Report: Celine D’Souza
Pics: Dilip Correa
Muscat, Oct 30: The Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish, (MCCP) conducted its annual Fancy Dress competition for their children and its members on October 12 at Sts Peter & Paul Church, Ruwi Hall. The purpose of conducting the competition was not only to blend learning with fun but also to develop confidence amongst its members and their children.
The actors of all age groups, who had painstakingly risen early in the morning on a weekend to put up their make-up and fancy costumes, turned out in large numbers in the bright, airy room which was filled with colour creating a feel of Halloween party! There were participants who depicted various roles like a witch, fisherwoman, Chota Bheem etc and adult group used some nostalgic props like roosters reflecting a smile on the viewer’s faces.
Members were delighted to hear the announcement of this program as it has not been held for some years now. The executive committee has taken extra care to put this program near to perfection, encouraging the array of actors providing a supreme platform.
Registration counters were maintained at 10.30 am and controlled by internal auditor, Stany Menezes, spiritual secretary Clifford Castelino and assisted by general secretary Celine D’souza. Traditional tasty breakfast Idli-Sambar was served to all who were gathered at the venue.
At the beginning of the program, Fr Ivan Rodrigues visiting priest from Palladka, Mangalore led all gathered in prayer and invoked Almighty’s blessing for a successful event. Fr Wilson Rumao, spiritual director introduced the guest priest to the audience and briefed him on some of the activities carried on in the community. With all appreciation, he encouraged the participants wishing them luck. The inaugural ceremony was appositely done by Fr Wilson Rumao, Fr Ivan Rodrigues, president Lancy Lobo along with his executive team.
The president in his welcome address motivated all the talented artists and righty said “we do not assure all of you a first prize on these characters but we definitely assure you that your child will win hearts and appreciation of everyone present at this event.”
The distinguished panels of judges comprised of personalities from diverse fields like teacher, IT professional and a reputed personality known for her active involvement in the cultural activities. The judges, Jaya Ramesh Shettigar, Paul Sujeet Sanjivi and Suchethana K Anchan are also known for their co-scholastics having won appreciation and laurels for their vivid talents. The panel was formally introduced by community services secretary Alwyn Pinto in a professional manner.
The president thanked them for their valuable time who judged the event precisely well. MCCP owes sincere debt of gratitude for their valuable time and making this competition possible to its members, which was a treat to watch.
A full of life and self-motivated emcee for the day John Gonsalves, honarary treasurer of the current team, in his usual witty narration and confident style took control and projected the entire day’s event with ease and simplicity, and gave a professional touch that lifted the program to an elevated level. This was remarked by one of the eminent judges in their feedback session at the end of the competition, and appreciated MCCP for their organizing skills leading to perfection.
The rules for the competition were read out coherently by general secretary Celine D’souza.
Participation was commendable and was evident from the 132 registrations received. Contestants participated with great zeal displaying their talents.
The competition was classified in 9 different groups consisting of children, men solo, ladies solo, duet and adult group.
Children came dressed in their colorful costumes for each theme and spoke a few sentences on the character that they depicted. The amazing number of participants and the hard work of the parents behind each child were highly commendable and well appreciated by the audience.
The participants from each categories depicted eminent personalities etc. It was a colourful event and the music added flavor to the show.
Parents have been instrumental in sowing the right type of seeds in their children. Acting has been an ardor to many and one could witness that members made the most of this extraordinary gift. Several new talents were witnessed! It is worth mentioning that quite a few first timers were seen on the stage! And therefore the president rightly said “there are no losers today… but achievers as they created an identity through their talent…” Kudos to all such participants who took on the stage in confidence and fulfilled their dream.
The creative talents of children and their members showcased through their innovative ideas in making the models was worth noting. A power point presentation with names of participants added value to the usual treat on stage.
The adult solo performers were amazing and exceptional much to the satisfaction of the zealous crowd. The adult group category enthralled the audience with fun filled atmosphere and swayed the minds away in total entertainment, proving to be a stress reliever. All the contestants performed remarkably well.
Timing for the competition was well maintained by general secretary Celine D’souza and Jacintha Serrao
Grace before meals was performed by John Mathias, sports secretary. Sumptuous lunch was served to all the members gathered at the Hall, prepared by Pinto Fast Food Corner, Darsait.
Sponsors are the strength of any program. The sponsors for Fancy Dress Competition Jenny Joseph & Family and Henry Pinto & Family were felicitated with bouquets by the president.
To win or triumph has been the main objective of any competition. The winners were awarded with gifts and were seen brimming with joy along with their parents who walked out of the venue with joy and ecstasy. The children who contested were presented with gifts and certificate as a token of appreciation of their participation. The prize distribution part of the program was managed by Nancy Vaz, vice-president, cultural, spiritual and community services.
The results of the Fancy Dress competition were as follows:
Cultural secretary Reena D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks giving due credit to all who made this event possible.
The EC committee organized snacks, meal packets and evening tea & refreshments. The team is merited of an admiration for their tireless efforts exerted to put up a significant extensive event.
The ever willing team of volunteers and back stage supporters extended their generous contribution of time and full support towards the program and consisted of the following.
The volunteers were Sunil D’souza, Nixon Lobo, Cyril Britto, Naveen Sequeira, Sharon Alva, Ashok Pinto, Avinash Lobo, Wilson Lobo, Sylvan Lobo and Joyal D’Souza.
The judges were duly honoured with mementoes and this was supported by the sponsor of the event Jenny Joseph and supported by core committee members Henry Martis and Suraj Rebello.
In her closing remarks, one of the judge Jaya Ramesh aptly said, "Sky is the limit for achievement” and was delighted to see the parents enthusiasm and encouraging their children to contest." She also applauded their attendance in large numbers at the venue.
Yet another event… to be remembered in the minds of all MCCPians for a long time, as it was one of its kind, executed in an unmatched style, especially an event that has been put up in a very short span of time and this was possible with a team of people proved par excellence in execution, that is, the Team 22 of MCCP lead by a vivacious, exuberant leader Lancy Lobo and his team mates. Hats off once again to the entire team. Long live MCCP.