Pics: Kevin Rodrigues / Steevan Colaco
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Oct 5: Scores of aspiring singers participated in the semi-final of Udupi diocese-level Wilfy Rebimbus Memorial Singing competition that was held in association with 'The Expressions' Barkur at Mother of Sorrows Church hall here on Sunday October 4. The competition is in its fifth year, but this is the first time it was held in Udupi.
Msgr Dr Baptist Menezes presided over the inaugural function, while Meena Rebimbus, wife of the legendary Konkani singer the late Wilfy Rebimbus, Kishore Gonsalves, convener of The Expression, and Naveen Dias, president of 'The Expressions', were present on the dais.
Dr Baptist Menezes in his inaugural address said, "We are grateful to Meena Rebimbus and her family for coming to Udupi for this event. Wilfy’s songs are sung in many competitions with a notion that they would add weightage. I too used to sing Wilfy's songs in competitions for the same reasons, but I did not win, except for once when I performed a song on mother composed and sung by the legend. I hope that Udupi diocese will also get to witness a Wilfy Nite soon."
Kishoo Barkur said, "It was a dream of our team to host such a programme at the diocese level. Today we are proud to host such a programme for the first time ever and in doing so have added a new feather to cap."
Fr Denis D'Sa, PRO, diocese of Udupi, Fr Lawrence D'Souza, secretary, Catholic Board of Education, diocese of Udupi, Fr Chetan Lobo, editor, Uzwaad magazine, Udupi, Fr Edwin D'Souza, director, Youth Commission, diocese of Udupi, Fr Royson Fernandes, Fr Ronson of Katpady, Vishwas Remimbus and Charlene were present on the occasion.
The stalwarts of Konkani music world, Ivan Sequeira, Babitha D’Sa, Claud D’Souza, Jovi D’Souza, Ivy D’Souza, and Fr Pius D'souza Carmelite were on the judges' panel.
The valedictory session was presided over by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi. Vishwas Remimbus, Philomena D’Silva, vice-president, parish pastrol council, St Joseph’s Church, Jeppu, Mangaluru, Laveena Dais, Secretary, parish pastrol council, St. Joseph’s Church, Jeppu, Mangaluru, Kishore Gonsalves and Naveen Dias were the other dignitaries present on the dais.
Sharing his thoughts, Vishwas said he was happy to conduct such a competition for the first time in Udupi diocese. "In Mangaluru it has already been conducted four times, and this is the first time Udupi has also joined in this league. I invite all the winners and the gathering here to my parish Jeppu, where the Mangaluru diocese semi-finals of the singing competition will be held on October 25, followed by the mega finale at Jeppu on November 15," he said.
The best 5 singers in each category were awarded, and out of them two were selected for the upcoming finale.
The top 5 winners in each category were:
Under-15 boys: Jensen D'Souza, Moodubelle and Adrian D'Sa, Pangla, secured first and second place, whereas Shawn D'Souza, Kuntalnagar, Harshal D'Souza, Bramhavar, and Clayton D'Souza, Santhekatte, secured the third, fourth and fifth place.
Under-15 girls: Rikitha Saldanha Pamboor and Avina Saldanha, Udupi , secured first and second place, whereas Reema Mathais, Kuntalnagar, Aswita Pinto, Katpady, and Jenisia D'Souza, Pangla, secured the third, fourth and fifth place.
Above-15 boys: Praveen D'Souza, Pethri, and Anson Menezes, Bramhavar bagged the first and second place, whereas Franklin Fernandes, Barkur, Rynal Barnes, Santhekatte, and Rolwin Quadros, Moodbelle won the third, fourth and fifth place.
Above-15 girls: Aishal D'Souza, Udupi, and Ashmitha Crasta, Sasthan, won the first and second place, whereas Riya D'Souza, Palimar, Michelle Andrade, Barkur, and Fathima Barnes, Kolalgiri bagged the third, fourth and fifth place.
Under-15 duets: Marvel D'Souza - Avina Saldanha, Udupi and Shawn Mendonca – Suzanna Mendonca, Kuntalnagar, won the first and second place, while Aishan Almeida – Placida Picardo, Barkur, Sohan Fernandes - Aswita Pinto, Katapady, and Sanuel D Almeida – Merisal Fernandes, Sasthan secured the third, fourth and fifth place.
Above-15 duets: Franklin Fernandes – Janice D'Souza, Barkur, and Leslie Cornelio – Ria Pinto, Udupi won the first and second place, while Rynal Barnes – Jovita Fernandes, Santhekatte, Royton D'Souza – Fathima Barnes, Kolalgiri, and Philip Andrade – Lydia Andrade, Kalmady bagged the third, fourth and fifth place.
More than 75 budding singers from 16 parishes of Udupi diocese participated.
Eric Soans compered the entire programme and Naveen Dias proposed the vote of thanks during the inaugural session, while Sushma Carvalho proposed the vote of thanks at the valedictory.