Dubai: Performers and Audience Freak out at Family Fiesta
Photo Albums by Ramcy Fernandes
Daijiworld News Network - Dubai
Dubai, Dec 8: Friday, a cloudy day, turned into a most memorable one to all those families and their friends who attended the Mangalore Konkans' Family Fiesta here.
The gloomy atmosphere had posed a big threat to the festive occasion. Even the meteorological department had cautioned about a definite possibility of rain on Friday. In spite of all odds, the day dedicated to the families turned into a super success event when True Colors, UAE's band in demand rocked and Sri Lankan singing sensation provided the perfect fare to the crowd on the dancing floor with its Sinhalese super-hit songs.
The event was filled with spot prizes galore as comperes Errol Goveas, the undisputed king of comperes in the UAE and lively and glamorous Annie Menezes carried the show on in their dynamic style until the end.
NIDO, the popular brand from Nestle, was the main sponsor and hence the event had been named the 'NIDO Family Fiesta'.
Don Sherman
Errol, Anny
James, Manohar
Mangalore Konkans Dubai, an organization par excellence, having experience of having organized a number of such shows in the past 18 years, once again did it professinally, leaving little scope for any loopholes during the event.
The dance floor was packed right from the beginning as both True Colors and Sri Lanakan Sherman took the show to a flying start. Sinhalese music may have been something new to the Mangalorean crowd, but the tunes were no less rich than Konkani baila music. Sherman not only sang superbly but his stage appearance itself made people to demand more and more songs from him.
He entertained in the beginning for listening pleasure and at the end came out with dancing baila numbers.
True Colors were in true spirit and saw every member of the audience dance on the floor to the tune of their hit English numbers.
Hundreds of spot prizes were given away by Mangalore Konkans, thanks to their generous sponsors. A large number of sponsors had lined up to sponsor this high-voltage event, as the message given by Mangalore Konkans was very clear - it was for the purpose of pure charity.
During the interval, Mangalore Konkans honoured Rajesh Sequiera, the man who spearheaded the campaign for starting international flights to Mangalore airport. Efforts put in by Rajesh to motivate his NRI Forum and other senior members of various communities were lauded by Mangalore Konkans.
Manohar Pais, in his introductory speech, mentioned Rajesh's role by saying, "He is one who dreamt for others' benefit to see Mangalore as an international airport and the maiden Air India Express flight to Mangalore."
Earlier James Mendonca, in his address, thanked all the sponsors who uplifted the spirit of Mangalore Konkans not only this year but also over the last 18 years. He praised his members for dedicated time and efforts in making this event successful.
Fr Frederick D`Souza of St Mary's Church Dubai was the guest of honour. He hailed the achievement of Mangalore Konkans and conveyed his Christmas message to the people who had gathered around.
Sponsors were felicitated during the break. The dance performance by the young group of students was spectacular with colourful dresses.
Over 1,200 people gathered to enjoy the Family Fiesta, and the atmosphere was one of festivity and it proved a perfect opportunity for those who are living under stress, specially in this part of the world due to work, traffic and other related problems. This welcome break was much needed to many families and it was heartening to see a great number of families, their friends and acquaintances, children and others gather in a show of unity and integrity of the community.
It was also heart-warming to see a large number of Sri Lankan, Goan and other community members around to show their solidarity with the Mangalorean community, especially with Mangalore Konkans.
The crowd simply danced, sang and enjoyed the entire event
The event came to a close with the arrival of Santa Claus and singing of Christmas carols. Children were seen in full Christmas spirit with colourful dresses and also with their faces painted with colours.
Leading Mangalore restaurateur Frank D`Souza provided delicious eats with his popular Shezan and Frank Catering.
President James Mendonca expressed his extreme happiness about the event while speaking to daijiworl.com after the event. "Today God blessed us in many ways, especially with good weather. Everyone was expecting a shower today, but it did not happen. We feel immensely satisfied and also feel after the event that it was all worth the effort which we as a team put in."