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Friday, 27 January 2012

Grape Escapade 2012 - Food, Wine and Lifestyle Festival



Grape Escapade 2012  8th edition of Food and wine festival
26-29 Jan. 2012, Old GMC Courtyard, Panjim
Organised by Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd in association with Department of Tourism.

GTDC* website says..
"One of the main objective behind organizing this festival is to promote ‘Brand Goa’ to the rest of the world, provide an opportunity to all visitors to sample Goa as a life style destination and make this festival an annual event to strengthen the brand of GTDC as the nodal Goa Tourism promotional Establishment.

This event is the only one of it’s kind in India !
This fiesta of flavors is being organized for the Eight consecutive year and seeks to encapsulate the vivacity of Goan lifestyle by highlighting her multi-cultural influences and artistic passions, thus branding Goa as a “Lifestyle Destination”.
The festival promises to be a unique cultural experience as the event brings together hoteliers, restaurants and professionals from the entertainment, food & beverage and lifestyle under one roof.
The leading hoteliers and Restaurateurs will present culinary delights from across the globe, international fusion cuisine and exotic deserts will be set up to satisfy everyone’s palate.
To set the mood ablaze for this flamboyant event, we have a wide range of music, dance and act performances to enthrall the audience. The highlight of the festival will be the fashion show and the selection of The Grape Escapade Queen 2012 on the last day. 
Set in the luxurious Inox Courtyard, the event is expected to attract over 20,000 wine lovers & visitors.
Join us with your friends and family and spend your weekend relaxing at the Inox Courtyard, right in the heart of Panjim, capital city of Goa !"

Day 4 (Last Day) 29.1.12

Some pics uploaded on 31.1.12


Crowded Courtyard
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794369327/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794495713/sizes/l/in/photostream/



African Safari Cats
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794415077/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794417255/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794411023/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794413065/sizes/l/in/photostream/



Kinfisher Voice of Goa 2010
Melvyn Noronha
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794372357/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794378725/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794383773/in/photostream/

Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpOJ2g8JeZU



Carlos and friends
Talking drums
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794388815/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794402967/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794408443/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794394913/in/photostream/

Host and the co-host
Alfie – Jessica
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794477561/in/photostream/


The SYNDICATE Band

Raul and Adrian
Raul in south Indian attire
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794479957/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794481111/in/photostream/

Raul –Sharon in the crowd
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794482229/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Deigo, Sharon, Raul & Adrian
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794483941/in/photostream/

D R S
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794487475/in/photostream/

S R A
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794489569/in/photostream/
Raul with Queen2
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794491063/in/photostream/

video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6nglYW-lNU

Crowd
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794500191/sizes/l/in/photostream/


Video Syndicate Band

http://www.youtube.com/embed/W6nglYW-lNU



Spot painters with their paintings
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6794485907/sizes/l/in/photostream/

And the Grape Escapade 2012 Queen is..

VIDEO - Queen Contest 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5XyW6q-zuw

Minolta Fernandes
Electronic & Telecommunications Engineer
Pursuing her MBA in Bangalore
Her aim is to become a successful entrepreneur
Family oriented person, fun loving, witty etc
4 in 1
this added 24hrs later..
Queen and 1st Runner up
Minolta Fernandes (Queen) & Regina Dias
Queen gets Diamond Pendant (Courtesy- Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers)
and Return tickets for two Goa-Sharjah-Goa (Courtesy - Air Arabia)
Runners-up,  Regina Dias also gets Return tickets for two Goa-Sharjah-Goa
who also sang Lorna's BEBDO song
All nine contestants
Second round 5 out of 9
First 3 from the second round
Video Day 3 - A short Tour to the Courtyard with LUI Solo n Live

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9xdoWyg2II

The main entrance
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780945929/sizes/l/in/photostream/



LUI solo n live - Watch video above
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780946601/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780947383/in/photostream/



The impressive performance by IMPRESSIONS
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780948001/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780952087/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780953241/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780956073/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780957913/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780958477/in/photostream/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780949265/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780949831/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780952631/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780948579/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780950389/in/photostream/


 Compere / Host – Alfie Silveira
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780951037/in/photostream/

with Lui
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780951577/in/photostream/


Beautiful co-host – Jessica
looks even more beautiful with saree (1st day)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780953871/in/photostream/



Elegant Fashion Show
By JYOTSNA BHAT – Fusion
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780954415/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780959551/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780955005/in/photostream/



http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780955535/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780960271/in/photostream/

Stage background
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780956671/in/photostream/

Jessica again
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780957381/in/photostream/



The Band – Brothers in arms
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780960883/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780961463/in/photostream/



Drummer and the keyboardist - Marcelino and Philomen
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780962077/in/photostream/

with the lady crooner - Kris
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6781068571/in/photostream/

VIDEO

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

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6781069129/in/photostream/

all 6 - Kris, Caitani, Marcelino, Philomen, Domnic, Ivan
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6781069737/in/photostream/

 Solid Crowd
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk50/6780962643/sizes/l/in/photostream/
.
What's on tonite?  (last day -29/1/12)
.
Kingfisher Voice of Goa
Carlos and friends
African Safari Cats - Neil Rebeiro
Queen Escapade 2012 - Crowning
Band - The Syndicate
.
prev. day...
Video   Day 2 - Darling love me tonight - Savio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gowuu-5mB5k

From day 2


Solo Singing - Savio
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk48/6775043579/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk48/6775040683/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk48/6775042175/in/photostream/

 

Cuban dancing
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk48/6775046229/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk48/6775044889/in/photostream/

 

Duet singing
Nezz and Neka sisters
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk48/6775046605/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk48/6775047077/in/photostream/

Video (Nezz & Neka)

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

With host Alfie
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk48/6775047575/in/photostream/



 Zumba Dancing
With Ruth and students

VIDEO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9zU9femVEk

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk48/6775048051/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk48/6775048931/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk48/6775048511/in/photostream/

What's on tonite? (28.1.12)

Lui - Solo
Impressions - Dancers
Jyotsna Bhat - Fashion Show
Belinda & Tropicanos - Live Band
Grape Stomping - Foot crushing of grapes
Band: Brothers in Arms with Kris
Earlier.. Day 1

At the entrance, no grapes this time, we have wine glasses instead
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk48/6768789665/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk48/6768791815/in/photostream/

Vidoe: Crimson Tide band
besides, there was a performance by Xtremers, Singmund D'Souza and his group
Video Xtremers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARCyDPMb3CE

Band Crimson Tide played for 30 minutes only
All ended at 10.05pm but food and lifestyle / Wine must have continued till midnight
Compere / Hosts were: Jessica & Alfie Silveira
what's on today? (27th Jan.)
Joe 'solo'
Cuban Dancers
Nezz and Neka - Duets
Ruth & troupe -Zumba performance
Band: LYNX
Wine tasting session

*source
http://goa-tourism.com/events.php?id=73
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Wednesday, 25 January 2012

A letter to Mr. Manohar Parrikar



Dear Mr. Manohar Parrikar

‘BJP making waves...’

OK OK, I see that too.
But most are confused, they need help, they need assurances..

BJP knows very well that it needs us and needed us very badly.
This is the chance, perhaps the last chance.

So, come on Mr. Parrikar, let’s talk business now!
(oh! No, I don’t mean cash for votes or Sops for votes)

Tell us why you think we should vote for you?
What’s there for us in it?
Or what can we expect from you in exchange

Now, now, pl don’t even try your ‘daggling carrots’ tactics
i.e. cash (Rs.1000) for women, DSSS increment, lowering petrol prices etc
Peter would not be too happy if you rob him to pay Paul

If you do decide to come back on this, besides other things, please make sure
 you give us your solid assurances  on these following serious and most urgent issues:

Our Goa (Special Status)
Destruction of Goa
Rampant Corruption
Communal Harmony (Hindu-Christians-Muslims)

That’s all we are interested in right now, can you do it?
or can we rely on you?

The ball is in your court.

Looking forward to hear from you soon.

Thank you.
Joe
(for and on behalf of confused minds)

PS.
Don’t worry much about ‘Good Friday’ Holiday episode
It has never been a real public holiday to all,  besides that,  we also  know
some Hindu Holidays too were proposed in the list such as
Mahashivratri, Dashera, Gudi Padva  and Gandhi Jayanti , Statehood day etc
I believe, the proposal was only to make it optional or include it in the restricted holiday’s list where people (Govt. employee) could opt for it if so desired.
You  did it to reduce the Govt Holidays and as per the Central Govt. directives.
Perhaps you could introduce 6 days a week pattern as work in Govt. dept
always behind schedule.

Govt jobs, govt holidays, restricted holidays etc discussed here
http://joegoauk-pointofview.blogspot.com/2012/01/why-govt-jobs-are-in-high-demand.html

'Actions speak' they say, we have witnessed it too...
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Why Govt. jobs are in high demand?



Why Govt. jobs are in high demand?

 Well, to start with, Govt. dept., there is 5 days a week
Others 6 days a week.


Then there are 19 public holidays
but for others (Com+Industrial) it’s 9 only
e.g.
much debated ‘Good Friday’ and ‘St. Francis Xavier’ holiday is for Govt. only

see list below.


Of the 19 public holidays (Govt)
  7 are of Hindu Festival
  3 Christians
  3 Muslims
  6 others (National/State etc)

Total Holidays/ Rest days/Leave : 176

i.e 104 Sat/Sundays
      19 Public Holidays
      33 (Restricted holidays + Casual/Sick leave/unpaid)
      20 (Annual leave)



in a year there are 365 days less 176 = 189 days = 1323hrs (189x7)
= 3.6   working days a week (as against 5 days a week in general)

Again, of the 7 hours a day (excl. Breaks)
Av. 1 hr lost per day due to late coming/early leaving/extended breaks/chatting with staff /phones-Mobiles/ Newspaper/toilets/tea/snacks/sleeping/roaming/clocking or signing in
and then go to sort out car parking or petrol filling or smoking or tea/breakfast

Which is equal to 6 hrs a day work i.e. av. 189 hrs or 27 days lost/year.

So, actual av. Working days of the year = 162 days
i.e. about  3.1 working days a week



Moreover, one has to take into account slower pace of work 2-3 days before & after Ganesh Chaturti, Diwali, Dashera, Xmas, New year etc which is not included in the above computation

Besides, festivals like Carnival, IFFI, shigmo, elections, long sick leave, maternity leave  etc

Notes:

-   It may not apply to a very few
     -  This is one way of looking at it, the other way would be fast money making under the table etc
    -   Job security guaranteed to almost all, no matter how corrupt is he or she.
e.g. A complaint was lodged against a JE in Salcette for his involvement in Light Poles theft, instead of sacking him, he was transferred to Pernem.

   - If you see pics above or below, then they must be inserted for illustration purspose only

 


Check here, list of various holidays


Public Holidays for 2012

1 Republic Day January 26 WEDNESDAY

2 Gudi Padva March 23 FRIDAY (Govt. only and not for Commercial/Industrial)

3 Good Friday April 06 FRIDAY (Govt. only..)

4 Birth Anni of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar April 14 SATURDAY

5 May Day May, 01 TUESDAY

6 Independence Day August, 15 WEDNESDAY

7 Id-Ul-Fitr August, 20 MONDAY  (Govt only..)

8 Ganesh Chaturthi (1st Day) September 19 WEDNESDAY

9 Ganesh Chaturthi (2nd Day) September 20 THURSDAY (Govt. only..)

10 Gandhi Jayanti October 02 TUESDAY

11 Dussehra (Vijaya Dashmi) October 24 WEDNESDAY (Govt. only..)

12 Id-Ul-Zuha (Bakri Id) October 28 SUNDAY (Govt. Only..)

13 Diwali November 13 TUESDAY

14 Feast of St.Francis Xavier December 03 MONDAY (Govt. only..

15 Goa Liberation Day December 19 WEDNESDAY

16 Christmas Day December 25 TUESDAY

Extra / Special

1 Milad-Un-Nabi or Id-e-Milad (Birthday Mohammad) Feb 05 (Govt. only)

2 Mahashivratri February 20 MONDAY  (Govt. only..

3 Holi  (Govt. only..)



Commercial + Industrial  holidays

1Republic Day January 26 Thursday

2Birth Anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar April 14 Saturday

3 May Day May 01 Tuesday

4 Independence Day August 15 Wednesday

5 Ganesh Chaturthi September 19 Wednesday

6 Gandhi Jayanti October 02 Tuesday

7 Diwali November 13 Tuesday

8 Goa Liberation Day December 19 Wednesday

9 Christmas December 25


On Public Holidays, Govt. offices remain closed where as on restricted holidays, it's a working day,

Restricted Holidays

1 New Year Day January, 01 Sunday

2 Makarsankranti January, 15 Sunday

3 Guru Ravi Das Birthday February, 07 Tuesday

4 Shivaji Jayanti February, 19 Sunday

5 Ram Navami April, 01 Sunday

6 Mahavir Jayanti / Maundy Thursday April, 05 Thursday

7 Budha Purnima May, 06 Sunday

8 Feast of Sacred Heart of Jesus July, 15 Friday

09 Raksha Bandhan August, 02 Friday

10 Janmashtami August, 22 Monday

11 Onam August, 29 Wednesday

12 Hartalika September 18 Tuesday

13 All Souls day November, 02 Friday

14 Govardhan Puja November 14 Wednesday

15 Bhaubij November 15 Thursday

16 Guru Teg Bahadur Martydom Day November, 24 Thursday

17 Muharam November 26 Wednesday

18 Guru Nanak’s Birthday November, 28 Wednesday

19 Feast of Immaculate Conception December, 08 Saturday

20 Christmas Eve December, 24 Monday

21 New Year’s Eve December, 31 Monday

 


BANK HOLIDAYS FOR THE YEAR 2012.

1.Republic Day January, 26 Magna, 06 Thursday

2. Gudi Padva March, 23 Chaitra, 03 Friday

3 Yearly Closing of Account April, 01 Chaitra, 12 Sunday

4. Good Friday April, 06 Chaitra, 17 Friday

5. Birth Anniversary of Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar April, 14 Chaitra, 25 Saturday

6. May Day May, 01 Vaisakha, 11 Tuesday |

7_ Independence Day August, 15 Sravana, 24

8. Id-Ul-Fitr August, 20 Sravana, 29

9. Ganesh Chaturthi 1st Day September, 19 Bhadra, 28 Wednesday

10. Ganesh Chaturthi 2nd Day September, 20 Bhadra, 29 Thursday

11. Half Yearly Closing September, 30 Asvina, 08 Sunday

12. Gandhi Jayanti October, 02 Asvina, 10

13. Dussehra (Vijaya Dashmi) October, 24 Kartika, 02 Wednesday

14. Id-Ul -Zuha (Bakn-ID) October, 28 Kartika, 06 Sunday j

15.Diwali November, 13 Kartika, 22 Tuesday

16. Feast of St. Francis Xavier December, 03 Agrahayana, 12

17. Goa Liberation Day December, 19 Agrahayana, 28

18. Christmas Day December, 25
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Monday, 23 January 2012

Meet Goan Survivors of the ill-fated Costa Concordia

Update 27.1.2012

About 53 Goan survivors / crew members of the ill-fated Costa Concordia
offered thanksgiving mass at Holy Cross, Bambolim today on 27th January 2012.

 


Earlier, there was a thanksgiving Ladainha  / Litany  at the Miraculous Cross or Fulamcho Khuris, same place (see a pic from archive)

During the offertory (Mass), a ship, a cake, Flowers etc offfered to the priest


The choir was also formed entirely of the survivors. see pic (above)
In the end, they sang ‘argam tuka Somia’ amidst clapping of hands.
Followed by ‘Goemcho Saib’ orasao ‘Sam Francis Xaviera’

Of the 53, there were many apear to be in their early 20’s

Some pics

Fr. Freddy D’ Souza
Goan Pallottine  priest based in US who served as 'Chaplain' onboard many Cruise ships abroad.



Church / Mass - left

right

middle




The Main Altar



the 5 men choir (all survivors)


 
use the links below for larger view

all Survivors - also seen in the video at the end.



 Video - thanksgiving


Bambolim Church / Shrine
(from archive)

earlier.... on 22/1/2012

Meet Severino, one of the survivors of the ill-fated Ship Costa Concordia
It was like a home to him for he spent almost 4 years onboard the ship as this was
his 5th trip (first trip after getting married).
Happy to be home with family


               

 The luxury liner, Costa Concordia, capsized after hitting a rock in Italian waters on Friday the 13th January 2012 around 9.30pm.
Onboard were 4,229 people, including 1,023 crew.
Crew inludes 202 Indians
Of them, 201 were rescued and 31-year-old Rebello Russel Terence from Mumbai is missing
Update: Nov 3, 2014
The missing body  of Russel Rebello  finally found on deck 8 in a cabin of the wrecked Concordia after 1025 days i.e on 3/11/2014.
His brother on 11.11.14 (FB) says Russel's funeral will take place in Bombay after all the formalities are done
Update: February 2015
Finally, funeral taking place on 22nd Feb 2015 at Vasai, Mumbai



https://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk48/16597543425/in/photostream/





Most managed to survive the capsizing, 11 have been confirmed dead and some 21 missing.
The first group of 63 of  201 Indians rescued, returned home on 19.1.12
6 Goans
Remaining 130 returned back next day, 20.1.12
8 Goans

        REUTERS-MAX Rossie

Remaining 7 were to fly back next day 21.1.12
One staying back as he married to Italian

External affair ministry or Indian Embassy in Italy, gave 100 Euros to each survivor and air ticket to fly back home.

                                                       Andreas Solaro-AFP-Getty Images

Excerpts from Local Dailies:
Severino Colaco  (see pic) recalling the time of the accident said, "When the ship began to tilt, I was at the galley. A heavy heater came rolling towards me, however I dodged it. Then a second heater came towards me and hit me on my knee. I did not know the ship was in danger of sinking as the captain did not alert us."
Mr Colaco from Cansaulim, was employed as a second cook aboard the Costa Concordia. He said he was stationed at the kitchen which is on the lower deck (under water part of the ship) He said, "Friends came to help, and on realising the magnitude of the accident we ran helter-skelter to safety. I was taken to the doctor and saw other crew members helping passengers into the lifeboats."

These Goans who arrived back home on Friday expressed displeasure over the attitude of the Goa government. They said. "Our Chennai colleagues were welcomed at the
airport by the Chennai government with flowers, but in Goa the government did not even know about the incident." NT 22/1/12
22-year-old Daniel Bothelo from Santa Cruz said, "I was on side duty, providing the spot lights for a magic show that was being held for the passengers. Suddenly there was a bang, the power went off and we realised an accident had occurred."

 "The scene was like the Titanic, we were forced to jump in the water as the ship had tilted and people were falling off. When we fell into the cold waters, we had to swim fast because the ship was tilting towards us and there was the danger of it falling on us."




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