Gullas Tennis Cup Unveils 25th Edition with Enhanced Scale and Legacy Focus
The Gullas family formally inaugurated the 25th edition of the Gullas Tennis Cup on Friday, March 6, 2026, marking a significant milestone for this premier junior tennis event. The launch event took place at the Doña Andrea Multimedia Center of the University of the Visayas (UV)-Main Campus in Cebu City, where family members and organizers outlined ambitious plans for the upcoming tournament.
Expanded Tournament Details and Participant Goals
Scheduled to run from April 16 to 20, 2026, the Gullas Tennis Cup will be hosted at two prestigious venues: the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club in Barangay Pardo and the Citigreen Tennis Resort in Barangay Punta Princesa, Cebu City. Tournament director John Pages announced that eight categories will be contested, including boys and girls divisions for ages 12, 14, 16, and 18 Under. Pages expressed optimism about exceeding 200 participants, a notable increase from the 180 competitors in the previous year, with efforts to attract players from Manila, Luzon, and Mindanao to enhance regional representation.
Legacy and Historical Significance
The Gullas Cup was established 25 years ago by the late Jose "Dodong" Gullas and has since evolved into the largest junior tennis competition in the Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin) region. It has produced numerous high-caliber athletes and national champions, such as Jacob Lagman, Fitzgerald Tabura, Sally Mae Siso, Oswaldo Dumoran, Francis Casey Niño Alcantara, and Norman Joseph Enriquez. The current generation, including John Vicente "Johnvic" Gullas, his son John Tristan (JT), and nephew Jose Miguel "JMi" Gullas, emphasized their commitment to preserving this enduring legacy within the tennis community.
New Features and Community Engagement
To commemorate the 25th anniversary, the event will feature a new logo and the revival of the traditional "Fellowship Night," designed to provide participants with opportunities for socialization and relaxation amid the competitive atmosphere. JMi Gullas highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating, "We don’t take it for granted now that it’s been around for 25 years already." Registration for the tournament opens on Monday, March 9, with further details available on the Gullas Tennis Cup Facebook page, ensuring broad accessibility for aspiring junior tennis players across the Philippines.
