Mytilenian House 18th September 2010
Oh What a Night!
The 2010 Marist Social proved to be bigger than Ben Hur. From the time tickets were distributed a month ago we knew we were onto something special. They were being grabbed up like hot cakes. Three weeks out and we were looking at a sold out event – all 400 tickets, the maximum capacity the hall could handle had been scooped up by the general public, families, friends and corporates. Such was the interest in this event and I guess ultimately in the Fiji Marist brand which in our local community is synonymous with putting on quality events.
The lead-up work in the weeks prior was like planning the Normandy invasion. Teams we set up to perform specific tasks before, during and after the event. Nothing was left to chance, the planning was meticulous. The true Marist Spirit was evident in the manner the members conducted themselves. There was communication, co-operation, enthusiasm, passion and sheer sweat! It was a sight to behold. Something I am sure the guests who attended would have marvelled at. It was the well-oiled Marist machinery running in top gear, involving husbands, wives children and friends.
The buffet menu read like something out of an up-market restaurant – there was a fusion of Island, Indian and Chinese dishes all cooked to perfection by seasoned professionals within the MOB network. There was Roast Pork, Dalo, Lovo Palusami, Lovo Lamb, Curry Fish, Curry Lamb, Aloo Matar, Tomato Chutney, Chilli Prawns, Chicken Chow Mein, Vegetable Stir Fry, Fruit Salad and Desserts. The guests were very impressed by the quality and quantity of the food. The positive feedback keep streaming in today. We certainly did not disappoint.
On the entertainment side, our regular dance band FIXX8 featuring Litia and Lai kept people on the dance floor all night with popular Fijian, Hindi and English dance music. The dance floor was standing room only, both young and old were there to let their hair down and have a good time. We have never in the last 4 years seen the dance floor as packed as this. The band was awesome on the night particularly Lai’s rendition of popular Hindi hits from the 70s – that got the crowd wild.
The Fiji Catholic Youth performed one of the best traditional Fijian Mekes witnessed to date. It was intense, powerful and mesmerising stuff. The guests thoroughly enjoyed the performance judging from the applause. Vinaka guys for yet another polished and powerful performance. Great stuff.
Perhaps the highlight of the entertainment was the much anticipated Empire Café Dance Group performing their version of the Punjabi Meke. This group comprises of MOBs who used to hang around the Empire Café food van 35 years ago, who had no lunch money but used to dance for their lunch. Today they are a bit rusty with old age but the Banghara moves are still there. They were led from the front by their Diva in Drag, none other than our fearless treasurer. This performance was a classic. Well worth the $40 admission.
The Sydney MOBs would like to thank all those who have supported us throughout the year, especially our families and friends. We value your support and hope that you will continue to be interested in what we do. We will strive to maintain if not better the standards that we have set in our events. We are open to feedback, both positive or negative from you our valued patrons. Vinaka Vakalevu. Til next year. God Bless.
Typical of the comments is this one from James Heritage..
"I gather you've probably got feedback from a lot of people to date. I just wanted to add by saying:
The MBOB function waqs a very well organised machine. Meticulous in the planning, a smart and pleasant venue presentation, a very tasty palette in the catering, an affordable bar service, a variety of entertainment that is classic and transcends all generations and last but not least an ambience that harks of home and old frienships renewed.
You have all done brilliantly and your hard efforts are appreciated. God bless and malo o'pito. Cheers."
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