Lin Pinto
Pics: Arun Jivraj Lobo
Muscat, Aug 25: With the dawn of the 23rd year of the existence of the pillar-house of Mangaloreans in the Sultanate of Oman, the Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP), the torch has now been passed to a new generation of outstanding members of the Executive Committee 2014-2015.
The team of 23, led by Prescilla Menezes, took charge at a formal inaugural function held on Friday August 22 at the Main Parish Hall of Sts Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi. The community dignitaries, core team members, past presidents graced the occasion and aptly supported to manage the event.
The inaugural ceremony began with a solemn mass in Konkani celebrated by Fr Wilson Rumao at the Sts Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi. The choir of 29 members was led by Apolinaris D’Souza with Lanston Pinto on the grand piano and Joel Lobo on base guitar. The choir members were Dilip Correa, Alston Moras, Melita Rodrigues, Melita Alva, Phiyola D’souza, Relitsa Correa, Sachin Joy Lobo, Brian Madtha, Jonathan Bennett, Astrin D’silva, Dolphy Vaz, Valerian Peres, Ivan Moras, Stanislaus D’souza, Loveline Rego, Joceline D’Souza, Jessy, Florine D’souza, Flavia D’souza, Anitha Lobo, Reena D’souza, Victoria Suares. Lin Pinto, Flavia Castelino, Jecintha Serrao, Freeda Suares. For the first time in history, the congregation witnessed a huge cluster with mixed talents of young and old. A great beginning with heights of melody!
After mass, the members rushed into the Hall, displaying an expression of excitement and curiosity to see what the new committee has in store. Registration desks were set with members getting themelves registered and being offered a mouth-watering traditional Mangalorean breakfast buns and sajjige, catered by Alex Aranha.
The registration counters were managed eloquently by the experienced team members Ophelia Lazarus, Sudhir, Jessy Pereira, Celine D’Souza, Jessy Serrao, Freeda Suares, Shaila D’souza, Jason, Neston under the supervision of ECM Stephen – honourable treasurer and Neslin – community services secretary.
The team of 23 organized a plethora of items to keep the members of the community entertained. The program began with singing of the MCCP anthem, titled Parameshwara. The song was sung in all its glory by the future of the community, the Leos and Cubs of MCCP (youth and children). The vocalists were Alston Moras, Lenita Lobo, Melita Rodrigues, Joel Lobo, Natasha, Gail, Sharon,Tyana, Ashwitha, Phiyola, Relitsa, Caroline, Megan, Neil, Pearl, Rishitha, Janice, Roshwal Flloyd with Dale on the keyboard. First an Indian, then a Mangalorean- to celebrate this patriotic feeling on account of Independence Day of mother country, India, the entire community stood in attention to sing the National Anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ when the children presented the culture with Bharatmata as Alisha Fernandes and children in the traditional dress swaying the flags. A presentation by Clive – Auralitna, Calvin-Lanette, Vanisha-Vian Patrick, Tanish-Christine, Shawn-Clarissa and Aarush was also organized.
All the community members gathered were accorded a warm welcome by Clarence Pinto, one of the pillars of the community MCCP. His poetic and first-rate presentation in his usual lyrical style lifted the aura to a superlative level.
“Prayer is the steering wheel that directs the right path towards life.” Fr Wilson Rumao, spiritual advisor of the MCCP and assistant parish priest of Sts Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi, invoked the blessings of the Almighty and led the community into prayer and thanksgiving.
History is full of examples of how organizations and nations have attained extraordinary success with the help of outstanding leaders. It is the quality of leadership that usually determines the progress of an organization. MCCP is fortunate to have this quality of leadership in Prescilla Menezes, who no doubt will lead the community to greater heights.
Prescilla in her presidential address thanked the members for their support and love. Having highlighted the theme for the year 2014-2015 ‘Konkani Daiz Urovyan, Novi Samaaz Bandhyan,’ which means ‘Save Konkani, Create Novel Society,’ she urged members to uplift our rich tradition and actively participate in a great whirlwind of activities that were planned for the year. The highlight of the address was the proposal of inducting Youth and Children’s MCCP Clubs as Leos and Cubs, to guide and mentor the new generation as future leaders of the community.
MCCP Leo Adventina handed over a bouquet to the president to present it to Fr Wilson as a token of appreciation for his constant support and guidance.
‘Konkani Daiz Urovyan, Novi Samaaz Bandhyan,’ the theme for the year was beautifully presented in the form of a song, with peppy music that loved by all, especially the youngsters. The theme song was sung by the youth and adults of the community whose blending of voices brought in a soothing melody and ignited the flames of tradition and culture. The singers were Lin Pinto, Victoria Suares, Reena D’souza, Anitha Lobo, Freeda Suares, Astrin D’silva, Jonathan Bennett, Brian Madtha, Loveline Rego, Dilip Correa, Stanislaus D’souza and Ivan Moras. The lyrics was composed by famous community writer and Konkani activist Clarence Kaikamba while the background score was supported by Tussara Kuruvitige and Monica Valder.
The new team's induction was beautifully presented as Clarence Pinto the MC introduced the members; they walked up to the stage with bouquets the fragrance of love though different yet unique and lit the lamp by receiving the light from the president. This depicted, the light of unity being shared amongst the team to drive the darkness of differences and come together united as they lit one single tall standing lamp. After the utive was inducted in a traditional way, president with the spiritual advisor poured the rice in a traditional vessel ‘Kalsi’ and all the members joined to strengthen the bond. This episode of the programme was truly traditional that tread through the ‘maigaavm’ feeling creating an awesome homely venue.
In all its innovativeness, the theme logo for MCCP - year 2014-15 was unfurled by Fr Wilson Rumao and Prescilla Menezes. The plaque was lifted up by the utive members with much pride and pleasure. The logo was designed by a young prodigy of the community Master Clive Austin Danthi who won the logo contest.
“Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance.” The meritorious students of the community who achieved excellent results in class 10 and 12 CBSE exams this year were recognized and rewarded. The awards were handed over by Fr Wilson Rumao. This part of the programme was managed by VP – cultural, spiritual and CS – Mariete Fernandes along with Flavia – spiritual secretary, Shyla – general secretary and Philomena Moras – cultural secretary.
Meritorious students:
10th Standard Board CBSE.
1. Marlon Neal D’cruz
2. Wyonna Linnet Fernandes
Both won cash awards for perfect 10 GPA.
Anshul Pinto, Caroline Maria D’souza, Elvita Vinitha Lobo, Jancie Deborah Saldanah, Ivor D’souza, Michelle Rose Quadros, Shina Lisa D’souza.
12th Standard Board CBSE
1. Brantin Noronha – Science Stream
2. Joash Dilan Saldanah – Commerce Stream
3. Larissa C. Rego – Commerce Stream
4. Sharon Raina D’souza – Commerce Stream
'Dance is an expression of feelings and emotions and filmy dance is one such form that all Bollywood fans can connect to.' The tiny tots who call themselves the MCCP cubs, displayed a scintillating dance performance gracefully that got the whole crowd cheering for them. The dance team named as ‘MCCPchi Kirnaa’ comprised of Glen, Clarita, Nihal, Leanne, Rochelle, Shaun, Nikhil, Grace, Lynel, Thanya, Aaron, Rhea, Shane, Calida, Lael, Melanie, Andril, Lovette, Aldrean and Stacy beautifully choreographed by young talented Dynet Fremcitha Fernandes. The dance numbers were of the retro period and the crowd was enthusiastically watching the foot tapping performance that took them back to the memory of the 80s.
The Theme was stressed further with yet another presentation ‘Apoorbayeche Daiz’ composed by veteran popular musician Apolinaris D’souza. The melody was presented by Lin Pinto, Victoria Suares, Reena D’souza, Anitha Lobo, Freeda Suares, Astrin D’silva, Jonathan Bennett, Brian Madtha, Loveline Rego, Dilip Correa, Stanislaus D’souza and Ivan Moras.
‘Galetian Rockstars’ as the name spells it all, is another group of young and talented MCCP Leos who set the stage ablaze with their peppy and upbeat Konkani dance number. The members of the group were Priyanka Mendonca –choreographer herself with Rebecca D’souza, Neil Fernandes, Roshal Lobo, Rishal D’souza Aaryl Saldanah, Lisa D’sa, Elrica Frank and Errol Mascarenhas.
During lunch break, the entire utive came up to invite the community for the lunch in a traditional and dramatic manner that gave a personal touch. The grace before meals was recited by Flavia Castelino. Delicious and sumptuous lunch catered by Alwyn Saldanah was served as part of the traditional Mangalorean cuisine.
'Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy.' Neslin Moras prosed the vote of thanks and offered gratitude to all who helped make the inaugural function a huge success.
Main sponsors of the year:
Mr. Gerald D’cost, Hi-Tech Inspection Services LLC. – Courtesy Philomena Mendonca
Event Sponsors:
1. MALABAR GOLD AND DIAMOND - Courtesy Philomena Mendonca
2. Orbital Projects & Services LLC - Courtesy Stephen Rodrgiues
3. OVERSEAS PROJECTS & EQUIPMENT Co. LLC, (OHI Group ) - Courtesy Stephen Rodrgiues
4. Zaharat Al Rawda – Zarmadad – Mr. Raphael Quadras
Event Co-Sponsors:
Mr. Rudolf, Enhance – Courtesy Jessy Pereira
Sunil Menezes & Family
Cavin D’souza
Ivan Gonsalves
Vincent Furtado
Vinod D’costa - Courtesy Edward Mendonca
Herman Lobo - Courtesy Philomena Moras
Sanath Wijesoriya - Courtesy Philomena Moras
Well wisher – Breakfast Sponsor
Wilson Lobo for the sweets – Courtesy Edward Mendonca
Micheal- Costume Designer
Kale (Jasmin) and Paan Phod specially flown in from India for the occasion, by Valentina Rodridgues.
Makeover – Jenny Joseph
Team of volunteers :
Hall & Back Stage Management: Thomas Pinto, Sunil D’Souza, Sharon Alva, Deepak, Lloyd, Naveen, Naveen
Backdrop designing – Prince
Event Graphics : Shannon D'Souza
Heritage Deco Support – Nimmy Goveas and Lancy Lobo
Sound and Light : Oscar Prince & Zezito
Music Management : Loveline Rego
Media Coverage : Arun Jivraj for Daiji and Joachim D’souza for mccpoman.com
Videography : Nagesh
A little hip-hop here, locking and popping there and break dance everywhere; nothing could be more pleasing to the eyes and ears than a fusion of Konkani song and western dance. This young group of smart MCCP Leos named as ‘MCCPche Tharnate,’ consisting of Alston, Joshua, Dale, Joel and Vijith reenacted so very stylishly, well choreographed by Sachin Joy Lobo.
Impressing the prying eyes was yet another group of dynamic MCCP Leos called as ‘MCCPchi Tharaam’ who swayed to the tune of lively fusion / medley of Hindi, Kannada and Konkani dance numbers. Presenting this fantastic dance were Rochelle, Rishitha, Melita, Shaina, Megan, Sharon, Gail, Natasha, Relitsa, Phiyola, Venessa, Pearl, Shannon, Ashwitha and Michelle yet another attractive foot tapping choreography by Dynet Fremcitha Fernandes.
Adding cheer through laughs and gaffes, a very vibrant team of actors staged filler skits that gave the crowd the much needed light moments. The team consisted Walter Mendonca, Peter Pedru, Neil Castelino, Anitha Lobo, Russel and Helen Sequeira. First of its kind, the cultural part of the programme was presented with a twist; the skit members connected the items as per the schedule of the program through their scripted skits; thus it was a cultural journey engulfed with humour and act, rather than a monotonous anchoring of an emcee, item after item.
A lucky draw and bonanza were announced that had the entire community waiting to win some fabulous prizes. This part of the program was well managed by VP –Fin and Sports Edward, honourable treasurer Stephen, Shyla – general secreatry community services Sec. Neslin Moras with Ivan D’souza – internal auditor and sports secretary Lynel Lobo.
Winners of bonanza
Consolation Prizes – sponsored by Omantel
Cherian Sharon Alva
Prescilla D’Souza
Vikas Gupta
Cryselle Ganita Mendonca
Rajesh
Andril Miranda
Mahnash Hanif
Monthi Pereira
Rohit George
Prizes
1st Prize- 32” LED TV, won by Evan Manoj, sponsored by Edward Mendonca
2nd Prize- Touch Screen Mobile, won by Alisha Furtado, sponsored by Ivan Moras
3rd Prize- Branded crockery set- won by Jessie and Vivian Pereira, sponsored by Philomena Moras
Winner of early bird for membership renewal : Felcy Fernandes - Air ticket Mct-Mangalore-Mct - sponsored by Travel Point – courtesy: Francis and Molly.
Spot games based on the culture and tradition were played during the entire session and fabulous prizes were given out to the witty for their prompt answers to the questions popped. The prizes were sponsored by Edward Mendonca.
All in all, the event marked a great start to an exciting year for the new committee as well as the members of MCCP. Team 23 seeks to draw each member to come together and personify the Theme ‘Konkani Daez Urovyan, Novi Samaaz Bandhyan.’