Fun ‘n’ Frolic Marks Houston Mangaloreans’ Day-out

Report: Melwyn Machado
Pics: Lidwin Machado, Merwyn Pinto, Navin Lobo and Max Saldanha

Houston, Nov 27:  “Houston Mangaloreans Day-out” was held on Saturday, November 24, 2007 at the Missouri City Catholic Community Center. The venue had to be shifted at the last minute from an open park to indoors owing to the inclement weather.

Twenty-five Mangalorean families from various parts of Houston were eagerly waiting for this event and had assembled well before the scheduled 10 am in spite of the heavy downpour and extreme cold weather.

After registration and a prayer led by Maureen Fernandes, breakfast was served. Four teams of sixteen each were formed and badges distributed. Varieties of individual and team games were held and were keenly contested. The day was filled with fun and frolic, games and dances, quiz, antakshari, musical chairs, housie-housie and lots of laughter.

This event also coincided with the wedding anniversary of the Saldanha couple, Edwin and Ruby and was celebrated with the cutting of the cake. Charles Pinto prayed and wished them good wishes on behalf of all present there.

Sheila Dubey led the grace before meals. Delicious and sumptuous lunch comprising of all the typical mouth-watering Indian dishes was served and was relished by one and all.

Later Flavin D’Cunha entertained the gathering with a Magic Show, which left everyone spellbound. Children individually and in groups exhibited their talents. Individual and team prizes were distributed. Everyone then joined together to dance to the tune of Baila. Ivan Menezes provided music and sound.

The exciting fun-filled day came to an end at 6 pm with a thanksgiving prayer by Max Saldanha.  He also thanked everyone for making the event a great success. The happy Mangalorean families dispersed with lingering smile on their faces only hoping that these get-togethers are held more frequently and in larger numbers. All in all it was a memorable and unforgettable day.