Category: Spotlight

#food, Spotlight

Discovering the Flavors of Goa with Anushka from Goa Food Journal

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Goa, a state known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and mouth-watering cuisine. To delve deeper into the world of Goan food, we spoke with Anushka, the talented influencer behind Goa Food Journal. Her passion for food, travel, and photography has led her to create a stunning online journal that showcases the best of Goa’s culinary scene.


Anushka’s love affair with food began during her college days in Goa. Alongside her sister, she would explore the state’s many restaurants, initially drawn to their aesthetic appeal but eventually falling in love with the local cuisine. This passion for food and travel led her to start Goa Food Journal, a platform where she shares her culinary adventures with the world.


When asked about what makes Goan cuisine unique, Anushka emphasized the bold flavors, rich masalas, and distinct cooking techniques that set it apart. From the spicy kick of the xacuti gravy to the delicate flavors of the Goan thali, every dish is a testament to the state’s rich culinary heritage. Anushka recommends visitors try the Chicken Cafreal, Ross Omelette, and Seafood Delicacies to experience the true flavors of Goa.


Anushka’s insider knowledge of Goa’s food scene led us to some hidden gems and underrated restaurants. River Touch Bar & Restaurant in Revora, North Goa, offers stunning views of the river, while Jess Family Restaurant and Sawant Restaurant in Verna, South Goa, serve up delicious local cuisine. These recommendations are a must-try for anyone looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.

Anushka’s strategy for creating engaging content involves exploring both high-end restaurants and local eateries. By showcasing the diversity of Goa’s food scene, she provides her audience with a one-stop destination for all their culinary needs. Her consistent posting schedule and stunning visuals have earned her a loyal following, and her detailed reviews ensure that readers can make informed decisions about where to dine.

Anushka has exciting plans for Goa Food Journal, including collaborations with new restaurants and cafes. She’s eager to feature newly opened spots and hidden gems, providing her audience with fresh recommendations. With her influence set to expand in the coming years, Anushka aims to explore different food cultures beyond Goa and create more travel-food content.

As our conversation came to a close, Anushka shared a heartfelt message with her audience: “Find something you truly love doing and invest time in it—you won’t regret it. Passion and consistency will always lead to something fulfilling.” These words of wisdom encapsulate the spirit of Goa Food Journal, a platform born out of passion and dedication to showcasing the best of Goan cuisine.

Stay tuned for more updates from Goa Food Journal, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey through the flavors of Goa!

Spotlight

Uncovering Travel Secrets : An Exclusive Interview with Kevin Pinto

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In the realm of travel and lifestyle content creation, few names shine as brightly as Kevin Pinto. As the winner of the prestigious IFBA Travel Award 2024, Kevin’s passion for storytelling and showcasing the unexplored side of Goa has captivated audiences worldwide. We had the privilege of sitting down with Kevin to delve into his inspirations, favorite destinations, and tips for aspiring digital creators.

Kevin’s love affair with storytelling and creative work began with short films and freelance photography. As he delved deeper into the world of travel, he discovered the freedom to express himself through videos, leading to the inception of his Instagram handle, wander_with_kevin. Today, his platform has become a go-to destination for travel enthusiasts and foodies seeking to explore the hidden gems of Goa.

When asked about his favorite offbeat destinations in Goa, Kevin recommends exploring the lesser-known waterfalls in the hinterlands, such as the Kuskem Waterfall and Satrem Waterfall. He also emphasizes the importance of sustainable tourism, encouraging travelers to respect nature, promote eco-friendly stays, reduce plastic waste, and support local businesses.

Kevin’s creative process involves researching and planning his content in advance, focusing on capturing the essence of the moment, and editing his visuals to bring out the story. He actively engages with his audience by responding to comments and messages, asking for their travel experiences, and creating interactive content.

For those looking to build a brand in the travel niche, Kevin advises starting with authenticity, focusing on storytelling, and engaging with the audience. He emphasizes the importance of consistency, quality, and adaptability in the ever-changing world of social media.

As Kevin so eloquently puts it, “Goa is more than just a holiday destination; it’s a treasure trove of culture, food, and stories waiting to be explored.” He encourages travelers to explore with an open mind, respect the places they visit, and take back experiences, not just pictures.

Spotlight

Beena Philip: A Beacon of Hope in Social Work

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Beena Philip, a renowned social worker, has been making waves in the industry with her tireless efforts to empower women and children. Recently, she was honored with the prestigious Social Work Orchid Awards 2025, a testament to her dedication and commitment to creating positive social change.


Born into a family of social workers, Beena was inspired by her mother’s selflessness and dedication to helping distressed women. This exposure sparked a desire within her to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Her journey in social work was further shaped by her experiences and values, particularly the national pledge she recited daily in middle school, which emphasized the importance of treating all Indians as brothers and sisters.


Beena is deeply passionate about empowering women and girls, believing that they possess immense potential that often remains unrecognized and untapped. Through her work, she aims to help them discover their strengths and live their lives to the fullest. Her organization has provided a safe haven and care for over 800 children and empowered nearly 2000 women from disadvantaged backgrounds.


Beena employs a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics to assess the impact of her work. She tracks the number of people served, monitors improvements in their quality of life, and evaluates the long-term sustainability of her programs. Despite facing challenges such as managing 24/7 care, combating social stigma, and finding genuine support staff, Beena relies on her resilience, adaptability, and motivation to overcome these obstacles.


Beena believes that collaboration and innovation are crucial in driving positive social change. She sees opportunities for synergy between non-profit organizations, government agencies, and private sector companies to leverage resources, expertise, and funding to resolve social issues. She also emphasizes the importance of partnering with local communities and grassroots organizations to better understand the needs and concerns of the people they serve.


Beena advises aspiring social workers to be prepared to face challenges, but also to be open to opportunities for growth and learning. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, seeking support when needed, and maintaining a passion for the work. Beena also encourages social workers to be open to feedback and constructive criticism, which can help them identify areas for improvement and grow as professionals.


Beena hopes that her work will be remembered for empowering women and children to break free from cycles of poverty, inequality, and social injustice. She aims to leave a legacy that promotes dignity for all human beings, a culture of inclusivity, and compassion. Her message to the wider community is to recognize that social change is a collective responsibility and to work together to create a more just, equitable, and compassionate world.


Receiving the Social Work Orchid Award 2025 has been a humbling experience for Beena. She believes that this award will not only bring awareness to the cause she is passionate about but also attract like-minded individuals who share her commitment to creating positive social change.

Spotlight

Meet Myra D’Costa: The Vibrant Emcee from Goa

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Myra D’Costa, a talented emcee from Goa, has been making waves in the entertainment industry with her infectious energy, charming personality, and impressive hosting skills. In this exclusive interview, Myra shares her journey, experiences, and insights on what it takes to be a successful emcee.


Myra’s journey into emceeing began when her mother encouraged her to host her brothers’ 21st birthday parties. “I was always a talkative child, and my mom would call me ‘bodbodhe’ (talkative),” Myra recalls. “After hosting those parties, there was no looking back.”


Myra’s inspiration to pursue a career in emceeing came from attending weddings and observing how the host could captivate the audience. “I thought, why not be the one speaking on the mic?” she says. “I wanted to be the center of attention, and emceeing allowed me to do that.”


For Myra, emceeing is not just a job, but a passion that pays her. “I don’t treat work as work,” she says. “When I’m blessed with a break, I love to travel and explore new places.”


Myra has had the opportunity to share the stage with Goan, national, and international celebrities. However, she cherishes the local stories and people she meets through her work. “Meeting my lady crush, Lorna, was a highlight,” she says with a smile.


Myra is open to emceeing various types of events, including corporates, public, private, government, and destination events. However, she has a soft spot for local weddings and anniversaries. “I’m always love-struck,” she admits.


Myra prepares for an event by praying and surrendering the day to God. She also focuses on having a positive mindset, self-belief, and a bright, warm smile. “Smiling often helps me receive smiles from others,” she says.


Myra’s Goan heritage plays a significant role in her emceeing style. “Being a Goan girl is a blessing,” she says. “I’ve been exposed to various traditions and languages, which helps me connect with diverse audiences.”


As a lady emcee from Goa, Myra faces challenges such as being compared to others, dealing with difficult crowds, and overcoming people’s mindset that ladies are not suitable for this work field. However, she believes that respect and professionalism can overcome these obstacles.


Myra incorporates Goan culture and elements into her emceeing by using Konkani language and singing popular Goan songs with the crowd. “There’s no better way to connect with the audience,” she says.


Myra’s advice to aspiring emcees is to be unique, not compare themselves to others, and focus on their own strengths and weaknesses. “Stick in your lane, mind your own business, and count your own money,” she says.


Myra stays up-to-date with industry trends by using social media effectively and being consistent in her efforts. “Taking risks leads you to your best version,” she believes.


Myra advises emcees to avoid being uncreative, not understanding the uniqueness of each event, and sticking too closely to the script. “Be spontaneous, and make your own tales while keeping it short,” she says.


Myra’s message to her audience is to trust the process, move forward, and not dwell on the past. “Life is too short,” she says. “You will be where God wants you to be. At the TOP!!!”

Spotlight

Goan Community Mourns the Loss of Alvaro Collaço

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The Goan community in the UK came together to pay their respects to Alvaro Collaço, former chairman of the Goan Overseas Association (GOA) UK, who passed away on December 31, 2024. A memorial service was held at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in South London, attended by relatives, friends, and community members.


Alvaro Collaço was a dedicated servant of the Goan community in the UK. Born in Jinja, Uganda, he studied in Goa and Poona before returning to Entebbe, Uganda, where he served in the government ministries for over 19 years. After moving to the UK in 1973, he worked as Company Secretary for the Technical Education and Training Organisation for Overseas Countries (TETOC) and later retired as Assistant Director of the British Council’s Educational Contracts Department.


Alvaro played an active role in the G.O.A. (UK) for many years, serving as Chairman of their Council of Management from 1983 to 1986. He was instrumental in acquiring the G.O.A. (UK) clubhouse in Beckenham and setting up the former Standing Conference of Goan Organisations (SCOGO), now known as the GOAN festival. He also served as Governor of the St Francis Xavier 6th Form College in Clapham.


Mervyn Maciel, a 95-year-old former Senior Civil Servant, remembered Alvaro with great affection, saying, “He had nothing but Goan blood flowing through his veins. He was passionate about doing things with the uplift of the community in mind.” Watford Borough Councillor Rabi Martins described Alvaro as “a gentle giant with wisdom, foresight, and determination.”


Alvaro Collaço’s legacy will live on through the Goan Association UK, which he helped shape and grow. His commitment to the community and his tireless efforts to promote Goan culture and heritage will be deeply missed. The Goan community in the UK will continue to celebrate his life and legacy, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps.