Doha, Jun 6: The auditions for the ‘Gulf Voice of Mangalore 2008’ in Qatar took place on 6th of June 2008 at the QMS Hall in Muntaza area. The function started at 4:00pm with the MCA anthem. After a brief welcome by the General Secretary of MCA Mr.Benjamin Rebeiro which was followed by the lighting of the lamp by the Judges, President of MCA, Harry Lobo and Advisory Board Member of MCA, Wilfred Fernandes. Soon after, the rules of the competition were laid down by the Cultural secretary of MCA  Arthur Pais.

There were a total of 16 participants. The competition began amidst great enthusiasm and was compered by  Cyril Sequeira. All the participants gave their 100% and made it very difficult for the judges to come to a decision. The songs sung were ranging from slow sentimental to heart touching emotional to rock and roll. The crowd enjoyed the competition immensely and showed their appreciation and encouragement by cheering whole heartedly. 12 participants were selected from the 16 and these 12 will compete with each other to be selected among the lucky 2 who will represent Qatar at the Finals which will be held in Kuwait.

The judge’s panel comprised of Dony Lobo,  Veena Pais,  Norbert Pereira and  Joyce Mascarenhas. They were honoured by  Alfred Sequeira and  Wilfred Fernandes on behalf of MCA for taking time off their busy schedule and volunteering for this reality event.  Susan Rodrigues and Freeda Lobo were the timers for the event.

Before the announcement of the results, on behalf of the judges,  Dony Lobo appreciated the efforts put in by every contestant and congratulated them for taking the first step towards achieving their dream of winning the title of ‘Gulf Voice of Mangalore’.  Wilfred Fernandes spoke on the importance of participation irrespective of winning the competition.

He encouraged and commended the hard work put in by the contestants. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to all the 16 contestants by the president of MCA,  Harry Lobo. 

The 12 semi-finalists from Doha are:
• Eva Wilma Pinto
• Patrick D’Souza
• Edward R.D’Souza
• Alwyn P.A. D’Souza
• Wilson Mendonca
• Denzil D’Souza
• Lona Pinto
• Sunitha M.Tellis
• Astria Bothello
• Lancy D’Souza
• Michael Serrao
• Sony Rodrigues

Larry Bird once said, “A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals.” We wish the semi-finalists all the very best for the Semi-Finals which will be held on the 10th of October, 2008.