from Veena Rebimbus Pais
Daijiworld Media Network – Doha Qatar (GA)

Doha Qatar, Oct 31: The officials of Mangalore Cultural Association, Doha Qatar met at Felix Lobo’s residence on Thursday October 30 to conclude the 2008 Doha Chapter of Gulf Voice of Mangalore. The dignitaries present to mark this occasion were the Advisory committee members of MCA along with the 2nd Runner up of Gulf Voice of Mangalore Edward Roshan D’Souza, the finalists from Qatar for the same event - Sunitha Tellis, some of the 12 semi-final’s singers and their family members from Qatar and the Konkan Star Throwball team.

The Gulf Voice of Mangalore – Doha Chapter which was officially inaugurated on the June 6 at the Qatar Malayali Samajam Hall with the auditions for the first reality show in Konkani came to an end. The evening commenced with gratitude to God for his profuse blessings on the members of MCA and every GVOM participant which has created history today. The MCA president Harry Lobo greeted all the guests present on this occasion and thanked for all their contribution towards the success of this mega event. This conclusion of GVOM was planned for last week immediately after the event but due to the women’s thrownall tournament taken place in Qatar, was postponed for October 30.

The significant part of the evening was the felicitation rendered to Edward Roshan D’Souza who by his superior voice quality and marvelous singing stood out among the 10 finalists from 5 different Gulf nations, made a way to the top 5 and in the final round secured the 2nd Runner Up place in the first-ever Konkani reality show – Gulf Voice of Mangalore. He was honoured by draping the shawl by Jerry Pinto, presenting fruits by Wilfred Fernandes. A token of love from MCA was handed over by Dony Lobo- all 3 dignitaries being the Advisory committee members of MCA.  Sunitha Tellis who was the other finalists from Qatar was also honoured on this occasion. A token of love was gifted to Sunitha on behalf of MCA by Veena Rebimbus Pais.

Arthur Pais, the cultural secretary and the coordinator of GVOM, Doha Qatar went back to the memory lane from the time this project was given in his hands. He pulled out up some significant treasures from his experience and shared with the people who were involved in this event in one way or the other. He thanked the president Harry Lobo for trusting in him and making him responsible for the event. He also thanked all the committee members and the participants and their families for cooperating with him and making this event a major success.

Wilfred Fernandes spoke some encouraging words for the committee members. He reminded all about the beginning of MCA and the tremendous job by the committee members to organize 4 major events within 8 months of its existence.

Edward and Sunitha shared some of their feelings on this occasion and also thanked MCA for their encouragement and support.

In the second part of the evening the Konkan Star team members, a part of MCA who had secured the First Runner up position in the Ladies throwball tournament in Qatar held last week were felicitated on this occasion by Stephany Lobo for their hard work and dedication towards the game. The Konkan Stars in return honoured Stephany Lobo for her devoted and selfless service towards the throwball team for the past 5 years. The honouring was done by Dorothy Quadros, team captain and Mabel Fernandes, noted dramatist from Qatar. Stephany has always been very supportive on field as well as outside field and a great source of encouragement for all the team players. Throughout the tournament she was an outstanding player, and noted by all. MCA and Konkan stars will always remain grateful to Stephany Lobo for all that she has done to each one in the team.

Felix Lobo speaking on this occasion, informed the audience about the future plans of MCA with regards to the Gulf Voice of Mangalore. He mentioned that the winners and the semifinalists will be encouraged by giving them chance to perform in the musical shows that will be coming up next year. He urged all the singers to prepare themselves for the 2010 Gulf Voice of Mangalore. Felix cited that whatever be the obstacles on the way, MCA will never stop or hinder to do any good work for the society

As the concluding part MBenjamin Rebeiro, secretary MCA, proposed the vote of thanks. Cyril Sequeira (CJS Taccode) compared the whole programme in his usual humorous style.

First Gulf Voice of Mangalore - Complete Coverage: