By Gasper Crasto
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 (http://www.goa-world.com/)