Pics: Deepak Paladka
Media Release
Abu Dhabi, May 10: KCO's 20th anniversary celebrations - 'Fiesta 2015' concluded with a glittering extravaganza held at Abu Dhabi Country Club in the midst of a galaxy of dignitaries and a packed audience of Mangalorean/Goan community in the UAE. The Fiesta as expected turned out be a grand success.
It was 'entertainment, entertainment and entertainment' all the way at the Abu Dhabi Country Club on Friday May 8, when KCO's 'Fiesta 2015' unfurled with a splendid variety entertainment much to the delight of the Mangalurean and Goan audience. It was an apt occasion to celebrate the 20 years of eventful journey of KCO Abu Dhabi befitting its illustrious existence and the selfless service towards the community in the UAE and in India.
KCO’s annual event lived up to its promise with continuous entertainment throughout the evening with a musical mix of Konkani, Hindi and English numbers belted out by the artistes specially flown in from Mangaluru - Melwyn Peris, Anita D'Souza, Robin and Zeena - and the vivacious and evergreen Lorna all the way from Goa, and the very popular Rameiro’s Band which pepped up the musical feast.
The programme commenced at 6.15 pm with a prayer led by Fr Joseph Martis, rector of St Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu, Mangaluru and prayer song led by Rupert Vaz followed by KCO's theme welcome song rendered by KCO members, which laid the perfect start to the evening.
Entertainment Galore
As part of the celebration, entertainment was in plenty. The festive mood was all over the place and was evident in the manner the audience participated.
Legendary Lorna took the centre stage by commencing her immortal rendition with her powerful voice defying her age. Her presence on the stage and her energy in rendering her famous songs encouraged the appreciative audience to step on the floor.
Melwyn Peris with his golden silky voice mesmerized crowd presenting melody after melody, accompanied by the talented multi-lingual singer Anitha, ably supported by Zeena and Robin and they rendered melodies one after another. The new find Robin mesmerized the crowd with energetic performance. Foot-tapping music by Ramiro’s Band was commendable and had the crowd dancing all the way. As the night progressed, the tempo of music escalated with the audience enjoying themselves in the festive atmosphere. Another new feature in the evening’s activities was the colourful Latino dance which added colour and variety to the proceedings.
The guests of honour for the show were Pavan Kumar Rai, first secretary at the Indian Embassy, Abu Dhabi and Fr Joseph Martis, rector, St Joseph's Seminary, Jeppu, Mangaluru.
Another highlight was the theme song, rendered by the members of KCO to show their unity and solidarity specially composed for the event. The ever popular raffle draw with attractive prizes like air tickets by Air India, gold coin, large screen TV, smartphone, Tefal cookery sets and a host of other prizes got good response.
The spectacular evening concluded with the baila session with the audience dancing to their contentment, 'Lovdate' in the wee hours of the morning - at 1.30 am - to be precise.
Masters of ceremony Roshan D'Silva did a commendable job keeping the audience on their toes.
The success of the show was the result of meticulous planning, dedicated preparation, excellent arrangement and professional performance by all entertainers. This event showcased the unity and organizational capabilities of KCO members who worked hand in hand for the success of this show.
Completion of 20 successful years serving community, preserving and promoting Konkani flavour in the Gulf by itself is a major achievement for any organization.
The event was sponsored by
Platinum sponsors
Al Mazroui & Clevy Automobiles
Dunes Hotel Apartments
Hyssna International LLC
Regal Furnshing & Storage Systems LLC
National Transport & Contracting Co
Nmc Healthcare / Uae Exchange
Noble Marine Metals Co
Ivory Grand Hotel Apartments
Al Mamaleek Building Materials LLC
Gold sponsors:
Aldahra Agriculture
SFC Plus
Gems Education
Gobelink West Star Shipping LLC
Al Futtaim Engineering/York