Gullas: Service continues even if one is not in politics

CEBU, Philippines - Former Congressman Jose R. Gullas, who is proof that one can really turn his back from politics, but continue to pursue his dreams for the people, is doing such as he seeks to preserve Cebuano songs.

 In a press conference, Gullas announced yesterday the holding of the 2010 Halad sa Kanta ug Kinaiyang Sugbuanon or simply HALAD.

He said that he was approached by at least three persons, who urged him to seek an elective post in the May 2010 elections, but he flatly turned them down.

“I want to enjoy my life and I believe that I can still be of help to others as a private citizen,” Gullas told reporters inside his office at the University of the Visayas-Main Campus.  

HALAD is the pet project of Gullas for his Tipiganan sa mga Kanta ug Kinaiyahang Sugbuanon Foundation.

This is the third HALAD. It was first held in 2007 at Casino Español and last year it was at the Cebu International Convention Center.

In the past HALAD, Gullas honored and recognized Cebuanos who made a name in the field of music such as the late Domingo “Minggoy” Lopez, Manuel “Maning” Lopez, Dr. Francisco B. Maningo, Max Surban and Ciriaco “Cacoy” Cañete (founder of the local martial arts known as arnis which is now internationally known and practiced) in the field of martial arts, Ben Zubiri, Vicente Rubi and Maning Velez.   Gullas’ dream and main objective for HALAD is to reawaken the Cebuanos, young and old, to our traditions which are fading and sadly unknown to the youth.   

“I decided to bring back the HALAD due to many requests of the Cebuanos here and abroad to re-introduce some of our beautiful Cebuano songs of yesteryears, as well as kinaiyang Sugbuanon that have been nearly if not already long forgotten,” Gullas said.   

 The HALAD concert will be aptly headlined by top Cebuano artists – Pilita Corales, Dulce and Raki Vega together with the University of the Visayas Chorale.

This will be held at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino on January 13, 2010. Ticket prices are from as low as P200, P500, P800 and P1,000.

Prior to the concert, Gullas said he will unveil the Tipiganan’s museum that will house music memorabilia, commissioned artworks and other works of Cebuano artists on January 12.   

The museum will be located at the old building of The Freeman at corner V. Gullas and D. Jakosalem Streets.

The museum will be called Don Vicente and Inday Pining Gullas museum in honor of the parents of Jose, who were not only known as esteemed educators for having founded the University of the Visayas, but were also staunch supporters and patrons of Cebuano culture and the arts. — Garry B. Lao/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)