Dr. Jose “Dodong” Rivera Gullas led the inauguration and blessing of the Halad Museum, which he dedicated to his beloved father Don Vicente A. Gullas and mother Doña Josefina Rivera Gullas.
Guests of honor during the affair were Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Congresswoman Nerissa Soon-Ruiz, and Cebuano artists Pilita Corrales, Dulce Amor and Raki Vega. Msgr. Esteban Binghay officiated the blessing rites.
The museum, located at the old The Freeman building along V. Gullas corner D. Jakosalem streets, was designed by Architect Arnold Saballa. It houses the cultural treasures and musical heritage of Cebu. Among the memorabilia that the museum houses are five paintings by Gabby Abellana, old musical instruments such as bandurias, violin and an old piano used by Ben Zubiri. The Cebuano artists and composers featured in the museum are Doming “Mingoy” Lopez, Manuel Villareal, Metring Ilaya, Francisco “Dodong” Maningo, Oscar Pagas, Stacs Huguete, Manny Cabase and Ciriaco Cocoy Cañete.
The museum will be open to the public on February 2, 2010. More power to you, Sir Dodong. Sr. Santo Niño will bless you and your family.