Located in the laid-back yet progressive city of Dumaguete, Silliman University is hailed as one of the top-performing schools in Asia, with a campus named as one of the world's most beautiful and programs accredited as the nation's best. Also titled as a historical landmark, the institution is essential in sustaining the country's heritage and culture. Serving as a center for excellence and arts, Silliman is a melting pot of students, artists, professionals and intellectuals from the Philippines and across the globe.
Oftentimes referred to as the university by the sea, Silliman is home to around 9,000 students from basic to tertiary level education, also accommodating around 400 international students from around 40 countries. For the past 115 years, it has upheld competence, character, and faith, which etches among all its graduates.
Sillimanians of all ages, wherever in the world, share the same spirit in the sense of the Via, Veritas, Vita; this is what keeps them a Sillimanian no matter what. Here are 10 things which will prove the Silliman Spirit alive in every Sillimanian.
- SU Cafeteria's cheese bread
This in-demand cheese bread has been around for the longest time and has captured the hearts and stomachs of every Sillimanian. Best served in the morning (when it's hot), this is the best-seller in the university's cafeteria.
- Bossing's Tempura
This famous tempura place in the campus is known for its Level 5 tempura sauce, the spiciest condiment for your tempura. It has made countless people turn red or tear up at the taste of it. In fact, most Sillimanians use it as an "initiation" for the freshmen. It's been said, that if you are able to conquer this sauce, you are branded as a "legit' Sillimanian.Â
- Instagram-worthy campus
The 62-hectare campus, dotted with over 300 acacia trees is occupied with the most intricate yet beautifully designed edifices that are fit for an OOTD shot anytime of the day. With trees and plants that complement the buildings around, the campus radiates a picturesque scene conducive for learners and perfect for artists. It's also a great spot to gaze at the breathtaking view of the sunrise.
- Haunted landmarks
Because it is one of the oldest institutions in the country, it is inevitable for horror stories to crop up. There are at least three notable buildings that give people goosebumps at the mere sight or sound of them.Â
One infamous landmark is the Katipunan Hall. It was featured on Rated K as one of the most haunted places in the Philippines. This used to be a mission hospital during the World War II. Another building is the Channon Hall. This was used as a torture chamber around the same time. Lastly, the Guy Hall served as an enemy garrison for the Japanese during the war. At present, Katipunan Hall and Guy Hall house classrooms and offices while the Channon Hall is a girls dormitory.
The multiple testimonies of sightings and hearings of ghosts and other spiritual beings only make it interesting for Sillimanians to take the challenge of exploring and braving the campus at night.
- No-Uniform Policy
Except for pre-medical courses, Sillimanians are not constricted to wearing a uniform on campus. Students are given the liberty of dressing up according to their preferences, which is invaluable in honing self-confidence and also promotes self-expression.
- Beach attire
Because there's a no-uniform policy in Silliman University, students are able to wear anything they want. Since the university is dubbed as the campus by the sea, wearing OOTDs fit for the beach in the middle of September is never a bad thing. After all, wearing beach clothes to class is perfect just in case you want to take a dip in the middle or after the long day.Â
- Luce Auditorium
Often called as the CCP of the South, this 700-seater auditorium with good acoustics and lighting is the best outside Luzon area. The cultural center of the campus has welcomed performances from international and local artists. It is also the place for home-grown musicals and plays. Being able to perform in the Luce Auditorium is an achievement for every Sillimanian.Â
- Silliman Toblerone
The Silliman Toblerone is the famous nickname used by the students to refer to the signage of the Silliman University Library because it resembles the shape of the famous chocolate brand.
- No Monday Classes
When you're a Sillimanian, there's no room for Monday-hate because the school follows a four-day scheme, starting from Tuesday to Friday. Mondays are for working on extra-curriculars, projects, and whatnot. Since most of the students studying in Silliman aren't originally from Dumaguete, this gives them ample time to spend the weekend at home, with family and friends. No Monday classes = more time for sleep! Â
- Via, Veritas, Vita
"Jesus is the way, the truth and the life". Taken from John 14:6, this is the paramount of the Silliman education. Centered on the Christian teachings of Jesus Christ, Silliman aims to produce graduates who are not only academically and globally competent but are also Christian witnesses of the faith. Competence, character and faith are the ideals of Silliman that are engraved in all its students since time immermorial, and they carry it, wherever they go.Â
Are you from Silliman, too?
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