Goa is coming up with talented
youngsters in all spheres nowadays. The youth are breaking the ceilings to
showcase their flair. But passion, hard work and zeal is the only way forward.
We have an
upcoming, passionate little star based in Kuwait -- Valanka Fernandes, aspiring to be a
‘Tiatrist’ of highest standards. Lorna and Olga Vaz are her idols while she rates
Maestro Shahu Almeida as her favorite musician.
The only child of Betty & Victor
Fernandes hailing from Afament, Shiroda, Valanka is someone who dons many hats.
Since her days
as a kindergarten student at Bhavans Jack and Jill, Valanka has been active in
competitions like fancy dress, poem recitations, talk shows, etc.
She has always won
prizes in the top-three positions at most activities that she has taken part.
ACADEMIC
BACKGROUND
Within a short
span of time, Valanka learnt Indian classical dance and until now continues
to learn from different dance academies.
A student at
Delhi Public School (DPS), Valanka is a regular in activities such as sports,
dance, singing, etc. The little girl also has a penchant for art and drawing
which she acquired under a professional tutor.
Valanka also
has a blue belt in karate.
“Am just very
happy to learn more and more, and demonstrate my God-given talent,” says
Valanka.
The energetic
schoolgirl is equally focused on her studies achieving percentages above 90% in
her academics.
Valanka learnt the
keyboard from 2014 until 2019. Then, she changed her mind to learn drums and is
now attending drums classes.
She has
performed on the keyboard at various musical shows organized for the public.
The the multi-talented girl is an active member of Angel’s Choir at the Ahmadi parish. She
is also a member of Kids for Christ community, Ahmadi parish unit which has a
number of kids’ activities. She has been chosen to lead the Kids for Christ
dancing and singing groups, respectively.
PERFORMANCES
Valanka first got
her opportunity in Konkani shows when Mrs. Norma, one of the parishioners,
recommended her to Goan director Dominic Fernandes for a song that he directed
in a Mangalorean show.
The show,
called as ‘Konkani Divas’ was celebrated at Carmel school auditorium, Kuwait.
It was a day-long program that had competitions, comedy, dance, and singing with
nearly 1,000 people watching.
Again, it was
Shri Dominic who cast Valanka on a big stage in (KKM) Kuwait Konknni Mogi’s ‘Unique
Musical Show’ in November 2019 that featured stars from Goa & London.
Valanka sang a solo in the show, and also featured in a kid’s trio alongside
Aaron D’Souza and Valentino Pinto. Both songs were well applauded and encored.
“I will always
remember my first musicians who helped on stage especially keyboardist Shawn
Rodrigues who trained me up with beautiful music, and other stalwarts like
drummer Tony, Sir Faustino, Dennis Gonsalves, Bongo player Menino and Goa’s
popular saxophonist Roy Menezes,” recalls Valanka.
Valanka was
cast yet again in KKM’s Live Facebook Musical Show in February 2021.
WATCH OUT FOR
THE LITTLE STAR
The little star
is now chosen to shine in a Live Stream Show by Navelim stars in Kuwait, who
are presenting ‘GOENCHE ONLINE SUPERSTAR’ on 16th April 2021. The
show will have a variety of songs and comedy.
“I am very
excited about this show, and I hope I have more and more opportunities to perform
in Konkani, and show my talent to my loving Goans,” concludes Valanka.
FACT FILE
|
Birthday |
7th
September 2008 |
|
Parents |
Victor &
Betty Fernandes |
|
School |
Delhi Public
School (DPS) |
|
Hobbies |
Singing,
Dancing, Art & Craft, Sports and listening to music |
|
Favorite
pastime |
Exploring
interesting facts |
|
Ambition |
To be a Tiatrist
of highest standards. |
|
Favorite
Musician |
Maestro Shahu
Almeida |
|
Favorite Band
|
BTS, One
direction |
|
Favorite singer |
Lorna, Olga
Vaz |