V.I.P Gullas College of Music Launched

CEBU, Philippines - As the old saying goes… "Music conquers the conquerors of the world!" and in the little world of Cebu, music has conquered the heart of Dr. Jose "Dodong" Gullas. Yes, it takes a Dodong Gullas to fulfill a dream of having a College of Music in UV. So, without a shadow of a doubt, V.I.P (Vicente-Inday Pining) Gullas College of Music was born. For many, it was an ambitious project, knowing it would entail a huge expense to put up.

But our very own Chairman and Executive Vice President of UV, Dr. Jose "Dodong" Gullas' love and passion for music has prevailed upon him to go on, and what he long desired deep down in his heart was realized.

Thus, on Sunday, April 27, 2014, the blessing and launching of the V.I.P Gullas College of Music was held at the UV Banilad Campus. Fr. Jonas Mejares of the Augustinian Order blessed the premises. After which, consultant Dr. Michael Young (Doctor of Musical Arts, University of Southern California), along with Dr. Jose R. Gullas, cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Immediately after, the ribbon-cutting rites, the A-List members of the faculty and guests repaired to the air-conditioned room where we had a taste of the magnificent talents and showmanship of the group. With Amor Marie Reyes-Caparas (Master of Music - Piano, Sta. Isabel College-Manila) hosting the brief program, she then called Belinda Salazar (Master of Music-Piano/Ethnomusicology, PWU-Manila, Master of Theology, Mary Hill School of Theology, Q.C.), and Belinda showed her dexterity in piano.

Next to go on stage was Crisancti Macazo (Master of Music-Music Education/ Violin Pedagogy, Sta. Isabel College, Manila), who played the Visayan favorite "Matud Nila" con mucho gusto; followed by Joseleo Logdat (Master of Music-Voice, Elizabeth University, Hiroshima, Japan), who rendered with his powerful voice "Granada," which brought the house down. Last to perform was Maribel Miguel Ararao (Master of Music-Voice, Sta. Isabel College, Manila), who as a soprano belted out "Sa Kabukiran" with the audience mesmerized.

Before the program came to a close, Dr. Michael Young gave Sir Dodong Gullas two CDs about the program of the College of Music. And in response, Sir Dodong revealed how the V.I.P Gullas College of Music came into a reality.

Congratulations to our beloved Dodong Gullas! It takes a strong person like you to deal with tough times and difficult choices… but you are a strong person and has courage to push through with your dreams. Kudos and God bless! (FREEMAN)