Dodong Gullas
In 2019, The Freeman newspaper and the University of the Visayas (UV) will celebrate their 100th anniversary. Kudos to Jose “Dodong” Gullas, who helped steer these two institutions.
Dodong Gullas is also a sportsman. As a basketball player, he was co- captain of the UV Green Lancers that defeated the Ateneo Blue Eagles to capture the 1957 national title. He was later invited to join the Philippine team that included Carlos Loyzaga.
But there’s another sport that’s even closer to Mr. Gullas’ heart: Tennis. One of the most-recognizable events in the Philippine tennis calendar bears his name: The Jose R. Gullas Tennis Cup. It is the longest-running junior tennis event outside of Manila.
This started at the Cebu Country Club. A regular tennis player, Dodong Gullas would often play doubles with his brother, Talisay Mayor Eddie. One afternoon in early 1995, we talked at the CCC.
“What can we do to help youth tennis?” Mr. Gullas asked. “Let’s organize a tournament for kids,” I replied. We met at his office. We booked a weeklong date during summer. The action-man that he is, Dodong Gullas was soon announcing the launching of this major event.
Today, the Jose R. Gullas Tennis Cup is the most sought-after junior tennis event in Vis-Min. Through the years, we have cultivated dozens of national champions. The names Jacob Lagman, Ilak Tabura, Michael Quiñones, Sally Mae and Niño Siso, James and Oswaldo Dumoran, and Niño Alcantara – the 2009 Australian Open junior doubles champion – have all been proclaimed “Gullas Cup champions.”
Tennis is a sport that Mr. Gullas loves because he himself played the game for decades. His son Johnvic was a tennis buff. In collegiate tennis, the UV team also boasts of the strongest players. Led by Fritz Tabura, they’ve been multiple Cesafi and national champions.
With the Jose R. Gullas Tennis Cup, it will run from April 2 to 6 and is open to all junior netters aged 18 and younger. There will be nine singles and five doubles categories.
The biggest change in this 22nd edition is the venue. It will be in the new sports hub of Cebu: Naga City. I spoke to former mayor Val Chiong last Thursday and he’s excited to welcome the junior netters. A top Class A player, former mayor Val built two covered tennis courts — apart from the sports complex that includes an Olympic- standard pool, rubberized track oval, football field and more.
To all interested in joining the 22nd JRG Gullas Cup, you may text or call Ms. Freza Tabura at 09332634911or 09052694203. Or visit the Facebook page “JRG Gullas Cup.”
It will be in the new sports hub of Cebu: Naga City. I spoke to former mayor Val Chiong last Thursday and he’s excited to welcome the junior netters. A top Class A player, former mayor Val built two covered tennis courts.