?
In a family, members are united in Christ/God.
Who’s more romantic, you or your spouse?
Connie: I am.
Fred: No! I am.
What is that one love song that reminds you of your wife/husband and your life together?
“I’ll Never Find Another You” by The Seekers. Our favorite line for each other would be, “I could search the whole world over until my life is through. But I know I’ll never find another you!” Below is the lyrics of the whole song.
There's a new world somewhere
They call The Promised Land
And I'll be there some day
If you will hold my hand
I still need you there beside me
No matter what I do
For I know I'll never find another you
There is always someone
For each of us they say
And you'll be my someone
For ever and a day
I could search the whole world over
Until my life is through
But I know I'll never find another you
It's a long, long journey
So stay by my side
When I walk through the storm
You'll be my guide, be my guide
If they gave me a fortune
My treasure would be small
I could lose it all tomorrow
And never mind at all
But if I should lose your love, dear
I don't know what I'll do
For I know I'll never find another you
But if I should lose your love, dear
I don't know what I'll do
For I know I'll never find another you
Another you, another you
What’s your plan for this year’s Heart’s Day?
We plan to have just a simple inexpensive dinner with children, the whole family at home.
Are there tips you would like to share for young couples out there on how they can keep the “love” aflame?
In a relationship, there must be humility, trust, sacrifice, respect. But most of all, always put God at the center of your relationship.
