Shirley Dias crowned GCC's Summer Queen 2008
A dazzling show by Goan Cultural Centre, Kuwait
By Gasper Crasto for Team Mangalorean
Kuwait:
Miss Shirley Dias was crowned the Summer Queen 2008' at the glittering
dinner dance social organized by Goan Cultural Centre (GCC-Kuwait) at Crowne
Plaza on Friday 25 April, 2008. The first Runner-up was claimed by Afreen
Dastani while Monalisa D'Costa was the Second Runner-up among a number of
contestants that included different nationalities.
Shirley was crowned by Mr. Dastani Nasir, special guest on the occasion.
Mr. Agnello A. S. Fernandes and Glen D'Souza did the honors for Afreen and
Monalisa respectively. Afreen Dastani also won the best hairdo and Monalisa
bagged the Best Costume. The awards were presented at the hands of Suresh Naik
and Carmo Santos respectively.
The beauty pageant was one of the main highlights of the show that imbued a
sense of delirium among the audience. Giant screens on either side of the stage
enabled the audience to catch the proceedings live. The contest was based on
physical beauty, personality, grace and intellectual insight as the judged
criteria. Mr. Sunny Nazareth, President of Goa Heritage Foundation, Ms.
Shirley Marshall, a former beauty queen herself, and Mrs. Selly Furtado were
the select panel of judges.
The winners were awarded with cartload of valuable prizes and gift hampers.
The event was sponsored by Mughul Mahal, Payal Gold & Diamonds, Emirates
Springs Company WLL, Club Mahindra Holidays, Al Marai, Air India, Indian
Airlines, FCC-Nokia and a number of other prominent corporate houses. The three
beauties will participate in the May Queen 2008 to be held on May 22 at the
Marina Club in Bahrain. Young Goans Club, Bahrain has sponsored an
expense-free trip to the winners to stake their claim for the crowning of Gulf
Goans Queen 2008.
Aqua Flows
Earlier, India's top band Aqua Flow, specially brought in for the event, lit
the evening with pulsating music. Expressive vocals by Krystal Ferrel, female
singer of the group, added sparkle to the evening. Stepping Stones, Kuwait's
topmost band enlivened the crowd to a groovy ambiance. DJ Mario and DJ Fred too
kept the audience in high spirits till the very end.
The night was hosted by Kuwait's fluent Master Compere Lloyd D'Souza. The
program and floor coordination was excellently managed by Conchita Cardozo and
Melanie Trinidade.
The guests who attended were showered with fabulous prizes. Mr. Usman Pa won
the first prize of Kuwait-Goa-Kuwait air ticket for the lucky entrance.Ms.
Nadine Dias took the second prize of 7 days stay at Club Mahindra Resorts,
India. The Novelty prizes were won by Kiana Ameer (Kuwait-Goa-Kuwait air
ticket), Arcanjo & Suzy Pires (4 days stay at Cairo), and Leena Dalgado (Gift
vouchers from Hassan Opticians and Payal Gold & Diamonds).
Release of Souvenir
A colorful souvenir, with messages from well wishers and sponsors, was
released to mark the event at the hands of Mr. Mario Rebello Vice President of
Kuwait Konkani Kendr. Suresh Naik, President of the Goan Cultural Centre in his
welcome address highlighted the significance of holding the Summer Queen. The
chief guest Mr. V.K. Mahajan, First Secretary, Education & Information, Embassy
of India showered praises on the organizers and wishes success for future
events. Surendra Kumar, Air India country manager was the guest of honor and
Krishan C. Bhar, Air India Manager for Kuwait & Cyprus was the special guest.
Carmo Santos, Chairman of GCC and recipient of Goa Government's Leadership
Award for community Service expressed happiness on the success of the nite and
thanked everyone for making it a great success.
Goan Cultural Centre seized the occasion to honor well-known Goan writer
Shri Lino Dourado for writing and publishing 101 poems in Konkani language. He
was honored at the hands of Mr. V. K. Mahajan. Lino is also the recipient of
many other awards back home in Goa. Agnelo Dias (Aggy) of Stepping Stones, who
would be leaving Kuwait shortly also received a plaque at the hands of V.K.
Mahajan for his contribution to music and dance during the last 28 years.
Mr.Agnelo Dias of Stepping Stones was also honored for his contribution in
live music for the last 28 years in Kuwait at the hands of Mr.V.K.Mahajan.
Konkani Book Released
Another remarkable feature of the program was the release of a Konkani book
titled "Zoit ani her Kovita" (Victory and other poems) by Walter Menezes
(Quepem, Goa). The book was released at the hands of Mr. Ashley Rigde-Cooke.
This is the second year in succession that a Goan author/poet's publication has
been released in Kuwait at the Summer Queen.
Goan Cultural Centre - Managing Committee
Mr. Carmo Santos Chairman
Eng.Suresh Naik - President
Ms.Conchita Cardozo V.President
Ms.Melaine Trindade Gen.Secretary
Mr.Simplicio Fernandes Tresurer
Mr.Ramdas Revadkar Joint Tresurer
Mr.Cajetan Pinheiro Cultural Secretary
Mr.Martino Afonso Sports Secretary
Ms.Meena Dias - Auditor
Photographs by Rewon Gomes (www.goa-world.com)
http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=76379
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