Doha: Mangalore Cultural Association, a socio cultural group affiliated to the ICC, organized its Annual Mega event “Wilfy Nite with GVOM Stars” which mesmerized the audience, filled with Konkani lovers of Qatar, in Doha on Friday evening at Regency Hall-Doha.
The program started at 5.30 Pm with the singing of the MCA anthem by the committee members and was later filled with delightful songs and comedy from Konkani artistes. The golden songs of ‘Konkan Kogul’ Wilfy Rebimbus together with comedy and dances just provided marvelous entertainment for the audience.
Konkani Ace compere Leslie Rego Bendur handled the program with elan. Rebimbus family Meena, Veena and Vishwas entered the stage first as they sang the wonderful evergreen Konkani song, as the winners of the Gulf Voice of Mangalore Vinay Lewis, Gladys Lorenha, Ivan Fernandes, Morvine Quadros and Joshal D’Souza joined them in singing on t stage.
Capt. Ramanan Ravi Kumar-Defense Attaché from Indian Embassy was the chief guest of the evening, and Joseph Crasta from Snehalaya Charitable Trust Mangalore, and Meena Rebimbus were Guest of honor of the function. MCA president Arthur Pais and Vice President Aloysius Dsouza escorted the chief guest along with advisory committee members, Jerry Pinto, Felix Lobo, Joachim D’Souza and Wilfred Fernandes to the dais.
MCA President Arthur Pias welcomed the guests and the gathering. He briefed on the activities and the objectives of MCA. This year MCA conferred Joseph Crasta from Snehalaya Charitable Trust Mangalore with “MCA Seva Puraskar 2015” award and felicitated him with shawl, flowers, fruits, momento, maanpatr and a cheque amount of Rs. 1,00,000.
Joseph Crasta was chosen for this award considering the selfless services he and his organization ‘Snehalaya’ at Mangalore rendered to the society. ‘Snehalaya’ is an organization which renders services to people who are in need and discarded from society. Committee member Clara Dsouza read out the ‘maan’ and Alfred Cyril Crasta compered the felicitation program.
Advisory member Wilfred Fernandes unveiled the MCA annual souvenir. Public Relations Officer Veena Rebimbus Pais read out the Winners names of 2nd Konkani Kavitha contest conducted by MCA. Winners were awarded with cash prizes, Gladson Almeida (first place), Vivek Monteiro and Sandeep Noronha (both second place), Jyothi D’Souza and Prabha Rego (both third place) won prizes. Consolation prizes were given to all the participants Rinku Saldanha, Nevil Fernandes, Savio Mangalore, Alphonse D’Silva, Navin Dalmeida and Della A. Rego. Veena Rebimbus Pais thanked the judges of the Kavitha competition Cyril G. Sequeira (CGS Taccode), Edward Sequeira (Eddie Siker) and Henry Mendonca (H.M. Pernal).
Capt. Ravi Kumar, speaking on the occasion applauded the MCA for its dedication in keeping alive the Konkani Culture in Qatar and highlighted the significance of Konkani Poetry and Songs, saying that they always delight the heart.
The program continued with Konkani Star singers, who sang solo and duet golden hits of Wilfy Rebimbus one after the other and every song was applauded by the packed audience. Renowned Konkani Musician Joswin Pinto Bendur with his team, the Singing Bird Musicians Doha provided enchanting music.
D4 Dance group Doha rocked the stage with wonderful dance as the songs were sung. The spice of the show was the rib tickling comedy by Konkani artist Bale Telipale fame Merwyn Shirva, Ami Dogi Sezara host Alwyn Danthy and ‘Yeya Hasenya’ winner Royston Balkunje who were flown from Mangalore for this show.
The MCA office bearers and committee members along with volunteers had worked hard and put up a great show. They are President: Arthur Pais, Vice President: Aloysius D’Souza, General Secretary: Sandeep Noronha, Treasurer: Clement Saldanha, Cultural Secretary: Jovita Pereira, Membership coordinator: Dorothy Quadros, Wilma D’Souza, Gracy Danthy, Sports Co-ordinators: Susan Rodrigues, Alphonse D’silva, Public Relations: Veena Rebimbus Pais, Event Coordinator: Jason Quadros, Website administrator: Shalini Mendonca, Joint General Secretary: Hema Fernandes, Joint Cultural Secretary: Carol D’souza. The Active Committee members are Benjamin Rebeiro, Wilson Mendonca, John Pinto, Austin Rodrigues, Gilbert Lobo, Alex Lobo, Anil Cutinho, Clara D’souza, Avinash D’souza and Savious Crasta.
The success was evident from the audience as they highly appreciated the wonderful arrangement and great entertainment with musical, dance and comedy. The entire program was very well organized with continuous non-stop entertainment. The entry to the program was free through passes. Between the program sandwiches and mineral water was served to refresh the audiences.
Ramco Trading and Contracting was main sponsor, Commercial Bank Qatar and Qatar Meta Coats were co-sponsor of the event. Vice President Aloysius D’Souza proposed vote of thanks, he thanks to all sponsors, Co-sponsors and Supportive sponsors. The delightful program concluded with a group song by the Rebimbus family and the GVOM stars.
