From Sanjay Borkar in Margao
for Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (MB)
Pics: AT
Margao, Nov 17 (Sat 7-15 am): There was absolute calm all around. The finalists were looking at each other, waiting in bated breath for the announcement of the winners of the Miss Goa title.
The suspense was cleared as the judges gave their verdict - the coveted crown of Miss Goa has been bagged by Ashlin D'Souza, who also snatched the title of Miss Talent.
Yes, she is the fourth Miss Goa, since the contest began as an annual event in 2004. Janice Sobti was Miss Goa 2005 and Natasha Diniz was the winner in 2006. Miss Goa 2007 was crowned by Miss Goa 2006 winner Natasha Diniz.
Amelia D’Cunha was chosen 1st Runner-up, Miss Elegant was Anita Soni, Miss Smile was Preeeti D'Souza and Denika Gomes snatched the title of Miss Catwalk.
Miss Goa 2007 got the gold coin worth Rs. 25,000, plus cash prizes of Rs. 15,000, besides other precious gifts. Runners-up was awarded a gold coin of Rs. 10,000 and cash prize of Rs. 5,000, plus gifts. Others also awarded by exciting prizes.
Ashlin Barboza expressed her happiness over snatching the coveted Miss Goa crown and said that her dream had come true. Miss Goa title was announced at a glamorous and exciting gala organized by VJT Art Entertainment, at Kesarval Resort at Verna, 10 km away from here.
The glittering event unfolded exactly at 9.00 pm on Friday night and the all ten dainty dames catwalked to introduce themselves in a very modeling style on the ramp. Although the ramp was new to them, their will-power fired them to be confident to showcase themselves in Bollywood style.
Artistes from Mumbai, with their stylish performances, kicked off the event and different parts of the show went on briskly, one after the other.
Joe Dias, managing director of VJT Arts, organizer of the events, narrated a small story as to why he felt to organize such an event and said that this was a plank for Goan girls to come forward and enter the world of modelling.
Earlier he welcomed the gathering in his own unique style.
Bollywood fame personalities Priya Arya, Siddharth Karnik, Sangeeta Kapur and Goan Sandra Souza Menon were present on the occasion as judges. All of them appreciated the performance of all the ten participants.
The main pageant of the evening then began with the ethnic segment, in which all the contestants prided themselves in the 'Ghagra choli', then in evening gown and swimming suits. The elimination round itself had been eliminated this year, so all the contestants got a chance to take part in all rounds. All the ten girls drew people's wide applause as the latter were entertained. In the Question and Answer segment, all the semifinalists gave impressive responses to the judges.
Rupali and Jyoti of Bollywood fame added more colour to event by their excellent performance. Goan artistes also performed to fill the gaps between segments. Miss Goa 2005 Janice Sobti, with a sweet voice and also dancing skills, entertained everyone by her performance. African acrobats also presented a dance, to add more colour to the show.
The event concluded exactly around 1.20 am (Saturday morning), but the joy of winning the titles was celebrated till late hours by the winners and their near and dear ones.
Glamour in Goa: