GOA's 3RD ANNUAL MAY QUEEN BALL 2003 A BIG HIT IN QATAR

Based on its huge success last year, the Goan Overseas Association (G.O.A) held its 3rd Annual May Queen Ball 2003 on 15th May 2003 at Al-Jewan Banquet Hall, Al Dana Club with over 800 guests, including diplomats, VIP’s, sponsors and well-wishers from all walks of life in attendance.

The event was opened after a grand march which brought every guest on the floor and then the President of GOA, Mr. Simon D’Silva officially inaugurated the show by cutting the long ribbon tied up from one end to the other end of the stage, simultaneously 500 colourful balloons just poured down from the ceiling and bursted on each other.

The Chief Guest of the Evening was Mr. Remo Fernandes, Indian Pop/Rock Star accompanied by his French wife Michele has arrived all the way from Goa, India. He thanked G.O.A. for inviting him and his wife. Earlier, Remo was honoured with a beautiful momento presented to him by the Goan Overseas Association, Qatar. A huge cake was cut celebrating his 50th Birthday who celebrated it on 8th May. It was a moment of happiness and unforgettable event for Remo and Michele. Remo in turn threw a surprise and took the stage to the crowd’s delight. He picked up a guitar and sung a popular konkani song “Hundra Mojea Mama” with an added touch of humour in five different styles. The guests were thrilled with this unexpected treat.

Mr. Zafer S. Nahawi, Managing Director of Norsk Hydro Middle East was the Guest of Honour who appreciated the efforts put up by the organizers and offered his support and co-operation in future events too. Mr. Updesh Swar who was invited as the Special Guest from Goa has also performed during the show along with ARCHIES. The comperes Savio & Melwyn D’Silva who flew from Dubai to Qatar set the mood and the tone for a fun packed evening with their inimitable style and performance.

Mr. Simon D’silva, the president of the G.O.A welcomed everyone warmly and thanked Mr. Remo and his wife for accepting their invitation. Mr. D’Silva in his address stated that today is a great day for all the Goans in Qatar for having in their midst a global shinning star from GOA. The Association also celebrated their third anniversary of it’s inception. He also thanked Mr. Zafer Nahawi, Updesh Swar, Archies, D.J. Alex, Main Sponsor Commercial Bank of Qatar, Official Carrier Qatar Airways, Official Newspaper Gulf Times and Official Video/Photography Gulf Colours. Just the presence of such large numbers was a strong and clear indication of the enormous value that they held for each other and it is a great honour to lead the Goan Overseas Association in Qatar which had such a strong presence and firm links with other Goan Associations around the world, said Mr. D’Silva. He also applauded the managing committee and the core group of the G.O.A. without whose cooperation and massive support this huge success would have been but a dream and not such a wonderful reality.

India’s leading and Goa’s No. 1 band “ARCHIES” with Miss. Varsha Mathur of Channel V fame satiated the music buds of all the guests by playing fantastic music catering exclusively to taste and choice of all and sundry. The floor was jam-packed constantly with crowds of people and their partners dancing the night away, some taking away valuable spot prizes donated by the various sponsors. Desert Thunder DJ Alex with his exquisite choice of music ensured that everybody had a tumultuous time clamoring for more and more.

The May Queen Pageant was very glitzy and conducted in a highly professional style. Each contestant was a winner in their own way with their alluring smile, slinky looks and proud walk making it very difficult for the esteemed judges in attendance Mr. Archie D’Mello (Head of the Judging Panel)  Mr. Donald Pereria, and Dr. Debborah Overoyen to make their descision. It has always been the G.O.A.’s principle that every woman is Beautiful and Special, what set the winners apart from the rest of the contestants was the power of their grace, personality and exclusiveness. In all the charm and glamour of all the lovely contestants only 15 made it to the final round out of 24, where Ms. Candida Nazareth of Raia, Goa crowned GOA’s May Queen 2003 by renowned musician Remo Fernandes and Ms. Laura Fernandes  was awarded Runner-up by Mr. Zafer S. Nahawi who was the Guest of Honour for the evening.

In summary, the 3rd Annual May Queen Ball 2003 was a huge success where everybody had a rollicking time. Kudos to all who supported the event in their own way. Special Mention was made individually to all the sponsors by Mr. John De Sa, Chairman of the Association. Photos, VCD’s, Video Cassettes are available at Gulf Colours.