Mangalore: Wilfy Memorial Contest - 45 Sing their Way into Finals

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Nov 12: The Centenary Memorial Hall of Jeppu Seminary witnessed amazing voices performing for the ‘Inter-Parish Wilfy Rebimbus Memorial’ Konkani singing competition held on Sunday November 10. There were totally 15 parishes that participated in this competition. The contest was a unique one by itself, as all the contestants performed the songs from the compositions of Konkan Kogull Wilfy Rebimbus.

The evening commenced with a prayer song ‘Kithlo Aparmith Devacho Mog’ from the devotional Cd ‘Somyacho Tallo’ in the voice of the great legend Late Wilfy Rebimbus. Pamela Santos, vice-president, Jeppu parish welcomed the guest on the dias, Fr Maxim Rosario, (St Joseph Seminary Administator), Hemacharya (editor in chief, Daijiworld Weekly), Fr Nelson D’Almeida (parish priest, Jeppu parish), family members of Wilfy Rebimbus – Meena, Vishwas and Charleen.

A lamp was lit to offer tribute to Late Wilfy Rebimbus by Fr Nelson D’Almedia, Fr Maxim Pereira, Hemacharya, Meena Rebimbus, Vishwas Rebimbus, Charleen Rebimbus, Pamela Santos – Vice President and Laveena D’dias,Secretary.

Fr Nelson D’Almedia, parish priest of Jeppu gave a brief introduction on the contest and thanked parish priests, coordinators and participants of all the parishes for their wholehearted support for the conteSt He also invited budding singers to get inspiration from the late Wilfy Rebimbus and Meena Rebimbus for the art of singing.

Fr Maxim Rosario offered shradanjali to Late Wilfy Rebimbus saying ‘No one has come and no will ever come like the great legend in Konkani’. Hemacharya congratulated the Jeppu parishioners for conducting this event for the second time this year. In his address he spoke about the immense love and close relationship Wilfy had for his Jeppu parishioners. He ended in the words of Wilfy’s song ‘Jeevan’ taken from his tomb.

Meena Rebimbus officially inaugurated the function, by singing the first song, 'Sounsaranth' from the film ‘Padri’.

The competition then started with the age group of 10-15 years and was then followed by above 16 years category. This was a qualifying round for all the participants. 87 contestants took part in 7 categories. Genevive Pinto and Celine D’souza compared the event. Around 500 Wilfy’s fans witnessed this competition. The Jeppu parishioners had organised this event very professionally. The talented parishioners had put up stalls of homemade refreshments for the contestants.

The finalists were selected by a panel of renowned judges, Fr Pius James D’souza, OCD, Superior of Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte and Episcopal Vicar in the Mangalore Diocese, Meena Rebimbus and Allwyn Noronha, renowned choir master of Bajpe parish.

The much-awaited result was announced by Fr Nelson D’Almeida. A huge round of applause and cheer burst out among the audience as soon as the results were declared. Altogether 45 contestants have marched into the grand finale to be held on November 25 at Jeppu Church open grounds.

The following parishes will compete with each other :

10-15 years Boys Solo

Jason Lobo – Bondel parish

Samson Coelho – Cascia parish

Llewellyn Lobo – Derebail parish

Elton D’souza – Bejai parish

10-15 years Girls Solo

Merceeta D’souza – Milagres parish

Melissa Saldanha – Bondel parish

Viona D’souza – Cascia parish

Lisha Ann Pereira – Valencia parish

Prithuma Monteiro – Vamanjoor parish

10-15 years Duet (Boys and Girls)

Stephina Crasta and Merceeta D’souza – Milagres parish

Sonal Monteiro and Diya D’cunha – Cordel parish

Delisha Rodrigues and Lisha Pereira – Valencia parish

Deora Fernandes and Preemal Serrao – Derebail parish

Samson Coelho and Frenith D’souza – Cascia parish

Prithuma Monteiro and Joseline Pinto – Vamanjoor parish

Above 16 years Gents Solo

Ashvin D’costa – Cordel parish

Loyson Corda – Shirva parish

Anil Rupseh D’souza – Cascia parish

Nixon Moras – Milagres parish

Flavan D’souza – Vamanjoor parish

Above 16 years Gents Solo

Anjali Andrade – Cordel parish

Aruna Noronha – Bondel parish

Jessica Fernandes – Urwa parish

Denora Ferandes – Derebail parish

Oshin Joyline Theodore – Cascia parish

Above 16 years Mixed Duet

Ashvin D’costa and Anjali Andrade – Cordel parish

Bluma Pinto and Kevin Suares – Derebail parish

Benzita D’souza and Christopher Rodrigues – Milagres parish

Lancy Mascarenhas and Priya Mascarenhas – Puttur parish

Married Couples

Roshan and Meera D’souza – Derebail parish

Suraj and Aruna Noronha – Bondel parish

Jude and Sylvia Fernandes – Milagres parish

The much awaited grand finale will be held at St Joseph Church Grounds, Jeppu here on November 25 at 5.30 pm. There will be an entrance fee for the event.

The contest promises to be a nail biting battle between the parishes of the diocese with rendition of Wilfy’s best songs.