Halad sa kinaiyang Sugbuanon

The forthcoming “Halad Sa Kinaiyang Sugbuanon” will be one-of-a-kind affair that will bring to a focus the paragon of Cebuano virtue, culture, and tradition.

Last year, 2007, Dr. Jose R. Gullas feted Cebuano composers who had attained national prominence through an unforgettable evening of songs. Given special recognition and acknowledgement were Ben Zubiri, whose wife, Mrs. Luz Zubiri, once taught at the elementary department of the University of the Visayas; Vicente “Noy Inting” Rubi and Mariano Vestil.

It was Zubiri who composed the haunting, immortal ballad, “Matud Nila” among other timeless Cebuano love songs. Rubi, on the other hand, composed the well-loved Christmas carol “Kasadya Ning Takna-a” the lyrics of which was penned by Vestil.

This 2008, this tradition is set to continue through the “Halad Sa Kinaiyang Sugbuanon”. Gullas said, “I will not leave any stone untouched in our preparation for our forthcoming Halad Sa Kinaiyang Sugbuanon which will highlight first and foremost, the awarding, recognition and acknowledgement of another roster of well-known Cebuano composers-the likes of the late Noy Mingoy Lopez and the late Nong Maning Velez.”

Besides fittingly paying tribute to these composers, the affair will revive cultural traditions of yesteryears that are almost, if not long forgotten in the Cebuano memory.

Gullas said, “Akong pukawon ang nahikatulog na nga kinaiyang Sugbuanon nga nindot kaayo, that I am sure many could not even remember, such as Pamalaye, which is actually the formal asking, begging, and appealing to the family of the woman for her hand of marriage; Balak ug Harana; and Kulilise sa Hari. The latter is a game of words played usually done during wakes. In kulilise the king and his visitors indulge in “tubag tubag”, a play of words in beautiful Cebuano verses. A tradition worth preserving for eternity.

The reason behind this revival, or as Gullas aptly put it, “renaissance”, is so that “some Cebuanos who are not very young will have a very good remembrance of a beautiful tradition”. For the young, he hopes that this will not just be an opportunity to introduce traditions and values from the past, but also make them understand and treasure the uniqueness and richness of Cebuano culture.

In addition, Gullas said, he will give a special award to a Cebuano musical artist who has achieved international fame-Max Surban. “We have also chosen to recognize famous Cebuano singers you must have heard, or have entertained you in the past, like Erlinda Dajao, David Calero, Al Commendador, and Armistice Abayan.

“Halad Sa Kinaiyang Sugbuanon” is scheduled to take place on March 15, 2008 at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

According to Gullas, this “Halad Sa Kinaiyang Sugbuanon” will be dedicated to their parents, Don Vicente Gullas and Inday Pining Gullas, who are known not just as educators, but patrons of Cebuano culture and the arts.

The homegrown talents in the UV Chorale, the group that has brought to the country international honors with their incomparable feats abroad, will also be performing at the “Halad Sa Kinaiyang Sugbuanon”.

Gullas hopes that the event will rekindle if not reinforce pride of place among Cebuanos. “I am very proud to be a Cebuano and I expect every true-blooded Cebuano to feel the same way”.