Event held on : Friday, May 15, 2009
The much awaited MCA's annual event was presented on 15th May 2009 at the Doha Cinema. The program commenced with the MCA's anthem song. The master of Ceremony Mr. Aloysius D'Souza from Mangalore greeted the 800 plus audience assembled in the hall and briefed them about the activities of Mangalore Cultural Association and all its success stories of the past one year. MCA presented 3 major programs in one year's time successfully which went a long way to fulfill their one and only objective which is to help the poor and the orphan children back home. As an initiating step a total amount of 5,00,000/- Indian Rupees has been sent to various orphanages in Mangalore to help a total of 1,650 children of 28 orphanages.
The first part of the program was the performance by some of the Semifinalists of the historic Gulf Voice of Mangalore, which included the second runner up Edward Roshan D'souza, semifinalists from Qatar -Patrick D'Souza, Wilson Mendonca, Sony Rodrigues, Wilma Pinto and Lorna Pinto. They rendered some foot tapping numbers from Wilfy Rebimbus hit albums.
Felicitation program was organized during the event. NRE Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Ronald Colaco accompanied by his wife Jean Colaco was the chief guest, Walter Nandalike was the guest of honor. Francis Fernandes Cascia, a veteran dramatist who broke the Konkani show records, was honored by MCA for his contribution to Konkani stage. He was honoured with Shawl, Citation, Memento and fruits. Citation was read by Alwyn Almeida, Ronald Colaco presented the citation, Shawl and garland, Walter Nandalike presented the memento and Jean Colaco presented him the fruits. Francis Fernandes said “Despite my age, I grow younger because of the support from associations like MCA, leaders like Felix Lobo and ever-loving Konkani well wishers, and I want to contribute more to Konkani stage"
Felix Lobo, entrepreneur and philanthropist, was also felicitated for his recent award 'Entrepreneur of the year ' from FKCA Bangalore. He was honored with Shawl, citation, fruits and a memento. Veena Pais read the citation, Fr Wilson D'Souza director of Catholic Education Board Mangalore, draped the Shawl, Ronald Colaco presented the citation and Walter Nandalike presented the memento to Felix Lobo. Stephanie Lobo, wife of Felix lobo, and son Floyd Lobo were also present.
In his thanksgiving address, Felix Lobo urged more people to come forward to contribute towards the cause of the needy and poor. He hailed MCA members' dedication to achieve the goal to reach the poor, down trodden and orphans.
Walter Nandalike, guest of honor, speaking on the occasion congratulated MCA for completing the first year under the president ship of Harry Lobo. He said, he was honored to share the stage with eminent social leaders like Felix Lobo and Ronald Colaco.
Ronald Colaco in his address stressed the need for unity among the Christian community worldwide. He reminded how horrific it was to face recent Church attacks in Mangalore and called people to support the causes of uniting Christian organizations back home. He briefed the audience about his dream to build-up Taluk level Christian federation units all over the state. He said, he does not have political ambitions, but was concerned about the unity and promotion of Christian community especially in Karnataka. He assured his support to any kind of such initiatives. Praising MCA's role in social service he instantly donated AED 30,000 (About Rs 4 Lakhs) to the cause of poor and needy through MCA.
Earlier, Harry Lobo, president, welcomed the guests and thanked sponsors and every individual who supported the event.
Benjamin Rebello proposed vote of thanks.
Later the much awaited Comedy play “Mhataro Chorbela” was staged for the 35th time without any break, which was well appreciated by the audience.
