Dodong Gullas' Birthday Bash

Psalms 90:10 says: “Seventy years is all we have...eighty years if we are strong.” Yes, our Chairman Jose “Dodong” Gullas has surpassed these words in the Bible and still going strong at 75!

Last Saturday, the eve of Dodong's birthday, all roads led to Mactan Lapu-Lapu City. As we entered the beautifully-decorated ballroom of Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa, we were quite fascinated with the enchanting and inviting music played by the new Firelights Band, the evening our Chairman Dodong joyfully celebrated his diamond birth anniversary. And if only Dodong were in perfect health (he just had a knee replacement three months ago), he would have danced the night with his lovely wife Nena to the music “Love is a Many Splendored Thing,” “As Time Goes By,” and his favorite “The Shadow of Your Smile”...songs, of course, reminiscent of the good old sixties. Despite limping a little bit, he went from table to table, greeting friends and colleagues from the academe and Congress. He was smiling endlessly, unmindful of the pains that would remind him to slow down because of his bilateral knee operation.

Before the sumptuous dinner, there was a concelebrated Thanksgiving Mass with Msgr. Adel Abella as main celebrant. Dodong, in fact, thanked Msgr. Adel so much for the gesture of cancelling his other commitment for Dodong. Assisting the Monsignor were Msgr. Esteban Binghay, Msgr. Joselito Tajanlangit and Fr. Jed Matella. Dodong's big brother, Congressman Eddie Gullas attended the Mass but had to leave early for a very important meeting with Manila's political kingpins.

While guests were still enjoying the dinner, a short video about Dodong's life, how he touched the lives of hundreds of UV products, was shown. The Four Js (meaning Jiji, Jackee, Joie and Johnvic) also presented a video of their respective families (sending messages to their Papa Dodong) which was awesome and very touching.

As the program and tribute was nearing its end, Dodong's wife Nena led in singing the “happy birthday song” as the towering five-layer red and white birthday cake was rolled into the ballroom. Replete with his four children Jiji, Jackee, Joie and Johnvic, and grandchildren surrounding him, Dodong then blew the candles on his cake.

Seeing Dodong's face glow, we could only surmise that he is a fulfilled person, and very happy indeed, especially on this auspicious occasion...his 75th birthday celebration!