Report: Manohar Pais
Pics: Ivan Lobo
Toronto, Jun 3: Awesome! - the commonly used phrase in Canada for anything that is grand or breathtaking - echoed over and over as the guests walked out of the Payal Banquet Hall at the end of the programme on May 22.
Mangalorean Association of Canada, popularly known as MAC presented its 15th anniversary special with pomp and style to an elegant crowd of over 400 people, most of whom were youth and married couples from the Greater Toronto Area.
At the outset, ace master of ceremonies, Ivan D'Lima kicked off the programme giving an overview of the events lined up with his repartee and jokes. He conducted the entire programme ably in his unique style and flair. Within minutes, the Band Big Foot that has made waves in the recent past, created magic by playing nostalgic oldies. It took no time for the couples to fill the dance floor and enjoy the soothing music rendered so smoothly.
The line dancing session once again attracted both young and old with almost 80 percent of the crowd taking over the entire dance floor at once. The medley, carefully compiled by MAC’s Dancing Troupe, kept every enthusiast in full spirit as he/she moved in line and turned around in perfect harmony.
The highlight of the event was the May Queen Contest. It was a pleasant sight to watch the beautiful young ladies walking on stage fully poised, and speaking to the audience with confidence and conviction. The response from every individual participant kept the crowd spellbound and resulted in huge applause. This was another example of the high standards and quality that MAC has displayed over the years in conducting programmes and organising events. Among all the ravishing and gorgeous ladies, Nerissa D’Mello was crowned May Queen, Crystal Lobo and Lynn D’Souza were declared first runner-up and second runner-up respectively. The other two participants, twin D’souza sisters Leonara and Leandra also received consolation prizes and acknowledgements. It was indeed an honour to have the May Queen crowned by 'Akhina Mooken Miss India Canada 2011'.
This was followed by the jive competition with twelve couples participating. While the couples displayed high standard and excellent variations in their own unique style, Daryl and Melanie remained unbeaten for the second year in succession, winning first prize in the competition.
Fr Henry Alva, a Mangalurean who has been recently appointed the provincial of Capuchins in Central Canada, explained how highly he values his own community and how much the community means to him. This was followed by invoking God’s blessings before dinner. The yummy buffet spread that was prepared by the master chefs of the Banquet Hall received positive feedback and praises from the guests. In essence, it created positive vibes in the atmosphere that remained through the rest of the programme.
In his speech, Maxim D'Mello, the current president of MAC thanked all sponsors, benefactors and volunteers for their relentless support. He briefly explained the various philanthropic and charitable activities undertaken by MAC in the last fifteen plus years. To celebrate the fifteen-plus glorious years of service to the community, Maxim D'Mello cut the cake together with past Presidents Melwyn Menezes and Ronald Fernandes. In a symbolic way this was to uphold MAC’s motto “together we make a difference”.
The second half was simply spellbinding with Bigfoot playing classic numbers in quick succession. In spite of all other activities the dance enthusiasts were treated to three and a half hours of pure music for dancing and enjoyment. There were lots of prizes and goodies to be won during the show. All of the remaining amount collected through 50/50 draw at the raffle was donated through Red Cross to the recent tragic event at Fort McMurray. MAC matched that amount from the Charity Fund.
Hyundai Rexdale was the main sponsor and Frank Serrao of Dixie Toyota and Olivia Moras of Century 21 Real Estate Brokers, were the co-sponsors of the event.
The entire programme was conceived and co-ordinated by Manohar Pais, the cultural secretary.
MAC has expressed its genuine gratitude to the guests who attended the Family Social despite commitments and busy schedules. MAC also appreciated the collaboration, support and assistance of the evenings' well-wishers and sponsors, and acknowledged and applauded the support, commitment and dedication of all its members and volunteers who worked hard to organize an event of this magnitude.