CEBU, Philippines - For being a valuable educator and purveyor of Cebuano classics whose Halad museum now houses memorabilia from Cebu’s legendary musicians as well as paintings by Cebuano artists, Dr. Jose “Dodong” R. Gullas was chosen as one of the awardees of this year’s Perlas Award.
The Philippines Foundation Inc. held the 23rd Perlas Award yesterday at the SM City Cebu Theater One where Gullas stood as one of the recipients of this annual award given to Filipinos or institutions who have been shining examples in their field of endeavor or who were able to make a difference through demonstrating values that touched the lives of the people.
Gullas was given the award after PFI recognized the contribution of the recently opened Jose “Dodong” R. Gullas Halad Museum” which is located at the old The FREEMAN building at corner V. Gullas and Jakosalem streets.
Aside from musical instruments and paintings of Cebuano artists, the museum also features the works of famous Cebuano composers. Gullas was commended by different government officials for helping preserve the Cebuano culture.
Other recipients of this year’s Perlas Award include Apolinario Ocaba Leyson as Valuable Scout Master, Julita Urbina as Valuable Entrepreneur, Cebu Puericulture Center and Maternity House as Valuable Institution and a posthumous award to Ernesto Aboitiz for his valuable service to the community in his various environment-related and human resources projects.
Special citations were given to Aproniano de la Cruz Magalona, a postman who has worked diligently for 30 years; and Adonis Dave Baraclan, an eight-year-old physically-challenged who demonstrated creativity by developing computer skills to express his thoughts.
Gullas was awarded by PFI president Rev. Fr. Ernesto Javier and PFI past president Hernan Streegan.
In his speech, Gullas said that since he was young it was his passion and dream to preserve, in his humble way, the many beautiful Cebuano songs if given the strength and opportunity by the Lord to do so.
As he could recall, back then, his father Vicente Gullas and mother Inday Pining Gullas would sing Cebuano songs together. This served as his inspiration in establishing the Halad museum and organizing the Halad concert.
Gullas said that the Halad is more than a concert because it was established for three reasons; to treasure, preserve and cherish Cebuano songs; second is to acknowledge, give honor and respect to Cebuano composers who seem to have long been forgotten, and finally to acknowledge homegrown artists that have also become internationally known.
“I know with all my heart the little things I’ve done for my father and mother is just a drop of tear gem that I can share with you for them. Pagkagamay gamay ra gayud sa nahimo ni Dodong para sa iyang ginikanan, pag ka daku gayud sa nahimo ni papa in what I am today,” Gullas said. — with Reynan Villena/BRP (FREEMAN NEWS)