Abu Dhabi: KCO Anniversary Captivates Mangaloreans' Hearts
Report by : Oswald M. D’Souza
Pics By : Ramcy Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, May 15: “Mangalorean Day 2009” – held at the India Social & Cultural Centre (ISCC) – Abu Dhabi - a high profile cultural extravaganza on Friday 15 May 2009, turned out to be a run-away success with a houseful audience. The stunning ambience and the imposing stage of ISCC’s new auditorium added an extra glamour to the show.
The day long programme had all the ingredients of a perfect cultural feast marking the 15th Anniversary of K C O.
The programme began at 11:30 in the morning with the KCO ‘s theme welcome song, rendered by KCO members, which was immediately followed the dynamic master of ceremony Leslie Rego, specially flown in from Mangalore took over the proceedings.
Leo Rodrigues – President of KCO in his brief speech thanked the sponsors, well wishers and the audience for their support, which had encouraged KCO in presenting such a mammoth function helping them also to meet their financial need for funding charitable projects in hand in Mangalore. He also highlighted various activities carried out by KCO.
The programme was split into four sessions providing balanced and ample entertainment
The main attraction of the show - the visiting artistes from Mangalore and Kuwait gave entertainment to the Konkani entertainment starved Abu Dhabi audience who performed brilliantly on stage.
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‘Konkan Manik’ Wilson Olivera, who has staged his musical shows in India and abroad, rendered his choicest of songs with his unique style unfolding his versatile talent and proving himself as one of the rarest of singers.
Melody King Rony D’Cunha a familiar face to Abu Dhabi crowd with his dynamic presence entertained the crowd with his silky melodious voice rendering Mangalorean and Goan Songs confirmed himself as to why he is a much sought after singer all over the world.
Anita Samson again a familiar face in UAE performing for the first time in Abu Dhabi, rendered both sentimental as well as hip-hop songs with her sweet voice lively as ever capturing the hearts of the audience ably accompanying in duets and solo songs.
Abu Dhabi’s own Thelma D’Souza made her debut in Abu Dhabi for the first time, proved her talent in her own way and made her presence felt.
The performance was interspersed with jokes and mini skits. The Comedians of Me-Mo-Ri fame Melwin D’Almeida, Valerian Richard Sequeira & Jerome Moras did a splendid job with their rib-tickling comedy sending the audience into waves of laughter. They were accompanied by Renny Lobo, Suzi and Leslie Rego.
Music maestro Adrian Gomes along with his troupe provided brilliant piece of foot tapping and soothing music and demonstrated his versatile talent.
There were prizes for everyone – spot prizes and gift hampers for every family were distributed.
UAE’s top dance troupe the Ocean Kids showcased their talent by presenting scintillating and incredible performance, marked by apt costumes, perfect and flexible movements, won the hearts of the audience.
The highlight of the programme was honouring the stalwarts of Abu Dhabi. Dr B R Shetty of NMC Group, who won the coveted Padma Shree award was honoured for his yeoman service to the community and philanthropic work.
Sarvotham Shetty, a social worker and popular figure in UAE, also the recent “Aryabhata Award” winner was honoured in the presence of the full house audience for his outstanding achievement towards the society.
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K C O also felicitated its past presidents Thomas Sequeira and Robert Rego respectively for their selfless service through KCO, as they will be departing Abu Dhabi shortly after a long innings in the Emirates. Both the recipients thanked KCO for honouring them and appreciated their outstanding service to Abu Dhabi Community as well as their charitable activities back home.
The event was attended by past community leader Joe Lobo former and Retired Director of ICCR Bangalore and currently the Director of Christ College Bangalore .
Also during the occasion the sponsors were felicitated for their tremendous support and acknowledged their financial help towards the charitable ventures of KCO.
There were galore of prizes for everyone – spot prizes and gift hampers.
The mixture of traditional and modern novelty dance was an instant hit. Both Novelty Dance and the raffle draw included attractive prizes consisting of air tickets, gold, electronic items and other striking gifts.
Daijiworld Weekly featured KCO in its latest issue was distributed freely to the audience.
The Baila and Manddo was the climax of the day, which encouraged everyone present to dance to their contentment which concluded at 6.30 p.m, with people unwilling to leave the dance floor and asking for more.
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It is worth mentioning that Master of Ceremony the multitalented Leslie Rego did a commendable job, with his instant wit and humour, by carrying out the proceedings smoothly and proved himself as the No. 1 compere around Mangalore, Bombay, Gulf and other parts of the world. His presence raised the tempo of the event.
Overall the whole event, was its money’s worth, with sumptuous buffet laid down by Food World at the ISCC premises.
The programme concluded with traditional “Laudate” sung by the members of the KCO.
The whole show was very well organized, meticulously planned and whatever shortcomings/flaws surfaced were dealt with instantly – the show proved that why KCO under the outstanding leadership of their president Leo Rodrigues is considered as a premier organization of UAE – the team spirit among K.C.O. members was evident, as they worked hand in hand to make the event a success.
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