LOOKING FORWARD

GULLAS

After success of maiden season, Samsam Gullas wants improved, year-long hoops event

Safe to say, the initial staging of the Samsam Gullas Cup, which gathered the finest basketball players aged 20 and below, was a smashing success.

But even with the success, the tournament’s namesake — Cebu First District Representative Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas, is not resting on his laurels.

“I think I’m not the one to comment if the (maiden season of the) league was successful. The people should decide that,” Gullas said.

Gullas said he is already looking at ways to improve the tournament and make it a year-long event.

“The first one is easy. The key here is sustainability,” Gullas said. “That’s why I’m doing my best to make it the best league. To sustain it, I will invite sponsors to join, maybe even congressmen representing the sport such as Mikee Romero of 1 Pacman and Mark Zambar of PBA.”

The tournament pitted Talisay City, Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar and Sibonga in weekend-only competition. The trophy eventually was claimed by the powerhouse team from Talisay.

Gullas shared in a talk with Cebu Daily News inspiring stories that he gathered from the tournament.

“People have been coming up to me, thanking me for giving these kids a chance to make something better for their lives. Coaches tell me, ‘Lingaw kaayo og kalingawan among munisipyo sir. (There’s so much fun in our municipality, sir.) Thank you for giving these kids an opportunity to make a difference’,” said Gullas.

Gullas also said that one kid was happy and content to have just gotten a mere certificate of participation.

“During the last day, a parent of a kid from San Fernando town came up to me and asked if all players would receive a certificate because this is the only thing needed by a nun from Notredame in order for her son to be given a scholarship,” narrated Gullas.