by Melwyn Machado

Houston, Dec 2: Houston Mangaloreans' Day Out was held on Saturday 29th November, 2008 at the Knanaya Community Centre Hall, Missouri city, Texas for the second consecutive year. The participants were divided into four teams namely Vipers, Hawks, Sharks and Tigers.

The day started with the prayer led by Ivan Menezes and a welcome address by Frank Saldanha. After a sumptuous breakfast specially prepared by Elveera Pereira and team, the activities began with various games in all categories.  Busting the Balloon, Shopping the Kit, Dancing with the balloon, Memorizing the items, Musical chairs, Biting and carrying the apple etc were a few games well conducted by Maureen Fernandes and team.

The main attraction of the day was a Fancy Dress competition judged by Nicholas Lobo, Flavia D’Souza, and Collette Lobo and a Quiz competition conducted by Melwyn Machado.

Delicious and sumptuous buffet was held after noon and relished by one and all. Shay Dcunha entertained the crowd with a dance. Karen Miranda and her team performed a group dance to the applause of the entire gathering. A magic show was held by Magician Flavin Dcunha which had the crowd spell bound and guessing.

Snacks and Tea were served in the evening followed by a game of Housie Housie conducted by Frank Saldanha. A Lucky Draw was held towards the end by Vivian Madtha for a grand prize sponsored by Discount Groceries, Stafford, Texas.

 Prize distribution was held and was followed by a Vote of Thanks by Merwyn Pinto. A minute of silence was observed for the victims of the Mumbai attack. Charles Pinto led the community with a thanks giving prayer. Every member of the community put in their entire mite to make this event a Grand success and participants were seen greeting each other on the success of this event

Winners:

Quiz

1st  place    Hakuna Matata Team – Valerian and Nikitha Lobo, Gail and Nigel Pereira
2nd place   KFC2  Team –  Kristal, Florine, Chris and Charles Pinto
3rd place   Genius Team – Mary Machado Maureen Fernandes, Aspen D’costa and Kevin Lobo

Fancy Dress

Adult

1st  place    Adi Manava Team – John Martis, Raghavendra Rao and Allwyn Pinto
2nd place   Beggar Woman – Maureen Fernandes
3rd  place   Fisher Woman – Flavian Dcunha

Children

1st  place    Witch – Shay Dcunha
2nd place   Ching Ming Hang – Sheryl Machado
3rd place    Bomb Blast Victim  – Susan Fernandes

Overall Team
1st  place    Sharks Team
2nd place   Hawks Team