Sunday, November 27, 2011

St. Francis Xavier (Feast) Old Goa 3.12.11

Today's feast pics and video (3.12.11)

The apostolic nuncio and ambassador of the Vatican in India, archbishop Salvatore Pennachio

Archbishop of Singapore Mgr Nicholas Chia and archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao
Archbishop emeritus Blasco Colaco, Archbishop emeritus Raul Gonsalves,
Bishop of Sindudhurg Allwyn Barretto, Fr. Jose Remedious Fernandes Vicar General of Goa, Basilica Rector  etc


http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6445609293/sizes/l/in/photostream/





Feast mass



Gardens


 Feri crowd


Video (Feast Mass etc 3.12.11)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQdDdgUt4rc


below is dated 27the Nov. 2011



Main Altar with theme
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6411457411/sizes/l/in/photostream/

With Priests
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6411454215/sizes/l/in/photostream/


 Mass /Devotees
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415110353/in/photostream/



Q for the SFX veneration
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415094969/in/photostream/

St. Francis Xavier Statue
From Bom Jesus Balilica
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415100479/in/photostream/



 Mass just got over
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415122623/sizes/l/in/photostream/



Twin Churches
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415119653/sizes/l/in/photostream/


Chonne
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415045659/in/photostream/




 Cheurisam
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415062861/in/photostream/
Reuddio
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415068485/in/photostream/



 Feast fair, giant wheel Papuji (Gandhi Circle)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415112223/in/photostream/

Colourful balls
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415113661/in/photostream/


Empty watch towers
Where is everybody?







Old Goa Police Station
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415128581/in/photostream/

Beggars menace
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415083049/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6415088097/in/photostream

Video 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on5SB0oeQtc


Vidoe 2 (Photo show)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTGgzLAmVyo

Monday, November 21, 2011

A musical tribute to Chris Perry and Alfred Rose



A beautiful Konkani Musical show presented by A Ferns Music to pay tribute to  Goa's great music legends - Chris Perry and Alfred Rose

Chris Perry and Alfred Rose – A musical Tribute

What a show it was!
A fitting tribute to Goa’s two great Music Legends -
Chris Perry and the Melody King Alfred Rose.

Thanks to A Ferns Music (Agustine Fernandes, the producer of this show). 

It started with little Deeksha who sang so beautifully and with confidence the popular Rita Rose song –  ‘Tin Kallzam' then again ‘Gagreachem Mana' (Rita Rose).



 Then comes a Melody Princess – Nephie Rod with sweet voice. This is the first time I watched Nephie singing Live, although I heard or read about her a lot in the past. I always wanted to meet this young lady even if I had to go to Bombay to watch her singing live.  (..and I even said that on Facebook)  and within weeks time, there she is performing Live in Goa  at Kala Academy.  Her first song ‘ANKVARPONN’  (Chris Perry/Lorna) nearly 8 minutes long, sung so beautifully that it really made my day.
Other songs were ‘Sorga Rajeant’, ‘Calangute’, ‘Red Rose’, ‘Pisso’ besides, a duet with Minino Mario 'Goem Euchinam'(Alfred Rose/Rita Rose).



There comes O’Luv  - Goa’s Pop Sensation.
Finally, I met this young guy at Panjim show. Heard or read a lot about him too but never seen performing live.  Yes, Olavo did rock the show and I am sure he can do even lot more better than that  (Rocking potentials,  I mean) as he is young and energetic. He says Chris Perry was his Guru and sung mostly Chris Perry’s songs some of which we never heard before. Poilo Kiss, Amig, O Goa, Carolina (Portuguese), Rock Rock, Cucurucu etc

 Then  there was a young Hindu duo – Rituja and Siddesh who sung a duet of Alfred Rose/Krishna Kalle/Luiza – 'Vokol Koxi Dista Ayi (Logn Zatam)- which reminded me the time I used to spend infront of Akashwani (All India Radio, Panjim).

Elvis and his brother Francis Marcarenhas sang Alfy’s song ‘Apreciacao’ or ‘Vakanni’ the song we never heard of before. It was a lovely song.
Elvis again sung very beautifully 'Fottoun Gelem'  (Alfred Rose)



A Ferns or Agustine Fernandes, the producer of the show himself sang a Alfred Rose song ‘Kochreache Dobeant’.
I must mention here that Mr. Agustine is a physically handicapped person with both his legs affected by Polio since birth. He uses his hands to walk (legs are not even touching the ground - sorry if I shouldn't have mentioned this here) something I never seen before, yet very energetic in the field of Music which, I am sure,  made him to come out with this beautiful show. He has his own Music Academy where he trains others on Keyboards etc. Infact,  young Caine who handled the show almost single handedly is  his one of the trained students. Agustine also produced an Audio CD entitled “Baby, You’re My love” under the banner of A Ferns Music, artistes include Sudesh Bhosle, Sadhana Sargam, Olavo Rodriguez (O’luv) etc. He also sang in the album.

 Other artistes who sang in the show..

Young Sharon sang ‘Kalliz Ostorechem’ (Rita Rose), Minino Mario ‘Pornem Volter' (Alfred Rose), George Gonsalves ‘Gozali’ (Alfred Rose),  Bushan & Lajja ‘Zolmacho Gaun Goa’ (jivit Goenkaramchem) and ‘Fottkire Agent’ (Alfred Rose/Rita Rose), Elick ‘Sukh ailem lotton’ (Alfred Rose/Boglantt), Clarissa d/o  Anthony San beautifully sang ‘Bhuerantlo Munis’ (Asha Bhosle).

 Young 13 year old Caine provided music to most of the songs on his Keyboards as said, he is trained by A Ferns.

Where as for Olavo and Nephie Rod, Live Music provided by Joaquim d’Souza (Calrinet/Sax), Victor on Guitar, Mark on Bass, Sancho on Keyboards and Carlos on Drums.

In-between, there were some comedy skits provided by
Com. Ambe, Aurelio and Master Win s/o of Minino Mario

It was a memorable evening with good selection of artistes and musicians who performed to the satisfactions of all.

Sadly, I am told that the show did not get any govt support nor any politicians sponsorships.

Hats off to Mr. Agustne, the show was excellent and will be remembered in the years to come.

Those of you who missed it, pl watch the short video clippings and Pictures.
some pics
O'Luv
 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298667304/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298663114/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298662746/in/photostream/

 
Nephie Rod
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6292905781/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6293430252/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6292994233/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6292905191/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6292905505/in/photostream/

 
A Ferns (Agostine Fernandes –The producer of the show)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298660810/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298669764/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298661080/in/photostream/

 
Elvis Mascarenhas
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298130203/in/photostream/


Young  Deeksha
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298130931/in/photostream/

another young one

 
Young Caine (13) on Keyboards – Trained by A ferns Music
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298664146/in/photostream/

Bushan & Lajja
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298133645/in/photostream/



Elvis and Francis (brothers)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298665022/in/photostream/

Comedy by Com Ambe, Aurelio and Mater Win
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298665442/in/photostream/

Elick –  Music writer/composer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298134751/in/photostream/



Rituja and Siddesh
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298135383/in/photostream/

Sharon
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298666922/in/photostream/

The artistes
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauktiatr12/6298670280/in/photostream/

Video 1 - Nephie Rod

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GBhdpkTZzU


Video 2 - O'Luv

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOHpnmGy6Eg

Video 3  (all)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSLFcTY2rD0

Monday, November 7, 2011

Annual Celebrations at St. George Island




St. George Island
It may also be known as Grande Island.
I always wanted to visit this place, infact 3 years ago, we,  a group of 4 did go to Bogmalo Beach to hire a boat to the Island but to our bad luck we had to come home disappointed as that was not the right time to go there due to choppy waters – It was mid April.
Then I have decided to go only on the Tulsi lagan day, to be a part of the celebrations, when both Hindus and Christian Communities visit there for their annual feast.

Last year, we went to Baina beach only to find out the event took place a day before.  In order not to miss this time, I had to double confirm by visiting  Baina beach i.e. on the 6th Nov.

Next day, 7th Nov., it is being Tulsi Lagan / vivah  (or Vodli Diwali) which come after  about a two weeks from the main Diwali ( No fixed date).

Well, we had to get up at 6 am so as to reach the Baina beach by 9.30am from where the canoe motor boats sail to the Island.

I must say here, the small canoe boats are not safe as they are meant for fishing and for up to 6-8 people but on this occasion, I have seen some boats sailing with upto 55 people including children. Ours sailed with about 20.
Tourists boats available from Bogmalo, Baina beach, Panjim etc during the season say Nov-March.

No life jackets used. It is a fisherman folk family and friends traditional festival so they take as much. It's a free ride for all.
Local authorities or politicians should  arrange special boats making numerous safer trips on this day.

No pvt or tourist boats were available yet, when available, there is a charge of say Rs.750 per head to and from the Island.

We started our journey at 10.20 am and within 10 minutes we arrived at the nearest Island which can be seen from the shore – The Bat Island or Pequeino Island. Then it took about another 20 minutes to reach at the final destination i.e St. George Island or Grande Island. The distance between the Baina shore to this Island would be around 4-5 KMs (don’t know how to put it in Nautical miles). Nor I could figure out the speed of our boat, it was pretty fast though.

There were over two dozen canoe boats, some making more than one trip.
 

The crowd there I would put 1,500  upto 2pm. Some boats seen arriving even after 2pm. Some started leaving as early as 11am

Almost equal number of men, women and children

At the Island, there is one old broken or collapsed jetty, some part of it, people using for diving as can be seen from the videos /slides.
 

To the right, on the big rock, there is a Holy Cross (renovated in 1996) where people sing Ladainhas or Litany in groups. Starting from 10m till 3pm or beyond. Very next to it there is a small St. Francis Xavier statue/Shrine which must be a newest addition – See Pics/Video. After the litany, grams or chonne are distributed to all - see pic

As you go uphill, there is a Hindu Tullasi or Tulsi. People offer fruits/Coconuts and perform Poojas along with the Hindu priest (Bhatt). People also seen adding oil to the huge brass lamps stand (Ponti).

Up on the hill (need walking/ climbing about 15 minutes) there are some old abandoned or dilapidated buildings/houses (Not all are from  pre-liberation period). Beautiful view of the Arabian sea and the rocky islands.

There is also a large helipad (Helicopter landing place ) pic can be seen in the slide at 7.36 and 7.58. This is on the way to the Lighthouse.
see pic here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6352401176/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Walk or climb further (another say about 15 minutes – Not suitable for aged people or people with heart problem) you arrive at the St. George Light house. One can go up on it, there are 85 steps in a circular stairway.  Up there, it is even more beautiful- like a birds eye view of the Island and the sea. I am being acrophobic, was not very confortable up there but did mange to take some pics
 

Now, I am also told there is a deep well near the light house, which I was not aware of and hence missed out on it.  Olden days, ships used to dock there (at the island) for potable (drinking) water from this well. The well is now in abandoned state and water may not be safe.
Back at the beach..
Almost all people/groups come there with food and drinks (some with beer and whisky). No food available on the Island as no one stays  or lives there at the moment, not even at the lighthouse.  However, there was one launch belonging to Navy I think. see pic

This Island was recently in the news when Indian Navy put a claim before the Goa Govt. to acquire the Islands but people opposed the move.

Sailing to this Island also reminded me of Goa’s Anjediva Island  off Karwar Coast. I have been there in a similar motor boat back in early 1980s, it is now  handed over to Navy and access there now denied by the Navy on security grounds. Not even allowed on Feb 2, the Feast day although it was agreed in the terms and conditions of handover agreement.

George Island has a small beach, sort of safe swimming or bathing  zone even for kids.

We left the Island at around 2.30 and back to Baina beach just after 3pm. On our way back, we could see some peacocks in the Bat Island, could not capture on camera as their colour was almost same as the rocks. We could see Bogmalo beach, Bimvel beach, planes taking off at Dabolim Airport etc – see pics –slide show.




I will certainly go back there again but not by canoe boat.
I took the risk... you don’t have to.
Thanks to the boat master of  Sri Ruchika Amba.
I was even served food and drinks

Thanks for your time

earlier...
 C
elebrations at St. George Island today
Christians had their annual Ladainhas (Ladin) at the corss  here, whereas,  Hindus performed Puja at the Tulsi here, on St. George Island off  Baina Beach.

Today 7th Nov. 2011
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6322201404/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6322199608/in/photostream/




Our boat
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6322198604/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6321673055/in/photostream/
Chonne
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6322202480/in/photostream/

Litany
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6322204534/in/photostream/

 St. Francis Xavier
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6321678907/in/photostream/

 tulsi Pooja
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6321682003/in/photostream/




 View from lighthouse
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6321683213/in/photostream/


Video 2  (Beautiful Photos)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29veRMntJ8Y

More pics added


Bat Island (Pequen)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6327985130/in/photostream/


the other side bat Island (while returning)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6327244503/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6327243923/sizes/l/in/photostream/

 St. George or Grande Island
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6327236953/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Broken jetty with Navy’s launch
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6327988336/sizes/l/in/photostream/


Having fear of heights?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6327239097/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Helipad and Helicopter landing place

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6351658747/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6351659017/sizes/l/in/photostream/

 Diving
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6327241031/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6327991276/in/photostream/


 Over crowded boats?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6327991674/in/photostream/


Swimming bathing zone
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6327242795/in/photostream/

Bimvel Beach
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk45/6327994618/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Bogmalo beach
Baina beach