Prof. Michele Aclaro Naranjo

Passionate About Teaching, Cooking And…Yes, Dancing!

She walks around the campus with a cheerful smile and gladly accommodates those who visit her office even during her busy hours. As people would say, a secret to a healthy life is to be happy. This woman exemplifies the fundamental nature of a bubbly and joyful person: motherly, soft-spoken, zealous and full of optimism.

A licensed Nutritionist-Dietitian, she does not only offer tips on healthy and proper food intake, but also counsel friends and students who run to her for parental and spiritual advice. When not working, she channels her energies to cooking and gardening. And when schedule permits, she dances! “Dancing is my passion; and whether I lose or maintain my weight, I enjoy doing it!” she says.

When it comes to work, she does it with speed and accomplishes given tasks religiously. A seeker of truth, she relates her life like that of beautiful and sexy actress Linda Carter in the movie “Wonder Woman”. Carter’s role in the movie tended to work with speed and disliked liars — she’s like such!

Professor Michele Aclaro Naranjo, known as “Chelle” to colleagues and friends, is an Assistant Professor at the Nutrition and Dietetics Department of the College of Education. She joined the University in 1992 as a college instructor. Appointed to her current position in 1998, Chelle now passionately enjoys both teaching and managing the community nutrition programs of Silliman. She was given the Faculty Recognition Award last February 14 for her loyalty — 20 solid years of service to Silliman.

Married to Atty. Louie Lee Naranjo, Chelle loves cooking for her family and window shopping with children Jo Hannah Louise, Jonah Micah Louie and Louie II.

Let’s get to know Chelle more outside the four walls of the classroom.

Describe yourself in three words. 

Motherly. Soft-spoken. Zealous.

What is your mantra in life? 

Life must go on. We live one day at a time.

What makes you laugh/cry? 

I laugh when I hear funny jokes, watch comedies, and when my kids reminisce their childhood days with our family.  My heart bleeds when I hear tragic family stories.

What’s your favorite time/day of the week and why? 

I look forward to Sundays because it’s spiritual feeding with fellowship believers.  Usually, 6PM onwards is time to rejuvenate – when my schedule permits, I dance and exercise. Dancing is my passion. Whether I lose or maintain my weight, I enjoy doing it.

What do you love doing when not working? 

I love to cook for my family and go window shopping with my children!

What is your favorite hangout place in the University? 

Nutrition and Dietetics Department snack shop

What makes you blush? 

When I do something funny or tell jokes and nobody laughs with me.

If you were an actor/actress, who would you be? 

Linda Carter, the “Wonder Woman”. When she turns into super woman, she works with speed. And she also dislikes people who lie;  her magic belt can make one tell the truth.  

Tell us a fact about yourself? 

I work with speed and when I am given a task, I do it religiously.  I am a committed person. I always believe that time is gold. 

What’s your favorite game growing up? 

Songka and patentero.

What is your idea of a relaxing day? 

It’s when I’m out of town and not doing any school-related work.

What one thing would people be interested to know about you? 

I believe that having God in my life has enabled me to become a strong person, despite the trials in life.  Friends and students come to me for counseling and advice.  Also, since I am a licensed nutritionist-dietitian, I get to help people lose or gain weight through proper food intake.

What song best describes the YOU and the life you have now? 

“Find Us Faithful” by Steeve Green, because “He who begun a good work in me is and will be faithful to complete it in due time”.

What is the first thing you do right after waking up in the morning? 

I open my eyes, kiss my better-half and thank God for another day of blessings.

What’s your idea of family? 

A family remains together despite tribulations in life.  Each member encourages, supports and prays for each other’s spiritual growth and happiness.