A gift of inspiration

CEBU, Philippines - "Everybody's searching for a hero; People need someone to look to…" go the lyrics of the song "Greatest Love of All." True, it takes looking up to someone’s good examples to be able to make it through the drudgery of day-to-day life. People need inspiration to pull them through boredom and desolation.

In the small official family of The Freeman, workers perform different tasks. But whether the work assignment is in the administrative or in the printing or in the editorial department, everyone knows the cause of their jobs. One man brought it on by reviving the dormant project of his uncle. 

It was a bad idea, many thought, when Jose "Dodong" Gullas decided to continue the newspaper that his uncle Atty. Paulino Gullas started in 1919. Atty. Gullas was forced to stop the publication of The Freeman in 1933, when he got busy with political duties in the drafting of the 1935 Philippine Constitution. There was probably intention to re-open it at some later time, but then came the Second World War, from which Atty. Gullas never returned.

Dodong Gullas revived The Freeman in 1965, daring all apprehensions about the move. It was very hard at the start, just three people running the newspaper - including Dodong himself. The newspaper was growing at a steady pace but not quickly enough to get him "out of the woods" so soon.

But, not to be cowed by adversity, Dodong persevered and survived.

The story of The Freeman's revival is one of victory. Victory over the dark predictions of doomsayers that it would not work. Victory over various challenges that would have made any ordinary mortal give up.

This year, Dodong's running of The Freeman will have surpassed his uncle's by several decades. And, again, it has not been an easy ride. For the longest time, he had to personally fund the paper's operation.

During the company Christmas Party last December, Dodong climbed several flights of stairs to get to the venue. The same climb was quite a hurdle for many younger guests, who had to rest a little at every landing, to catch their breaths. But Dodong didn't mind; he wanted to join his people in celebration.

He was even disappointed when the employees kept their distance, somewhat hesitant to give him their greetings. Their behavior was not one of alienation - it was a gesture of high deference, a peculiar Filipino trait. But Dodong wanted his people to come to him, to tell him their stories.     

Of everything big and small that Dodong does for them, The Freeman people take notice; that's for sure. He is a beloved boss to them, their guide - their inspiration.  They feel secure whenever he's around.

The joining forces with the Philippine Star Group took a long time to happen. Dodong had to thoroughly figure it out. And, again, he was right - he found a "son" in the highly capable Miguel Belmonte, now The Freeman president, who is very supportive of him.

It's amazing how his people seem to grow fonder of Dodong now that he does not have to be physically present in the day-to-day operations at The Freeman. The newspaper is in good hands. It is now enough for his people to know that he is there - that he cares for them.

Dodong turned 82 on Monday, February 1. Fully seasoned in life, but not one bit less of the person he has always been. A gift of inspiration for his people. (FREEMAN)