Dubai : Fun and Frolic in Abundance at 'Family Fiesta- 2009'

by Sujay BendurDaijiworld Media Network – Dubai (SP)
Dubai, Dec 12: Mangalore Konkans Dubai had organized their annual event, 'Family Fiesta – 2009,' at the Wanderers Sports Club, Sharjah on Friday December 11, 2009.
The day-long event started at around 11.00 am, with the delivery of the welcome address by the president of Mangalore Konkans, Santosh Nazareth.
'The Mission' band had come all the way from Srilanka to entertain the crowd throughout the day with their beautiful music. The cloudy weather and light rains provided the crowd with an ideal atmosphere to dance to the musical tunes.
Though there had been intermittent drizzling with some intervals in between, the spirit of the crowd continued to be high, and the people went on to have fun until evening. The Christmas atmosphere was in the air at the venue, as several participants were wearing the 'Santa' colour caps and attire.
Stalls, games, face-painting etc., which were organized by Mangalore Konkans attracted lot of participants, especially the kids.
Along with the 'Mission' troupe, local artistes like Gopi Kamath, Monica Valder and others entertained the crowd with their melodious voices and talented rendering.
Loads of spot prizes and gift vouchers that were on offer, encouraged the crowd to become overtly creative in their dances and performances. Singing of Christmas Carols by the teams from the crowd was one of the highlights of the event.
A good number of sponsors from around UAE and outside generously supported the event for the charity causes undertaken by the organizers, Mangalore Konkans Dubai. A spontaneous auction for novelties that was undertaken at the venue, succeeded in generating AED 125, 000, which stands as witness to the generous support from the community members for charitable causes.
NRE entrepreneur, Ronald Colaco, who is on a visit the UAE, also joined the Family Fiesta and contributed to the cause. Philanthropist Ivan Fernandes, Charles D'Souza and others too joined the cause.
Anil Menezes ably compered the event

Mangalore Konkans Dubai Presents 'Family Fiesta 2009’

Media Release
Dubai, Dec 6: Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club, Sharjah will witness ‘Family Fiesta 2009’ presented by Mangalore Konkans Dubai on Friday 11th December’2009, an annual family oriented event with a Christmas theme. The program will commence at 10:00AM.
Mangalore Konkans who has a history of organising such family oriented events with a social theme at the core of its mission and vision, has not spared any effort in ensuring that the entertainment and ambience are just perfect.
Santosh Nazareth President of Mangalore Konkans states with assurance, that no effort is spared in organising the event and promises it to be the best, the year will witness. With the team work of the members, support of the sponsors, well wishers & near and dear ones, he looks forward Family Fiesta 2009 to be another feather in the cap of Mangalore Konkans Dubai, after the successful & memorable Konkans Sports Meet held on 20th November 2009 at Dubai Police & Cultural Sports Club.
Primary attraction for the event is a Srilankan band “Mission” who has carved a name for themselves, not only in Sri Lanka and abroad, but even in UAE for their unique multi-lingual performance. The event will feature multilingual including konkani local artists. It is worth mentioning that the event will have foot tapping music and maximum amount of time allocated towards entertainment. A Christmas carol jamboree is being held in order to put everyone present in a Christmas mood. Anil Menezes, a well-known Master of ceremonies who will be taking on the role of MC promises to take the event to its heights with his creative ideas.
Children will have their own entertainment with jumping castle, face painting and loads of other games and fun events. Various game stalls have been arranged to keep all of us entertained. A creative Christmas tableau, which portrays the life of Christ, is another added attraction of the event. Santa will arrive from a land far, far away with loads of gifts and presents for the children. Audience will also have a chance to win loads and loads of prizes through various games, sponsor game (one of the unique), novelty dance and so on. The famous Marco Polo hotel has promised that the buffet laid out which is inclusive in your ticket, will be the best in class.
Mangalore Konkans Dubai a pioneer in charity works in India, UAE & worldwide aims to reach out the education of the deserving poor children and provide medical assistance to the sick. The proceeds of Family Fiesta 2009 will be donated towards the above noble cause. Be a part of it!!!
All in all, Family Fiesta 2009 promises to be the best event of the year 2009. Book your tickets now. Mark your calendars as ‘Family Fiesta 2009’ on 11-12-2009. For further information and tickets you may contact us on (Call/SMS) 050-7035220, 050-6443036, 050-6588383, 055-8441898, 050-1636014 or familyfiesta.mk@gmail.com. For tickets in Abu Dhabi kindly contact Mr. Christopher D’Cunha on 050-6566541.

Mangalore Konkans to present Family Fiesta on 11th Dec 2009

Each season, brings with it a distinct aura - an atmosphere dictated, almost as much by holidays, annual celebrations and subtle changes in the pace of life, as by the climate itself or festive events.
In the Gulf, where climatic changes are marginal at most, "our seasons' specially Christmas season, tend to be bracketed by dates and events on the social and religious calendar. Nevertheless, it is winter, school are out. And the pace of life is definitely sedentary. What better time to trot out the best of the jeans, a semi formal outfit for a gracious day out with fun and frolic.
A day out to enjoy "FAMILY FIESTA 2009", will be presented by Mangalore Konkans Dubai, on Friday 11th December, 2009 at Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club, Sharjah from 10.00 a.m onwards.
No efforts or expense has been spared to ensure that the entertainment, catering and ambience are just perfect, said Santosh Nazareth, the president of Mangalore Konkans.
Mission - a renowned band from Sri Lanka, who needs very little introduction to the true music aficionado, will perform along with other artists who will provide repertoire of their music virtuosity.
A sumptuous lunch will be catered and served with true perfection. As every year, Mangalore Konkans is expecting over 1200 invited guests and fun loving folks from all over the UAE.
Our aim behind this function is mainly to reach out the education of the deserving poor children and to provide medical assistance to the sick, said Mr Nazareth in a press release from Mangalore Konkans.
As you may appreciate an undertaking of these proportions calls for considerable financial support and we are looking to potential sponsors, benefactors and well wishers to assist offset costs and be a part of charity extended, the released added.

Konkan Sports Meet 2009

Dubai: Broaden Your Child's Horizon - A fruitful Workshop

Dubai: Broaden Your Child's Horizon - A fruitful Workshop

Report by Deepak Machado. Pictures by Kumar Fernandes.
Dubai, Oct 25: Have you ever woken up someday to realise that you were doing the right opposite in your professional life than what you dreamed of? You dreamt of becoming a professional athlete, an artiste, a trainer, an astronaut, an engineer, a banker, a businessman? Where do you stand now? When at Mangalore Konkans we mused on this, we thought that our children or the coming generation must not go through the same dilemma as we went through. And LO....Roadmap to professional excellence was born. On 23rd of October 2009, children and parents alike came together for a unique program conducted by Mangalore Konkans, Dubai-Roadmap to professional excellence. The Part One of the series of events ‘Broaden your child’s horizon’ concentrated on guiding the children who are on the anvil of taking a great decision in their lives as to what subjects do they chose for their college which would sketch their career path.
There were three speakers for the day, Dr. Rose Kamath, Rema Menon and Rev. Ashish Thomas.
The seminar started exactly at 10.30am as mentioned and kicked off with an interactive session conducted by Dr. Rose Kamath. Dr. Kamath, who is a sports psychologist, gave an important message as to how we under-estimate ourselves and where we exactly stand with our capabilities. She highlighted the topics of Self-Esteem, passion and right career choice.
Mrs. Rema Menon, who runs Counselling Point, explained the importance of having a clear cut vision from the beginning towards which career an individual would choose. Students must be aware of their hobbies, interests and values, Mrs. Menon explained. There are umpteen and endless opportunities in the world for anyone who is passionate about what he or she wants to achieve. She also explained that one must set realistic goals, make a flexible plan, prepare plan B, learn to adapt to changes while choosing universities and colleges. Choosing career where the passion lies would bring ultimate satisfaction, she explained. Mrs. Menon concluded by quoting a famous saying by Walt Disney that “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
Rev. Ashish Thomas, a successful businessman spoke on the importance of ‘values’ in the students. He started by saying about his own life experience as to what he wanted to be in future and how with systematic plan he could achieve it. He reiterated the importance of family values and personal values. He mentioned that the greatest gift that Indians have is the gift of ‘values.’ We must give up our ‘Çhalta Hai’attitude, he said. Having been to several countries he cautioned the participants not to give into frugal financial temptations of life that they may come across. While doing studies students must be aware of the bad impacts of drugs, unsafe sex and other anti-social activities, Ashish said.
Later, Dr. Kamath, conducted an exercise for the participants on what their interests are and what might be a possible career option depending on the passions and interests the children have through Holland’s six Personality types. She also gave a questionnaire where various possible career possibilities could be derived depending on the answers.
What followed was an intense question and answer session.
Few of the participants were asked to share their experiences with the other participants. The seminar concluded at 2 pm, followed by lunch.
Deepak Machado welcomed the gathering while Manohar Pais was the master of the ceremony. Clinton Mendonca proposed the vote of thanks. President of Mangalore Konkans, Santosh Nazareth presented mementos to the speakers.

Deepak Machado- Pics: Vivian PintoDaijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Apr 5: A jargon for many, a headache for policy makers, a cyclical phenomenon for economists; ‘Recession’ for many has meant lost jobs, lower sales, lower bottom lines, an uncertain future etc. Keeping the current scenario in mind, it was an apt occasion to let people know what recession all about is and its effects on family life. Mangalore Konkans, Dubai held a seminar pertaining to – “Recession and its effects on family life” at India Club on 3rd of April evening at 7.
The speaker for the day was Royston Fernandes-GM of Lobo Management Consultants, Abu Dhabi who brought forward his thoughts on recession and its effect on family life.
Ivan Fernandes, Chairman of DUCONT was on the panel of experts who clarified the doubts and questions of the audience. He was accompanied by Royston Fernandes.
Valerian Peris and James Mendonca welcomed the gathering. Aboline D’cunha introduced the speaker. Tracy Rodrigues introduced Ivan Fernandes.
CONTENTS
Royston began his address by clarifying the difference between recession and depression. When an economy is under recession production declines and if the GDP of the country is hit badly. He mentioned that before understanding recession it was necessary to understand market and market economy. Two factors of the market are demand and supply and two stages of market economy are growing and declining. The equilibrium in demand and supply decides the prices of goods and services.
In a growing market economy there is always a higher demand for goods and services, there is a higher liquidity and everyone seems to be happy and there is a general willingness to buy. But in a declining market economy there is less demand, and as a result production falls, companies lay off employees and there is a negative sentiment in the market and an uncertain future. Recession happens when the Market Economy has declined and when the supply is more than demand.
Royston mentioned that in the current recession all companies are not affected. Healthcares, FMCG are not as affected as much as Real estate, Financial services are. The current market scenario is such that cash has evaporated (credit crisis), profitability is severely hit, there is a lack of sales, mass layoffs etc. The worrying facts for a breadwinner are a family to manage, loans to pay, savings to be done etc.
In such a scenario the don’ts for employees are ‘waste time gossiping, take too much vacations, resist salary cuts, resist transfers etc. Employees need to be open minded and be prepared to take unpaid time off, working few days in a week, wage freeze etc.
The do’s for employees are to be punctual to office, ensure to pick up new skills, do something innovative, take training programs, work hard and save money for your employer etc. He further added to be cheerful because life goes on.
If a person is jobless, Royston gave few tips as to what should be done. A person who has lost job should not hold preferences regarding city, salary, designation, location etc when an opportunity comes along, you need to go through your references. Keyword employers are looking for is ‘flexibility’. Improving communication skill should be the top priority as per Royston. Investment in acquiring new skills would enhance the chances of landing in a job.
A family has to take a stock of its daily expenses by writing down the expenses. A clear distinction has to be drawn between ‘need to have’ and ‘nice to have’ expenses. All ‘nice to have expenses’ need to be done away with. Cash is king in times of recession and a high priority has to be placed on this. Royston mentioned that one should live as though one could lose his job tomorrow.
A family needs to check the services subscribed and whether they are necessary when it comes to mobiles phone, broadband etc. Royston reiterated to live within the means and expect no handouts from anybody.
Debts can not be cancelled in the UAE. Credit cards are not to be used for withdrawing cash. An individual has to consolidate the loans. People having home loans needs to look at whether it can be refinanced, if the property fetches fair value it is better to sell it.
Parents have to be honest with the children and make them understand of the situation. Children in turn need to understand the parents.
If you are a businessman, you should look at selling non income yielding assets, improve your account receivables, discipline discretionary expenses, switch to energy saving habits, relocate to smaller premises etc said Royston. Cleaning up the balance sheet should be the top priority.
Wealth management: This is the right time to get into investments in stocks as the shares of several companies are quoting fraction of their peak values and many are undervalued. Investing in SIP(systematic investment plan) in a mutual fund scheme is a wise investment.
Should you invest in a property? First preference of investment should be land, second land and house, third preference should be an apartment.
The living principle in recession is: “Happiness is inversely proportional to expectations/ desires.” The more the expectations/desires, the less the happiness and vice versa.
Royston gave some suggestions to live a great life. Spend time with family, exercise, walk a lot, drink lots of water, listen to radio, watch some TV, visit libraries, Read books you purchased but never read, go to friend’s place for a dinner, enroll into a hobby, join laughter forum, meet interesting people etc.
Finally Royston asked not to worry, what goes down will always go up, markets will rebound.
The presentation was followed by question and answer session which was handled by Ivan Fernandes and Royston Fernandes. Ronald D’cunha proposed the vote of thanks. James Mendonca and Santhosh Nazreth felicitated the speakers. The seminar was followed by a dinner.

Dubai: Santosh Nazareth Elected President of Mangalore Konkans

Media Release
Dubai, Mar 29: Mangalore Konkans, Dubai, one of the foremost social, charitable and cultural associations in the U.A.E., completed 20 years of service in 2008.
This organisation has given its selfless service, both financial and moral, to those in need in the U.A.E., India and internationally.

On Friday afternoon, Mangalore Konkans, Dubai, which was under the presidency of James Mendonca for the last five years, held its elections for a new Core Committee for the period 2009-2011 under the guardianship of Jocelyn Mascarenhas, Founder Member and Former President.
The new office bearers are:
Honorary President : Santosh Nazareth
Honorary Vice President : Linus Moras
Honorary Secretary : Lilly D’Almeida
Honorary Joint Secretary : Vanita D’Souza
Honorary Treasurer : Deepak Machado
Honorary Entertainment Secretary : Stany D’Cunha
Honorary Sports Secretary : Agnel Fernandes
The Advisory Committee:
James Mendonca
Valerian Peris
Ronald D'Cunha
Albert Rodrigues
Mangalore Konkans, Dubai thanks all its sponsors and well wishers for their support and cooperation during all these years. While we congratulate and wish the new Committee every success as it carries the banner of the organisation forward, Mangalore Konkans, Dubai calls upon your continued support.