ALEX Eala came very, very close to victory. Last Saturday in Eastbourne, England, the 20-year-old held four championship points before falling, 12-10, in the third set tiebreak to Maya Joint. Despite the loss, Alex climbs to the world No. 56 ranking and will play the opening match at Wimbledon on Monday night (Tuesday in PH) on Centre Court. Congratulations and good luck, Alex!
Here in Cebu, our own way of supporting the next “Alex Ealas” is by reviving the most iconic junior tennis event in Vismin.
The Gullas Tennis Cup started in 1995 with a simple goal: uplift the sport and inspire more kids to pick up a racket. What began as a grassroots effort grew into the most prestigious junior tennis event outside Manila. After a six-year break, the 24th Gullas Tennis Cup is back. It will be held from Oct. 17 to 20, 2025.
Two venues will host this year’s edition: Alta Vista Golf and Country Club and Citigreen Tennis Resort. Over 150 players from around the country are expected to join. The tournament will feature nine age categories: 10-and-under (Unisex), and for Boys and Girls, 12-, 14-, 16-, and 18-and-under.
Sanctioned by Philta and classified as a Group 2 tournament, the event will also provide all players with official Gullas Cup shirts. Registration opens this July.
But the Gullas Cup is about more than rankings and results. It’s about legacy.
Jose “Dodong” Rivera Gullas, a tennis lover and generous leader, founded the event 30 years ago. He played regularly at the Cebu Country Club with his brother Eddie. But beyond the court, Sir Dodong gave back — believing in youth, education and sports. Together with his son Johnvic, we started the Gullas Tennis Cup in 1995.
The results? Exceptional. Through the years, thousands joined the event. Several standouts included Niño Alcantara (Australian Open juniors doubles champion), Niño and Em-Em Mae Siso, Jacob Lagman, and brothers James and Oswaldo Dumoran, among others.
Today, the next generation of the Gullas family is continuing the mission. Johnvic, his son JT, and nephew JMi are leading the revival.
During the press launch at the UV campus last Thursday, Johnvic Gullas said the revival honors his father — and gives today’s youth a chance to grow through tennis.
“My grandfather is no longer with us,” added JMi Gullas, “but we are committed to honor his legacy.”
In my remarks, I shared: “We are grateful that the Gullas family has decided to continue the legacy of Sir Dodong. Also, with the recent passing of our long-time tournament director, we are having the Fritz Tabura Award — to be given to the most outstanding male and female players.”
Fritz Tabura was more than a director. For over five decades, he coached kids, ran tournaments and even led the UV tennis team to national glory. His passing last month is a tremendous loss. But his legacy — along with Sir Dodong’s — lives on.
And this year, it continues in a fitting way: Fritz’s son, Euphretes “Jun” Tabura, will serve as tournament director.
The Gullas Tennis Cup is back. See you in October!