Media Release
Mississauga, Nov 9: 'Canara Talent Search 2009' was held in Mississauga on the 8 November 2009 to commemorate and celebrate its fifth anniversary. It was a stupendous display of talent, dance, singing, music, drama and inspiring stage performances. It was an occasion which brought people of Canara region together to display their skills and talent at the Sapphire Banquet hall. With over 29 entries and 51 participants, the function was a resounding success with enthusiastic participation from the young and old ranging from 4 to 60 years. The function started at 11 am with the national anthem of India & Canada.
With an overwhelming capacity filled hall, the community enjoyed the day packed with various cultural activities like folk dances, cinematic dances, songs, mimicry, Mando, skit and fancy dress.
Flavian Pinto a leading Financial Advisor in the Mangalorean community a great Orator and an active member of the organizing committee welcomed the gathering and gave a summary of the events since its inception. The Canara Talent Search was judged by three distinguished judges: Jr. Menezes who has been acting since his childhood from the age of 8, started writing and directing at the age of 14. He has acted, sang and did multiple roles. He also directed around 13 drama (tiatros) his latest hit being "Adeus" in 2007 & 2008 which was written and directed by him and was watched by more than 1500 audience here and in USA.
Akhtar Akram: Choreographer & dancer for over 30 years spanning from his teenage life in Kenya and about 20 years here in Canada. Here in Canada, he has been involved choreographing dances for kids and young adults ranging from the ages of 4 - 20 year olds for the last 18 years. His team has performed at many functions year round, for all the Goan Socials, Feasts, India Republic Day, India Independence Day, the Peel Police and Viva Goa.
Daryl D’Souza has been passionate about music since he was 5. Under the Professional guidance of Mrs. Vimala Lobo, singing and playing the piano was how he would spend most of his time besides his academic lifestyle. At the age of 12 he came to Canada on a music scholarship to attend St.Michael's Choir School in Downtown Toronto. He continued his vocal and piano lessons as well as successfully graduated from the Trinity College of Music, London UK. After every performance the judges gave constructive feedback and their opinions about the team’s performances. The audience too had the opportunity to vote and give their feedback in their public voter sheets.
The judges were appreciated for their time and they were honoured with a memento by Vijay Dante, Michael Serrao & Joyson D`Souza the members of the organising committee.
Paul Mathias a well known personality in the community and a member of the organising committee briefed the audience about Canara World Foundation’s grandiose activities and programs. He encouraged the gathering to become members of the Foundation by filling out membership forms available on www.canaraworld.com. He said that by doing this the community will be making it a vibrant organisation and take it to newer heights.
Anchor Host Ivan D’Lima conducted the function with great panache. Kevin D’Souza the main sponsor from State Farm Insurance assured the community of his support and wished all success to the organisers and participants of the show. Miriam Pinto introduced Donald Alva the recipient of Canara Champion Award for his exemplary service in the field of education and in recognition of his promotion as Vice Principal in the Dufferin Catholic School Board District School board. Max Mendes gave this prestigious award to him.
Max Mendes, chairman of Max Mendes Group and President of Canara World Foundation in his key note address unveiled a new program “The Family Assistance Program- F.A.P”, to assist new comers to successfully establish themselves in Canada. It would provide them with a host family which will advise & guide new comers. The F.A.P. is also geared to helping members by providing educational seminars, social assistance through the foundation and through government agencies. The novelty of the day was the face painting for the kids done by Leandra Pinto.
The grace before meals was said by our very own Mangalorean nun, Sr. Ferdinanda. The success of the event wouldn’t have been possible, without the sound effects by Joyson D`Souza, multi media by Upasana & Stanley Pereira, videography by Reggie Castelino and the flawless flow of the event coordinated by Nancy Mendes & Nilufer D`Souza.
Donald Alva a member of the organising committee in conclusion, thanked all the participants, sponsors, judges and the volunteers for their support. The event was a success because of the tireless efforts of the organising committee members Paul & Irene Mathias, Flavian & Miriam Pinto, Max & Nancy Mendes, Donald & Sandra Alva, Joyson D`Souza, Vijay Dante, Michael Serrao & Nilufer D`Souza who were assisted by volunteers Upasana & Stanley Pereira, Reggie Castelino, Ingrid Pereira, Melden Pereira, Diana & Fredy D`mello, Noreen Pereira, Precy D`Souza, Leandra Pinto, Sophie Mathew, Vivek Shankaran, Veronica Mathias, Collette Goveas, Nigel D`Souza & Winnie Miranda.