On 08th May the Al-Habiba Ballroom was abuzz with activity as it here that the Goan Welfare Society held its traditional "May-Ball". With GWS's reputation of putting up well organized functions it was no wonder that the May Ball (considered to be GWS's showpiece of the year) was a sell out even before the first chord could be struck.

The show commenced around 10.00 p.m. in the evening when the Perfect Strangers set the ball rolling with slow numbers that saw the crowd doing the waltzes and a little while later "Tara" a talented youngster joined the band and got everyone into a swinging mood. The Stepping Stones one of Kuwait's leading bands took over from them and got the crowd of more than 600-people grooving to their beat.

In his address Wilson Coelho President of GWS thanked the sponsors, the Society's patrons, well wishers and all the people who were instrumental in making GWS's functions a success.

E.A. Varghese Indian Airline's Kuwait manager due for transfer shortly was felicitated and presentated a plaque of honour. Varghese in turn praised the GWS for the superb show they put up and said he was glad to be associated with the Goan community.

The most eagerly awaited event of the evening was the May Queen Contest which saw 35-pretty gals in the fray for the May Queen's crown. The contest went over three rounds and the contestants were trimmed to 14 semi-finalists and later to five finalists namely Brenda Almeida, Samantha Serrao, Karen Cordeiro, Sabrina Soares and Huda Khaumasi. Before announcing the winners, the five girls were led from their seats on to the dance floor by debonair escorts - a la Femina Miss India pageant style.

The three judges one each hailing from Korea, France and India must have had a tough time in choosing the winner as all five belles must have scored high marks for their beauty. And it was the presence of mind in the questionnaire round that clinched Samantha Serrao the crown of "May Queen". This long-limbed beauty, studying in Mumbai and on a visit here has set her sights on a career in Business Management.

Samantha said that she was thrilled and dedicated the crown to her parents and family. She commended the GWS for giving the girls a chance to show off their talents by organizing this pageant.

First runner-up Karen Cordeiro presently based in the States and visiting her parents in Kuwait stated that she was happy and all praise for the organisers in organising this show.

Second runner-up Huda Khaumasi a pretty and vivacious lass from Lebanon was on cloud nine and asserted that she was indeed happy in being declared one of the winners. Commented that this was the first time she attended this type of function and found it to be very different and enjoyable and expressed a desire to attend the same again.

All three winners received loads of gifts but it was Samantha Serrao who carried home major share of the goodies which included a colour TV, Kuwait-Mumbai and Kuwait-Athens return air tickets. She also received a microwave oven besides various other gifts.

Amongst the contestants who could not make it to the final round Pearl Gonsalves was chosen as the good luck lady, Lorraine Pinto as the lucky lady while the guests voted for Cheryl D'Sa as the best dressed one amongst the contestants.

In his vote of thanks Rabindra Pimenta thanked one and all for making this event a success.