News: Sunita Furtado
Pics: Joachim D’Souza
Muscat, Nov 1: The esteemed Mangalorean community organization in Oman; the Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP), presented a spectacular event named ‘Shining Stars – Parzalith Tharan’ and ‘Mr & Mrs 2023’ on October 21. The event invited the entire community to showcase their talents in singing, dancing and fancy-dress competitions, while couples competed for the coveted ‘Mr & Mrs 2023’ title. As anticipated, the children proved to be true ‘Shining Stars’ as they delivered exceptional performances brimming with enthusiasm and energy.
Sts Peter and Paul Church hall buzzed with activity as participants flocked to the venue for registration and collecting their participation badges while savoring a delicious breakfast. Eminent personality of the Mangalurean community, Lavina D’Sa, assumed the role of master of ceremonies for the day, and warmly welcomed all in attendance. The executive committee then took center stage, and spiritual secretary, Juvan Sequeira, led the gathering in an opening prayer, seeking divine blessings for the event. General secretary, Reshma Pereira, extended a warm welcome on behalf of the executive committee. The executive committee members marked the event’s commencement and officially inaugurated the talent show by lighting diyas, thus illuminating the logo mount that symbolized the theme of the year: ‘Woman – Lamp of the House, Light to the World’.
The event’s esteemed panel of judges, comprised of Dimitra Lobo, Melanie Crasta, and Victoria Fernandes, were introduced by MC Lavina and invited on stage. Each of the judges brought a wealth of talent and experience to the event: Dimitra Lobo, a multi-faceted personality, is a financial consultant and a freelance model. Her versatility extends to her impressive skills as a singer and artist. Melanie Crasta is a renowned figure within the community, known for her love and dedication to music. In addition to her role as a lecturer, she conducts the church choir and takes the lead as the vocalist for the band Jukebox. Victoria Fernandes, a truly gifted singer, achieved the remarkable feat of winning the ‘Voice of Oman’ in 2008, and had the honor of representing Oman in the inaugural edition of the ‘Gulf Voice of Mangalore’ held in Kuwait.
The moment had arrived for the ‘Shining Stars’ Talent show to begin, as MC Lavina provided a summary of the guidelines emphasizing the exclusive use of Konkani in all performances. The Talent show kicked off with Group A, featuring the youngest participants from KG1, KG2 & Std 1 who delighted the audience with their singing, dancing and fancy dress talents. They were followed by older age groups including the adult group, whose categories included only dancing and fancy dress.
The audience were in awe and left captivated as contestants delivered exemplary performances one after the other, displaying remarkable poise and confidence on stage. The guest of honour, Monica Valder, a renowned and prolific singer from Dubai, graced the occasion with her presence and was escorted on stage by core committee member, Stanley Fernandes, and MCCP President, Nirmala Goveas. She enchanted the audience with her stupendous singing performance. President Nirmala Goveas thanked all the contestants for their enthusiasm and participation. She then led the gathering in prayer with the grace before meals and invited everyone to partake in the sumptuous lunch provided by South Express Restaurant, courtesy Lancy Lobo.
Following the lunch break, those present reassembled to witness the exciting and eagerly anticipated highlight of the day: the ‘Mr & Mrs 2023’ couple contest. MC Lavina introduced four couples for this engaging competition: Selvin Johnson Lewis & Shaveena Denzi Ferrao, Allen Joseph & Jyothi Cynthia D’Souza, Loyson & Renita D’Souza, and Joyel & Lavisha Sequeira.
The contest comprised of several exciting rounds: couples’ entry and ramp walk, question and answer session, Dumb Charades, and a couple’s game, followed by a dance round. The time bound rounds were exceptionally thrilling, thus putting the couples’ teamwork, quick wit, memory and presence of mind to the test. The audience was thoroughly entertained by the witty and impromptu responses and super dance moves exhibited by the couples, often leaving them in fits of laughter.
As the day drew to a close, the judges enthralled the audience with their melodious voices as each of them delivered spellbinding performances that left the crowd yearning for an encore. The audience was then treated to an enchanting ramp walk presented by the executive committee. Following this, the three esteemed judges were thanked for gracing the occasion and honoured with mementoes. Sports Secretary, Anyrith Sherleen D’Souza, then graced the stage and extended sincere appreciation to the event’s sponsors and supporters on behalf of the committee. As a gesture of recognition and appreciation, all the participants were then invited on stage and presented with participation certificates and goody bags.
Finally, the much awaited moment of announcing the winners arrived. The winners in all the categories are as follows:
Group A: (KG1, KG2, STD 1)
Dance: Winner – Natania Florence Britto, Runner up – Delroy Mark Covelho
Singing: Winner – Inara D’Souza, Runner up – Tristan D’Cunha
Fancy Dress: Winner – Gian Josh Covelho, Runner up – Resten Pereira
Group B: (STD 2, 3, 4)
Dance: Winner – Elina Peter D’Souza, Runner up – Riyona D’Souza
Singing: Winner – Nathan Christon Britto, Runner up – Tiara D’Cunha
Fancy Dress: Winner – Adel D’Souza, Runner up – Leeon John Fernandies
Group C: (STD 5, 6, 7)
Dance: Winner – Crystal Pereira, Runner up – Astrida Meril D’Souza
Singing: Winner – Janis Savio Sequeira, Runner up – Asher Dominic Fernandes
Fancy Dress: Winner – Risha Saldanha, Runner up – Nathan Chris Machado
Group D: (STD 8, 9, 10)
Dance: Winner – Vionna Tellis, Runner up – Harleen Maria Pinto
Singing: Winner – Venitia Maria Serrao, Runner up – Christine Angelin Danthi
Fancy Dress: Winner – Rochelle Catrina Correa, Runner up – Michelle Treza Pinto
Group E (STD11, 12, upto 20 yrs)
Fancy Dress: Winner – Aldrean Antony Moras
Group F (Adults above 20 yrs)
Dance: Winner – Jane D’Souza, Runner up – Silvia Dias
Mr & Mrs 2023 Contest
Winners: Joyel & Lavisha Sequeira
1st Runner up: Allen Joseph & Jyothi Cynthia D’Souza
2nd Runner up: Loyson & Renita D’Souza
Consolation Prize: Selvin Johnson Lewis & Shaveena Denzi Ferrao
Thus, a splendid show meticulously organised by MCCP came to an end. The audience were fascinated to witness a spectacle of talent showcased within the community, and expressed their appreciation for the initiative taken by MCCP to provide a platform for emerging talents across various categories.
MCCP was grateful to the following event sponsors and supporters:
Sponsors:
Raphael Quadros
Jessie Pereira
Prem Colaco
Best Line Printing
National Detergent Company
Muscat Pharmacy
Al Naba Supplies and Catering Services LLC.
Supporters:
Lavina D’Sa – Master of Ceremonies
Joachim D’Souza – Photography
Loveline Rego – DJ and Music
Stanley Fernandes – Sound
Vijay D’Cunha – Media Support
Monica Fernandis – Media Support
Aslita D’Souza – Backstage Support
Stino Pinto – Backstage Support
Vikas Fernandes – Backstage Support
Abeeda Shakir – Calligraphy Certificate Writing