Report by Janet D’souza
Photographs by Ivan Lobo

“I don’t ask for the meaning of the song of a bird or the rising of the sun on a misty morning. There they are, and they are beautiful.” Pete Hamill

Nary a cloud in the sky nor a hint of precipitation but just a whisper of a delightful breeze and bright warm sunshine!  It was as if God himself had painted the sky a scintillating blue and blessed the Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) with a flawless day to bring the community together.  MAC hosted yet another successful event, the Annual Family Picnic on June 22, 2019 at the Meadowvale Conservation Area, Mississauga. 

The festivities began with a prayer and an opening address from Vidya Alvares, the emcee for the day.  Little kids enthusiastically played Passing the Parcel and won treats and gifts for their participation.  Animated and excited children ran all over the park to capture the scattered multi colored leis in the Caterpillar Hunt game.  The creative Step Folder game tested the agility and balance of teenagers who hopped, tethered precariously on one foot yet buoyed by shouts of encouragement raced towards the finish line.   Our seniors came in large numbers to test their aim and strength and displayed their awesome prowess as they knocked the trolls in the Wooden Trip a Troll game.

What is a picnic without the quintessential group games such as volleyball, throw ball and tug-of-war? Women rolled up their sleeves and prepared to play a vigorous and aggressive yet enjoyable game of throw ball.  Men flexed their muscles and demonstrated killer instincts and a winning edge during the volley ball match.  The perfect summer day deserves the ideal water game, the Water Balloon Toss.  Partners formed a line up and faced their partners.  Each coached their partners on the throw and catch technique.  It was gratifying and fun to watch the intent expressions on the competitors faces as they focused on getting the water balloon across to their partners without dropping it.  Tug O War – that Olympian heavy rope symbolizing sheer brute strength, technique and collaboration mobilized men, women and teens to put on their best performance. 

All this exercise and sport made the participants and their families very hungry.  While the tables were being prepared, Manohar Pais, President of the Mangalorean Association of Canada thanked the people for their involvement and patience and also shared details of the 12^th Annual MFSI Cricket Tournament.  Proceeds from this tournament will go towards fighting hunger.  Lunch was then served after a short prayer and was a delicious buffet of Mangalorean dishes such as Baffat, Italian dishes such as pasta, salads, beans and vegetables.  To quench the thirst and cool the palates, MAC generously served scoops of ice cream, a treat much enjoyed by everyone.  MAC members and volunteers sold Bingo tickets while Paul Mathias, a magician when it comes to delectable watermelons, cut and served slices of the mouthwatering fruit to all. 

While the volley ball and throw ball final matches ensued, the MAC ladies prepared a delightful blend of tea and served it with biscuits. Satiated and replete with a hot cuppa, it was time to play Bingo.  Winners were thrilled to make some money while resting under the shade of the gazebo.  As the sun descended into the distant horizon, people folded their umbrellas, packed their belongings, waved goodbyes and left tired but content, smiling and happy to share in the camaraderie and joy of being outdoors with family and friends.

A huge shout out and sincere appreciation to Vidya Alvares, Vice President, for her inimitable emceeing of the event, Ivan Lobo for capturing animated and priceless moments with his camera, and Charles D’Souza, Sports Coordinator for organizing and coordinating the program and games.  MAC was tremendously successful in bringing the community together, providing a venue and a platform for new immigrants and members to mingle, get to know each other and have a fun day as well.  Our many thanks to the members and volunteers who devoted their time, energy and skills to help accomplish a sensational and fun event.

Click below for pictures:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/nQjsRXubbHhtR7Mb6

Report by Janet D’souza

Photographs by Sunil Bantwal.

Glittering chandeliers!  Vibrant and colorful décor!  Glitzy and spectacular evening wear!  It was an evening unparalleled in its celebration, ambience and execution.   The Annual Family Social organized by the Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) on May 4, 2019 at the Payal Banquet and Convention Centre was a resounding success with over 500 guests, an astonishing number of sponsors, amazing gifts and a surprise event.  The Social was hosted by emcee, Melwyn D’Silva who ensured the completion of a flawless program; the live band, Big Foot, who enchanted the guests with their riveting vocals and all time classics and DJ, Kaya whose pulsating music got people flocking on to the dance floor.

The festivities started at around 7 pm with the emcee formally welcoming the guests and introducing the President of MAC, Manohar Pais.  Announcements for delicious appetizers and housekeeping rules followed and once done, the band set up the tone for the evening with some mellow music that beguiled the guests to sway and dance.  Line dancing was next and everyone, novices and the experienced, enthusiastically participated in it.    

The crème de la crème of the Family Social was the Jive dance competition.  The competitors performed with consummate perfection and unparalleled technique much to the excitement of an enthusiastic crowd.  It was definitely a difficult decision for the judges who determined the 3 winners after 2 sets of music and pre-determined rules.  The top winner was Derryl and Melanie Vaz; the second winner was Lloyd and Ayesha D’Costa and the third winner was Raveen and Natalia Lobo.  A surprise Salsa presentation was then performed by Angelo and Kathy De Torres, with their sensual movements and fluid swaying rhythmic steps.  Their energy and liveliness captivated the audience and in a wonderful spirit of community and camaraderie, both stayed on stage to teach a few Salsa movements to the guests.

Rev. Fr. Henry Alva led the Grace and he thanked God for showering his blessings and encouraged the association to continue their contributions to the community.  Dinner was served at 9.30 pm and was an amazing and ample buffet of salads, vegetables, meat and desserts that were delicious and satiated all types of tastes and palates.    Manohar Pais, President of MAC then addressed the audience, welcomed and introduced his new Executive Committee, thanked the guests for their support and participation, recapped the accomplishments of the association and highlighted the generosity of the sponsors. 

Sponsors contribute to the development of the association and provide them with the means to grow and fulfill their objectives and also generate immense goodwill within the community.  The sponsors for MAC are its pillars of strength never failing to demonstrate their abundant munificence.  2019 was also spectacular as MAC had sponsors from across the world spreading from Ontario to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Mangalore, India.  In recognition of their support and in appreciation for their continual encouragement, the sponsors were called upon, welcomed on stage and each was honored with a rose.  The amazing door prizes and 50/50 draw attracted the attention of guests who rushed to buy tickets.  The much awaited raffle and 50/50 draw was a huge success with 50% of the collection going towards Sneha Sagar, an orphanage for children in Mumbai.

A noteworthy mention to Sunil Bantwal, the photographer, who worked tirelessly to capture moments and memories that will be treasured by all guests.   An event of this magnitude requires the strong shoulders, selfless support, time and skills of an entire village and the Mangalorean community came together as one to volunteer to make this Family Social an overwhelming success.  MAC recognizes and thanks the collaboration and help of its guests, members and volunteers who with their passion and enthusiasm embodies the motto, “Together we make a difference”. 

Click below for pictures:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oKxNR7vU9n9Piqd86

By Gerry D’Mello

Pictures by Ronald D’Souza

The Mangalorean Association of Canada had a great beginning in this Year 2019 with the graceful and spirit-filled spiritual mission during the Lenten season.   The main preacher was Sr.Hazel D’Souza, a renowned preacher from Mumbai, accompanied by Rev.Fr.Roshan D’Souza.  Rev.Fr.Edwin D’Souza, the Spiritual Director of MAC was the main celebrant for all the Masses. 

Starting from March 9th the spiritual thirst-quenching retreat talks were preached on every Saturdays during the Holy month of Lent.  All talks were based on the Holy Bible. The graceful retreat was focussed on in-depth enlightenment towards the Word of God.  There was a special spiritual talk addressed to the Youth on 30th March 2019 by Sr.Hazel.  This spiritual program was held at Sts.Martha & Mary Church, Mississauga. Konkani choir with angelic singing led by Ms. Merlyn Rodrigues was soul-elevating. The turnout was reasonably good and it was encouraging to see the number was increasing week after week.  Undoubtedly, this spiritual event conducted by MAC has succeeded stirring-up the spirituality of many Mangaloreans and Goans residing in Mississauga & surrounding areas.

Click below for pictures:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/z5C7QaEVntJUGL4r7