Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
With Inputs from Media Release
Pics: Sunil Crasto
Doha, May 13: Doha was on its feet well into the night of Thursday May 8 as the Goan Welfare Association hosted its annual May Queen Ball. Few would believe that it was well past midnight when the beautiful Kuwait-based Christabelle Santos was crowned the 14th May Queen on Friday May 9 by the Indian Bollywood character actor Aditya Lakhia and the stunning televsion actress Aashka Goradia. The event was held at the majestic Giwana Hall in Radisson Blu Hotel.
Another Kuwait based belle, Larissa Fernandes, bagged the first runner-up title, while Emelina Soares was adjudged the second runner-up.
The chief guest of the evening Goa’s ex-chief minister and general secretary of All India Congress Committee (AICC) Luizinho Falerio, Qatar Airway’s Archie D’Mello, main sponsor and CEO of Better Homes India – VilleFiesta Yogesh Mehra and Goan Welfare Association president Simon D’Silva too were present on stage to hand out the prizes.
The Goan Welfare Association (GWA) has been the voice of Goans living in Qatar for the last 14 years. Superbly led by the multi-talented Simon D’Silva, the association has rendered yeoman service in nurturing Goan culture and spirit among the large number of Goan expatriates. On a larger note the association has always been in the forefront of reaching out to various causes back home, thus setting a shining example to all. It is therefore not astonishing to see them host events with great aplomb and success well over the last decade. The association is known not only for meticulous planning but also perfect execution and the annual May Queen Ball – a highly anticipated event.
Luizinho Faleiro lauded the charitable, social and cultural activities of GWA and praised them for rendering their service. Faleiro applauded Simon D’Silva and his dynamic team for celebrating 14 consecutive years of success.
Easily one of the most eagerly-awaited annual events in Doha, every year it attracts a full-house audience who make it a memorable event. Thursday May 8 was no different and renowned Updesh Swar, the most sought-after compere of Goa set the tone for the evening. Updesh has a unique hold over the audience, his eloquent, witty compering is second to none.
However, it was the much-awaited entry of the most celebrated Goan band ‘Archies’ that upped the mercury within the four walls of unusually cool Giwana ballroom. Archies and Updesh together made a lethal combination that set the floor on fire with theirspectacular performances. Archies has blazed the music world with their sensational blend of vocals, instruments, rhythm, visual technique in trend and showmanship. The musical history of Archies reveals amazing performances in India and around the world with several award winning live concerts that have virtually cornered them at the vertex of billboard graphs. Renowned DJ Glorio had the audience asking for more as he played some of the most groovy and peppy numbers. As DJ Glorio made it a point to play fantastic music to cater exclusively to the taste and choice of all, the dance floor had the couples flooding in large numbers.
As the entertainment continued Archies and DJ Glorio kept the floor on its feet, special guests of the evening made their entry to the jam-packed hall amidst the thunderous applause of the gathering.
As they belted out some of the popular golden oldies, jazz standards, retro, ballads, the bustling dance floor provided perfect deck for Jive, Salsa, Cha Cha Cha and other Latino dances. But the moment of the evening came in the form of the crowning of the 14th May Queen who was chosen among 10 beautiful contestants. The beauty pageant was judged by Bollywood fashion designer Sarita Barretto, former Miss Singapore Kelly Kaur Adams and Archie D’Mello of Qatar Airways. Questions were hosted to the participants by Aashka Goradia and Aditya Lakhia.
The May Queen contest was indeed glamorous and conducted in great style and fanfare. Each contestant was a winner in her own way with graceful looks, proud walk, witty answers and alluring smile, making it very difficult for the jury panel. Witty yet thought-provoking questions were shot at them but the contestants were up to the task as they came out with equally good answers compelling the audience to put their hands together in sheer appreciation of beauty and wisdom of the contestants.
Finally it was Christabelle Santos who came out with flying colours and was showered with bunch of lavish and luxurious prizes such as gold necklace with earrings by Prakkat Jewellers, a Doha-Dubai-Doha return ticket by Cleopatra Travels, free 7 nights stay for a family of four in Royal Goan Beach Club, Goa, Buffet dinner for two at St. Regis, wrist watch by Westar, perfume set by Eid Tailors, gold facial gift voucher by Shimmer Beauty & Shapers Salon.
The first runner-up was awarded with a gold chain with pendant by Marhaba Jewellers, free 7 nights stay for a family of four in Royal Goan Beach Club, Goa, Buffet dinner for two at the Ritz Carlton, wrist watch by Westar, perfume set by Eid Tailors, black & decker blender by Al Muftah and a gold facial gift voucher by Shimmer Beauty & Shapers Salon. The second runner-up was awarded with similar fantastic prizes.
The other winners for lucky entrance were Captain Joseph Coutinho for Doha-Dubai-Doha airline ticket by Cleopatra Travels, Younce Nayak won HP multiprinter by Iplanet, Niranjan Mendonca won Philips blender by Almana & Partners while Queeni Pinto, Manali and Dakhsh Rajesh won 7 nights and 8 days free stay at Royal Goan Beach Hotel. The winners for VilleFiesta lucky coupon were Lakshi, May Pinto and Deepa.
Goan Welfare Association felicitated the officials of the Goa football team that participated in the first Qatar Amateur League 2013/2014 organized by Qatar Football Association. They were Goa football team vice-president Socorro Vaz, manager Edson Fernandes, coach Anthony Pereira, technical director Milton Pimenta and coordinator Rajesh Lolienkar.
The association also acknowledged, appreciated and presented '10 Years Dedicated Service' award to general secretary Hazel Rodrigues and director - public relation Paul Fernandes for their continuous dedicated service to GWA.
The main sponsor was VilleFiesta, co-sponsor Capital One, special sponsor Qatari Industrial Equipment, official airline Qatar Airways, official Bank Doha Bank, official hotel Radisson Blu Doha, official video/photography Gulf Colours, photography and effects Sunil Crasto, official media partner - Gulf Times and official web partner was daijiworld.com besides other sponsors and well-wishers.