Nuggets of wisdom from Sir Dodong

CEBU, Philippines —  A pall of gloom descended upon Cebu with the death of Cebuano great Jose “Dodong” Rivera Gullas last Thursday evening after a short battle with cancer of the pancreas. The Freeman chairman and former Executive Vice President of the University of the Visayas (UV) turned 87 years old last February 1.

A philanthropist, educator, and sportsman among others, Dodong Gullas was well-loved by people from all walks of life. His warmth and candor radiate to those around him. So simple, generous, and very down to earth that most probably he’s one of the nicest guys you could ever met in a lifetime.

With his passing, Sir Dodong has left an enduring legacy for inspiring people and touching the lives of many, including me and my family. Along with his acts of kindness, I also treasure most all the life’s lessons he shared during the course of my journey with The Freeman that now spanned a quarter of a century. Here are some nuggets of wisdom from Sir Dodong that printed an indelible mark in my heart and memory.

IT TAKES YEARS TO BUILD A REPUTATION, AND ONLY SECONDS TO DESTROY IT.

One of the sad realities in life but it is not something to worry about if we just keep on doing good deeds to others and keep our integrity intact. As the timeless saying goes:”You can never put a good man down”.

WE HAVE A MOMENT TO LAUGH, A MOMENT TO CRY. A MOMENT TO WORK HARD, A MOMENT TO RELAX AND ENJOY.

A solid principle of life’s balance we all have to go through.

WE ALL LIVE IN A BORROWED TIME. IT PAYS TO BE HUMBLE, COMPASSIONATE, AND HUMANE.

Humility is virtue. No matter what you’re stature in life is, you must embrace everyone equally, with respect and dignity.

WHEN YOU DEAL WITH OTHERS, PUT YOUR HEART INTO YOUR HANDS.

We should treat others with love for it’s only then we find true value and meaning to our being.

WE LIVE NOT BY EVERY HOUR NOR EVERY SECOND BUT BY EACH MOMENT.

We don’t have control of our lives, much more see what the future holds for us. Life is fleeting, we must live it to the fullest. Quoting Sir Dodong’s favorite line:”I shall pass through this world but once. If there’s any good that I can can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now for I shall not pass this way again”.

BE PRAYERFUL AND FEARFUL TO GOD ALMIGHTY.

Sir Dodong firmly believes that “prayers can move mountains”. All the we have, we owe it to the Lord Almighty. For him, we are nothing without God.

For everything that he espoused, Sir Dodong leads by example. It was indeed a life well lived for Sir Dodong, something to reflect upon and cherish for those he left behind.