November 7, 2012

KIFF SOCCER LEAGUE IN KUWAIT. WEEK: 4.




Navelim, CRC Chinchinim and KGA win in KIFF LEAGUE

Curtorcares and Real Betalbatim settle for draw

Navelim Youth Centre, CRC Chinchinim, and Kuwait Goan Association scored important wins while Curtorcares and Real Betalbatim played out a goalless draw in the 4th week of league matches in the ongoing KIFF League for the J. P. D’Mello Memorial Rolling Trophy being played at the MOH Ground in Shuwaikh, Kuwait. The matches are being officiated by the Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA).

In the first match of the day, Navelim Youth Centre (NYC), gained their second victory in as many games by outclassing Santos United 5-2 and are now within touching distance of the quarter final slot in group B. Taking advantage of two precise corners from veteran Americo, NYC was up by three goals in the first twenty minutes with goals from the resolute Duarte Ferrao, Cruzedio and veteran Alfred. Santos United however came back strongly in the second half with two fine goals by Jerry Vales and Camilo Lucas, but any chances of an upset were quickly killed off when Christino and Ignatius scored against the run of play for NYC to end the game 5-2 in their favor. Simon Gaonkar was declared the Man of the Match and received his award sponsored by Integrated Logistics Company, from the hands of Carmo Santos, president of Santos United . The match was officiated by Nicholas and assisted by Sharma and Vincy.

In the second match at 8:15am, Fendre Rebello scored a brace as CRC Chinchinim came from behind to upset FC Sparks 3-2 in a match of fluctuating fortunes, FC Sparks made up of mostly youngsters played delightful soccer but it was their finishing which let them down. Ahmed Khan and Hussain Khan scored for FC Sparks while Fendre scored two and Fredrick scored one to give their team a fighting chance in Group D after having lost their first match to Goa Maroons. Striker Fendre Rebello of CRC chinchinim was rightly declared the man of the match and received his award from Stephen Fernandes the KIFF Registrar. The match was officiated by Sharma and assisted by Michael and Francis on the lines.

In easily the match of the day, two of the strongest teams in the league, DHL FC and Kuwait Goan Association (KGA) battled it out for a quarter final place in the group of death which also features last year’s champions Don Bosco Oratory and United Friends Club, with KGA coming out victorious 2-1. The entire match was played at a furious pace and although DHL were marginally better in the first half, it was KGA who scored due to a defensive lapse through Anthony Rego. Jose Fernandes added a second before DHL pulled one back through John Furtado. DHL tried their best to equalize in the dying minutes, but KGA aided by good goalkeeping by Jimmy held on to secure full points and go into their final league game with a good chance to qualify. Man of the match was Agnel Martins of KGA and the award given by Amaldo Fernandes the President of Curtorcares United. The game was officiated by Julio Cardoso assisted by Francis and Nicholas on the lines.

In the final match of the day, Real Betalbatim playing their first match this season held a youthful Curtorcares United 0-0, in a match where both teams had their chances, and although Curtorcares played marginally better, finding the elusive goal was difficult with the Real Betalbatim defense led by captain Theodore Pinto holding well. Man of the match was awarded to Denzil Yadev of Real Betalbatim and given by Vijay Gonsalves the President of Real Betalbatim. The game was officiated by Michael Dias supported by Sarto Baptista and Vincy on the lines.

Coming Friday’s schedule is as follows:- Don Bosco Oratory take on Kuwait Goan Association in an all important qualification match at 6:45am, followed by United Goans Centre versus Real Betalbatim FC at 8:00. Navelim Y.C will than play Kerala challengers at 9:15am and the last match will be between AVC and FC Sparks at 10:30am.

November 6, 2012

'Hit'man of Konkani Stage Sylvester Vaz to lead the show: Aitar Budhvar


By Gasper Crasto ; Photo Art: Simon Dias

Kuwait: Superstar Sylvester Vaz will lead a galaxy of stars in the Konkani drama Aitar Budhvar written and directed by Comedian Salu Faleiro to be staged in Kuwait, 4pm, 16th November 2012 at Kuwait Medical Association Hall, Jabriya.

This is the second tiatr in Kuwait from the pen of Comedian Salu Faleiro, a well-known Goan playwright and winner of several awards in Konkani One Act Play competitions.

The drama features superstars and top cast of Konkani stage from Goa, Mangalore, Kuwait and the Middle East.

Comedian Salu’s first tiatr ‘Arxeant Hanslo Arxeant Roddlo’, staged in 2006 was widely acclaimed as one of the best dramas staged in Kuwait.

Tall and dignified, Sylvester Vaz, popularly known as the 'Hit’-man of Konkani Stage', is a simple and compassionate friend to all. He has directed many plays and musical shows and organized many Konkani and English programs in the state of Goa. He is a celebrated compere at many gala shows and plays host at weddings, parties, dances, etc. In his first year LL.B, Sylvester was awarded a special prize for cultural performances at the Goa University.

For over 18 years, Sylvester has worked as a professional Konkani stage artiste and is much sought after actor to execute leading roles. He has acted and performed with the cream of Goa and Mumbai artistes and acted in short plays and telefilms of Goa and Mumbai TV-Doordashan singing innumerable songs. Gifted with an incredible voice, Sylvester has lent his voice in audio and CD albums in Goa / Mumbai and Mangalore.

Besides acting in Goa, Mumbai, Mangalore, Bangalore, Ratnagiri, Malwan, Udupi, Karwar, Ahmedabad, Delhi, etc, he has an international exposure which goes to prove his star status. He has travelled to London-United Kingdom (UK), Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Doha Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.

The multi-talented star has a distinct record of singing the opening chorus in almost every stage-play he features, while winning awards has become a habit with him. He has bagged 5 Best Actor and 6 times Best Singer Award at the Tiatr competitions organized by Kala Academy, Goa.

Son of Mestre Camilo Vaz and Catarina Vaz, Sylvester comes from Maddel Grande, Margao, Goa. He is happily married to well-known stage artiste, Irene Cardozo e Vaz – a Lighthouse of Goan Drama, and has a son named Jeremiah.

Sylvester swept the audience off their feet with his screen presence in T-Bush's - and Konkani's first - e-cinema, 'BLACK Nhesop Atanchem Fashion'. He also sang  in  Shahu’s VCD- “MUSICIAN” and will be seen in a much publicized Konkani film “DOLLA” soon.

Initially, Sylvester used to organize stage plays and other variety programs at Holy Spirit Church, Margao where he was involved in many activities, specially in leading the church choir. His knowledge in playing the guitar and keyboards has been a plus point.

During one of such program, Sylvester was approached by Alex Rangel to act in his tiatr 'Koslo Kaido' for which he also composed songs and re-worked the whole script. 'I was spotted in this particular show by Michael Gracias - a regular participant with his troupe Kala Niketan, Utorda, at Kala Academy Tiatr Competition, Panjim,' Sylvester vividly remembers. 'Micheal invited me to join Kala Niketan and later gave me an opportunity to sing and act in the competition.' 

The biggest encouragement came when Sylvester won a merit certificate for just a one-minute role. After that, Sylvester was a regular for the competition shows for 9 consecutive years.
“I won many first places for acting and singing during this time featuring in prize winning plays like 'Valltti', 'Vadoll', 'Xhanti Melltoli', 'Onupkarponachem Vojem', 'Bodmas Zalem' and 'Moronn' under the Kala Niketan banner; and Michael Gracias' famed plays such as 'Moronn", 'Mukti', 'Zodd', 'Moipass', etc. Famous stage director Mario de Vasco who acted in one of our shows was so impressed with my singing prowess that he cast me in his first maiden show called 'Dhump', my first professional show,” Sylvester recalls.

Under the banner Vell'lekar Nirmiti (Velim Productions) and direction of Fr Nevel Gracias, Sylvester acted in 'Amche Ghorabhe Kosbeleat?', 'Nach Gho Sundorea!', 'Amcho Bharat Mahaan!', 'Mhaka Tan Laglea', Tuji Xokti Dhi', 'Dev Kallzant Asa', 'Mhojea Mogant Ravat', 'Khursachem Zoit',etc & in 2012 Voch… Anik Patok Korum Naka”. For Fr Planton Faria, he acted in 'Goycho Saib', 'Kantteamcho Mukhutt,' etc.

Other plays he acted are the late Rosario Rodrigues' 'Hanv Kallokhant Sandllim', 'Soglech Kantte Nhuim,' etc. Comedian Domnic's 'Tum Pasun', Comedian Agostine's 'Suseg', 'Sorg' as a joint director, Ali's 'Mog Korat',Mario de Vasco’s “Hanv Tuka Bhas Ditam”, Jose Rod's 'Tujem Nanv Vhodd Zaum', Patric Dourado’s “Tujem Rogot”, M Boyer's 'Kelear Chuk Kabar Sukh', Tony Dias' 'Ti Mhoji Maim (Part I) and Ti Mhoji Maim (Part II), 'Argam Tuka Dhonia' and ’Chint Cheddva Chint’, Jr Nelson's tiatr 'Ghorkar', etc.

Sylvester sang at the Konkani film festival in 2000 and also acted in a professional English musical entitled 'Annie' directed by Fr Valmiki Dias which was staged all over Goa and Bombay. It was a dream come true for Sylvester to act alongside legendary Konkani stage stalwarts like late M Boyer, late Alfred Rose, late Chris Perry, Lorna, Rita Rose, Ophelia, late Robin Vaz, late Rosario Rodrigues, late Remmie Colaco, Antonette Mendes, Trio Kings, C D'Silva, late Aristides Dias, late Bab Peter, late Com. Luis Dias, etc.

Sylvester’s first show in Kuwait was for Simon Gonsalves in 'Tujea Kallzak Vinchar' in 2002. He also acted for Simon's 'Tuzo Gaum, Mhojem Naum'. Other plays where he acted and was by now a highly recognized face and most sought actor in Kuwait were -  Laurente Pereira's 'Lokachim Tonddam Bond' and 'Hea Ghorachim Daram Bond'; - 'Bhurgim Maim Paichem Sukh' and 'Ghor Bandlem-Ghorabho Moddlo' ‘Kuwait Soddun Vetanam’ by the late Rosary Ferns; 'Almanachea Disa' by Marcus Vaz; Michael D'Silva's 'Noora'; Salu Faleiro's 'Arxeant Hanslo, Arxeant Roddlo', Rafael de Majorda's play, Rosario Rodrigues production 'Aum Kallokhant Sandllim'; Patrick Dourado's 'Tujem Rogot'; comedian Philip's hit musical show 'Tum Voir Hanv Sokol' & ‘Anik Ani Zaiem’  also Kuwait-Goa Tiatristanchi Sonstha's (KGTS) mega musical show, 'Tiatr ani Tiatrist', 'Konknni Machiek Noman' & ’Tiatristponn Devachem Dennem’ not forgetting that he acted/sang for many Tiatr Groups touring Kuwait plus in various other musical shows and programs organized by Goan and Mangalorean communities.

In 2001, Sylvester had an offer from Tony Dias, producer of the superhit play 'Ti Mhoji Maim (Part I)' for a Gulf tour across Kuwait / Bahrain / Dubai / Qatar / Muscat). In Kuwait, the show was hosted by Navelim Youth Centre (NYC) in the Indian Arts Circle hall. This club made the huge media hype of his name giving him the title as 'Hitman of Konkani Stage'. It has to do with the percentage number of 'hit roles' he has enacted. The sobriquet still stands although Sylvester is a little title shy.

"I prefer any kind of roles but most of all I like to play character roles. I crave for roles where I can exhibit great style and wear fancy clothes. I myself possess a passion to dress tidy and chic on stage. That helps me to expose my talents with freedom and fervour - be it singing, acting or dancing," he mentioned to this interviewer sometime back.

The role of Dr. Romeo in the late Rosario Rod's non-stop play 'Aum Kallokhant Sandllim' remains one of Sylvester’s most memorable. This particular role specially written by Rosario Rod brought him into the limelight on the professional stage. So also, his other forte is that he enjoyed playing a classic negative role in comedian Agostine's 'Suseg' for which he gained a number of die-hard fans. Also, at the staging of 'Goencho Saib' people used to come and kiss his hand and fall at his feet. "it was touching...," he says.

"Among the females, Irene Cardozo e Vaz is my all time favourite as an actress and ex-Goa football player, and after my marriage to her, she is my heroine of all times," he says.  Sylvester has acted in many regional language telefilms such as 'Kranti', 'Somaz zago asa', 'Mhaka zaag zai' of Eagle Productions which were dubbed in Konkani and Marathi and telecast on Goa and Bombay television.

In recent times, Sylvester toured London with Maestro Shahu's Musical show 'Tiatrist' and also visited Doha Qatar with the same troupe to perform along with his wife in Feb 2012 and by public demand and special request travelled once again to UK-London to perform in Fr Lucas Rodrigues' (Goan Chaplaincy–UK - Pilar Fathers Production) for 'Mhaka Zabab Zai'.

During his recent trip to Goa in February, 2012 he was romped in by Fr.Nevel Gracias for Vell’lekar Nirmiti’s Lenten show “ Voch….anik Patok Korum Naka”, which completed 52 shows in 41 days (a record for 2012).

November 4, 2012

A MEDICAL DISORDER AT GOA MEDICAL COLLEGE.



By Aires Rodrigues


It seems that a very erroneous practice is being followed at the Goa Medical College (GMC). Patients shifted there from any private hospital are being admitted as a medico-legal case. As a result of this, if the patient dies at GMC, the hospital will not certify the death unless a post-mortem is done.

 
We recently had a young Ribandar lady diagnosed with cancer who had to be shifted from GMC to Manipal Hospital at Dona Paula as there was no ventilator available. The young lady who continued in a state of coma was arranged to be shifted back to GMC when a ventilator was made available. On being brought back to GMC she was re-admitted as a medico-legal case. After a few days at GMC she lost her battle against cancer. But the already much traumatized parents were in for further dose of horror and anguish when told by the doctors that a post mortem would have to be done on their departed daughter.

It can be a medico legal case only if 1. A patient is brought by the police for examination and reporting, or by an order of the court for medical examination. 2. The patient was already attended to by a doctor and a medico-legal case was registered in the previous hospital, and the person is now referred for expert management/ advice. 3. When the patient himself expresses intention to register a case against an alleged accused.4. If after eliciting the history and examining the patient, the attending doctor feels that some investigation by law enforcement agencies is essential to establish and fix responsibility for the case in accordance with the law of the land.

I had an opportunity to speak to various doctors in the know who were all of the opinion that the case in question should never have been considered as a medico-legal case.

The word autopsy (also known as a post-mortem) is derived from the Greek word autopsia "to see with one's own eyes”. After having seen the young lady succumb to cancer what else was left to be ascertained through an unnecessary post-mortem?

Terry Tempest Williams had said “An individual doesn't get cancer, a family does”. This is what the family must have felt when told that the young departed lady would have to undergo a post-mortem after having already bravely endured so much pain.

Let us hope that the Dean of Goa Medical College Dr V.N.Jindal will discuss this issue thread bare with the Heads of his various departments so that in future the cases where the cause of death is well established, an unnecessary post mortem is avoided. A well laid out protocol may have to be in place and uniformly followed by all doctors.