Il-Bizzilla August 2016 Issue 44

The TEXT AirHERE Malta INSERT

In-flight magazine

AUGUST 2016 issue 44 local • LIFESTYLE • food & drink • business • EVENTS

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INSERT TEXT HERE

WE INVEST IN OUR PEOPLE. WWW.TIPICO-CAREERS.COM

Hot Jobs Contract Manager Retail Casino Operations Associate ETL Developer Data architect

THE SECOND YEAR OF TIPICO CAREERS Last year, the Malta-based German company Tipico launched a new employment opportunities website called www.tipico-careers.com through its subsidiary Tipico Careers.

First had a chat with Tipico Careers about the website’s development and how it is aimed at today’s dynamic jobseeker.

With its headquarters at the Portomaso Business Tower in St Julian’s, Tipico offers a wide range of pre-live and live sports betting products delivered through cutting-edge mobile and online channels as well as through a top-class portfolio of approximately 1,000 retail outlets, predominantly in Germany.

One of the key drivers behind Tipico’s growth is that it is an organisation that attracts young people with great tech skills, business understanding and an international outlook. This is why Malta was chosen as the hub for European operations because it offers a business-friendly environment with access to welleducated staff – both local and international.

“Like the company, the Tipico Careers website is young, fun,

innovative, intelligent and engaging. It reflects our work, which is all about acquiring top talent and investing in our workforce.”

The Tipico Careers site introduces newcomers to the company with a very innovative motion graphic animation called: ‘What’s in it for you at Tipico’ showing the company’s history, its position within the German market, its premium partner and the benefits one would enjoy when joining the organisation.

Another video available on www.tipico-careers.com shows Tipico’s high-end offices based in the iconic Portomaso business tower, with an amazing view of the Mediterranean.

them with initiatives through a multitude of instant and effective social media tools available on people-preferred, often handheld devices. These include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, Skype, Google+, Whatsapp, Xing and many others platforms.”

“At Tipico we very much believe that such tools are the way forward in terms of communication and we feel that they will take over the previous and current generation of online communication tools as we know them today. We enjoy using social media platforms to keep people updated with what the brand has to offer by engaging users via pictures, videos and related approaches.”

Whenever possible, the company employs local talent, but some jobs are snapped up by people who make Malta their new home. And it is for these that the website also features an introductory video to Malta’s gems, gorgeous locations, the island’s culture, beaches and nightlife in the ‘Why Malta?’ section.

“These days it’s all about attracting people and engaging

tipico-careers.com

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Issue 44

Contents

AUGUST 16

LOCAL p. 10 ..... malta & gozo in numbers Facts and figures about the Maltese Islands.

p. 14 ..... High Flying Dentistry Dr. Jean Paul Demajo discusses the negative effects of neglecting your teeth.

p. 16 ..... Fifty shades of blue… …or a closer look at Malta’s rocky and sandy beaches.

p. 20 ..... Faith, hope and chapels Malta’s villages are speckled with a multitude of smaller churches and chapels.

p. 56 ..... Exploring the Islands Fancy discovering the islands? Here’s what to look out for.

p. 76 ..... Fireworks Frenzy

FOOD & DRINK p. 50 ..... A taste of Malta

EVENTS

Malta burns more fireworks per capita than anywhere else in the world.

A nation’s cuisine, is to a great extent, fashioned by its history and geography.

p. 88 ..... Did you know?

p. 68 ..... More than meats the eye

Little bits about Malta you’ve probably never heard before.

The word ‘Chophouse’ is generally associated with meat and big joints.

p. 29 ..... Out and About

p. 93 ..... The smaller islands of Malta

p. 104 ..... Restaurant & bar Guide

p. 30 ..... What’s Happening in Malta

Just when you thought Malta couldn’t get any smaller, it just has. heard before.

Thinking about eating out? Here are this month's picks of top local bars and restaurants.

A roundup of events happening in Malta and Gozo during the month of August.

Who’s been seen and where they’ve been spotted.

6

LIFESTYLE p. 12 ..... Choosing the perfect gift Coming over for a wedding, birthday, or another special occasion? Here’s our practical gift guide.

p. 36 ..... The biggest street party of them all The local feast in Hamrun is possibly one of the largest traditional street parties.

p. 40 ..... Nourishing mind and soul in Berlin Berlin is a cultural melting pot with a rich history going back to the 13th century.

BUSINESS p. 19 ..... Climbing the waste ladder

AIR MALTA p. 108 ..... air malta news

p. 46 ..... Let travel improve your mind

Moving up the waste hierarchy by 2020 is critical for the sustainability of Malta’s waste management efforts.

We take a look at some of the courses you can book around Europe.

p. 25 ..... Living in Gozo

p. 112 ..... interview

If you are looking for a holiday home, or a retirement destination, why not consider living in Gozo?

Il-Bizzilla talks to Mark Chetcuti, Cargo Agent.

p. 62 ..... A students’ guide to nightlife Malta itself might be a small country, but the nightlife here is very big.

p. 82 ..... A new way to ride the waves Rowing on a surfboard seems to be the latest craze that is sweeping over the world.

p. 44 ..... Luxurious hobbies in Malta For those who appreciate the finer things in life.

p. 100 ..... Diving into Malta’s history

p. 103 ..... Make your holiday a breeze with the Visa travel tools app

Take the plunge and find out what the underwater world has to offer.

Just because you’re out of the country, doesn’t mean you need to be out of the loop.

A round-up of this month's news.

p. 116 ..... Flight and Company information All you need to know about flying with Air Malta.

p. 118 ..... destination information Planning a trip? Take a look at all of Air Malta's flight routes and code-sharing routes here.

p. 120 ..... electronic device information All the info you need with regards to phone, laptop and tablet usage onboard.

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MEDINA

The Air Malta In-flight magazine

AUGUST 2016 issue 44 local • LIFESTYLE • food & drink • business • EVENTS

Meet the Team Editorial and Sales Content Factory Executive Editor Dana Bonello Business Development AND PROJECT CO-ORDINaTOR Renata Vella Design TBWA\ANG Art Director Jeff Fabri Designer Berthrand K. Pisani

Contributors Air Malta Alfred Amato Diane Brincat Dr Jean Paul Demajo Helen Raine Josette Schembri Vella Kevin Buttigieg Kimberly Vella Lina Farrugia Marie Grech Ministry for Gozo Rachel Zammit Cutajar Ricky Vella Steven Bonello Veronica Stivala Victor Paul Borg

...taste Malta

ON THE Cover Diving at the Blue Hole /Paolo Meitre Liberatini Photography Aaron Briffa Alistair Farrugia Chris Davies Clive Vella Joe Muscat Joris Lugtiheid Mike Watson Photography Nick D’Ancona Olivia M Peter Vanicsek Steven Bonello Victor Paul Borg Visitgozo.com William Attard McCarthy

Would you like to be featured on il-Bizzilla?

For advertising opportunities and restaurant listings, get in touch with Renata on (+356) 2142 4924 or renata@contentfactory.com.mt For anything related to editorial or photography, contact Dana on dana@contentfactory.com.mt

The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights with regards to copyright. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or copied by any means without the written consent of the publisher.

Editorial features and opinions expressed in il-Bizzilla do not necessarily reflect the views of Air Malta, the publisher, or the editorial team. Both Air Malta and the Publisher do not accept responsibility for commercial and advertising content.

Although the authors and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this magazine was correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

Special thanks to the Malta Tourism Authority, Air Malta and ViewingMalta.com for the provision of photographic material. Printed in Malta by VelPrint Ltd. All magazine rights are reserved by Air Malta PLC.

VISIT THE FULL RANGE OF MEDINA WINES AT: WWW.DELICATA.COM /DELICATA WINERY

w w w. h o q . c o m . m t BECAUSE YOUR HOME M AT T E R S

HIGHLY FINISHED VILLA IN A VERY DESIRABLE LOCATION

Rare to come by, is this newly refurbished, modern SEMI-DETACHED VILLA in this prestigious area of Ibragg/Victoria Gardens, having a plot measuring approximately 980sqm, on entrance one finds a lovely bright double height formal sitting room, combined living and dining room, kitchen leading to the back garden and pool area, measuring approximately 450 sqm the ideal place for entertaining, study room, three double bedrooms all having an ensuite, the master bedroom also has a small gym whilst the other two bedrooms each have a garden terrace. Complementing this amazing property is a good size underlying interconnected garage, another large room at ground floor level app.

30sqm which can be converted into a cinema room or formal dining room or fourth bedroom with en-suite or even a flatlet with its own front terrace, included are all the extras needed as in under floor heating, PV solar panels, intelligent lighting, sound system through most of the house, electric blinds and more.

REF: 034495 l €2,575,000 l VICTORIA GARDENS

MAISONETTE WITH OWN ROOF MINUTES AWAY FROM SPINOLA BAY REF: 451842 l €350,000 l BAĦAR IĊ-ĊAGĦAQ Duplex MAISONETTE located in one of the best parts of Bahar-icCaghaq. Layout consists of a large welcoming living area with wood burning fireplace, three bedrooms, main with en-suite and bathroom on the first floor. On reaching the second floor one finds a fitted kitchen, dining, living area with large terraces on both sides. Both terraces enjoy views of Gharghur hill and Bahar-ic-Caghaq. Included in the price is a one car garage. Highly recommended.

CONVERTED FARMHOUSE IN A QUIET AND SOUGHT AFTER LOCATION REF: 416652 l €750,000 l ŻURRIEQ This truly exceptional, one of a kind, CONVERTED HOUSE OF CHARACTER with an excellent blend of modern and old features This property offers a comfortable layout, which includes a welcoming hallway, leading onto a very spacious kitchen and dining area with an overlying large skylight, a pantry and side yard, a good sized living room with a guest toilet and a further room at semi-basement level currently used as a dry cellar. The living room leads onto a 200 sqm garden with a good sized pool, well, store room, toilet/shower room, pump room and a BBQ area which is ideal for entertaining throughout most of the year.

Through Homes of Quality, we find great satisfaction in providing a uniquely personal property service to clients, both local and overseas. As part of Frank Salt Real Estate Group we have access to perhaps the largest property and client database in the Maltese Islands, while operating independently to facilitate the extremely high level of personal interface with clients. At Homes of Quality we are equally proud of the smallest designer apartment as a grand palazzo… the defining factor which ensures that a property is to be found on our listings is quite simply… quality!

Grahame Salt Director

Недвижимость, проживание и бизнес на Мальте. Сервисная поддержка от А до Я. Мы говорим по-русски! Звоните нам 00356 23420645

Homes of Quality, 211, Tower Road, Sliema Tel: +356 2342 0000 UK Tel: +44 (0) 871 711 8994 Mob: +356 9947 4340 Email: info@hoq.com.mt

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From the CEO...

You are travelling in August, the most popular month for visitors to the Maltese Islands. Almost 250,000 tourists visit the islands during this month and spend over 2 million guest nights on the islands. With 13 hours of sunshine and plenty of heat, August’s popularity continues to increase.

There are a variety of events going on in August, which we highly recommend to join. They include the recently opened Valletta 1566 Exhibition at Fort Elmo. This exhibition, organised by Heritage Malta, the national agency for museums, conservation practice and cultural heritage, in collaboration with Malta Libraries, is the agency’s major exhibition for 2016. It commemorates the 450th anniversary since the laying of the first stone of our capital city, Valletta.

Other attractions this month include the Delicata Classic Wine Festival, La Notte Di San Lorenzo - an annual summer fireworks show at the Grand Harbour, the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady and various other village ‘Festas’.

At Air Malta we continuously strive to improve the connections to / from Malta both for tourists visiting our islands and for Maltese residents. Together with our new code-share partner, Czech Airlines, we are now offering four weekly flight between Malta and Prague. The Commercial team is also in the processes of finalising our winter flight schedule that will see some interesting increases in flights on Brussels, Catania, Palermo and Munich over last year. Such increases will offer better connections to/from Malta.

For more information about these additions please visit www.airmalta.com and www.facebook.com/ AirMalta and join our newsletter mailing list to receive offers directly in your inbox.

Please do give us feedback about your experience with Air Malta, and what we could do better. Visit www.airmalta.com/wearelistening to answer a few short questions and you can get 10% off your next Air Malta flight. It really only takes 2 minutes!

Wherever you are flying with us I hope you have a great flight!

Philip Micallef, CEO Air Malta

From the Editor…

August is definitely the most exciting time to be visiting Malta in – most of us will take some time off around the 15th of the month, and dedicate ourselves to the finer things in life; sun, sea, relaxation, and preferably a chilled glass of wine or beer to round it all off.

From village feasts, to days out on the boat, and back to BBQs by the pool or on the beach, there’s literally something happening all the time during this month, all you’ve got to do is keep an eye on our events calendar, or ask any local what their weekend plans include – you might be in for an interesting surprise!

And if the Pokémon Go bug has got you too, then you’re in for a treat. Given Malta’s diminutive size, it has been reported that there is a far more concentrated amount of colourful creatures lurking round every corner. Head down to Valletta or Mdina and take in the wonders of the city, whilst chasing down Voltorbs and Poliwags in these pedestrian-only cities, or make your way to the St Julian’s to Sliema seafront promenade that is teeming with gyms, Pokéstops, and a large number of aquatic specimens – let me know how it goes!

Until next month!

Dana

MALTA: HOT PROPERTIES Regardless of whether you are looking for a rental investment, or perhaps plan to relocate to Malta, our RE/MAX associates can provide you with up-to-date market knowledge, support and assistance that will ensure you make the right decision and your investment is sound.

Our RE/MAX associates are specialised in niche markets and the company is continuously investing in on-going training. The most recent of these courses is the RE/MAX Collection program which guides our associates on how to deal with high-end properties and their respective clients. Only a few candidates are handpicked for the

Kevin Buttigieg - CEO RE/MAX Malta

course to make sure that the best associates are officially certified to provide a new level of excellence in real estate.

Our sub-brand: RE/MAX Collection provides ideal properties for those looking for an investment or luxury property in Malta, whilst our specialised RE/MAX Collection associates will guide you through the process, introduce you to the professionals needed and provide you with advice in brokering a Promise of Sale agreement.

The brand ensures that no stone is left unturned. Discover a new level of excellence in real estate, with RE/MAX Collection.

Below are a few listings from our RE/MAX Collection portfolio.

Should you need information on any of these properties, please do not hesitate to contact me on: kevin@remax-malta.com or (+356) 99663322.

Apartment - Tigné Point

Penthouse - Portomaso

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Found In the heart of a high end prestigious complex.

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Over 400sqm.

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Front Terrace with Partial Valletta Views.

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Luxurious Apartment.

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3 Double Bedrooms (one with en-suite).

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3 Double Bedroom Apartments, all leading to a terrace.

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2 Car Lock up Garage.

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Marina and open sea views.

Price €1,050,000

Ref No: 240011024-793

Price €2,950,0000

Corner penthouse - Tigné Point

Ref No: 240011024-781

Plot - Madliena

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Corner Duplex Penthouse with 3 Double Bedrooms.

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To be sold as a plot or in Shell form at 1,950,000.

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Measures 447sqm, external area 143sqm.

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Great location with valley and distant sea views.

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Sea Views and Valletta Views.

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Call for More Details.

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Large terrace , infinity pool and 2 car spaces.

Price €4,000,000

+356 9966 3322

Ref No: 240011024-794

remaxcollection-malta.com

Price €1,350,000

Ref No: 240011024-786

The Maltese Isles

in numbers Passengers carried onboard air malta flights:

It has been said that numbers speak louder than words – we’ve put together a few to give you a better idea of what to expect from our small, idyllic, Mediterranean archipelago.

50,754,711 since 1st April 1974

us s ta r t a b

ine

tonnes of potatoes exported annually

320 Monuments in valletta

flew the equiva len lta a m

f to

air

e k to

unesco 3 declared world heritage sites

ss

1

we

6,000

885

The old maltese currency (lira) was used for

182 years

times to the moon and back

349,386 the maltese drive on the left

14km long/7km wide

The number of licensed vehicles in malta

travel distance to cross the island by car

at BOV your wealth is in safe hands Whether you are a conservative, balanced or growth orientated investor, our qualified financial advisors located at the Bank’s Investment Centres can provide you with tailor-made financial planning solutions.

Visit any BOV Branch or Investment Centre in Malta or Gozo to discuss your financial planning requirements and to set an appointment with one of our professional Financial Advisors.

your success is our goal

BOV INVESTMENT CENTRES

2131 2020 I bov.com

Bank of Valletta p.l.c. is licensed to conduct investment services business by the Malta Financial Services Authority.

Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c., 58, Triq San Ĺťakkarija, il-Belt Valletta VLT 1130

14

RETAIL

Choosing the Perfect Gift C

oming over for a wedding, birthday, or another special occasion? Not sure what gift to buy?

The buying process might be a headache, especially if there’s no registry or wish list, but a good gift shows how well you know a person and how much you care about them. Here are some tips and hints to make choosing the right gift easier.

What do they like?

Think about what the person likes by considering their hobbies and interests, their favourite colours, styles or designs, and their overall personality. This will give you a vague idea of what definitely not to consider, and what could potentially be a great gift for them.

Make it Mean Something There’s more to a gift than meets the eye. Try to show that you’ve put more thought into it than simply saying “Oh that’s

nice, I’ll get that.” Gifts can be anything from personal to funny. Think about what underlying message you would like your gift to give. You don’t need to go wild and spend all your money something that they will use or look at regularly such as a mug, a vase or a pillow can do the job.

Plenty of Options No matter the occasion or your relationship with the ‘giftees’, you’re bound to find just what you’re looking for at our store.

For something classy and elegant, you could opt for a unique vase or glass ornament by Henry Dean, or some beautiful tableware such as Flamant’s gorgeous cutlery, glasses or decanters. For more decorative items, AYTM and Snowdrops offer beautiful accessories and sculptures which would complement any room.

So if want to put a smile on someone’s face, pop in to LOFT, Malta’s luxury furniture boutique, to take a look at all the super stylish and innovative accessories that could undoubtedly make the perfect gift!

Josette Schembri Vella LOFT 21, Triq San Pawl, Naxxar, NXR 4018 T: +356 20 9999 66 E: info@loft.com.mt

‘The best name in Malta property’

HEAD OFFICE (+356) 21 31 0800 ST.JULIANS (+356) 21 31 0088 VALLETTA (+356) 21 31 0088

FOR SALE ▪ TIGNE POINT ▪ APARTMENT

FOR SALE ▪ MADLIENA ▪ DETACHED VILLA

Prime location in one of Malta’s leading residential developments ▪ Beautifully appointed 177m2 APARTMENT on an elevated floor ▪ Wonderful sea views ▪ Hallway ▪ Modern fully fitted kitchen with Miele appliances ▪ Open plan sitting/dining leading onto front terrace ▪ 2 bedrooms (including magnificent master with jacuzzi suite) ▪ 2 bathrooms ▪ 2 underlying car spaces ▪ Air-conditioning ▪ Motorized blinds ▪ Intelligent lighting ▪ Tigne Point has some of the finest amenities in Malta including communal pool, gym, shopping mall & many restaurants/cafes

A unique fully DETACHED VILLA in a prime location in one of Malta’s finest most sought after areas ▪ Set on approximately 1600m2 & ▪ Exclusive residential area ▪ Magnificent views of Comino, Gozo & the open sea ▪ Hallway ▪ Large sitting / dining & library ▪ Kitchen / breakfast & pantry ▪ Living room ▪ 4 bedrooms ▪ 4 bathrooms (2 ensuite) ▪ Guest cloakrooms ▪ Laundry room ▪ Large terraces all around ▪ Independent 1-bedroom flatlet ▪ Large mature garden ▪ Wonderful swimming pool with views ▪ 5-car garage & driveway ▪ Freehold

FOR SALE ▪ ZEBBUG ▪ HOUSE OF CHARACTER

FOR SALE ▪ VALLETTA ▪ APARTMENT

A fine example of a fully converted HOUSE OF CHARACTER ▪ Located within a quiet cul-desac in this sought after village ▪ Many original architectural features including exposed wooden beams, high ceilings & traditional stone walls ▪ Spacious living/dining room leading onto a wonderful garden ▪ Secluded swimming pool & surrounding terraces ▪ Large fitted kitchen ▪ Guest toilet ▪ 3 bedrooms ▪ 2 bathrooms ▪ Laundry room ▪ Interconnecting garage ▪ Freehold

Rare to find - unconverted top floor APARTMENT in an excellent location with breathtaking unobstructed (sea) views of the Grand Harbour & beyond to the open sea ■ Elevated position ■ ■ Once converted will make a fantastic 2 bedroom apartment ■ Large open plan kitchen/ living/dining area ■ Traditional Maltese balcony ■ Property is served by a lift ■ Part-ownership of the roof area ■ Property is being sold with full permits for the works ■ Freehold

Price: €1,550,000 - Ref: FA600272

Price: €780,000 - Sole Agents - Ref: HC02648

Price: €6,000,000 - Ref: DV01241

Price: €495,000 - Ref: FA500376

TO LET ▪ THE ADELAIDE ▪ SEAFRONT APARTMENTS From €3650 monthly - Sole Agents - Ref: BR600002

14 luxury SEAFRONT APARTMENTS in a prime location on the “sunny side” of Tower Road ▪ Chic rental apartments - close to all amenities ▪ Exceptional interior design & cutting-edge technology ▪ Open plan kitchen/sitting/dining room leading onto the front terrace with spectacular sea views ▪ 3 double bedrooms ▪ 2 bathrooms (master ensuite) ▪ Separate laundry room including washer/dryer ▪ Air-conditioning throughout ▪ Underlying parking

TO LET ▪ IBRAG ▪ VILLA

€5200 monthly - Ref: DV600023

Modern fully furnished semi-detached VILLA in the most tranquil area of Ibrag ▪ Finished to very high standards ▪ Large living room ▪ Study area ▪ Dining room ▪ Fully equipped kitchen with pantry ▪ 3 large double bedrooms ▪ 3 bathrooms (2 ensuite) ▪ Basement has large entertainment room with bar & cinema area ▪ Large front garden with swimming pool & deck area ▪ Large 2 car garage ▪ Laundry room ▪ Under floor heating ▪ Satellite connections ▪ Air-conditioning throughout

▪ Collect your free copy of our leading Real Estate publication from the exit of the arrival lounge ▪ ▪ The Perry Letting department offers a wide selection of both prime commercial and residential properties for lease ▪

www.perry.com.mt

16

MEDICAL TOURISIM

high-flying dentistry

Lost teeth replaced with Dental Implants

L

osing teeth is a common scenario us dentists come across. Our advice varies based on how the teeth were lost and how the patient wishes to replace them.

Teeth may be lost due to: 1. Trauma; road/traffic accident, fight or fall.

2. Poor hygiene resulting in inflamed gums and bone loss causing the teeth to become wobbly and eventually lost.

3. Gum disease is present to various severities in 85 per cent of the population. This could be due to poor oral hygiene or genetically predisposed gums, periodontal inflammation (periodontitis) or both.

A Case STUDY A middle-aged man presents himself with very mobile upper anterior teeth as well as slightly mobile remaining teeth. Oral hygiene is poor and the patient suffers from halitosis.

The patient is also an irregular attender. He wishes to replace the teeth which have to be removed with a fixed solution. He is aware that utilizing a conventional fixed bridge would mean trimming his natural intact teeth to support the bridge. He does not wish to take a drill to his teeth. He is also aware that whichever road he takes, he must start giving serious attention to his teeth.

Investigations: •

• •

Intra/extra oral examination: External facial profile including soft tissue support. Often lips and cheeks collapse inwards due to lack of adequate support from loss of teeth or due to incorrectly placed artificial teeth.

Periodontal analysis: Thorough examination of the gingival hard and soft tissue.

Cone beam CT scan: This 3D scan provides all information necessary to measure the remaining bone of all teeth and plan for implant and gum therapy.

Psychological analysis: •

It is important to know what the patient wishes to achieve and whether the

•

•

proposed treatment plan will suit all of the patients’ concerns.

Medical and dental health: Good general health together with good oral health is an important prerequisite to implant treatment.

DSD-Digital Smile Design: Using sophisticated programming, a mock-up of the potential aesthetic result may be constructed in the laboratory and temporarily placed in the mouth for the patient to see and approve.

4. Genetically missing adult teeth: milk teeth are lost and the adult teeth never erupt as they are absent from birth.

Methods of Replacement: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Removable denture Combination fixed-movable bridge Fixed dental bridge Implant retained bridge

Intra-oral view of implants

Intra-oral view of implants

Treatment Plan 1. The patient was placed on a vigorous gum treatment programme(months) to clean and stabilise the health of the gums and remaining dentition, as well as a maintenance plan. The upper anterior teeth had to be removed and temporarily replaced with a removable denture.

2. Following this, bone grafting was performed to restore the bone volume to close to original height and width (prior to illness) together with the insertion of two implants.

3. 4months post-implantation, the implants were exposed and the impression for the final fixed bridge was taken.

4. In-lab construction of the bridge was executed and finalised until it was fixed onto the healed implants.

5. The patient was reviewed and reassessed for hygiene control.

Dr Jean Paul Demajo Dental & Implant Surgeon Trained in London and now working in private practice in Malta.

Ceramic implant bridge replacing all 4 incisors

Extra-oral view after treatment with fixed implant bridge in situ

Prior to fixing a dental problem it is important to learn how the situation has arisen and what has been done before to correct it. We do not want to make matters worse by proposing some glamorous treatment plan. We need to understand the scenario and treat it accordingly. Seek advice and ask your dentist!

HAPPY HOUR

EAT, LISTEN, PLAY We believe in creating a unique experience by combining our love for fresh food, premium drinks and music to offer you a truly exceptional day or night.

So be our welcome guest for lunch in the sunshine by the sea, dinner, or live music, all nestled in one of Malta’s most iconic buildings and…

EXPERIENCE LEISURE. PROPERLY.

Take a picture of this advert and start your lunch with a delicious starter on the house!*

EVERY DAY 3PM - 7 PM

30% OFF

WINES* & CHAMPAGNE*

ELP COCKTAILS BOOTLEG PRICES: ALL €4

PLATTERS TO SHARE AND TASTY NIBBLES

EVERY DAY DEALS

32, MAIN STREET, BALLUTA BUILDINGS | ST. JULIANS | 27357357 | ELECTROLOBSTERPROJECT.COM

18

BEACH TIME

01

Fifty shades of blue...

WORDS BY Diane Brincat

19

BEACH TIME

01. Golden Bay 02. Sliema Coastline

T

here are few guarantees in life, but one that you can always count on while you’re in Malta is that you are never too far from the seaside.

Whether you just want to catch some rays, or take a dip in the glittering Med, you are spoilt for choice with the long list of beaches and bays dotted along the Maltese coast. Sometimes having too much choice can be a problem within itself, however one major dividing factor that will help you narrow down your decision when it comes to beaches is based on whether you prefer rocky or sandy beaches. While some people love feeling the sand between their toes, others are more partial to the diving opportunities that rocky beaches have to offer. You may well ask, which one is better? The truth is there is no better option, it all comes down to taste.

Here are five beaches that you cannot miss while you’re here – we’ll let you draw your own conclusions.

Golden Bay Offering gorgeous views of the sunset, Golden Bay is a medium-sized sandy beach on the northwest coast of Malta, right next to Għajn Tuffieħa. This popular beach lives up to its name, with grains of sand the colour of honey. There’s a large hotel nearby so facilities are aplenty, with food kiosks, umbrella and deckchair rental available, a restaurant close by, plus public toilets in the car park. There’s also a colour-coded flag system, as well as a lifeguard service, ensuring your

02

safety from about 10am to 8pm. This beach can get very busy, however there are neighbouring beaches that are less popular and largely unspoilt.

Sliema coastline Sliema’s 3km waterfront promenade stretches all along the coast of this seaside town. With a number of rocky bays, swimmers can dive straight into the Med (or take the ladder down if you’re not the diving type).

Rocky beaches can be a little tricky to

navigate with sharp stones and uneven surfaces, so it is recommended to wear water shoes on your way down.

The main beaches along the coast are fairly close to each other with plenty of amenities in between them. Surfside is a great place for families with toddlers.

Although it is a rocky beach, there is a thin layer of sand over the stone that makes it softer. If you prefer pebbly beaches, Exiles is just a short walk from Surfside and is also fairly familyfriendly and frequented by locals and tourists alike.

20

BEACH TIME

Pretty Bay

Blue Lagoon

Pretty Bay is just as its name states, a pretty bay. It’s a small manmade sandy beach that is frequented by locals and it is the only sandy beach in the south of the island. Pretty Bay offers turquoise waters, as well a view of Malta’s Freeport. Albeit an odd view, the Freeport is one of the largest in Europe. Pretty Bay’s location provides easy access to all the necessary facilities available in town, making it convenient if you’re travelling with kids, but also gives plenty of options for some post-swimming dining for couples, or merrymaking for groups of friends.

The Blue Lagoon is a sight to behold – let’s start with the water; it is so clear that you can see the right down to the bottom, and you can spends hours watching as it eventually turns to turquoise, then cerulean, until it finally blends into the deep cobalt that the Mediterranean is famous for.

Contrasted with the light-coloured sand that’s more likely to be found on a tropical beach, many have described the Lagoon as the very definition of paradise. Accessible only by boat, from Malta or Gozo, the bays around the Lagoon are both sandy and rocky,

giving swimmers and sunbathers the best of both worlds. The crystal clear waters also make snorkelling a real treat, so it is recommended to rent some gear while you’re out there.

Ramla Bay A unique beach to say the least, Ramla Bay in Gozo is renowned for its terracotta coloured sand. Accessible by car and by bus, this is the perfect beach for a day out with friends and family.

With lots of open space and fantastic views, Ramla Bay is often cited as a tourist and local favourite. Some amenities are available, but it may be best to go there prepped with food and drink – however, the sense of peace that you’ll get from the sound of the waves softly washing over the shore will be more than enough to tide you over.

Whichever one of these beaches that you pick, it is sure to be the backdrop to a fantastic day spent out by the sea – but do remember to pack plenty of sunscreen, try to visit the beach either during the early morning or late evening, and keep an eye out for those pesky jellyfish!

01. Ramla Bay, Gozo 02. Blue Lagoon, Comino

02 01

21

sustainability

Climbing the waste ladder

M

oving up the waste hierarchy by 2020 is critical for the sustainability of Malta’s waste management efforts. Reducing waste remains the highest priority for Malta, which requires a culture change to lower the waste generated per capita one of Europe’s highest.

Reducing waste means the avoidance of waste for collection and treatment, and therefore less land for facilities to treat and manage waste. Really and truly many of the things we purchase can have their life cycle extended if we purchase more durable rather than cheaper products Reuse has its potential. Objects that become of little value to us can be reused either by reconfiguring or donating them. Paper, plastic and metal are recyclable materials which are collected on a weekly basis by Local Councils from our doorstep. Stepping up the waste ladder ensures that we ensure that such materials are not diverted to landfill but are instead recovered and sent for recycling through proper separation.

These materials and glass can also be deposited at a number of bring-in sites. We need to maximise the amount of recyclables collected separately to meet a 50 per cent recycling target by 2020. Only positive citizen action can lead to success.

Eco-contribution was removed from electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) to permit those who place such products on the market to assume responsibility for the recovery of such products. EEE needs to be properly recovered to ensure that it does not become a source of pollution whilst recovering precious materials for reuse. Civic Amenity sites were established to facilitate bulky and hazardous waste management including furniture, white goods, appliances

and expired paints and medicines. Such sites are located at Mriehel, Hal Far, Luqa, Maghtab, Ta' Qali and Tal-Kus in Gozo and are open 365 days a year.

Nine localities have embraced a pilot project to separate organic waste, and the region of Gozo will be joining the pilot project as of the 30th of September. This waste is treated at the Marsascala and Għallis digestion plants from which clean energy is derived. This is reflective of the fourth pillar of the waste hierarchy which advocates the recovery of value from waste. Here again, this is not an endorsement to generate as much food waste as we desire. On the contrary in Malta, consumers are estimated to bin €1 out of every €5 spent on food purchases.

Sustainable waste management can only be achieved by limiting Malta’s dependency on landfilling as a solution for waste disposal. Unfortunately, some people are still disposing of an amount of recyclable waste in black bag. Our mission is to increase the collection of separate recyclable waste so as to minimise the need for landfilling, the space for which is in short supply given Malta’s size.

We are lucky to have a waste infrastructure that permits us to sustainably manage our waste – often from our own doorstep.

Using the waste services provided by Government and the Local Councils will result in a more sustainable Malta; one which is environmentally prosperous for our own health and well-being and that of future generations we cherish so much.

Climb onto the waste ladder today and start reducing and recycling. Do your bit – we are sure you can!

22

RELIGION

01

Faith, Hope and Chapels WORDS BY Lina Farrugia

I

f you go beyond the confines of your hotel and the main tourist attractions, if you keep your eyes open, apart from parish churches you will come across many a chapel both in towns and villages, as well as in the countryside.

All these places of worship, big and small, bear witness to the religiosity of the people which, although over the years has diminished, is still part of the social fabric of these islands.

Another reason for the presence of these chapels is probably the fact that the population was mainly made up of peasants.

The parish church was miles away and the roads leading to it dusty and untarmacked. So each hamlet sought to have its own chapel in which to worship, a place to pray and reflect.

Another reason is evident. In many cases the chapels were built in fulfilment of vows; of graces received; even of lives saved. It is to be noted that most chapels had a cemetery built next to them. Tiny Comino, too, has its own chapel dedicated to St Mary. This is a very old chapel built of undressed stone.

23

RELIGION

It is said that, at the time when the island was subjected to pirate and corsair raids, a pious woman from the village of Għarb, dedicated her only son to San Dimitri 01. Aħrax Chapel, Mellieha/ William Attard McCarthy 02. St Magdalena Chapel, Dingli/ Nick D'Ancona

Let us take a glance at a handful of these chapels, chosen randomly. Some chapels can be found in the most unlikely places. Take the chapel of San Dimitri, for example, in Għarb, Gozo, which stands on a cliff. There is a legend attached to this chapel. It is said that, at the time when the island was subjected to pirate and corsair raids, a pious woman from the village of Għarb, dedicated her only son to San Dimitri in order to ensure his life-long protection. During one particular raid, the corsairs invaded the village, seized her young boy and carried him away. The devastated woman ran to the chapel bearing the Saint’s name to ask for help. The legend recounts that as she lay on her knees, the altar piece painting came to life and San Dimitri galloped across the sea to the escaping vessel to return with her son. In deep gratitude, the woman vowed to keep an oil-lamp continuously burning in front of the painting for the rest of her days.

Another interesting chapel in Gozo can be found in the valley of il-Lunzjata, a chapel dedicated to the Annunciation of Our Lady.

This chapel, architecturally, is plain, built for the sole purpose of functioning as a place of worship to those who live and work in the surrounding fields. Its strong points are its setting and the soothing sound of water in winter as well as the dry summer months.

The chapel of Bir Miftuħ in Gudja which dates back to around 1450 survived not only the Great Siege but also two World Wars, although, on 9 April, 1942 the church ceiling collapsed as a result of an air raid. In 1565, during the Great Siege of Malta, the church was desecrated by raiders. It is said that in order to preserve the treasures of the church, including the bells, from the invaders, the people buried them in the tombs of the church. Another version is that they were thrown down a well and they are still there together with the old bells.

02

24

RELIGION

02

01

In 1830, Baroness Bettina Muscat Cassia D’Aurel restored this church. It was again restored by the parish priest of Gudja years later. Unfortunately, it was abandoned until 1970 when it was handed over to the national trust Din l-Art Helwa.

In 1973, the trust, sponsored by the Malta International Airport, started restoring Santa Maria tal’ Bir Miftuħ.

During the restoration, frescos were discovered above the front door. Restoration was finished in 2004. Din l-Art Helwa held the 20 th edition of the popular Bir Miftuħ International Music Festival at this medieval chapel this spring.

You are certain to come across the chapel of the Immaculate Conception right in the heart of St Julian’s, the entertainment mecca. This chapel was built by the Prior of Lombardy, Fra Paolo Raffaele Spinola, whose most important contribution to Malta’s architecture is Palazzo Spinola, a stone’s throwaway from the chapel. The palazzo, in its classic beauty, is now behind a gate, but time was when its gardens led right down

Each chapel has a story, a legend, a tradition attached to it. There are those which are said to be haunted, others may have had a painting slashed, cannon ball during the Great Siege

25

RELIGION

01. St Paul the Hermit Chapel, Mosta/Olivia M 02. Tal-Maqluba Chapel, Qrendi

to the sea. There is a portrait of Bailiff Spinola inside the chapel. An interesting fact is that the Maltese patriot Dun Gejtan Mannarino, who had been imprisoned in Fort St Elmo for his part in the abortive 'rebellion of the priests', of September 1885 and who was set free by Napoleon Bonaparte, ended his days in poverty in a small room adjacent to this chapel. To each his destiny.

Each chapel has a story, a legend, a tradition attached to it.

There are those which are said to be haunted, others may have had a painting slashed by a Napoleonic bayonet or been hit by Turkish cannon ball during the Great Siege.

Those chapels which are in the middle of nowhere were subject to burglaries, victims of vandalism. Every chapel, too, has its own destiny but also its own individuality. They are an intrinsic part of Malta and it makes sense to look after them. They, too, are an interesting part of our heritage.

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27

PROPERTY

LIVING IN GOZO I f you are looking for a holiday home, or maybe a retirement destination, why not consider living in Gozo? This quaint 67km2 island in the middle of the Mediterranean will definitely give you a healthy break from hectic city life.

Abounding in natural beauties, coupled with a laid-back lifestyle, the island is just as popular with the Maltese as it is with foreign nationals, the former often escaping to the island for a weekend getaway. Expats particularly appreciate living in Gozo for its relaxed lifestyle, offering a glimpse of what life used to be like decades ago, whilst still enjoying an active social life and today’s amenities in an excellent climate.

Residents of Gozo enjoy an active life. Those who dare be adventurous often try their hand at underwater sports, thanks to the unique rock formations, caves and underwater wrecks that surround the island. Then there are village feasts, country walks and island trekking, and popular village sports such as bocci (a game which is similar to cricket). A key asset to the island’s appeal are the locals, who not only speak English for the most part, but are also renowned for their hospitality and culinary skills. It is worth pointing out that according to the World Database of Happiness, some of the happiest people in the world are those living in Gozo.

Access to Gozo is easy, thanks to the frequent ferry services that connect the two islands, with ongoing talks of a bridge and air transport. The pleasant 20-minute ferry ride gives one the opportunity to also enjoy views of stunning shores and cliffs before reaching the island’s harbour Mgarr, which also doubles up as a fishing village.

A key advantage to living in Gozo is its affordability, both in terms of cost of living and property prices. With a thriving economy based primarily on tourism and agriculture, Gozo also offers its fair share of job opportunities, albeit not on the same levels as mainland Malta. So what would a weekend break cost in terms of accommodation? A three night stay in an average village apartment would cost around €25 daily, while renting out a farmhouse or house of character could cost around €75 daily in the winter period. Prices tend to go up in the summer and on holiday weekends. The larger properties are a favourite amongst Maltese who opt to visit with family and friends for short spells and require a good number of bedrooms.

It is difficult to pick the best spots in Gozo in terms of natural beauty, with the island having retained an overall rural feel to it. Its cliffs, bays and alcoves, and the numerous fishing villages that dot its shores, provide the perfect romantic setting, which was not lost on Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. The celebrity couple chose the island to film their comeback movie together

By The Sea – filmed entirely in the quaint bay of Mgarr ix-Xini.

Property Hot spots in Gozo include Xlendi, Marsalforn and Victoria, being favourites with foreign nationals living in or visiting Gozo, and supplemented with a fair share of hotels, restaurants and entertainment establishments. A number of five-star hotels can also be found here, including international signature hotel Kempinski San Lawrenz, and the Ta’ Cenc Hotel for a more local touch.

Properties for sale in Gozo are also affordable, with sea view apartments starting from as little as €160,000. Charming farmhouses with traditional features and a cozy atmosphere starting from just €220,000. Gozo offers a wide array of properties and you will definitely find something to suit your taste and budget that will complement the island lifestyle Gozo provides. So go ahead and find out what makes living in Gozo such a charming option!

Marie Grech Manager at Frank Salt Real Estate’s Gozo Branch E:mgrech@franksalt.com.mt W: www.franksalt.com.mt

29

MADE IN MALTA

MADE IN MALTA Looking for local products? Then you've come to the right place. By purchasing authentic Maltese products, manufactured by skilled craftsmen using the finest materials, you are contributing towards keeping these skills alive on our Islands, and taking home something truly Maltese.

Mdina Glass Head over to Mdina Glass at Ta’ Qali Crafts Village to see the glassmakers, free of charge.

While you’re there, check out the wide range of unique, practical and decorative handmade glassware including a large selection of scented candleholders available in various shapes, sizes, colours and fragrances.

For more info tel: +356 2141 5786. You can shop at any of the 8 outlets throughout Malta and Gozo or online with worldwide delivery at www. mdinaglass.com.mt Find Mdina Glass on

/mdinaglass

Handcrafted Just For You When in Malta don’t miss true craftsmen at work. The artisans at Mediterranean Ceramics will amaze you with their artistry and passion. In their Ta’ Qali studio you can admire the detailed and artistic execution of volcanic stone table-tops and many other useful and decorative pieces.

The designs on these unique pieces are alluring – and anything, from table-tops to kitchen counters, lamps, plates and dishes, can be produced to your own dimensions and design. Mediterranean Ceramics have crafted this bespoke tradition into a true art.

Visit the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village studio/shop, or the shop at the Valletta Waterfront. Have part of Malta in your home – worldwide delivery is easily available to add a dash of affordable art to your surroundings.

Feel free to contact us: T: +356 2010 5552 M: (David Grima) +356 9920 1055 M: (Brian Grima) + 356 9944 0922 www.MediterraneanCeramics.com

31

SOCIAL

out and about Here's what's been going on, who's been seen, and where they were spotted around Malta last month.

Madliena Lodge Launch Swieqi

01. Madliena Lodge 02. Liz Barbaro Sant, Becky Barbaro Sant, Duncan Barbaro Sant, Laura Barbaro Sant 03. Fran Farrugia, Jo Caruana, Philippa Zammit

SPEAK MALTESE

02

01

Maltese word:

Hawn jew hemm?

03

Phonetic sound:

Awn yew emm?

Translation:

Here or there?

Zest Malta 2016

02

Westin Dragonara, St Julian's

Supported by: www.ghaqdatalmalti.org

01. Attendees at Zest Malta 2016 02. Simon Azzopardi

01

want to learn maltese?

Get your hands on this Englishto-Maltese dictionary 'Kelmet il-Malti' Available from all leading bookshops.

Would you like to be featured on our social pages? Drop Dana an email on dana@contentfactory.com.mt

32

EVENTS

EVENTS THIS MONTH

1st August

OPERA VS POP UNDER THE STARS Victoria, Gozo The Gozo Youth Orchestra in collaboration with The Ministry for Gozo and Embassy of the United States of America presents: “Opera vs Pop Under the Stars – 9th Edition”. The programme will include classical and operatic songs and arias, followed by an array of lighter pop arrangements from soundtracks and musicals. www.victoria.gov.mt

3RD August

Te fit-Tazza Launch

Palazzo Depiro, Imdina Te fit-Tazza, a creative design project that draws upon local nostalgia will be unveiling its first series of illustrated prints that draw upon iconic elements that are generally attributed to Malta.

The exhibited pieces will be the very first available for sale in locally handcrafted frames.

The exhibition will be open every day from 10:30am – 23:00 until the 31st August www.tefittazza.com

4th – 7th August

DELICATA CLASSIC WINE FESTIVAL Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta The Festival is back for its 15th year; bringing together leading local entertainers, great food and exquisite wines. On purchase of the wristband, which allows you to get the opportunity to taste many wines – from over 20 D.O.K and I.G.T varieties on offer, you will also get to keep a souvenir glass. www.delicata.com

6th August

GOZO CERAMICS FESTIVAL Munxar, Gozo The event will hold a presentation of ceramic artefacts by local artists, who will be demonstrating different techniques in the process of the craft; such as throwing, coiling, modelling, slab building and also firing of pottery. www.munxar.go.mt

33

EVENTS

Are you a Game of Thrones fan?

Fancy a tour of some of the show’s most iconic filming locations?

Then why not join one of our exclusive Game of Thrones Tours? Group Tours are held on most Saturdays and Private Tours are held on most weekdays and Sundays.

Relive the quest for power between the Houses of Stark, Baratheon, Lannister and Targaryen on the island where it all started. Join local actors who actually took part in HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones on this exclusive tour as they unravel the secrets and adventures of your favourite characters.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS • Led by two talented local actors who actually took part in Game of Thrones.

• Exclusive locations and photo opportunities not accessible on any other tour.

• The joys & tribulations of being on a GoT film set and the latest about the stars.

• Includes hotel pick-ups and drop offs in luxurious air-conditioned comfort.

• Includes visits to the locations used as the Gardens of King’s Landing, The Tower of the Hand, The Red Keep, The Stables, The Baelish Brothels, The Red Waste and The Village of Lhazar.

WHY OUR TOUR Because we do it differently. We have worked on Game of Thrones and want to share with you, in person, our experiences of working alongside your favourite actors, and relive with you the emotions we shared at the different locations used. We want you to go back home feeling part of Game of Thrones.

17th – 19th August

MARINE BIOLOGY COURSES Mosta, Malta

A stimulating three day course organised by the AquaBioTech Group in Malta, including lectures on marine biology, the underwater life and the formation of the Mediterranean sea led by Prof. Alan Deidun. The course will also include scuba diving and snorkelling sessions with PADI certified instructors and marine biologists. www.aquabt.com

23rd – 25th August

KELMA KELMA NOTA NOTA Pjazza Teatru Rjal The humorous performance is the first of its sort and is made up of a combination of recited text, reworked manuscripts and original music and prose but it is not a music literacy night. The event will see the participation of Daniel Cauchi, the Big Band Brothers, Ray Calleja and Michael Spagnol. /kelma kelma

Tours cost €59.

For info and booking: E: info@maltafilmtours.com | M: +356 7942 1112 W: www.maltafilmtours.com

34

26th August

CHANGING OF THE GUARDS St George’s Square, Valletta The parade commences with the AFM Band marching down Republic Street onto St George’s Square.

Here, the new guard marches out from the Main Guard in order to replace the old guard which marches out from the Palace.

Following the exchange of ‘duties’, the AFM Band conducts a marching display in the same square. www.afm.gov.mt

EVENTS

26th – 28th August

THE INTERNATIONAL WINES AND SPIRITS FESTIVAL Qawra M. Demajo Group presents The International Wines & Spirits Festival – the first of its kind on the Maltese Islands. The event will offer a full sensory experience, giving guests the ability to explore the world’s favourite wine and spirits brands, and some of the best gourmet food around. The party will be hyped by some of Malta’s favourite artists and DJ’s. www.demajowinesandspirits.com

35

EVENTS

26th – 29th August

25th – 27th August

Around Malta

MALTA MEDITERRANEAN LITERATURE FESTIVAL

THE SOUND YOU NEED FESTIVAL Bringing you 3 full days of island sun, boat parties, pool parties and much more – TheSoundYouNeed Festival will reject the standard electronic music festival format, to deliver one of the most carefully curated line-ups of the season. Dedicated to exploring the finest music of our time, TheSoundYouNeed Festival promises to bring festival goers only the best new music providing a truly unforgettable and transcendental experience. /TheSoundYouNeed Festival - Malta 2016

Fort St Elmo, Valletta This year's XIth edition of the Malta Mediterranean Literature Festival organized by Inizjamed will include guest authors such as Samantha Barendson (France), Roja Chamankar (Iran), Joe P. Galea (Malta), Rodolfo Häsler (Cuba/Spain), Elias Khoury (Lebanon), Ciwanmerd Kulek (Turkey), Daniel Massa (Malta), Marc Nair (Singapore), Abderrahim Sail (Morocco), Rita Saliba (Malta), Mark Vella (Malta) and Abigail Ardelle Zammit (Malta). The festival will also feature Maltese and foreign poetry films, two Maltese jazz and alternative music bands, a book stall, and food and drinks.

Pre-festival events with Rodolfo Häsler on 21 August and Marc Nair on 23 August are being held at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta and start at 8.00pm.

Entrance to all events is free. www.inizjamedmalta. wordpress.com

Marrakech Gianpula Village L/O Rabat This summer season Marrakech Saturdays at Gianpula Village (Rabat) will be hosted by four of Malta's leading promoters, Prive Events, GET it, In The City & Bring It Back! Joining forces and combining a wealth of creativity and expertise to deliver a quality experience for the most discerning crowd.

Expect a high-end series of events where the atmosphere and top quality music will make every Saturday night one to remember!

With a new concept for 2016 incorporating two venues into one night: Start your Saturday with handpicked selection of live bands on TheRooftop, followed by a party under the stars at Marrakech, Malta's favourite open air venue. The intimate setup of the venue will lend itself perfectly to the elite clubber, with brand new decor and the VIP terrace boasting an improved sound and lighting system. Book one of the various VIP tables and be treated to a luxury clubbing experience, including waiter service all night long and premium spirits as you soak up the lush surroundings in an exclusive setting.

Malta's finest DJs will be playing a selection of crowd favourites into the early hours, ensuring all attendees experience the unique Malta summer vibe.

Entrance to Saturdays at Marrakech can be paid at the door weekly.

Be sure to log onto the website below for weekly news, DJ lineups and information on Malta's most exclusive summer residency. www.marrakechsaturdays.com

36

EVENTS

GIANPULA VILLAGE L/O Rabat Gianpula Village is the ultimate nightlife destination. It’s where Malta goes to party, and it’s where good vibes come to life. Gianpula Village is a destination. It’s a community of party people housing a number of nightlife venues. Gianpula Village is located in the valley below the medieval town of Mdina (the Silent City): Malta's old capital and the limits of Rabat, only 13km away from St Julian's, Sliema or Valletta, and 10km from Bugibba (St Paul's Bay). This Nighlife Village boasts six nightclubs, one rooftop lounge bar, a beer garden with a food court, adrenaline rides and a merchandise store. Block and single tickets are available from www.gianpula.com. Shuttle buses operate from the St Julian's EC Language School bus terminal opposite Pender Gardens at 10.45pm. Opens Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 9pm till 4am. www.gianpula.com

All August

LACEY AND LACE PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION Le Meridien St. Julian’s Hotel & Spa International fashion and beauty photographer Nadette Clare-Talbot has taken lace as the wellspring for this, her first Maltese exhibition.

Inspired by the visual wit of Alexander McQueen, the cosmetic artistry of Pat McGrath and the darkroom mastery of Tim Walker and Paolo Roversi, Clare-Talbot offers a series of tastefully daring portraits and accompanying stills. Marked by her years shooting for magazines like Marie Claire, Glamour and Elle, Clare-Talbot has conceptualised each pair of images as if they were a double-page spread in a glossy publication. The exhibition is curated by Claude Camilleri of Gallery Marcoux www.gallerymarcoux.com

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At Realhouse we pride ourselves on our innovative, integrated approach to property management and that’s why we are confident that we can offer you the best custom solutions that suit your needs.

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38

LOCAL FEASTS

The biggest street party of them all WORDS BY Steven Bonello

01

T

he town of Ħamrun is, admittedly, not much to look at.

Although a large conurbation

by Maltese standards, it is of relatively recent origin. Consequently there is little historical interest, and its main street is one of the busiest thoroughfares in Malta, chockful with traffic at most hours of the day. The main parish church, inaugurated in 1875 but only completed 70 years later in 1955, is a smorgasbord of styles resulting in a strange marriage of neo-Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque elements surprisingly fused together by a wonderful cycle of ceiling paintings

by Emvin Cremona – one of Malta’s foremost 20 th century artists. Although the town grew rapidly in the late 19 th up to the middle of the 20 th century, it is nowadays not much sought after as a residential area and so its population is a decidedly ageing one. This somewhat pedestrian picture changes dramatically when the annual festa comes around… Ħamrun lacks open spaces where extensive fireworks barrages can be let off, and this is perhaps one reason that band marches take the front seat in the town’s festivities. There is a whole week of this going on but the real climax is on the morning of the proper feast when the celebrated ‘marc tal-briju’ (very loose translation – the revelry march) takes place – a marathon band march which sees the two main bands participating in possibly the islands’ largest traditional street party.

39

LOCAL FEASTS

The clubs’ supporters young and old alike turn out in droves, most with faces painted in red or blue

Ħamrun celebrates the feast of Saint Gaetan in early August (this year on 7 th August) and on the proper feast day all of Ħamrun and Ħamruniżi (the people of Ħamrun) who have long left town and settled in other places on the island appear to congregate in the town’s High Street (naturally closed to vehicular traffic for the day) for the much-awaited band march which kicks off around 11 am and continues for some four hours – normally in temperatures which hover around the 30c mark. The town’s two rival bands participate and, at times, it appears more of a show of strength than anything else. The clubs’ supporters young and old alike turn out in droves, most with faces painted in red or blue

according to affiliation, some wearing fancy costumes prepared for the big event. Most will carry large flags and a lot of dancing, drinking and general merriment will invariably take place.

The march starts off near the church with the bands following each other along the same route – but at all times keeping a prudent distance from each other. A first awaited ‘highlight’ is when the ‘red’ St Gaetan Band stops to play in front of the rival St. Joseph club’s premises – this is where the reds make fun of the blues with chanted taunts – made mostly in good humour and ‘received’ in very much the same way.

Though police are invariably present to

03

02

01. Ħamrun feast/Clive Vella 02. Ħamrun feast/Steven Bonello 03. Ħamrun feast/Steven Bonello

LOCAL FEASTS

41

keep tabs on proceedings, the jeering remains very much good-natured there is a gentlemen’s agreement between the two clubs which ensures things don’t get out of hand.

After the initial release of energy, the bands follow each other through the back streets of the parish but soon enough return for a final run through High Street. This is where things come to a climax with the whole street turning into a sea of blue and red flags.

The St. Joseph’s band stops in front of the rival St Gaetan’s club where the former’s supporters return the dubious compliments of a couple of hours earlier and, then, both bands play for a bit longer in front of their respective clubs.

The clubs are situated just a hundred metres apart along High Street so, by this time, the street is packed with both bands’ followers – who naturally indulge in a final round of dancing, chanting and drinking.

42

TRAVEL

Nourishing mind and soul in Berlin TEXT SUBMITTED BY Air Malta

B

erlin is a cultural melting pot with a rich history going back to the 13th century. Ravished by wars and divided for almost 20 years, this city has emerged with a sense of tolerance and acceptance that allows six million residents from 180 nations to live together in peace and harmony.

Berlin is a world city of culture, politics, technology, media and science and really is at the centre of Europe. Whether you’re on a whistle-stop tour of the city or have a longer time to explore, Berlin is certainly not a city that will disappoint. From beer gardens to abandoned airports, museums and 24hour nightclubs there really is something for everyone.

Perhaps the most infamous structure of Berlin, The Berlin Wall, constructed in 1961, was demolished between June and November of 1990. A restored stretch runs along the southern border between Wedding and Mitte. Checkpoint Charlie was the famous west-east border control during the Cold War and is now a tourist centre that tells the wall’s story. The tale of how the border was facilitated imparts to the visitor a lasting impression of the construction that once divided an entire country. From the tower one has an impressive view of the preserved parts of the border facility. The memorial of the division of the city remembers the victims of communist tyranny. Take a more visual tour along the wall where the

one-mile stretch known as the East-Side Gallery is dedicated to art and preserves the graffiti made when the wall came down. This creative mural is a reminder that from dark times beauty can still flourish. Walk around the back for a peek at the ‘death strip’ through the gaps in the wall.

With more than 170 museums and somewhere around 300 galleries, Berlin is the place to visit for a dose of culture.

Pergamon Museum is the centrepiece of Museum Island and is really a number of unique museums under one roof. Opened in 1930, collections of note include antiquities and Islamic art, thought he star exhibit is the Pergamon Altar, which is considered one of the wonders of the ancient world.

The Jewish Museum includes numerous exhibits focusing on German-Jewish history and culture, some going back a period of 2,000 years. These include rare documents, ceremonial objects, paintings, photos, textiles, sculptures and

rare books. Particularly poignant are the displays dealing with life under the Nazis.

Admittedly, Berlin is not on the coast. Nevertheless, it is a city on the water. Berlin has five times as many bridges as Venice (around 2,100). The German capital is criss-crossed by the Spree, Havel, Dahme, Panke and Wuhle rivers – as well as six canals, making a total of more than 180km of navigable waterways plus 150km of non-navigable waters. Eating along the water is a big thing with many restaurants on the waterfront and just as many boat restaurants. If you’re looking for something more active, try renting canoes or SUP boards and explore with your own manpower. In Berlin there are more than 100 options for cooling off in the water. These include a number of natural waterways – after all, Berlin has more water than the Alpine lakes, and a broad range of outdoor and indoor pools. Who says you can’t combine a city holiday with some proper beach time?

43

TRAVEL

01

Berlin is famous for its legendary nights out. Home of techno, revellers have danced away more than just the night… make that the next morning and quite possibly into the following one. Clärchens Ballhaus has seen a generation of partygoing Berliners with its opening night being held in 1913. Little has changed over the last 100 years, though the front of the building, now a terrace, was bombed during the war. Clärchens is Berlin's last real dance hall, with great pizza and German dishes, themed dance nights and live music.

If you’re looking to party hard in Berlin, it’s Berghain that you need to get to. This infamous club, near the border between Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, is famed as much for its ground-breaking sounds as it is for its X-rated sites. The club opens on Friday night and doesn’t close until some time around Monday morning with some clubbers, fuelled by a combination of MDMA, speed and ketamine, spending longer than 24 hour stretches in the club.

02

Berliners like to celebrate outside during the warm summer. But the festival season starts off each year in the midst of winter with the Berlinale Film Festival in February, with thousands of Berliners and foreigners retreat to warm cinema halls to watch the best new film releases.

The outdoor season, starting in May, sees festivals, street parties and gay parades over the summer months, ending with the Festival of Lights in October.

Enjoy some of Berlin’s greatest creations out of their micro breweries in their traditional beer gardens. Dust off your lederhosen – you want to look the part, don’t you? – and head down to one of the many beer gardens scattered around the city. Hidden in a Wedding studenthousing complex, Eschenbraeu is well worth visiting for its home-brewed beers and flammekuchen pies. In the Friedrichshain district, the Hops & Barley bar attracts a young crowd. Closer to the centre, Brauhaus Lemke is an original Berlin brewpub, pulling pints since 1999.

But two of the best places for a beer are the Prater Garten, the oldest Biergarten in town, serving its own Prater Pils, and the relaxing Cafe am Neuen See which serves Bavarian beers and overlooks a beautiful boating lake in Tiergarten Park.

Tempelhof Airport was built in the 1930s and was meant to be the world’s most advanced airport. Later used as a military airport by the Americans it played a key role in saving West Berlin during the 1949 blockade. Today the abandoned airfield is used for much more leisurely activities.

It has been converted into a park for running, cycling, dog walking or simply lying in the sun and barbecuing.

How to get there?

Air Malta offers direct flights between Malta and Berlin. One way prices including a 20kg baggage allowance start from Euro 69 including taxes and charges.

01. Aerial view of Berlin skyline and Spree river 02. Berlin Cathedral

Article credit Rachel Zammit Cutajar – MaltaToday www.maltatoday.com.mt

AIR MALTA FLIGHTS Air Malta operates four weekly flights to Berlin. Visit www.airmalta.com for more information.

44

GOZO

No place like Gozo G 01

02

01. Sunset at Dwejra, Gozo/Chris Davies 02. Accomodation in Gozo/ visitgozo.com 03. A Gozitan platter/Joris Lugtiheid

03

ozo buzzes with activity during the summer months, as visitors seek to enjoy the best of an island destination that promises a great stay, in tranquil settings. Stay in one of the local hotels, in a typical village house brimming with architectural features or in boutique accommodation. Wherever you choose to stay, you are never more than a few minutes’ drive to anywhere else. Enjoy sandy beaches without the crowds, surrounded by green valleys, like Ramla and San Blas. Kayak your way out of the inland sea in Dwejra and be awed by the massive cliffs and impressive geology of the coastline on the west of the island. Eat to your heart and feast on Gozo honey, traditional chesselets and ftiras baked in the villages’ wood-fired ovens, washed down with local wine or craft beer.

Mingle with the locals at the traditional religious festas – here you can enjoy the fireworks, the local bands, the colourful street decorations painstakingly set up by volunteers. There are so many ways to experience the authenticity of Gozo and to go back home touched by its bliss. Truly, there is no place like Gozo.

46

PROPERTY

Luxurious hobbies in Malta A

s ownership of luxury lifestyle developments continues to increase on Malta and Gozo, it is a known fact several foreigners see Malta as an excellent investment.

Many affluent foreign buyers and rental clients wonder what is available to do whilst on the islands for an extended period of time.

There are a number of hobbies that both locals and foreigners may take up, besides basking in the sun near a pool during their time on the islands. Some are extravagant, many considered the norm in Malta.

However it’s especially important that one pondering living here knows that they may keep up with their everyday lifestyle without having to leave the islands.

Travel in, Travel out If travelling is your cup of tea, Malta has a vast number of routes travelling to almost every destination within two to three hours. First class travel has seen a major increase, whereas private jet charter is also available from Malta.

Learn to Fly in Malta The aviation industry has also carved out a niche where individuals may take up the opportunity of doing something completely different - learn to fly under professional aviation tutors. Malta boasts some of the best schools in this sector

such as the European Pilot Academy and the Malta School of Flying.

Yachting in Malta If you do not own your own yacht or it isn’t berthed in Malta yet, there are excellent options from where you may charter or purchase luxury brands such as Sunseeker (www.sunseekermalta.com/), Riva and Azimut, amongst others.

The luxury of owning or being able to charter a sail boat or motor yacht is that the proximity of Malta allows for the pleasure of sailing to Sicily for a spot of lunch or for the weekend, possibly even visiting Lampedusa.

Royal Malta Yacht Club The Royal Malta Yacht Club is the home of the Middle Sea Race which is a highlyrated offshore classic. The race has, in previous years, seen over 120 boats, representing over 24 countries, some as far flung as Australia and New Zealand, grace the iconic Valletta Grand Harbour prior to the start of the 608 nautical mile race.

Visit www.rmyc.org/ to learn more.

Golfing in Malta Golfing is a favourite sport in Malta and attracts several business and leisure tourists to our islands. The Royal Malta Golf Club in Marsa offers a tight and

challenging well-kept 18-hole parkland course dating back to 1904. The brand new Clubhouse offers the latest facilities expected of a modern 21st century golf club.

Go to www.royalmaltagolfclub.com/ for more information.

Polo Club and Horse Riding Polo is a long standing sport in Malta and is still very strong. The sport was introduced in Malta in 1868 by the British Army Officers who were stationed in Malta. Maltese and foreigners alike play this sport at the Malta Polo Club (http:// www.maltapolo.com/) in Marsa where there are weekly competitions.

There are several stables and horse riding clubs across Malta where any enthusiast may keep up with their hobby.

There are several activities one may co-ordinate in Malta & Gozo. A RE/MAX Collection associate will be able to guide accordingly and assist you in joining clubs as well as make the necessary introductions. We are also able to recommend fine-dining restaurants, shopping and assist you with schools.

At RE/MAX Collection, we don’t just run after the sale – we provide a holistic service which culminates in the discovery of your next dream home. Go to www. remaxcollection-malta.com and discover a new level of excellence in real estate.

Kevin Buttigieg CEO RE/MAX MALTA 76a, Gorg Borg Olivier Street, St. Julian’s M: +356 99663322

choose your We hope you enjoy your stay in Malta, and find the time to do what really matters, like discovering Kinnie – Malta’s favourite bitter sweet soft drink with orange flavouring & aromatic herbs.

www.kinnie.com

Bitter sweet soft drink naturally sweetened with sugar and stevia – sweet taste from a natural source

Bitter sweet soft drink with orange flavouring & aromatic herbs

Low calorie bitter sweet soft drink with orange flavouring & aromatic herbs.

With sweeteners & no sugar

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48

EDUCATION

Let Travel Improve Your Mind

WORDS BY Helen Raine

S

t. Augustine reputedly said that “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” If you want read the whole volume, take a look at some of the courses you can book around Europe; from business training in Brussels to becoming Zen in Zurich, there's a holiday learning experience out there for you.

Czech Republic – Prague Acting Up

Turkey – Istanbul Cooking like a Dervish

Turkish cuisine has a justifiable reputation for depth and complexity, with flavours drawn from all over the former empire, as far afield as the Balkans and North Africa; the Istanbul Cooking School offers you the chance to prepare some of these dishes. Their half-day session will guide you through the souk then have you prepare a fivecourse menu covering Ottoman classics and traditional home-cooked Turkish favourites. Dishes might include mercimek koftesi (lentil balls), vine leaves stuffed with vegetables, high mountain soup and keskul (almond rice pudding). The best part is that you get to eat what you made afterwards.

Courses run daily at 10.30am or 3pm for five hours, and cost around €60. www.istanbulcookingschool.com/ turkish-culinary

If you are harbouring an ambition to act, the Prague Playhouse Acting Studio offers classes throughout the year, covering the fundamentals of acting.

Teaching is based on the techniques of Sanford Meisner, focusing on ‘listening, attention, following instincts and truthful responses to the moment’.

The organisers describe it as a ‘great refresher course’ for established actors or a good introduction for beginners.

Their summer programme runs from 10am to 5pm and costs from €110 for five days, with tuition in English. If you can’t commit to that long, they offer free sample classes as well as a weekly schedule and regular workshops. acting.cz

49

EDUCATION

UK – Manchester Reach for the Stars

If you’ve never tried climbing before but would like to give it a go in a warm, safe, indoor environment, then head to the Manchester Climbing Centre on your next visit to the northern English City. The club, set in a converted church, offers taster sessions starting at €40 (€20 for subsequent participants) where they’ll show you the basics, or you can take a beginners course for €90, involving three, two-hour sessions.

The staff can sometimes tailor-make a programme if you ask. More advanced climbers are also welcome. www.manchesterclimbingcentre.com

Switzerland – Zurich Mind the Course

Are you skim-reading this article, with half of your mind somewhere else already? If so, the ‘Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course’ could be for you. It will teach you how to access and cultivate your inner resources, to find greater balance, peace of mind and well-being. The aim is to give you a deeper sense of peace and help you deal with problems such as stress, anxiety, tiredness, restlessness and chronic pain.

The programme starts in autumn 2016 and classes are once a week in English (www.themindfulbrain.net, from €723) plus a half day retreat. During the rest of your stay in Zurich, you could attend German classes at the Bellingua Language School; they have morning classes throughout the year – eight weeks cost €340. bellingua.ch/en

Italy – Milan Snap it up

Learn the art of photography on this course in Orvieto. The Umbrian hilltop city is famous for its white wines and gothic architecture; everyone from beginners to advanced photographers will find something to snap in this area.

Transport is provided in 4x4s and you’ll take in fabulous landscapes, urban settings, lakes and stunning sunsets.

Courses run throughout summer and early autumn, with prices starting at

Belgium – Brussels

Learn the art of the Eurocrat The Versalius programme has a seven week course in the Capital of Europe, taught in English. It covers topics such as Business, Communications and International Affairs, with a strong focus on Europe. Modules include Art in Belgium, Lobbying in the EU and the Psychology of Group Dynamics, or you can choose an internship. As you study, you’ll earn credits which are recognised in other countries. There’s a 2016 summer programme, but if you can’t get onto that one, the course runs again in May 2017. It costs around €1,200 for six weeks. www.vesalius.edu/academics/ summer-programme

50

EDUCATION

The aim is to give you a deeper sense of peace and help you deal with problems such as stress, anxiety, tiredness, restlessness and chronic pain around €1,350 per person including accommodation in a 17th century palazzo with breakfast and lunch, transport (except flights) and transfers. www.golearnto.com

models, mock-ups and prototypes in the wood workshop. The course starts in August 2016 and costs around €450. www.uni-weimar.de/summerschool/ en/home

Complementary workshops include ‘phonetics’, ‘writing practice and grammar’ or a ‘wine and gastronomy’ module. Prices start at €156. en.af lyon.org

Germany – Weimar

France – Lyon

Malta – Valletta

Bauhaus was a German movement that combined craft and the fine arts, before morphing into an architectural style.

This course is for students of design or architecture, as well as anyone who is interested in the history and the ideas of the Bauhaus. All you need is curiosity and ‘a zest for the experience of working with your hands. Students will visit Bauhaus sights and museums before designing

If you want to brush up your French, the Alliance Française de Lyon can help. Their summer schools offer two-week, intensive French courses (30 hours) over summer and autumn where you’ll discover the French way of living and study the media, cinema and advertising in France while improving your language skills (they can accommodate complete beginners).

Malta is a great place to improve your English since it’s one of the official languages. The Cavendish School has facilities in Valletta and offers classes year round, for adults and children either in a group setting or one-to-one, with multiple start dates so that you can attend when it really suits you. Contact the school for prices and start dates. www.cavendishschool.com

Build Your Bauhaus

Parlez-vous Française?

Easy English

52

FOOD

A Taste of Malta WORDS BY Alfred Amato

A

nation’s cuisine is to a great extent fashioned by its history and geography. Malta is set in the very middle of the Mediterranean, at the very crossroads of this remarkable sea, and is steeped in its antique history probably more than any other nation. Food writer and scholar Claudia Roden in the introduction to her book on Mediterranean food cannot have chosen better words when she says, “… every native of the Mediterranean feels at home anywhere along its shores”.

This is so true. The smell of sea, the loud lively people and of course the tastes and fragrances of the food are so similar sail east or west, north or south.

Malta is the fulcrum of your compass.

Summer is possibly the best season during which to enjoy Malta’s cuisine, if for no other reason because of the bountiful fish catches, which are landed on a quasi-daily basis. Then there are the vegetables and fruit, all grown naturally in the little terraced fields

02

01

53

FOOD

Most of the fish on sale at Gululu is supplied by St. Julian’s fishermen and delivered to the restaurant within minutes of being landed.

around the island. For flavouring there are fresh herbs like mint, marjoram, basil, and fennel leaves; capers picked and pickled in June, strong tasting garlic; fiery little peppers; fennel, cumin and coriander seeds picked wild and sharp tasting olives.

At Gululu Kcina Maltija – this means Maltese kitchen – in Spinola Bay, St. Julian’s, the food is cooked freshly using only local produce. Seasonal traditional fare is only part of the diverse menu.

Keith, Michael and the other young chefs conjure up exquisite dishes at will, marrying and blending the various ingredients simply and tastily.

August is the tail end of the tuna season and depending on your luck the very

start of the lampuki (small mahi mahi) season, these two fish have traditionally been the most important to Malta’s fishing industry. The choice is far wider though, and rock fish, John Dory, bream, swordfish, barracuda and octopus are some of the more common species to be found on offer. Most of the fish on sale at Gululu is supplied by St. Julian’s fishermen and delivered to the restaurant within minutes of being landed.

Whilst today Malta can offer a wide choice of restaurants preparing multi – ethnic dishes, Maltese food must top your list if you are keen of tasting the true flavours of the Mediteranean.

All the pictures were shot at Gululu Kcina Maltija in St. Julians.

03

01.

02.

03.

04.

Baking ftira at Gululu, in Spinola Bay St Julians Freshly made ‘Granita tal-Lumi’ Happy faces welcome you It doesn’t come fresher

04

Global Citizens Choose Malta

T

he Malta Individual Investor Programme (MIIP) was launched in March 2014 and has seen an influx of the most financially successful individuals and their families invest in it. The MIIP is viewed as the most prestigious European citizenshipby-investment programme.

There is a plethora of reasons that motivate the ultra-wealthy to want to acquire a second citizenship. Often, the primary motivator is the next generation and ensuring that they have the security of a future with options.

European citizenship represents this.

Maltese citizenship is consistently regarded as amongst the most valuable in the world. It allows visa-free access to 168 countries, including the United States, and, of course, confers all the benefits that go with being a citizen of the European Union.

However, beyond this, individuals and families seeking to obtain alternative citizenship want to know that their new country of citizenship is safe,

economically and politically stable, welcoming to people of different cultures, has a good standard of living, and holds itself in good international standing. Even if their intention is not necessarily to live in the country permanently, families want to feel at home in the place and amongst the people. Malta ticks all of these boxes.

It is a country that is often seen to silently punch above its weight. Despite its small size and limited natural resources, it has succeeded in building a stable and growing economy, even in the face of crises in other parts of Europe.

International credit rating agencies have consistently maintained Malta’s investment grade credit ratings, whilst at the same time downgrading that of other countries in the same region.

To many, it offers an interesting balance between the way of life characteristic of the Mediterranean region, and a manner of conducting business more typically associated with the Anglo-Saxon world.

It has a transparent legal system and strong democratic institutions. English

is an official language and the language of choice in business and professional circles. To families from the Gulf and the Arab world, Malta’s other official language – Maltese, a language with strong Arabic roots - adds a surprising and welcoming dimension.

Another important consideration is taxation. Malta’s tax system is designed to attract international investors to do business in and from the country, and, as a result, the impact of acquiring Maltese citizenship is often completely neutral. This is an ancillary but understandably key consideration.

Since the programme’s inception, Frendo Advisory has helped a number of individuals and families, from backgrounds as diverse as their countries of origin, to successfully apply for citizenship under the programme. We work hand-in-hand with the most reputable immigration firms internationally to ensure that the applicant and his or her family are welllooked after every step of the way.

For further information please contact us on info@frendoadvisory.com The MIIP is a 12-month process and entails investment in two forms: (i) a contribution (of €650,000 for the main applicant, with additional contributions (of between €25,000 and €50,000) required for the spouse and other family members) made to the Government, and (ii) an investment in Malta Government Bonds (of €150,000). In addition to that, the applicant must maintain a residential address in Malta for a period of five years, either one which is rented (at a minimum of €16,000 annually) or owned outright (purchased at a minimum value of €350,000). The applicant goes through a -multi-tiered due diligence process with the intention of ensuring that only persons of good repute are conferred with citizenship.

The best future is one with options Discover the value of EU Citizenship for you and your family The freedom to live, do business and thrive in the EU are just some of the benefits of achieving European Citizenship through Investment. At Frendo Advisory we specialise in helping individuals and families to secure a future filled with security, stability and options. We have acquired a wealth of expertise and experience through the Malta and Cyprus Citizenship Programmes, and as a family firm we are able to understand the needs of our clients while handling the process sensitively and efficiently from start to finish.

If you would like to contact us we can be reached on +356 21234000 | info@frendoadvisory.com www.frendoadvisory.com

56

A guide to the little

Maltese Islands dwejra

ghasri

gharb

marsalforn

zebbug

san lawrenz

xlendi

2, Ross Street, St Julian's T: +356 2202 1000 E: BOSS_Store_Malta@vfgmalta.com Open Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 20:00 hrs

xaghra

victoria kercem munxar sannat

xewkija

nadur ghajnsielem

qala

mgarr

comino 2, Ross Street, St Julian's T:+356 2202 1601 E: Sarto@vfgmalta.com Open Monday to Saturday 10:00 - 20:00 hrs

cirkewwa

st paul’s island

Anchor Bay, Triq il-Prajjet, Mellieħa T:+356 21 52 47 82/3/4 E: info@popeyemalta.com www.popeyemalta.com Summer Opening Hours 09.30 – 19.00 hrs

mellieha

qawra

xemxija st paul’s bay

bugibba

mgarr

naxxar

gnejna

Lost OR DAMAGED Luggage?

mosta

Kindly call or SMS the SAMSONITE Malta 24/7 customer line on + 356 9996 9172. We also deliver across Malta and Gozo.

attard

san gwa

mdina

Arrivals Hall, Malta International Airport - Luqa T: +356 2202 1401 E: samsonitemalta@vfgmalta.com Open Monday to Sunday 08:00 – 20:00 hrs

birki

qormi rabat dingli qrendi

zurrieq Malta International Airport Gate 1, Departures Lounge T: +356 2202 1300 E: BOSS_Store_Malta@vfgmalta.com Open Monday to Sunday 06:00 – 22:00 hrs

filfla

57

THis month il-bizzilla recommends...

Portomaso Business Tower, St Julian's Visit tipico–careers.com for career opportunities

Fall/Winter 2016: New Modern Sartorialism BOSS Menswear for FW 2016 presents an artistic take on light and shadow. The juxtaposition of shiny and matte, textured and smooth, uses the impact of light on different surfaces to create distinctive effects.

St. George's Bay, St. Julian’s Open 24/7 +356 2371 0555 www.casinomalta.com.mt

The new Fall/Winter Collection leads us further into a new direction for BOSS Menswear. With the influence of modern sportswear, the look has a definite ease, but the message is always one: precise, masculine and sartorial.

This new Collection is exclusively available at the BOSS Stores Malta of St Julians and the Departures Lounge, Luqa Airport. For further information kindly call +356 2202 1000 or via e-mail at BOSS_Store_Malta@vfgmalta.com

catenamedia The Firs, Floor 6,Gorg Borg Olivier Street, Sliema, Malta Check out catenamedia.com/careers for career opportunities

st julians sliema gzira

ann

The BOSS SALE has begun!

Do not miss out. Limited quantities. This is your opportunity to shop reductions of up to 50% on both casual and formal menswear from the last Spring/Summer Collection. This end-of-season BOSS SALE is happening now at the BOSS Stores Malta of St Julians and the Departures Lounge, Luqa Airport.

Valletta

msida

irkara floriana

the three cities tarxien

marsa

marsascala zejtun

luqa

marsaxlokk

birzebbuga

SARTO SALE, NOW UP TO 70% OFF Get your top brands at best prices! Burberry, Dolce&Gabbana, Dsquared2, Jimmy Choo, Valentino, Emporio Armani, Blumarine, Sergio Rossi, Giuseppe Zanotti, are some of the brands available at Sarto.

Women will find both trendy and classic options, and men can choose from casual daywear to a formal suit.

Centrally located close to Portomaso Tower, 2 Ross Street, in St Julian’s, Sarto offers a relaxed and welcoming shopping experience in its contemporary two-floor shop, making it the ideal place to find the best designer brands in clothing, bags, shoes and accessories. /sarto.luxury sarto.com.mt

58

Discovering malta & gozo

Exploring the islands Despite its diminutive size, the Maltese archipelago is bursting with historic sites, idyllic spots, culture and tradition. The Maltese Islands are like nowhere else. Here you’ll find fossil-studded geo formations, prehistoric temples, intriguing diving opportunities, and a richly woven history of remarkable intensity.

Here’s a handy guide on what to look out for during your stay.

The Red tower, mellieha MALTA Fort St Agatha has taken on its more common alias due to its brightly coloured walls.

Built towards the middle of the 17th century, the bastioned watchtower formed the sixth addition to the Lascaris towers.

Sliema Promenade MALTA Ġgantija Temples GOZO Did you know that the Ġgantija Temples are older than the pyramids of Egypt?

Explore the Neolithic temple complex found in the village of Xagħra [Sha-rah] in Gozo. The Ġgantija Temples are the earliest example of megalithic temples in Malta.

Chill at one of the many cafés, or take a leisurely stroll along this broad seafront promenade that links the bustling shopping centre of Sliema, to the cosmopolitan nightlife of St Julian's.

Discovering malta & gozo

59

The Three Cities MAlta Birgu, Bormla and Isla are collectively known as the Three Cities. These cities had their names changed by the Knights of Malta and are, today, known as Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea respectively.

Despite their picturesque winding streets, and impressive harbour views, the Three Cities are surprisingly off the tourist radar and offer visitors an authentic opportunity to soak up local life.

UNIQUE DISCOVERY TOUR OF THE THREE CITIES, KALKARA & SMART CITY

EASY! FUN! COMFORTABLE!

Your very own Rolling Geek - Is an electric buggy that talks.

- Guides you along an 18 km route.

- Explains what you are seeing on the way.

- Takes selfies - Serves up a drink - Is safe and fully insured - Has Big Brother watching over you at all times.

- Has an attitude.....Sorry!

THE TOUR IS AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGES:

The Azure Window, Dwejra GOZO This enormous natural limestone arch is found by the shores of the quaint village of Dwejra [Dewy-rah] in Gozo.

Known also for its charming Inland Sea, Dwejra bay is home to one of the most spectacular scuba diving spots in Gozo. We recommend visiting at sunset.

SUMMER SUN DOWN TOURS SEE THE SIGHTS AT SUNSET AND DINE AS THE STARS COME OUT

By Reservation Only

2.5 hrs Tour (18km)

with time to spare for stops

SHORTER TOUR ALSO AVAILABLE

Valletta MALTA Colloquially known as ‘Il-Belt’, Valletta is the capital city of Malta that was built during the rule of the Knights of St John. This baroque city is speckled with neo-classical and modern architecture and has been declared Europe’s Capital of Culture 2018.

OPENING HOURS Mon - Sun (except Tues):

09:30hrs - 18:30hrs Tuesday: 12:00hrs - 18:30hrs Last tour leaving at 16:00hrs

For tours outside these hours kindly contact our office.

ADDRESS

Vault II, Captain of the Galleys Birgu (Vittoriosa) Waterfront, Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta T: +356 2180 5339 M: +356 7995 0695 E: info@rolling-geeks.com www.rolling-geeks.com

A valid driver'slicense and credit card must be presented at time of pick-up. The minimum driver's age must be 21 years old.

Not recommended for pregnant women

60

Discovering malta & gozo

mosta dome malta Dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady, the colloquiallyknown 'Rotunda' is a Roman Catholic church in the centre of Mosta. It is currently the fourth largest unsupported dome in the world, and the third largest in Europe.

mdina malta Formerly known as Città Notabile, this beautiful medieval walled town served as the island’s capital until 1530. This majorly pedestrian city displays an interesting mix of Baroque and Norman architecture, including several palaces that, today, serve as private homes.

Paceville, St Julian's malta The St Julian's nightlife district is heavily populated with nightclubs, bars, pubs and restaurants. It is considered one of Malta’s largest party areas and is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Ċittadella GOZO Also known as the Citadel, this small, fortified, recently restored city is found at the heart of Victoria in Gozo. All its fortifications, including the medieval epicentre, are intact. A number of historic buildings are located within its walls making it a definite must-see in Gozo.

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Discovering malta & gozo

blue lagoon comino Take a short boat ride to Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tiniest island, Comino, and enjoy the glittering aquamarine waters of the aptly-called Blue Lagoon, or the secluded Santa Maria bay. Popular with snorkellers and divers, this tiny paradise welcomes a large number of visitors each year.

Blue Grotto, Qrendi Malta Located along the south coast of the island, the Blue Grotto comprises a number of sea caverns that are known for the mesmerising natural display of sunlight and reflections in the water. Daily boat visits to the caves are available during the summer.

Marsaxlokk Fish Market malta The popular Sunday market in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk [Mar-Sa-Shlock] is a main attraction for both tourists and locals interested in buying fresh fish and seafood caught earlier on that same morning. A number of seafood restaurants are also found here.

WE INVEST IN OUR PEOPLE. WWW.TIPICO-CAREERS.COM

Hot Jobs Quantitative Research Analyst Quantitative Trading Analyst Senior Legal Counsel Risk Compliance Analyst – Bookmaking

MANAGING PEOPLE AND MONEY

Hamburg-born Andreas Tödten is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Tipico, responsible for finance as well as for legal affairs. He tells Bizzilla about his sometimes challenging but always highly interesting job.

Please describe a typical day in the life of the CFO at Tipico.

Most people think that I work with figures every day, but this is not the case. I am responsible for the financial statements, budgeting process and all that you would expect, but my job is very much about managing people. I think the number crunching is actually mainly done by the team and I rely on them to perform their duties perfectly.

I am also in charge of legal affairs and although I studied some law I am not a lawyer so I need to weigh different opinions and legal advice, which is not always straightforward. I get strong support from the legal team and we also incorporate the advice of external lawyers, but in the end I am also responsible for the decisions we make.

How long have you been with Tipico?

Just over three years. I started off in a German-South African joint venture in the oil industry and worked there for eight years.

After that I joined a Mergers & Acquisition consultancy firm in Germany for six years, following which I moved to Credit Suisse for another six years, and then Tipico.

Why did you decide to take that step?

I wanted to step back into the corporate world. Twelve years of advisory is quite a lot and I started to feel that working for a bank could be a little depressing.

When I was offered this job I first listened to shareholders explaining Tipico’s success and I became very interested. I had no experience in the gaming industry, but I heard that it was very dynamic and I wanted to become part of that success story.

What are the qualities you look for in prospective job applicants at Tipico?

We look for people with an entrepreneurial spirit who work well in a team. They should also

be prepared to develop their own tasks on a continuous basis as part of a dynamic process of continuous change. I am extremely proud of how openminded our people are when it comes to changes. Coming from the banking world, I must say it’s not something I would see often there as change was not welcome.

What’s it like for you to have your main office in Malta?

As someone who comes from the northern part of Germany, this southern part of Europe offers some differences. I obviously enjoy the weather and the sunshine, but what I find really nice is the people. I think Malta is a truly international country with different nationalities that live and work together. The Maltese themselves are a very open people. They have their groups where they meet together but my experience is that they are extremely open of accepting other cultures and are really friendly.

Find out more about working for Tipico at www.tipico-careers.com

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CLUBBING

M A students' guide to nightlife WORDS BY Nadene Chandler

alta itself might be a small country, but the nightlife here is very big. Unlike back at home, clubs are open pretty much every day, there’s events on Sundays and you’re never stuck for ideas of what to do. Here are some things you can do and places to visit when the sun goes down:

Paceville You may hear of Paceville. This is a student’s local on pretty much every night they have nothing to do. This is basically a strip of bars and clubs, meaning you’ll never have far to walk from one to another. It’s the place to let loose and meet new people. Well-known clubs such as Footloose, Plush and Havana play the latest chart music and releases as well as memorable classics.

Paceville is so well catered for those from certain countries and areas of the world, that there are clubs and bars such as The Nordic Bar and Bar Native.

Twenty Two Paceville is in St Julians, a perfectly beautiful area in Malta and well-known for its bars, restaurants and landmarks such as the Portomaso Business Tower.

This tower is not open to the public during the day, however, at night, head to the top, the 22nd floor, and you’ll emerge into a fabulous club with stunning views of the whole island.

If cocktails are your thing, or you're looking for an opportunity for food with friends, this is the place to go.

Sliema Being such a bustling area, you’re never out of things to do in Sliema, both day and night. Not only a shopper's paradise, you’re bound to find a wonderful restaurant or bar to socialise at, eat food from all over the world, drink a healthy amount of cocktails and try every flavour of gelato you wish to.

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CLUBBING

Sliema is fit for everyone, but students particularly love it because of the atmosphere you get from walking down the promenade, watching the sun set and the glistening lights on the waterfront from both Sliema itself and Valletta.

Valletta The capital city of Malta is always a great place to visit any day and any time. Although not as busy at night as St Julians and Sliema, Valletta will allow you to sit outside and enjoy cocktails, hot beverages, milkshakes and more on Republic Street, at the Waterfront and more. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also many independent pubs which have so much life in them and you can take a trip to the cinema to see the latest releases.

Mdina Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s silent city, Mdina is a beautiful area to explore at night with ghost tours operating nightly. You can also relax in one of the many restaurants, sampling Indian food to Italian, as well and trying some famous cake from Fontanella.

Sitting with a glass of wine and taking in the breathtaking views of the island in lights is a perfect way to start the night.

Mdinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s buildings are also lit up, making them breathtakingly stunning and the perfect photo opportunity.

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CLUBBING

Cafe Del Mar Located in the beautiful resort town of Bugibba, located within St Pauls bay, Cafe Del Mar is popular among Maltese students, international students and with visitors to the island. With a stunning infinity pool and views of St Paul's Island, Cafe Del Mar allows you to relax on sun lounges by day, and sit drinking fabulous drinks, whether alcoholic or not, while watching how amazing the sunset is in Malta. Every Sunday in the summer months there’s an event called Cafe Del Mar Sundays where there’s special guests performing every now and again, and an outside party where you can get dressed up with friends, drink amazing cocktails and party until late. You can also grab a bite to eat beforehand in their restaurant.

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More than Meats the eye WORDS BY Kimberly Vella

T

he word “Chophouse” is automatically associated with meat and big joints of juicy beef hanging to age, entire sides of cow, cleavers and butchers blocks, brawny chefs labouring over large red hot grills are the images which immediately spring to mind. This is all as it should be, and so it is – minus a spot of literary license - at The Chophouse at Tigne’ point in Sliema. The Chophouse grills some of the best beef money can buy. It specialises in Scottona which is sourced directly from master breeders in Northern Italy. Scottona is the word used by Italian butchers for the meat of virgin heifers which are taken to be slaughtered at the age of 16 months. The conditions they are reared in and the balanced diet they are bred on ensure almost perfect marbling in the meat and the most delicate of flavours.

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Valletta – Majestic, magnificent, mystifying Chateaubriand for two The Chophouse grill- Were brawn meets beef Tequila – “Sunset” on the terrace Fresh seabass ceviche

Then again The Chophouse has far more than meat to offer. The brigade de cuisine ably led and inspired

by Chef Steve Mamo prepares an exquisite menu comprising of several light starters – keeping the

RESTAURANT

71 main course in mind – and other meat dishes; lamb, veal, chicken, pork, rabbit, ribs and a house burger which takes some beating. The rabbit dish is local slow cooked rabbit pressed belly slow cooked in garlic and white wine served with a celeriac puree. A choice of fresh fish is always available from the impressive display at The Chophouse’s sister restaurant La Cucina del Sole next door.

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There is also more than meets the eye outside the menu. When one enters The Chophouse from the elevator (from the parking area below ground) the large airy restaurant with its impressive glass fronted wine cave and long bar fully stocked bar a radiate a feeling of welcoming warmth. As one is drawn by the distant view of Valletta across the creek and enters the terrace to get a better view, it suddenly becomes evident why this restaurant is a favourite to so many restaurant goers.

Valletta, Malta’s baroque Capital, perched majestically upon its impregnable battlements when illuminated at night resembles a gigantesque man of war ready to set sail. This is a sight one does not forget. Arrive there at sunset and enjoy a drink high up above the water, then stay on for dinner, and as the evening wears on you will be slowly seduced by the twinkling lights, the dips and rises, spires and domes of Valletta’s skylight.

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entertainment

Are you ready to play at Malta’s top entertainment spot?

After opening only eight months ago, Casino Malta by Olympic Casino has already made a name for itself hosting some of the largest poker events in Europe. Carla Formosa meets with Kevin De Cesare, Managing Director of Casino Malta’s parent company, the Eden Leisure Group, to discuss the momentous journey.

Casino Malta Fact Box: • • • • • • • • • • •

3000m2 of tables and slots 285 slot machines 2 electronic roulette tables 29 casino and poker tables Sports betting 2 bars, including iconic 10 meter long ‘Eden Sports Bar’ Live and interactive lighting Free parking for all players Free drinks and snacks for all players Wireless internet Open 24/7

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ith its elegant and unique interior, expertly designed with original and bespoke furnishings and lighting, Casino Malta sets itself apart from any other casino on the island. Aside from being the biggest casino on the island with the largest number of gaming tables and slots, it has also successfully developed and changed the gaming experience in Malta, offering a more elegant and luxurious experience to all those who enter.

“Being perfectly located in the middle of Malta’s top entertainment hub, we wanted Casino Malta to branch out from being your typical casino. From weekly events and performers to the top notch staff and customer service, our aim has always been to offer a unique experience within the hustle and bustle of St. Julians,” explains Mr. De Cesare.

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entertainment

Casino Malta is the only casino which allows players the comfort of smoking in a specified, very well ventilated indoor area, filled with slot machines, roulette tables, poker tables and more. Aiming to accommodate all players, it also boasts a specific VIP area, closed off for their 'high roller' costumers. “With a lounge area and three different tables, our premium clientele can enjoy playing in the comfort of a closed off room with full food and drinks service,” he describes.

Designed and operated with entertainment as its primary focus, one the main features of Casino Malta is the large catwalk that runs through the tables in the main room.

“We strive to focus on the most exciting casino experience, with a mix of Las Vegas type entertainment,” says Mr. De Cesare. Whether you’re an experienced player, or simply looking for something to do on the weekend, Casino Malta’s exciting calendar of events will surely offer something different for you to do. Mr. De Cesare goes onto explain that, “every weekend, we ensure that the casino hosts live entertainment to make the experience that little bit more special. With local and international live bands, cabaret shows and other entertainers, the ambiance replicates the very best of Vegas.”

Continuously striving to set itself apart from the rest, Casino Malta has already hosted some of the most exciting tournaments in Europe. “Last May, we hosted up to 300 people during the Unibet Open, where, for the first time in history, a player from the Czech Republic took home €65,000!” Mr De Cesare proudly explains. “The next major event which Casino Malta has been asked to host is RedbetLIVE. This will be the event’s first time ever on the Maltese shores and we couldn’t be more excited to host it,” he continues.

However, apart from large international tournaments, Casino Malta also organises internal competitions allowing one-time visitors to participate with high rollers.

“Since we opened the casino, we have given away two Mini Coopers, and a total of €30,000 in cash prizes.”

Mr De Cesare continues to explain that focusing on the service for one-time visitors is as important as regulars.

Participating in their internal competitions is open to all who visit Casino Malta. “Obviously, the more you visit, the better a chance you have of winning,” he clarifies.

Whilst focusing on client service, Casino Malta has definitely created a new scene for tourists and Maltese locals alike. Although focusing on gaming, they have created a venue packed with entertainment open to anyone looking for a different way to spend their day. From live music, a sports bar area and much more you’ll surely find it can suit you too!

Find out more at www.casinomalta.com.mt

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iGaming

8th Annual Malta iGaming Seminar Navigates Complex Industry Effortlessly

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uilding on the success of the 2015 event, the 2016 Malta iGaming Seminar (MiGS) is rolling out a clear plan for operators, suppliers, regulators and compliance executives to navigate the complex issues affecting the industry. As the most established event in the foremost jurisdiction, MiGS has a refined focus on providing the most topical sessions presented by speakers with expert knowledge, whether from within or outside the industry. MiGs historically attracts a high level of local dignitaries and professionals along with a significant delegation of globally positioned executives, making it one of the most respected events on the calendar.

As other conferences strive to promote quantity over quality, MiGS has a reputation for producing an event that provides a professional atmosphere from start to finish. Networking opportunities are held in elegant locales and thoughtfully interspersed throughout the three-day event while produced with an emphasis on fostering the informal discussions that generate relationships. The preferred singletrack conference format allows delegates to attend all sessions and provide opportunities for discussions to integrate with related topics thereby giving the event a flow not found in multi-track

formats preferred at other conferences. iGaming veteran and confirmed Conference Chair, Sue Schneider says of the 2016 MiGS “Developed by professionals for professionals, MiGS stands alone in terms of quality of content, speakers and networking.

Anyone serious about moving the industry or their operation forward will materially benefit from attending”.

The MiGS conference agenda evolves and improves year after year utilizing input from trusted authorities within the unique industry environment found in Malta, as well as from feedback of past attendees and the global industry at large. Highlights from this year’s event over 7 – 9 November include workshops on anti-money laundering (AML) directives and taxation presented by Deloitte, jurisdictional updates from the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) and a Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) representative will provide useful updates on progress made over the last year towards simplifying the licensing process.

Additional conference topics will delve into those issues of prime importance to the technology and market development so vital to iGaming professionals from any sector or locale. Data protection,

eSports, and player acquisition and retention strategies will all be up for discussion and debate using session formats that enhance participation so delegates walk away with a more invested perspective and actionable ideas to bring back to the office.

MiGS provides a superior showcase for brand exposure to the 400+ highlevel executives with the development of unique sponsorship opportunities and creatively placed exhibitor spaces throughout the newly appointed host hotel, the Hilton Malta. Having won TripAdvisor’s 2016 Traveler’s Choice Award for Top 10 Luxury Hotels, the Hilton Malta will impress with ample space for the event to co-opt for conference sessions, high-profile sponsor and exhibitor exposure and networking options.

When over 93% of past delegates express their intention to attend the next annual installment of an event, it puts the quality of the entire event into sharp focus. Using the irrefutable economic importance of Malta to the industry and coupling that with the most advanced conference programme, MiGS is a can’t miss event for anyone seriously invested in progressing the iGaming industry forward.

To inquire about speaking, sponsorship or exhibit opportunities, contact info@maltaigamingseminar.com. Keep abreast of agenda updates and other important event announcements by following MiGS on social media and signing up on www.maltaigamingseminar.com.

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TEAM BUILDING

VideoSlots welcome new COO in Barcelona

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01. The Videoslots team en route to Barcelona 02. Ulle Skottling

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he Videoslots team are looking brighter than usual after having spent a couple of days in the gorgeous sun-kissed Barcelona earlier this month, where two groups of team members flew out to enjoy everything this grand Spanish city has to offer.

Accompanying them on this colourful adventure was Ulle Skottling, Videoslots latest star recruit and freshly appointed COO, with a background that’s almost as colourful as our brand.

Apart from being recognised for his several professional accomplishments, that include top level jobs at international companies such as PayEx, Dell and NetEnt to mention a few, Ulle is also, interestingly, Sweden’s former kickboxing champion. Over the years has also appeared in two music videos and a movie production - which is generally what you wouldn’t expect from a COO, but at the same time makes him such a great fit at Videoslots.

“Coming from a background of rapid growth and industry leaders, moving to Videoslots felt like the next natural step. Not only because it is one of the biggest and fastest growing casinos, offering innovative solutions such as “Battle of Slots”, as well as some of the best welcome offers in the industry, but mostly

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because of the passionate driving force behind it. My aim is to harness this passion and drive it forward, while retaining the warm family environment that runs throughout all levels of the company,” Ulle mentions.

This ‘family feeling’ can be felt at Videoslots as soon as you set foot into their offices. The vibe I get from most staff members is that they are genuinely really happy to be a part of this journey.

There’s a great collaborative environment going on and this positivity has led the company to exceed expectations in the past couple of years, and sustain considerable growth; both in terms of market placement, as well as the infrastructure behind it.

“Before growth there’s always a lot of hard work involved,” mentions Ulle, and that’s why we decided to thank all of our team members for having made it possible by treating them to a short break overseas. We feel that it is important to come together as a team, before going ahead as a brand.”

In conclusion, I am curious to know what Ulle’s next plans include. “I look forward to driving Video Slots forward, building on our innovation and superior playing experience, while consistently scaling with excellence; which definitely includes keeping things personal to continue succeeding as a family.”

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Pyrotechnics

Fireworks Frenzy WORDS AND PHOTOS BY Victor Paul Borg

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Pyrotechnics

I Malta does indeed burn more fireworks per capita than anywhere else in the world

01. Lija Fireworks 02. Fireworks store 03. Fireworks show preparation 02

f the frenzy of fireworks lighting up the night sky over Malta on a typical summer weekend is anything to go by, then there is no doubting the Maltese obsession with fireworks. Malta does indeed burn more fireworks per capita than anywhere else in the world, and if the body of work burned annually had to be priced commercially – it is not, because the pyrotechnicians are volunteers who produce the fireworks for the parish feasts – it would be worth many millions of euros, more than the worth of the agricultural industry. But Maltese fireworks are not just about quantity: they have also evolved into a stylistic subgenre, they are the most distinct art-form in Malta, and the top shows in Malta are among the best in the world.

The pyrotechnic shows are in fact the biggest allure and the most visible part of the feasts. Held every year between June and September, mostly on weekends, to commemorate each town’s parish saint, the feasts have come a long way from their beginnings in the 18 th century as modest affairs of bonfires, fire crackers, and church celebrations.

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Now they are the largest event of the year in every town in Malta, and each parish church mobilises a huge effort in the organisation of the annual fete – three days of Catholic adulation, brass bands, and fireworks – a yearly ritual that reasserts the centrality of the church in community affairs.

Funds are collected from door-to-door donations, or raised in competitions, and donations continue to increase year on year – especially donations given specifically for the fireworks.

And the toil involved in the production of fireworks is impressive: about 800 pyrotechnicians working in three dozen fireworks factories volunteer virtually all their free time all year round to produce the fireworks for the feasts.

The style of Maltese pyrotechnics has been influenced by Maltese history. For example, there is greater emphasis on maroons; on the main day of the feast, the beginning of the procession with the statue of the parish saint is marked by a battery of maroons – this is known as the salute in local parlance, a salute to the parish saint akin to the battery of cannons that greets military expeditions,

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Pyrotechnics

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something that possibly arises from Malta’s militaristic past. Moreover, shows are punctuated with multi-break maroon shells, a complicated Maltesestyle contraption consisting of clusters of maroons or bomblets that explode in staccato bursts to create rhythms of sound. These have the power to excite with their rhythmic pitches, and the sound-patterns are like signatures – an experienced fireworks enthusiast would be able to tell you, simply by listening to the sound pattern, which factory produced that particular shell.

Multi-break shells are something of a Maltese speciality, especially the multibreak colour shells. Classical multibreak colour shells explode in three successive webs of colourful light (the pattern they make is like saggy spider webs) followed by a closing maroon, but experienced pyrotechnicians constantly experiment with different forms or combinations. Maltese pyrotechnicians are the only ones in the world who produce these setpieces on a large scale – these setpieces are risky and

complex to build – that’s because the pyrotechnicians and factories in Malta are not-for-profit entities free from the constrains of personal insurance premiums and the necessity of making a profit, two factors that would otherwise make these set-pieces prohibitively expensive. So Maltese pyrotechnicians take greater risks to produce more spectacular set pieces.

Traditionally, Maltese fireworks were almost limited to set-pieces let off manually, as well as the maroons – either singly or in batteries – also let off manually. But many of the feasts have, in recent years, been shifting to semi-automated systems, putting up a computer-controlled professional show – normally on the eve of the feast – and then letting off traditional fireworks on the feast day itself during the procession with the statue of the parish saint (the fireworks on the feast day usually start with a battery of maroons, then multi-break maroon shells, followed by multi-break colour shells and other forms).

Both types of shows – the traditional and the professional – offer a spectacle in their own right. On the feast day there is an opportunity to see the traditional setpieces, especially the multi-break colour shells that feature such impressive range and combinations of colours. And the professional shows are a spectacle of what Maltese pyrotechnicians are able to do when they use technology to synergise their longstanding flair. These professional shows – usually constituted of thousands of shells in individual launch tubes – are rigged up to a computer system and the shells connected to electronic fuses, and when the launch button is hit on a laptop it all comes up in a synchrony of light and music (the fireworks in these shows are synchronised to music). A few Maltese-style setpieces are usually incorporated into the professional shows, and this serves to inject creative variety. In fact, given the range of shells and colours incorporated into shows, it is safe to claim that Maltese pyrotechnics are probably the most varied and distinct in the world.

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Pyrotechnics

Best Pyrotechnic Shows in August: The best fireworks shows in the feasts that fall in August and early September are the listed below, organised by date:

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01. Lija Baraxx 02. Lija Baraxx

a large professional show – and there is also another excellent professional show at Hal Ghaxaq. On the 15 August, traditional fireworks with zest are let off at Mqabba, Hal Ghaxaq, and Mosta. If you are in Gozo, there are good fireworks – mostly traditional – on the 15 August Rabat (the Citadel).

6-7 August St Joseph feast in Qala, Gozo, put up one of the best St Catherine’s wheels shows in the islands on 6 August, and spectacular setpieces on the feast days itself.

21-22 August There are good shows, of professional fireworks and traditional fireworks, at the feast of St Barthalomew at Hal Gharghur in Malta.

14-15 August For the feast of the Assumption, which is held in several towns throughout the Maltese Islands simultaneously, there are several excellent shows. On the eve of the feast, 14 August, the best show is in the south of Malta at Mqabba – it’s

7 September There are two excellent shows on this date: a creatively different show in Mellieha’s church square in Malta, and a professional show in Xaghra (Gozo) put up the Lourdes Fireworks Factory, one of Malta’s best award-winning factories.

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Watersports

A new way to ride the waves Rowing on a surfboard is not the result of a lost canoe or the inability to afford a boat, but rather the latest craze that is sweeping over the world, and now Malta. Veronica Stivala gets on board to find out more about paddle boarding.

PHOTOS BY Joe Muscat

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Watersports

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ou may be familiar with the sight of people standing on surfboards and rowing, as if they were on a canoe.

While some may think that these people may have lost their boats, or perhaps cannot afford one, this is not the case but rather, a new sport and one that is quickly gaining popularity in the cool, calm Mediterranean waters surrounding the Maltese Islands.

Stand up paddle boarding originated in Africa where it was common practice for individuals to stand on their canoes and use their paddle to propel themselves forwards. This method of stand up paddle boarding was used by warriors in an attempt to silently enter enemy territory for stealth attacks.

The sport was introduced to Malta in 2010 by a certain Joe Muscat. He had heard of this new sport and had even given it a go in France some years before. “Unfortunately,” he recalls, “we had a poor instructor and I totally went off the sport.”

But some time later, he was talking to a businessman who suggested that Stand Up Paddling (SUP) would be the next big thing in water sports. Muscat decided to order a couple to try it out. He and his wife took to the sport like fish to water after learning from an instructional video on You Tube.

Interestingly, while the sport looks and sound very new, it actually originated in the 16th century, where Hawaiian surfers would surf on boards of up to 5 meters in length. These surfers would use a paddle out of necessity due to the size of their boards. The practice of stand up paddle boarding continued in Tel Aviv into the 20th century, where lifeguards would stand on wide boards as a way to have a clear view of possible swimmers in distress. The lifeguards would then use a paddle to enable them to propel through the water quickly to rescue swimmers.

In the 1940s, surf instructors in Waikiki, Duke Kahanamoku and Leroy and Bobby AhChoy, began SUP boarding as a way to stand on their boards during incoming swells. Thus, the phenomenon known as beach board surfing was born.

In the 1990s stand up paddle boarding was taught at Hawaiian surf schools as an alternative way to surf when there was little swell. This practice became increasingly popular so surf instructor Brian Keaulana added ‘'Beach Boy Surfing’ to the world-recognised Buffalo Big Board Contest in 2003. The response to this new category was overwhelming, with many recognised surfers choosing to partake in this new form of surfing.

Muscat attributes the sport’s popularity to the fact that it is great fun. He worked hard to encourage people and notes how “as soon as people try it, they are hooked”. It is naturally most attractive to those who have a love for both the sea and adventure. The fact that the sport is the fastest growing water sport in the world means it is gaining traction and exposure in the media.

Pluses in paddle boarding are the fact that it is easy, as well as the sense of freedom it gives one, without forgetting the opportunity it allows for one to appreciate nature and Malta’s beautiful coast. It is also an extremely efficient workout that targets the whole body. And it is also special for Muscat because he gets spend extra time with his wife “whose passion for SUP is as strong as mine”.

Muscat struggles to find a down side to paddle boarding, citing only the problem of having to “drive to work while looking at a flat calm sea that is calling you to paddle it.”

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Watersports

So who are the main people who go paddle boarding? Muscat notes that while people of all ages will rent a paddle boat, but those who actually invest in buying one are aged over 25, possibly because other can't afford to make the purchase...

What tips does Muscat have for someone who is just a beginner?

“Get yourself to one of the water sport centres, sign up for a lesson in paddleboarding, rent a board for an hour and go explore the coast… I guarantee that it will be one of the shortest hours one can experience, and a revelation. It’s a very easy sport to learn and very rewarding,” he says.

On a good calm day, everywhere is great for paddle boarding, he says. His favourite spots include paddling from Golden Bay towards Għajn Tuffieħa, Ġnejna and Fomm ir-riħ… or the other way to Paradise Bay, via Popeye Village. When it’s windy and there are waves, he advises Għajn Tuffieħa for North Westerly winds, and in St Thomas Bay for easterly winds.

The golden rules for paddle boarding, he says, are to buy the right board from people who know the sport, “a board will last you years,” he notes, adding how the same goes for a good paddle. It is also important to learn the proper paddling technique as well we to make sure you are hydrated enough and have had a snack before you set off. Wear sun protection and a hat, get as many friends as possible to join you, and, of course, have fun!

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WHY CATENA?

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT MALTA?

“Malta is a wonderful mix of different cultures, salt water and sunshine. I love walking around in narrow streets discovering a neighbourhood, finding new coffee places and fruit shops all the time”.

"It's a unique organisation in a fast-growing global industry, providing great opportunities to anyone who takes up the challenge. No matter what department you’re in, you’ll gain skills and experience that’ll put you a step ahead of the rest now and into the future".

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE THINKING OF MOVING? “Moving is never easy, but most find that the way of life Malta has to offer is a dream come true! So why not live the dream?”

catenamedia.com/career

PASSIONATE

PROFESSIONAL

CURIOUS

#WHYCATENA Catena Media is a successful digital marketing company that uses various channels to generate high quality online leads for an extensive book of clients. Our market-leading web portals are specially designed to serve the requirements of all our customers and we engage our SEO expertise to attract fresh traffic, which can be converted into fresh custom.

Our knowledge of our chosen sectors allows us to fully understand the requirements of our target audience and communicate with them effectively. This ensures we can deliver excellent results for our clients, maximising returns and adding value to help them grow their revenue streams.

Driven by our company values of passion, professionalism and curiosity, we aim to become the world’s leading generator of high-value online leads. We are constantly looking for like-minded individuals to help grow our team and we currently have a number of exciting vacancies to fill.

Our business relies on valuable input from a range of disciplines including SEO, content writing, product management, finance control, IT and sales expertise, amongst others. We believe in collaboration and inclusion, so our teams work together in a cooperative, enjoyable atmosphere to help us achieve our vision.

If you’re a talented individual who takes pride in your work and has a passion for learning, then contact us to learn more about our career opportunities. You will benefit from an opportunity to work for a growing company in an exciting sector as we aim to achieve our goals. If you share our values, we would love to hear from you so please visit catenamedia.com/career and get in touch today!

What are you waiting for?

Join our growing team! catenamedia.com/career

FO #WHLLOW US YCAT ENA

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01

DID YOU KNOW?

WORDS BY Ricky Vella

Little bits about Malta you’ve probably never heard before.

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The eight points on the Maltese Cross symbolise – loyalty, piety, frankness, braveness, glory and honour, contempt of death, helpfulness towards the poor and sick, and respect for the church.

In the past brides always prayed for rain on their wedding day – as this meant they would go through an easy birth with their first born!

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Malta's Grand Harbour boasts of being one of the best natural deepwater harbours in the world.

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The island of Gozo was described as the island Ogygia in Homer’s wellknown epic ‘The Odyssey’. According to legend, a beautiful nymph named Calypso captured Ulysses and held

him captive in a cave as her love object for seven year hence the name Calypso’s Cave.

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The Temple of Ġgantija traces back its foundations back to a time much earlier than the Egyptian Pyramids.

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In 60 AD the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked on the Maltese coast due to a violent storm. The site is today known as St Paul’s Island.

According to legend St Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake but suffered no ill effects – the islanders took this as a sign that he was an extraordinary man.

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Malta was taken over by Napoleon in 1798. This ended the Inquisition introduced by the Knights of St John.

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Strait Street in Valletta was known as ‘The Gut’ owing to its reputation for being particularly risqué. During the period of the Knights, Strait Street was the prime choice for settling quarrels with drawn swords.

Much later it was famous for its bars with live music and girls for hire. It was also dubbed as the ‘Shady Lane of Valletta’… interesting…

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Tourism, ICT, financial services and tourism form the key pillars of the Maltese economy.

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Women wore a black head dress/ shawl/hooded cloak called the għonnella (awe-nel-la), which was created with the scope of being worn as a headress before entering a Catholic Church. It is

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Malta's Grand Harbour Traditional Maltese door knocker featuring the Maltese cross St Paul's Grotto/ Wignacourt Museum Ggantija foundations

also commonly said that women wore the għonnella more regularly after 1789 with the intention of discouraging advances from Napoleon Bonaparte’s troops.

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Malta was known as Melita (Island of Honey) by ancient Greeks and Romans.

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Oliver Reed, star of such films as Women in Love and The Three Musketeers, passed away in 1999 in a popular pub in Valletta.

Admirers of the actor continue to flock from all over the world to pay their respects by sitting where Ollie sat on his last night.

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Some say that the waters surrounding Malta might have been the site for the legendary city of Atlantis.

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FACTS

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01. St John's Co Cathedral 02. Ladies in Ghonella Traditional Costume 03. Palace Armoury/ Aaron Briffa

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Submerged archways, as well as several underwater structures, have been discovered off the coast of Malta.

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Malta was awarded the George Cross, by King George VI (UK), in the year 1942 ‘for gallantry’.

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Valletta has some interesting titles… apart from ‘a city built for gentlemen by gentlemen’ there is - The Fortress City, Umilissima Civita Valletta (The Most Humble City of Valletta), Masterpiece of the Baroque, European Art City and, more recently, it has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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The stairs in most of Valletta’s streets are generally much lower than you’d expect. This was because they were designed to make climbing them wearing heavy armour somewhat more manageable.

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Għar Dalam Cave in Malta holds the earliest evidence of inhabitation in the country.

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The Manoel Theatre in Valletta is the second oldest theatre in Europe and was first opened to the public way back in 1732 – it still in use today with seasons running from October to May.

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The Armoury in Valletta, which is housed in the former stables of the Magisterial Palace of the Order of St John, ranks among the world’s best arms collections and covers three centuries of armour and arms development.

PAY-PER-USE OFFICES, DESKS, MEETING ROOMS AND OPEN PLAN OFFICE SPACE

St John’s Co Cathedral – again in Valletta – is a unique monument of international importance where you can admire Caravaggio’s Beheading of St John the Baptist and St Jerome's writing, as well as the intricate marble mosaic tombstones that line the entire cathedral.

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The Megalithic temples in Malta boast of having a lineage older than England’s Stonehenge.

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Valletta is named after Jean Parisot de la Valette, a Grand Master of the Knights of St John.

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The University of Malta was founded way back in 1592.

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Malta’s national dog is the beautiful Pharaoh Hound. In the Maltese language it is Kelb tal-Fenek (rabbit dog) due to the fact that it was commonly used for hunting.

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island hopping

The Smaller Islands of Malta WORDS BY Diane Brincat

Fungus Rock/Alistair Farrugia

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island hopping

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ust when you think Malta can’t get any smaller, it turns out that it, in fact, can. Outside of the main islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino, Malta’s archipelago actually contains 18 smaller islands.

Many measuring at less that 1km2, these islets are dotted around the coast, with each one playing a role in Malta’s rich history. While 18 were too many to cover, here are five Maltese islands that hold the most intriguing backstories.

Saint Paul’s Island Just off the north east coast of Malta lies the uninhabited island named after Paul the Apostle, who was allegedly shipwrecked there on his way to a trial in Rome. While there is some controversy surrounding exactly where Saint Paul was shipwrecked – other Mediterranean islands claim to have had the pleasure – it was this shipwreck that brought Saint Paul to Malta and Christianity to its people.

To commemorate this, a statue of Saint Paul was erected

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in 1844, sculpted by two local artisans. The island was even visited by Pope John Paul II during his visit to Malta in 1990.

While, nowadays, the island’s only dwellers are swimmers who stop to bask in the sun, up until the 1930s a lone farmer found solitude in a farmhouse and some fields built alongside the statue. Unfortunately, this farmer could no longer call Paul’s Island home when World War II hit, and the island has been uninhabited ever since.

Fungus Rock While this island is also known as The General’s Rock, it is most famously known for it’s fertile land. Curiously enough, it’s unlikely you’ll find much fungus on this chunk of limestone, sitting 60m high and visible from Dwejra, on the coast of Gozo.

As the story goes, in the 16th century, a knight hospitaller discovered the plant that grows on top of this rock, which is popularly known as Malta Fungus. This plant is a kind of parasitic perennial flowering plant, and is not, in fact, a fungus.

At the time, doctors and medics believed that it had medicinal properties, and would use it as a dressing for wounds and a cure for dysentery. In a bid to protect the island’s supply of this special and healing plant, entry became prohibited in 1746. While the true effects of the plant are still being studied today, it has had a wide variety of uses in European, Arabic and Chinese herbal medicine throughout history. Nowadays, Fungus Rock is a nature reserve. However, the shoreline nearby is accessible to bathers, and the surrounding sea provides the perfect environment for snorkelling.

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While the true effects of the plant are still being studied today, it has had a wide variety of uses in European, Arabic and Chinese herbal medicine throughout history 01. Saint Paul's Island 02. Fungus Rock/Mike Watson Photography

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ISLAND HOPPING

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Filfla Believed to be named after ‘filfel’, Arabic for peppercorn, Filfla is the most southern point of the Maltese archipelago, 5km south of the main island of Malta.

Although it is uninhabited and a mostly barren land, historic maps and documents dating back to 1798 actually show that, in the past, one would find a fort, a lighthouse and a monastery with a chapel on Filfla. During Malta’s time as a British colony, Filfla was used for target practice by the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. In fact, fishing within one nautical mile of Filfla is prohibited due to the possibility of encountering unexploded artillery. As a result, spent cartridges from these bombardments can still be found on Filfla today.

Cominotto Enveloping the brilliantly picturesque Blue Lagoon is Cominotto, an uninhabited island that measures 0.25km 2 , north west of Comino. Heavily visited by tourists and locals alike during the busy summer months, Cominotto is easily accessible from Comino, being only a short swim away from Comino’s shore. Taking its name from the cumin herb, it is one of the few herbs that manages to survive on this uninhabitable island. Past fears of pirate attacks and smugglers have kept both islands free from human interference, helping their natural environment to flourish.

Manoel Island was named after the Portuguese Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena

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Discover Malta’s advantages in Corporate Taxation|Setting up a Company|Taking up Residence Contact us to learn more ACT Advisory Services Limited Villa Malitah, Mediterranean Street, The Village, St Julians STJ 1870 - MALTA Call: 01. Filfla/Mike Watson Photography 02. Cominotto

(+356) 2137 8672, (+356) 2137 8668, (+356) 2137 8675 Email: info@act.com.mt www.act.com.mt

DiNe at the LaguNa WaLk Dine I Relax I Events Laguna Walk offers a selection of indoor and outdoor dining experiences with food and beverage outlets offering a variety of cuisines to tempt every palate. Following a delectable meal, visitors can also enjoy spectacularly choreographed fountains as they take a stroll on the beautiful promenade or sit on the grand steps and scenic terraced rooftops overlooking the lagoon.

Dine at one of our various restaurants:

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island hopping

01. Manoel Island/Peter Vanicsek

Manoel Island

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While accessible from mainland Malta via a bridge in Gzira, you’re assured a fantastic view of the majestic Manoel Island from atop Valletta’s bastions. An island dominated by its grand star fort, Manoel Island was named after the Portuguese Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena. Fort Manoel was built in the 1720s and is considered a typical example of 18 th century military engineering – although the impressive quadrangle, parade ground and baroque chapel it once housed prove that the fort was in fact an exercise in stately architectural design. While the island enjoyed many years of grandeur, this eventually came to an end in the advent of World War II. In keeping with its roots in defence, when Malta was under siege, the Royal Navy used Manoel Island and its fort as a naval base. Taking a direct hit by Luftwaffe bombers in March 1942, parts of the fort were destroyed, leading to the island and the fort falling victim to dereliction and vandalism for years to come.

Thankfully, the beginning of the new millennium marked the beginning of a restoration and renovation project that has seen the fort return to what we can only imagine was its former glory.

GL UT EN

... mmm so good!

FR EE

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UNDER THE SEA

Diving into Malta’s history WORDS BY Diane Brincat

W

hile you’re sure to find thousands of years worth of history on land, deep beneath the surface of the Maltese waters lie many a wreckage that are a product of the conflict faced by Malta during its time as a British colony. Much of Malta’s history as a part of the British Empire can be found in Valletta’s Imperial War Museum, however the remains found underwater give a whole new dimension to the role Malta played during both world

wars. As Malta was one of the most intensely bombed areas during the war, it is no surprise that the Mediterranean acts as a treasure chest, full of pivotal moments of conflict in Malta’s history.

The following diving sites hold the wreckage sits prettily on the Mediterranean seabed, where scuba divers are free to roam as they travel back in time.

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UNDER THE SEA

Blenheim Bomber The last place you’d expect to see a plane is at the bottom of the ocean, but the Bristol Blenheim bomber is no ordinary plane. Forty metres below the surface, one will find the remains of this WWII bomber plane that was shot down in its approach to Malta in the 1940s. Due to the wreckage’s exposure to the elements, many parts of the plane are unrecognisable, however the engine, wings, propellers and pilot’s seat are discernible. As the wreckage is so far deep and also happens to sit on an area prone to currents, divers must be in a fit state and specialise in deep diving.

Le Polynesien Sunk by a torpedo nearly 100 years ago, Le Polynesien was a French passenger ship with a gross tonnage of 6659 and was 152 metres in length. While en route from Tunisia to Greece, the ship was shot by a German U-boat, in 1918 towards the end of WWI. As one of the largest shipwrecks in Malta’s seabed, it also represents the tragic loss of 17 lives, belonging to crewmembers and passengers.

HMS Maori Coming in at a depth of 14 metres, this open water dive is one of Malta’s most popular shipwrecks. Not only is it within easy reach of the shore, but the HMS Maori was of strategic

importance to the British navy during WWII, and also played a key part in the sinking of the famous German enemy ship Bismarck. The 115 metre long British tribal class destroyer sank in February 1942 during one of the several night air bombing raids when a bomb hit the engine room, which led to partial sinking of the ship. After dismantling the ship of its equipment and arsenal, the HMS Maori was moved out of the shipping lane to her current location in the main harbour of Valletta.

HMS Stubborn Launched in 1942, the HMS Stubborn spent most of its operation in Scandinavian waters and in the Pacific Far East.

In its defining battle against German warships in Norway, the HMS Stubborn was attacked so heavily that it quite nearly sank mid-battle. The Stubborn’s first encounter with Malta was as it was en route to the Pacific Far East as it made its way through the Suez Canal. Following extensive repair, the Stubborn’s new track record in the Pacific fared much better, where it sunk numerous Japanese ships. Although the Stubborn survived the Second World War, it was called back to Malta for the second and last time, where it was stripped and used as an ASDIC target sunk in 1946.

It is these very sites that make scuba diving in Malta a unique experience, one which thousands of divers return to Malta time and time again in hope of recapturing the exhilaration that comes with diving into the past.

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What you need to know about scuba diving in Malta: • Most divers go on excursions or recreational dives with a register diving school – it is not recommend for divers to go out independently unless they have certified in advanced diving.

• There are dozens of certified diving schools to choose from, a quick search on Google should yield good results.

• Diving spots are available all around the Maltese islands, with some of the most impressive ones in located near Gozo and Comino.

• The average duration of a dive is 35 to 50 minutes • While night diving is possible, dives are commonly scheduled throughout the day.

• Beginners may wish to get certified in the theoretical aspects of diving via online learning so as to quite literally, dive in when they get here.

• Malta’s warm weather enables divers to go down under during any month of the year, although it offers its best diving conditions between October and December.

• If you’d like to capture your time underwater, many schools offer underwater camera rentals.

UNDER THE SEA

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APPS

Make your holiday a breeze with the Visa Travel Tools app

J

ust because you’re out of the country, doesn’t mean you have to be out of the loop.

Whether you want to pay for a sunbed and umbrella at the beach, grab a taxi, try mouth-watering pastizzi (local cheese cakes) or go for a nice horse ride on the karozzini, withdrawing cash while visiting Malta has never been easier, with over 180 ATM’s located across the island.

This is now much simpler with the newly updated Visa Travel Tools application, your perfect companion whilst travelling, that keeps you up to date on your trip.

The Visa Travel Tools application, which can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store or the Google Play store on a compatible mobile device, provides fast and easy access to Visa travel related tools and information, including an ATM locator, currency convertor, assistance if your card is lost or stolen, and holiday spending tips.

Smarter spending while in Malta • If you need cash while in Malta, it’s easy to use the ATM locator

capability on the Travel app to quickly find out where to safely and conveniently withdraw money.

• Look up how much the basics cost in comparison to what they cost back home, such as a bottle of water or a taxi from the airport.

The Travel app will assist you with a currency convertor, if needed, with official Visa exchange rates, so that your holiday budget will go a bit further. Currency conversion even works when you are offline.

• Having the knowledge of card acceptance at a destination has never been easier. The app has a country-by-country guide that allows you to easily check the level of card acceptance in Malta, as well as tips on making your holiday money last longer.

• If you lose your Visa Card whilst on holiday in Malta, you can get immediate assistance with a worldwide 24/7 customer service helpline, accessible straight from the main menu.

So why not download the Visa Travel Tools app for free once you arrive in Malta, so that you can benefit from smarter spending?

We hope you enjoy your trip!

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

Restaurant GUIDE bugibba Indian Breeze Restaurant for Granny’s Fusion Triq il-Korp tal-Pijunieri, Bugibba T: +356 2157 5501 Situated in Bugibba’s main square, Granny’s Fusion is a quaint, family-run restaurant that focuses on traditional continental and Maltese dishes. Indian Breeze Restaurant for Granny’s Fusion offers a truly authentic experience with original Maltese cuisine, served by friendly hospitable staff in a warm atmosphere. Some of the traditional dishes are rabbit, bragioli, stuffed calamari, fresh fish and charcoal-grilled prime cuts of fillet, all fresh and prepared by the local Maltese chef. This, accompanied by a crisp bottle of local wine, creates a wonderful dining experience at a great price. They serve fresh fish daily.

Granny’s Fusion also offers Indian dishes prepared to perfection by their Indian chef. Both exterior and interior dining available.

Full English breakfast at €2,95 (including: 3 Rashers Bacon, 2 Eggs, Large Beef Sausage, Baked Beans, Grilled Tomato, Toast and Butter and complimented with a mug of tea or coffee) is also served.

MDINA Palazzo De Piro – Xpresso Café & Bistro Palazzo de Piro, 3 Triq is-Sur, Mdina, MDN 1131 T: +356 2010 0560; +356 21 450 560 E: events@xarapalace.com.mt W: www.palazzodepiro.com Set within the magnificent 18th century Palazzo de Piro Cultural Centre, located in Malta’s Silent City, Mdina, Xpresso Café and Bistro is an elegant spot for casual dining, snacks, coffee, afternoon tea or simply a get-together with friends. The talented Brigade of Chefs makes use of the fresh produce from nearby valleys and slopes when producing their seasonal menus. Through close co-operation with local growers and producers, Xpresso Café and Bistro seeks to showcase the freshest and best the region has to offer through a menu of healthy dishes. With magnificent views of the Malteseislands, fine architectural heritage and a passion for culture and art, Xpresso Café is the perfect place to enjoy the history of Malta, its rich culture and its culinary delights.

de Mondion Restaurant The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, Misrah il-Kunsill, Mdina T: +356 2145 0560 E: info@xarapalace.com.mt W: w ww.xarapalace.com.mt / www.demondion.com Set atop Mdina's centuries-old bastions, within the Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux and awarded the runner-up for the best boutique dining hotel in the world, the de Mondion offers a unique fine dining experience, enhanced by truly spectacular panoramic views of the island from the terraces and charming features served in elegant surroundings. Consistently rated amongst the top restaurants in Malta for its cuisine, refinement and excellence, the de Mondion promises discreet yet impeccably-attentive service allowing patrons the time and privacy to savour the cuisine, the company and the view. With exquisite cuisine combining the finest seasonal produce with innovation and expertise to create tantalising dishes, the ‘award winning’ kitchen brigade have and continue to delight the palate of a multinational clientele. Group lunches are available on request. They also welcome enquires for private functions and special celebrations. Booking recommended.

Trattoria AD 1530 Misrah il-Kunsill, Mdina, MDN 10150 T: +356 2145 0560 E: info@xarapalace.com.mt W: www.xarapalace.com.mt The Trattoria AD 1530 at The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux in Mdina is a charming eatery that prides itself on serving traditional and tasty food typical of the word 'trattoria'. Strategically situated in one of the old squares of the Silent City, with the beautiful and imposing Vilhena Palace directly opposite and the magnificent 17th century Palazzo of The Xara Palace on the other side, the Trattoria's idyllic location is simply perfect for indoor or al fresco dining. Trattoria AD 1530 is the ideal restaurant for every occasion and is open for coffee, lunch, dinner, snacks and afternoon tea.

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

MOSTA TA’ MARIJA RESTAURANT – EST. 1964 Constitution Street, Mosta T: +356 2143 4444 F: +356 2141 8181 E: info@tamarija.com W: www.tamarija.com Awarded as the Best Maltese Food Restaurant for the 10th year in 2016, Ta’ Marija doesn’t just serve Maltese cuisine, they create dishes with what is locally traditional but then add their own signature flavours of sumptuousness. For an evening of culinary delights sprinkled with a lot of liveliness, head to their Folklore Dinner shows held every Wednesday and Friday evening, which start with strolling musicians playing mandolins and guitars, who belt out the sweetest of Maltese song with assured merriment in the making. After your delicious dinner, the charming Maria Muscat will present the folklore show in a variety of languages, featuring six dancers who lure you into a jovial story of Maltese history told through dance. At some point, you or your special guest could be hand-picked to make their moves on the dancefloor so that you too, can make history of your own unforgettable night! And it is not quite over till it’s over… after the show Ta’ Marija’s dancefloor remains lit up so that you and your party can dance the night away to all-time favourite songs. Locals enjoy it every time too, so this night is aimed for their esteemed foreign guests as well as their ever-loyal local friends. Transport from and to your holiday accommodation can be arranged in their all inclusive package. Who says you can’t dine, dance and sparkle all in one place?

SLIEMA Ta’ Kolina 151, Tower Road, Sliema T: +356 2133 5106 M: +356 9942 4877 E: takolina@gmail.com Ta’ Kolina is a quaint, family run restaurant on Tower Road (one of Sliema’s most popular spots) and has been opened since 1974. Ta’ Kolina is a typical Maltese restaurant with its traditional Maltese limestone interior and décor. A set menu comprising of traditional Maltese food offers a choice of five local starters; five main courses; dessert & coffee for €20. There's a unique à la carte menu with some 20 starters from €4.50 to €7.50, and 20 main courses from €11 to €24 to choose from. Ta’ Kolina offer a variety of fresh fish, rabbit, steak and many more traditional dishes. A wide selection of the best Maltese wines are available ranging from €6.50 to €25 per bottle. All in all this restaurant provides its guests with the true taste of Maltese cuisine at a reasonable price.

Ta’ Kris Restaurant & Maltese Bistro 80, Fawwara Lane, Sliema T: +356 2133 7367 M: +356 9984 7713 Set in one of Sliema's oldest bakeries, Ta' Kris is all about providing a genuine mix of affordable Maltese and Mediterranean dishes in a homely fashion and rustic surroundings. Ta' Kris offers a varied menu of traditional Maltese food such as bragioli, rabbit, octopus stew, bebbux (snails), balbuljata (corned beef hash), baked lamb, to daily specials, pasta dishes, a selection of fresh fish on a daily basis and mouth-watering steaks. Ta' Kris also offers take away service and special menus can be designed for all occasions. Ta' Kris opens from Monday to Sunday, from 12:30pm till 11pm. Booking is recommended.

ST Julian's Dubliner Bar & Restaurant Gorg Borg Olivier Street, St Julian's T: +356 2136 7106 This cosy, traditional Irish pub in St Julian’s invites all to a casual and friendly atmosphere to kick back and enjoy a jovial treat straight from the green lands of Ireland. The weekday menu, served on the second floor restaurant and boasting exceptional views of the bay, covers everything from traditional Irish and British pub food to international cuisines. Alternatively, visit The Dubliner simply to enjoy the atmosphere of the surrounding bar whilst indulging in a hearty pint of Guinness with friends. The Dubliner provides patrons with a haven from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area, where one can sit back and have a great meal or simply relax with friends.

Paranga St. George’s Bay, St Julian's T: +356 2137 7600 E: malta.paranga@ihg.com Paranga, the ultimate seafront dining experience at the InterContinental Beach Club on St. George’s Bay is definitely the place to wine and dine this summer. Perched idyllically above the sea, Paranga is set on teak decking with the rippling sound of the waves beneath.

Open for lunch and dinner daily, serving delicious and authentic Sicilian cuisine, the focus is on the freshest of Mediterranean ingredients.

The creative dishes at Paranga include a wonderful selection of delicious antipasti, mouthwatering pasta dishes and a feast of grilled fish and meats - all guaranteed to invigorate the senses. With its unique combination of good food, chic atmosphere, contemporary furniture and lighting, Paranga offers the perfect place to watch the sun go down. To wind down the evening in a stylish and relaxing atmosphere, cool cocktails can also be enjoyed at Paranga’s Bar. Booking recommended.

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

ACqua Terra e Mare Level-5 Portomaso Marina Portomaso, St Julian's T: +356 79020991/21333366

: facebook.com/Acquaterreemare

Acqua Terra e Mare is situated in the picturesque Portomaso Marina, in St Julian’s, at the water’s edge steps away from the sea. Acqua’s menu derives from their Mediterranean culinary traditions offering a memorable dining experience. Their chef combines his own personal skills, passion and pride with the freshest products to craft his dishes and specialities. Local fishermen deliver fresh fish and seafood daily which, together with local produce, is guaranteed to satisfy the most discerning palates. At Acqua the team strives to offer our customers genuine food, efficient and attentive service in a relaxing atmosphere. The restaurant offers internal and outside seating and complimentary parking adjacent to the restaurant. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday 6pm -11pm Sunday lunch noon-3pm

The Avenue The Avenue, Gort Street, Paceville, St Julian's T: +356 2135 1753 / 2137 8731 W: www.theavenuemalta.com This award-winning restaurant has been a household name for over a decade and remains a regular favourite. Its versatile menu, friendly service and well-pitched prices all contribute to The Avenue’s strong appeal. Best known for pizza, freshlyprepared pasta or grills, or you could opt for succulent poultry and fresh fish – the menu is not only versatile but portions are generous. The Avenue started off 20 years ago as a snack bar and today encompasses three different sections, all with different character and décors: the arustic-styled room, the elegant ‘Valentino’ section and the more informal and colourful segment. This venue is popular with locals as it’s good value for money. In fact, looking through the large, glass windows, one can see the place is always bustling with people and life. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Includes two hours free parking at the Portomaso car park all week. Delivery service to the surrounding areas is available.

Zest Hotel Juliani, 25, St George’s Road, St Julian's T: +356 2138 7600 E: info@zestflavours.com W: www.zestflavours.com Zest... where east meets west in both dining and décor. The chic restaurant is a point of encounter between Continental and Asian cuisine in a contemporary ambiance, oozing relaxed elegance. The menu boasts a selection of dishes from Thai curries, Indonesian noodles, Singaporean seafood laksas and continental pan-fried lamb to Japanese teppanyaki. Attractive features include an open wine cellar and a sushi bar on the restaurant floor, where patrons can sit around the chef and enjoy the art of Japanese sushi preparation. Located on the first floor of the Hotel Juliani, using this transformed town house’s original entrance and external staircase, the restaurant enjoys the added bonus of an open-air, terrace bar, overlooking romantic Spinola Bay, which is ideal for pre-dinner drinks.

Electro Lobster Project 32, Main Street, Balluta Buildings, St Julian's T: +356 2735 7357 W: www.electrolobsterproject.com

: facebook.com/electrolobsterproject

A treasure of a place nestled within the historic beauty of one of Malta’s most eye catching buildings. Delicious food, stunning decor, an enviable selection of premium liquors, and a rich calendar of events throughout the year is what makes us truly unique. As their name would suggest, lobster is the specialty. The rest of the menu is classic Sicilian, with lots of fresh fish and quality meats. They also offer a full vegetarian and vegan menu. Bar snacks, fresh smoothies, specialty coffees, daily changing desserts and their bespoke cocktails, prepared with their in-house infused spirits, top off the list of delights they offer. Their products are locally sourced and organic where possible. All this, plus a dedicated, passionate and experienced kitchen and waiting staff, will make your dining experience at ELP a memorable one.

QAWRA

The Plum Tree Bar & Restaurant Triq l-Imhar, Qawra T: +356 2157 5970 W: www.the-plumtree-malta.com Established since 1995. John and Joan Mc Bride have strived to make The Plum Tree a place where mouth-watering food, value for money and a friendly service combine into a single venue. The bar area is a cross between an old Maltese wine bar and a British pub, while a separate dining area has a Mediterranean feel to it. There is also a patio for dining al fresco, especially during the summer months. The menu includes a variety of dishes including Maltese specialities, mediterranean dishes and daily specials. Individual, tastes and other dietary requirements are catered for on request. Opening times from October to June : Tuesday to Saturday: 6pm - midnight for dinner. Sunday: noon - 5.30pm for lunch July to September : Tuesday to Sunday: 6pm - midnight

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

Ta' Xbiex The Galley Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, XBX 1028 Ta’ Xbiex T: +356 2131 8801 E: thegalley@artisanfoods.com.mt The Galley Restaurant overlooks the stunning Marsamxett Harbour, enjoying spectacular views of the Valletta skyline. Adjacent to the Royal Malta Yacht Club and yacht marina, this stylish restaurant offers staple popular dishes and seasonal specials, including premium meats, fish, pasta and light snacks at lunch time. The venue interior emulates a beach house with good, natural light and soft furnishings, and the atmosphere is casual and comfortable. There is ample parking space available, and with good proximity to neighbouring Sliema and Valletta it is well serviced by public transport. The Galley is especially popular on weekends so booking is recommended.

NAXXAR LUNA Palazzo Parisio, Victory Square, Naxxar T: +356 2141 2461 E: info@palazzoparisio.com W: www.palazzoparisio.com Set in the historic surroundings of a noble family’s 18th Century palazzo…LUNA, the restaurant at Palazzo Parisio, is a sumptuous dining experience and an opportunity to sample international cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. During the winter months the trendy Parisian style interior is your backdrop and, as the weather warms up and the bougainvillea blooms, hidden away from the reality of everyday life the gardens are opened for guests to dine al fresco from early morning, with breakfast served from 9am, to lunch served from noon, to their famous quintessentially English Afternoon Tea from 3pm through to the crystal and candlelit night time dining. LUNA – in all its forms – offers relaxation in understated luxury, excellent service and culinary delights. They promise each and every one of their guests an albeit brief but enjoyable sojourn. Booking recommended.

Marsaxlokk Sotto Mare 28, Xatt is-Sajjieda, Marsaxlokk T: +356 2746 8775 / 79468770 W: www.sottomareristorante.com Sotto Mare, a casual dining restaurant with a class of its own, which brings you down to earth luxury dining. This restaurant is considered as the right place for anyone looking for a unique dining experience in the heart of Malta's most picturesque fishing village, Marsaxlokk, whether one is visiting the colourful Sunday fish market, or simply passing through and stopping for a bite. Whether it’s a business lunch or a romantic dinner, this restaurant gives you the option of dining indoor or outdoor on the seafront, overlooking the port itself. The atmosphere lends itself well for a culinary experience to remember. At Sotto Mare they are proud to specialise in fresh fish and shellfish that often lands right on thier doorstep, brought in by local fishermen. But their ample menu includes meats, poultry, game, Mediterranean dishes and various specialities which are created on a daily basis by their renowned executive chef Ray Fauzza and his young talented assistant sous chef Chaz Psaila, according to seasonal produce. They also serve gluten free meals.

GOZO Arzella Il-Menqa, Marsalforn T: +356 2155 4662 M: +356 7940 9924 E: bookings@ristorantearzella.com TASTE - A culinary fusion of Malta’s history.

FEEL - The warmth of an island and its people.

BREATHE - A pure sea breeze from the blue depths of the Mediterranean.

BARS & NIGHTLIFE ST JULIAN's Saddles Pub & Wine Bar Main Street, St Julian's W: www.saddlesmalta.com Situated in the heart of St Julian's, Saddles has been established for over 38 years. Considered a central meeting place, start your evening on a perfect note in a friendly atmosphere. A big screen is available for sports and you can enjoy an ice-cold pint of Guiness on the terrace. The first floor is a cosy wine bar popular for organised parties and you can have a tasty cocktail or a genuine glass of wine on the balcony with views. Open all day long. Wi-Fi available all day.

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AIR MALTA NEWS

EVENTS & NEWS FROM malta's national airline

Air Malta assists Inspire A

ir Malta will be assisting Inspire during the months of July and August. During these months, Air Malta Cabin Crew will be collecting funds onboard the airline’s flights towards this cause.

Inspire believes that everyone has a right to equality and inclusion.

Its mission is to try to help everyone with a disability achieve this by providing individuals and their families with educational, therapeutic and leisure services. Inspire also advocates for inclusion, educates the general public, raises awareness among peers, and holds the best knowledge base on disability on the island.

“Today, Inspire helps over 1000 individuals with various disabilities, including Down Syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyscalculia. We do this through many services and disability programmes that are offered at a highly subsidised rate or sometimes even for free. But this is only possible thanks to the voluntary donations collected from the general public,” explained Antonello Gauci – Inspire’s CEO.

Ursula Silling, Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Officer said, “Each year Air Malta organises a number of fund raising events to help organisations to raise funds for their organisation.

Inspire’s work is commendable and the national airline is proud to support this organisation once again. Together with the support of our customers we aim to continue helping Inspire in their hard work among those in need.”

This campaign also forms part of Air Malta’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, whereby the airline supports organisations that work hard in the Maltese community. The airline fully supports the local community in all possible ways and every year it carries an increasing number of medical cases, including stretcher cases for treatment abroad. No other airline operating to Malta provides continued support to voluntary and non-governmental organisations like Air Malta.

This initiative is also being supported by Sky Gourmet, the airline’s catering provider.

Visit www.inspire.org.mt for more information

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AIR MALTA NEWS

Air Malta passes IATA Operational Safety Audit

A

ir Malta has successfully renewed its IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registration, following a comprehensive audit, carried out by a foreign IATA-accredited Audit Organisation.

Commenting on this achievement, Air Malta’s Chief Executive Philip Micallef said, “This is a true attestation of the dedication and professionalism shown by all staff throughout the organisation.

This result confirms that we are conforming to the operational safety standards, considered to be amongst the best within our industry”.

“Throughout the organisation we have in place a Safety Management System (SMS) which helps us to proactively handle airline safety related matters. I thank all the staff for their unrelenting efforts, which clearly manifested themself during this year’s renewal audit," added Mr Micallef.

IOSA is an internationally-recognised evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline. The audit, which covers over 900 standards across all the organisation, verified the airline’s operational departments including:

Organisation and Management System, Flight Operations, Operational Control and Flight Dispatch, Aircraft Engineering and Maintenance, Cabin Operations, Ground Handling Operations, Cargo Operations and Security Management. Each department is audited for the required documented policy and procedures, as well as the correct implementation.

IOSA is consequently the benchmark for global safety management in airlines.

All IATA members are registered and must remain registered in order to maintain IATA membership.

Air Malta’s Chief Executive Mr. Philip Micallef, being presented with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registration by Tyrone Galea, Head of Safety and Compliance in the presence of Captain Alexander Muscat, Chief Officer Flight Operations.

Visit www.airmalta.com for more information.

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AIR MALTA NEWS

Air Malta Inaugurates Palermo Service Maltese National Airline further strengthens its leading position between Italy and Malta

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Palermo’s Falcone-Borsellino airport.

This service, which will be operated with Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft, will not be a seasonal route just for summer, but we will continue our services throughout winter and we expect to carry around 20,000 passengers in the first year of operation.”

02

A

ir Malta has inaugurated a twice weekly scheduled service to Sicily’s capital and political centre, Palermo. This service will be operated in addition to the 15 weekly flights to the island’s other important city of Catania. These flights reinforce Air Malta’s leading position as the leading carrier serving the two islands and the national airline’s commitment

to both islands in various sectors including tourism, economic and cultural areas.

“This is more good news for our Maltese and Sicilian customers,” said Joseph Galea, Air Malta’s Deputy Chief Commercial Office upon the arrival of the first flight. “We are thrilled to inaugurate our new services to/from

“Air Malta offers the best choice for travellers, not only to Sicily but throughout Italy where we also operate to Rome and Milan, with a total of 34 weekly flights and the highest number of frequencies per destination compared to any other carrier. With the additional passengers generated through this route we aim to carry over 350,000 from all over Italy next year,” added Mr Galea.

Commenting on this launch, Mr Leslie Vella, Deputy Chief Executive of the

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AIR MALTA NEWS Malta Tourism Authority, said, “The Sicilian tourist market to Malta is attractive due to its proximity and volume. Sicily is a diverse island and, while its eastern half enjoys good connectivity with Malta, the same cannot be said for connections with its west.

The new, year-round Air Malta service to Palermo will address this imbalance and create strong potential for increased tourism from our closest neighbour.”

Mr Alan Borg, Chief Executive of Malta International Airport added, “We welcome this development on two levels: first off, the Italian market is one of Malta’s top drivers of passenger traffic and the inauguration of the Palermo route adds another new connection to our schedule year-round. Apart from this, the introduction of Palermo will serve to further harness Sicily’s unique potential as an ideal destination for short breaks due to our islands’ proximity. I would like to commend the team at Air Malta for their efforts in developing this new route.”

With over 2,700 years of history, the Sicilian capital has a lot to offer to the Maltese wishing to visit this beautiful city. Likewise the Maltese Islands have a lot to offer to Sicilians from a rich cultural heritage to entertainment opportunities.

The Maltese National Airline will operate two weekly flights to/from Palermo every Monday and Thursday. The new service will offer connectivity between Malta and the western part of Sicily.

This year, as part of its constant schedule improvements, Air Malta has retimed some of Catania’s flights to offer better connectivity with services to major European cities. These initiatives are expected to continue facilitating business opportunities between the two islands.

Palermo is a historic melting pot of Western and Arabic cultures with its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings and the perfect base from which to explore the region.

It is renowned for its rich culture, architecture and gastronomy.

Its historic medieval old town is very popular with tourists including Cappella Palatina, a small chapel hidden within the Palazzo dei Normanni. This palace is renowned for its wealth of outstanding mosaics that bejewel the walls of its interior. Also popular are the city’s landmark square of Quattro Canti and the tiny chapel of San Cataldo, which has three miniature domes and Arabic inscriptions on its columns. This overlooks Palermo’s famous ‘Fountain of Shame’. Just outside of Palermo is the Cathedral of Monreale, one of Sicily’s most beautiful buildings, whose interior is lined with shimmering golden Byzantine mosaics while its cloister columns are twisted with vivid zig-zags of Moorish inlay.

For those who prefer the lure of shopping, one should visit the streets of Via Maqueda, Via Ruggero Settimo and Via della Liberta. For those who prefer bargain hunting and traditional crafts, earthen ware, wrought iron and carved wood, shops in Via Bara, Via Orologia and Vittorio Emanuele are a must.

Between purchases in either the back streets or the wide boulevards, there is plenty of opportunity to stop for a quick snack of fried aubergines or hefty pizza slices prepared by street vendors. For those who have more time to spare, a stop at the more formal restaurants to savour Sicily’s excellent cuisine is a must.

04

03

01. Air Malta's aircraft upon landing in Palermo 02. Air Malta's guests on the airline's inaugural flight greeted at Malta International Airport 03. Deputy Chief Commercial Officer Joe Galea together with Captain Albert

Galdies upon arrival of the return flight to Malta

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AIR MALTA NEWS

il-bizzilla talks to Mark Chetcuti Cargo Agent

How long have you been working with Air Malta?

I have been working for the airline for the past 14 years.

What is the best thing about your job?

My job is interesting as its never the same.

Three words that describe your job Responsibility, challenging and very demanding.

What is the biggest challenge of your job?

Timing cargo dispatch with flight departures to best service our clients.

Do you have any hobbies?

Yes various, namely hunting, fishing and off-roading.

beauty is amazing. It has contrasting temperatures and various landscape types, from desert to the never ending beaches, and rainforests. A truly unique experience and adventure for anyone.

What are your favourite spots or tips for anyone visiting Malta?

Malta is a small jewel in the Mediterranean, rich with culture and natural beauty.

Definitely don't miss out on visiting our Neolithic temples namely the Mnajdra and ÄŚagar Qim temples amongst others. It is a must to go swimming, snorkel or dive in our beautiful waters. Our nightlife is one of the best in Europe.

Whilst you are here why not visit Gozo and Comino which are the two sister islands that have lots to offer especially in Summer?

What is your favourite destination and why?

Australia by far is my favorite destination. A great continent which I have visited once and whose natural

In my opinion the best way to explore our beautiful islands is to hire a car and just drive around meeting the local people and tasting our genuine food and wine.

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AIR MALTA NEWS

Air Malta and NAS Host Local Cargo Agents

01.

02.

03.

01

02

03

04

05

06

John Gilfeather, Marinella Ciangura, Jeanine Borg Ghio Johann Sammut, John Gilfeather, John Vella Joe Galea, Stephen Gauci, John Gilfeather, Eric Camilleri, Pieter Gollcher, Oriana Mifsud

04.

05.

06.

General Mark Gollcher, Joe Galea, John Vella, Maria Micallef Joe Galea, Mark Gollcher, Andrew Ballard, Maria Micallef, John Gilfeather, John Vella, Karl Gollcher

ollowing the announcement earlier this year of the appointment of Network Airline Services (NAS), a global leader in the field, as Air Malta’s Total Cargo Management (TCM) service provider, both companies organised a gettogether for local cargo agents, forwarders and shippers.

F

and increase distribution channels whilst building a sound platform for possible future growth of its cargo business as an important revenue contributor to the airline through freighter hub operations, multimodal transportation, e-commerce, door-to-door products and more.

Present for this evening were Air Malta’s Chairperson, Maria Micallef, and Deputy Commercial Officer, Joseph Galea.

Together with John Vella, Head of Cargo Sales and Marketing, and John Gilfeather, Sales Director, NAS, who together with the rest of the NAS Malta Team took the opportunity to discuss business opportunities with the local cargo operators.

Air Malta’s cargo services is vital to the success of the Maltese business community as it offers a strategic link between the Maltese Islands, Europe, North Africa and the Middle East and indeed beyond through Interline agreements with partner airlines. This gives the islands a unique opportunity to transport freight either transiting through or originating from Malta.

The event was well received by the local cargo community and provided an opportunity for the airline’s management and NAS to discuss matters of mutual interest and find new ways to continue assisting the cargo operators.

Air Malta carries a sizeable amount of cargo each year ranging from valuables, perishable consignments including fresh fish/tuna to live animals , pharmaceuticals and microelectronics including special cargo consignments.

The department is also responsible for the carriage of mail to and from Malta and offers courier services including warehousing facilities.

Through the agreement with NAS, Air Malta aims to re-group its cargo business, re-establish itself in the market place,

Visit www.airmalta.com for more information.

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AIR MALTA NEWS

Air Malta Launches World’s First-ever Inflight Experience For Kids

A

ir Malta has launched SKY KIDS - the first ever special in-flight entertainment designed specifically for young children. The Maltese National Airline launched this innovative new service on flight KM478/9 on 29 June to/from Paris, on which a group of around 60 children were booked. Through this service the airline continues to be a pioneer in offering unique and innovative guest experiences onboard. This service follows Sky Spa, which earned the airline world-wide recognition in offering unique complimentary experiences, even to economy passengers.

Air Malta teamed up with Nestlé (Malta) and Malta International Airport to offer the children an unforgettable flight experience. Two professional child-minders from Yoyo Kids Childcare, situated at SkyParks Business Centre, were recruited as Sky Kids’ Crew members. They welcomed the young travellers at the Departure Gate with gifts provided by Nestlé Confectionery and Malta International Airport.

The airline’s young female guests also had the opportunity to have their hair braided prior to the early morning

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AIR MALTA NEWS flight, while the boys joined in games run by the friendly Sky Kids’ Crew. The free service continued on-board with various fun activities including an art competition for all the children to design a Sky Kids logo. The art competition was enthusiastically welcomed by all children who put their artistic talent to good use to design a colourful logo.

Air Malta will be choosing one of these logos to promote this unique activity for future flights. Other skill games and one-to-one activities aimed at keeping Air Malta’s young flyers busy during the three-hour flight to/from Paris were coordinated by the specially-trained Sky Kids’ Crew with the enthusiastic support of the airline’s Cabin Crew.

Commenting on this innovative idea, Joe Galea, Air Malta’s Deputy Chief Commercial Officer, said, “Air Malta loves its young guests and we wanted to organize a unique experience for them. Air Malta is a family friendly airline and, especially during this time of year, when children start their summer holidays, we thoughtof organising this as part

of our ‘We Care More’ initiatives. We intend to organise similar f lights when we see that there are a good number of children booked. The National Airline takes pride in creating activities that exceed our guests’ expectations.

We look forward to offering more of these unique and complimentary onboard services for young guests on upcoming Air Malta f lights.”

Prior to landing, all children onboard received a gift pack from Nestlé Confectionery consisting of Mini Smarties, a Nesquik Wafer, Mini Milky Buttons and Mini Kit Kat Chunky.

They were also given an attractive Milky Bar Frog Mug. This launch flight coincided with the trip of a group of 50 Maltese children aged 8 to 15 who flew with their families to Paris. The children are all students at Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools (Malta) and were performing excerpts from CATS for two consecutive nights at Disneyland Paris. Air Malta hopr these children and their teachers had a successful show and a great experience!

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inflight information

FLIGHT & COMPANY information Survey: Customer satisfaction is of the utmost importance at Air Malta and we are always looking for ways to improve your experience. Visit our website to answer a few short questions. www.airmalta.com/wearelistening

Newsletter: Subscribe to our newsletter or like our Facebook page to learn about our promotions, with fares starting from as low as €44 including taxes. Visit www.airmalta.com for more information.

Alcohol consumption

Smoking

Alcohol consumed at high altitude can have a stronger effect than usual. Cabin crew are legally empowered to refuse serving any alcohol to an intoxicated passenger and to anyone under the age of 18. In extreme cases, crew may also temporarily confiscate the passenger‘s own drinks so that the passenger would not become a nuisance to the other passengers and crew. Furthermore, Air Malta is bound by international regulations which prohibit embarkation or the carriage of drunken passengers. But once you are reading this article, Air Malta‘s Flight Safety Committee is confident that you are a law-abiding and exemplary passenger. Indeed, the cabin crew may need your assistance to restrain another passenger in the unlikely event that he or she may act irresponsibly during the flight. The consumption of one’s own alcoholic beverages inflight goes against Air Malta policy.

Smoking is prohibited from when you leave the terminal building until you arrive to the terminal building. Smoking is allowed in designated areas only. Smoking is not allowed during any phase of the flight and in any area of the aircraft. Should you be aware of a passenger who has smoked in the toilet during the flight, please inform the cabin crew immediately so that they can check for any undetected fires. The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is also not allowed on board Air Malta flights.

Similarly, the use of naked flames on and around the aircraft is also prohibited.

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inflight information

Air Malta Fleet

Enhance your travel experience At Air Malta, we want our passengers to have everything they need to make their travel experience comfortable in one place. Here are a number of services that we offer that you may not have known about: Join our business cl a ss Upgrade to Air Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club Class for priority service. Members can make use of the special check-in counters for more leisurely and efficient boarding, enjoy access to the La Valette Lounge at Malta International Airport, and get more privacy with a separate inflight cabin area.

AIRBUS 319 Qty: 2 in fleet Number of seats: 141 Engines: 2 CFM56-5B6/P Maximum take-off weight: 73.5 metric tons

C a r ry mor e w ith you Are you worried about not being able to fit everything you need into your suitcase? Stop stressing out and check out our extra baggage service. Simply book your extra baggage online and get the most out of your trip! Visit www.airmalta.com/excess-baggage-en-gb for more details.

Overall length: 33.84m Wingspan: 34.1m Cruising speed: 834 kph Range: 4,815 km

Fly in comfort Enhance your comfort with extra legroom during your flight. This option gives you more space to relax in preparation for your trip!

Visit www.airmalta.com/information/services-by-air-malta/seatselection or more information.

Get sport Y Are you passionate about a sport? We make it easy to travel and take your specialised equipment with you at very minimal cost. Visit www.airmalta.com/excess-baggage-en-gb for more details.

Qty: 6 in fleet

Groups We also cater for large groups who want to travel together. If your group is larger than 10 adults, contact our Group Bookings team for special rates that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get anywhere else!

Number of seats: 168/180

Email groups@airmalta.com for more information.

AIRBUS 320

Engines: 2 CFM56-5B4/P Maximum take-off weight: 77.0 metric tons Overall length: 37.57m Wingspan: 34.1m Cruising speed: 834 kph Range: 4,055 km

W eb check in Skip the line and check-in before you get to the airport. You may check-in online before you get to the airport, up to 24 hours prior to departure up until one hour before your flight. Visit www.airmalta.com/information/check-in for more information.

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destination information

finland SWEDEN

RUSSIA

NORWAY • OSLO STOCKHOLM

ESTONIA

LATVIA DENMARK REP. OF IRELAND

• COPENHAGEN

UNITED KINGDOM

LITHUANIA

• Moscow

• Manchester

BELARUS • BREMEN

Bristol • • Birmingham • Berlin • Amsterdam London Heathrow • • HANNOVER HOLLAND • London Gatwick Exter • GERMANY • Brussels BELGIUM • Düsseldorf • DRESDEN

Luxembourg

• Paris Charles de Gaulle Paris Orly •

• Frankfurt

CZECH REPUBLIC • Vienna

HUNGARY ROMANIA

SLOVENIA CROATIA

• OTOPANI

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA Marseille •

SERBIA • SOFIA

MONTENEGRO

ITALY

SPAIN

MOLDOVA

• Budapest

SWITZERLAND

Milan •

Lyon •

SLOVAKIA

AUSTRIA

• Zurich

Geneva •

UKRAINE

• Prague

• Munich

FRANCE

• WARSAW

POLAND

F.Y.O.M.

• Rome • OLBIA

BULGARIA • ISTANBUL

TURKEY

ALBANIA GREECE • Athens Palermo •

SICILY • Catania

TUNISIA

LARNACA •

CYPRUS

Malta

ALGERIA

LIBYA

EGYPT

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destination information • BRISBANE

Air Malta direct flights airport

australia

• SYDNEY

• MELBOURNE

Weekly Flights

Amsterdam Athens Berlin Birmingham Bristol Brussels Cardiff Catania Düsseldorf Exter Frankfurt Geneva London Gatwick London Heathrow

7 2 4 1 1 9 1 15 2 1 4 1 7 15

airport

Weekly Flights

Lyon Manchester Marseille Milan Moscow Munich Palermo Paris Charles de Gaulle Paris Orly Prague Rome Vienna Zurich

2 4 2 7 2 8 2 7 9 2 10 7 7

Code-shared RouteS Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney

IRAN

via Brussels, Geneva, Heathrow, Manchester and Rome via Abu Dhabi via Abu Dhabi via Abu Dhabi via Abu Dhabi

Lufthansa

• ABU DHABI

OMAN

SAUDI ARABIA

Arlanda (Stockholm) via Munich Berlin via Munich Bremen via Munich and Frankfurt Dresden via Munich and Frankfurt Düsseldorf via Munich Frankfurt Hannover via Munich and Frankfurt Munich Oslo via Munich

Emirates Larnaca

Meridiana Olbia Naples

via Rome via Catania

Czech Airlines • PERTH

Prague

brussels AIRLINES Brussels Copenhagen

australia

via Catania via Brussels

Swiss International Air Lines Zurich

Turkish AIRLINES Istanbul

Austrian Airlines Budapest Otopeni (Buc) Prague Sofia Warsaw

via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna

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Electronic device information

Use of Portable Electronic Devices on board Tr a nsmit ting Porta ble Electronic Dev ices (PEDs)

Non-T r a nsmit ting Porta ble Electronic Dev ices (PEDs)

L a ptops a nd notebooks

Any devices that can send or receive data by wireless means, such as mobile-phones and tablets, may be used during all phases of the flight provided their transmit/receive capabilities (e.g.

Bluetooth and Wi-fi) are switched off.

Alternatively, if the device has ‘Flight Mode’ capability, this must be enabled.

Such devices shall be safely secured in the customers’ hand (handheld) or a pocket during taxi, take-off and landing. Larger devices (e.g. laptops) shall be switched off and stowed away safely during taxi, take-off and landing.

Accessories, such as headphones, must not obstruct access to the aisle. If the data transmission capability cannot be switched off (whilst the device is operating), the device itself must be switched off for the duration of the flight.

These could include, but are not limited to, items such as DVD players, electronic games, music players and personal cameras. Such devices shall be safely secured in the customers’ hand (handheld) or a pocket during taxi, take-off and landing. Larger devices shall be stowed away safely during taxi, take-off and landing.

Such devices may be used during boarding and during flight but not during taxi, take-off and landing. Any built-in data connectivity such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi must be disabled. These devices must be stowed away safely during taxi, take-off and landing since they could hinder an emergency evacuation.

A r e ther e times w hen I c a nnot use m y electronic dev ices?

C a n I use he a dphones?

Personal headphones can be used during all phases of the flight. However, we ask you to remove your headphones during the safety briefing. For safety reasons, customers sitting in an emergency exit row must refrain from using headphones during taxi, take-off and landing.

Under certain circumstances, your Flight Crew or Cabin Crew may ask you to switch off all Personal Electronic Devices. This may happen during automatic landings, low visibility takeoff or landing, or during emergency situations.

I should infor m the c a bin cr ew w hen …

… a passenger notices that his/her device is overheating. In such a case, the Personal Electronic Device must be switched off immediately and a member of the crew informed.

If you require more information, please refer to the table below which includes a list of Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) which can be used onboard Air Malta flights by phase of flight. Please do not hesitate to contact any member of our cabin crew if you have any further questions.

PHASE

Boarding

H a nd Held PEDs

(e.g. smart phones and tablets)

L a rger PEDS

(e.g. laptops and notebooks)

HEADPHONES

W i-fi, t ex t & phone c a ll f unctions

YES

YES

YES

YES

(when instructed by Flight Crew or Cabin Crew)

YES

YES

YES

YES

Taxi-out for Take-Off

YES

no

YES

no

During Safety Briefing Demonstration

YES

no

no

no

Take-Off

YES

no

YES

no

Cruise

YES

YES

YES

no

(Cabin Crew PA)

YES

no

YES

no

Landing

YES

no

YES

no

Taxi to Stand

YES

no

YES

YES

Extended Ground Delay

Circa 10 minutes to landing

More information is available at www.airmalta.com/information/check-in

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Gozo, intimately yours

www.visitgozo.com

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