Il-Bizzilla, May 2018

# 6 5 M AY 201 8

THE AIR MALTA IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE

TA L K O F T H E T O W N p.50 Take a trip to Marsascala, a vibrant seaside village in the south of Malta.

TO INFINIT Y A ND B E YO ND p.72 A focus on the art of Picasso and Mirรณ.

CASINO MALTA ACQUIRES BATTLE OF MALTA NEW ADDITION WILL GUARANTEE A €1,000,000 PRIZE POOL

Casino Malta, the country’s newest and largest Casino, recently announced that it has acquired the rights related to the famed Poker Tournament “Battle of Malta”.

This tournament was started in 2010 and has grown in participants from year to year culminating in over 2,000 entries in the 2017 edition.

The 2018 edition of the tournament will be held between 25th to 30th October 2018, with a guaranteed prize fund of €1,000,000 and a buy in of €550.

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CASINO MALTA ACQUIRES BATTLE OF MALTA NEW ADDITION WILL GUARANTEE A €1,000,000 PRIZE POOL

Casino Malta, the country’s newest and largest Casino, recently announced that it has acquired the rights related to the famed Poker Tournament “Battle of Malta”.

This tournament was started in 2010 and has grown in participants from year to year culminating in over 2,000 entries in the 2017 edition.

The 2018 edition of the tournament will be held between 25th to 30th October 2018, with a guaranteed prize fund of €1,000,000 and a buy in of €550.

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Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated.

EXCLUSIVE Laguna Apartment, Portomaso

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#65 MAY 2018

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CONTENTS

10 . M A LTA & G O Z O I N N U M B E R S

60

Facts and figures about the Maltese Islands.

14 . W E ’ R E I N FA S H I O N

I’m ready for my close-up.

1 8 . H I G H F LY I N G D E N T I S T R Y

An expert guide for the teeth conscious few.

26 . T H E U N T E T H E R E D F E AT H E R

A shift from hot to cold.

3 0 . B E S T F R E E T H I N G S T O D O I N M A LTA

There’s no need to spend in our open-roof museum.

32 . W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G I N M A LTA

A collection of events to keep you occupied this month.

43 . A W H I T E R S H A D E

A local rite of passage where tradition meets religion.

4 4 . A I R M A LTA T R AV E L S

Living it up in Lisbon.

5 0 . T A L K O F T H E T O W N

This month we’re focusing on Marsascala, a vibrant seaside village in the south.

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54. ISL AND HIGHLIGHTS

78 . M AG I C A L M A R S A S C A L A

Here’s what not to miss while visiting the Maltese Islands.

The charm and the towers.

57. K N O W M E N O W ?

8 0 . R E S TAU R A N T & B A R G U I D E

The blockchain enabled KYC.

Thinking about your next meal? Here are this month’s top picks.

60 . F R O M M A LTA T O E U R O P E & B E YO N D

8 4 . A I R M A LTA N E W S

The Maltese traveller… top locations we visit and why.

A round-up of this month’s news.

6 5 . MY B I G , FAT, M A LT E S E W E D D I N G

92 . F L I G H T A N D C O M PA N Y I N F O R M AT I O N

Till death do us part.

All you need to know about flying with Air Malta.

68. THE FISHERM AN’S SPEECH

9 4 . D E S T I N AT I O N I N F O R M AT I O N

His grandfather's impact as a man of the sea.

70 . M O N T H O F H A R V E S T

The bountiful Maltese soil and all it can offer.

7 2 . T O I N F I N I T Y A N D B E YO N D

Planning a trip? Take a look at all of Air Malta’s flight routes and code-sharing routes here.

9 6 . E L E C T R O N I C D E V I C E I N F O R M AT I O N

All the information you need with regards to phone, laptop and tablet usage onboard.

On the spiritual and ethereal.

75. DON’T FEAR THE WEEVIL

Flora and fauna on the Maltese islands.

find the knight win a flight

&

Two readers have the chance to win a complimentary return ticket each to travel on any scheduled Air Malta destination (excluding taxes and charges).

All you have to do is find the small Air Malta Knight who stars in the airline’s safety video and is hidden somewhere in this magazine.

Send us an e-mail on media@airmalta.com with the page number where you managed to locate our knight, together with a picture of the competition applicant’s airport boarding card.

Closing date is the last day of the month.

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

STUNNING PENTHOUSE IN A PRIME LOCATION BOASTING A STATE-OF-THE-ART-FINISH REF: 914230

l

€ 3,800,000

l

TA’ XBIEX

Wide-fronted, very highly finished PENTHOUSE in one of the most prestigious seafront locations in Malta, right in front of the Ta’ Xbiex marina.

This property forms part of a smart block served by two lifts and has an underlying 2-car garage.

One enters the penthouse through a spacious and bright hallway, which in turn leads onto a large sitting room, dining room, living room with a bar and a fully fitted kitchen. These front rooms lead out onto a very large terrace with a private swimming pool looking onto the lovely views.

The three bedrooms are all double and each has its own en-suite bathroom or shower room. The bedrooms lead out onto another large back terrace.

Further accommodation comprises a small study, guest toilet and store room/services room. There is also an unusual storage space underlying a large part of the penthouse. Definitely one of the nicest penthouses available on the seafront.

BEAUIFULLY CONVERTED HOUSE OF CHARACTER ENJOYING STUNNING VIEWS OVER GHARGHUR VALLEY REF: 914620

l

€ 790,000

l

GHARGHUR

A wide welcoming hall leads onto a large open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, with windows overlooking the valley. A guest toilet and an underground wine cellar complement the lower level. A modern glass and stainless steel stairwell leads to the second floor housing the main bedroom, large en-suite and walk-in wardrobe, a second double bedroom and a wide hall. On the next floor there is a third double bedroom, a washroom with toilet facilities and roof terrace furnished with loungers and BBQ facilities, enjoying views as far as Sicily. The property comes equipped with under-floor heating throughout, air conditioning and PV panels. This property also enjoys a separate storage room at basement level with a high-end de-humidification system installed.

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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# 6 5 M AY 201 8

THE AIR MALTA IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE

TA L K O F T H E T O W N p.50 Take a trip to Marsascala, a vibrant seaside village in the south of Malta.

TO IN FIN IT Y A ND B E YO ND p.72 A focus on the art of Picasso and Mirรณ.

ON THE COVER The Mediterranean Sea is full of different hues, this shot captures the crisp colours of Malta's waters. There's always a vibrant spot to drop your anchor and gaze out at the magnificent Maltese Islands.

MEET THE TEAM EDITORIAL AND DESIGN TBWA\ANG EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kristina Cassar Dowling SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Renata Rizzo CONTRIBUTORS Air Malta Alessia Caruana Andrei Vella Laurenti Christine Spiteri Claire Pace Monreal Fiona Mercieca Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti Giulia Privitelli

Helen Raine Jean Paul Demajo Paul Vassallo Peter Stemmet TCD Valletta Waterfront Veronica Stivala PHOTOGRAPHERS Mark Pace Daniel Balzan ILLUSTRATIONS Steven Bonello

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FEATURED ON IL-BIZZILLA? For advertising opportunities and restaurant listings, get in touch with Renata, renata@contentfactory.com.mt or Meridith, meridith@contentfactory.com.mt or (+356) 2142 4924 For anything related to editorial or photography, contact Kristina on kristina@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 before going to print, 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, Shutterstock 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

INSERT TEXT HERE

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FROM THE CEO...

FROM THE E D I TO R . . .

Merħba.

May will see Air Malta flying to new

At Air Malta we put you, our guest, at

May. Ah, what a month. The warmth

destinations including Bucharest,

the centre of all that we do and we are

in the air faintly reminds us of what

Manchester, Cagliari and London

always keen to know what we could do

summer has in store for us, but we

Southend. We are also launching

better to improve your Air Malta flight

never quite remember how hot it

new services between the airports of

experience. We constantly endeavor

actually gets. By this time, we’ve

Cagliari and Catania to/from London

to improve our services to meet the

already had our first barbecue, we’ve

Southend Airport. These new routes

changing expectations of our guests,

already been kissed by the sun and

herald the next stage of our airline’s

and your feedback will contribute to

some of us may have even had our first

development in offering flight services

our change and improvement process.

dip in the blue Mediterranean sea.

throughout Europe from other islands

Visit www.airmalta.com/wearelistening

across the Mediterranean.

to answer a few short questions about

What I love most about May must be

your flight with us and you can win one

the flowers. Their scent, their colours -

During the month of May the Maltese

of 10 free return Air Malta flights we

a true depiction of spring. Our home is

Islands showcase a very varied program

are offering every month. It really only

never complete without a hand-poured

of cultural activities ranging from art

takes 2 minutes!

scented candle and a bunch of fresh

exhibitions, festivals to marathons. Do

flowers in our living room. Sometimes

not forget that our capital city Valletta

Wherever you are flying I hope you

the flowers act as the fragrance for the

is currently the Cultural Capital City of

have a great flight with us. Air Malta is

house by themselves, but the candles

Europe and your visit to the Maltese

much more than just an airline.

I get my hands on are an unavoidable

islands enables to take part in a unique program of activities organised for this

must-have.

Thank you for choosing Air Malta. As

occasion. Details of upcoming events

our welcomed guest we hope to see

This month, we’re taking you on a

may be found on the website of the

you on-board another one of our flights

magical trip to Marsascala, where

Malta Tourism Authority (MTA)

soon.

the village life is pure and the urban

www.visitmalta.com or by visiting one

qualities of the area are booming. Enjoy

of the numerous Tourist Information

a meal on the promenade, watch the

Offices run by the MTA.

fishermen scurry back to shore as they call it a day or simply sit in the pjazza

For more information about Air Malta

and people-watch… sometimes this is

and our flight schedules please visit

the best remedy.

www.airmalta.com and www.facebook.com/AirMalta and join our newsletter mailing list to receive great offers directly in your inbox.

Joseph Galea Acting CEO Air Malta

Have a safe flight,

Kristina

If it’s meaningful to you, it’s important to us Bathroom

Personal Spa

At RE/MAX Malta, we look above and beyond your needs - ensuring that the most purposeful moments you savour are always at the top of our minds. Your dreams combined with our market knowledge make up for a meaningful real estate experience.

Call us today on 2015

remax-malta.com

6800 or visit

RE/MAX Associates are direct contributors to the RE/MAX & Friends Foundation Fund (VO/1019) which focuses on helping children in special circumstances.

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PASSENGERS CARRIED ONBOARD AIR MALTA FLIGHTS:

SINCE 1ST APRIL 1974

ES

BU S TA R T A

SI

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EW

THE EQUI VA

LE

AIR

320

MONUMENTS IN VALLET TA

885

6,000 TONNES OF POTATOES EXPORTED ANNUALLY

TIMES TO THE MOON AND BACK SINCE 1 ST APRIL 1974

349,386

THE MALTESE DRIVE ON THE LEFT

THE NUMBER OF LICENSED VEHICLES IN MALTA

28km long/14.5km wide

N

OF

M

LT

FL

T

A

K TO

N

1W

EE

DECL ARED UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

S

3

50,754,711

HEAD OFFICE (+356) 2131 0800 ST.JULIANS (+356) 2131 0088 VALLETTA (+356) 2131 0714

‘The best name in Malta property’

EXCLUSIVE TO PERRY

EXCLUSIVE TO PERRY

Exquisite Seafront Apartment with Valletta views Tigne Point | €2,500,000 | Ref: FA500897

A beautifully finished Apartment Sliema | €980,000 | Ref: FA600925 3 Bedrooms

2 Bathrooms

1-car garage

Internal: 154m2

External: 19m2

A luxurious & spacious APARTMENT ▪ Excellent location in Sliema ▪ Quality finish throughout with marble & parquet floors ▪ Bespoke fitted furniture ▪ Intelligent lighting ▪ VRV air-conditioning system ▪ Elevated position ▪ Close to all amenities & the seafront ▪ Entrance hall ▪ Sitting / dining room ▪ Fitted kitchen/breakfast ▪ 3 bedrooms ▪ 2 bathrooms (master en-suite) ▪ Laundry room ▪ Large balcony ▪ 1-car garage ▪ SOLE AGENTS

3 Bedrooms

2 Bathrooms

2-car spaces

EXCLUSIVE TO PERRY

Exceptional converted House of Character Manikata | €850,000 | Ref: HC600189 4 Bedrooms

4 Bathrooms

Garage

Internal: 180m2

Internal: 236m2

External: 110m2

Luxurious SEAFRONT APARTMENT in Tigne Point - Sliema ▪ Panoramic views of Valletta & the sea ▪ Open-plan kitchen/dining/living area with sliding doors onto the front terrace & garden ▪ 3 bedrooms (master with walk-in wardrobe) ▪ 2 bathrooms (master en-suite) ▪ Laundry room ▪ Large rear terrace ▪ Air-conditioning throughout ▪ Intelligent lighting system ▪ 2 underlying car spaces ▪ Exceptional amenities including residents pool & ‘The Point’ shopping mall ▪ SOLE AGENTS

EXCLUSIVE TO PERRY

Magnificent Detached Villa with infinity pool & sea views Mellieha | €2,600,000 | Ref: DV100019 External: 100m2

A unique HOUSE OF CHARACTER finished to a high specification ▪ Spacious accommodation over 3 floors ▪ Wonderful traditional courtyard with mature plants ▪ Fantastic countryside views ▪ Terraces ideal for alfresco entertaining ▪ Quiet location & close to Malta’s sandy beaches ▪ Sitting room ▪ Dining room ▪ Main kitchen/breakfast ▪ Study ▪ 4 bedrooms ▪ 4 bathrooms ▪ 2 additional kitchenettes ▪ Laundry room ▪ Many original features including wooden beams & restored stonework ▪ SOLE AGENTS

4 Bedrooms

4 Bathrooms

6-car garage

Internal: 654m2

External: 478m2

An elevated & luxurious DETACHED VILLA ▪ Located in a quiet & sought after residential area ▪ Close to some of Malta’s finest sandy beaches ▪ Spectacular sea views ▪ Beautifully refurbished to a very high standard ▪ Exceptional open-plan kitchen/dining/living area leading to a large terrace & infinity pool ▪ Magnificent fitted kitchen/breakfast ▪ 4 bedrooms ▪ 4 bathrooms (3 en-suite) ▪ Laundry room ▪ Large basement ▪ Spacious 6-car garage ▪ Additional parking for 5-cars ▪ SOLE AGENTS

EXCLUSIVE TO PERRY

Magnificent fully furnished luxury Seafront Apartments Sliema | €3500 monthly | Ref: FA600583

Contemporary Seafront Apartment Ta’Xbiex | €6000 monthly | Ref: FA07819

Introducing ‘One One 0 - The Strand’ ■ Last remaining few SEAFRONT APARTMENTS with spectacular panoramic views of Manoel Island, Sliema Creek & beyond to Valletta ▪ Close to all local amenities ▪ State of the art finish with high speed internet & air-conditioning ▪ Fully furnished ▪ Large open-plan kitchen/dining/living area with sliding doors onto front terrace ▪ Fully fitted kitchen/ breakfast ▪ 2/3 bedroom options available (with en-suite facilities) measuring 164m2 ▪ Underlying car parking

Ta’Xbiex seafront - a prime location ■ Luxurious brand new SEAFRONT APARTMENT ■ Close to Sliema & Valletta ■ Exceptional contemporary design & finish offering 450m2 of living space ■ New & wellkept block ■ Open-plan kitchen/living/dining area leading onto large front terrace with outstanding marina views ■ 3 double bedrooms ■ 3 bathrooms (all en-suite) ■ Additional living room/4th bedroom ■ Laundry room ■ Guest toilet ■ 2 underlying car spaces ■ Washing machine & tumble dryer

▪ Collect your free copy of our leading real estate publication from the exit of the arrival lounge ▪ ▪ Our Letting department also offers a wide selection of both prime commercial & residential properties for lease ▪

perry.com.mt

12

PROPERT Y

A CITY IN THE SPOTLIGHT NOW AL MOST HALFWAY INTO ITS ROLE AS EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2018, VALLET TA IS ABSOLUTELY THRIVING – AND ITS PROPERT Y M ARKET IS BOOMING TO M ATCH.

Owning a piece of Valletta means owning a little part of the island’s history

Whether you’re travelling to Malta for the first time or returning for another visit, we recommend a trip to Valletta.

Malta’s capital city – one of the smallest in the world – is going through something of a renaissance. While, just a few years ago, it was purely a business destination and almost completely deserted after dark; today it is absolutely thriving day and night – a vibrant destination for culture, shopping, wining, dining and more.

As a result of all of this, Valletta has also experienced a property boom. Gone are the derelict houses and apartments from a few years ago; now, the city is seriously in demand and its property has become some of the most desirable anywhere on the island.

If you are thinking of purchasing real estate in Malta, then Valletta is an excellent choice to consider, with something for everyone. Nestled on its pretty streets you will find magnificent grand palazzos and townhouses for those eager to make a statement, as well as chic and understated choices, like maisonettes, apartments and penthouses. And there are

VALLET TA PROPERT Y PRICE GUIDE

unique features to be enjoyed too – for instance, some of the palazzos come with frescoes, vaulted ceilings, wooden beams and stone arches, while the apartments often enjoy stunning views over the Grand Harbour or Manoel Island, or terraces overlooking the city’s eclectic rooftops. And, with the walled bastions that surround it, Valletta is limited to a footprint that was set centuries ago by the Knights of St John – owning a piece of it means owning a little part of the island’s history.

But it isn’t just the past that makes this city such a special destination; Valletta is as cosmopolitan as it is historic.

Highlights here include the al fresco cafés and international restaurants, as well as the well-known high-street shops and beautiful museums. As for the latest additions to this city’s evolutionary journey, there’s the recently-unveiled Suq – a striking food court in Valletta’s Old Market – and, shortly, the opening of the MUZA National Museum of Art in the Auberge d’ Italie.

Together, all of these elements make it a modern capital with plenty to offer those looking for an exceptional property in the Mediterranean sun.

• €212,500 – A ONE-BEDROOM DUPLEX MAISONETTE • €450,000 – A THREE-BEDROOM APARTMENT • €835,000 – A TWO-BEDROOM CONVERTED TOWNHOUSE.

A large selection of properties in Valletta, to suit all budgets, is available for sale and to-let through Frank Salt Real Estate – fs@franksalt.com.mt – +356 2379 4794 – www.franksalt.com.mt

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14

FA SHION

FA SHION

A LOOK AT MALTA FASHION WEEK WORDS ANDREI VELLA LAURENTI

M

alta’s accession to Europe in 2004 was a historical turning point on various levels. The island’s mentality opened up because of a new cosmopolitanism, our industries became more diversified and our artists looked overseas for more opportunities.

The executive producer and director of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Malta Adrian J. Mizzi explained to me how it all started back in 1997 when he was working hard to change the way fashion was perceived on the island. This was indeed difficult because he had to build everything from scratch. The worst part of it was that there was no such thing as a fashion industry in Malta in 1997.

Like everything else back then, fashion was a solitary and insular affair. There were no model agencies, no professional outlets and no opportunity for networking.

How could one change a mentality towards something that was non-existent? It was very clear to him that the only way he was going to create something that lasted was if he took the plunge and invested in the younger generation. You know that this investment has reached full circle when the Minister for Culture said that ‘ for

the first time, the government is not only acknowledging the fashion sector as a primary creative industry, but also made it part of its cultural calendar’.

The Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Malta has its roots in an event that started in 1997. The Chamillia Malta Fashion Awards are pivotal to this story because they laid the foundations for Malta’s biggest fashion event of the year. What started as a modest venture morphed itself into a prestigious yearly event that is aimed to recognise and reward the various people in the fashion industry.

Currently, the Chamillia Malta Fashion Awards closes off the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Mizzi explained that the local fashion week is very different to the ones organised elsewhere. Even though we cannot possibly compete with London, Paris and New York, it doesn’t mean that we cannot organise our own thing.

The Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Malta is a platform to promote and showcase the island’s heritage.

Adrian stated that such an event will help break the stereotype that Malta is nothing but the random luzzu, karrozzin and prickly pear.

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Part of:

FA SHION

17

Placed in the middle of the Mediterranean sea and spoilt with a hell of a lot of sunshine, Malta is an ideal place for fashion shoots. Designers can inspire themselves from the vibrant colours that surround the island whilst the models can spend their free time getting acquainted with what the local scene has to offer.

designers and models and places Malta at the centre of the stage. The tourist industry has a lot to gain from such an event, so much so that Adrian told me that the Malta Tourism Authority works hand in hand with him and has always shown support. It is estimated that no less than 14,000 people, per week, attended the events.

Places embedded in history like Fort St Elmo are chosen strategically to expose Malta’s uniqueness and help create a base where people in the fashion industry can network, exchange ideas and perhaps set up shop here.

The presentations consist of the designers exhibiting their work in an intimate way. Adrian told me that this is not a catwalk affair. It is an opportunity to experience the work from up close. The catwalks and the exhibition form another important part of the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Malta.

With approximately six hundred people working backstage, this yearly event involves a lot of logistical challenges but it all comes together and is pulled off brilliantly in the end.

Such events attract fashion journalists, bloggers, aspiring

It is getting bigger year after year and it is the best way to promote and expose new talent, foster better networking and to market Malta as a tourist destination.

The Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Malta runs from 26 May till 2 June 2018.

18

MEDICAL

NEW BROOM SWEEPS CLEAN

F

or how long have you been conscious of your teeth?

How long has it been since you chewed into a delicious crust of Maltese bread? What holds you back from fixing your teeth?

A CASE STUDY A middle-aged man presents himself with a few remaining teeth in a terrible state. He has been in this state far more than he can remember and has finally decided to fix up his mouth. He is a non-smoker and in good health.

GOALS • Eliminate any source of infection.

Regain a normal dentition of 24-28 fixed teeth.

lower jaws using custom-made surgical guides.

4. Bilateral sinus lift bone grafting and simultaneous placement of 8 implants in the upper jaw and 4 implants in the lower jaw.

5. Allow 4-6months for bone healing and osseo-integration of implants.

6. Exposure of implants and impression taking for new implant fixed prostheses.

Intra-Oral Pre-treatment

7. Try-in of implant bridges.

8. Fitting of implant bridges.

9. Placement on an oral and dental maintenance programme.

Intro-Oral Post treatment

Total timeframe: 6-8 months • Regain the comfort and stability of eating any kinds of food.

2. Allow two months for complete gingival healing.

Yes, this is a lot of work and yes, it comes at a cost. But can you really put a price on your daily comfort?

How far are you willing to go to comfortably and confidently enjoy even just simply a meal out with your friends? After 6-8 months of dental and implant treatment you’ll immediately know why you chose to go ahead with this plan and you’ll also know where your money went.

3. Implant planning in upper and

Ask your dentist for details.

• Regain that confident smile.

TREATMENT PLAN 1. Extract all remaining teeth and provision of temporary removable dentures.

Dr Jean Paul Demajo

DENTAL & IMPLANT SURGEON

After treatment

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50 YEARS

And as for the future?

FIORELLA ELLUL, GENERAL MANAGER AT TBWA\ANG SPEAKS TO FOUNDER GODFREY GRIMA AS THE AGENCY CELEBRATES IT’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY.

Pick the Smarter Bird to Steer Your Brand.

N

o one starts a business asking – now what shall we be doing fifty years from now? The challenge of starting a new business - any business - is not to let it slide downhill. To do that the product on offer must remain right, the price must remain competitive, and, more importantly, your staff must remain on point with what the market is doing.

In the last half a century, new generations of creatives and executives brought to TBWA\ANG new technologies, new philosophies and many clever communication protocols.

The basics of what works in making people react positively to your messages remain the same. At the heart of it all are honesty and truth. Those who invest in an ad agency thinking this will make them rich overnight will fail at the first cash flow crisis. Those who imagine communicating with people is a walk in the park are fools.

Communications is a complex iness that has its own tight rules and regulations. Those who imagine they can blitz clients with science thinking they will go away saying “how clever”, are about to hit a brick wall. Your clients know what they want more than you do and know their product far better than you. More often than not, clients will wave you a final goodbye because you would have failed them - unless you’re unlucky enough to pick only dodgy clients.

It’s modesty that will win you gold stars. Research, hard work, and a tireless commitment to producing convincing campaigns will fill your treasure chest. This has been the philosophy of our founder Godfrey Grima throughout the last fifty years and it has served us well.

We owe our success largely to time - time has taught us countless lessons. It’s what makes you smart. Time has given us a wealth of experience on how to keep our clients ahead of their competitors (our first client is still on our books fifty years on). We also learnt much from our competitors, if only not to repeat their mistakes. We learnt to relish, with our clients, the success we’ve had with some cutting-edge, sometimes daring, campaigns.

We have learnt that success is not necessarily tangible but also abstract - it’s a warm feeling, a lasting satisfaction, an encouraging result that brings a smile, not so much to us or our clients, but to our client’s clients who would have been impressed by the way we addressed their wants and needs.

And as for the future? We think sticking to our founder’s philosophy of the past fifty years is good advice. Unless of course the next generation brings along something better which is always a distinct possibility.

Visit tbwa-ang.com/about to view the full interview.

+356 2131 0608 \ info@tbwa-ang.com

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BUSINESS NEWS

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CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF BREWING

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t was in the late 1920s that L. Farrugia & Sons, commonly known as Farsons, first ventured into the brewing industry, with the building of a brewery in Hamrun. Lewis Victor Farrugia, visionary entrepreneur, was diversifying the activities of an industrial gas business after the family flour mills were destroyed during the riots of Sette Giugno in 1919, when the Maltese population rose against the British government of the day.

The first locally-brewed beer, Farsons Pale Ale, was launched in April 1928, only a few months after the Ħamrun brewery was completed, and a new chapter in the history of Maltese industry had begun.

In the same year, another brewery known as The Malta Export Brewery, was gearing up to produce lager type beers. Their first lager, called ‘Cisk’ after the nickname of the Scicluna family which owned it, was advertised for the first time in August 1929.

A year later, L. Farrugia & Sons merged with H. G. Simonds, renowned brewers from Reading in the UK. Simonds had been shipping regular supplies of beer to the Maltese islands since 1880 to satisfy the strong demand of the British garrison stationed in Malta during the period.

The new company was called Simonds Farsons Limited.

Simonds Farsons Limited and The Malta Export Brewery merged post-war and the formation of Simonds Farsons Cisk Limited was announced on 30th June 1948.

That same year, Mr Lewis V. Farrugia, an architect by profession, started working on a plan and project for a new brewery in Mriehel, which was formally inaugurated in June 1950, and still stands today. These facilities enhanced Farsons’ brewing capabilities and paved the way for new opportunities.

Throughout its 90-year history, Simonds Farsons Cisk plc has always been at the forefront of product innovation. Its history and heritage is full of far-sighted entrepreneurs with visionary leadership and courage who continue to inspire a passion for the future.

Farsons Brewery brews the Classic Brews range of ales, which includes Farsons Blue Label Amber Ale, Farsons Double Red Strong Ale and Farsons India Pale Ale as well as the Cisk range of beers including Cisk Lager – the original Cisk which has remained faithful to its recipe of 1929, Cisk Excel, Cisk Pilsner, Cisk Strong and Cisk Chill.

Visit www.farsons.com for more information about Farsons and its portfolio of beers.

01. The New iconic Farsons Brewhouse 02. The Original 1928 Farsons Pale Ale Bottle.

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N AT U R E

THE UNTETHERED FEATHER WORDS GIULIA PRIVITELLI

“In order to see birds it is necessary to become part of the silence.”

– Robert Lynd

‘Mind, now we have to keep silent as much as possible,’ David Attard, BirdLife official and one of the main guardians of isSimar and Għadira Nature Reserve, warns me. We were about to enter into one of the wooden sheds at the reserve, a space where birdwatching and bird-ringing takes place. It dawned on me what a special invitation to stillness that was; a few metres beyond the fence, the street was filled with the excited murmurs of commuters and the wailing of machinery. Finding silence, or making the space for it, is quickly becoming more of a luxury - a free one, but a luxury nonetheless. So to walk into that shed, to observe a resting common redshank in the pond, or a yellow swallowtail butterfly on the reeds, was also to join and dwell in their silence.

It is perhaps not at all surprising that the Maltese Islands are such an important stopover point for several birds during the migratory season of autumn and spring. The Islands have long been considered as an ideal base for sea-faring vessels, for refuelling, trade, re-stocking supplies, and even for nursing the sick and the wounded since the earliest structured civilisation – the Phoenicians - set foot on the islands. This kind of activity - the use of Maltese territory as a place for nourishment and recovery enroute to a target destination naturally, continued throughout the ages, to this very day, in fact. It would indeed be difficult to imagine our survival as a nation without this very crucial symbiotic dependency – be it on the outsider-sea-farers’ part, and on the islanders’. We would have drowned beneath the pressures of merely existing; migration is, as it were, what kept us going.

Likewise, certain bird species are forced to migrate if they are to survive, if they are to maintain healthy population numbers.

Every year, large flocks of long-distance migratory birds colour and fill the air with sound, as they head to their European breeding grounds in spring (March – end of May), or to their African wintering grounds in autumn (September – January).

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Collectively, over 140 species of birds from over 45 countries find refuge on the Islands, on its cliffs, in brackish water sites, marshes, small woodlands and other natural and marine habitats. Most of these habitats, albeit few, have been marked as protected zones or areas of special conservation, and include sites such as the Għadira, Simar and Salina Nature Reserves; Foresta 2000; the Buskett woodland; the strait between Malta and Gozo; Comino, and even the small island of Filfla.

One needn’t worry too much about whether or not the migrant birds will make use of such places. Nature is not as wasteful as we think it to be. Indeed, as long as such areas exist, birds and other species will make use of them, routinely too. Even a long-distance migrant as tiny as a chiffchaff, weighing in at an average of a whole 7 grams and having a mere length of 10cm, is able to detect and make use of such sites. Indeed, it is somewhat difficult to wrap your head around the seemingly improbable scenario, at least by human standards, that such a tiny creature could make its way over large bodies of land and sea, all the way from Northern Europe, to breed in warmer climates during the spring and summer period. One of the ringed chiffchaffs, David tells me, actually returned to the Għadira Nature Reserve six times. Allow me to remind you that these birds are a mere 10cm long; a bird, which would fit comfortably in the cradle between your thumb and index finger. Now, isn’t that remarkable?

What we need to worry about however, are the several external factors that might, or rather will, impede or

interfere with the route and ability of these migratory birds to continue their journey. One disruptive action might unbalance the whole system; changes in climate will delay migration, affect food stocks and growth of plant and marine species; increased human waste will attract different kinds of species, such as seagulls; territorial competition increases, and so on. The smallest of actions could make a difference, but we are all too often distracted by the noise of our times to be aware of them. ‘In order to see birds it is necessary to become part of the silence.’

Indeed, the air really does teach us a lot about the land.

Migrant birds visit the islands because the land has something to offer them, and they have been doing so far longer than humans have. Yet, while the number, territory and destructive practice of the latter increases, that of migrant birds drastically decreases. As a result, this also affects the success of every voyage, and by extension, the population number of any given migrant species. For this reason alone, nature reserves and bird sanctuaries are vital, not to mention their importance in conserving and rehabilitating some of the more fragile, and unique ecosystems of the islands – those ecosystems which make Malta different from, let’s say, any other rock in the sea.

01. Għadira Nature Reserve 02. A ringed Robin / Simar Nature Reserve 03. A tree-house at Għadira Nature Reserve

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LOCAL

FREE THINGS TO DO IN MALTA WORDS CHRISTINE SPITERI

THE HISTORY BUFF: DECIPHER - THE MYSTERY BEHIND THE CART-RUTS

Cart-ruts have perplexed the minds of archaeologists for decades. Where do they come from? Where do they lead to? The how, when and why behind these prehistoric furrows hidden in Malta’s countryside remain unanswered. Some claim they’re track markings of a primitive form of transport dating back to the Bronze Age, hence the name. But no one is completely certain.

Maybe some in-flight inspiration will help you decipher the mystery. You can inspect the grooves across many corners of the island namely Naxxar, Birżebbugia and Siġġiewi.

THE ADVENTUROUS HIKER: RAMBLE IN THE WEST

Ramble along Malta’s unspoilt countryside around Mtaħleb, a rural area between Dingli and Mġarr in the limits of Rabat. There you’ll come across the remains of Punic tombs and the mysterious cart ruts, until you reach a wayside chapel dedicated to the Nativity from where you can admire spectacular panorama of our west coast. On the trail you’ll encounter enchanting cliffs and shimmering blue seas, and trudge through a valley housing an old and rare jujube tree (żinżel, Chinese date).

THE CULTURE VULTURE: MINGLE WITH THE LOCALS AT A VILLAGE FESTA

Towards the end of May, villages across Malta and Gozo transform into an outdoor party celebrating the parish’s patron saint. Church façades, streets and home balconies are adorned with intricate lighting and banners, bringing the entire community together. In the evening, kiosks line up selling traditional fast-food and nougats to the sound of the marching band, and street fireworks light up the ground in an explosion of colour.

LOCAL

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THE ARCHITECTURE LOVER: ADMIRE THE DOMES OF LORENZO GAFÀ

Malta’s iconic skyline is synonymous with intricately designed masonry church domes of the baroque architect Lorenzo Gafà.

His most challenging and renowned work is the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, standing on top of the fortified medieval city, Mdina, and visible from almost every viewpoint on the island. This cathedral was built to replace a ruined one which was destroyed during the 1693 earthquake, and is undoubtedly one of Gafà’s most prestigious commissions, nowadays a symbol of Malta’s church domes.

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EVENTS

EVENTS 1st May CORINTHIA PALACE'S PERFECT MOTHER'S DAY GIFT FAIR De Paule Avenue, San Anton

Head to this beautiful hotel in the centre of the island to celebrate Labour Day and the glorious spring weather. The annual Perfect Mother's Day Gift Fair will present a fabulous variety of boutique stalls, entertainment and food options that the whole family will love. It will be open from 10am to 6pm in the hotel's luscious front gardens. Several activities on the day will raise money for the hotel's associated charity, Beyond the Moon. facebook.com/CorinthiaPalaceHotelandSpa

4th - 5th May TRANSITION Victor Pasmore Gallery, Valletta The second instalment of the Regional Concert Series will take audiences into one of Malta’s lesser-known art galleries to experience a portrait of avant-garde piano pieces that stretches almost 100 years of repertoire. The Victor Pasmore Gallery, which inhabits a 1640s gunpowder magazine within Valletta’s outer fortification walls, will be a canvas for one of Malta’s foremost pianist, Tricia Dawn Williams, as she navigates through uncharted waters to depict a new profile for the instrument. www.modernmusicdays.eu

5th - 6th May MDINA MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL Mdina On Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th May 2018, Mdina will once again come to life for the Mdina Medieval Festival organised by the Mdina Local Council which, this year, is celebrating its 10th-year anniversary. During this two-day event, visitors will be entertained with re-enactments by foreign and local groups, Medieval music, Sbandieratori (flag wavers), an illusionist, a jester, falconry, birds of prey, lectures, concerts, a Medieval market and kitchen, along with a number of activities for children. www.medievalmdina.eu

EVENTS

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10th – 27th May VERNACULAR - EXHIBITION BY KAREN CARUANA Art Galleries, Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta Vernacular, an exhibition curated by Sabrina Calleja Jackson, illustrates a nostalgic walk through the current evidence of our country’s development. These dreamy yet realistic oil paintings characterise a wish to stay in a better past and a direct sensitivity towards a questionable future; while exploring emotional links between the self, architecture and nostalgia. Entrance is free. www.karencaruana.com

11th May SPRING - VOCAL RECITAL DOROTHY BALDACCHINO & SIPAN OLAH

Concert Hall, Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta

As the weather warms up, Spring breaks the cold winter spell with an outburst of joy, love and life. Maltese soprano Dorothy Baldacchino and Armenian tenor Sipan Olah will be delighting the audience with classics from around Europe such as Bixio's Parlami d’Amore Mariù, Grieg’s Ich liebe dich, Fauré’s Chanson d’Amour and Lehar’s Lippen schweigen among other charming songs and duets. The singers will be accompanied by pianist Irina Fedcenko-Carbonaro. www.mcc.com.mt

25 th and 27th May KEYBOARD CONVERSATIONS WITH JEFFREY SIEGEL Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle The distinguished American pianist Jeffrey Siegel has been invited by the Malta Society of Arts to give two concerts in May forming part of Siegel's ongoing KEYBOARD CONVERSATIONS® series, a highly-polished concert-with-commentary in which lively, incisive remarks precede virtuoso performances of piano masterpieces. The concerts will feature music from Beethoven (25 May) and Bernstein and Gershwin (27 May).

Both nights will conclude with a short Q&A session. www.artsmalta.org

18th and 19th May MALTA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL Fort St Elmo Valletta The Malta World Music Festival, organised by Festivals Malta, celebrates the diversity of Mediterranean and world music, bringing together a rich programme of Maltese music bands and international music acts. The festival will be held over two days, featuring three bands every evening.

Friday 18th May: Cushion (Malta); Refugees for Refugees (Belgium); Afro Celt Sound System (European and African based) Saturday 19th May: Ana Alcaide (Spain); Trad,Attack! (Estonia); Electrik Gem (Mediterranean). www.maltaworldmusicfestival.org

Cushion Refugees for Refugees Afro Celt Sound System

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EVENTS

25th - 27th May JOAN St James Cavalier, Castille Place, Valletta JOAN is an award-winning play that tells Joan of Arc’s earthy story of courage, conviction and hope. Performed by British drag king champion Lucy Jane Parkinson as part of the Spazju Kreattiv programme, history’s greatest gender-warrior takes to the stage, dragging up as the men she defies in this smash-hit show. JOAN is a fusion of lyrical new writing and cabaret. This project is supported by Arts Council Malta – Creative Communities. www.kreattivita.org/en/event/joan

25th May TUATARA ALBUM LAUNCH Ta' Fra Ben Reggae Bar, Qawra ManaTapu is a local band with members that hail from all over the globe. Their music will make you jump, dance, laugh and question the fundamental meaning of existence! They've been up to so much in the past few months and are proudly launching their new album TuaTara. For the sweet sounds of reggae, ska and a whole lot more, get your swimsuits ready and join the crowds at Ta' Fra Ben for the epic album launch. www.manatapu.com

19TH MAY 2018, 8:00PM MPO EUROTOUR – MALTA-GERMANY-AUSTRIA Mediterranean Conference Centre Theatre The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra kicks off a tour, organised with the help of the European Foundation for Support of Culture, which will see it perform in some of the most prestigious venues in Germany and Austria with a concert at the MCC. Under the direction of Sergey Smbatyan and with the participation of pianist Nareh Arghamanyan and violist David Aaron Carpenter, the MPO will be performing Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, Alexey Shor’s Piano Concerto and a newly-commissioned work – Kewn – by Maltese composer Albert Garzia. www.maltaorchestra.com

I S L E S TA P L E S

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MADE IN

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A KEEP-SAKE, A TOKEN FROM YOUR LAST MALTA HOLIDAY OR WANT TO TREAT SOMEONE LIVING OUTSIDE OUR ISLANDS, THEN WHY NOT TAKE SOME GENUINE MALTESE PRODUCTS HOME WITH YOU?

MEDITERRANEAN CERAMICS When in Malta don’t miss the opportunity to see 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 tabletops 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: +356 2010 5552/3 +356 9920 1055/ +356 9944 0922 www.MediterraneanCeramics.com

MDINA GLASS Head over to Mdina Glass at Ta’ Qali Crafts Village to see the glassmakers at work. No fee and no bookings required.

While you’re there, check out the wide range of practical and decorative handmade glassware on show – including stunning glass sculptures of various objects and figures including this elegant Maltese Falcon. They are avaialble in a range of colour options, some of which include gold leaf the result of skilled craftsmanship and pure dedication.

There is a vast range of small items that will fit into your luggage easily and Mdina Glass will be delighted to ship larger items to your door back home.

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

/mdinaglass

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GOZO

G

ozo often steals the spotlight from mainland Malta and the third weekend of May promises to put the island on centre-stage yet again.

The 18th of May will kickstart an extensive programme of events that will give visitors to the island a taster of Gozo’s incredibly active year-round cultural life.

The island is renowned for its appeal to a range of people – from the adrenaline adventure seeker to the history buff and the opera lover, to the family with young children – it is an island with many promises, and Gozo Alive revolves around that.

A live choir performance at the Villa Rundle Gardens in Victoria and a traditional alfresco dinner at the charming hamlet of Santa Luċija will herald the start of Gozo Alive. This will be followed by a full band concert by local heavyweights The Travellers, whose hits have been dominating local airwaves for the past three years.

Saturday morning then sees various events held all around the island. Marsalforn will turn into a playground for those seeking a thrilling experience – with kayaks, paddleboards, segways, and canoes available to use for free. A 15-minute drive away, at Dwejra, there will be free archery and abseiling sessions – the latter is not for the feint hearted!

The tiny village of Munxar will also host il-Festa ghat-tfal – a children’s celebration. Admission to historical places will be free of charge on the 19th May. At the Cittadella, historical re-enactment groups will revive history, with a Walk Through Time experience. Visitors can follow a historical trail with re-enactments covering different periods from the Medieval to WW2.

During the evening, Victoria will become RUDIMENTAL the hub of activity with exhibitions, artistic animators, and public performances taking place in its squares and streets. The suggestive Gozo Cathedral square will host a fashion show by renowned stylists Charles & Ron, followed by a spectacular Flamenco Show against a backdrop of 3-D mapping on the Cathedral façade.

Meanwhile, LED drummers, dancers, and buskers will be wowing the crowds at Republic Street. If your stomach rumbles while enjoying these activities, a visit to our food court at Savina Square will tame it down, with traditional food served all night.

For those with a keen ear for music, two stages will be set at St George’s Square and at Independence Square – with the likes of Skarlett, Ramon Goose, Ivan Grech and Red Electrick entertaining the crowd. The night will be closed by international superstars Rudimental, an act whose hit singles include ‘Waiting All Night’, ‘These Days’, and ‘Feel the Love’.

The group’s official videos have amassed more than half a billion hits on Youtube.

The Gozo Alive weekend ends on Sunday with various activities ranging from car shows by Federazzjoni Maltija Vetturi Antiki, to water rides in Xlendi. This three-day event is a must experience for Gozo lovers. Mark the date and be there with friends or family, for a memorable time.

LOOK OUT FOR THE FULL PROGR AMME ON W W W.VISITGOZO.COM

LED DRUMMER S

GOZO ALIVE

CAN WE BRING INSERT TEXT HERE

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THE BEST IN YOU? ipsum At Tipico, people are the catalyst for our success – past, present and future.

Training and development opportunities within the company are geared towards harnessing YOUR natural talents.

We’ll bring out the best in you. That is assured.

Join us today: www.tipico-careers.com

HOT JOBS VIP Team Manager

Financial Planning & Analysis Manager

Product Manager

Key Account Manager – German Speaking

Software Developer in Test

Gaming CRM Manager – German speaking

Risk Management Specialist

Business Intelligence Analyst - Intern

THINGS ARE HEATING UP WHY NOT ADD SOME ADVENTURE TO YOUR SUMMER DAYS ON THE ROCK? TRY OUT OUR TOP PICKS THIS MONTH

S U M M E R F E AT U R E

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KAYAK GOZO Kayaking is the absolute best way to see Gozo and Comino. Our small, eco-friendly guided tours bring together first-rate service and an incredible adventure that you’ll never forget. Full-day and half-day trips available. Free transport from Mġarr ferry terminal and other locations in Gozo. Get ready for a good paddling! www.kayakgozo.com info@kayakgozo.com +356 9900 4696

SAILING CHARTERS MALTA Spend a day or more on one of our sailing yachts in a private setting.

Just relax, explore and indulge whilst our professional and friendly skippers take you to the most captivating locations, lagoons and secluded coves. We will tailor your day according to your preference.

Sailing, swimming, snorkelling and sun bathing, we promise you an exceptional service and a truly memorable experience. www.sailingchartersmalta.com info@sailingchartersmalta.com + 356 7981 1811

SOUVENIRS THAT DON’T SUCK Nestled in the heart of Sliema, you’ll find this hidden gem that’s trying to fight the worldwide epidemic of bad souvenirs. Created by local designers, Souvenirs That Don’t Suck offers unique, modern and often quirky gifts that give a fresh perspective to colloquial Malta.

www.souvenirsthatdontsuck.com hello@souvenirsthatdontsuck.com + 356 7907 2313 souvenirsthatdontsuck

Staying ahead of the pack and providing our players with the best user experience requires constant innovation and expertise. Megan Easey joined us last year as our Continuous Improvement Officer to structure our development and make the most of the marginal gains available. We sat down with her to talk about her role at Videoslots.

What is your role at Videoslots and what makes it so rewarding?

Working for Videoslots is never dull, there is always something new to be learning, implementing or changing. My job role is a broad one, but I am generally tasked with highlighting and executing any processes to areas of the Videoslots business that have room for improvement. Of course, the Videoslots team is a fast-growing, energetic environment, so I had to get up to speed very quickly to get to grips with the staff different parts of the business since joining. At times it has been and di challenging but working together with other individuals and being able to see the improvements you have helped implement is a really exciting and rewarding process.

How important is diversity in the workplace to you?

The work Videoslots does to ensure the workplace is as diverse as can be and it is one of the reasons I took on the role, and also a huge reason why I make time to mentor its employees. Their efforts in making the working place a much more inclusive environment are second to none and my aim is to help junior staff to push further up the career ladder and achieve their goals in life. I am always on hand to give advice and feedback to all members of the Videoslots team and hope that they see me as the positive role model I strive to be.

What is the key to juggling so many different tasks?

Juggling is definitely the right way to describe my role! The hectic nature of my job and rapid growth of both our brand and team means no two days are the same and my time is often stretched and pulled various ways during a normal working day. The key to ensuring the perfect balance is to use strong organizational skills. Planning is critical; the key is to plan for unplanned things too! Being able to adapt is crucial. This, along with concise communication skills, both face-to-face and by email, can help you really get the most out of your day and ensure maximum productivity for Videoslots.

Videoslots

CAREERS

BEEN LOOKING FOR?

SEND YOUR CV TO: Jobs@videoslots.com

www.videoslots.com |

Gambling can be addictive, play responsibly. Videoslots.com is operated by Videoslots Ltd, a company registered in Malta having registration number C 49090. Panda Media Ltd is regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority under licence number MGA/CL1/956/2014, MGA/CL1/1048/2014, MGA/CL1/1047/2014, MGA/CL1/1091/2015, MGA/CL1/1261/2016 and MGA/CL1/1262/2016 and the Gambling Commission in United Kingdom under licence number 000-039380-R-319311-007. The facilities provided to UK players is solely made in reliance on the latter licence.

HOT SPOT

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VALLETTA WATERFRONT: THE HISTORIC DESTINATION WITH THE COLOURED DOORS

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he Valletta Waterfront combines food, retail and entertainment within a maritime hub, which for the past years has proved to be a highly popular destination. The small chapel of the Flight to Egypt by the Holy Family further creates a unique ‘village’ ambience.

For those in search of a relaxing time with good food and entertainment, the Valletta Waterfront’s many restaurants and bars present a variety of offerings catering to different tastes, with dining right at the water’s edge. The establishments’ indoor dining areas are situated inside the tastefully refurbished, historical stores, originally constructed by Grand Master Pinto in 1752. Today, ushering in a modern era, the iconic doors have been revived with an artistic impression of colour, representing the storage of goods from days past: blue for fish, green for produce, yellow for wheat and red for wine.

An exquisite place at any time of the day - relax with a coffee in the morning watching the small boats bobbing along, occasionally the bigger cruise ships with their bustling activity; a bite to eat at lunchtime; or a lovely meal of whatever takes your fancy at sundown, with magnificent views of the historic Grand Harbour.

Browse the shopping outlets for interesting gifts including local trinkets – from ceramics, mouthblown glass, jewellery, to that book you’ve been meaning to buy and more.

Meanwhile little guests can enjoy free activities including: balloon modelling, face painting, crafts, games, colouring-ins, meet & greets with all-time favourite characters, puppet shows, bouncy castles and more, every Saturday evening (19.30hrs onwards) and Sunday afternoons (12.30hrs onwards).

For more information visit www.vallettawaterfront.com

ARRIVING TO THE VALLETTA WATERFRONT • Valletta circular bus (133) from the main bus terminal.

• Valletta Waterfront features on most hop-on hop-off buses’ routes. You will be dropped off a few metres away.

• The Upper Barrakka panoramic lift. It is also possible to combine the ticket for the lift with the ferry crossing across the Grand Harbour to or from The Three Cities.

• Electric cabs are available from just outside Valletta.

• Taxis to the Valletta Waterfront are available to and from your accommodation.

• Parking is also convenient. One may park on the quays starting from €3.00, in the Atrium parking located in the middle of the promenade, or free of charge on the road itself.

• Berthing space for your boat is available at Laguna Marina on request.

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A WHITER SHADE OF PALE THE FIRST HOLY COMMUNION IS AN IMPORTANT EVENT IN THE CALENDAR OF MANY MALTESE CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES. WHILE SOME FAMILIES GO TO EXTRAORDINARY LENGTHS TO DOLL UP THEIR CHILDREN, OTHERS SEE IT AS MORE OF A SIMPLE AFFAIR. VERONICA STIVALA TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS CUSTOM.

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fter the Easter festivities, children of around the age of seven receive their First Holy Communion during a special Mass held in local parishes. The celebrations are staggered over a number of Sundays, usually starting in May and spilling over into June.

It is common sight to see children aged around six to seven dressed from head to toe in white. Girls often wear a long dress, sometimes with a matching veil and they hold a little bouquet of flowers and a white candle, while many boys wear white suits or a white shirt and dark trousers with an embroidered arm band on their left arm.

The colour white has particular significance. The same colour as the gown worn for the Baptism ceremony, white being a symbol of purity. The Eucharist is one of the seven sacraments dispensed by the Catholic Church.

The First Holy Communion is when, for the first time, children receive this sacrament which can be received numerous times after.

It is important to note that this second Sacrament is closely linked to the sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance, which children usually receive shortly before their first Holy Communion: children go for their first Confession before their First Holy Communion. I will never forget mine when, aged seven, I sat down in front of the priest drawing a complete blank as to what sins I could have committed.

You’ll be wondering about the veil, making the girls truly look like brides. This is intentional, in that it is an allusion to the similar symbolism of a bride at her wedding who is pure and blameless before her husband, so are the children at their First Communion presenting themselves as “brides of Christ to their bridegroom”, again pure and spotless. Interestingly, this tradition of

wearing white clothes is not restricted to Catholicism; some Protestants wear them in certain traditions as is their way of living 1 Corinthians 13, which covers the subject of love.

We take this occasion very seriously in Malta despite the fact that church attendance is on the decrease (40% in 2015) and just as with other ceremonies such as weddings, many people go all out, perhaps a bit over the top in my opinion. From complicated white dresses made of expensive material, accompanied by elaborate hairdos, to grand parties for family and friends, and let’s not forget the parents’ outfits and hairdos too, many people go as far as to go out of pocket in their zeal to mark this day.

In Malta the preparation process is a separate affair from school, and children wishing to receive their First Holy Communion are obliged to attend Catechism classes after school hours. Depending on your parish, lessons are held at varying frequency, some requiring quite a commitment of four days a week. And although this is separate to school, Church schools often hold a Mass and celebration of their own for the children to mark their First Holy Communion.

In addition to their First Holy Communion ceremony, the children, more often than not, join in the many processions held in the evenings (usually Sundays) at this time of the year. This is another opportunity for the children to don their First Holy Communion suits and dresses and to walk in the streets leading to their parish. These processions are open to everyone and passersby often stop and line the streets to watch so if you are intrigued and wish to get a better insight of this tradition, try going to one of these processions, held in the environs of the various parishes across Malta and Gozo.

Live the Life in Lisbon WORDS FIONA MERCIECA / AIR MALTA

S

ummer is slowly creeping in, and you know what that means right? Everyone is looking for that one perfect mid-year getaway which will mark their summer and give them reason to brag about it to everyone they know. One which will provide them with endless laughs and unique experiences. One which will sweep them off their feet and stick in their mind for years after. And finally, one which will leave them head over heels in love with the place and have them wanting to return one day in the not so distant future.

So the question I pose to you now is, where will your holiday destination for summer 2018 be?

Well, if you haven’t already booked and are still undecided about where to go, I have the perfect suggestion. It’s a newly added city to Air Malta’s summer flight schedule, but which has already got a lot of travel addicts raving about it - and for good reason too! It is Western Europe’s oldest city - also known as the city of seven hills, and a place of which effortlessly intertwines years of history and traditional heritage with striking modernism. It is of no exaggeration when I say that it simply has everything; endless fascinating cultural attractions, impeccable architecture, glorious nature, enticing shops (especially in Baixa), bustling nightlife, and irresistible cuisine. The place isn’t short of tuk-tuks either, and is also home to the legendary old tram 28 which is a definite must-ride! Apart from this, it was listed as the world’s leading city break destination in 2017, as well as the world’s 3rd most hospitable city.

Yes, the Portuguese capital is undeniably one of the most popular destinations right now - but don’t let this put you off.

On the contrary, I urge you to go and see for yourself what all of the fuss is about. Keep in mind that just because it’s currently a favourite amongst tourists doesn’t mean that your itinerary has to be ‘mainstream’. If you’re a bookworm, for example, why not

include a visit to one of the smallest bookshops in the world?

There are plenty of hidden gems dotted all across the city, and when taking a stroll you never know what you might come across. Lisbon has a great deal of street art and graffiti which is sure to keep you on your toes. An interesting fact to point out here is that in 1755 the city suffered a huge earthquake which caused considerable havoc, though from this misfortune the city actually grew back stronger and more captivating than ever.

The intriguing streets and intricately patterned cobblestones are testament to this. Perhaps some of you are already itching to get searching for flights, but for those who still need a little more persuading, please do read on, so that maybe I can convince you to book once and for all.

ASTOUNDING CULTURE Once again, it’s decision time. Where should you go and what should you do? And as always, the list of worthy cultural attractions to visit goes on and on, making it difficult to actually choose. In spite of this however, here’s my attempt at narrowing things down - the key is not to visit too many of the same sort of sites. Hence, I suggest jotting down all of the attractions which interest you and grouping them into categories (for example churches), and then shortlisting with the aid of some additional research until you uncover which are your favourites.

The places I’m about to mention are some of the sites which I personally regard as a must - but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be of the same of opinion and that is fine too. Like I always say, a holiday isn’t complete without a museum or two, and those which caught my eye have got to be the National Coach Museum and National Ancient Art Museum. On a different note, who doesn’t love castles? They are something I never tire of visiting, hence why I can’t not mention Castelo de São Jorge. It dates all the way back to the 11th century, and apart from taking you

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so, make sure you head down to Vasco da Gama bridge which measures a whopping 17 km from end to end.

SPECTACUL AR OUTDOORS Don’t you just love it when whilst visiting a city you can also retreat to a sandy beach or lose yourself amidst mother nature?

Well, in Lisbon you can do just that. This city’s location on the Atlantic coast gives rise to some gorgeous beaches which are perfect for relaxing and taking a refreshing dip on a hot summer's day, as well as watching the magical sunsets unfold as the sun dips below the horizon and dusk softly rolls in. If on the other hand you’d like to be more active, some beaches even offer water sports. Apart from the blue waters however, Lisbon also has a large number of pleasant green spaces nestled into its bosom - a favourite of which is the leafy Praça das Flores.

For more vast nature though, you can visit Monsanto Forest Park, but be sure to take your hiking boots with you so that you can embark on one of the many trails which along the way will impress you with some truly awe-inspiring panoramic views.

back in time it also gifts you with an incredible view over the historical centre of the city and Tagus river. You’ll definitely find yourself taking one too many photos here!

A visit to Lisbon must also include at least half a day spent in the Belém district. There’s plenty to do here, including exploring the medieval fortified Belém Tower and marvelling at the stupendous UNESCO-listed Mosteiro dos Jerónimos guaranteed to take your breath away. Another two districts which cannot go undiscovered are Alfama and Bairro Alto.

Alfama is said to be one of the oldest districts of Lisbon, and wandering through its delightful narrow cobbled streets decorated with ancient houses is enchanting to say the least.

Not only this, but it is the best way of getting a glimpse of the more traditional side of the city in all of its glory. Bairro Alto, on the other hand, is one of the most central quarters - particularly at night, as this part of the city never sleeps.

Oh, and I mustn’t forget Rossio Square, also known as Praça de D. Pedro IV, which encompasses beautiful fountains as well as various monuments and landmarks. This is also a lively area, which is considered as one of the main meeting points by locals and tourists alike. In contrast, in order to get a feel of the modern side of Lisbon you must venture to the outstanding Parque das Nações - you really don’t want to miss out on this.

Whether you’re into aquariums or not, I highly recommend you stop by Lisbon Oceanarium - home to over 8,000 different sea creatures and voted the best aquarium in the world! And since I’m currently throwing surprising facts out there, would seeing the longest bridge in Europe interest you as well? Because if

I’m going to be a little bit bossy now, but you must take a day trip out of Lisbon to the fairytale land of Sintra (that’s an order).

This time-warp town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with whimsical palaces and noble pastel-hued old manors tucked away in lush, wooded hills surrounded by rippling mountains and glistening forest greenery everywhere.

EXUBERANT NIGHTLIFE Lisbon is known as the ‘coolest’ city in Europe, and this is undoubtedly partly because of its after dark liveliness.

The nightlife lasts until dawn breaks - and that’s no exaggeration… last orders is literally at sunrise! But the great thing is that a night out here doesn’t necessarily need to be full on partying with non-stop dancing and hard liquor.

On the contrary, the locals like to embrace the simplicity of casually meeting friends at a bar, and chilling by sipping on a drink and chatting the night away instead. So the choice of how to spend your nights is all yours - as is which area you choose to test out; the popular ones being Bairro Alto, Cais do Sodré and Bica. Might I also suggest trying out a traditional fado house? Fado is a type of unique Portuguese music so it would certainly be something different.

MOUTH-WATERING CUISINE Oh my, oh my. This city is a foodie’s paradise. Not only because Lisbon is packed with a wide variety of delicious food offerings, but also because it has a phenomenal restaurant scene. What should you seek to try out you ask? Well, the traditional Portuguese dish you definitely have to taste is Bacalhau, which is dried and salted cod fish - but wait, there’s actually 365 different ways how the Portuguese serve it so it depends what you find on the menu. For dessert, there’s no competition - Pastel de nata it is! This is the country’s famous sweet egg custard tart, and the locals as well as tourists go absolutely crazy for it.

Air Malta operates a twice weekly flight to Lisbon every Thursday and Sunday with one-way prices starting from just €39 includes taxes. Visit www.airmalta.com for more info.

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POETRY

POETRY

How man has searched, discovered the earth; what pushed him to its furthest edge?

If not the need for land then whence this urge, this thirst?

Still the world did not reveal itself; it stood still, was always there waiting for us to cross that space.

And we were surprised, in awe of what we found; now jealous and full of pride that we fools do think it depends on us if any of it should survive on us - a self-destructive race that tries so hard, that struggles with itself to find a place where it could rest.

And this mind, this brilliant mind that draws us so far apart, at what cost does it come?

Only that place in life, where we could belong, content.

So I look across the sea, the real horizon of a reality in me a life waits for me there whatever it may be; though we've discovered the earth, some things can only be revealed.

I am that bird which hopes to be free.

WORDS GIULIA PRIVITELLI ILLUSTRATION STEVEN BONELLO

Walking in Circles is the working title of an artistic-literary project supported by the Arts Council Malta â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Malta Arts Fund. The illustrated-poetic journey, spanning over the cycle of one full year, will be launched in the form of a publication in October 2018.

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TA L K O F T H E TOWN WITH SO MANY CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES ON OUR LITTLE ISLANDS, IT’S HARD TO DECIDE WHAT TO SEE AND WHERE TO GO. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WE’LL BE HIGHLIGHTING OUR TOP LOCATIONS FOR THE SEASON. THIS MONTH IT'S MARSASCALA.

ST THOMAS BAY

DE REDIN TOWER

St Thomas Bay is found on the

SALT PANS

The De Redin Towers are some of

The Marsascala banks are beautiful

outskirts of Marsascala. This

Malta’s iconic towers that were built as

to say the least; featuring beautfiully

sandy beach is of a reasonable

costal protection by the Order of the

carved rectangular basins cut into

size and is surrounded by cliffs

Knights of St John. These were a series

the rocks on the coast line - used

on the majority of the bay.

of fourteen towers, 9 of which sill stand

to gaiters sea salt. These salt pans

Frequented by fishermen, this

today, one of which lies in Gozo. The

most probably date back to the time

little inlet is thought of as a

Gozitan tower is sometimes referred

of the Romans.

favourite amongst locals.

to as a De Redin Tower due to its architectural similarities.

THE PROMENADE

SEA VIEWS

ST THOMAS TOWER

Marsascala promenade is

Whether you’re looking to relax after a

St Thomas Tower is yet another

bustling in the summer. There

long day or simply absorb the rays of

watchtower that can be found in

are so many kiosks and eateries

the sun as it tucks itself back into the

Marsascala. This large bastioned

that you can visit while walking

horizon, the sea views of Marsascala

watchtower was built in 1614 and

by the sea. If you're looking to

are a great place to call it a day.

forms part of the Wignacourt

step away from the crowd, why

Alternatively, wake up before the sun

Towers and served as an artillery

not find a secluded bench and

does and watch the sun rise upon the

battery in its time. Grab a shot of

bask in the warm sun.

Marsascala seascape.

this tower - it’s quite something.

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INSERT TEXT HERE

A GUIDE TO THE LITTLE

MALTESE ISLANDS

għasri

għarb

żebbuĠ

san lawrenz

xlendi

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xewkija

nadur gĦajnsielem mĠarr

qala

comino

Ċirkewwa

st paul’s island mellieĦa

qawra 01

xemxija st paul’s bay

buĠibba

mĠarr

naxxar

Ġnejna

Available to download on both iOS and Android devices:

mosta

attard

sa

mdina

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qo rabat dingli qrendi

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filfla

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01 53

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Valletta

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the three cities

ormi tarxien

marsa

marsascala żejtun

luqa

05

marsaxlokk

birŻebbuĠa

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LOCAL

ISL AND HIGHLIGHTS 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.

XLENDI, GOZO Xlendi Bay is a popular swimming area that is ideal for families and solo visitors alike. The deep waters make Xlendi the perfect spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. For those brave enough, the neighbouring cliffs are also tempting spots to dive into the blue waters from.

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. The baroque city is speckled with neo-classical and modern architecture and has been declared Europe’s Culture Capital 2018.

INSERT TEXT HERE

QAWRA , MALTA A great spot to enjoy an afternoon by the sea, grab a bite to eat and people watch to your heart’s content. Located in the Northern region of Malta, Qawra is full of excitement and entertainment that rolls on late into the night.

RABAT, MALTA A suburb to Mdina, Rabat is quaint and majestic. With historical spots such as catacombs, dainty pastry shops, top-notch restaurants, Rabat is the ideal location to visit with family or on a romantic date. A walk through the village square will open your eyes to a whole new experience of Maltese culture.

ST PETER’S POOL , MARSAXLOKK The crystal clear waters of St Peter’s Pool give off the most stunning array of colours - from azure to light green. This gorgeous area is perfect for snorkelling, sunbathing and rock climbing.

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MALTA VIRTUAL TOURIST IS A FREE TO DOWNLOAD MOBILE APP, WHICH EASES A TOURIST'S EXPERIENCE AROUND THE MALTESE ISLANDS WITH GEO-DRIVEN INFORMATION RICH CONTENT. BEACHES, GARDENS, HISTORIC SITES, RESTAURANTS AND MORE...

DOWNLOAD THE APP NOW!

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KNOW ME NOW? INTRODUCING KNOWMENOW - A TECH OUTFIT BASED IN MALTA, WORKING ON A CUTTING-EDGE APPLICATION THAT WILL BENEFIT BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS IN WHAT WILL ONE DAY BECOME A DIGITAL SINGLE MARKET.

THE BLOCKCHAIN REVOLUTION We are witnessing what is considered the beginning of a new technology revolution - blockchain is literally everywhere. It is being deployed as the backbone technology of solutions in various sectors across the globe, from IoT to Real Estate and online commerce. Many argue it will change the world. blockchain, invented by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008, was to be used as the foundation technology for the cryptocurrency bitcoin.

Blockchain is on the tips of everyone’s tongues - many think that blockchain is bitcoin or simply an interchangeable term for ‘cryptocurrencies’… but it is not. Blockchain is more than the underlying technology to cryptocurrencies, much more.

Through blockchain, digital information is distributed through a network which is not owned by a central institution. Such information is immutable, shared and continually updated with no central authority having the power to control it, censor it or change conditions when it wants to.

BACKGROUND TO THE KNOWMENOW SOLUTION We are witnessing an unprecedented increase in regulatory compliance, especially around Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes. Consumers have to go through client due diligence (CDD) procedures every time they open an account or sign-up for various services, say for a bank account or an online casino account. On the other hand, online merchants have to incur high costs due to the onerous procedures required in order to screen each client at onboarding stage when these same clients would have already been screened by other regulated merchants. KYC processes are a legal requirement for regulated entities and other persons subject to this requirement who must ensure that their AML efforts are detecting and preventing illicit behaviour.

Industry experts Damian Mifsud and Godwin Schembri,

who apart from being professional collaborators for over two decades, are the co-founders of KnowMeNow - a userfriendly KYC solution with near-instant results. They are focusing their attention on simplifying the tedious KYC requirements set by regulators and adhered to by disgruntled customers and merchants. They are building a digital solution to provide KYC enabled by blockchain. This kind of technology has significant benefits in bridging the trust gap and ensuring full transparency.

FUNCTIONALITY - HOW ARE THEY GOING TO SIMPLIFY THE ONEROUS KYC REQUIREMENTS WE ALL FACE? Here’s how it works; say you want to dip your toes into the world of iGaming; place a cheeky bet here and there… well, the first thing your favourite online gaming site will do is ask for your details: name, date of birth, country of origin and depending on the value in your account, bank details and so on – this information is also requested by banks and various financial institutions, online ticket marketplaces, and so on.

Here we run into the first wall as a consumer, repeatedly collecting and sharing various documents in order to make use of a service. From the service providers’ perspective, they are subject to run these time-consuming procedures on their clients - but what’s to say the potential client didn’t make all the information up, just to get onto a platform or make use of a service? That’s where KYC procedures safeguard users and companies from fraud related issues. But how can this be made easier? More secure? Security and efficiency are what Damian and Godwin know can be improved.

This is where the revolution starts to take shape. Like every other human on this planet, you must be the proud owner of a smartphone of some kind and no matter the problem, geeky tech creators have developed a solution for your daily unpleasantries; be it a quick way to order your dinner, a clever

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INVESTMENT

Companies are experiencing fall-outs during onboarding because of the time taken to screen clients, as a result costs are sky rocketing. We firmly believe such a solution will help to provide increased levels of frictionless KYC whilst reducing costs DAMIAN MIFSUD

KnowMeNow Founders, Damian Mifsud - CEO (left) & Godwin Schembri - CTO (right)

way to track your steps or a simple way to get updates on your favourite celebs - there’s a solution. Although these trivial things brighten our day and help us get through the mundanity of the week, there is something missing in the market that requires some attention - a KYC tool that allows you to onboard swiftly and securely. Damian and Godwin are solving this problem with an ingenious app that can revolutionise the way we effect transactions - your new household name… KnowMeNow. KnowMeNow is building an autonomous framework that will allow customers to securely store their full identity profiles on their very own smartphones through a number of uploaded KYC documentation, and share such with online merchants where required. This new revolutionary app will therefore allow regulated businesses to perform inexpensive, permission-based KYC reviews in a much faster, more reliable and compliant manner than ever before using the unique features of the blockchain technology.

BELOW IS A QUICK RUN THROUGH OF THE KNOWMENOW APP; • Users will download a free app (distributed application) that has the facility to securely store and share personal profiles (identity and more) with the user's consent.

• Users can upload their identity information. This information is secure and completely in the user’s control, which means that all Personal Data is kept safe until shared

We are designing a technology that is so disruptive yet practical to become widely used for KYC, in a way that it becomes a natural solution GODWIN SCHEMBRI

with third parties at the user’s discretion. The app features different tiers of information that are required for different KYC procedures set out by different entities or by different jurisdictions. Most importantly the user is in complete control of the material and can choose who to share it with.

• During onboarding stage, the owner of the personal profile will authorise the merchant to securely retrieve the data from the KnowMeNow app for instant approval.

• Verified data values are updated in the app’s profile (on an on-going basis).

It is indeed a complete and radical transformation of the onboarding journey for both the customer and merchant.

KnowMeNow will create a full ecosystem with the main actors being users, merchants and identity verifiers present in different jurisdictions. This is a living app and all data can be updated from time to time, which makes the ‘ongoing’ aspect of KYC more achievable.

Creating an app such as KnowMeNow not only facilitates the sharing of information, but it also secures your identity from any fraudulent behaviour. With the KnowMeNow team devoted to safeguarding your Personal Data, and through the utilisation of blockchain technology, you never have to worry about infringements that may disrupt your identity or reputation. This all-in-one application is versatile and efficient; with near-instant results and a number of sectors

INVESTMENT

59

covered by the application, your onboarding processes will never require more than a few seconds. KnowMeNow will be a tool that creates a safer and convenient future.

house. They are joined by A-list local and international seasoned advisors who are assisting KnowMeNow on this exciting and revolutionary journey.

THE TECHNOLOGY Blockchain is essentially a distributed data base where a shared list of records is consistently maintained. KnowMeNow requires the security and efficiency of the blockchain to function and provide the detailed service that it is founded on. Every strand of information is formed into a block; once a series of blocks are chained together in a series, this becomes a blockchain. This solution makes for a streamlined service that will revolutionise the future.

THE STAT US - W HER E DO THE Y STA ND? KnowMeNow is currently in its 3rd funding round and about to launch its own ICO. With a unique security token that returns a dividend payout to all token holders, this ICO is attracting institutional investors apart from the traditional ICO crowd funders. Supported by the Malta Gaming Authority and endorsed by some of the biggest names in the industry, KnowMeNow is looking for partners who share their vision and strategy. Damian and Godwin will be embarking on a roadshow in May spanning London, Monaco, Geneva, Zug, Munich, Dubai, and Lagos.

T H E FOU N DE R S - W HOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S B R A I N C H I L D I S K N OW M E N OW ?

KnowMeNow, formerly known as JITKYC, was founded around 18 months ago by Damian, who has over 15 years of experience in compliance and payments for regulated financial businesses, and Godwin, who has over 25 years experience in software development in the payments industry, with many years spent as CTO leading product innovation, solution architectures, cloud and mobile deployments in an international award winning software

Download the latest white paper and keep up-to-date with KnowMeNow news on: www.KnowMeKnow.com For any enquiries email: info@knowmenow.com Join the KnowMeNow community on LinkedIn and Telegram

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F R O M M A LT A T O E U R O P E A N D B E Y O N D

THE HOTTEST DESTINATIONS THIS SUMMER WORDS HELENE RAINE

M

alta has an ancient history, but the country is going through a period of intense change, as it settles into the 21st century. As part of that shift, the Maltese are becoming serious world-travellers, with departures by residents up 58% from 2013. And the locals are looking for something out of the ordinary when they travel; Paris, Sicily and London are perennially in fashion… but newer destinations are luring the Maltese away for mini-breaks and more. These are the hottest destinations in Europe this summer along with the coolest attractions they have to offer.

CO M I S O, S I C I LY SEE: Comiso airport is close to the baroque city of Ragusa, where you’ll find a timeless cityscape of weathered tile roofs and balconies laden with flowers, jostling beneath the campaniles of the ancient churches. The old town is built above a canyon and has wonderful views. A few kilometres further south, sandy beaches slope into the aquamarine Mediterranean.

E AT: Gelati DiVini sells artisanal ice-cream with local flavours including prickly pear, fennel and carob – more adventurous foodies can opt for ‘onion’ or ‘wine’ flavours. Cleanse your palate afterwards with a powerful glass of grappa.

SL EEP: Terrazzani Suite is a sharp and modern boutique hotel, with a healthy dose of ancient history still evident in the building itself. In the basement, where breakfast is served, a glass window reveals the remains of a roman aquifer and there’s an old olive oil press too.

M A L AG A , S PA I N SEE: Malaga came roaring into the 21st century with a fresh image, new museums and a smorgasbord of interesting restaurants, all balancing on a history that goes back 3000 years to Phoenician times. A visit to the ruins of the Alcazaba, a Moorish palace, will give you spectacular views of this reinvented city. Picasso grew up here too; his mood-altering work is on display in the Picasso museum.

E AT: The Antigua Casa de Guardia is crammed with barrels of Malaga wines, so get your fix of Moscatel and Ximenez without the bottle as a middleman.

SL EEP: If you have a sweet tooth and a tight budget, the Dulces Dreams Hostel has themed their bargain basement rooms around desserts such as ‘lemon pie’ and tiramisu. Decorations are made of recycled materials and rooms have great views of the Holy Martyrs Church.

LISBON, PORTUGAL SEE: Like Malta, Portugal produces some exquisite tiles (called azulejos), although they tend to put them on the walls rather than on the floor. See them on buildings around the Alfama and Sintra districts or take a short cut and check out the exhibits at the National Tile Museum – some are huge murals that tell the history of Lisbon and its people.

E AT: The Portuguese take gastronomy very seriously; to sample as many delicious dishes as possible, try the Time Out Mercado da Ribeira, a huge dining hall crammed with over 40 stalls featuring some of the best chefs in the city.

SL EEP: The rooftop hot-tub-with-a-view and garden pool are reason enough to stay at this city centre (Chiado) property, but breakfast here comes from the famous Confeitaria Nacional bakery – prepare for pastry heaven.

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C A S A B L A N C A , M O R O CCO SEE: French colonial history and modern Arab culture merge in this fascinating port city, where you can go from strolling the wide boulevard to winding through the old Medina within a few streets. The souk here is the perfect place to get lost if you love shopping, but easy to escape from when you’re done – it’s a great place to snap some pictures.

The whitewash-and-stone King’s Palace is eminently ‘Instagrammable’ too.

E AT: It might be a bit corny, but Rick’s Cafe is a must-do all the same. The dark wood furniture in the elegant interior contrasts beautifully with the white, keyhole columns. The dishes are equally pared down and fresh looking; try the tangy goat’s cheese salad with figs and the mythical pastry with pistachios.

SLEEP: The Hotel Doge has art deco inspired rooms and a traditional hammam, where the steam is scented with eucalyptus and you can get a private scrub, soap and massage.

OLD CHARM, S T. P E T E R S B U R G , R U S S I A SEE: The Church of the Spilled Blood has a punchy name and its exterior will hit you between the eyes too; candy-bright colours and shapes cover the multiple domes. The church was built right where Tsar Alexander II was murdered and has had a colourful history, even being used to store potatoes during the war. Try to take in a ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre while you are there too.

E AT: Russian cuisine is given a flavourful twist at the Palkin restaurant, which has delicacies such as ‘mimosa salad’,’kamkatcha crab meat with beetroot carpaccio’ and ‘giant oyster from the Bay of Peter the Great’.

Former guests include Chekhov, Dostoevsky and Tchaikovsky.

SL EEP: Treat yourself to the DOM Boutique Hotel. It was built in 1876 as a row of apartments and many of the original features remain, complemented by avant-garde furnishings and décor. It’s out of the welltrodden tourist rut but still close to key locations such as Nevsky Prospekt.

MODERN TWIST Behind the seemingly impenetrable thick walls, flanking Malta’s Grand Harbour, lies a hidden gem known as the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea), which is surprisingly off the tourist radar. Predominantly a maritime hub, rich in history, this area is reviving itself and the Rolling Geeks are paving the way with their modern take on touring.

Explore this gorgeous open-air museum full of architectural riches and breathtaking views, while cruising around in your eco friendly, smart technology vehicle.

The cars are unbelievably fun, safe and easy to drive.

Following a GPS guided route at an easy pace while listening to the commentary onboard in the language of your choice gives you the freedom to sightsee at your own pace. The online tracking and onboard communication systems enable the Rolling Geeks’ vigilant staff to provide assistance throughout the tour giving you peace of mind. The roads on the prescribed route are very quiet and it is very easy to park up and step out whenever you wish to.

The selfie feature in the cars adds to the fun, the rest is up to you to capture. Overall this is a great value for money experience, suitable for all ages.

Visit www.rolling-geeks.com for more information.

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QUIRKS

MY

BIG FAT

MALTESE WEDDING WORDS ALESSIA CARUANA

QUIRKS

A

h the joys of wedding season in Malta - what to do, who to call, who to book? These are just some of the many obstacles those brave enough to say “yes” to: the dress, the man, the cake, the florist, the guest list, the band, and the venue; have to face; and they haven't even got started yet.

No easy task to plan a wedding anywhere, but doing it in Malta, an island where everyone knows everyone and some lucky guest is always related to the cousin of the bride, you probably got drunk with at a bar one night and made an absolute fool of yourself with. Lest we forget the classic, “You look so familiar, are you related to John and Clarissa?”,“My how you’ve grown you look just like mummy”, “Are you still single?”, bla bla, sip, sip; waiter one more glass of white pleeeaaase.

So with expectations this high, and everyone watching there's absolutely no room for error… God forbid auntie Claire’s daughter has a better wedding than yours; I mean how would your mother ever be able to live through this year’s family Christmas lunch?

“This is going to be the happiest day of your life”… sure, they said.

Especially when you feel like you've been running a marathon for the past couple of months, not to mention the actual triathlon that is the big cheek kissing “thank you for coming” wedding day. Some brides and grooms couldn't care less, and are happy celebrating love in a subtle and tasteful low-key kind of way, but this is not what we're here to talk about now is it folks? I'm here to talk about the mother of all icingcoated, almond-filled, Portomaso tower-sized weddings, the ones with guest lists that include a slew of estranged family you haven't spoken to in years but your father insisted on having them anyway; even though your mother doesn't speak to your uncle, her sister, your cousin’s cousin or your grandmother. Can someone spell out the word fun for me?

Now, make no mistake this is not your day. This is everyone's day, this is your family's day, your guest's day and your neighbour’s day to eat her heart out at the buffet. So please don't be selfish and make this all

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QUIRKS

There's nothing quite like that gut-wrenching feeling that hits the pit of your stomach when you receive about five wedding invites for the same month

about you, because weddings are never actually about the bride and groom now are they? I mean really think about it; weddings are about her hair, her dress, whether she cheaped out on it or went the whole mile and ordered in the lace from Paris. We're talking about who tailored his suit and who had the best hens or bachelors and whether he actually chose her ring himself or if the bride’s mother chose it for him (we all know she probably did).

But apart from all the glitz and glam that goes into the above, what about the guests? Let me go on and tell you about them; the guests; *sips champagne*. So far I’ve only been on the receiving end of a wedding. There's nothing quite like that gut-wrenching feeling that hits the pit of your stomach when you receive about five wedding invites for the same month. I mean I’m all for love and happy endings but not when it’s costing me about three paycheques to cover; don't get me wrong if the bride and groom were paying for my electricity bill, sure by all means. Obviously, there’s always one wedding list from that fancy shop where cutlery costs as much as your car; then if that wasn't enough you need to think about your dress, your hair, your shoes and a matching God awful pill box clutch that absolutely nothing fits into.

Also make sure that guests from one wedding to another vary should you recycle a two-year-old dress; because they will remember what you wore and jump to the conclusion that you own one dress; and we can’t have that, now can we.

And can we just talk about being single for these things, that means you need to come up with five guests; and let's face it your gay best friend can only do so much. At some point you’re bound to ask your sister, best friend, mother, ex-boyfriend or dog for assistance. Or just do the solo routine and ride it out by the bar, that’s why we all made the trip anyway; let’s be honest.

Moral of the story is if you're getting married this year; make sure the open bar and food’s worth your guest's attendance because if you didn't cheap out on your wedding list make no mistake they are coming to eat and drink their gift’s worth back. And guests, if you are giving a monetary gift make sure it’s more than the sandwich you got yourself for lunch, no one's that cheap.

In conclusion, by the power vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride and another 500 people or so after that. Cheers.

Valletta | St Julian’s | B’Kara | MIA | Bugibba | Gozo | Bay Street | Sliema, Tigné | Għargħur

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FICTION

THE FISHERMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SPEECH WORDS TCD

FICTION

“I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life, To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife; And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover, And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.”

Sea Fever, John Masefield

“

T

he sea is a cruel mistress but a bountiful provider. The sea calls upon its servants like moths to a burning light, it beckons, it aches, it prowls,” grandpa would tell me as his coffee brewed on the kitchen stove. “You see young Jimmy, the sea is always there, it always was and it always will be, long after our kind are no more.”

boarding a ship. Late and frantic he rushed to the doctor’s queue, tapping his shoes and checking his wristwatch, a bead of sweat slowly trickling down his cheek.

His check-up was meant to be quick - routine at its best - but good old grandpa always finds a way to start a conversation, even if he’d be a little bit tardy.

Grandpa was a fisherman, raised in a sea-side town in the south of England where the air smelled like the rush of the sea and the common banter revolved around the catch of the day. He lived for the sea, as his father did and his father before him, most legendary characters carry on the family tradition from generation to generation. Living on the sea, off the sea, by the sea and for the sea.

Grandpa’s life was of the sea.

He spoke to a Maltese nurse who told him about the clear blue sky, the sunshine, the warmth, the pastizzi, the friendly yet sometimes intrusive (but always in a good way) Maltese and of course, the sea. The Mediterranean blue that grandpa fell in love with, lived for and passed on to me in his words, his thoughts, his actions. He called Malta his home, he live in a little village called Marsascala, a fishing village by the sea. When he retired from the voyager’s life, he would sit on a bench and watch the young fishermen haul in their catch with a smile and respect on their faces - a smile he’d experienced for so many years.

The tales he learned when on his miraculous voyage to the Mediterranean island of Malta was one that left an impact on me for the longest duration of my life. He embarked on his journey when he was a mere 24 years old, with nothing but a manuscript and some writing utensils. Grandpa was a man of whim, he didn’t follow the trends, he never combed his hair and his right shoe always had a faint tare in it, as his big toe always poked upwards.

The first day of grandpa’s journey began with a slight hiccup. You see in the past, most voyagers needed to pass a sanitation check prior to

As I grow older, and embark on my adventures of the sea, I head out eagerly - with a firm voice in my head chanting and guiding me throughout my journey. I hear grandpa’s voice, “The sea is a cruel mistress but a bountiful provider.” As I leave the Marsascala Bay at the crisp hour of 4AM, I brew my coffee and watch the waves, as they take me out to face the vagrant gypsy life.

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FOOD

The Month of Harvest WORDS CLAIRE PACE MONREAL

G

iven Malta’s Mediterranean climate, May is traditionally associated with being the month of harvest which precedes the hot and dry months of summer. Indeed, Maltese proverbs reflect this, with sayings such as ‘Mejju ħobża u sikkina għax kull ġid itina’, which roughly translates to ‘May blesses us with wealth’ and ‘F’Mejju aħsad imqar kien Plejju’. The latter expresses that May is the month of harvest and advises to collect as much produce as possible, hyperbolically suggesting to harvest ‘plejju’, a wild plant, if need be.

The 20 May is also designated as ‘World Bee Day’ by the United Nations. This is of significance to the Maltese Islands as honey is one of its world-famous produce.

Although the etymology of the word ‘Malta’ is uncertain, it is indeed said to derive from the Greek word ‘meli’ for ‘honey’. Ancient Greeks called the Islands ‘Melita’ meaning ‘honey-sweet’, possibly after the Island’s unique production of honey because Malta has long provided an

ideal setting for raising hives. During your stay in Malta you can enjoy a couple of the various flavours of local honey. Malta’s climate allows bees to harvest over 1,000 different species of flowers, producing honey that differs in both taste and colour, and, ultimately, offering a visual experience as pleasurable as its rich and distinct flavour.

According to the nectar calendar, May and June are particularly ideal for Wild Thyme.

Honey and cotton date back to the origins of agriculture in Malta, which is as old as man’s presence on the Islands c. 5200 BCE. Nowadays, although Malta’s agricultural sector is relatively small, accounting for approximately 2.8% of the islands’ GDP, Malta’s principal agricultural export is potatoes. Potatoes account for 32,000 metric tons of the total agricultural output of 38,000 tons. Other main crops include cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes, citrus, and green peppers. Of course, these are only a few of the colourful and exquisite tastes that Malta boasts.

FOOD

More famous, perhaps, for its Mediterranean and Arabic flavours, coupled with their respective lifestyles and attitudes towards food, Malta offers visitors a unique experience of immersing oneself in local produce, against the quaint backdrop of Maltese countryside characterised by rubble walls and the distinct prickly pear cactus plants.

Although a relatively new concept that is still being developed, Agritourism allows visitors to witness the harvesting of local produce, learn local food-making, indulge in fresh flavours, and be close to nature.

Both tourists and locals to the islands are invited to briefly share estate workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; passion in cultivating vines, fruits, and vegetables; and producing typical liqueurs and foods, including: sun-dried tomatoes, kunserva (tomato paste) and prickly pear jam

Maltese and Gozitan Agritourism farms are founded on the eagerness to promote sustainable rural development and display an authentic Maltese hands-on experience. Both tourists and locals to the islands are invited to briefly share estate workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; passion in cultivating vines, fruits, and vegetables; and producing typical liqueurs and foods, including: sun-dried tomatoes, kunserva (tomato paste) and prickly pear jam. And if food does not do the trick for you, Malta and Gozo have a number of vineyards ready to host you during your stay. Much like agritourism, enotourism is gaining popularity on the Islands. This offers visitors the opportunity of visiting vineyards and wineries and experiencing wine first-hand. Of course, one would advise to couple the two together for a unique experience that should be difficult to forget.

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THE ARTS

To Infinity and Beyond: A JO U R N EY WITH JOA N MIRÓ WORDS FONDAZZJONI PATRIMONJU MALTI Joan Miró Le Chant de l'oiseau à la rosée de la lune [El canto del pájaro al rocío de la luna], 1955 Óleo sobre cartón 27 x 37 cm Colección Particular en depósito temporal © Successió Miró 2018

‘The spectacle of the sky overwhelms me. I’m overwhelmed when I see, in an immense sky, the crescent of the moon, or the sun. There, in my pictures, tiny forms in huge empty spaces. Empty spaces, empty horizons, empty plains – everything which is bare has always greatly impressed me.’

- Joan Miró

I

imagine Joan Miró, as a passenger on a plane, would not peel his eyes away from the small porthole-like window. He would try to catch a glimpse of the ‘crescent of the moon,’ the amber yolk of the setting sun; or perhaps he’d simply allow himself to wander in the star-pitted sky, reflected in the white crests of the sea beneath, and in the faltering lights where human life could be. He would look at them and marvel at how distant and detached they were, at how small they appeared to be, in boundless space, utterly free.

Currently on show at the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, is an exhibition that aims to present the 20th-century dilemma of creation – that aesthetic expression which allows us to encounter and question those most profound reasons of seeing, of feeling, of being, even – through a suite of hundred etchings by Pablo Picasso and some forty paintings by Joan Miró, eleven years his junior. But the two Spaniards’ work could not be visually and emotively any more different from

each other’s. Indeed, they seem to approach this struggle from two ends of the spectrum.

Whereas Picasso, in The Vollard Suite, etches his way through a volatile, carnal affair with Marie-Thérèse Walter, as if in a heated fit to both fix and liberate her elusive image while affirming his creative prowess; Miró abandons the metaphorical ship, and heads for the stars in a trance-like dream. The marks and signs, which he applies with naïve-like wonder, float about in empty space, akin to the primitive markings on the inner walls of prehistoric caves, as if responding to some other kind of natural order, some other kind of consciousness. In other words, and as portrayed in this exhibition, Picasso obsesses over his emotional and psychological ties experienced in this world, whereas Miró seeks to liberate himself from them in order to reach some form of universal truth about them.

In a way, both Picasso and Miró had to die many deaths in order to free those images which haunted them the most; to let their

THE ARTS

73

Joan Miró Tête, oiseau [Cabeza, pájaro], 1976 Óleo sobre lienzo 65 x 54 cm Colección Particular en depósito temporal © Successió Miró 2018

creative spirit roam freely. For Miró, the latter was perhaps of greater importance; Picasso was not about to completely relinquish control. ‘Picasso spoke about this openly with Jacqueline [Roque/Picasso], who told me [Miró]: “He’s very worried. Death is a phantom he cannot shake.” But this had nothing to do with religion. It was the idea of dying that worried him in a very Spanish way. Not Catalan, Spanish. Personally, I don’t give a darn about it. It doesn’t worry me in the slightest. I don’t even think about it. It’s just too bad, you know.’

Miró so far as claimed that he ‘had to stop being Miró, that is, a Spanish painter belonging to a society limited by national boundaries and social and bureaucratic conventions.

In other words, one must move towards anonymity.’ He had to stop being Miró. Such is the irony of things. For the more the artist tried to move towards ‘anonymity’ the more iconic of “Miró” his works became. ‘To become fully human, a person must free himself from his false self,’ he insisted. But how was all this translated into paint?

Following the Second World War, Miró focused his efforts entirely on severing any form of link with traditional subject matter, symbols, ideas and conventions on beauty and on what art should or should not be. He literally, and in his own words, wanted ‘to destroy, destroy everything that exists in painting.’

He wanted ‘to break the guitar,’ in an obvious reference to Picasso’s increasing popular works, commercial demand and fame. The majority of Miró’s works on display in the exhibition coincide precisely with this rebellion. They are works characterised by impulsive and destructive gestures, conscious accidents, indifferent dribbles of paint, and unorthodox supports and materials. In other words, painting as it had come to be, disgusted him profoundly and he would do anything in his power to cleanse it, to restore it to its primitiveness when none of the theories and aesthetics of picture-making applied.

His signs refer to nothing, if not themselves.

For Miró - as a twentieth-century Spanish artist reacting and freeing himself from a rotting political and economic system, from a grounded and stagnant way of thinking and seeing, from all that he knew or was brought up to know – this was a bold plunge into the unknown. ‘Personally I do not know where we are heading,’ and yet Miró’s works read like some astronomical map, certain of the adventure it promises but not of the destination. That is freedom, and most of it, like the cosmos, is indeed just full of empty space.

So, should you allow it dear traveller, may Miró’s art - as a fellow traveller and pilgrim - accompany you on your own journey and search for freedom.

Picasso and Miró: The Flesh and The Spirit is an exhibition organised by Fundación MAPFRE in collaboration with the Office of the President of Malta and Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti. The exhibition forms part of an international initiative by the Musée Picasso in Paris, Picasso-Méditerranée. The exhibition is open to the public until 30th June 2018 at The Grandmaster’s Palace, Valletta.

ISL AND CRITTERS

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T FEAR THE WEEVIL WORDS PAUL VASSALLO

A scream of shock, the shattering of glass, and a scurry to arm yourself with the nearest broom. Summer is just around the corner, and with it come some unwelcome household visitors that threaten to disturb the peace and tranquility of the Maltese household. These scuttling pests are normally dealt with swiftly and terminally, lest they hatch eggs or deliver a painful bite, regardless of their biological functions and intent. However, do we really have as much to fear as we believe from the scurrying creatures we so readily label vermin?

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ISL AND CRITTERS

A few summers ago, I was taking some private tuition with a good friend of mine. The lessons took place in the tutorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s garage at the weekend. Halfway through a particularly hot afternoon, we were disturbed by a furry rodent who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The tutor eventually succeeded in trapping the mouse under a plastic bucket.

What happened next was, I admit, a bit shocking. Our teacher proceeded to fetch a large, rusting spade from a backroom and letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just say that that poor beastie had a very bad time of it. It was only till later that I ventured to ask the agitated tutor why he had gone through with such bloodletting, to which he responded that he reasoned it would come back. A recommended alternative to this is to ensure that the mouse is released at least one mile away from your home, to ensure it does not return.

If you see one of these crossing your path, maybe better swim around that rock

Another common practice is to get a snake, even temporarily, as the scent of snake will deter mice for years.

Which brings us to another sneaky suspect, the snake (is-serp). Whilst my saintly namesake is said to have survived a lethal bite from one of these venomous reptiles, the Cat Snake is quite weak and would only harm small prey.

Its fellow slitherers have just as harmless a bite, and all these creatures are diurnal, which means you don’t have to worry about finding one awake during a nightly stroll. Of course, these creatures should still be treated with respect if you ever come across one.

On the other hand, snakes are not the only thing to have poison. The Maltese waters contain over 200 species of jellyfish (il-brama), most of which can deliver a painful sting. Swimming alongside these floating mushrooms is the fireworm (ilbusuf ), a seabed-clinging organism with fire-red bristles that inject a nasty venom to any person who touches them. If you see one of these crossing your path, maybe better swim around that rock.

Back on land, black beetles scurry across the ground, doing whatever it is that beetles do best. Whilst there is not much to fear with most beetles, do make sure you don’t pick one up for your next snack. The oil and blister beetles are two families of beetle in Malta with a penchant for not being eaten, much to the chagrin of a soldier a few years ago, who had to be hospitalised after consuming one of these creepy-crawlies for a bet. When threatened, they emit an oily liquid that blisters the skin, hence the name. Fun fact, at one stage in their life cycles these creatures act as parasites of bees and grasshoppers. After which, they become the equivalent of a beetle-sized skunk with attitude. So the rule of thumb is, don’t pick these guys up and certainly don’t try chowing down on them.

The Maltese countryside is fairly tame (let’s face it, if you’re looking for 21 of the 25 most venomous snakes in the world, you’ve come to the wrong island) but it’s always a good rule of thumb to remain prudent, ask a professional if you wish to relocate one of these creatures, and respect them in their natural habitat. Rusty spades should always be a last resort.

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INSERT TEXT HERE

MAGICAL MARSASCALA WORDS PETER STEMMET

W

hen visiting Malta, the southeastern village of Marsascala is a must-see. It was just a small harbour as part of the Marsascala Bay but it has grown to a population of more than 12,000 and in the peak summer months, it balloons to 20,000.

That is as good a time as any to visit as you can enjoy the annual St Anne’s Feast which is celebrated at the end of July. You might also enjoy some of the village’s ancient remains which include cart-ruts, parallel channels formed in the rock faces. Some of these lead straight into the sea. History lovers will also find remains of Roman baths. St Thomas Tower, Mamo Tower and Casa Monita are among the archaeological sites you can enjoy taking in. A hidden gem is certainly the unique knight’s era property that is Torri Mamo. It is a little known country residence built in the 17th century as a fortification with

very interesting features. Be sure to check out the dry ditch surrounding the property. It is not always on the list of things to see in Marsascala, but if you are in the area it will certainly be worth your while to stop by but do make sure to check whether it’s open as it is only open a few mornings each week.

If you just want to relax and take in some scenery, St Thomas Bay is a pretty good stopping point. Often it is the case that a small village town does not have much in the way of pedigree outside of tourism but it might surprise you to learn that that Marsascala Sports Club is home to one of the oldest water polo clubs in Malta.

They have even represented Malta at the European Nations League Trophy. Marsascala was also the venue for the 2005 European Eight-ball Pool Championships as well as the European Darts Championships.

LOCAL

If you just want to relax and take in some scenery, St Thomas Bay is a pretty good stopping point

The village is also ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling activities and you can easily find companies that offer these opportunities, including schools that will help you learn the ropes through their free diving courses before you take the plunge into the deep. There are also courses for more advanced divers available.

For a fun family activity, especially for smaller children, the Santâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Antnin Family Park is a really good idea. It is a beautiful park where the young ones can run around and play while parents can take a break while still keeping an eye on them at the same time. If sitting still is not for you, you can still walk around, jog or even get in a full body workout by way of the gym area.

You might also want to consider spoiling yourself at a beauty salon with various treatments ranging from

waxing to massages. This is the perfect way to spoil yourself after a long day exploring and enjoying what Marsascala has to offer.

That might do for mum a bit more than dad, who can also enjoy a great escape for some alone time fishing and if you might want some more company there are tour operators that organise fishing trips and tours.

After having taken in all the fun Marsascala has to offer, you are likely to be hungry. There are plenty of restaurants and eateries to be found in the village.

The cuisine ranges from seafood and Mediterranean, as you might expect, to the more exotic and possibly unexpected, Chinese and Indian options. This small but charming village is a definite stop on any Maltese trip and despite its size, is full of surprises.

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B A R S & R E S TA U R A N T S

RESTAURANT

& bar guide

MARSALFORN, GOZO

ARZELLA

Il-Menqa, Marsalforn, Gozo

+356 2155 4662

+356 7940 9924

bookings@ristorantearzella.com

The shimmering Mediterranean encircling our island has always been regarded by the islanders as an unfailingly reliable source of nutrition - and Ristorante Arzella is certainly no exception. It is with the same consistency that we ensure to deliver only the tastiest selection of fresh fish and seafood to our clients’ plates. Your host, Christian, will be delighted to recommend a dish perfectly suited to your tastes, which you can enjoy either during a leisurely lunch or a relaxed dinner on our open terrace whilst feasting your eyes on wide uninterrupted sea views.

Choose from an array of colourful pasta dishes, meats, mouth-watering antipasti and a vast selection of wine guaranteed to make your dining experience the most memorable yet.

MARSAXLOKK

TERRONE RESTAURANT +356 2704 2656

1 Wilga Street Marsaxlokk

www.terrone.com.mt

/terrone

We could tell you about our restaurant but we think you would rather hear from our customers, so we present a small selection of headlines from recent TripAdvisor reviews since April 2017: Original flavours Amazing place – Lovely fresh seafood whilst overlooking the waterfront – A healthy south Italian restaurant – Perfect food – Very good restaurant – A thoroughly enjoyable experience. Highly recommended by TripAdvisor so we invite you to look us up and read the details yourself. Booking recommended. Parking available outside. Short taxi ride from most locations including Sliema/St Julian’s/Valletta.

B A R S & R E S TA U R A N T S

MDINA

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DE MONDION RESTAURANT

The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, Misraħ il-Kunsill, Mdina +356 2145 0560

www.xarapalace.com.mt/www.demondion.com

info@xaracollection.com Set atop Mdina’s century-old bastions, within the Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, the de Mondion offers a unique fine dining experience, enhanced by truly spectacular panoramic views of the island. Awarded the runner-up for the best boutique dining hotel in the world and consistently rated amongst the top restaurants in Malta for its cusine, refinement and excellence. Promising discreet yet impeccably-attentive service, de Mondion allows its patrons the time and privacy to savour their cuisine. Group lunches are available on request while bookings for private functions and special celebrations are also welcome.

PALAZZO DE PIRO – XPRESSO CAFÉ & BISTRO

Palazzo de Piro, 3 Triq is-Sur, Mdina, MDN 1131 +356 2010 0560 / +356 2145 0560 info@xaracollection.com

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 Maltese islands, 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.

THE MEDINA MALTESE CUISINE RESTAURANT +356 21450 560

www.medinarestaurantmalta.com

Mdina

info@xaracollection.com

Lose yourself in all of Mdina’s tranquillity and dine in the romantic surroundings beneath the wild flowering Oleander tree in the vine-clustered courtyard during the summer, and by candlelight and an open log fireplace that keeps the restaurant warm and cosy during the winter months. The restaurant is a mixture of ingredients designed to please the most discerning clients. The foundation for our cuisine is solely based upon three principles: the sourcing of local produce, for every single dish to evoke the skill and talent of our chefs and to provide our clients with honest food. The Medina presents a selected à la Carte menu based on Mediterranean and local cuisine, frequently changed to guarantee the pleasure of regular diners.

TRATTORIA AD 1530 +356 2145 0560

Misraħ il-Kunsill, Mdina, MDN 10150

www.xarapalace.com.mt

info@xaracollection.com

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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B A R S & R E S TA U R A N T S

MOSTA

TA’ MARIJA RESTAURANT – EST. 1964 +356 2143 4444

www.tamarija.com

Constitution Street, Mosta

info@tamarija.com

Awarded Best Maltese Food Restaurant for more than ten years, Ta’ Marija doesn’t just serve Maltese cuisine, but creates dishes with what is locally traditional while adding their own signature flavours of sumptuousness. Head to their Folklore Dinner shows held every Wednesday and Friday evening for a touch of Maltese liveliness. Enjoy your dinner with musicians playing mandolins and guitars, and singers belting out Maltese songs while you enjoy the culinary delights of the evening. 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. Ta’ Marija is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Transport can also be arranged.

SLIEMA

TA’ KOLINA

151, Tower Road, Sliema

+356 2133 5106

info@takolina.mt

Ta’ Kolina is a quaint, family run restaurant on Tower road (one of Sliema’s most popular spots) and has been open since 1974.Ta’ Kolina is a typical Maltese restaurant whit its traditional Maltese interior and décor.A set menu comprising of traditional Maltese food offers a choice of starter, main dish, dessert and coffee for €22 per person. There is also vibrant a la carte menu and daily display of fresh local fish. Dining here is a true Maltese experience for reasonable price.

TA’ KRIS RESTAURANT & MALTESE BISTRO +356 2133 7367

80, Fawwara Lane, Sliema

+356 9984 771

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, two 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

THE AVENUE

The Avenue, Gort Street, Paceville, St Julian’s

+356 2135 1753/+356 2137 8731

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, freshly-prepared 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 30 years ago as a snack bar and today encompasses three different sections, all with different character and décor: the arusticstyled 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.

B A R S & R E S TA U R A N T S

PARANGA

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InterContinental Malta, St. George's Bay, St Julian's, STJ 3310

+356 2376 5064 malta.fnb@ihg.com malta.intercontinental.com/gastronomy/paranga Paranga is the hotel’s seaside restaurant, set on teak decking adjacent to the rippling Mediterranean Sea. Here one is certain to find an enticing and exclusive atmosphere where the centre of attention is the pristine and unspoiled natural flavour of the cuisine. Chef de Cuisine Claudio Farrugia presents a menu characterised by a superb array of stimulating and diverse Sicilian flavours interpreted in both a traditional and contemporary style. Fresh fish and shellfish arrive daily from local fishermen, creating, with certainty, a peak of individual interest or the ideal fare for a special occasion. All of which may be enjoyed with an ideally selected and impeccably paired wine, aperitif or digestif.

ZEST

Hotel Juliani, 25, St George’s Road, St Julian’s

+356 2138 7600

www.zestflavours.com

info@zestflavours.com

Opened over 15 years ago as Malta’s first Asian fusion restaurant, Zest’s menu will take you on an exciting culinary journey. Get swept off your feet with delectable dishes from Zest’s signature Indonesian beef rendang, to lobster Phad Thai, 48hour short rib of beef with coconut puree and milk chocolate praline panna cotta with salted popcorn. At Zest, no attention to detail is spared including the décor and design that elevates one’s dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

Original architectural details and attractive features, including a sea view balcony, open wine cellar and a live-cooking sushi bar, are sure to leave a lasting impression. For an extraordinary dining experience in one of Malta’s most-talked about restaurants, why not add a little Zest?

TA’ XBIEX

THE GALLEY

+356 2131 8801

Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, XBX 1028 Ta’ Xbiex 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, pizza, 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 during weekends so booking is recommended.

VALLETTA

RISETTE

Casa Ellul, 81, Old Theatre Street, Valletta VLT 1429

+356 2122 4821

info@risette.com.mt

www.risette.com.mt

Risette is a tribute to the lady of the house. It is an informal fine dining restaurant set within the elegant Casa Ellul, in the heart of Valletta. The kitchen is led by Chef Andrew Borg. His extensive experience in kitchens throughout Europe has complimented and developed his devotion for fine cuisine. The menu combines cultures and methods into dishes which express Andrew’s passion for flavours together with his mastery of technicalities, complimented with attentive detail to the fine produce that he chooses to include in his dishes. Open for lunch and dinner.

EVENTS & NEWS

FROM MALTA'S NATIONAL AIRLINE The following pages will give you an insight on what’s going on at Air Malta. The behind-the-scenes and highlights of past months and forthcoming ones.

Malta’s national airline tells it like it is, ensuring all Air Malta passengers are well-informed while soaring high in the sky.

AIR MALTA STARTS AMBITIOUS SUMMER 2018 SCHEDULE, SHOWING BIGGEST GROWTH EVER

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ast month marked the start of five out of 15 new and exciting destinations in Air Malta’s summer schedule.

The new schedule, which started on Sunday 25th March saw the Maltese national airline operating a total of 34 scheduled routes with over 180 return flights per week and three new intra-European services.

Air Malta’s Chairman Dr Mangion added, “We have an ambitious schedule this year that will see us operating 18,230 flights; an increase of 4,155 (+30%) more than 2017. We are aiming to carry over 2.3 million passengers, an impressive increase of 630,000 (+43%) more passengers than last year and a historical record for Air Malta.

Air Malta started operating the schedule initially with a fleet of nine aircraft, however due to a significant increase in scheduled services adding London Southend, Cagliari and Catania and more frequencies to existing destinations, the airline has secured the lease of a brand new Airbus A320neo which will join the fleet in the coming months. After many years, this summer’s schedule, will see the return of flights to three new countries; Morocco, Spain and Portugal through the launch of the Casablanca, Malaga and Lisbon routes respectively. And there is more good news. This summer the airline is offering thirteen new destinations including Cagliari, Comiso, Kiev, Tarbes–Lourdes, St Petersburg, Venice, Manchester, Frankfurt and London Southend.

Dr. Konrad Mizzi, Minister for Tourism added, “Over the last few months Air Malta has increased its operating capacity both in terms of seats offered on the market and destinations. The airline has improved its aircraft utilisation significantly and will be adding additional aircraft. This is good news for both Maltese travellers and tourists.

Summer 2018 will also see Air Malta operate three Intra European services not connected with Malta. These services include Catania - Vienna, Catania - London Southend and Cagliari – London Southend. The airline also increased frequencies on Catania, Palermo and Rome. Commenting on this summer’s schedule, Paul Sies, the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer stated, “This scheduled signifies a strong commitment by Air Malta towards the local tourism industry. The introduction of our new routes will offer better connectivity to the Maltese Islands with the rest of the world and attract new inbound tourism. As an Airline we are expanding our operations not just by concentrating on point to point connections but also by tapping into new markets through a series of intra-European services.”

This summer Air Malta will be operating direct flights to Amsterdam, Birmingham, Bristol, Brussels, Cagliari, Catania, Casablanca, Comiso, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, Lisbon, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Southend, Lourdes / Tarbes, Lyon, Kiev, Malaga, Manchester, Milan, Moscow, Palermo, Charles De Gaulle, Paris Orly, Prague, Rome, St Petersburg, Tel Aviv, Tunis, Venice, Vienna and Zurich.

Apart from the scheduled services, in cooperation with local travel agents, Air Malta is operating an interesting series of charter operations this summer to Bratislava, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Ljubljana, Otopeni and Warsaw.

The Maltese national airline will continue code-share agreements with airBaltic, Air France, Alitalia, Aeroflot, Austrian Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, KLM, Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Czech Airlines, Meridiana, Swiss Airlines and Turkish Airlines. These agreements expand Air Malta’s network to other markets worldwide.

A I R M A LTA N E W S

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01.

AIR MALTA COMMEMORATES 45 YEARS SINCE ITS SET-UP

02.

1. The Government of Malta signs agreement with PIA to help in the setting up of Air Malta.

2. Scicluna Bank cheque to register Air Malta.

A

ir Malta was set up by a Resolution of Malta's House of Representatives, on 21st March 1973, 45 years ago. The airline was registered as a limited liability company on 30th March 1973 and operated its first flight a year later on the 1st April 1974.

Starting with just 53,500 passengers carried in the first year of operations, Air Malta now carries 1.8 million passengers every year and the number is expected to exceed 2 million this year. Since its first flight the airline has carried over 55 million passengers to and from Malta.

Air Malta was set up with the primary aim to establish, maintain, develop and operate air transport services to and from Malta which, by the carriage of passengers, freight and mail, serve the national interest.

The airline was instrumental in opening up and connecting Malta to the rest of the world and vice versa, in the process diversifying and opening up new tourism markets for the local tourism industry. It is a fact that were it not for the foresight of having a national airline and the continued efforts and investments from the

airline over these 45 years, the local tourism industry would be nowhere close to where it is today.

Air Malta started flying with two wet-leased Boeing 720Bs from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operating its first flights to London and Rome. The first routes operated by the airline were London, Birmingham, Manchester, Rome, Frankfurt, Paris and Tripoli. Air Malta now serves around 35 destinations with around 180 weekly flights to Europe, North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Today the airline is one of the most important Maltese organisations not only assisting the tourism sector but also providing businesses that operate on the islands with a wide distribution network abroad for the carriage of passengers and cargo.

Air Malta is proud to celebrate its 45th anniversary since its set-up, acknowledging the contribution of all those people who believed in it from its inception and to those who have contributed to it for the past 45 years. The airline is also thankful to its loyal customers and dedicated employees who have worked for it throughout these years.

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A I R M A LTA N E W S

AIRPORTS CELEBRATE AIR MALTA’S SUMMER SCHEDULE

Air Malta started operating its summer schedule last month and various Airports took the opportunity to welcome Air Malta and its passengers.

LISBON Photo shows Air Malta Acting Chief Executive Joseph Galea (4th from right), Deputy Director of Lisbon Airport, Nuno Ferreira (3rd left), Captain Karl Falzon (4th left), Inflight Manager, Chris Meli (1st right) together with crew. Photo taken at Lisbon Airport.

Photo / Lisbon Airport

Picture shows Air Malta’s Chairman Dr Charles Mangion (2nd left), flanked by Malta’s Tourism Authority Chairman Gavin Gulia (centre), Air Malta’s Acting CEO Joseph Galea and Leslie Vella MTA Deputy CEO and Chief Officer Strategic Development (1st right) and Nicole Falzon from Air Malta’s Passenger Handling Section. Photo taken at Malta International Airport.

Photo / Daniel Balzan

MALAGA Photo shows from left, Malaga-Costa del Sol Commercial Manager, Begoña Felices, MalagaCosta del Sol Airport Director, Salvador Merino and Air Malta Regional Sales Manager, Jose Espartero. Photo taken at Malaga Airport Photo / Malaga Airport

A I R M A LTA N E W S

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ST PETERSBURG Picture shows from left Svetlana Persits Head of Aviareps office in St. Petersburg, Robert Obolgogiani - Executive Vice President Russia, CIS, Central & South Asia at Aviareps AG, Anastasia Amosova - Sales manager of Air Malta in St. Petersburg, Anna Nikiforova Head of aviation sales department at Pulkovo airport, Vladislav Brechko - Head of strategic marketing project at Pulkovo airport. Photo taken at St.Petersburg Airport.

Photo / St.Petersburg Airport.

Picture shows Air Malta’s Acting CEO Joseph Galea (centre) together with Leslie Vella MTA Deputy CEO and Chief Officer Strategic Development (2nd right), Alex Cardona MIA’s Head of Traffic Development & Customer Services, Sandy Vella Management Associate Traffic Development and Naomi Rizzo from Air Malta’s Passenger Handling Section.

Photo / Daniel Balzan

CASABLANCA Air Malta’s Acting CEO Joseph Galea (centre), MTA Deputy CEO and Chief Officer Strategic Development Leslie Vella (first right) and MIA’s Head of Traffic Development & Customer Services Alex Cardona. Photo taken at Malta International Airport Photo / Mark Pace

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A I R M A LTA N E W S

GLITCH FESTIVAL BACK THIS SUMMER BIGGEST LINE-UP EVER TO HIT MALTA NINA KRAVIZ, JEFF MILLS, AMELIE LENS, MOTOR CITY DRUM ENSEMBLE, HUNEE & MORE Coming off two very strong editions, Glitch Festival has quickly established itself as the biggest festival in Malta as well as one of Europe’s major electronic festivals. Following last year’s strong response, hosting 4,000 people from over 50 different countries including UK, France, Germany, Australia, Brazil and USA - the Glitch team is already gearing up for an even bigger 2018 edition. Glitch Festival returns on the 14th, 15th & 16th of August, where music enthusiasts from all over the world are called to gather at the gates of the mystical House-and-Techno fortress for three solid days on a sonic adventure on the Mediterranean island of Malta.

Glitch Festival will officially take place at Gianpula fields, framed against the iconic skyline of Malta’s fortified city, Mdina. The main festival will be held on the 14th and 15th of August followed by a boat-party on the 16th for the perfect sun-soaked finale.

Hailed by Mixmag as a “House and Techno paradise”, the festival will feature multiple stages – from rooftop pool parties to a secret, ancient vault, and promises a diverse quality line-up of industry titans, including Nina Kraviz, Jeff Mills, Floorplan, Rødhåd, Motor City Drum Ensemble, Hunee, Amelie Lens, Charlotte De Witte, Peggy Gou and Dax J. For those willing to explore, a rare live appearance by legendary electro figures Dopplereffekt at the Vault (a new area being introduced for the first time) will be one of the Festival’s highlights, together with Gesloten Cirkel and a carefully curated list of master selectors from Young Marco, Objekt, Call Super, OR:LA, Volvox, Alexander Robotnick, Jupiter Jax and more.

Each night brings it closer.

For more information, travel & tickets visit glitchfestival.com

EASING THE WAY: MALTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ROLLS OUT AUTISM-FRIENDLY PROGRAMME Airport processes have become routine for most us, yet the journey through the terminal can at times still be stressful even for the savvy traveller. For families of children with autism and individuals within the spectrum, this journey may appear to be too overwhelming to even consider. Not wanting anyone to miss out on the excitement of air travel, Malta International Airport recently rolled out a pilot programme aimed at easing the way to the aircraft for these airport guests.

The programme allows passengers to fill in a form available on the airport website to inform the team when they will be travelling and whether they will be needing an extra helping hand. Through the form, one can also order a free wristband or cap: two accessories that put the airport’s trained team members in a better position to immediately identify the person needing additional assistance. This includes the possibility of fast tracking through one of the most difficult points of the journey - the Central Security Area.

Even before taking the actual trip, passengers with autism can book a practice run that familiarises them with airport procedures and the different parts of the terminal. This ‘rehearsal’ is aimed at helping quell the fear that can arise from not knowing what lies ahead. While the unknown can trigger anxiety in most of us, this is generally heightened in individuals with autism.

With an average of 16,000 passengers passing through the terminal every day, Malta International Airport can get pretty busy especially at peak times. While this airport buzz puts many travellers in holiday mode, for passengers with autism the onslaught of stimuli can cause distress that mars the experience. For this reason, the airport has designated rooms within the different areas of the terminal as quiet spaces that provide a calming environment away from all the bustle.

For more information about this pilot programme, visit maltairport.com.

A I R M A LTA N E W S

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AIR MALTA WINS 2018 TRIPADVISOR TRAVELLERS’ CHOICE AWARDS FOR AIRLINES

A

ir Malta announced it has been recognised as a winner in the 2018 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice™ awards for Airlines – Europe in the Regional Airline category. TripAdvisor has highlighted the world’s top carriers based on the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for airlines worldwide gathered over a 12-month period.

Commenting on this achievement, Dr Charles Mangion Chairman of Air Malta stated, “This is great news for Air Malta. We are really proud of this achievement and are working hard to continue improving our standards. This result is based on unbiased reviews and our passenger experiences whilst travelling on Air Malta. This award reflects the company’s commitment to deliver a great travel experience for our guests even when faced with challenging situations. I wish to thank all Air Malta staff for their unrelenting efforts especially now that we started our busy summer schedule. It is through our staff’s efforts, working as one team, that we manage to get such great reviews.”

Minister for Tourism Dr Konrad Mizzi added, “This award comes at a particular important time for Air Malta when it has embarked on a growth strategy. This year alone the airline will operate over 4,000 more flights over last year.

In the last few months the airline has announced a total of 14 new destinations and three new intra-European flights.

The new routes are not only making Malta more accessible and helping establish Air Malta as ‘The Airline of the Mediterranean’, but are supporting its growth strategy.”

“We’re thrilled to recognise the global TripAdvisor community’s favourite airlines and shine a spotlight on the carriers around the world that provide the very best flying experiences, including Air Malta,” said Bryan Saltsburg, senior vice president and general manager for TripAdvisor Flights. “As the airline industry introduces new fare products and a widening array of in-flight offerings, consumers continue to seek out the carriers that deliver value and a quality experience. The Travellers’ Choice awards for airlines recognise the carriers that exceed passenger expectations and receive top marks from travellers.”

To read TripAdvisor traveller reviews and opinions of Air Malta, go to www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Airline_Reviewd8729007-Reviews-Air-Malta.

For all of the 2018 Travellers’ Choice award-winning airlines, go to www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Airlines.

A I R M A LTA N E W S

IL-BIZZILLA TALKS TO LORRAINE ZAHRA MANAGER LOYALTY CUSTOMERS HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING WITH AIR MALTA? I have been working for Air Malta for the past 31 years.

THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOUR JOB? Intriguing, challenging, fulfilling

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF YOUR JOB? Since I deal with our frequent travellers, mainly our Diamond guests, I would love to accommodate all their requests, however this is not always possible. They offer their loyalty to Air Malta so it is always my pleasure to offer the best possible service.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES? I love travelling. Being lucky enough to work in the airline industry, I take every opportunity to travel and visit new places. I also love cooking, swimming and growing herbs.

WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION AND WHY? I do not have a particular destination, since I always find that special something in every country I visit.

If I had to choose one, it would be Japan. An amazing country, with a diverse culture and very respectful people. Would love to visit again, maybe one day.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE SPOTS OR TIPS FOR ANYONE VISITING MALTA? Apart from the sun and sea which Malta is so renowned for, it has a lot more to offer. We have a wealth of heritage and culture all over the country. Almost every village and town around the island takes it in turns to organise a festival during the weekends, highlighting what they are best known for. My favourite spots are the 3 cities; Bormla, Isla and Birgu (Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa). I just love wandering through their streets, savoring every step, imagining how life used to be here in the past, in different eras. These fortified old cities have beautiful history dating back from the time of the Knights. I invite whoever is reading this, to search on these cities and make sure to visit while in Malta. They are so different from the rest of the popular spots in Malta. Another must is a visit to our capital city Valletta.

Incidentally this year Valletta is the European city of Culture. It is a great time to visit the city since in recent years it has seen a renaissance and a lot of its hidden beauty have been uncovered.

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FLIGHT INFO

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) not allowed on board Air Malta flights.

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

I N F L I GI H NTS EI N R TF O TR EX MTAT HIEORN E

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.

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JOIN OUR BUSINESS CLASS Upgrade to Air Malta’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 CARRY MORE WITH 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.

QTY: 1 IN FLEET NUMBER OF SEATS: 141 ENGINES: CFM56-5B6/P MAXIMUM TAKE-OFF WEIGHT: 73.5 METRIC TONS OVERALL LENGTH: 33.84M

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-airmalta/seat-selection or more information.

WINGSPAN: 34.1M CRUISING SPEED: 834 KPH RANGE: 4,815 KM

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

GROUPS

AIRBUS 320

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 can’t get anywhere else. Email groups@airmalta.com for more information.

QTY: 9 IN FLEET NUMBER OF SEATS: 168/180 ENGINES: IAE V2500/ CFM565B4/P MAXIMUM TAKE-OFF WEIGHT:

WEB 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.

77.0 METRIC TONS OVERALL LENGTH: 37.57M WINGSPAN: 34.1M CRUISING SPEED: 834 KPH RANGE: 4,055 KM

DESTINATION INFORMATION 94

INSERT TEXT HERE

finland SWEDEN

RUSSIA

NORWAY • Oslo • Tallinn

Stockholm

• St Petersburg

ESTONIA LATVIA • Riga

DENMARK REP. OF IRELAND

• Copenhagen

UNITED KINGDOM

LITHUANIA

• Moscow

Vilnius •

BELARUS • Bremen

London Southend • • Berlin • Amsterdam • London City London Heathrow • • Hannover HOLLAND • London Gatwick GERMANY • Brussels BELGIUM • Düsseldorf • Dresden

Luxembourg

• Paris Charles de Gaulle Paris Orly •

Lyon •

• Tabres/Lourdes Marsille •

CZECH REPUBLIC

SWITZERLAND • Geneva

Florence • Pisa •

SPAIN

BULGARIA

• Ancona

MONTENEGRO

• Bari • Brindisi ALBANIA Naples •

• • Cagliari

TUNISIA

• Casablanca

morocco

• Sofia • Istanbul

TURKEY GREECE

Lamezia Terme • Reggio Calabria • Catania

Palermo • Tunis •

KOSOVO F.Y.r.O.M.

• Olbia

• Malaga

• Bucharest

BOSNIA & SERBIA HERZEGOVINA

• Rome Alghero •

ROMANIA

SLOVENIA CROATIA

Milan • Trieste • Turin • Verona • • Venice • Bologna Genoa •

• Lisbon

MOLDOVA

• Budapest

HUNGARY

ITALY • Pescara

portugal

SLOVAKIA

• Vienna

AUSTRIA

• Zurich

• Nice

• Kiev

UKRAINE

• Prague

• Frankfurt

• Munich

FRANCE

• Warsaw

POLAND

Larnaca •

CYPRUS

Comiso •

Malta Tel Aviv •

ISRAEL

ALGERIA

LIBYA

EGYPT

v

AIR MALTA DIRECT FLIGHTS WEEKLY FLIGHTS

AIRPORT

WEEKLY FLIGHTS

Manchester 1 Marseille 2 Milan 7 Moscow 3 Munich 12 Palermo 4 Paris Charles de Gaulle 7 Paris Orly 9 Prague 2 Rome 14 St. Petersburg 2 Tel Aviv 5 Tabres / Lourdes* 2 Tunis 3 Vienna 8 Venice 2 Zurich 7

INTRA-EUROPEAN FLIGHTS Catania - London Southend Cagliari - London Southend

2 2

Catania - Vienna

2

CODE-SHARED ROUTES ETIHAD AIRWAYS Abu Dhabi

Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney

ALITALIA via Brussels, Heathrow and Rome via Abu Dhabi via Abu Dhabi via Abu Dhabi via Abu Dhabi

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

via Munich via Munich via Munich via Munich via Munich via Munich via Munich

BRUSSELS AIRLINES Brussels Copenhagen

via Catania via Brussels

CZECH AIRLINES Prague

SWISS INTERNATIONAL AIR LINES Zurich

via Milan Linate via Milan Linate via Milan Linate via Milan Linate via Milan Linate via Milan Linate via Milan Linate via Milan Linate via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome via Rome

AUSTRIAN AIRLINES Budapest Otopeni (Buc) Prague Sofia Warsaw Tel Aviv

EMIRATES Larnaca

AIRBALTIC Riga Riga Riga Riga Riga Riga Tallinn Vilnius Vilnius

Barcelona Rome London City Frankfurt Pescara Alghero Cagliari Brindisi Ancona Bari Bologna Brindisi Cagliari Catania Florence Geneva Genoa Nice Milan Linate Palermo Paris CDF Pisa Reggio Calabria Tel Aviv Trieste Turin Valencia Venice Verona

via Vienna via Munich via Brussels via Frankfurt via Amsterdam via London Gatwick via Amsterdam via Munich via Amsterdam

via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna via Rome

MERIDIANA Olbia

TURKISH AIRLINES Istanbul

via Rome

* as from June 2018

AIRPORT

Amsterdam 8 Bucharest 1 Brussels 9 Cagliari 2 Catania 21 Casablanca 2 Comiso 3 Düsseldorf 2 Frankfurt 7 Geneva 1 Kiev* 1 London Gatwick 7 London Heathrow 15 London Southend 3 Lisbon 2 Lyon 3 Malaga 2

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ELEC TRONIC DE VICE INFO

USE OF PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES ON BOARD TRANSMITTING PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDS)

NON-TRANSMITTING PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDS)

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, takeoff 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.

L APTOPS AND NOTEBOOKS

ARE THERE TIMES WHEN I CANNOT USE MY ELECTRONIC DEVICES?

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.

CAN I USE HEADPHONES? 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 INFORM THE CABIN CREW WHEN … … portable electronic device is damaged, becomes hot, produces smoke, is lost, or falls into the seat structure. If safe to do so, the device must be switched off immediately.

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

HAND HELD PEDS (e.g. smart phones and tablets)

LARGER PEDS

(e.g. laptops and notebooks)

HEADPHONES

WI-FI, TEXT & PHONE CALL FUNCTIONS

YES

YES

YES

YES

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 (when

Circa 10 minutes to landing

Safety Notice: The carriage of damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries or devices is prohibited on-board Air Malta aircraft.

Gozo,

the most rewarding extra mile

www.visitgozo.com The Gozo Aqueducts - Photo by Joseph Caruana