Report: Clarence Pinto
Pics: Joachim D'Souza
Muscat, Feb 13: The Mangalorean Catholic Center of the Parish (MCCP Oman - Sts Peter and Paul Church, Ruwi), under the leadership of Stanley T H Fernandes, celebrated its silver jubilee with an enthralling and superhit event titled 'Rupyotsav' on the Friday, February 10 in Muscat.
It was a grand celebration enjoyed by everyone present in the church and hall and above all, the Charitra rock band, one of the finest rock bands of recent times, who, by presenting a brilliant performance on the beautifully decorated LeGrande stage, created a permanent image in the hearts and minds of the Mangalureans in Oman.
MCCP Rupyotsav's patron sponsor was Ronald Colaco and family and the platinum sponsor was Ronald Pinto and family of Hyssna International LLC – Abu Dhabi.
As announced earlier, the programme of the mega silver jubilee celebrations commenced at 10 am with a thanksgiving High Mass in Konkani by Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop of Mangaluru diocese, at Sts Peter and Paul Church Ruwi which was concelebrated by MCCP’s past spiritual advisor, guide and mentor, Fr Varghese Chempoly and Fr Marian Miranda, current spiritual advisor of MCCP.
The choir under the leadership of Apolinaris D'Souza presented some beautiful hymns. The choir members were Valerian Peris, Dolphy Vaz, Loveline Rego, Ronald Lobo, Stany Menezes, Cyril Danthi, Prakash D'Souza, Prescilla Menezes, Victoria Soares, Nirmala Goveas, Melita Alva, Flavy D'Souza, Freeda Suares, Wilma Peris, Elizabeth Noronha, Anitha Danthi, Anitha Lobo, Amanda Lobo, Lovette Rego, Calida Machado, Sania D'Souza, Lester Lewis, Andril Lobo and Clive Danthi. Among musicians, grand piano was played by Dale Dantis, guitar by Pritham D'Souza and violin by Sanil. Stany Suares offered technical support and Victor Nazareth and team of ushers supported the systematic movements of the devotees.
Mass readings were presented by Stanley T H Fernandes, Mariete Fernandes, Melita Alva, Naveen Mascarenhas, John Gonsalves and Monica Dantis. The complete arrangements of the spiritual celebrations were planned and executed by Mariete Fernandes and Prescilla Menezes.
The silver jubilee cultural extravaganza was held at LeGrande Hall of Al Falaj Hotel – Ruwi which was presented by Orbit Event Management, Oman’s premier event management company under the guidance of Ramesh Gopalan. Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza graced the programme and J. R. Lobo, MLA of Mangaluru South Constituency was the chief guest. Fr Varghese Chempoly , Fr Marian Miranda, Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld Media, the editor-in-chief and managing director of Daijiworld and Ronald Pinto, Managing Partner of Hyssna International LLC – Abu Dhabi were the guests of honour.
The programme commenced with an introduction by Lavina DSa, vice-president (Cultural, Spiritual and Community Services ) of MCCP, Konkani activist and a vibrant programme anchor of the Mangalurean community in Oman. A beautiful procession depicting Indian and Omani cultures was formulated and planned by Meera Saldanha, Gracy Barboza, Jecintha Pereira and Aslita D'Souza and presented by Tania Saldanha, Ransley D’Cunha, Francesca Colaco, Macniel d’Souza, Lizy Barboza, Tanish Saldanha, Teril and Teena Saldanha, Prakash and Latha D’Sa, Prem and Hendrita Colaco, Gloria Barboza, Johan Mathias, Cheryl D’Sa, Rayner D’Cunha, Laura D’Sa, Zephan Furtado, Naveen and Suman Mathias, Thomas and Aslita D’Souza, Sunil and Sunita Furtado which was followed by the procession of the silver jubilee celebrations committee and the members were Stanley Fernandes, Henry Martis, Donald Pinto, Clarence Pinto, Suraj Rebello, Monica Dantis, Lawrence Alva, Lancy Lobo, Prescilla Menezes, John Gonsalves, Apolinaris D Souza, Dolly Gomes, Mariete Fernandes, Michael Goveas, Ajith Walder, Jessie Pereira, Lavina DSa, Melita Alva, Ashok Pinto, Tressilla Menezes, Lynel Lobo, Jason Cardoza, Naveen Mascarenhas and Sachin Lobo. The honour of carrying Indian, Oman and MCCP flags was given to Ajith Walder, Lynel Lobo and Monica Dantis respectively. Jane Castelino ably assisted the procession. At the end of the procession, the honorable dignitaries were honoured with floral bouquets by the core committee members of MCCP.
'Parameshawara' - MCCP anthem song which was composed by Oswald D Souza and Walter Monterio during early years of MCCP - was presented by Nirmala Goveas, Ronald lobo, Victoria Soares, Prescilla Menezes, Amanda Pinto, Jane Ida Pinto, Anitha Lobo, Flavia D'Souza, Freeda Suares, Dolphy Vaz, Valerian G Peres, Apolinaris D'Souza and Sandesh D'Souza
A video of MCCP’s history was presented with a special song by Band Charitra.
After a short opening prayer by Father Marian Miranda, a minute's silence was observed as a respect to the departed souls of MCCP members and specially, to the departed soul Louis Rodrigues, founder of Gulf Voice of Mangalore.
Silver Jubilee Year’s theme song titled 'Bhas somskriti, gamv amchi osmitai zamv' (Let Konkani language, culture and motherland be our identity) written by Wilson Kateel with music composed by Dovlin Kollalgiri was then presented by MCCP 25th team, Dilip Correa, Jessie Pereira, Lavina D'Sa, Melita Alva, Ashok Pinto, Tressilla Menezes, Lynel Lobo, Jason Cardoza, Naveen Mascarenhas and Sachin Lobo, with a dance performance by Nicole D Souza, Reia Correa, Calida Machado and Lovette Rego choreographed by Pramila Pais
Dilip Correa, MCCP president of 25th year, welcomed the audience with a traditional Paan Pod Udak.
Thunderous Performance by Band Charitra
And then, it was the time to start an amazing cultural extravaganza and series of musical masterpieces. The Mangalurean rock band – Charitra truly created a marvelous magic on the stage for the music lovers of Oman. From the very first moment of their entry into the stage, they rocked the stage mesmerizing the crowd with their unique and magical style. The songs presented by the team were awesome and entertained everyone present in the hall. Loy Valentine Saldanha, Patson Pereira, Ian Sachin Saldanha and Rikith Leonard Soans played pivotal role in playing and presenting music with their unique style. Every moment of their presence on the stage was electrifying and entertaining.
Sabitha Mathias, a natural singer with a beautiful golden voice started the evening with a beautiful number ‘puspustha’. The next entry on the stage, Patrick Pereira, who became an instant darling of the crowd when he presented Henry D Souza’s legendary song Oot Oot Konkya. Melwyn Antony D’souza is regarded as the singer of par excellence and he lived up to his reputation and excellence. His performance and style were really amazing and as soon as he entered the stage, he could become the star of the evening. The songs by Akshada Talaulikar, a title winner of “the best female singer’ from the prestigious global Konkani Music award, were awesome. Akshada presented some of the best songs of legendary singer Lorna and could get whole audience to applaud to her singing.
The man who really controlled and took the whole programme to glory was Roshan D'Silva. Roshan with his dynamic personality and distinctive style of presentation, created multiple waves of amusement and entertainment. He, once again without any doubts, proved to be one of the best anchors in the Gulf region.
Konkani Film actors Mellu and Richa along with 'Ek Aslyar Ek Na' film hero and director Pradeep Barboza presented some of the finest comedy and brought laughter and amusement. All the skits were brilliant in nature and witty. They were supported by Walter Mendonca and Deepak D'Souza of the Mangalurean community in Oman.
Dances were presented by the Mangalurean community’s best choreographers. Sachin Lobo under the direction of Sonia D Souza presented a dance number Ailee re Ailee by Megan D Souza and Alston Moras. The Ghaletian Rockers presented a Cuban Folk dance form which was choreographed by Priyanka Mendonca and dancers were Priyanka Mendonca, Liza D'Sa, Avelen D'Souza, Rebecca D'Souza and Natasha Noronha. And final dance was by Psychadels with choreographers Dynet Fernandes and Jayal Tharakan and dancers Craig Lazarus, Dynet Fernandes, Jayal Tharakan and Joshua Tharakan.
The celebration time was held during the programme and silver jubilee cake was cut by the dignitaries. J R Lobo and Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza delivered a message to the audience and the Mangalureans in Oman. The patron sponsor of the event Ronald Colaco had sent a message to the officials and members of MCCP which was read by Clarence Pinto.
Stanley T H Fernandes was honored by the Mangalurean community of Oman with a title 'Muscathanlem Konkani Rathn' (Konkani Pearl of Muscat). Lawrence Alva read the 'Maan Potr' on behalf of the community and Bishop presented to Stanley Fernandes. The dignitaries, Fr Marian Miranda, J R Lobo, Walter Nandalike and Ronald Pinto, honoured Stanley Fernandes with a traditional shawl and peta, fruits basket, bouquet and traditional Omani Honey and Dates. Stanley Fernandes expressed his gratitude to the Mangalureans in Oman and dedicated his award to his family and specially, to his wife, Winnifred Fernandes.
Souvenir titled Rupyallem Dirvem was released. Clarence Pinto, Mariete Fernandes and Prescilla Menezes, the editorial members of the Souvenir, were present on the dias.
Alwyn Pinto, president of Mangalore Konkans Dubai and Prakash Noronha, president of MCC – Qatar honoured MCCP officials with mementos.
Silver sponsors were Global Link West Star Shipping LLC and Bank Sohar SAOG. Bronze sponsors were Multitech Contracting LLC, Hydrotech International LLC, Muscat Pharmacy and Ivory Grand LLC. The annual platinum sponsors were Omantel and Raphael D'Souza of Muscat Golden Services LLC
Raffle draw was conducted by Suraj Rebello, assisted by Jessie Pereira, Monica Dantis, John Gonsalves. The first prize iPhone 7 (128 GB, sponsored by Omantel) was won by Lydia; second prize, a gold coin (8 gm - 22 C, sponsored by Sea Pearl) went to Rony; 3rd prize, an air ticket (Muscat – Mumbai – Muscat, sponsored by Marmul Travel and Tours) went to Ophelia Lazarus; 4th prize, 42" Smart LED TV (sponsored by Cochin Jewelers) was won by Prashant; and the 5th prize, a refrigerator (sponsored by MCCP core team) went to Irshad Ahmed. MCCP's silver jubilee diamond ring (Sponsored by Cochin Jewellers) was bagged by Sharon Alva.
10 consolation prizes - 32 inches TV (sponsored by MCCP Team 24) went to Poojary; Panasonic convection microwave (sponsored by MCCP Team 19) went to Edwin C Perez; dinner set (sponsored by Naranji Hirji) was won by Vihaan Pereira; JBL GO and Yurbuds (sponsored by Meval Dantis) won by Anish; electric grill (sponsored by Naranji Hirji) went to Melina Goveas; Tefal Set (sponsored by MCCP) was won by Ameena; electric grill (sponsored by Naranji Hirji) was won by Elias; Moulinex Mixer (sponsored by MCCP) won by Veena; dinner set (sponsored by MCCP) - Jessie; and electric grill (sponsored by Naranji Hirji) went to Ramana.
Vote of thanks was proposed by Lancy Lobo and then a full session of Baila was conducted by Charitra team
The beautiful stage decoration was done by Lancy Lobo and team. The Mangalurean community’s darling DJ Lovlin Rego mesmerized the audience with his choicest selection of music and songs. LED presentation was done by Melita Alva and Celine D'Souza and PPT presentation by Monica Fernandes.
The hall management team worked very hard to manage the discipline under the leadership of Lancy Lobo and the team members were Sunil D'Souza, Naveen Sequeira, Sharon Alva, Roshan D'Souza, Cyril Britto, Peter Serrao, Clifford Castelino, Raphael D'Souza, Sunil D'Souza (Ghala), Lancy Saldanha, Avinash D'Souza, Alwyn Pinto, Cyril Danti, Vikas Fernandes and Rakesh Coelho. Backstage management was also under Lancy Lobo and team members were Shalet Noronha, Nancy Vaz, Anitha Lobo, Jacintha Serrao, Shaila D'Souza, Elizabeth Noronha, Priya Menezes, Violet and Jane Castelino.