Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, May 10: The Goan Welfare Association (GWA) has been the face and voice of Goans living in the tiny oil-rich country of Qatar for the last 15 years without any doubt. Ably led by inimitable Simon D’Silva, the association, since inception has joined hands with charitable groups such as CRY and CARITAS and has rendered yeoman’s 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 over the last one-and-a-half decade.
The association is known not only for meticulous planning but also perfect execution and the annual May Queen Ball has been a true example for this.
For the fifteenth consecutive year, the GWA May Queen Ball proved to be a mega success. As gorgeous Minolta Fernandes was crowned May Queen 2015 by Bollywood heartthrobs Palomi Ghosh and Tanuj Virwani in the august company of GWA president Simon D’Silva, chief guest Luizinho Faleiro, ex-chief minister of Goa, the cheering audience erupted in joy appreciating GWA for its great efforts in organizing May Queen Ball year after year, providing perhaps the best platform for Goans living in Qatar to come together as family.
Stunning Roona Venessa Britto from Mangaluru was crowned first runner-up while Goan beauty Glennis D’Souza was adjudged second runner-up at the 15th May Queen Ball held in the majestic Giwana Hall of Hotel Radisson Blu here on Thursday May 7 evening.
It was the much-anticipated entry of ‘Forefront’ that upped the mercury within the four walls of unusually cool Giwana ballroom. As ‘Forefront’ belted out some of the everlasting numbers the audience stormed the dance floor setting a perfect mood for a wonderful evening There was hardly anyone who could resist the temptation from hitting the dance floor and celebrating the evening.
Just like the ‘Forefront’ Updesh Swar doesn’t need an introduction. For almost two decades he has been the ace compere in Goa hosting innumerable events in his own signature style. He has carved a niche for himself with his eloquent and witty compering. He has an amazing connect with the audience and that’s makes so special. He was in his best elements on May 7 and proved again that he is not just mood-setter but a trend-setter too.
As the evening wore on with the memorable dances and fantastic music, the guests of the charming Palomi Ghosh and handsome Tanuj Virwani and Luizinho Feleiro, the ex-chief minister of Goa made their way into the jam-packed Giwana Hall amidst the thunderous applause from the cheering gathering. GWA president Simon D’Silva who has recently been appointed chairman for the congress NRI global Goans was appreciated for his service in increasing the membership of Congress party in the Gulf region. D’Silva was presented with a special memento on the occasion by his managing committee members for completing glorious 15 years of success; they are Paul Fernandes, Hazel Rodrigues, Edgar Fernandes, Cajetan Rodrigues, Allan D’Souza, Tania Rodrigues, Effey Noronha, Deepshikha Barretto, Edson Fernandes, Glorio Fernandes and Pradeep Kotkar.
It was then the turn of Palomi Ghosh for a live performance. Palomi has received huge appreciation for her acting skills in the hugely successful Bardroy Barretto directorial Konkani movie Nachom-ia-Kumpasar. But today her talent of hers was on display. She took everyone present by surprise with her stupendous live singing of hit Goan numbers Bebdo and Pisso which have been immortalized by Goan Nightingale Lorna. Palomi won everyone’s heart with her singing leaving the gathering asking for more.
Doha’s favourite renowned DJ Glorio then took over and upped the tempo of the evening with some scintillating numbers. As the evening went on, the dance floor had couples flooding in huge numbers elegantly dancing to the groovy and peppy songs of DJ Glorio.
After the guest took their seats Forefront led by incomparable Seby Pinto along with Agatha on vocals, Savio on drums and vocals, Brendan on keyboards and vocals, Melvin on guitar and vocals dished out a power-packed performance throughout the evening. They ensured that everyone had a tumultuous time clamoring for more and more with some truly scintillating dance numbers. 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 and other Latino dances by dance crazy audience.
The glittering full-house evening had lot in store in the form of surprises and prizes as the organizers rained in number of attractive prizes to the people on the dancing floor. The best dancers, the eldest lady on floor, the best ‘groufie’ of the evening etc were caught in surprise as valuable prizes came their way.
The May Queen contest was very 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 that consisted of Head of jury M S Bukhari, Managing Director of Satco International Group, Henry Fernandes, Creative Director of The Yard-Dubai, Sonali Raman, Fashion Designer/ Consultant and Carmina Correia, Choreographer of Cultural Events, Bahrain. The judging panel was coordinated by Archie D’Mello, former Office Director of Qatar Airways CEO.
Finally it was the charming Goa based beauty Minolta Agnelia Fernandes who was declared winner and was showered with valuable prizes such as gold necklace by Prakkat Jewellers, Doha-Goa-Doha air ticket by Oman Air, 7 nights and 8 days stay at Royal Goan Beach Club, dinner for 2 at Ritz Carlton, westar ladies wrist watch, perfume gift hamper, bright smile bright future voucher sponsored by Family Dental clinic and facial gift voucher by Shimmers & Shapers Salon.
The first runner-up, Roona Venessa Britto was gifted with a gold chain and pendant from Marhaba Jewellers, Doha-Goa-Doha ticket by Oman Air, 7 nights and 8 days stay at Royal Goan Beach Club, dinner voucher at Sheraton Doha, westar ladies wrist watch, perfume gift hamper by EID tailors and facial gift voucher from Shimmers and Shapers salon and Glennis D’Souza was crowned the second runner-up who was also awarded with similar fantastic and memorable prizes like a pearl necklace by Expat Properties, Doha/Dubai/Doha ticket by Cleopatra Travels, dinner voucher at Sharq Village, westar ladies wrist watch, perfume gift hamper and facial gift voucher by Shimmer Beauty & Shapers Salon.
The official airline for the 15th May Queen Ball was Qatar Airways, official Bank Doha Bank, official Hotel Radisson Blu Doha, special sponsor Qatari Industrial Equipment, main sponsor Link Marketing Company, official media partner Gulf Times and official web-partner was www.daijiworld.com
Bardroy Barretto, Director of Nachom-ia Kumpasar was felicitated with a momento at the hands of Luizinho Faleiro, ex-chief minister of Goa for receiving three National Film Awards at 62nd NFA ceremony held in Delhi on 4th May 2015. Morince Pereira was also honoured as Outstanding Student for receiving Honour Society Status for the year 2013-2014 at the College of North Atlantic, Qatar. Long time sponsors and visiting Goan NRI leaders Francis Correia, Carmo Santos, Ramdas Revadkar, Henry Fernandes, Manuxin Fernandes and Daijiworld Director Alexis Castelino were also honoured with momentos.
At the end of the day it was a wonderful and successful May Queen Ball by Goan Welfare Association. The organizers ably led by Simon D’Silva and well assisted by the GWA managing committee members presented another flawless and perfectly planned event adding one more feather into the already glittering cap of Goan Welfare Association.