Gabriel keeps his Tiatr passion on track in Qatar by writing and singing Konkani songs

 

Gabriel keeps his Tiatr passion on track in Qatar by writing and singing Konkani songs

 

 

 By Armstrong Vaz

From a young age Gabriel Fernandes had a liking for the stage, whether it came to singing songs or watching Goan tiatrs in Mumbai, he used to be ready at the drop of the hat.

Like all Goans he yearns to see live performances of Goan actors on stage in Qatar, where he has been based for several decades. Those come once in a while, blame it on the high costs of halls and several other factors.

For Gabriel the show must go on, music and the beats cannot stop. He has set his own agenda to promote and keep the Konkani language and songs alive in Qatar in his own unique way.

The 2022 World Cup presented a unique opportunity for him to portray Qatar and its achievements through his songs to a larger Konkani speaking audience.

“It was 2^nd December 2010 when I was watching the live broadcast of the announcement of the hosting of 2022 FIFA World Cup and when it was mentioned Qatar, I was overjoyed since we were working here. Immediately on 3^rd December 2010 I thought of writing this song and I continued writing and completed it the same day,” said the Canangium-born Gabriel.

He did not stop with just one song but went to write more songs all centered around Qatar and the football World Cup.

“I had a few songs written before (2nd December 2010) and I added some more and made around 12 songs. Then in 2011 I thought of getting these recorded into a CD with professional singers and then to do the videos but unfortunately the cost was high,” added Gabriel.

Gabriel did not feel discouraged but continue to pursue his project

 “Since The CD was only for distribution to family and known people and not for commercial selling. So, I thought why not I only sing and do the videos with my wife and son,” he added.

 “I finally got in touch with Lenoy Gomendes in Goa and recorded all the songs at his studio and later did the videos in Qatar. In 2011 I uploaded the videos one by one on YouTube.”

Although Gabriel has been staying from a young age in Mumbai, the Konkani dramas held in the metropolis have had a deep impact on him.

“I am from a beautiful place in Goa called Cananguinim and from a young age we have been staying in Mumbai at Marine Lines which is close to the Bhangwadi Hall. From a young age, I had the interest to see Tiatr which were mostly held at the Bhangwadi Hall and we used to attend almost all Tiatr at the Hall.”

Further recalling his Mumbai days, he says: “Our building was called Goan Society Building with all families being from Goa and some Clubs of different villages of Goa. We had some artists from Konkani Stage staying in the building and even Tiatr rehearsals were held there.

On the personal front and in the home settings he was deeply influenced by his parents.

“My father used to write songs but not on a professional basis. It was my mother who would convince me to write and the World Cup song was the last one I wrote as she then passed away and I stopped writing.,” he recalls in an emotional tone.

Going down the memory lane Gabriel said some of the Konkani singers and actors were his favorites and he made a point to memorize their songs and sing them at parties. which earned him appreciation.

“I used to be very fond of M. Boyer and Alfred Rose and sometimes by heart and sing their songs for building parties which people appreciated. My first song I wrote when my sister was getting married was mostly for the family members and then writing followed mostly based on family members. “

Recalling his experiences during the 2022 World Cup Gabriel, who works for M Grand Hotel now rebranded to Treffen House Hotel next to Msheireb Metro Station as Director of Sales and Marketing, recalls with pride that it was privilege to serve guests from different parts of the world during the football extravaganza two years back.

“It has been a pleasure to serve guests arriving from different countries to watch the matches of the World Cup.”

 

Gabriel keeps his Tiatr passion on track in Qatar by writing and singing Konkani songs

 

Gabriel keeps his Tiatr passion on track in Qatar by writing and singing Konkani songs

 

 

 By Armstrong Vaz

From a young age Gabriel Fernandes had a liking for the stage, whether it came to singing songs or watching Goan tiatrs in Mumbai, he used to be ready at the drop of the hat.

Like all Goans he yearns to see live performances of Goan actors on stage in Qatar, where he has been based for several decades. Those come once in a while, blame it on the high costs of halls and several other factors.

For Gabriel the show must go on, music and the beats cannot stop. He has set his own agenda to promote and keep the Konkani language and songs alive in Qatar in his own unique way.

The 2022 World Cup presented a unique opportunity for him to portray Qatar and its achievements through his songs to a larger Konkani speaking audience.

“It was 2^nd December 2010 when I was watching the live broadcast of the announcement of the hosting of 2022 FIFA World Cup and when it was mentioned Qatar, I was overjoyed since we were working here. Immediately on 3^rd December 2010 I thought of writing this song and I continued writing and completed it the same day,” said the Canangium-born Gabriel.

He did not stop with just one song but went to write more songs all centered around Qatar and the football World Cup.

“I had a few songs written before (2nd December 2010) and I added some more and made around 12 songs. Then in 2011 I thought of getting these recorded into a CD with professional singers and then to do the videos but unfortunately the cost was high,” added Gabriel.

Gabriel did not feel discouraged but continue to pursue his project

 “Since The CD was only for distribution to family and known people and not for commercial selling. So, I thought why not I only sing and do the videos with my wife and son,” he added.

 “I finally got in touch with Lenoy Gomendes in Goa and recorded all the songs at his studio and later did the videos in Qatar. In 2011 I uploaded the videos one by one on YouTube.”

Although Gabriel has been staying from a young age in Mumbai, the Konkani dramas held in the metropolis have had a deep impact on him.

“I am from a beautiful place in Goa called Cananguinim and from a young age we have been staying in Mumbai at Marine Lines which is close to the Bhangwadi Hall. From a young age, I had the interest to see Tiatr which were mostly held at the Bhangwadi Hall and we used to attend almost all Tiatr at the Hall.”

Further recalling his Mumbai days, he says: “Our building was called Goan Society Building with all families being from Goa and some Clubs of different villages of Goa. We had some artists from Konkani Stage staying in the building and even Tiatr rehearsals were held there.

On the personal front and in the home settings he was deeply influenced by his parents.

“My father used to write songs but not on a professional basis. It was my mother who would convince me to write and the World Cup song was the last one I wrote as she then passed away and I stopped writing.,” he recalls in an emotional tone.

Going down the memory lane Gabriel said some of the Konkani singers and actors were his favorites and he made a point to memorize their songs and sing them at parties. which earned him appreciation.

“I used to be very fond of M. Boyer and Alfred Rose and sometimes by heart and sing their songs for building parties which people appreciated. My first song I wrote when my sister was getting married was mostly for the family members and then writing followed mostly based on family members. “

Recalling his experiences during the 2022 World Cup Gabriel, who works for M Grand Hotel now rebranded to Treffen House Hotel next to Msheireb Metro Station as Director of Sales and Marketing, recalls with pride that it was privilege to serve guests from different parts of the world during the football extravaganza two years back.

“It has been a pleasure to serve guests arriving from different countries to watch the matches of the World Cup.”

 

Forgotten heroes of Cricket: Mohammed Rizlan

 Forgotten heroes of Cricket: Mohammed Rizlan

Flashback 2022

Qatar vice-captain Rizlan delighted with rich resources in national team

Qatar’s vice-captain Mohammed Rizlan is extremely pleased with the rich resources that are available in the current 14-member national cricket team.

Qatar are holding the Asian Sub-regional Group A Qualifiers for the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup at the Asian Town Stadium from October 23 and Rizlan is expecting the hosts to fire on all cylinders right from the opening clash against Bahrain. The neighbors are the rivals in the first match for Qatar, who will also take on Saudi Arabia and the Maldives before finishing the event against Kuwait on
October 29. Only the winner will advance to the next qualifying stage.

Rizlan, the batsman cum wicketkeeper, played his foundational cricket in his home country Sri Lanka. Rising from various age group teams, he went on to represent the Sri Lanka Under-19 Schools team in 2003-2004. Two years later, he shifted to Qatar to play for Asian Club. Ever since he became eligible to play for the Gulf country and toured Thailand in 2010, he held his place in the team with his dedication and hard work.

Qatar then had limited opportunity to play the international cricket for four to five years. However, the national body management, headed by Yousef Jeham Al Kuwari, began investing in the development of the domestic structure seriously and heavily. The efforts were rewarded and the Qatar team started producing good
results. Its ranking, which was in the 90s once, improved to highest-ever 21st. “It was a very good team effort. All the players put in a great deal of hard work.

President Al Kuwari guided well to boost the sport. Former captain Inam-ul-Haq
and present skipper Iqbal Hussain Choudhry led from the front. Domestic Cricket Head Gul Khan Jadoon also played his part nicely.
“Due to the Covid-19, the activities had to be stopped for one and a half years. Itwas quite depressing mentally. Players kept themselves fit with work-out at gym. However, the situation is now improving and it allowed the sport to resume activities,” added Rizlan.

“The players are practising in right earnest. The intensity in training is picking and the team is shaping well. Some new faces are in the final squad after getting the eligibility. This is a good sign for the team and we look to have a strong melange of young and experienced players,” Rizlan said when asked about the arrival of
some newcomers.

“Andri (Berenger), Murad (Khan) and Sandun (Vithanage) are exciting talent. They will hopefully gell well with captain Iqbal (Choudhry), (Muhammad) Tanveer, Kamran (Khan), (Mohammed) Ikram, Zaheer (Ibrahim), Imal (Liyanage) and me to help us put up a strong challenge for other teams.”

Rizlan pointed out that all-rounder Tamoor Sajjad was not in the team and he would be missed. “Sajjad has gone to settle down in England with his family. I would miss him a lot as we helped the national team win some crucial matches.

Now the burden of responsibility may be a little heavier for me. I will try to do my best in tight situations.”
Like other players, Rizlan also emphasized that there are no favorites in the qualifiers. “The Covid-19 pandemic has brought all the teams back to square one. All will have to start afresh. This is a good chance for us to get back into international limelight.

“If we win here, it will not only be a history-making moment for Qatar but also a big motivation for us for the next stage. All teams will come prepared but none has any particular edge.

“Our first match against Bahrain should be very interesting. They are always very unpredictable. The T20 is anybody’s game. Rankings don’t matter. It is just a number. On a particular day, whichever team is playing hard should be able toend up as the winner. We just hope to showcase our all the hard work of four to five years well and enable Qatar to clear this competition,” Rizlan said.

The ever-green hero of cricket: Muhammad Tanveer

 The ever-green hero of cricket: Muhammad Tanveer

Tanveer hopes to raise his bar for Qatar once again


Muhammad Tanveer, a fine all-rounder in Qatar team, is aiming to push his bar high as he waits eagerly to take to the field during the upcoming Asian sub- regional Group A qualifiers for the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The event begins at the Asian Town Stadium on October 23. Besides Qatar, other four teams are Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the Maldives. The winner will advance to one of the two Global qualifiers to be held later. Malaysia will organize the six-team Group B matches from November 9 to 15.

One of the two Qatari players who found a spot among the top performers in the world during the 2019 calendar year, Tanveer is racing against the time and the 40-year-old player promises to go all out to help the national team with his experience and skills.

Tanveer said about preparations: “Along with other teammates, I have been waiting keenly for cricket to start for the national team. Alhumdolillah, we are quite excited for the upcoming tournament. I am not taking any pressure. Rather, I am concentrating on my fitness regimen.

“I am working hard during the nets to prepare myself in the best possible way. I feel the strong way the team is shaping up, we are confident to perform well in the qualifiers.”

Tanveer has been playing cricket for two decades, starting his career back home in Pakistan in 2000. Then in 2013, he was invited by Asian Club to play in Qatar and after that, he continued to stay in this Peninsular nation. During a domestic season, he smashed a double century in a 50-over-a-side match to attract the national selectors towards him.

The tall and modest player, who made his international debut on a South Africamfriendly tour and celebrated his launch with some fine batting displays, had some fond memories to share from the Qatar T10 League in 2019. Playing for the Desert Riders, he had a golden opportunity to learn a few tricks from Muhammad
Hafeez and Sohail Tanvir, both Pakistani Internationals.

He is planning to utilize his long exposure and help Qatar finish high in the qualifiers. “Of course as I said earlier, all cricketers and cricket fans in Qatar are waiting to start playing the game again. We are happy to get an international event at home. This tournament is a stepping stone for us and we all aim to
qualify for the ICC T20 World Cup next year. So all boys are very serious about it and want to win it.”

Tanveer, who has 600 runs in 22 T20 Internationals with six half-centuries, is thrilled with the induction of some new players. He commented: The team is well balanced and I feel the new guys are very talented. They are also professional enough to take the matches head on with their positive and aggressive attitude.
The bunch is a good mix of the young blood and experience. I feel we are a confident side altogether.”

Forgotten heores of Cricket: Iqbal Hussain Choudhry

Forgotten heroes of Cricket: Iqbal Hussain Choudhry

• Flashback 2021
• Qatar ready to exploit home conditions in crucial Asian sub-regional qualifiers, says skipper Choudhry
The 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asian sub-regional qualifiers to start at Asian Town Stadium from October 23

Qatar skipper Iqbal Hussain Choudhry is quite excited to return to competitive action as his team hosts the Asian sub-regional Group A qualifiers for the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Asian Town Stadium from October 23.

Besides Qatar, other four contesting teams are Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the Maldives. The winner will advance to one of the two Global qualifiers to be held later. Malaysia will organize the six-team Group B matches from November 9 to 15.

Choudhry, who has risen to the captaincy of the national team after playing fun cricket with the tape ball on the streets with his brothers and cousins, is aware of the big challenge that is coming up after nearly one and a half years have been lost to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The whole world faced a very tragic time because of the pandemic. By God’s grace, the normalcy is however returning. Last time when we were playing, we were in a very encouraging shape. We stunned a much-higher ranked Oman in a group match at the Asian T20 Western Region qualifiers.

“It was a bit unfortunate that we could not carry on that form. We then lost to Bahrain in a group game and then suffered the defeat at the hands of another strong outfit UAE after shooting them out for just 122 runs in the semi-finals,” the 32-year-old all-rounder recalled with a sigh of pain and regret.

Choudhry chose to put it all behind and tried to lay emphasis on restarting the international cricket on a big note. “We have some new faces this time in the final 14. They are all very talented and I am confident that two or three of them will surely catch the international attention soon.

Opener Andri Berenger, who has played the 2010 Junior World Cup for Sri Lanka and represented the UAE in the ICC World Cup in 2015, left-arm fast bowler and former Kuwait international Murad Khan, right-arm fast bowler Mohammed Ikram and leg-spinner Sandun Vithanage. These newcomers will join hands with experienced players like captain Choudhry, vice-captain Mohammed Rizlan, Muhammad Tanveer, Kamran Khan
and Zaheer Ibrahim to give a good balance to the national team. One of the absentees is all-rounder Tamoor Sajjad, who has moved to England for family reasons.

Choudhry, while talking about the upcoming assignment, says that each match is
like a new start and his team would take one match at a time.

“After the time lost to the pandemic, all teams have been forced to start afresh. Just as we have some fresh faces, others may also have them. In T20, there is a very little margin of error. We have to play each match as the last one and try to give our best. The Qatar skipper, who also led his Falcon Hunters to the inaugural T10 franchise cricket title in 2019 after winning the final against Kamran Akmal-led Swift Gallopers with a penultimate-ball six, is hoping to repeat some of the glorious moments and memories of the 2019-2020.

“From 2016, we began our upward journey and the 2019 to early parts of the 2020 were the best for us. We played very hard cricket and got some morale- lifting results. We beat Kuwait in away friendly series in a Super Over and the same thing happened when we hosted the return series.

“We emerged the winners in the Super Over again. We won series against Uganda and Jersey as well. Then we had a new experience of the T10 event. Pakistan’s Salman Butt and South African Hashim Amla were the part of my team. It was a great learning experience with them, especially about how to handle pressure during tight situations.

“All players are in fighting frame. We did a lot of gym and have been practising in the camp for two months. In the meantime, the Premier Division league has also started and it has also fine-tuned us a bit. All the players are keen to give their best, while supporting each other. The Western Region event is not far away. We just hope to refind our rhythm,” he added.

Talking about the lone spot in the event, Choudhry said: “Only the winner wil advance to the next stage. So each game is crucial and we can’t be complacent at any stage. Home condition dynamics will help us surely as we have played here for a long time. Whatever we have learnt through our experience, we will try to bring it into play and see what happens.”

 

Forgotten heores of Cricket : Andri Raffaelo Berenger

 Flashback to 2021: Berenger aims to reinforce Qatar batting in upcoming Asian sub-regional qualifiers

What happened to Berenger after his Qatar debut. He played for Sri Lanka in the 2010 Junior World Cup and at the senior level for UAE, followed by Qatar in October 2021.

He has since faded away from international scence? What happened to him?

Was he eligible to play for Qatar in the first place, How come International Cricket Council (ICC) allowed him to be registered. Were the people who registered him did not know the rules of eligibility. Was the player not aware of the rules?

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Former UAE World Cupper and opening batsman Andri Raffaelo Berenger îs all set to make debut for Qatar in the upcoming Asian Sub-regional qualifiers for the 2022 ICC World Cup T20 and launch his chase for a rare distinction.

The Group A matches, involving Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the Maldives, will take place at the Asian Town Stadium in Qatar from October 23 to 29, while the six-team Group B will be hosted by Malaysia from November 9 to 15.

The 30-year-old Berenger played for Sri Lanka in the 2010 Junior World Cup.

Then he chose to don the UAE colours in the 2015 Senior World Cup. And now he has qualified to play for Al Annabi. If he can help Qatar go through to the next stage and then the World Cup, he would join Anderson Cummins, Kepler Wessels, Ed Joyce and Eoin Morgan as the only players to have represented two different countries in Cricket World Cup.

He commented about his move to Qatar: “I arrived in Qatar in 2018 and used the time to settle down here well. Then the Covid-19 pandemic struck and I utilized this opportunity to stay fit and focused.

“I am finding Qatar really good…the spirit of the guys is really amazing. Coming into the Qatar squad has especially been really good. The practice is ver organised here. The important thing is that there are some very experienced players out here.

“Hopefully the way things are going at the moment, we look like doing well in the upcoming tournament,” added the player, who has two fifties in 10 ODIs and one half-century in seven T20Is.

The new season is starting afresh for all the teams. Berenger however feels the home conditions and the start of the domestic league would give the hosts some edge over the rivals.

“It has been a long layoff for all the teams, which may be a disadvantage for all.

But the only good thing for us has been that all the guys have had some weeks of domestic matches under their belt before going into the tournament. Plus we have the home conditions to exploit.

“We know the ground well as we have been playing here for some years. Also we have a few debutants, including Murad (Khan), coming to the team, who have already played the international cricket before. So i think our side is pretty strong enough to go through the qualifiers,” Berenger added with confidence.

Talking about the opponents, Berenger said, “I think we can’t take anybody lightly especially in the Gulf. After three years, you can play for any team. History shows Kuwait should be pretty tough and are practising hard. They have been performing well. We have beaten Kuwait before but we have to take each match seriously. We will go one match at a time. Hopefully we will win the series and

move forward.”

The Group A qualifiers have five teams but only the champions will progress into the next stage. It is needless to say that it is bringing a great deal of pressure on the participating teams and players.

Berenger said, “The challenge is amazing. It is good for players as well. I can lift my game and go to another level, which is good thing to do. I feel cricket has given me a good life. I will hopefully do well and repay for the faith shown in me by Qatar.

“One spot in the qualifiers will bring pressure on all. I should not take anything lightly right from the game 1. I hope other guys also won’t do either. It is very important event all of us. Winning this event will bring a brighter future for Qatar.

“it is not just a pressure for me. It is a pressure for all. I feel the players also understand the value of this event. If we stay motivated and confident towards the tournament, we will have good results. Everybody is here to win. Everybody is here to support each other. It is a young bunch. he most important thing is everybody wants to go to the next stage and then the ICC World Cup,” Berenger added.

Goa-based Rohan Goes captain of India team happy after World Photographic Cup (WPC) Awards Presentation in Texas USA

 

Cuncolim-born Rohan Goes along with other members of the Indian team is thrilled after taking part in the World Photographic Cup (WPC) 2024 Awards Presentation.

The WPC 2024 Awards Presentation captivated Dallas, Texas, USA, last month. This prestigious event not only celebrates individual medallists, finalists, and Best of Nation winners but also crowns the winning national team with the coveted World Photographic Cup.

Talking about his experiences, Rohan said he was excited beyond doubt.

“I feel blessed to lead team India at the World Photographic Cup which will be held in Dallas, Texas. I’m excited to witness the awards ceremony. Team India has been doing well over the years and looking forward to see the results this year, said Rohan.

Once in the USA Rohan utilized the opportunity to network with other photographers and widen his knowledge by attending many events which were held on the sideline of the award ceremony.

 “At the event I’m also looking forward to meeting photographers from different countries and to participate at the events by Tex-as School of Professional Photography. This time the World Photographic Cup will collaborate with the Texas School of Professional Photography to organise many events,” he had said.

Besides the Team India Captain Rohan, the other members consisted of Team India Admin - Milroy Goes.

“We also have nominated a National Judge - Jhuma Datta whose role was in the judging phase and I have 18 other members who have participated in various categories making a team of 19 Participants. We have participated in 8 out of ten categories this year.”

The categories include the following:

Commercial, Illustration / Digital Art, Nature Landscape, Nature Wildlife, Illustrative Portrait, Natural Portrait, Report-age/Photojournalism, Sports, Wedding Open and Wedding Documentary

The Indian team has submitted 20 entries at this Years’ festival.

Rohan has been participating for the last few years in the championship with the World Photographic Cup started in the year 2013.

“I am representing Team India since India made its debut in 2020. This is the fourth time and the team is getting stronger every year.

Going down memory lane Rohan said the debut experience was challenging.

“First year was a big challenge. No one knew about this competition and it was very very new to the photographers with whom I shared this information. I even invited some photography groups asking them to send their entries and I managed to make a team of only four participants that year, “ said Rohan, who started photography as a hobby in 2009 with a simple digital camera and eventually invested in full frame cameras.

“I have mastered the art of photography by educating myself from various materials online & offline and during my travels I have exchanged ideas with photographers from different countries. There’s never an end in learning and I always say, "Traveling is learning,” who did his school studies in Our Lady of Health High School, Cuncolim.

He continued his studies by completing his Higher secondary in Commerce at Cuncolim United Higher Secondary and Bachelor in Computer Application from Rosary College of Commerce & Arts.

Rohan has not restricted himself in just taking pictures alone during his travels but has penned a book also

“I published a book during the pandemic title: How Did I Travel to China and it is inspired by true events. It’s about my solo trip to China and how I was inspired to start this journey. I also visited the Great Wall of China. My book is available on Amazon.

The experience of travelling to China was unique and has had its challenges especially when it came to travel, he said.

“Travelling in China wasn’t easy, especially in local transport. The locals don’t speak English and I don’t speak Chinese. I was blessed to have good friends in China and one of my friend from China was with me most of the time while traveling to different parts of China.

He plans to travel to China a second time.

 “I still have a plan to visit China again and explore more. Vis-iting a country like China once is never enough,” he adds.

Rohan who earlier worked as a photographer on cruise ships has been around the world during the World Cruise con-sisting of 119 days and in total has visited 70 countries in 6 continents.

Besides Photography, Rohan owns a record label Buenos Muzik together with his brother Milroy Goes and they own a cafe brand Bom Gosto and he is also a Graphic Designer.

As for his guiding principles in life Rohan said: “I always put God first in everything you do. I put my trust in God through Jesus Christ and I see breakthroughs in every situation. During my job as a photographer on a cruise ship. The company demanded that I must learn German. Thanks to God, I managed to learn German basics to B1.2 in seven months and I’ve improved my fluency every time. All things are possible with God.”

 

Francis Borges and children reach Everest base camp situated at 5364 meters height

  

Francis Borges and children reach Everest base camp situated at 5364 meters height

 

Cuncolim-born USA-based Francis Borges mission of scaling new heights continues.

 

Francis Borges along with his son and daughter reached Mount Everest base camp situated at 5364 meters height last week.

Ten months back, he along with his children had reached the tip of Mount Kilimanjaro.

This is what he wrote after the Mount Kilimanjaro feat.

“Conquering Mount Kilimanjaro with my Amazing Kids!

“I am thrilled to announce that I recently achieved a remarkable feat: reaching the majestic summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, standing tall at 5895 meters (19341 feet). However, what fills my heart with the utmost pride is the fact that I embarked on this incredible journey alongside my beloved daughter and son. Together, we forged unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.”