Doha: Fun, frolic, entertainment galore at MCC Mangalorean Day
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Nov 24: The much-awaited fifth edition of “Mangalorean Day” organized by Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) was celebrated by the MCC members and the Mangalorean community on Friday November 22 at the new Al-Jazeera Academy premises. Enthused by its hugely successful ‘Mangalorean Day’ celebrated over the few years, the celebration has become an event anticipated with zeal by all community members as it is a family day with complete package of games, music, dance, food and fun galore.
The evening began with some exciting sports for all age groups from 3 pm. A variety of games like frog race, picking the pieces, one leg race, sack race, balancing the book, lemon and spoon, walking race, family relay, common games for adults like dodging the ball, spot the ball, shooting the goal and feeding the pumpkin along with guessing the numbers of sweets were truly enjoyed by all participants and all young and old gathered with great enthusiasm.
A variety of home cooked food was on sale at the food stalls while the fun games were going on. The homemade Mangalorean and non-Mangalorean delicacies such as Goli Baje, Bhelpuri, sheera, vorn, boble kheer, Sanna, Shevio, Appa, cutlets, Chicken and Mutton curries, Kori Sukka, Chilli chicken, biriyani and noodles which were specially prepared by our generous Mangalorean community members along with hot tea/juice were on sale and in great demand. It was a total fun and food fiesta.
Later in the evening, Gladson Almeida, the dynamic host of the evening welcomed the gathering in his unique way, followed by MCC theme song sung by MCC members. MCC president addressed the gathering and informed that the program was planned to bring all local talents together and exhibit their various talents coming together as a family, meet and greet new members and enjoy the day as a truly Mangalorean outing. He thanked one and all for their contribution and support that made the event a grand success.
MCC members Alphonse D’Silva, Westrin Lasrado, Jyothi Gomes, Ryan Renjar, Christy and Mishal Lobo performed the dance choreographed by Vijaya D’Souza to a kannada song “Entha Chinna“ composition of Mogachi Laara and which was highly appreciated by one and all.
The highlight of the cultural show was the super hit drama of yesteryears 'Sorgar Boraili Sairik' written by Claud D'Souza Mangalore and enacted by Della Rego, Alwyn Goveas, Bonaventure D’Souza, Aloysius D’Souza, Carol D’Almeida, Anil Cutinha and Sandeep Noronha put up impressive performance with their flamboyant acting skills under the direction of Alfred Cyril Crasta. Background music was played by Kirthan Rodrigues.
The audience were engaged at intervals with some interesting Konkani quiz on MCC, Konkani culture and traditions, tongue twisters and riddles, conducted by cultural advisor Reena Castelino in her unique style. All winners were presented with token prizes.
MCC felicitated and bid farewell to Walter and Irene Serrao, who are leaving Doha after a long stay of 37 years and service in Qatar. Serrao served as general manager of Manweir and has contributed to the growth of Mangaloreans in his company and always promoted MCC events with his patronage. Advisor Richard D’Souza briefed his achievement and contribution to our community and in particular to MCC.
President Sunil honoured him with a shawl and founder member Jerald D’Mello presented him a memento. On this occasion Walter spoke and appreciated MCC for their contribution to the community as well as he thanked for felicitation and expressed his gratitude to take back good memories.
Konkani Maando of golden old hit maando songs compiled and trained by Dony Lobo a popular personality in Doha along with Lona Pinto and team of 24 singers entertained the crowd thoroughly for 15 minutes. Young budding musicians Emelita Martis and Ruth Quadros were on the keyboard.
Finally much awaited Baila Dance stole the show with a complete entertainment of 15 minutes from young kids, teens and adults dancers all in one go dancing to some hit baila songs very well choreographed by Lavina D’Souza, Effey Noronha and Prabha Rego. Their performance made all audience dance along with them and was thoroughly enjoyed by one and all.
MCC thanked and appreciated the efforts of Drama Director Alfred Cyril Crasta, Maando composer Dony Lobo. Choreographers Vijaya D’Souza, Effey Noronha, Lavina D’Souza, Prabha Rego were presented with a memento by Walter Serrao and coordinators Della Rego and Lona Pinto with a bouquet as a token of appreciation
MCC general secretary Prakash Noronha proposed the vote of thanks.
Sports prize distribution ceremony was conducted by Reena Castelino. President Sunil D’Silva, vice-president Ronald Saldanha, Jerry D'Mello and Richard D’Souza, gave away the prizes to the winners of various games held during the day. Guessing the number of chocolates was won by Gina Noronha.
Raffle draw was also conducted and the lucky winner of 32” Toshiba LED TV was Tony D’Souza. Other prizes were also given away to winners by Sunil D’Silva.
It was indeed a Mangalorean Family Day thoroughly enjoyed by all with the lovely weather, delicious food, fun, games and cultural fiesta.
The whole event was co-ordinated and was organized by the cultural team Riana Pinto and Prabha Rego while sports were co-ordinated and conducted by sports secretary John Britto and his team Winnie Saldanha, Sunson Fernandes, Rupert Lobo and Jaison Lobo.
Mangalore Cricket Club wishes to thank Melvin Pinto and Dephny Lobo, Head of Volunteers and all their group of volunteers under their supervision, all the generous community members who prepared variety dishes, the choreographers, coordinators, all participants, the sponsors and all those who came together as one big family and have contributed towards the run-away success of the 5th MCC ‘Mangalorean Day’.