A grand birthday celebration for Dodong Gullas

CEBU, Philippines - Kindhearted gentleman Dr. Jose “Dodong” R. Gullas turned 75 last February 1 and celebrated the big day with a bash held at the Shang-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa last January 31.

I think I can say without fear of contradiction that I have known Sir Dodong Gullas for quite sometime as a faculty member of the elementary department of the University of the Visayas and also a part of The Freeman newspaper.

Sir Dodong is a very private person, very humble, humane and compassionate. In my private conversation with him, he decided, with the advice of his lovely wife Nena, to celebrate his 75th birthday in a manner that is different from his previous birthday celebrations.

“I had a very traumatic experience in my bilateral knee replacement, and, realizing that life is fleeting, I decided to celebrate my birthday in a special way. The celebration at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa was indeed a Touch of Class by Ma’am Nena, from the planning stages to the food tasting, and to the day itself,” he said.

The celebration started with a Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Msgr. Adel Abella (main celebrant) with Msgr. Esteban Binghay, Msgr. Joe Tajanlangit and Fr. Jed Matilla.

A lavish dinner followed at the Ballroom of Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, attended by Sir Dodong’s loving children, relatives and close friends. The overflowing wines, delicious food and mouth-watering deserts really impressed the guests. The award winning UV Chorale also performed some of Sir Dodong’s favorite tunes.

Sir Dodong’s children Jackie Gullas-Weckman, Joselito Gullas, Joie Gullas Yu and John Vincent Gullas and their spouses celebrated the blissful moment with their Daddy. Sir Dodong’s grandchildren also graced the event to greet their Papa.

The celebrator was also surrounded with friends that night. Dr. Lourdes Tolod, a UV product whose life was touched by Sir Dodong, came straight from Cagayan de Oro City to give her testimony. Many graduates from the University of the Visayas, whose lives were touched by Sir Dodong, sent their greetings through the video which was shown during the “tribute” for the birthday celebrator.

Cardinal Vidal, who was unable to attend the celebration, gave a note with his birthday wishes to the celebrator, which was read by Msgr. Binghay.