The traditional 23rd May Queen Ball at Doha Qatar’s Radisson Blu ballroom on 11th May ’23 was a showbiz of entertainment attended by Bollywood celebrities and distinguished Goans from all across the globe.
Showbiz is the only word to describe the glamorous event organized by Goan Welfare Association (GWA) under the leadership of its evergreen president Simon D’Silva.
The evening was full of fun: dancing, enjoying the warmth of friends and being delighted at every turn.
The celebration was a perfect ambience in the background of fabulous décor by Orbit Events & Marketing, dazzling lighting and lavish luxury. The ballroom was emblazoned with streaming illumination that created luxuriant dancing ambience, while dazzling lights of various hues swirled every nook and corner.
A signature event, the May Ball has been a pride of Goans abroad for more than 2 decades now.
LIVE MUSIC, DJ & COMPERES
There were many highlights of the night.
Popular Goan band, ‘The Forefront’ brought especially for the event provided great entertainment. They filled the night with spontaneous music.
Global sensation Sanio Fernandes, who also performed, was welcomed to a warm applause. A prime example of his far-reaching impact, Sanio left an indelible mark with his grand style, singing some nostalgic Goan melodies.
DJ Sanaa had some sessions of scintillating sound waves mostly catering to the new genre.
Goa’s veteran host Updesh Swar & USA based Anunsya D’Cunha compered. Anunsya amazed everyone with her electrifying energy & flamboyancy.
The two comperes were in flowing form after being introduced to the audience by Kuwait-based guest Gasper Crasto. They kept the crowd engaged throughout the evening.
CROWNING OF MAY BALL QUEEN
The incident that provided definitive oeuvre to the evening’s presentation was the May Ball Queen contest.
A huge contingent of beauties from different countries such as India, Canada, Philippines, and Kenya participated.
After a series of cat-walks and tough-notch questions, Qatar’s Krystle Fernandes, a flight-attendant working for Qatar Airways and hailing from Calangute – Goa, was crowned the prestigious May Ball Queen.
She was crowned at the hands of Bollywood star Arjun Bijlani, one of the chief guests at the function.
The first runner-up was won by Janet Muli, a Kenyan national while Filipino Hazel Faith Catulong bagged the second runner-up.
Actress Smita Bansal, Aldona MLA Adv. Carlos Alvares Ferreira, and Supt. of Customs Robert Cabral were other invitees present on the occasion.
GLOBAL GOAN ASSOCIATION LAUNCHED
Launching of the Global Goan Association, demanding dual citizenship for Goans, was another high-point of the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Adv. Carlos Ferreira expressed his great admiration at the initiative which could pave way for other Indian states to follow suit and ultimately benefit from the cause.
GWA President Simon D’Silva highlighted some key objectives of the association which stands officially registered with the Societies Acts in Goa.
Mr. Simon said, “Apart from its main objective, the association will serve as a platform for interaction between the Goan community in the state and those living abroad, and also promote cultural, artistic, economic and academic activities across the Goan world.”
H.E Paulo Neves Pocinho, Portuguese Ambassador to Qatar was the chief guest and also spoke on the occasion.
FELICITATIONS AND HONORS
As part of their annual felicitation ceremonial, GWA honored the following individuals with special artefact mementoes for their services, and individual achievements in life.
Dr. Mohan Thomas, outstanding Indian businessman & philanthropist in Qatar; Supt. Robert Cabral for promoting Konkani music, art & culture; Miss. Chloe Buward, outstanding young Goan singer; Ms. Ashney X. Rebello for promoting Goan art & culture, internationally, and Miss. Olesya Dias – Indian National Champion off-road motorbike rider hailing from Curtorim, Goa.
SPECIAL INVITEES, DELEGATES
Invitees for the event who came from far and wide included Brunette Pereira (Scotland), Anunsya D‘Cunha(USA), Ashney Rebello (Canada), Robert Cabral (Goa), Gasper Crasto, Norman Noronha, Salvador Dias & Ramdas Revadkar (all from Kuwait), Edson Fernandes and Ryan Gomes from Saudi Arabia.
GWA left no stone unturned to give their guests a pleasant time. A deluxe sumptuous buffet helped the audience to energize themselves as they took the floor with renewed vigor and danced until the wee hours.
PEOPLE BEHIND THE SUCCESSFUL SHOW
Members of GWA that were part of the successful event included Simon D’Silva – President, Paul Fernandes – Vice President, Hazel Rodrigues – Director Administration,
Pradeep Kotkar – Director Finance, Cajetan Rodrigues – Director Events, Effey Noronha – Director Cultural, Deepshika Barretto – Director Public Relations, Avon Paulo Colaco – Director Sports, Mohamed Malik Panali – Director Media & Social Welfare, Allan De Souza – Director Planning & Coordination and Tanya Rodrigues – Resident Director.
The glorious event was supported by many sponsors
