Latest Goan Treasure
Domnic's Goa A nostalgic romp through a bygone era
From: www.goanet.org

By Domnic P. F. Fernandes

Released: April 27, 2007 - Kala Academy, Black Box, Campal, Panaji, Goa
Publisher: Abbe Faria Productions
Foreword: Placido P. D'Souza
Illustrations: Domnic Cordo
Edited & typeset: Frederick Noronha
Designer: Cecil Pinto
Printer: Rama Harmalkar
ISBN 978-81-904640-0-0
247 pages, Rs 350

Domnic Peter Francis Fernandes is the Internet's find. Since 2003, when he began penning his thoughts in cyberspace, he never quite stopped.

What would you say when a man in his fifties, busy at work in the hot desert sands of Saudi Arabia, suddenly discovers his talent to jot down amazingly detailed pen-portraits of the Goa that was half-a-century ago?

As he wrote, Domnic got rave reviews. His work was met with appreciative acknowledgment, and ever so many email messages telling him just how meaningful his writing was. Via cyberspace, his pen-sketches have already helped thousands understand and appreciate their own relationship with this tiny but significant region of South Asia.

Now, Domnic's labour of love takes on a paper-and-ink existence and a reality that goes beyond the virtual world.

Domnic has been egged on to write a book, and the product is in your hands. As he explains, "These articles are my personal experiences. They tell the story of the Goa I knew. You would find many set around Bardez, in the central Goan coastal area, and sometimes the narration pointedly refers to my home-village of Anjuna. But, I feel, and you might agree, these stories also paint a wider picture of far-reaching social change taking place in Goa over a half-century.

The book is distributed in :
Goa by Broadway, near Caculo Island, Panjim; Varsha Book Stall, Azad Maidan, Panjim & internationally by http://www.OtherIndiaBookStore.Com

Swinging To Time "An Evening of Portugese Fado"
From: http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2007/07/16/stories/2007071650100300.htm
Review by AYESHA MATTHAN
Photo: Bhagya Prakash K.

It felt just like you were sitting in a café in Goa – and while you listened to some soulful traditional Fado, your eyes sailed beyond the Arabian Sea and washed at the shores of Portugal.

And there in a country house circled by olive groves, a radio sings wistfully about love, amar and longing, saudade.

Five Goan singers and musicians — Sonia Shirsat, Miguel, Chantale and Franz Schubert Cotta and Carlos Manuel Meneses — accompanied by Bangalore School of Music’s Dinesh K. and Nikhil George performed at “An Evening of Portugese Fado” organised by the Alliance Francaise, Bangalore School of Music, Orient Foundation, Embassy of Portugal and Cicade de Goa Resort.

Fado or destiny or fate is said to have found its musical roots in 1820 Portugal and from the cities of Lisbon and Coimbra, two separate genres sprouted.

Rounded and deep, Sonia Shirset’s voice had listeners set sail on “Fria Claridade” (Cold Light) where nights turned cold and light no longer provides warmth. All her fados – “Fadinho Serranho” (Opening Fado), “Triste Sina” (Sad Fate) and “Namorico da Rita” (Rita’s love story) made you pine for your lost lover while you sat lost as street musicians thrummed at the Portugese guitar.

When Miguel Cotta, the only male voice, sang, plump Portugese couples dancing at a wedding whirled in front of you. With hands in his pockets, he sang like the stern-faced Christopher Plummer in “The Sound of Music” about the welcoming, open arms of a Portugese home to a stranger in “Casa Portugesa”.

Smooth and lilting
Chantelle Cotta was the nightingale – smooth and lilting. She gurgled like a spring and when she sang, her whole body sang. Her fados “Chuva” (Rain), Quase Immortal (Eternal) burst forth like a scene from an old Hollywood movie.

The fados had you lost in daydreams whilst images of a young bride-to-be counting the days till her wedding, or masquerading in Goa or following the yellow kite over the fields and fountains, rock hills and plains whizzed past to repeat the sounding joy. Founder and Trustee, Bangalore School of Music, Aruna Sunderlal commented: “All the singers have beautiful voices that express a variety of emotions from nostalgia, sadness, melancholy, to love. While Sonia has a deeper voice, Chantale is soprano.”

You didn’t have to uproot the meaning of the Fados sung to let the poignant music tug at your heart and hum along. Dinesh K. and Nikhil George strummed pure instrumental Fado music on the Portugese and classical guitars, winning bravos from the crowd.

They had the listeners tapping their feet, nodding their heads and slapping their thighs to a melodious symphony. You had to keep up with them like school-girls hopping and skipping in a competition.

When the Goan singers sang “It’s time to say goodbye” in a chorus accompanied by the traditional Goan drum, ghumott, it was like listening to the last instrumental jam of “La Bamba”, at the end of a long night of sweaty brows and weary legs in making merry at An Evening of Portugese Fado.

Black: Braz de Parra composes songs with danceable beat riffs
http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid
By Gasper Crasto, Kuwait

• Eccentric lyrics define soundtracks of 'BLACK'



Kuwait July 16, 2007: Music is the most beautiful of arts. And when music is entwined with words, it becomes a perfect melody. The association between a popular film and emotion is a long-established part of the lore of Indian cinema, for filmmakers and fans alike. Running alongside this, and indeed long preceding it, is an equally entrenched association between lyrics, music and emotion.

Right from the first Konkani film 'Sukhi Koni' made in 1949 to films like Mogacho Anvddo, Amchem Noxib, Nirmon, Boglant, Bhuierantlo Munis, Mog ani Moipas, Padri, etc, songs have assumed a much more prominent role in the soundtrack and sound design of feature films. Like their classical precursors, soundtracks, based on a collage of songs, play a vital role in amplifying and inflecting the much desired touching significance to films.

Winner of Best Singer Kala Academy Award in 1989, Braz Rodrigues popularly known as Braz de Parra holds credits for writing the lyrics of 'BLACK Nhesop Atanchem Fashion' – the first Konkani E-Cinema scheduled for release in Kuwait on Aug 10, 2007 at Masrah, Hawalli Auditorium.

Many people argue about the importance of lyrics or wordings in songs. Many are staunchly in the 'lyrics rule' corner, while many claim to never pay attention to them, saying that they don't really think lyrics impact their appreciation so long as the voice itself is pleasant.But in Konkani songs, if the words of a song or voice of the vocalist irritate, chances are that the music isn't going to win the audience over on its own. And if the music is derivative or uninspired, the lyricist is going to have a hard time saving the day all by his lonesome in the critical land that is the ears of the audience.

It's turn to get introspective and a bit philosophical about the lyrics in BLACK that has some thoughtful lines specially coined by the soft spoken Braz.

Among a genre of top singers based in Kuwait Braz de Parra is known more as a name than seen or heard much. However, the low profiled composer is nothing new to Konkani songs or acting. He has regularly featured on stage right from his childhood. At a very tender age he starred as a child artiste for his first stage appearance in Fernando Bhattkar's drama 'Guneanv Konnacho' in his home-town Parra, North Goa. Catching on to inspiration from his uncle Lawry Rodrigues when he was still in the 9th standard, Braz wrote and directed a drama called 'Nagounno' with a full professional caste that included famous artistes such as late Jerry Boy, Jerome de Mapusa, S. Lemos, Marcelino de Betim and legendary singer Young Menezes.

Son of famous North Goa playwright and composer Jose Rod and Eliza Rodrigues, Braz de Parra is happily living in Kuwait with wife Cynthia and son Avlon. Working since 1992, Braz was first introduced by famous tiatr star Jose Rod in Kuwait to sing a opening chorus in Mario de Majorda's drama 'Sambau' staged at Keifan Hall in September 1994.

"I have grown up watching my idols Comedian Philip and Jose Rod who are good friends now," discloses Braz, "I used to dream of acting with them."

 West 55 + East TEGSA = "PARADISE PICNIC."

It was a "HOT" "HOT" "HOT" Summer's day on July l5th 2007 when our 55 Plus Goan Association and Tegsa members took full advantage of the glorious "Sultry" summer weather to share a family day picnic at Erindale Park in Mississauga. Members came out in full force and they not only brought their Lawn chairs, but their "SING-A-LONG- VOICES TOO!!"

The setting was Unique! This park, located in Central Mississauga, nestled along the Historic Credit River, is a special setting of Lush green trees and green shrubs, which added an enchanting element to the musical sounds of the 55+ PGA CD's that were played. at intervals at the site!. Hence, it was easy to find the spot, as, thanks to John DeSouza, our Communications Co-ordinator, who obtained the Power Pack (sound system), which led people easily to our spot!. We were pretty lucky to have gotten a beautiful spot that provided "SHADY RELIEF" under the shelter! This spot depicted a special place where History, Nature, Beauty, Peace and Tranquillity blended together to create an enjoyable "outdoor" experience!

The directions were well laid out by Theo Fernandes, who kindly volunteered his services by placing them in appropriate spots so that no one would land up in the Credit River!!! The first visible sign when you gained entrance to our picnic site was the beautiful banner provided by Uvy Lopes with the TEGSA Logo on it and also incorporated on the banner was our 55+PGA Poster, which was also another work of art, designed by Manuel Castelino, (at such short notice)!!. Our grateful thanks go out to both Uvy and Manuel for this timely effort on their part to have it displayed ON TIME!!
The "splashpad" at the picnic grounds was also bustling with activity, as kids of all ages sought refuge from the searing heat! They entertained themselves thoroughly, enjoying the slides and the swings at the Park.!

After the "dust" settled and everyone refreshed themselves to some delicacies that were passed around, and quenched their thirst, and after getting acquainted with each other, our Social Secretary, Juliet Rebello welcomed the TEGSA members who came all the way from the East End and especially welcomed the overseas guest, namely Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Dantas, visiting Canada all the way from Nairobi, Kenya! We were happy to have them in our midst!

"Let the Games begin".....
The First race "East Meets West" challenge each other to a Relay Race...... (organized by Juliet Rebello), The ladies participated equally on either side!!......
The Winners....of course.....55+ PGA ....had a steady lead...and took 1st PLACE!!

The Second race - again against TEGSA , challenge each other to a "Marble & Spoon" race (organized by Dolly Vienna).

This one was a real challenge - as all us ladies "lost our marbles" after turning "Fifty Five" but ......nevertheless....
The Winners.......none other than....55+!!! ....this was a fun race as a few guys were involved who really "Lost them Marbles".. along the way, but retrieved them immediately!! It was fun to participate in these games after so many years.....and brought back some fond memories of our "School days"!!. Well - we all had our wits about us and Hats off to the TEGSA team, who lost with a smile....(and a grunt)!!.....
jokes aside....were happy losers! ....great sportsmanship shown!! and a great time was had by all.

The men then congregated further down into an open area to play a mixed "Volleyball" game.....set out by Ruben Rebello,
The ladies tightened their seatbelts and watched as they played like they never played before, each one 'heading', kicking, and palming off the ball in different directions, (mainly towards where the ladies were sitting).....just to get our attention.
We were mesmerized with Victor D'Souza from (TEGSA) ....cum ELVIS PRESLEY.....who charmed the ladies with his rendition of "Jailhouse Rock", & "Teddy Bear" and a few other "catchy" numbers, that we forgot to "CATCH" the ball and throw it back to the guys!!!.....we left them to finish the game ( and were disgruntled to see us walk away) and followed Victor to our picnic spot to carry on with the rest of the celebrations!!! i.e. Victor got us going.....so Juliet announced there would be a singing competition between 55 PGA members and TEGSA.........following the meal.....as by this time we were all FAMISHED.....!!

All the members put up an appetizin culinary tasty spread....an excellent meal even to the most discerning palette! and touched the spot! - Dessert followed....Lots of Crunchy delicious Watermelon that was served to perfection by Theo Fernandes!......and many other desserts.........(We were now ready for the Karoake competition.......)
The soloists, from TEGSA were, Victor D'ouza who sang Elvis Presley style ....
Juliet Mktar from TEGSA who "wowed" the crowd with her renditions of Connie Francis favourite numbers,....
Both took the coveted FIRST PRIZE........

Lastly, to the youngest participant of the ladies "marble and spoon race" Miss .Kaitlin Nazareth,with the proud grandparents (Paul and Juliet Nazareth) watching, proudly collected her prize...!!..........
"A picture Frame".......saying......"Daddy Loves Me".....oops....(sorry mommy)!!!...that's what she chose..out of the two)!!!!

From 55+ PGA -
..Frank Fernandes stole the show with his "Ole Blue Eyes" Frank style, and also came out tops singing
"BEY- SAME- MUCHO"........ which won him .....the FIRST PRIZE....

The Participation Prize - went out to Lynn Sousa Marques,from 55+PGA who also 'WOWED" the crowd and surprised his wife, Monica,when he swept the floor with his flawless renditions of numerous folk songs that got everyone tapping and clapping and singing along all the popular numbers..... He sang with such Pizzaz, oomph and confidence, that left everyone especially Monica spellbound!! - he deserved a medal....but settled for a nifty gift!! and widespread applause!

We also had the "Andrews Sisters", i.e. Monica Sousa Marques, Alba D'Silva and Tina Walker, who gave it their best with "Paper Roses"..... & applause all round!!

This popular lady (who put all the other ladies who did not participate) to shame, came out in a "wheelchair" and stunned the audience with her velvety voice and graciously sang her favourite numbers,i.e. " Bombay Meri Hey" and one of her favourite number ..... by special request, "Bey Same Mucho" .....to top Frank Ferns!!

Last, but not least, the "husband and wife duo" Dolly and Ernest Vienna ,sang a Jim Reeves special.,
"He'll have to Go".... it was sweet and warm, and charmed all the couples around!! ...to a resounding applause!!

To all the participants - Congratulations on a job well done.....just goes to show you how talented our Seniors are!!

Theo Fernandes - Kept the crowd going with his senior jokes.......that left everyone in stitches!!

Last but not least ,Our Cameraman - Mr. Uvy Lopes captured every event from beginning to end. He tirelessly went around capturing great and special moments! To him we owe our thanks!

Thanks goes out to the telemail committee for their endless preparation for this special outing, without whom, under the direction of Juliet Rebello, would have not come to fruition!

To Ruben Rebello, and the men of the Executive Committee, who helped in getting all the "paraphenalia" to the picnic in the early hours of the morning to ensure the smooth running of things! and trudging it all back home.!!

To the 18 TEGSA members who participated and gave their support - a million thanks! - hope we can have a repeat performance next year!! - (By popular demand).....

Well folks - I trust you are well informed....of our 55+PGA and TEGSA's event!
Everyone had a grand old time......we are still nursing our poor feet!!...... but we embraced the day with unabated exuberance, knowing that time does not stand still......especially when you are enjoying yourself, all good things comes to an end....
We at 55+PGA promise to give you our best..Count on us to keep adding the oomph and zing to your celebrations!!

We encourage you,to check our website for upcoming events at www.goanvoice.ca.

Muriel Lucas
General Secretary
55+GA-West GTA.

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