MCCP Annual Konkani Singing Competition 

Clarence Pinto  - Muscat
Photographs : Dilip Correa and J P Mascarenhas
Daijiworld Media Network

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Muscat, Sep 22: The Mangalorean Catholic Center of the Parish,  MCCP ( Sts. Peter & Paul Church – Ruwi) organized their Annual Konkani singing competition for the members and children on 21.09.2007 at 12.00 noon in the Main Parish Hall of Sts Peter and Paul Church - Ruwi.  It was superbly managed competition to match the reputation of MCCP.  All the contestants, specially children, had shown a great ability of singing.

For the time in the history of MCCP, a group singing competition was introduced reflecting MCCP’s annual theme – Borem Kutam Bori Somaj (Good family Better Society).  Some contestants had composed new songs on this theme.

The distinguished judges for the competition were specially flown from the United Arab Emirates. They are versatile musicians having thorough knowledge of Konkani Music. All of them are also deeply involved in the Konkani communities in their respective parishes. Renny Lobo, a prominent singer and choir conductor of Mangalorean community from Abu Dhabi, Jossie Moras, professional Music Educator, Choral Director and singer from Dubai and Kethan Ralph D’ Souza from Dubai, well-known musician were the honorable judges.

As Renny Lobo mentioned in her concluding note, “it was really difficult for us to judge this competition and contestants have shown varied talents of Konkani music and singing.” She also appreciated the children of group D and above for their singing ability and commanding stage presence. 

The official sponsors for this annual event are Eastern Overseas LLC, Standard Chartered Bank, W. J. Towell & Co. LLC (Building Material Division), Mrs and Mr. Jerald Monis of Al Hazm Al Ahlia Project (Transport Division), Rudolf Beryl Rodrigues and Fly and Oman Refreshment Company.

Omantel is the main sponsor for all MCCP Annual events of 2007 –2008.  Ideal Tailors, Muscat Pharmacy and Marmul Tours and Travels are the major sponsors.

Program started with a warm welcome address by Victor Baptist Pais, Cultural Secretary of MCCP. Fr. Roshan Cyril Menezes, Capuchin priest from Bangalore offered prayers seeking heavenly blessings on the program. MCCP’s advisor Fr. Albert D’Silva declared the opening of the competition by cutting the ribbon. Fr. Henry Vaz, Stanley T H Fernandes, President of MCCP and Dilip Correa, main coordinator cultural, spiritual and community services committee were also present on the stage during this ceremony.

Philomena Saldhana introduced judges to the audience and Shalet Noronha read the rules of the Children’s singing competition. The master of ceremony of the Children’s competition was Victor Baptist Pais, Cultural Secretary of MCCP, where as adults singing competition was anchored by Lancy Lobo, Cultural Events Coordinator of MCCP.  Rules of the Adult Singing Competition were presented by Philomena Moras, spiritual events coordinator of MCCP. Vote of thanks was proposed by Leera Aranha, cultural secretary of MCCP thanking all the sponsors, judges and contestants.

There were many highlights in the competition, which was thoroughly and equally enjoyed by the audience and contestants. Well-known konkani writer, poet, activist and singer Nirmala Goveas walked away with five trophies along with her charming daughter, Melissa Goveas. New comers, Lancy and Jovitha Sequeira have shown a wonderful performance and secured total six trophies along with their children Lanville and Lanisha.  Sisters of golden voice, Josma  and Melita, daughters of Joseph and Helen Rodrigues got first places in the categories they contested. 

Prize distribution ceremony for the singing competition along with the recently held Drawing Competition was held after the competition and Dilip Correa conducted the ceremony. Fr. Albert D Silva and Stanley Fernandes did the honors of presenting the trophies and certificates to the winners.

Stanley Fernandes and Dilip Correa led the team to organize the annual competition. They were supported by Victor Baptist Pais, Lancy Lobo, Vinita D’ Souza, Shalet Noronha, Philomena Moras, Leera Aranha, Philomena Saldhana, Nirmala Goveas, Louis Pereia, Lancy Sequeira, Stany Soares, Flavia D Souza, Freda Soares, Alex Aranha and Longinus,
 
 
Results are as follows :

Group A – KG I and II

First   : Melita Rodrigues
Second  : Liza D’Sa
Third  : Neil Anotony Castelino

Group  B : Standard I and II

First   :  Alston Conrad Moras
Second  :  Relista Correa
Second :  Vanessa Rego

Group C ; Standard III and IV 

First   :  Lanville Sequeira
Second  :  Elissa Sequeira
Third  :  Vrinali Sonalika Nazareth

Group D : Standard V and VI

First   :  Melissa Goveas
Second  :  Noel Rasquinha
Third  : Evon Sequeira

Group E : Standard VII and VIII

First   :  Amanda Lobo
Second  :  Lanisha Sequeira
Second  :  Steffi Soares

Group F : Standard IX, X, XI and XII 

First   : Josma Rodrigues 
Second  :  Tania Pinto
Third  : Cheryl Fernandes

Adults :

Female  - Solo

First   : Nirmala Goveas
Second  : Anita Lobo
Third  : Flavia Castelino

Male    -  Solo

First   : Vivian Fernandes
Second  : Ivan Moras
Third  : Prakash Mascarenhas

Duet

First   : Nirmala Goveas and Vivian Fernandes
Second  : Lancy Sequeira and Jovitha Sequeira
Third  : Rony Lobo and Flavia Castelino

Family  :

First  : 

Lancy Sequeira 
Jovitha Sequeira
Lanisha Sequeira
Rhea Fernandes

Second  : 

Nirmala Goveas
Vivian Fernandes
Melissa Goveas
Alston Moras

Third  : 

Rony Lobo
Flavia Castelino
Glenda Castelino
Glasten Castelino

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