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Planning to get married in Goa? www.weddingsetcgoa.com Making your 'dream wedding' possible ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The caring, helping musician: Filipeneri 'Filu' Fortes By Nisser Dias. nisserd...@gmail.com 'Filu' Fortes is equally well known as a musician, and as a beautiful person -- always smiling, witty and ready to help, assist and even pass on his musical skills to others. However hard Filipeneri Fortes, popularly known as Filu, might try to maintain a low profile, his fame in the music scene in Goa precedes him. Born on October 7, 1959 in the historical village of Orlim, this son of the village turns 50 today. Friends, admirers and well wishers salute Filu -- not only for his achievements in music, but for what he is. An upright man who cherishes values, morals and principles inculcated in him by his parents late Antonio and Bielina Fortes. Similar to his surname, music has been his forte. For the past quarter century, Filu has been part of the music industry and has entertained thousands of people, be it in starred hotels, restaurants, shows and dances. He has performed at almost major shows and dances in Goa in the company of his wife Lulu. Filu and his musicians have received accolades wherever they have performed -- in Goa, the rest of India, or overseas. But till date he is steadfast to his mantra of practice. Filu fondly remembers his mentor Socorro D'Mello, who introduced him to music and guided him to first strum. However, it has not been a cakewalk for this musician. Filu started his music career playing for Konkani tiatrs. He has the distinction of being a part of the group playing for late M. Boyer's famous tiatr 'Ghor Dhuki Gaum Sukhi'. He played for John Claro's tiatr, 'Portuguese Kolvontt' which completed 100 shows. He also played for Prem Kumar's tiatr 'Khotto Poiso'. Besides, in his earlier days, he was part of the Gemini circus troupe. Filu made his entry into professional music industry by joining erstwhile 'Hard Rocks'. In 1985, Goa's own grandmaster of music Emiliano D'Cruz roped in Filu and formed "Emiliano and his Caballero's". For five years this group played in most of the Taj hotels in the country, besides in Goa, and enthralled thousands of Taj guests. Emiliano and his Caballero's also have the distinction of performing for the San Paulo football team during their tour of India. Year 1990 is the year that Filu cannot forget. After years of courting singing sensation Lulu, they tied the knot in January and before they could even give birth to their first child, gave birth to their music group. In August 1990, they formed 'Campaineiros' along with Augustine. As years passed, Filu was part of one group or the other, catering to the changing tune and tone of the music industry. He has performed with top musicians like James, Juju and the late Arnold. Filu had a close friend in the late Chris Perry; so special was Filu to the departed musician that he composed the song 'Nirmonn' for Lulu and Filu. They also played for Chris Perry's shows and after his death released a music CD in his memory backed by the band "Rhythm and Blues". Undoubtedly, the music industry in Goa is riddled with competition. However the one facet of Filu that endears him to all and everyone is his give-all attitude. He simply does not believe in rivalry. Just like he has no fears of jamming up with musicians of any calibre, he has no reservations about performing shoulder to shoulder with youngsters. Infact many youngsters look up to Filu either as their guide and mentor. As per the demands of the industry, Filu can hook up any musician and meet the requirement. Currently he performs with the Fortes Trio, consisting of his wife Lulu, Michael and himself. They have performed in Doha Qatar, Kuwait and for last three consecutive years in Tanzania for World Goa Day. Filu's love of Goa and the Goan ways of life is intense. Of course he has inculcated this trait from his late father Antonio, for whom promoting culture and tradition came foremost. Be it 'Carnaval' or Christmas, Filu has always been in the forefront. And the village of Orlim always looks upon him to take the lead. As dynamic as the music industry is, so is Filu. He has kept pace with the changing moods and demands of the industry. Somewhere along the line, this great son of Orlim formed the first Goan folk troupe and showcased to the world Goan culture and traditions through song and music. In the year 1990, Filu trained a group of young children to sing Christmas carols and called them the 'Mistletoe Carolers'. With this group, Filu heightens the spirit of Christmas in the village year after year, besides serenading in hotels. Till date he conducts the Mistletoe Carolers, but, interestingly, some children of original members of 'Mistletoe Carolers' are now part of it, and these are the friends, touched by Filu, who are celebrating his 50th birthday. It is said that "Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life". This is a saying for some, but Filu lives it. Besides guiding youngsters in music, he is also imparting virtues of music to his two girls, Nezba and Lyona. And following in their parents' legacy, both of them are evolving into great singers. Music is Filu's passion, but his other hobbies are sports, during his younger years he represented the Orlim volleyball team; he loves ballroom dancing and encourages youth to learn ballroom dancing. Christmas time brings out the creativity in Filu. He loves decorating his house with unique décor Filu says he lives an old proverb, "All that is worth cherishing in this world begins in the heart and not the head". WHAT THE OTHERS SAY: Filu Fortes is a progressive, talented musician, enthusiastic with great organization skills. He is kind hearted and always strives to bring up young musicians. -- Emiliano D'cruz. He is a gentleman, unassuming, down to earth person. Many musician owe a lot to him. -- Mercy Fernandes (saxaphone and keyboard) Filu is a gem of a person, he is trustworthy and simple. I look upon him for guidance. -- Iggi (keyboards and vocalist) Filu is a very good musician. He is devoted to music. -- Agustine D'Cruz He is an inspiration to me. Helped me all the way. Encouraged me to set higher goals then I had set for my self. He is a guru to upcoming musicians. -- Neil (rhythm and vocalist) Filu is fun loving and good at heart. He appreciates everyones talents. He never says no to anyones who approaches him for any help. -- Ilan Martins (crummer and co-villager) I got into music scene because of Filu, he taught me to play. He still guides me though I am not in his group. I am what I am is because of him. -- Darly Gomes (lead and vocalist. nephew of Filu).