Media Release

Singapore, May 7: With the scent of the sea breeze and the spirit of Aloha in the air, a breezy Saturday evening by the sea turned into a vibrant celebration, as the SingManGo community of Mangaloreans and Goans residing in Singapore, hosted their much-anticipated Easter Gathering at ECP High Tide Bistro and Bar on April 26.

Set against a scenic beachside backdrop, the Aloha-themed celebration brought together over 110 community members for an unforgettable evening filled with games, music, food & drinks, laughter and heartfelt connections, staying true to SingManGo’s cherished tradition of lively annual celebrations.

The Hawaiian theme infused the event with a vibrant island spirit, as guests arrived adorned in floral and tropical attire, complemented by garlands, colourful props, and tropical hairclips. For the little ones, playful tattoos added a splash of joy, transforming the venue into a lively island paradise.

A prayerful start - While the funeral of the beloved Pope Francis was underway, the evening commenced with a solemn prayer led by Noel Saldanha, during which a special moment of silence was observed – blending reverence with celebration in the true spirit of community.

The setting was nothing short of enchanting – ships graced the distant horizon, planes soared overhead to the delight of aviation enthusiasts, and a spacious open area welcomed children to run freely, play, and even enjoy cycling amidst the coastal breeze. This provided the perfect backdrop for families to capture memories from the evening.

Easter fun begins!

Egg-citing start - The celebrations kicked off with the much anticipated and lively Easter Egg Hunt. Laughter and cheers echoed as little ones searched for colourful eggs scattered across the venue. Their excitement and joy peaked with the discovery of a coveted Golden Egg, setting the tone for an evening full of playful surprises.

Breaking the ice, Aloha style

Themed games & creative dressing: The community engaged with each other in group games, starting with everyone joining in the fun, to style group team representatives in the Aloha and Easter themes. Each group was given a surprise set of materials found around the house - ranging from Play-Doh, paper plates and cups to Maggi wrappers and cereal boxes. Judges Denis and Anita Menezes awarded points for creativity and teamwork. The challenge sparked laughter, innovation, and vibrant interaction, adding a playful touch to the evening.

Next came the hilarious T-shirt relay game, where the teams, each equipped with a brightly colored T-shirt, competed in a fun race. The game sparked plenty of laughter, promoting team spirit and adding to the evening’s lively atmosphere and friendly competition.

Time to Mingle: After the energetic games, attendees enjoyed a spread of appetizing starters, giving everyone time to relax, chat, and enjoy the festive setting.

Talent on display

Performances - A series of heartwarming performances followed. Rachel and Roger Pereira, Denis Menezes, Richard D’Souza and a charming solo by 5-year-old Evelyn added a musical touch to the evening, earning rounds of applause.

Easter hat parade - The children truly stole the spotlight during the vibrant Easter Hat Parade, proudly parading their self-decorated, colorful hats in a cheerful procession. This lively activity was crowd favorite and a delightful display of the young participants' creativity and enthusiasm.

The celebration continued …

Dance floor vibes & dinner delight - As the sun set, DJ Aaron Soares turned up the tempo, filling the dance floor with energy. The community swayed and celebrated to a lively mix of Konkani, English, and Bollywood hits. Laughter rang out, feet moved to the beat, and the joy was palpable as families dined and danced together under the open sky. A delicious buffet followed, offering something for every palate and capping off the evening on a flavourful note.

A heartfelt farewell - The evening also marked an emotional farewell to Richard D’Souza and his family, who are returning to India. Richard’s joyful energy, commitment, and performance over the years has been a cornerstone of the group. His presence along with family will be dearly missed, but his legacy of warmth and inclusiveness will continue to inspire the community.

Gratitude, community spirit & captured moments - The success of this memorable evening was a testament to the dedication and warmth of the SingManGo community. Spearheaded by the dynamic couple, Noel and Pratibha Saldanha, the newly formed Event Organizing Committee comprising of Tina Alvares, Priya D’Souza, Nasvill Pereira, Mary Lopis, Lylesh Menezes, Laveena Vaz, Kevin Machado - alongside a spirited group of volunteers Lilly D’Souza, Janet Lobo, Benita Fernandez - poured their time, creativity, and passion into every detail. Equally vital were the enthusiastic guests, whose presence, energy, and camaraderie brought the celebration to life.

A special mention goes to Giselle D’Souza, the charismatic Emcee, was the highlight of the evening, effortlessly orchestrating the games and maintaining high energy throughout. Her vibrant presence, seamless coordination, and ability to engage the crowd made the celebration unforgettable, ensuring a smooth flow of events and adding a special touch to the gathering.

In the true spirit of community giving, members also stepped forward as sponsors, contributing generously. Though they chose to remain anonymous, their thoughtful support did not go unnoticed.

Adding to the charm, Derek D’Souza, Glen Cutinha, and several guests beautifully captured the essence of the celebration—from egg hunts and dance-offs to tender smiles over dinner—preserving cherished moments that will be remembered for years to come.

As the night came to a joyful close, music and dancing continued into the evening, and one sentiment resonated across the gathering: 'This is an evening we’ll treasure forever,' echoed by many participants. With hearts full and spirits lifted, the SingManGo community departed, their smiles telling the whole story. More than just a party, this Easter Bash was a heartfelt celebration of community, creativity, and connection—an unforgettable evening that will be cherished for years to come." 

Enjoy the SingManGo Aloha Easter reel created by Shalini Lobo: