by Ramcy Fernandes , Daijiworld News Network
Abu Dhabi, May 26: It was an all-pervading festival mood at the Arzanha Ball Room, Sheraton Hotel, when not only Mangaloreans but also Goans join at the unique, annual 'Mangalorean Day' event organized by the only Mangalorean association in the Abu Dhabi, the Konkani Cultural Association.
As expected, once again Lorna took charge of the music. She was at the peak of performance, superb in presentation and unmatched in voice power. She rocked the venue and the majority of the crowd were dancing to the tune of Konkani music. Her ever-popular numbers once again mesmerized the crowd.
The event started at 11.30 am with a welcome and prayer song by KCO members in their colourful, eye-catching attires.
Jonathan Rego acknowledged the contribution of the sponsors to the success of the event by reading out their names
Ronald Olivera, a compere of international fame, took charge of the event for the first time in the Abu Dhabi for the Mangalorean Day. He was very fluent in both Konkani and English, to keep the crowd going until end.
Mick Max was a offered a tribute with the whole audience observing a minute's silence. The first song of the show itself was a fitting tribute to the great Konkani all-rounder Mick Max, when his 'Tuje sobit te don dolle' was sung by the veteran singer from Kuwait, Rony D'Cunha.
It was nice to see the crowd on the floor right from the first song. Angelina, followed by Maxim Pereira, gave a perfect start. Maxim brought back his rhythm through his hit song 'Manasa' which was widely appreciated .
It was followed by a thrilling dance performance by Rohan and his team (made of Girish, Malrick, Anita, Laveena and Melissa). Two songs with dance 'Vaddeantlem Kazar' and 'whatis company' made people to get on their feet from their sitting postures.
Brief felicitation was organized with India's ambassador to UAE C M Bhandari as the guest of honor. Main sponsor Hissna's Rony Pinto and Globe Shipping's Clarence Cornel, Fr Ronald Cutinha of Samanvaya ,Mangalore and Fr Anthony Lohez of Abu Dhabi were the other guests for the event.
Current president Michael D`Silva and founder president Leo Rodrigues were also present on the dais.
Briefing about the achievements of KCO, president Michael D`Silva said that KCO existed not just to conducat fun-loving events but had been doing a lot of charity work back home.
Ambassador C M Bhadari in speech hailed the community work by KCO and said, "Indian culture, music, products and people are spread all over the world. Perhaps no country is complete without Indians," to a thundering applause from the gathering.
Co-sponsors of the event were also felicitated. There was also a brief felicitation event for the artistes of the event and a number of spot prizes were announced. Raffle draw was also part the final event
Ocean Kids fame Vinod sequiera from Dubai, the livewire leader of Ocean Kids, with his team enthralled the crowd with his live dance, especially to Lorna's music. He proved that his team is the best available dancing troupe in the UAE
The day proceeded with some memorable Mangalorean and Goan numbers. The success of the event was observed in the participation of the crowd, who never seemed to be in a mood to keep quiet. That was the power of music. For every song, people were seen dancing and applauding.
Grand finale came in the form of a live baila played for more than a hour's time.
"It's great to be here; it's indeed a fantastic experience, thanks to KCO, thanks to Lorna...,' said Juliana D`Souza, who attended the event, while being in Abu Dhabi on holidays for the first time ever.
"Never felt like only a Mangalorean Day, it should have been named 'Man-Go' day (Mangalorean-Goan) day" said another enthusiastic music-lover Carol Dias while reacting about the show to Daijiworld.com correspondent Ramcy Fernandes.
"We need more than one event in a year. KCO should take the lead. Just look at Dubai. Every week there are a couple of events taking place. I hope KCO will do this for Konkani-lovers," said a long-time resident of Abu Dhabi, who did not want the name to be mentioned, to Daijiworld.
"It was full worth for our money," many people who attended were heard commenting while leaving the auditorium.
KCO has a new feather in their cap under the leadership of Michael D`Silva who is running his term for second consecutive time as president.
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