Dubai, Dec 5: ‘Pamboorians’, an association of Pamboor parishioners residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), celebrated their annual day ‘Pamboor Fest 2008’ on Friday December 5, at ‘Coconut UG’ banquet hall of Karama Hotel in Karama, here.

The event started with a prayer by Sunitha Saldanha followed with a devotional song by Diany and Ashok. Raksha and Purvi performed the welcome dance. The entertainment segment began with the song ‘Abolina’ by Maxim Pereira of ‘Manasa, Maina, and Baila Boom’ fame. He also gave a rendition of his hot favourite ‘Manasa’.

Young singer Sharon Rego, who has performed in the theatre round of Indian Idol 4 (2008) and a semi-finalist at the recently held ‘Gulf Voice of Mangalore’, sang ‘Mujhe Kaaliz Mogar Podlaam’. Later, she also sang the duet ‘Mujhe Thavn Poys Tu Asthana’, with upcoming singer Paul Pereira. 

The stage programme began with Daniel Saldanha, president of ‘Pamboorians’ welcoming the guests to the dais. Herman Lewis, CEO, V3 Media, was the chief guest who presided over the event. Fr Freddy, assistant parish priest, St Mary’s Catholic Church, appreciated the initiative by Pamboorians in helping the needy and organizing this event for a noble cause. 

Francis Fernandes, Cascia, well-known Konkani writer and theatrist, and Dayan D’Souza, founder president, Daiji Dubai Konkani Writers’ Forum and main co-ordinator, ‘Daiji Rang Mandir’, also addressed the gathering. The two were also felicitated for their contribution to the Konkani world. 

Santhan Alva of Winny’s Restaurant, was honoured for his meritorious service to Pamboorians in the UAE. Young Singer Reeve Menezes, performing on stage for the first time,sang ‘Hanv Chintam’, while Ashok and Sunitha sang ‘Jinyek Sangath Di’. 

Ashley and Bianca performed a dance and ringing in the Christmas season, Santa Claus arrived to give away sweets to the children. A sumptuous lunch was also served during the event. After lunch, the main attraction of the event was ‘Pidai Ooruda Marl’, a Tulu comedy play staged by talented members of Pamboorians.  Ashok Menezes, Sunitha, Menezes, and Diany D’Souza also lent their voices. 

Local talent Matilda, and the group ‘Sharjah Youngsters’ performed dances while spot prizes, games, and raffle draw were the other attractions of the event. Noted musicians James Fernandes and Vincent Rodrigues provided live music. Agnel Prakash proposed Vote of thanks and compered the entire event in an organized way.