Muscat: Talents galore at MCCP annual Konkani singing contest
Report : Celine D Souza
Pics : Arun Jivraj Lobo
Muscat, Oct 14: “The beauty of music lies in the fact that it is a universal language of harmony and people of all ages and ethnicity can connect with on any level.” Singing brings members together and creates positive energy and a happy mood that’s good for everyone. It diverts your mind from the normal day-to-day activities and sets your mind to a different level.
The Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP) organized its annual Konkani Singing Competition for its members and their families on Saturday October 12 at Sts Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi Hall wherein music lovers of the community gathered in large numbers to immerse in a musical gathering of love and harmony.
Ever since its announcement a month ago, members have been anxiously waiting for this program and the EC team had left no stone unturned to put forth a magnificent program which ignites not only passion but also display individual talent.
Registration counters were well set at 10.30 am and controlled by internal auditor, Stany Menezes and his associates Shalet Menezes and Zino Saldanha.
Before the program formally began, community services secretary Alwin Pinto led us in prayer and invoked Almighty’s blessing. The inaugural ceremony was very aptly done by the kin of main sponsor for the event, Jocelyn D’souza and President Lancy Lobo.
President in his welcome address quoted as “participation is not an easy task and requires great courage to come forward and perform and thanked the members for their marvelous support”.
The unveiling and release of CD “Tunch Tum” ‘a Y’ Gen sensational musical album by young talent Roshan Belman renowned for his releases ‘Nashibanthlya Chedwa’,Nashib Tum muja’,'Mog Devaso’ – Spiritual Songs,'Nasheeb’, was aptly done by MCCP president Lancy Lobo. For the first time, Roshan introduced 'Acapella' music score in Konkani music industry through his 5th Vol 'Tunch Tum' which has become a blockbuster and created waves worldwide. Philip D’souza on behalf of CD presenter Harry Correa, Ivan and Fhilu Moras its exclusive distributor in Oman, along with their kin Phiyola D’souza Alston and Aldrean Moras, shared the dais.
The distinguished panel of judges for this event were a combination of composers, soloists, guitarists, members of the Mangalorean band group and having vast musical background. Having carved a niche for themselves in the music arena have also won numerous laurels to their credit. The panel was formally introduced by vice-president sports and finance committees, Ophelia Lazarus and consisted of Praveen Raj, Olinda D’souza and Arun Patrao.
Despite their busy schedules and commitment, the panel judged this event very conscientiously and meticulously. MCCP owes sincere debt of gratitude for their valuable time and making this competition possible to its members.
An energetic and dynamic emcee for the day John Mathias, Sports Secretary of the current team in his very macho and confident style took control and projected the entire day’s event with ease and simplicity.
The rules for the competition were well announced and read out in a very lucid manner by cultural secretary Reena Lobo
To maintain the program in an orderly way, the EC committee had removed lots of all groups prior to the event which was evident from the smooth flow of the program.
Participation was commendable and was evident from the registrations received. Contestants participated with great zeal displaying their talents.
The competition was classified in 10 different groups consisting of children, men solo, ladies solo and adult group.
Singing has been a passion to many and one could witness that our members made the most of this unusual gift.
The performance of children unleashed their innocence who sang exceptionally well and was a pleasure to witness; some of them singing as if it was in their genes.
The men solo performed with their rich voices and female soloists delivered numbers that were astounding and phenomenal much to the enthusiastic crowd. The adult category of singers were much focused and shifted our minds away from the usual pressure and stress.
All the contestants sang remarkably well and articulated it with facial expressions. The competition one could observe was quite fierce and competitive.
The group singing was very well structured, disciplined, entertaining and highly motivational and touched the hearts of many.
The contest was extremely exciting to watch and see some of the participants perform with great exuberance. Some of them exhibited stunning performances and sang with confidence and charm. The entire environment was so intense that everyone’s attention was riveted towards the stage.
It looked like the contestants had rehearsed their songs remarkably well that, for an onlooker it looked as if they were tailor made to suit their voice. The songs selected by some of the Adult groups were displaying their personality and reflected their vocal ability in its best possible light. The urge to sing and perform was so great that they were engulfed in a different world altogether.
Timing for the competition was well maintained by Jacintha Serrao and assisted by General Secretary Celine D’souza.
Grace before meals was done by Community Service Secretary, Stany Menezes.
Without the support of sponsors no program can achieve its goals. We had generous contributions for these programs too and the sponsors for Drawing and Singing Competition were felicitated with floral bouquets by the President consisting of the following:
Sponsors for Drawing Competition:
Nancy Vaz and Family
National Biscuits Industries LLC – Yogesh Suvarna
Sweets of Oman – Mahavir
National Mineral Water – Mathew
Shah Nagardas and Manji– Dhiru
Sponsors for Singing Competition:
Raphael D’souza and family – Main sponsor
Raphael Quadros and family
Well wisher
Ravin Rodrigues – Middle East Graphic LLC
Oasis Water
As in any competition, the jury has a difficult task in assessing as all of them were mind-blowing; Special dose of luck favoured to some who were announced as winners; however participation in any given event brings in itself glory and triumph. The jury had done fair justice and the final results were announced by Honorary Treasurer, John Gonsalves.
Achievement provides a huge boost to our self-esteem. The winners walked away with all smiles and fabulous trophies.
The results of the singing competition were as follows:
The results of Drawing Competition held on August 30 were also announced and participation certificates distributed to all.
The results were as follows:
Vote of thanks was proposed by spiritual secretary, Clifford Castelino.
The entire day’s event was very well organized with distribution of snacks, meal packets and evening tea with refreshments. Kudos to the tireless efforts exerted by the 22nd MCCP EC team.
Towards the end of the program, we had sensational performances delivered by our esteemed judges and supported by our very own musician Lanston Pinto like ”Mog thuzo kitlo ashelo”, “Haav chedu Bombaychi” and “I will be there for you” much to the enthusiastic crowd whistling and echoing “once more”.
The dedicated, compassionate and ever willing team of volunteers and back stage supporters extended their generous contribution of time and full support towards the program and consisted of the following.
The list of volunteers were as follows:
Jacintha Serrao
Sunil D’souza
Naveen Sequeira
Nixon Lobo
Avinash D’souza
Avinash Lobo
Rakesh Coelho
Cyril Britto
The judges for drawing and singing competition were duly honoured with mementoes and this was supported by vice-president of cultural, spiritual and community service committees, Nancy Vaz.
Nancy Vaz has been the most energetic and active member of the current EC team. Her efficient and competent attitude gets her deeply involved in whatever activity she does, and guides the entire team with a smooth flow along with the President.
All in all…. a day filled with wholesome entertainment.