Il-Bizzilla, March 2020 by Air Malta

THE AIR MALTA IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE

# 87 M A RC H 2 02 0

10 Village Virtues, step into Ħ'Attard, Balzan and Ħal Lija.

34 Meet local artist Ġorġ Mallia.

68 An afternoon well spent in the historic San Anton gardens.

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contents 10

MALTA & GOZO IN NUMBERS

PEOPLE OF MALTA

Facts and figures about the Maltese Islands.

In our collaboration with the People of Malta, we meet Paul and Vivi.

VILLAGE VIRTUES

PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST

Take a walk through three central villages.

In this month’s portrait of an artist, we meet revered digital artist Ġorġ Mallia.

GOZO: A BRIMMING CULTURAL CALENDER

SIP, SIP HOORAY Light weight, flat wine bottles? Duncan Barry reveals all.

Discover what’s instore on the sister island.

21 THE MALTESE HONEYBEE Meet local beekeeper, Jorge Spiteri and his passion for bees.

24 MOVING IN Designer and architects, Atelier Maison show us how to put a personal stamp on a new home.

30 WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MALTA A delightful set of events, to keep you in the loop throughout March.

40 AIR MALTA DESTINATION: PRAGUE David Baker discovers why Prague is the ultimate European escape.

44 AN UNASSUMING BOTTOMLESS JAR An object steeped in history, situated in Mdina’s Palazzo Falson.

46 WHAT’S ONBOARD

Cabin Crew member Paulianna Camilleri discusses her top inflight tips.

50 STEP UP YOUR GAME

Il-Bizzilla meets the Grid Malta event organiser, Michael Naudi.

52 SWEET AS MISS HONEY

Did you know Malta is a fantastic destination for enjoying quality theatre?

SIX TOP SIGHTS This month’s top sights round up takes us to three central villages.

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

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK: SAN ANTON GARDENS Dayna Clarke uncovers the beauty of the historic walled gardens.

THE NEW WAVE Discover Malta’s top up and coming creatives.

78 RECIPE Locally acclaimed chef Samuel Farrugia talks us through his spring Farmers market salad.

80 RESTAURANT & BAR GUIDE Hungry? Here are this month’s top restaurant and bar offerings.

84 AIR MALTA NEWS A round-up of this month’s news.

92 FLIGHT AND COMPANY INFORMATION All you need to know about flying with Air Malta.

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

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

“A unique, personal service to clients internationally. Access to the largest database of buyers and sellers in Malta. If you want to buy or sell sooner than later, talk to us.” Grahame Salt - Director

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A stunning Palazzino dating back to 1617, lovingly and sympathetically converted by the current owners. This 5 bedroom home retains all of its original character features but incorporates 21st century amenities including full A/C, new bath/shower rooms and creative lighting. A wide hallway with a vaulted ceiling reveals remnants of frescos. The impressive central courtyard is flooded with natural light. An elegant stairway leads to a further four bedrooms, a stylish designer kitchen and an astoundingly beautiful “Sala Nobile”. Roof level offers split-level sun decks/roof garden and wonderful views of the harbour and the 3 Cities. A truly impressive property. Sold furnished and fully equipped.

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ON THE COVER

St. Mark's Tower or Qalet Marku is a fortification built by the Knights of Malta. The watchtower stands on Qrejten Point, Malta.

MEET THE TE AM EDITORIAL AND DESIGN TBWA\ANG EXECUTIVE EDITOR Dayna Clarke SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TBWA\ANG CONTRIBUTORS Air Malta Annabelle Ciantar Atelier Maison Christine Cassar David Baker Dayna Clarke Dean Muscat Duncan Barry Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti Gadjets Jo Caruana Katja Abela Karyn Farrugia Maria Eileen Fsadni Ministry for Gozo Natalya VukoviÄ&#x2021; Paula Agius-Vadala People of Malta Robert Spiteri Paris Stefan Zahra Stephen Gauci The People of Malta Visit Gozo

Writemeanything CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Atelier Maison Coolkid Daphne Bugeja Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti George Abdilla Grant Walker Jason Borg (D.O.I.) Lisa Farrugia Mario Gauci Milleh Kojima Ministry of Gozo Roderick Vella Sean Mallia Shaun Sultana Simon Schmidt Stephen Buhagiar Viewing Malta ILLUSTRATOR Bryan Wolfgang Reiter COVER PHOTO James Scicluna PHOTOGRAPHER Christine Cassar OFFICIAL AIR MALTA PHOTOGRAPHER Daniel Balzan

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FEATURED ON IL-BIZZILLA?

For advertising opportunities and restaurant listings, get in touch with TBWA\ANG on sales@il-bizzilla.com or (+356) 2131 0608. For anything related to editorial or photography, contact Dayna on editor@il-bizzilla.com

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.

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W ELC OM E

FROM THE CEO...

FRO M THE ED ITO R...

Merħba and welcome onboard this Air Malta flight.

Dear travellers

At the end of this month we kick off our summer flight schedule. This season we are adding frequencies to the main European airports, a decision that will enhance connectivity opportunities to and from our Islands. We are investing heavily to develop Malta into a mini hub for transiting passengers and offer an opportunity for the airline to keep increasing the number of passengers on its route network. This month we will commence our much-anticipated code-share with Qatar Airways. This agreement will enhance connectivity between the Maltese Islands and the Far East with over 60 new destinations in 32 countries to Australia, Asia, Africa and the Middle East through Doha.

Spring has finally sprung upon the Maltese Islands, and the month of March makes a delightful time to visit. As the chill of winter starts to wear off, we all get excited for warmer weather and longer days. The nights are clear, and should you find yourself at a rural spot you can catch the stunning night sky (as you may have already seen on our beautiful cover from James Scicluna!) It is genuinely breathtaking! I always know when spring is coming because a cluster of yellow daffodils that the previous owner planted pop up in our backyard. I’m thankful that whoever lived in our house before really attended to these things! If you all adore things horticultural, be sure to browse our feature on San Anton Gardens. The magical walled gardens make for a great escape from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.

More good news is on the way with another brand-new 180-seater Airbus A320neo that is expected to join our fleet this summer. The new aircraft offers enhanced comfort for our passengers with state-of-the-art cabins. it is more of an environment-friendly flight in terms of fuel consumption and lower noise footprints.

This month our issue is centred around beekeeping and spring honey. Malta is well renowned for its pure honey, in fact, beekeeping in Malta has a long history. Proof of this is the name the Greeks gave Malta. They called the island ‘Melite’ (Μελίτη) which derives from the Greek word ‘meli’ (μέλι) that means honey! On page 21 Maria Eileen meets local beekeeper Jorge Spiteri to discover more.

During this month, visitors are literally spoiled for choice with an array of varied cultural activities organised across the islands. Freedom Day celebrations happening on the 31st March take place mostly in Vittoriosa and are then followed by the muchawaited traditional Regatta race held in the Grand Harbour against the historical background of Fort St Angelo. One can also visit the Island of Gozo and experience a magical night during the festival of Lejl Imkebbes where over 30,000 candles will light up the cobbled streets of the medieval city of Ċittadella in Rabat.

Elsewhere in this glorious issue, local writer Dean Muscat takes us on a walk into three central villages, Ħal-Lija, Balzan and Ħ'Attard, where you can sample a taste of traditional Maltese life. Or perhaps keep your eyes peeled for local honey!

For more information about Air Malta and our flight schedules please visit www.airmalta.com and www.facebook.com/AirMalta and join our newsletter mailing list to receive great offers directly in your inbox.

If you are seeking something fresh, whether you are a creative fashionista or a blogger on the cusp of the next big thing, take a gander at our up-and-coming stars in Malta. Be sure to remember those names! (page 72).

At Air Malta we are customer driven and are always keen to know what we could do better to improve your Air Malta flight experience. Visit www.airmalta.com/wearelistening to answer a few short questions about your flight with us and you can win one of 10 free return Air Malta flights we are offering every month. It really only takes 2 minutes!

Sit back, relax, you will soon be there!

Thank you for choosing Air Malta. As our welcomed guest, we hope to see you on-board another one of our flights soon.

Dayna

Clifford Chetcuti AIR MALTA CEO

EDITOR 6

T H E M A LT E S E I S L E S IN NUMBERS IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT NUMBERS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. WE'VE PUT TOGETHER A FEW TO GIVE YOU A BETTER IDEA OF WHAT TO EXPECT FROM OUR SMALL MEDITERRANEAN GEM.

TRAVEL DISTANCE TO CROSS THE ISLAND BY CAR

14.5

LONG

LETTERS IN THE ALPHABET

WIDE

OVER

AROUND

365

TOWERS ON THE MALTESE ISLANDS

1 2 OF

CHURCHES ON THE MALTESE ISLES

INDEPENDENT ISLAND NATIONS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

1-3 DAYS TO START A BUSINESS

DECLARED UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

BOV INVESTMENTS

Talk to us | 2131 2020 | bov.com Investment returns can go down as well as up and past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Changes in the rate of exchange currencies may also affect the value of your investments. Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c., 58, Triq San Ĺťakkarija, Il-Belt Valletta VLT 1130. Bank of Valletta p.l.c. is a public limited company regulated by the MFSA and is licensed to carry out the business of investment in terms of the Investment Services Act (Cap. 370 of the Laws of Malta).

D E S T I NAT I ON

SET IN THE HEART OF THE ISLAND ARE THREE VILLAGES WHICH RETAIN SOMETHING OF MALTA’S PAROCHIAL DAYS OF YORE.

WORDS DEAN MUSCAT

V I L L AG E VIRT UES Ħ’ATTARD, ĦAL LIJA, AND ĦAL BALZAN’S VILLAGE CORES ARE A CHARMING, INTERCONNECTED LABYRINTH OF NARROW, WINDING STREETS, RESTORED TOWNHOUSES, NOBLE PALAZZOS, AND SECRET GARDENS. AS THEY LIE SO CLOSE TO EACH OTHER, WITH OFTEN JUST A SINGLE STREET SEPARATING ONE PARISH FROM THE NEXT, MALTA’S SO-CALLED THREE VILLAGES MAKE FOR A DELIGHTFUL MORNING WALK DURING THE MILD WINTER AND SPRING MONTHS. YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO COVER MOST OF OUR SUGGESTED STOPS IN A COUPLE OF HOURS AT A LEISURELY PACE.

D E S T I NAT I ON

Ħ’Attard’s quaint piazzetta is a great place to start your stroll.

between Valletta and Mdina. This small private museum, which is

There’s a peaceful hush that flows here that’s immediately

open to the public on demand, displays photographs, memorabilia,

noticeable, and as very few cars pass through here, walking around

and also exhibits models of eight segments of the line painstakingly

is usually an uninterrupted pleasure.

reconstructed in miniature.

The Parish Church of the Assumption of St Mary may not be the

Retrace your steps and continue along St Anthony’s Street to

most immediately striking of the Lord’s houses but it is widely

reach Ġnien l-Istazzjon, a small playground that was previously

regarded as a Renaissance gem. The church was designed by

one of Attard’s three railway stations. A bit further up lies Villa

master stonemason and Attard native Tommaso Dingli, who even

Bologna, an elegant 18th century country home and former

worked on some of the sculptures within. Across from the parvis is a

residence of prime minister Lord Strickland in the late 1920s.

cute boutique fashionistas will not want to miss. There is also a café

The property boasts sprawling private gardens that are all citrus

and cake shop on either side of the church should you need a quick

orchards, majestic fountains and lush emerald lawns. There’s even

pick-me-up.

a much-loved pottery workshop operating out of the old stables. The villa and its ceramic outlet are open to the public and also offer private guided tours.

With your back to the church, turn right on Triq il-Kbira and walk past a World War Two memorial, La Stella Levantina band club, and the blue-doored police station complete with a red Queen

Continuing onward, past a spattering of stately art nouveau

Victoria mailbox affixed to its wall. Look out for several holy niches

houses, you’ll reach the President’s Kitchen Garden on your left

and statuettes adorning rooftops and street corners, including

and the back entrance to San Anton Gardens to your right. We’d

representations of the Madonna, St Joseph, St Peter, and St Paul.

recommend saving San Anton Gardens for the time being as you’ll

Taking a left in the first fork in the road will bring you to the Malta

circle back around to the main entrance of these beautiful walled

Railway Museum in St Dominic Street. The Malta Railway (known

gardens at the end of the walk. If kids are tagging along, then pop

in Maltese as il-vapur tal-art or the land ship) operated between

into Kitchen Garden to say hello to the donkeys, ponies, goats,

1883 to 1931 and consisted of a single one-track railway line running

emus, and a menagerie of other furry friends in the petting zoo.

I N SDEERST T ITNAT E X TI ON HERE

D E S T I NAT I ON

I NSERT T EX T H ER E

Further up St Anthony’s Street, you’ll spot a tiny but iconic watering hole on the corner, fittingly named Three Villages Bar. You are now in Ħal Lija. Cross the road and continue straight ahead to reach Lija’s village piazza dominated by the baroque Parish Church of the Transfiguration of Jesus. The surrounding area is an urban conservation zone which preserves the charms and historical features of Lija’s grand townhouses with their traditional gallariji (timber balconies), cast-iron pregnant window railings, and carved stonework. Directly opposite the church is a pretty avenue dotted with

OLD CHARM,

MODERN TWIST

pink and white-blossomed oleander trees, at the centre of

Behind the seemingly impenetrable thick walls,

which stands the Belvedere Tower, a striking piece of neoclassic

flanking Malta’s Grand Harbour, lies a hidden gem

architecture that was formerly part of Villa Gourigion. Due to its

known as the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Cospicua

tiered cylindrical design, the Maltese have jokingly nicknamed the

and Senglea), which is surprisingly off the tourist

tower ‘The Wedding Cake’. Turn back and enter Robert Mifsud Bonnici Street – the first left from the tower when facing the church – walk to the very end, and take another left on the gently sloping Main Street to reach

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

the heart of Ħal Balzan. Dedicated to the Annunciation of Our

full of architectural riches and breathtaking views,

Lady, Balzan’s parish church was built in the mid-17th century in

while cruising around in your eco friendly, smart

the Tuscan style and houses priceless statues as well as paintings

technology vehicle.

by respected local artists Emvin Cremona and Giuseppe Calleja. Balzan’s village core is resplendent with former homes to the island’s noblemen and aristocracy. Among these historic buildings are the old residence of Vincenzo Bosio on Three Churches Street, Palazzo Antonio on Providence Street, and Casa Borg on Pope Pius Alexander Street.

The cars are fun, safe and easy to drive. Following a GPS-guided route at an easy pace while listening to the commentary on board in the language of your choice gives you the freedom to sightsee at your own pace. The online tracking and on-board communication system enables the

A brisk walk down Idmejda Street, beginning opposite Balzan’s

Rolling Geeks’ vigilant staff to provide assistance

police station close to the church, will soon bring you to the main

throughout the tour, giving you peace of mind.

entrance of San Anton Palace and Gardens. This private palace was the summer residence for the Grand Masters of the Knights of St John and today serves as home to Malta’s presidents. The public gardens, on the other hand, could be plucked straight

The roads on the prescribed route are very quiet and it is very easy to park and step out whenever you wish to.

out of a storybook and provide the perfect epilogue to this

The selfie feature in the cars adds to the fun, the rest

Three Villages walk. Meander around arched pathways and

is up to you to capture. Overall this is a great value-for

take in tall ivy-covered walls, pretty flowerbeds, melodious

-money experience, suitable for all ages.

fountains, graceful sculptures, and mossy ponds teeming with ducks, swans, and terrapins. There are even a few peacocks roaming about. Enjoy.

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

GOZO

WORDS VISITGOZO / MINISTRY FOR GOZO

GOZO: A BRIMMING CULTURAL CALENDAR SISTER ACT COMES TO GOZO!

the world’s greatest operatic stages, from New York’s Metropolitan

Teatru Astra proudly presents its fifth consecutive live musical. This

to London’s Royal Opera Covent Garden and to Vienna’s Staatsoper,

season, Astra is planning to continue the diversification of its genres

performing under the baton of world-class conductors.

and repertoire, through the choice of 'Sister Act', a 1992 American For the Gaulitana’s Otello, Benedikt will be leading a cast made

blockbuster turned into a record-breaking hit musical in the recent years.

up of top international and Maltese singers, together with the Composed by Alan Menken, and lyrics by Glenn Slater, 'Sister Act'

Gaulitanus Choir. The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (leader:

the Musical premiered in California in 2006, breaking records and

Marcelline Agius) will be in attendance under the baton of

becoming the highest ever grossing show at the venue. The musical

Gaulitana artistic director, Colin Attard. Enrico Castiglione will be

was described as having "Broadway blockbuster written all over it,"

the stage director.

by the Los Angeles Times, while The Hollywood Reporter noted that it was "hugely entertaining... likely to become a classic" Following

This year’s festival will also include a series of masterclasses with

this success, 'Sister Act' opened in London's West End, at the

Maltese internationally renowned soprano Miriam Gauci during Holy

London Palladium, in 2009, with a cast consisting of some of the

Week between the 8th and 11th April, 2020.

UK's most notable pop stars. Awarded the Europe for Festivals, Festivals for Europe label by the The stage is now set in Gozo to host this popular musical. Four

European Festivals Association, the festival is supported by the Gozo

performances will be held on the 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd March

Cultural Support Programme of Arts Council Malta and the Ministry

at Teatru Astra in Victoria, Gozo. Once again, Chris Gatt has been

for Gozo.

entrusted with the role of artistic director and will be leading the creative team, that will include Mro Sigmund Mifsud who will be

Booking for Otello is open, directly online on www.teatruaurora.com

conducting his fifth consecutive musical at the Astra, Mariella Spiteri

or via ticket helpline +356 79045779. www.gaulitanus.com

Cefai as vocal director and Francesco Nicodeme as choreographer. LEJL IMKEBBES Online booking is open on www.ticketline.com.mt. Further information

Lejl Imkebbes is a lights festival organized at the majestic city of

can be obtained at the Booking Office by calling +356 79244048.

Ċittadella in Gozo. The old fortified city offers breathtaking views of Gozo’s hills and valleys, villages, and churches, as well as a

GAULITANA: A FESTIVAL OF MUSIC

view right across the channel to Malta. Over 30,000 candles will

The 14th edition of Gaulitana: A Festival of Music runs from 28th

complement these views as they light up the narrow streets within

March until 26th April, 2020. Organized by the Gaulitanus Choir,

the walled city.

“Gozo’s main classical festival” features international and local artists / ensembles in a multifarious programme of daily events

The night also offers numerous activities for everyone with historical

in various genres and styles at different venues around Gozo. The

re-enactments, free museum entrances, live entertainment, and

festival is supported by the Gozo Cultural Support Programme of

children’s activities. In addition, food stalls and bars will be open at

Arts Council Malta and the Ministry for Gozo.

the entertainment area, making sure a pleasant night out is set for people of all ages.

The festival closes with a highly-intensive OPERA+ Weekend highlighted by Verdi’s opera Otello at the Teatru tal-Opra Aurora

This year, Lejl Imkebbes will be joining cities from 188 countries, to

on April 25. The opera cast will include one of the world’s most

be part of Earth Hour 2020, hence contributing to inspiring urgent

renowned tenors in the role, namely the Lithuanian Kristian

action with regards to contemporary environmental issues.

Benedikt. The latter has built a reputation as one of the leading international singers of Verdi’s Otello, having sung this most

Lejl Imkebbes will be held on Saturday 28th March 2020 from 6 pm

demanding role more than 120 times. He has appeared at most of

onwards. Entrance is free.

GOZO

WORDS VISITGOZO / MINISTRY FOR GOZO

E N J OY D W E J R A’ S N AT U R A L B E AU T Y

Three years ago, Dwejra Bay lost an iconic landmark that made Gozo

plant growing here and because of which, it was heavily guarded.

world famous. The Azure Window represented Gozo and the island’s

The Knights of St. John even levelled out its sides to ensure

enduring and raw beauty for many, many years until it was swept

that climbing the rock was virtually an impossible task. Great

away by gale-force winds and high waves on the 8th March 2017.

punishment awaited those who were caught scaling the rock. Back in time, a kind of primitive cable-car enabled access to the rock.

However, Dwejra has many more features to offer that were, perhaps, overlooked when the Azure Window was still around. It

THE BLUE HOLE

is no coincidence that this location has been a favourite backdrop

The Blue Hole is an internationally acclaimed diving spot.

for filmmakers, as nature and geography seem to have schemed to

This vertical chimney, which Jacques Cousteau himself once

create a place like no other.

earmarked as one of his top 10 diving spots in the world is a must for every serious diver. While diving here, you might want to take a

Here are three natural spots that you should not miss on your next

peek at the submerged Azure Window, which has now become an

visit to Dwejra:

awesome diving spot.

THE INLAND SEA

WHILE YOU’RE AT DWEJRA….

This area has been formed by a circular depression in the land,

Also check out the Dwejra Tower. Built in 1652, this tower acted as

which created a unique lagoon. The Inland Sea is connected to the

a sentinel against the pirates and marauders, and guarded the

main sea via a 100-metre tunnel that can be used by small boats.

Fungus Rock. The Tower also played a part in WWII when it acted as

Traditionally, the Inland Sea at Dwejra was a fishermen’s cove and

a guard for the western side of Gozo. If the flag is flying on top of

the small fishermen’s huts are still standing, but today fishermen

the tower, it means that it is open to the public.

gladly take out tourists for boat trips. We suggest a visit to Dwejra during sunset hours. Sunsets at Dwejra THE FUNGUS ROCK

are experienced every day by visitors who stand in awe of a natural

This islet has its own interesting story about a precious medicinal

ritual, of unparalleled beauty.

E STSH E R E I N S EBRU TSTI N EX

WORDS KEVIN CASSAR, BLEVINS FRANKS

PLANNING A TAX-EFFICIENT RETIREMENT IN MALTA Malta has so much to offer retired

management for over 40 years, helping

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LOCAL

MARCH SIGNALS THE START OF SPRING WHEN TREES BEGIN TO BLOSSOM, TEMPERATURES WARM UP AND THE SUN SHINES BRIGHTER.

WORDS MARIA EILEEN FSADNI

T H E M A LT E S E H O N E Y B E E

IT IS THE SEASON WHERE YOU WILL FIND AN ABUNDANCE OF BEES IN MALTA’S RURAL AREAS, VENTURING OUT TO COLLECT POLLEN WITH CONFIDENCE AFTER THE COLD WINTER. I SPOKE TO JORGE SPITERI, A LOCAL BEEKEEPER, TO LEARN MORE ABOUT APICULTURE AND WHAT IGNITED HIS INTEREST IN BEES. Jorge’s story starts many years ago back in primary school. He

Luke, I didn’t follow his instructions, and I was stung quite a

started off our meeting by saying: “I’m from Ħal-Safi’, a small

few times. He thought that I would never go back, but I went.”

village in the south of Malta, known for its honey production. There

Jorge’s determination did not go unnoticed and Luke took him

was a tradition that primary school children would visit a local who

under his wing, giving him hands-on training. Having learnt from

took care of honeybees. We visited, as per tradition, and I loved it!”

his grandfather, the ageing beekeeper was eager to pass on his

The school children met the late Luke Montebello, who had been

decades of experience to the next generation. Exposing Jorge to

practising beekeeping for over 70 years at the time of his death.

the different things you can make from honey, including Mead, an alcoholic beverage best served with dessert.

Being just eight years old at the time, Jorge’s parents encouraged the budding beekeeper to go down a more traditional route,

My conversation with Jorge, however, takes me away from his

placing his initial passion for apiculture on the backburner. Years

hometown of Safi, to the considerably larger village of Żejtun,

later, however, it was his degree in architecture which got him

awarded the honour of being one of the European Destinations

to revisit beekeeping as a concept. His final year project led

of Excellence. Here he manages beehives in a 19th-century public

him to analyse the identity of villages in the south of Malta. It

garden, called Luqa Briffa Garden, thanks to Żejtun’s Local Council.

was here where he reconnected with Luke, the apiarist who first It is one of several commissioned by Sir Alexander Ball, during

captured his imagination.

Malta’s British period. Today, Jorge has 30 beehives around Malta “I went over a lot, talking to him at first and then I started to

and with a smile in his eyes, he remarks “till now, none in Gozo”,

help him,” Jorge recalls with a chuckle. “The first day I helped

alluding to plans to disperse further. He also forms part of the

LOCAL

Malta Beekeepers’ Association aimed at supporting local producers

to examine the beehives. He uses smoke to alert the bees of his

and conserving the tradition of apiculture on the islands.

presence, carefully lifts the lid from the hive and points to a dark wax-like substance saying “that’s propolis”. As he opens the first

The Maltese islands are home to over 90 bee species, but one is

extension, we hear a light ‘pop’ sound. He explains that propolis is

more special than the rest. Apis Mellifera Ruttneri, or in English-

made by bees to seal the hive and protect themselves from disease

terms the Maltese honeybee, is an endemic sub-species. A

with its natural anti-bacterial qualities.

decedent of the African honeybee, it has specifically adapted to survive the harsh Maltese climate. The bee is visibly dark, and it

What Jorge appreciates most about bees is their meticulous level

can fly up to a radius of 4 kilometres where it will encounter strong

of organisation. Employing the use of sustainable practices, Jorge

winds and bright sunlight. It is well-equipped with a dense layer of

understands that the bees are designed to survive, noting that

fur to pick up pollen with more efficiency and a larger than average

they outlived the dinosaurs and adapted throughout the millennia.

stomach to store food. Jorge describes their wings as ‘smaller and

When asked why Maltese honey is unique, Jorge explains that it’s

narrower, like an arrow’ which allows them to dart around with

incomparable. Although Spring is the ideal time for bees to forage,

ease. Passionate about the conservation of this unique species, he

the Maltese islands enjoy year-round flowers, and the natural

uses the Maltese honey bee exclusively in collaboration with the

landscape is populated with a variety of plants. He says, “even

NGO, Breeds of Origin Conservancy.

when wild thyme dominates in the summer, there are still capers and prickly pears”. Jorge underlines that it is multi-floral.

Jorge’s calm demeanour and measured tone are certainly an asset when it comes to dealing with the bees. We climb the narrow staircase, which leads to a room above the garden’s gate. With

You can find Jorge’s products by contacting Friends of the Earth

his bee suit on, he cranks open the old door and heads outside

Malta on info@foemalta.org

I NSERT T EX T H ER E

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LIFESTYLE

I N S ELRI T F ETSETXYTL E HERE

WORDS PAULA AGIUS-VADALA’ AND KATJA ABELA (ATELIER MAISON)

MOVING IN MANY PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET WOULD BE READY TO MOVE INTO, HOWEVER, NO MATTER HOW BEAUTIFUL THE INTERIOR IS, IT IS NATURAL TO BRING YOUR OWN PERSONALITY INTO A HOME WHICH ONCE BELONGED TO SOMEONE ELSE. No two people live the same way. Therefore, slight modifications to

RE-THINK THE FURNITURE LAYOUT

a house would help in making that house a home. The works can

If you have a large open-plan, small pieces of furniture, in the form

vary from major renovations to smaller interventions, giving the

of open shelving or console tables can help with defining different

property a facelift. We will explore how smaller interventions can

spaces within the open-plan.

be carried out in smart ways in a bid to give a property a fresh look In some dwellings, living rooms are consumed with one large

and new identity.

L-shaped sofa. Why not try to change it by using smaller sofas or DEFINE YOUR ENTRANCE

armchairs? Perhaps swapping the massive sofa with a large comfy

The entrance can sometimes be a neglected space, and in a lot

armchair and a three-seater. In that way, you can add different

of properties, the entrance sometimes forms part of the living

colours and textures within the same space. You will also have more

space. Adding a small piece of furniture or some open shelving as

space to add small coffee tables and pouffes, which give the space

a screen can help define the opening. If you have a bit more space,

more of a personality.

wall panelling and storage are always useful. The wall panelling will enrich the space, while the storage – in the form of a chest or tall

If you like to entertain, smaller pieces of furniture allow you to be

cupboard - is useful to store away any jackets or shoes.

more flexible and move the furniture around, depending on the kind of get-together you are about to host.

If another room is located adjacent to the entrance, screen the two rooms with something lightweight, through which light can

If you have a corner, why not create a reading area? All you need is

pass. We had designed a blackened steel door to segregate the

an armchair, a small side table and a lamp. This will give an added

entrance from the kitchen, but since most of the material of the

dimension to the space.

door was made from frosted glass, a lot of natural light still reached MODIFICATIONS TO EXISTING FURNITURE PIECES

the entrance.

It is hard to believe that if you move into a place that is ready, The entrance should be clutter-free and organised; in this way you

everything is to your liking. If there is a piece of furniture you aren’t

will avoid bringing in unwanted items into the living space. It is all

sure about, why not take it as a challenge and modify it yourself

about being organised, and even if you think you aren’t, let your

or ask a carpenter to carry out the works? When one of our clients

surroundings help you get organised.

moved into their house, they had found a retro sideboard which

LIFESTYLE

What we find is that people love to entertain, and adore the idea of having a bar area within their everyday living space.

CMY

was not in a good state at all. We painted it matte black and it now

of the apartment. This will not only square off the living space, and

looks like an expensive piece of furniture.

avoid you seeing the dark tunnel you call a corridor all the time, but it will also help with heating and cooling. Another thing that can

LIGHTING

be done would be to panel part of the longest wall in the corridor,

Ready-to-move-into properties will typically have light fittings

or if the corridor is wide enough, add a library along the length of

everywhere. Changing the light fittings is a quick and easy way of

the wall. You can even paint the entire corridor – doors and all – in

adding your style into the space. If you are happy with the light

a bold colour. Keep in mind that a corridor isn’t a space where you

fittings you found in your new property, why not have some fun and

spend a lot of time in, but you do use it everyday, so giving that

get some interesting table lamps or floor lamps? This adds different

space some personality would make everyday a bit more pleasant.

layers of light and really brings about a warm and cosy feeling in the evening, when you don’t need much light while you are unwinding

INVEST IN GOOD-QUALITY PIECES THAT YOU LOVE

on your new comfy armchair and watching your favourite series.

Before you invest, it is important to live in the space for some time, to get a proper ‘feel’ for the space, and understand exactly how

DON’T FORGET THE CIRCULATION SPACES

you utilise the space. Identify what it is that is missing. What we

The term ‘circulation spaces’ is a nicer way of saying ‘corridor’.

find is that people love to entertain and adore the idea of having

Unfortunately, many apartments we come across have long, dark

a bar area within their everyday living space. We had designed a

corridors, which are not inviting. The first thing we suggest is to

cabinet for drinks and a bench for a client who had been living in

add a door at the start of the corridor. This door can be made of

the house for many years. The client felt like the living space needed

any material you like – wood, glass, tinted glass, metal. It will be a

a contemporary piece of furniture, which not only looked beautiful,

custom-made piece that will screen off the corridor from the rest

but also turned out extremely useful.

EXPERIENCE THE WORLD OF

SCIENCE

explore

think

imagine

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PROPERT Y

WORDS ANNABELLE CIANTAR

M A LTA S E T S WAY F O RWA R D F O R B R I T I S H N AT I O N A L S R E S I D I N G I N M A LTA P O S T- B R E X I T

Following the departure of the UK from the EU last month, British

maritime services, aviation and iGaming are perhaps the most

nationals residing in Malta will not lose their EU residency rights

dominant sectors.

and obligations. The property market has definitely proved to be a ‘pull’ factor Moreover, UK nationals can also benefit from a special concession

for UK nationals considering Malta as their new home. Property

whereby those who move to Malta this year between 1st February

in Malta is a solid investment. For the past decade, property prices

and 31 December 2020, will also be covered by these EU rights

have always remained stable or registered an increase year-on-year.

and obligations indefinitely, provided they continue to satisfy the relative residency conditions.

For those keen to make the island their base, there are plenty of options to choose. The choice ranges from the more modest

Besides the abundant sunshine and a Mediterranean lifestyle, if

apartment and quaint little centuries-old townhouse to world-

you are looking to relocate, start a business or retire to a warmer

class luxury apartments with open views of the Mediterranean

climate, or searching for a tax-efficient jurisdiction, Malta is worth

Sea, sprawling villas with ample grounds, and renovated houses

considering for relocation.

of character with charming historic features.

• English is considered an official language in Malta, along

Furthermore, thanks to the constant stream of people moving to

with Maltese.

the island to live or work, there has never been a better time to

• Malta enjoys a mild climate overall. January and February are

buy-to-rent. One could find from central two- and three-bedroom

considered the wettest months while the rest of the year

apartments catering to the needs of young professionals and

enjoys crystal blue skies.

families to luxury seafront apartments tailored to the wants of

• Malta is considered one of the safest countries to live in.

the wealthy expat crowd.

• The island benefits from a top-notch healthcare system • The Maltese are highly regarded as friendly, welcoming and

Malta and Gozo have over the years attracted thousands of UK

sociable people.

nationals who made the islands their permanent home. This is

• People residing in Malta enjoy a rich cultural life. There are

an opportunity for those who are thinking of taking up residence

plenty of events and activities happening all year round.

and still want to benefit from EU residency rights before the end

• The various Malta Residence Programmes give the opportunity

of this year.

to a number of individuals and families to relocate to Malta or to hold residency status in Malta for various reasons.

Frank Salt Real Estate, which is backed by 50 years of experience

• Malta benefits from a strong and booming economy. According

in the field, a reputation for sterling service and integrity, is

to the European Commission’s Winter 2019 Economic Forecast,

geared up to provide UK nationals with the best tailor-made

Malta’s economy projected to grow the fastest in the EU

solution in order to relocate to Malta. We can assist with any

regime, with growth projected at 5.2% for 2019 and 6.4% in 2020.

property requirements and offer help and guidance all the way.

• As a result of steady GDP growth and record-low unemployment, several international renowned industries have

For more information about the residence options available to

established in Malta, forming the basis of the economy. Financial

British nationals, one may call on +356 23 794 130 or email fs@

services, science and technology, health, tourism, education,

franksalt.com.mt

Frank Salt Real Estate owns the rights of this photo and is not to be used for other intent or purposes.

I NSERT T EX T H ER E

The address of choice for your growing business Office spaces at SmartCity Malta offer unparalleled facilities from where you can consolidate and expand your operations: •

The most advanced and reliable ICT infrastructure available in Malta.

•

Multiple levels of electricity and data supply redundancy.

•

A metro Ethernet network that enables access to bandwidth at Gigabit speeds.

•

A fully redundant large-scale power distribution centre.

•

Dedicated backup generators and fibre optic connections to all office spaces.

•

Modular office spaces adaptable to the needs of growing businesses.

SmartCity Malta SCM1001 Ricasoli – Malta Telephone +356 2164 6666 Email

info@smartcitymalta.com.mt

EVENTS

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

4th - 8th March

5th - 25th March

THE MALTESE ISLANDS FESTIVAL

MEMORIES FROM MARS BY LUCIO DUBINI

Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta, and Phoenicia Hotel, Floriana

Art Galleries, Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta

Memories of Mars is an exhibition featuring a body of work comprising large abstract paintings by the Italian artist Lucio Dubini. The show presents lyrical and colourful expressions of the artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal narratives related to the concept of attraction. The exhibition will be showcased at Palazzo de la Salle and will be curated by Roderick Camilleri.

The fourth edition of the highly successful Maltese Islands Festival of drama, dance, music and singing returns, and the public is welcome to attend. This internationally accredited performing arts festival is aimed at children and young people between the ages of 4 and 18, with some categories open to adults. While offering young artists a platform for networking with their peers, the MIF takes the form of a competition, giving participants the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of an audience and panel of international judges, all experts in their field.

www.luciodubini.com

www.kreattivita.org

I N S E RETVT EE NXTTS H E R E

6th March

THE ROMANTICS: 4 HANDS 1 PIANO

Concert Hall, Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta This concert will feature popular piano works written specifically for 4 hands at 1 piano from the Romantic period. Works will include ‘Fantasy in F minor’ by Schubert, Slavonic Dances by Dvorak and Hungarian Rhapsodies by Brahms. The concert will be performed by Maltese pianists Leanne Maree Anastasi and Maria-Elena Farrugia. Tickets at €10 from marelfar92@gmail.com or 99374807 / 99238115. www.artsmalta.org/events/the-romantics-4-hands-1-piano

6th - 20th March

8th March

RHAPSODY IN PAIN EXHIBITION

BARK BARK DISCO

111 Art Gallery Ta' Xbiex

Storeroom Ta’ Xbiex

You are invited to the second exhibition of the newly redesigned 111 Art Gallery in Ta Xbiex, Malta, featuring artist Ġorġ Mallia exhibiting digital abstracts with his pen-and-ink figures: ‘Rhapsody-in-Pain’. Rhapsodyin-Pain is made up of limited edition mood pieces with abstract backgrounds that mirror an emotional condition, made more poignant by means of pen-and-ink figures that complement the atmosphere created by the digital backdrops. They are visuals manifestations of a soul in pain... visual poems that project deep feeling.

Bark Bark Disco, along with a full band, will be performing at the Storeroom. Featuring Chris Mallia (Beesqueeze) on drums and Daniel Cassar (DRIPHT) on bass. Ian Schranz will be joining on stage along with a couple of additional guest singers as well. Bark Bark Disco is a band from Malta and Berlin that formed in August 2011. Their debut concert was with Bonnie Prince Billy in a Masonic cemetery in Valletta. Entrance: €7. For table reservations please email: info@storeroomalta.com

www.facebook.com/111artgallery

7th March

SILVIA MANCO JAZZ QUARTET

Concert Hall, Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta On Saturday 7th March, the Silvia Manco Quartet will be in concert at the Malta Society of Arts’ Concert Hall in Valletta. The Italian pianist and singer will be joined by Francesco Pierotti on bass, Carlo Muscat on saxophone, and Joseph Camilleri at the drums. For more information, please email hello@maltajazzschool.com, or message (WhatsApp or SMS) on 79271869. www.artsmalta.org/events/silvia-manco-quartet-jazz-concert

EVENTS

8th March

14th March

WOMEN’S DAY CONCERT BY VOX DULCIS CHORALE

Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta

MAHLER’S SIXTH

Concert Hall, Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta

Lawrence Renes leads the MPO in Mahler’s Sixth Symphony nicknamed as “Tragic”. Described as “the first nihilist work in the history of music”, this prophetically autobiographical work is the composer’s first four-movement purely instrumental symphony. Mahler, a superstitious person, originally included three hammer blows in the 4th movement, subsequently revising the strokes to two.

On Sunday 8th March, the all-female choir Vox Dulcis Chorale will be performing on the occasion of International Women’s Day conducted by John Anthony Fsadni and accompanied by pianist Petra Magri Gatt. The concert will take place at the Malta Society of Arts’ Concert Hall in Valletta. For more information contact voxdulcischorale@gmail.com

www.maltaorchestra.com

www.artsmalta.org/events/womens-day-concert-by-vox- dulcis-chorale-2

30th March

21st and 22nd March

PIANO RECITAL BY FRANCIS CAMILLERI

KAFKA’S INSECT

Concert Hall, Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta

Valletta Campus Theatre (ex MITP)

On Monday 30th March, Francis Camilleri will present a solo piano recital of works spanning classical-era drama and introspective Romantic elegance. Schubert’s lyrical Sonata in A major D. 664 opens this programme, followed by two dramatic works in C minor: Mozart’s Sonata in C minor and Beethoven’s Pathétique Sonata. Entrance is free.

Kafka’s Insect is an interdisciplinary performance based on the short novel ‘The Metamorphosis’ by Franz Kafka, published in 1915. The interdisciplinary profile of this performance presents the narrative through a cycle of video-art scenes, accompanied by a live piano score and modular alalogue synthesisers. The video was shot with the Achromat lens created in France in 1839. This lens captures an illuminous soft focus with rich textured backgrounds - rarely achieved with modern lenses.

www.artsmalta.org/events/francis-camilleri-piano-recital

www.facebook.com/Kafkas-Insect

LOCAL

THE PEOPLE OF MALTA IS AN ARTISTIC PROJECT TO SHARE EMOTIONS, STORIES, PERSONALITIES, MOODS AND CONTRASTS DEPICTED IN PICTURES AND IN CITATIONS OF THE MALTESE PEOPLE.

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHEN BUHAGIAR AND RODERICK VELLA

TH E PEO PLE O F M A LTA PAU L A N D V I V I, R A B AT

"Sometimes we laugh, other times we cry. That’s life. Thank God I have her in my life." "We’ve been married for 45 years. About 6 years ago, Paul had a stroke. This is the greatest proof of our love. We spent months going back and forth to the hospital. Don’t be afraid, roll up your sleeves and trust in each other." "You’ll find everything… even teenagers nowadays are patient and supportive of each other. Many people have helped us. One needs to be grateful and show his/her appreciation. Gratitude and appreciation are far more meaningful than money." Paul and Vivi

www.facebook.com/thepeopleofmalta

A RT

“CURIOSITY IS WHAT MAKES ME BOTH AN ACADEMIC AND AN ARTIST”.

WORDS CHRISTINE CASSAR

PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST ĠORĠ MALLIA THIS MONTH I HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING THE WONDERFUL ĠORĠ MALLIA. WITH HIS LATEST EXHIBITION RHAPSODY-IN-PAIN BEING JUST DAYS AWAY FROM OPENING NIGHT, I WAS EAGER TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HIS WORK AND WHAT’S IN STORE FOR US. IN A FEW WORDS, ĠORG IS BEST DESCRIBED AS A CARTOONIST, A RENOWNED MALTESE AUTHOR, A COMMUNICATIONS ACADEMIC… AND EVERYTHING ELSE IN BETWEEN. As an Associate Professor and the Head of the Department of

Ġorġ likes to experiment with colour media, as well as black-and-

Media and Communications, Faculty of Media and Knowledge

white. Both elements evoke different emotions, but it ultimately

Sciences at the University of Malta, some of his main research and

depends on the target audience. For example, children need to

lecturing interests are in graphic design; personal communications;

emote with colours; you can’t just give them black-and-white

impacts of immersed new media usage; social network use in

illustrations or none at all and expect them to relate to them

education; independent learning; illustration; and visual storytelling

immediately at such a young age.

and sequential narrative. On the other hand, the Rhapsody-in-Pain digital prints showcase Ġorġ simply cannot live in a world without illustrations. It is an

two different mediums — the dose of colour and the various

essential part of who he is. He also loves anything that has to do

intertwined circles and lines represent the mix of emotions -

with digital media; he strives to communicate his message visually

confusion, longing, rage, heartbreak, grief, hopelessness etc.

through all forms of art, be it cartoons, drawings, paintings, socio-

that have been triggered by the collapse of his second marriage,

political comic strips, his verse and books. But is his academic life

while the pen-and-ink figures mirror those feelings in their

different than the more creative one? Not at all. Ġorġ firmly believes

posture, expression, contortion and gesture. As Ġorġ puts it, “It

that both lives parallel one another. “Nothing is different,” he states.

is in the darkest hours of my life that the digital paintings which

“Just like a great piece of art mirrors a great artist, the emotion

comprise Rhapsody-in-Pain have exploded out of me.”

inherent in a piece of creative writing can also reflect the emotions Ġorġ has done so much for the digital arts and literature-circle.

that are there in lecturing”.

Everything is unique, but if I had to pick a favourite, I would “Curiosity is what makes me both an academic and an artist,”

choose his pen portraits. For starters, the Robin Williams and

he continues.

Lady Diana illustrations deserve a worthy mention. There are also other portraits hanging around his office, including ones of Heath

We move on to discuss how the world of digital art is constantly

Ledger as the Joker in The Dark Knight and Alan Rickman’s portrayal

evolving. While Ġorġ tells me that he misses being immersed

of Professor Severus Snape. On that note, Ġorġ also proceeds to

in traditional art, he still manages to achieve the same result.

show me one of his notebooks. In between lecture notes, calendar

In reality, it’s not so different than the more traditional ways of

events and so on, you’ll also find many doodles that have been

creating art — in this case, a stylus replaces the brush and a tablet

brought to life.

replaces the canvas. All prints are still sketched, lettered or are entirely digital. It is then up to the illustrator who decides if it’s best

In this field of work, Ġorġ explains how being experimental goes

to give them a splash of colour, or opt to leave them as grayscale

hand in hand with being curious. This comes into play especially

prints. Additionally, having more tools to work with is handy,

in some of his short stories for adults written in the stream of

especially when it comes to undoing mistakes, simulating physical

consciousness style and his children’s books. “I always try to fill in

brush work and so on.

the blanks and see what’s missing,” he tells me.

A RT

“I don’t know what comes next, but I will be creating... the day I stop creating is the day I die." With regard to his love for verse, Ġorġ’s recent publication, My love

manifestation is always very different,” he replies. Nevertheless, he

had eyes of blue and dreams – verses of love and pain has garnered

is sure of one thing; “I will be creating…the day I stop creating is the

a lot of success since its release in 2019. Its four chronological

day I die.”

sections, Seventies, Eighties Nineties; Tmeninijiet u Disgħinijiet – Versi bil-Malti; Two Thousands; and Epilogu, present a series of

The opening of Ġorġ Mallia’s Rhapsody-in-Pain, will held at 111 Art

pivotal events in Ġorġ’s “emotional odyssey” throughout the years

Gallery, Ta’ Xbiex, on 6th March 2020, at 19:00pm. Should you wish

1979 to 2019.

to attend, please contact Ġorġ via email (info@gorgmallia.com) or Facebook Messenger. The exhibition will also be available for public viewing until 20th March 2020.

He believes that this collection of works resonated so well with the public because it projected a sense of familiarity in his readers. “I reach out with what I’m feeling at the moment. While I always write for myself, if they don’t feel any sort of emotion when reading my verse, I’ve failed my audience,” he states.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gorg.mallia Website: gorgmallia.com

Ġorġ doesn’t know what the future holds. His output is very

Blog: gorgmallia.wordpress.com

varied. “Although my creative work is an oeuvre in itself, each

Email: info@gorgmallia.com

BEYOND IMAGINATION

PA L A ZZOPA R ISIO.COM

LOCAL

AS THE WORLD WEIGHS IN ON THE USE OF PLASTIC, ‘INNOVATION OF THE YEAR’ WINNER AT THE ONBOARD HOSPITALITY AWARDS 2019, GARÇON WINES, IS BOTTLING WINE IN 100% RECYCLED PET BOTTLES.

S I P S I P H O O R AY !

FROM THE TRADITIONAL ROUND, GLASS BOTTLES TO LIGHT-WEIGHT, FLAT WINE BOTTLES, THIS HIGHLY INNOVATIVE CONCEPT MAKES IT EASIER FOR TRAVEL, INCREASES SPACE EFFICIENCY, AND PROMISES NO SPILLS. MALTA-BORN SANTIAGO NAVARRO, CEO AND CO-FOUNDER OF GARÇON WINES SPEAKS TO DUNCAN BARRY ON THIS SPACE-SAVER. It’s almost impossible to believe that plastic can actually be

“Our estimates, taken from a UK study on lightweight wine bottles, show

environmentally friendly – but the type used by Garçon Wines is –

that our bottles would cut 500g of CO2 per bottle across the supply chain.

dubbed as 21st century sustainable wine-packaging solutions.

Considering the UK consumes 1.7 billion bottles per annum, and the world consumes 35 billion bottles, then the CO2 savings from using our

In a recent interview that appeared in Forbes magazine, Mr Navarro

innovative format could be significant. This is of existential importance

said that ‘the simplest ideas are the most effective and have the

when our planet is on fire and one of the reasons why our innovation is

best chance of success’. Dubbed as the entrepreneur who is ready

receiving such significant interest across the globe.

to change the world of wine forever, Mr Navarro went on to explain that 'cost-saving as a result of this kind of packaging is obvious’.

“In addition, the smart design of our bottles means that we can

This concept is unfolding in an industry that has essentially been

pack bottles in a way not seen before. We offer a 10-bottle case

packaging its product in the same way for more than 200 years, so

which has 8 bottles packed like books and 2 bottles packed at

this is no doubt a breakthrough.

90 degrees in the airspace around the necks of the 8 bottles. This 10-bottle case is the world’s most compact wine case and

Garçon Wines also won the ‘Innovation of the Year’ as a result of

would otherwise carry just 4 round, glass bottles of the same

the Flat Wine Bottle. The judges said that it is ‘A really great idea.

75cl volume. By packing more bottles in a case, we can also

Lighter than glass bottles and cleverly space-saving for onboard

pack more bottles on a pallet, and this once again means that

stowage. Made of 100% recycled PET, it has great potential for the

we can pack up much more wine on a pallet, slashing financial and

onboard market’.

environmental costs.

PET plastic is the current dominant packaging material for drinks

“Finally, by using PET, which is strong and does not shatter like glass,

bottles in onboard catering on planes, trains and ships.

we are able to pack and move wine around without unnecessarily large cases and lots of protective packaging. This makes a massive

“Our eco, flat wine bottles and complimentary transit cases offer

difference as consumers do not want to receive wine deliveries with

unparalleled benefits. The shape innovation of flattening the round

lots of packaging. People recognise we live on a planet with finite

bottle saves space; 40% space saving over an average round bottle.

resources and, therefore, designing a product which respects this,

This is as a result of the bottles packing tightly against each other

and cares for Mother Nature, is fundamentally important.”

like books. The bottles are light too. The idea to flatten a wine bottle – flat meaning it’s a cross-section “Furthermore, using recycled PET over virgin material, saves 75%

design of a round bottle – came about as they were trying to find a

less energy. The space, weight, and energy savings resulting from

way to deliver a wine bottle into a UK home through the letterbox.

our multi award-winning bottles mean a significantly lower carbon

“The UK has about 30 million wine drinkers and they consume

footprint. PET bottles generate 77% lower greenhouse gas (GHG)

around 1.7 billion bottles annually. Therefore, finding a way to

emissions than glass bottles, and recycled PET means 79% lower

seamlessly deliver wine in single bottles into UK homes represented

CO2 emissions than virgin PET material.

an attractive commercial opportunity.

I NSERT L OTCEAXLT H E R E

“UK homes benefit from a letterbox which gives direct access to the

ship, or train, space is at a premium and for planes, weight is also

inside of a home. Many houses in Malta have the same access point

fundamentally important. Some airlines are still using full-size

for postal deliveries. A single round bottle would not fit in a delivery

round, glass bottles and others have moved to round, virgin PET.

pack and pass through a letterbox and so we were trying to find

Our flat, recycled PET bottles offer meaningful benefits over both

a way to adapt the wine bottle to make it deliverable through the

alternative formats and we are presently working on a couple of

letterbox. The growth in e-commerce and the success of platforms

projects in the US and Asia, which will most likely see our wine

like Amazon, together with the fact that younger shoppers are

bottles flying through the skies in mid-2020; wines served with

looking to receive their purchases more regularly in smaller volumes,

meals, primarily on longer haul flights, and poured from standard

meant that we were determined to be able to make cost-effective,

volume 75cl bottles.

seamless deliveries of wine into UK homes. “Global travel retail, or duty-free shopping, is also another “It was after much brainstorming that we came up with the really

area where we are exploring projects to launch this year. When

simple yet highly effective adaptation to flatten the round bottle

passengers are travelling through airport shops and looking to

and make it from lightweight, strong, and sustainable recycled PET.”

purchase wines to take back as a gift or for themselves, then a

The company caters for a variety of industries.

heavy wine bottle is an inconvenient thing to purchase and lug all the way back to destination.”

“We launched our eco, flat wine bottles to the world in mid-2018 and during 2018 and 2019 focused on our home market of the UK,

Concluding, Mr Navarro says that they intend collaborating with

primarily growing the sale of our wine brands and our sustainable

some of the world’s best known wine brands, so that they can offer

wine packaging solutions in the UK online sales channel. A large

a product that works for the majority of wine drinkers.

part of our current business is single bottle deliveries for gifting, delivered seamlessly into the recipient’s home through their

“At the time of giving this interview, we have a number of advanced

letterbox. This is an application that has found significant interest

commercial discussions with major wine brands and most likely by

both from business and also consumers.

the time this interview is published, then well-known and muchloved wine brands will be available in our packaging format. This will

“However, a beautiful wine bottle which offers unique space saving

be the start of our roll out across channels and countries. We will

as well as lightweight-related benefits is superior to the status quo

also consider bringing what we do to Malta

round, glass bottle in many situations beyond online. “Hopefully our wines will also be served on Air Malta sometime “We have seen significant interest from the travel industry,

soon. That would be most fitting for an inventor who was born in

specifically for onboard catering and travel retail. Onboard a plane,

Malta and raised. Cheers!”.

T R AV E L

J UST HOW MANY RE ASONS DO YOU NEED TO VISIT PR AGUE? WORDS DAVID BAKER / AIR MALTA

FROM WINDING COBBLESTONE STREETS TO 600-YEAR-OLD MECHANICAL CLOCK FACES, PRAGUE IS THE ULTIMATE EUROPEAN ESCAPE. Prague doesn’t need a brochure to sell itself. Thirty years ago, the city

Castle District and Lesser Town are on the left bank and the Old

(Praha as the Czech pronounce it) was a mystery to world travellers;

Town, New Town, and Jewish Quarter on the right bank.

now, however, it is one of the most popular destinations in Europe and Within the city confines, it's spanned by over thirty bridges and

for many good reasons. So how many would you like me to list?

footbridges. Its water gently laps the edges of ten islands and Well for a start, while the city’s nickname is ‘The City of a Hundred

each day dozens of steamers, rowboats and pedal boats glide

Spires’, it is in fact decorated with nearly a thousand towers and

through its waters. It's the soul of the city and is perfectly

spires! Then there are Romanesque chapels and cellars, Gothic

complemented by the medieval Charles Bridge. This 1,700-foot long

cathedrals, scores of palaces, churches, over 200 parks, gardens

medieval walking bridge, with its Baroque statues connects the two

and squares, unique Cubist architecture, countless delicious local

sides of Prague.

Czech beers and delicious food. All of which makes it a place with The Vltava embankment is a popular part of Prague community life.

no parallel in the world.

Farmers’ and flea markets are held here, and in the summer, people As an added bonus, it is a very affordable city compared to its

stroll, dance, take part in sports, and organise exhibitions, while in the

European counterparts. Enough reasons to go see it?

winter, one of the boats anchored here is turned into a sauna.

Millions do so each year, so timing your visit is very important. If you

The river gives Prague an aura of romance and mystery which makes

don’t like crowds, best visit between January to March/April and

one fall in love with the city on first sight and enough of a reason for

October to December. Whatever date you choose though, Prague

honeymooners to choose Prague as their destination of choice.

is abuzz with street fairs, exhibitions, concerts and beer. It’s like a nonstop carnival is being played out on the cobblestoned streets.

PRAGUE CASTLE

Prague’s picturesque downtown veils both a dark legacy and a resilient

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Prague Castle, dating

past. Dating back to about A.D. 870, the city has withstood numerous

back to the 9th century, is the largest ancient castle in the world.

overthrows, invasions, fires and floods. It's this reputation for survival The iconic structure is the inspiration for fairy tales, films and

and perseverance that has made the Czech capital so fascinating.

television shows, as it is one of the most substantial remnants of Today, the storied churches, narrow streets, daunting hilltop castle

medieval times. The Castle is really more of a village or small town

and statue-lined bridges create the scene of an urban fairy tale

on the top of a hill, overlooking expansive Prague – and what a

where even the most jaded traveller would have trouble resisting

breathtaking view it is!

this city's charms. You can admire the ancient heart of the city from the observation deck of the tower of Old Town Hall and discover the charm of the

With so many reasons to visit, how do you best spend your time?

Lesser Town roofs from the tower of St Vitus Cathedral. CRUISING THE VLTAVA RIVER Few cities can claim to have such a picturesque river as the Vltava,

Unforgettable views are also possible from the Petřín lookout tower,

the largest in the Czech Republic and which divides the city; The

from Letná Park or from the ramparts of Vyšehrad.

T R AV E L

An unusual sight arises for those who climb Vítkov Hill, dominated

singer and a symbol of love and peace, where every inch is filled with

by the majestic statue of military leader Jan Žižka. You'll get

Lennon-inspired graffiti and Beatles song lyrics, which constantly keep

an unique view of the illuminated panorama of Prague Castle

changing as visitors add their messages to it.

from here, especially in the early evening. If you are interested in exploring the castle and the area surrounding it, then be sure to

The hundreds of historic gardens and parks are truly some of Prague’s

keep a full day aside.

greatest treasures. The oldest of them was founded in the Middle Ages and more often than not, they offer breathtaking views of the city.

The Old Town Square is where the magic happens. Walk around it a

The Palace Gardens below Prague Castle, the Petřín Hill gardens or

couple of times, and you will find everything you could possibly be

Wallenstein Gardens are pre-requisites to visit.

looking for – from pub crawls and magic to breakdance shows, you MUSIC

will never have enough of its vibrant energy.

Music is everywhere in Prague, and a startling amount of it is good. Restaurants, food stalls, churches, and a variety of shops surround

Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the entire city… is just full of

the square with many alleyways begging to be discovered. Located

musicians – and talented ones at that.

right on the square are two of Prague’s symbols: the Church of St Nicholas and the Astronomical Clock. Over 600 years old, it is one

Bars employ singers with guitars, cruise boats have live musicians,

of the oldest (still functioning) astronomical clocks in the world.

Churches have lovely choirs playing throughout the day and

Tucked away in a quiet street away from the touristy hustle and

even walking around the streets of Prague there are musical

bustle, you’ll find the Lennon Wall, the Czech expression of freedom

surprises with repertoires ranging from traditional folk music to

from the communist era. It is a colourful tribute to the Beatles

unconventional, original compositions.

T R AV E L

At the other end of the scale from the variety of ad hoc

Smíchov, Chodov, Arkády Pankrác, and more) or on Pařížská Street,

performances to be found, the Prague Spring Music Festival, held over

Prague’s most exclusive shopping avenue, home to many of the

three weeks in May, is considered the height of the cultural calendar. It

world’s top luxury brands.

draws orchestras from around the world for dozens of mainly classical If you want a souvenir to take home, Bohemian crystal and

concerts, but also jazz, modern music, and vocalists.

cut glass should be your first choice. Many shops, including At the start of June, the Prague Fringe Festival is a weeklong

well-respected Moser, will ship it home for you. Easier-to-carry

celebration of English-friendly theatre, comedy, dance, and well,

items include deep-red garnet jewellery as well as hand-crafted

whatever. The Signal Light Festival, held over a weekend in Autumn,

marionettes and wooden toys. If you have time, take a tour to a

features elaborate digital displays of light and music, projected

glass factory.

onto the city’s historic buildings. Prague has undergone centuries of diverse cultural, social and WORKING UP AN APPETITE?

economic development, which is reflected in its architecture.

Czechs prefer simple food done well. The national dish is roast pork,

Among the most interesting witnesses to this dramatic transformation

served with bread dumplings and sauerkraut. Look out, too, for

are technical monuments commemorating changes in the everyday

Svíčkovánasmetaně: beef sirloin topped with a creamy sauce and

life of our ancestors in comparison with the present day.

served with dumplings, a dollop of cranberries, and a slice of lemon (to cut the cream). For drinks, the choice is easy: Czech beer is

Prague is home to a many interesting technical buildings and other

among the best in the world.

structures. This journey back in time will take you to places such as the Prague underground spaces with its vast collector system; the

Most cities regard beer-drinking as a pastime, but here, it’s a

New Town Water Tower; the Nusle bridge; the Pacold kiln; Větrník,

passion. Czechs drink more beer per capita than any country on earth.

a former windmill; the Petřín funicular; the Křižík Fountain; and the exhibitions at the National Technical Museum. And also of interest,

Those in the know say the best beer in Prague (although this point

is the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bubeneč, which helped Prague

can be argued) is poured at Zlý časy in the Nusle district. Its twenty-

become one of the most modern cities in Europe at the beginning of

four taps pour beers from small and medium-sized breweries both

the 20th century.

from the Czech Republic and abroad. Two dozen more reasons to visit! I began by asking how many reasons you need to visit Prague. I’ll end From a cool beer to cooling your shopping fever. This can be

it by saying there are so many; several repeat visits might not even be

achieved in a number of modern shopping malls (Palladium, Nový

enough to see all of them. But if I were you, I’d give it a go.

Air Malta operates up to three flights a week to Prague. Customers can book flights through www.airmalta.com, by calling Air Malta’s Call Centre on +356 2166 2211 in Malta, or from Air Malta sales office at Malta International Airport or from Travel Agents in Malta and Prague.

LOCAL

WORDS PALAZZO FALSON

AN UNASSUMING BOTTOMLESS JAR HIDING AMONG THE WEALTH AND SPLENDOR OF THE ANTIQUE COLLECTIONS IN MDINA’S PALAZZO FALSON HISTORIC HOUSE MUSEUM IS AN UNASSUMING BOTTOMLESS JAR PERCHED INSIDE AN OPENING IN THE WALL ABOVE A COLLECTION OF OLD SPINNING WHEELS IN THE REFECTORY OF THE PALACE. It almost blends into the cream-coloured walls. This object,

the palace from 1927 till his death in 1962. Apart from being a

however, is steeped in Maltese history. Before its days as a museum

lover of all things history and art, Olof was also fond of rural life

object, it was, in fact, a beehive.

in Malta. His wife, Nella, and himself, had a farmhouse in a small village in the north of the island called L-Mġarr. Villa Brunswick

Malta has a long history with honey production. It is thought the

is where the couple had a miniature farm, with a chicken coop,

country’s name was derived from the Ancient Greek word for honey

a donkey named Sallie and a few crops growing. His agricultural

meli, when the island was still referred to as Melite. The sweet treat

pursuits are well documented in his diaries, where Olof also

earned the archipelago quite a reputation and Malta boasts of a

mentions his own beehives which were found at the villa.

healthy honey production to date.

Although it is unlikely that he used the qolla himself, he would have certainly understood its original use when he acquired the object.

The earthenware jar is known in Maltese as il-qolla and would have been found in a similar wall-recess, albeit outside, when it was still being used. Maltese apiaries, called Mġiebaħ (Miġbħa in

While the rich taste of Maltese honey can be enjoyed on its own,

the singular), allowed for a cluster of these pottery jars to be laid

honey is also used in numerous typical desserts. At this time of year,

horizontally inside the walls. The jar is made up of two openings,

you can enjoy the Lenten treat known as Kwareżimal. The biscuit is

the wide bottom would have been covered entirely with a piece

served at this time of year to satisfy locals who avoid animal products

of stone or wood. The narrow opening at the front would have

during the Catholic tradition of Lent. If you stick to the original recipe,

been partially covered, with small holes which allowed the bees to

developed during the period of the Knights of St John in Malta, it has

enter and exit the hive. When the honey was ready to harvest, the

no eggs or dairy products in it. The seasonal treat gets its distinct

beekeeper would open the back and collect the golden syrup. You

flavour from the use of almonds and Maltese honey.

could also add a single extension to the qolla which would increase Today the historic house museum is celebrating Malta’s long

the production of honey, known in Maltese as iż-żieda.

honey-affair with the addition of a pollinator haven on the rooftop. Similar beekeeping methods have been observed across the

Here, you’ll find a small green patch of local plants, including the

Mediterranean and some of the oldest surviving apiaries found

fragrant herbs sagħtar (thyme) and kiln (rosemary) among others,

locally date back to Malta’s Punic period. This method did have its

all purposely chosen for bees to find the ideal spot to feast in the

drawbacks since it was difficult to monitor the bees inside the qolla.

historic city of Mdina.

It eventually fell into disuse during the 20th century when more modern practices were adopted. This makes the qolla an intriguing

It also serves as a little nod to Olof and Nella’s second home of Villa

part of Maltese history.

Brunswick. The project that was developed in collaboration with the local environmental NGO Friends of the Earth Malta who campaign

The collection found in the 800-year-old Palazzo was put together

to raise local bee populations and increase biodiversity across the

over the lifetime of one man, Captain Olof Gollcher who occupied

Maltese islands.

LOCAL

Palazzo Falson would like to acknowledge Dr Noel Buttigieg for his help with this article and Friends of the Earth Malta, Cosmetics Malta Aviation, Vivacity and Good Earth for their help with the pollinator haven. You will find Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum on Villegaignon Street in Mdina. Palazzo Falson is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. (last entry at 4:00p.m.). Children under the age of 6 are not allowed entry into the museum.

LIFESTYLE

WORDS AIR MALTA

W H AT ’ S ON B OA R D IN 2018, AIR MALTA TEAMED UP WITH RETAIL SERVICES PROVIDER VERSILIA SOLUTIONS AND CATERER SKY GOURMET AND REVAMPED THE CATERING SERVICE ONBOARD. A RANGE OF HOT AND FRESH BAKED SWEET AND SAVOURY SNACKS, HOT BEVERAGES, SOFT DRINKS AND ALCOHOL WERE INTRODUCED ONBOARD, GIVING PASSENGERS A BETTER VARIETY, AND A HIGHER QUALITY PRODUCT TO CHOOSE FROM DURING THEIR TRAVELS.

Paulianna Camilleri, from Żurrieq, Malta, has been working as cabin

If you are on a beach-body mission, starving isn’t going to make

crew with Air Malta since 2013. This proud mother of two has been

you lose weight. Fuel yourself with three wholegrains chocolate and

involved in the aviation industry for the past 20 years. We asked her

blueberry porridge, Options Belgian hot chocolate and of course a

to offer us her tips and recommendations for anyone flying with Air

bottle of water. Just for your good conscience sake, it’s only 312kcal,

Malta and wants to indulge in the wide choice offered onboard.

53g carbs, 2g fat, 9g protein and 5g sugar (according to My Fitness Pal app). There you go, you may now eat!

PAULIANNA Every flight is a story of its own. We meet new people with different

Our Coeliac / Vegan customers may opt for the lasagne; made from

walks of life, and we have our usual commuters whom patterns

spinach, tomatoes, zucchini, carrots and a creamy vegan sauce and

and habits we get to learn, they sort of become part of our life. As

a bag of Tyrells crisps.

a cabin crew, we learn to juggle between challenges and demands. We want to ensure a safe flight, abide by regulations, ensure on-time

Youngsters’ favourite meal deal: Ham and cheese brioche, Pringles

performance, and above all meet and exceed customers' expectations.

sour cream and Fuze tea.

I must admit that it was a great change offering our dear

Relax and unwind, when the kids are finally asleep: My personal

customers quality and choice. One can find something to enjoy at

favourite: Whitley Neill handcrafted English gin and tonic and a

any time of day! What I enjoy most about our menu is that most

mouth-watering bag of Bruschetta bites

bakery options onboard are freshly made, daily! Top Executive Chef Neil Darmanin and his team at Sky Gourmet ensure that they

If you are still holding on that beach-body mission, go for a Pukka

offer us quality, using the best ingredients to guarantee customer

lemon, ginger and manuka honey tea and Made Good apple

satisfaction. Here are my personal recommendations and guide to

and cinnamon muesli minis. This will keep your appetite at bay.

help you with your choices onboard!

According to My Fitness App that’s 87kcal, 15g carbs, 3g fat, 1g protein and 6g sugar. They are vegan and gluten free too. Superb!

Breakfast for the famished: Ham & Cheese Brioche (our top-seller!),

Top tip: always be on the lookout, a crew member will make his or

Walker’s shortbread fingers and Options belgian hot chocolate –

her cabin rounds to take bakery and meal orders.

nutritional value: 100% Happiness! It is therefore, time to check some treats and obligatory gifts out! Treat yourself and your travel partner with a Breakfast at Tiffany’s

The Boutique service consists of perfumes; make-up, skin-care

impromptu: Share a bottle of Bocelli prosecco, add some orange

products, accessories and toys at reduced prices. Not only are the

juice for that perfect Mimosa – A selfie is a must!

prices onboard lower than you might find on the high street or at

LIFESTYLE

other retail outlets, we also have monthly offers onboard as a further discount! Ask anyone of my colleagues for this month’s offer onboard! Air Malta introduced the Retro Model Aircraft A320. The perfect gift for aviation lovers, along with cute Captain George; The teddy bear, that is! When it comes to finding the perfect perfume, it ican often be a worry. Whenever I buy perfume as a gift for someone else, I only have one simple term and condition. “If you don’t like it, no worries, I keep it myself!” We do have some really great prices, so stock up for that last-minute gift! A quick guide LADIES • CK Sheer Beauty – light and flowery perfect for work, everyday life and great for young ladies; • Estée Lauder Modern Muse – fresh and floral in a grown–up way; • Boss Orange by Hugo Boss – you can’t go wrong with this one; • YSL Black Opium – a BIG HIT. MEN • Davidoff Cool Water - clean and fresh ideal for young men; • Hugo Boss Blue – ideal for work and everyday life; • Giorgio Armani Code Duo – super big hit – a must-have and my personal favourite. It is commonly said we ladies take a lifetime to get ready! As a cabin crew member we live our lives on stand-by, anxious early morning hours and never-ending night flights. Yet again, we love our job and do our utmost to look our best at any time. A few good products save time and money. The Perricone MD No Make Up foundation offers sun protection and daylong hydration allowing your skin’s natural glow to shine Urban Decay All Nighter Make Up Setting spray gives our make-up serious staying power. It is important to clear off make-up before bedtime and apply a good moisturiser / treatment. The Alpha H Liquid Gold is the perfect firming treatment, ideal for wrinkles, pigmentation and sun damage. Also, it is very important to drink plenty of water especially in – flight and in extreme temperature to ensure a fully hydrated skin. If your friends are always late maybe they need a new watch, we have a few nice ones. Fingers crossed they get the message! ‘Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.’ A quote by Leonardo da Vinci, which I live by. While I am sure the crew will be happy to assist you in your choices, you may find more information in the Sky Bar and Sky shop magazine which is found in the seat pocket in front of you. Sit back, relax and enjoy the flight. Happy shopping and safe travels!

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SPORT S

WORDS DUNCAN BARRY

STEP UP YOUR GAME DUNCAN BARRY INTERVIEWS THE GRID MALTA EVENT ORGANISER MICHAEL NAUDI ON THE INTEREST THAT HAS GROWN TREMENDOUSLY SINCE THE EVENTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INCEPTION, ON THE NUMBER OF TOURISTS SPECIFICALLY FLYING OVER TO MALTA TO PARTICIPATE, AND ON THE NEXT PROJECT FOR MINI GRIDDERS.

ARE YOU SEEING MANY TOURISTS COMING OVER TO SPECIFICALLY

HOW DID THE GRID RACE IN MALTA COME ABOUT? WHAT HAS SPARKED SO MANY PEOPLE TO THROW THEIR HAT IN?

PARTICIPATE IN THE RACE?

The Grid is about encouraging people who do not like running to

Yes, a growing number of foreign participants are taking part.

tackle something that would be different and fun; the growing

The Stars Group also supported the event and brought over 100

popularity of OCR events prompted us to try this new event out in

participants from their offices worldwide: from Japan, Miami,

Malta. The name Grid came from the initial idea of the event taking

Australia, and China, to Bulgaria, Faroe Islands, Britain and Ireland,

place in Valletta which was built on a GRID pattern by the Knights

quite a mix.

of Malta, however, due to course restrictions we decided to change location but maintained the name. Our first event attracted some

TRAINING IN THE RUN-UP TO THE RACE IS INTENSE TO SAY THE

300 participants and the numbers have increased significantly over

LEAST. ANYONE CAN PARTICIPATE, REGARDLESS OF THEIR FITNESS

the years due to the fact that it allows people from every fitness

LEVEL. PARTICIPANTS TRAIN WITH THEIR TEAMS IN VARIOUS

level to take up a challenge and face their fears, either in a group or

LOCATIONS ACROSS THE ISLANDS. CAN YOU TELL ME MORE HOW

individually at their own pace. The last event saw the participation

THE WAVES ARE SPLIT?

of various teams, companies and individuals, the number of

Training is as hard as one makes it and it all depends on the level

participants having hit the 3,000 mark.

you want to compete at; along with our Fitness Partners Reflex

RX TS I N S E RSTP O TE T HERE

Total Fitness, we cater to help all levels to achieve their goals.

THE MALTA POLICE ALSO SET UP A TEAM AND JOINED THE GRID

Waves are split in two: Elite and Open Category, the Elite

RANKS IN OCTOBER. WAS THIS A ONE-OFF IN AID OF THE SIMON

Men and Elite Women are the first two waves while the Open

SCHEMBRI BLUE LIGHT FOUNDATION, OR WILL THE THEY KEEP

Category follows with waves leaving every 15 minutes in groups

THROWING THEIR HAT IN?

of around 100 participants.

This was the first time the Malta Police Force attended the event, and they did so with a great team of 80 participants and we hope

IS THE NEXT RACE GOING TO BE TOUGHER THAN THE OCTOBER ONE?

to see the police and the Armed Forces of Malta take part in future

Next year we will launch two new events in April: The Grid Kids

events once again.

and The Gridlock. The Gridlock will be a super sprint in a CAN PARTICIPANTS DECIDE TO MISS SOME OBSTACLES BUT CAN

500-metre course comprising of 10 obstacles with Friday and Saturday dedicated to qualifying, leading to the final knockout

GET TO PARTICIPATE ANYWAY?

phase on Sunday.

For the elite athletes, all obstacles have to be attempted and a missed obstacle incurs a five-minute penalty; in the case of general

THE OBSTACLES SEEM TO BE GETTING TOUGHER AS MORE OF

waves we encourage all participants to try each obstacle out, but

THESE OBSTACLE RACES ARE ORGANISED. HOW DO YOU ENSURE

they may choose to bypass them if they are not so comfortable

ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ARE IN PLACE WHEN IT COMES TO

tackling such obstacles for whatever reason.

OBSTACLES? AND ARE THERE ANY MORE INNOVATIVE SURPRISE OBSTACLES AWAITING PARTICIPANTS?

WHAT'S NEXT? THE GRID KIDS? ARE YOU GETTING A LOT OF INTEREST?

Obstacles vary from year to year, and we keep innovating in a

The Grid Kids in April, which has also seen Reflex Total Fitness partner

bid to challenge our participants further; we have engineers

up in the event and also handle the training aspect, has been in the

involved who design the obstacles, while health and safety

works for about three years and we finally launched, the interest and

officers inspect the obstacles to determine whether all is good

request has been great with lots of schools and clubs booking or asking

to go. It is of utmost importance for us to see that obstacles

for information. We want to try and help get kids active and take part

are as safe as possible, and we take precautions, even if the

in more physical activities which we feel is a bit lacking these days. We

nature of the event always puts up a good challenge to installers

are looking forward to making the Grid Kids challenging and muddy in

and engineers.

April to create the same feel of The Grid for our mini gridders.

LOCAL

WORDS JO CARUANA

SWEET AS M I S S H ON E Y THE SMASH-HIT MUSICAL MATILDA IS MAKING ITS MALTA DEBUT IN APRIL AT THE HISTORIC MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE CENTRE. UK PERFORMER NADINE BICO, WHO HAS CHOSEN TO MAKE THE ISLAND HER HOME, WILL PLAY THE ROLE OF THE KIND-HEARTED MISS HONEY.

Did you know that Malta is a fantastic destination for enjoying top-

when he relocated to Malta. Although life here is very different from

quality theatre?

that in England, she still works as a professional singer and a voice coach, and she also enjoys posting travel vlogs and videos of her music on YouTube in her spare time.

Matilda the Musical, based on the timeless book by Roald Dahl about a gifted little girl who changes her own destiny with her extraordinary intelligence and the power of telekinesis, has been

“My husband, who at the time was still my boyfriend, moved to

winning awards and selling out shows for a decade. This April, it

Malta to work and asked me if I would consider living here, so I

will finally make its debut in Malta under the artistic direction of

decided to give it a go,” she says when asked about the move

Anthony Bezzina and Kris Spiteri’s musical direction.

from the UK. Leaving a cosmopolitan city like London to settle on a tiny Mediterranean island must have been quite a shock to

Masquerade Malta will be staging the unmissable musical at the

the system but living here does have its perks. “I know this sounds

Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, with a cast of well-

cliché, but I remember I couldn't believe how it was so sunny in

known local artists, among whom are four young local performers

February!” she recalls.

who will share the role of Matilda. Joining them in the role of the much-loved Miss Honey, the teacher whom Matilda saves from

Still, there are stark differences between her former life and the

the clutches of the abusive Miss Trunchbull, is Nadine Bico. Nadine

slower one she lives now. “It was a bit of a culture shock for the

traded gigging and recording music in London for a quieter life

first few months, but also a blessing in disguise. I remember doing

on the Maltese archipelago when she followed the love of her life

too many things back in London, and moving to Malta gave me

I N S E RL T OTCEAXLT H E R E

time to rest,” she says. “It really made me focus on things that are

the preparations for her local debut. “The younger members of

important to me, such as singing and vocal coaching.”

the cast are teaching us a lot. They are keeping us on our toes with rehearsals! It is also a privilege to be working with my fellow

As someone who is used to grey skies and cityscapes, Malta’s

cast members, all of whom are highly talented artists and

warm climate and the proximity to the sea are a treat for

well-known in the local theatre scene. Matilda the Musical is a

Nadine. “Visiting Malta in summer is quite unmissable. It’s just

great family show. I would say the adults would love the show as

the best!” she gushes. “You'll see amazing crystal blue waters

much as the kids!”

almost everywhere you go. I would recommend renting a boat to see Malta’s beautiful beaches, especially the Blue Lagoon in Comino. It's my favourite thing to do in summer. And springtime is just as beautiful as the islands turn green.” As for the towns she recommends visiting, Valletta and the old city of Mdina, both of which are rich in history, are high on her list.

The Matilda the Musical performance will be held t at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta on Friday 17 April at

She also loves the sister island of Gozo, which is greener and quieter

07:30p.m., Saturday 18 April at 07:30p.m., Sunday 19 April at

than the main island, and considers it a must-visit.

02:30p.m. and 07:30p.m., Saturday 25 April at 02:30p.m. and 07:30p.m. and Sunday 26 April at 02:30p.m.

Between her voice students and rehearsals for Matilda the

Ticket prices start from €25 and are available online at www.mcc.

Musical, Nadine’s days are packed. “So far, the rehearsal process

com.mt. For further information, visit www.masquerademalta.com

has been fantastic. It’s very intense but gratifying,” she says of

or call 7979 3737.

M A D E I N M A LTA

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WELCOME TO MALTA

KINNIE

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I N S EPRRTOT PEX RT T YH E R E

WORDS ROBERT SPITERI PARIS

T H E I N C R E A S I N G I M P O RTA N C E A N D S U C C ES S O F P L A C E M A K I N G W H E N D E S I G N I N G R E A L ES TAT E D E V E LO P M E N T S

Experience has shown that earlier capital investment may bring

area and public space they have available. Prospective investors/buyers

outstanding benefits to a real estate development. The attraction of

are attracted by lifestyle developments that take a varied/mixed-use

a new residential project and the measure of the developers success

approach as they appreciate that such projects seek to capitalise on

and indeed potential yield, once offered on the property market, is no

the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential with the aim of creating public spaces that

longer governed solely by the quality of materials and finishes used to

promote their happiness and wellbeing. This is done by creating much

build residential developments. Developers should not make the mistake

needed open spaces: landscaped gardens, water features, squares,

of overlooking the importance of the quality of the surroundings and

courtyards, swimming and sports facilities, parks, gardens, restoration of

amenities offered by their development no matter the scale. Superior

historical attractions and characterful features and waterfront passage

surroundings and amenities make for excellent selling points in what is

ways, to mention a few. Such features make the particular development

becoming an increasingly competitive property market.

a cut above the rest and as a natural result, attract prospective buyers and tenants to such projects over others and this for the simple reason

In recent years many more developers have realised that investing earlier

that they offer pleasurable and unique features on an otherwise densely

in key and innovative features, that give residential developments a

built and populated island.

sense of place and community as seen in every desirable town or village pays off. Developers are giving more importance to creating a symbiotic

Placemaking involves consideration of the physical, environmental

relationship between residential and commercial development integrating

and social characteristics of a site, in order to develop a sustainable

shops, services and community facilities within the coherent design.

vision for any new development. Given what such careful planning has

This formula has proved hugely successful for the major projects.

managed to offer and achieve in terms of desirable surroundings, it

Residents value local shops, leisure facilities and open spaces.

is hardly surprising that such developments, the majority of which

Our

statistics show that investing in placemaking delivers an uplift in sales

have been given special designated area status by the government,

values and indeed potential rental yield where the conditions are right,

have proved to be the most popular amongst investors who have

making such developments more desirable addresses for prospective

been attracted to our shores from all corners of the globe. Such real

buyers including â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;buy- to-letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; investors seeking to maximse returns on their

estate investors who choose to place their money in such mixed-use

investment. It is also evident that prospective tenants are willing to pay

developments have experienced the best capital appreciation and rental

a premium for an address offering amenities and added comforts. The

yields over time and continue to do so.

sooner the additional investment is made, the earlier the uplift in values Many developers are indeed seeing the value of remodelling important

can be achieved.

sites and should view themselves as curators and custodians for future What some developers fail to realise is the fact that when building large

generations by increasing public spaces, offering first class facilities and

urban developments, they are not just selling homes however they are

restoring, embellishing and preserving sites of historical importance,

selling a vision for the future and a lifestyle. Presenting the residential

such as batteries and fortifications of extreme heritage value, found

homes on the market as a privileged destination with a character

to occupy an area within the site of the development. Developers

of its own is crucial to attract the maximum demand and capital

are realising that in doing so they are shaping the atmosphere,

appreciation in the desired time frame, particularly if the aim is to draw

experience and identity of an area offering unique selling points and

more affluent and discerning buyers as well as real estate enthusiasts

a superior product on the market, maximising the potential of their

from further afield.

offering and investment, rather than just erecting ordinary large buildings. It is important for Placemaking to become a strategy adopted

Today more and more developers are taking a multi-faceted, conscientious

with enthusiasm by all developers looking to maximise the value of the

and resourceful approach to the design and planning of the development

property and attractiveness of the sites they develop.

Robert Spiteri Paris Managing Director T: +356 2131 0800 E: rsp@perry.com.mt W: www.perry.com.mt

EVENTS

DOROTHY BEZZINA IS A HOUSEHOLD NAME IN THE MALTESE ISLANDS. IL-BIZZILLA CAUGHT UP WITH THE SINGING ACTRESS TO HEAR ABOUT HER LATEST ROLE IN THE MUSICAL SISTER ACT.

WORDS DAYNA CLARKE

5 M I N U T E S W I T H D O RO T H Y B E Z Z I NA TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOU! I grew up in a musical family together with my six siblings, so music and performing arts were always second nature to us. I started my theatre career taking part in musicals produced by ActReact and Masquerade Theatre Company, and my most recent credits include Maria in The Sound of Music (Mediterranean Conference Centre), Lucy Harris in Jekyll and Hyde (Teatru Manoel), and Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show (MFCC). I am a classically-trained singer studying with Soprano Miriam Cauchi, while I enjoy performing across different genres. I often perform locally in some of the island’s most beautiful venues, including Verdala Palace, St John's Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace, and Teatru Manoel, also accompanied by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. I have also enjoyed several other performing opportunities in Spain, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and the Royal Albert Hall in London, alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. I have recently set up my own performing company, Revamp, dedicated to producing high-quality productions in interesting venues, with the aim of reinterpreting works through a fresher, contemporary outlook. Aside from the performing arts, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Maltese and English, a Postgraduate Diploma in Interpreting and a

when Deloris is teaching the choir of nuns how to sing well. The

Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Malta. I

lyrics describe it best: “Raise your heart, raise your soul, raise your

have also completed my Masters in English through the University of

voice!” It’s such an energetic number and gives me great vibes!

Nottingham on a scholarship, and a second Masters in Popular Music within the Department of Maltese at the University of Malta.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT SUCH WORLD-FAMOUS MUSICALS REACH

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO PLAY THE LEADING ROLE IN

In the world of theatre, securing rights for a local production of

AUDIENCES IN GOZO? SISTER ACT?

Sister Act during its revival in London is already quite a big deal,

I am so honoured to be playing Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act.

besides it being a spectacular show for any audience. Adding Gozo

I think it is one of the most challenging roles I’ve had to play so

to its list of global shows is also a great boost for Teatru Astra and

far, especially knowing that I am stepping into such an iconic role

its theatrical community, who have been going from strength to

made famous by Whoopi Goldberg. The musical’s Deloris, however,

strength since their first musical production five years ago. The

is younger, with a lot more drive. She is feisty, strong-willed, and

musical also presents a beautiful blend of Maltese and Gozitan

almost larger than life, but she is definitely not a flat character. Her

musical theatre performers, while diversifying Teatru Astra’s yearly

transformation is apparent as the plot unravels. At the moment, with

calendar of events.

the help of Chris Gatt, our director, I’m working on building my stamina WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THIS SHOW?

to get through all the heavenly notes and crazy dance routines.

I was a huge fan of the film when I was younger, but, for a start, HOW CHALLENGING IS IT TO NAIL THE CHOREOGRAPHY?

people shouldn’t come expecting to hear ‘I Will Follow Him’ or

I would say this is quite a dance-driven show, since it’s full of

‘My Guy’. We’ve got a new, catchy score by Alan Menken, which is

choreographed numbers, and while we’re not doing cat splits or

heavily grounded in disco because the action has been moved from

pirouettes, it does demand great discipline, synchronisation, and

contemporary Reno to 1978 Philadelphia, so this allows the music to go

stamina, since we’re singing at the same time… and in a nun’s

wild with the decade’s styles. The musical is hilarious, with a very funky

costume. Francesco Nicodeme, the show’s choreographer, is simply

vibe, and with big, glitzy numbers – the toast of musical theatre!

wonderful and super patient!

And what’s even better? They’re big, glitzy numbers … with nuns!

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE NUMBERS TO PERFORM?

WHERE CAN WE FIND TICKETS?

My favourite is ‘Raise Your Voice’, towards the end of the first act,

Tickets may be purchased through ticketline.com.mt

I NSERT T EX T H ER E

D E S T I NAT I ON

VALLETTA WATERFRONT: THE HISTORIC DESTINATION WITH THE COLOURED DOORS

THE 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.

CMY

For those in search of a relaxing time with good food and

favourite characters, puppet shows, bouncy castles and more,

entertainment, the Valletta Waterfront’s many restaurants and

every Saturday evening (19.30hrs onwards) and Sunday afternoons

bars present a variety of offerings catering to different tastes,

(12.30hrs onwards).

with dining right at the water’s edge. The establishments’ indoor dining areas are situated inside the tastefully refurbished, historical

www.vallettawaterfront.com

stores, originally constructed by Grand Master Pinto in 1752. Today, ushering in a modern era, the iconic doors have been revived with

Arriving to the Valletta Waterfront destination

an artistic impression of colour, representing the storage of goods

• Valletta circular bus (133) from the main bus terminal.

from days past: blue for fish, green for produce, yellow for wheat

• Valletta Waterfront features on most hop-on hop-off buses’

and red for wine.

routes. You will be dropped off a few metres away. • The Upper Barrakka panoramic lift. It is also possible to combine

An exquisite place at any time of the day - relax with a coffee in

the ticket for the lift with the ferry crossing across the Grand

the morning watching the small boats bobbing along, occasionally

Harbour to or from The Three Cities.

the bigger cruise ships with their bustling activity; a bite to eat

• Electric cabs are available from just outside Valletta.

at lunchtime; or a lovely meal of whatever takes your fancy at

• Taxis to the Valletta Waterfront are available to and from

sundown, with magnificent views of the historic Grand Harbour.

your accommodation. • Parking is also convenient. One may park on the quays at a flat

Browse the shopping outlets for interesting gifts including local

rate, in the Atrium parking located in the middle of the

trinkets – from ceramics, mouth-blown glass, jewellery and more.

promenade, or free of charge on the road itself. • Berthing space for your boat is available at Laguna Marina

Shop and dine at Valletta throughout the month to get the chance to win

on request.

a 7-night Malta to Malta cruise for two persons. For every €20 spent at any

• Parking is also convenient. One may park on the quays or in the

Valletta Waterfront outlet, you will receive a ticket for the competition.

Atrium parking located in the middle of the promenade at a flat rate charge, or free of charge on the road itself.

Meanwhile little guests can enjoy free activities including: face

• Berthing space for your boat is available at Laguna Marina

painting, crafts, games, colouring-ins, meet & greets with all-time

on request.

I NSERT T EX T H ER E

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02 03

LOCAL

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 WE VISIT THREE CENTRAL VILLAGES.

LOCAL

SIX TOP SIGHTS

SAN ANTON GARDENS (H'ATTARD)

MAIN STREET / TRIQ IL-KBIRA (HAL BALZAN)

LIJA BELVEDERE TOWER / TORRI BELVEDERE (HAL LIJA)

Venture through the various walkaways, to discover all the secrets about one of the most renowned botanical gardens on the island. It is home to a number of flora and fauna; you’ll find anything from trees and shrubs, a plethora of flowers, to cats, turtles, chickens, ducks, swans, and peacocks.

Probably the most popular street in Ħal Balzan, featuring a plethora of the traditional balconies found all over the island. It also connects Ħal Balzan to Birkirkara and Ħal Lija. You can also get a glimpse of the parish church.

When visiting Ħal Lija, you simply can’t miss the Lija Belvedere Tower. Built in the 19th century, it was initially built as a folly within Villa Gourigon gardens - the residence of Marquis Depiro. While it was reconstructed when Transfiguration Avenue was being built in 1950, nowadays it still sits in the same spot as a roundabout.

TA’ QALI NATIONAL PARK (LIMITS OF H'ATTARD)

HAL BALZAN PARISH CHURCH (HAL BALZAN)

H'ATTARD PARISH CHURCH (H'ATTARD)

What was once used as an airfield, nowadays serves as the perfect place to enjoy a picnic with your loved ones. Seasonal concerts and festivals are also hosted throughout the year within the extensive grounds.

The Ħal Balzan Parish Church is dedicated to the Annunciation of Our Lady. Take note of its craftsmanship; if you look closely, you’ll see that it’s shaped in the form of a Latin cross.

Built in 1613 and 1624, the Ħ'Attard Parish Church is dedicated to Our Lady of Assumption. It is highly regarded as one of Tommaso Dingli’s finest works in Renaissance architecture.

T O P L O C AT I ON S

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.

ISL A N D H IG H LIG H T S

DRAGONARA CAVE (CORAL LAGOON), L-AHRAX POINT, MALTA One of Malta’s best-kept secrets. Venture off the beaten track to discover one of Malta’s natural wonders, located in the limits of Aħrax and Little Armier Bay.

UPPER BARRAKKA AREA, VALLETTA, MALTA If you’re into architecture, this is the perfect spot to snap some pictures of some of the traditional Maltese balconies, and capture spectacular views of the Grand Harbour. 66

MDINA, MALTA Interested in taking a journey through time? Mdina has it all - a long history, medieval and baroque architecture, and prestigious treasures that are part of our cultural heritage.

NADUR BELVEDERE, NADUR, GOZO One of the best spots in Nadur to experience the sun rising from the east.

XWEJNI SALT PANS, MARSALFORN, GOZO The distinct Xwejni Salt Pans are truly a must-see. Sea-salt production is one of the oldest Gozitan traditions that has been passed down from one generation to another.

TAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; PINU SANCTUARY, GHARB, GOZO An architectural masterpiece that must be seen to believe. Dedicated to Our Lady of Taâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Pinu, the sanctuary is visited by both locals and travellers, who wish to pray or simply admire the art, architecture and magnificent designs.

D E S T I NAT I ON

WORDS DAYNA CLARKE

O F F T H E B E A T E N T R A C K S A N A N TO N G A R D E N S , M A LTA

NOW SPRING HAS FINALLY SPRUNG ACROSS THE ISL ANDS, WHAT BETTER WAY TO WHILE AWAY AN AFTERNOON THAN VISITING ONE OF MALTA’S MOST RENOWNED GARDENS, CATCHING SITE OF BUDS BLOSSOMING IN PATCHWORK FLOWERBEDS, ALL AUGMENTED BY A FRIENDLY HELLO FROM ONE OF THE RESIDENT PEACOCKS. If this sounds like your cup of tea, don’t miss San Anton Gardens.

enter along the pathway flanked by plants, you will pass under an

Nestled in the town of Attard sits this surprising walled oasis, a well-

arch and into the gardens. You will readily appreciate the garden

loved escape in this suburban neighbourhood celebrated by tourists

is a botanical delight with mature trees, old stone urns, fountains,

and locals alike.

ponds and flower beds. It’s a formal affair, with rustic touches and holds a wide variety of plants and flowers, such as sprawling hibiscus and towering Mexican blue palms.

WALK THROUGH HISTORY Although the gardens are a prime destination in their own right, the gardens neatly border San Anton Palace. The impressive palace

On your right as you head around the perimeter you will enter the

was initially built between 1623-1636 as a summer residence for the

oldest part of the grounds, the Eagle Pond (this is located at the

Grand Master of the Order of St John, Antoine de Paule. During

opposite end of the gardens to the palace). It dates back to the

the French occupation (1798-1800) the palace served as a meeting

gardens’ 17th-century inception.

place for the Maltese insurgents who rose up against the French. After 1800, San Anton became the Governor’s residence during the

UNUSUAL INHABITANTS

British rule, and since Malta became a Republic in 1974, the palace

As you continue along the path, two striking trees may catch

has served as the President’s official residence.

you eye for their unusual ethereal appearance, and these are the Moreton Bay Fig trees. As a unique photograph opportunity - they

For over 100 years, the gardens remained hidden from public

are not to be missed! Further, towards the palace, you may stumble

view, eventually opening to the masses in 1882. It doesn’t take

across the Melitenesia sub gardens. This area was designed to

long to notice they are well planned and adorned with walkways,

represent the local landscape, with indigenous and common plants

ornamental ponds, fountains sculptures and an aviary. As you

to Malta tucked into rockeries. Here you can breathe in the heady

I N SDEERSTT ITNAT E X TI ON HERE

D E S T I NAT I ON

aroma of fresh rosemary and thyme and feast your eyes upon the

throughout the year to produce the juicy fruit, with local school

Il-harruba the carob tree, a tree deeply engraved in local culture and

children harvesting the yields. The festival is usually held in January

folklore. Benches dot the landscape, making it an excellent retreat

and celebrates the goods of the gardens with proceeds going to

for bookworms. A little further along sits a topiary maze, a fabulous

charitable causes.

place for children to explore. NOT JUST PLANTS! Head along Europa Avenue. This passageway bears a variety of tree

A further reason many people flock to the gardens for is due to its

and plant species from around the world, some planted by visiting

connections with the cult TV series ‘Game of Thrones’. The beautiful

heads of state such as the Jacaranda trees. Moreover, some of

San Anton Palace and gardens were used multiple times in Season 1

the plants are over three centuries old and are of immense value

for scenes involving the stables and corridors of the Red Keep.

in their own right. You’ll arrive at a pond in the centre of the

Nowadays, the gardens are also home to the Annual Horticultural

gardens, home to several nesting black swans. These aren’t the

Show, and during summer, the spacious central courtyard becomes

only animals you’ll find, the next pond to greet you is home to an

an open-air theatre for drama and musical performances.

abundance of terrapins! ALL THINGS ORANGE Another point of interest in the gardens is the view across the citrus groves. The 600 citrus trees loaded with oranges frequently

The gardens are open daily from 7.00 am till 6.00 pm in June to

give a boost to the Malta Community Chest Foundation as they

September, and from 7.00 am till 5.00 pm in October to May.

culminate in the annual Citrus Festival. Gardeners cultivate the trees

Entrance is free.

LOCAL

WORDS NATALYA VUKOVIĆ

THE NEW WAVE: MALTA’S UP-AND-COMING CREATIVES WHEN ONE THINKS OF ART IN MALTA, VISUALS OF VALLETTA’S ARCHITECTURAL BEAUTY MAY POP IN YOUR MIND, FOLLOWED BY THE ISLAND’S MOST RENOWNED MUSEUMS. YET, THERE IS FAR MORE TO THE ISLAND’S CREATIVE SCENE THAN WHAT FIRST MEETS THE EYE. DISCOVER THE YOUNG MALTESE CREATIVES INTRODUCING A MODERN PERSPECTIVE TO THE ISLAND’S ART SCENE:

DAPHNE BUGEJA

LUKE AZZOPARDI FASHION DESIGNER

ILLUSTRATOR

Luke Azzopardi is fast becoming an icon in the Maltese fashion

Daphne Bugeja is an architect and artist best known for her

scene. The Gozitan fashion designer embraces timeless elegance

two-dimensional freehand illustrations of Maltese buildings. Her

in his creations, inspired by his studies in costume history.

work is intricate, detailed and created utilising a black and white

Following an education obtained at Central Saint Martins in

colour scheme. Daphne completed her architecture degree at

London, Luke chose to return to Malta and launch his brand.

The University of Malta in 2013 and furthered her studies at

The Luke Azzopardi atelier specialises in bespoke clothing and

Politechnico di Milano in Italy. This not only helped expand her

prides itself in being self-sustainable, as well as embracing both

knowledge, but also fuelled her passion for drawing, driving her

concepts, fashion and beauty. Luke’s designs provide a fresh take on

to develop an important niche in architecture. Her freehand

couture; merging innovation, edgy silhouettes and tasteful attire,

illustrative explorations of architecture, coupled with the urban

while respecting the environment’s need for sustainable fashion

cityscapes she examined, led to the birth of ‘inka’, where Maltese

through the use of high-quality fabrics and avoidance of synthetic

heritage comes to life in the form of minimalist drawings. Not

fibres and plastic packaging. Luke Azzopardi’s clothing embodies

only are Daphne’s creations ever so mesmerising, but they also

luxury, and is certainly the first of its kind on our islands.

make ideal souvenirs!

Discover Luke’s work on lukeazzopardi.com

Discover Daphne’s work on instagram.com/inka.workshop/

I N S E RL T OTCEAXLT H E R E

LOCAL

JEANDOR FARRUGIA

MARIECLAIRE PORTELLI PHOTOGRAPHER

STYLIST

MarieClaire creates what is arguably the most innovative

Wardrobe styling is often complex and requires an eye for detail,

photographic work the Maltese fashion industry has ever seen. The

yet Jeandor makes it seem incredibly effortless! Jeandor always

young photographer takes a minimal approach to her creations, utilising

aspired to work in fashion but struggled to determine his

neutral yet visually appealing backdrops that help each subject stand

exact path or where to start. His entry into the world of

out beautifully. After graduating from her photography studies at

wardrobe styling began once he took part in a local styling

MCAST, MarieClaire went on to expand her skill set by working in roles

competition and obtained the winning title. This grand

that nourished her creativity while sharing some of her work through

achievement opened many windows of opportunity and

her personal Instagram page, which went on to garner just short of 22k

introduced Jeandor to locals involved in the industry, which

followers! In the summer of 2019, she embarked on a freelance journey

resulted in photographers contacting him to style magazine

under her brand name, CoolKid, and has since worked for some of Malta’s

editorials with them. His fashion choices are always eccentric,

leading publications and fashion ateliers. MarieClaire often handles her

unpredictable, and bound to attract one’s attention. It’s

photography projects from concept to completion; choosing the

always quite simple to distinguish his work on any local fashion

locations, setting up all props, and sometimes even taking full control

project - if it’s fun to look at, you’re probably eyeing Jeandor’s

of the styling and makeup looks in her shoots. She is perhaps best

work of art! When not styling, Jeandor can be found frequenting

known for her signature ‘blurred’ photographs, which always make for

shows at Paris Fashion Week or working on his impeccable social

the most intriguing shots you’re bound to set your eyes on!

media pages.

Discover MarieClaire’s work on instagram.com/the_cool_kid_club/

Discover Jeandor’s work on www.jeandor.com

I NSERT T EX T H ER E

Live the trend. Dance the Salsa. #TeamSalsa

All pictures shown are for illustration purpose only. Actual products may vary.

T E C H NO L O G Y

OUR TAKE ON WIRELESS HEADPHONES.

WORDS GADGETS

ARE YO U ALL E ARS? WE HAVE COME A REALLY LONG WAY SINCE THE INVENTION OF THE HEADPHONES, WHICH ORIGINATED FROM THE TELEPHONE RECEIVER EARPIECE. USED ONLY BY ARMED FORCES UNTIL 1937, WHEN THEY STARTED DISTRIBUTION FOR PERSONAL USE, THEY EXPLODED IN THE MARKET 40 YEARS LATER WHEN SONY LAUNCHED WALKMAN IN 1979. Fast forward to present times, wireless headphones became the

01.

latest trend, especially since Apple launched the AirPods. The desire of owning the perfect pair has skyrocketed globally, so to help you navigate through the best ones available we picked 5 different models and we rated them according to design, features, connectivity, sound quality and price. Here we go:

03. 02.

01. AIRPODS PRO Perfect choice for iPhone users looking for sound quality mixed with convenience. DESIGN: Apple iconic minimal design, available only in white. | MAIN FEATURES: Active noise cancelling (transparency mode function), Water and sweat resistant | BATTERY LIFE: 4 hours 30mins | SOUND QUALITY: 7.4 | AVG PRICE: €280 02. BOSE SOUNDSPORT FREE WIRELESS HEADPHONES For both the sporty types and the sound purists: your search is ended!

04.

DESIGN: Modern, with a tech feel. Available in black, orange/navy, midnight blue/lime, ultraviolet. | MAIN FEATURES: Waterproof,

05.

Connect app inclusive of Find My Bud feature, Noise Isolation | BATTERY LIFE: 6.0 hours | SOUND QUALITY: 8.0 | AVG PRICE: €199 03. URBANISTA BERLIN (SIMPLICITY) Decent sound without the hefty price tag. DESIGN: Sleek and understated. Available in white (Fluffy Cloud), black (Dark Clown), Rose Gold, teal (Blue Petroleum) and multicoloured (Lucky Rainbow) | MAIN FEATURES: Bluetooth: 4.0,

OUR CONCLUSION

Hands-free with microphone and volume control | BATTERY LIFE: 4h |

There are two models that stand out for the amazing sound quality

SOUND QUALITY: 5.1 | AVG PRICE: €40

and share the first place: Apple Airpods and Bose Soundsport. To be honest, we weren’t all that surprised, but it was good to confirm that

04. XIAOMI MI TRUE WIRELESS BASIC EARBUDS

at least in terms of sound quality, the price tag was somehow justified.

Solid choice that won’t break the bank DESIGN: Classy, compact and lightweight | MAIN FEATURES:

As the name implies, the Bose Soundsport Free are perfect for the

Bluetooth 5.0 Technology, Extra Ear-Tips, Attend or reject calls |

sporty people. The Airpods are a good choice for any type of user,

BATTERY LIFE: 4 hours | SOUND QUALITY: 4.4 | AVG PRICE: €40

and the noise-cancelling feature really does work well.

05. ANKER SOUNDBUDS SLIM

Second place goes to the Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Basic Earbuds: we

Cheap and cheerful, they do the job.

were impressed with the price versus quality of this model. However,

DESIGN: Lightweight design with customizable ear tips and hooks

we wouldn’t recommend them if you have very small ears as they

for a strong and comfortable fit. Available in black and blue | MAIN

wouldn’t fit. Some of us are genuinely afraid to lose one or both

FEATURES: IPX7 Waterproof, High-Fidelity Audio, Intuitive Control,

buds during training. In that case, we suggest earbuds that have

Magnetic Chord, Handsfree | BATTERY LIFE: 5.4 hours | SOUND

the non-ear fall attachment, like the Anker Soundbuds Slim or the

QUALITY: 3.1 | AVG PRICE: €30

Urbanista Berlin, which should put at rest those fears.

NEDXDTRHI N KE IFNOSO ED R TA T ER

A GUIDE TO

FO OD AND DINING

FOOD A ND DRINK

WE BRING YOU THE BEST THAT THE MALTESE KITCHEN HAS TO OFFER WITH RECIPES INSPIRED BY MEDITERRANEAN AND EUROPEAN CUISINE.

YOUR DELICIOUS

MONTHLY RECIPE

Samuel Farrugia

A professional chef with a career spanning over 15 years, and is the founder of "The Maltese Cook." Sam has travelled around the world, working in diverse locations. He has recently moved back to Malta and is working on an exciting new venture. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready to share what he has learnt as well as his take on delicious, wholesome food.

FOOD A ND DRINK

Here in Malta we perceive salads very differently to anywhere else in the world. This dish shows that salads can be exciting to make, especially while keeping true to local flavours. All fresh ingredients were locally sourced. Get creative people!

FARMERS MARKET SALAD INGREDIENTS 4 Shallots 1 Fennel Bulb 1 Orange 100g Pearled Couscous Quarter of a Small Cauliflower 2 Pods of Broad Beans 1 Chayote (Ċentinarja) 100g Cherry Plum Tomatoes (Żenguli) Handful of Baby Rocket Leaves Handful of Fresh Dill Handful of Dates & Prunes 2 Fresh Goat Cheeselets (Ġbejna Friska) 50g Almonds – Toasted Olive Oil for Roasting Extra Virgin Olive Oil to Finish

METHOD Preheat the oven to 200°C. Peel the shallots and cut down the middle lengthwise. Do the same with the fennel but then continue to cut each half into 1-inch thick wedges. Place the shallots and fennel into a mixing bowl with a drizzle of olive oil. Zest an orange and add the zest to the shallots and fennel. Set aside the orange till later. Give them a good toss, arrange on a baking tray and place in the oven for 40 minutes or until cooked through and beginning to caramelize at the edges. Set aside to cool. In the meantime, bring a small pot of water to simmer and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the pearled couscous and cook for 10-15 minutes. Strain and set aside to cool. Break apart the cauliflower into a food processor and pulse till it’s coarsely chopped. Alternatively, chop it on a board using a large kitchen knife, set aside till later. Keeping each ingredient separately, peel the broad beans. Peel and dice the chayote (the seed is also edible). Peel and segment the orange. Slice the cherry plum tomatoes lengthwise and roughly chop the baby rocket leaves, fresh dill, dates and prunes. Once hunger strikes place all the prepared food items into a large mixing bowl with a pinch of salt, black pepper and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Mix well, and place into serving bowls. Finish with fresh goat's cheese and chopped almonds. Enjoy!

FOOD A ND DRINK

A GUIDE TO

DINING ON THE MALTE SE ISL ANDS

TERRONE RESTAURANT

GRANA

1, Wilga Street, Marsaxlokk

Bouverie Street, GĹźira

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: "High quality, freshly cooked food with daily menu" - "Best meal we had in Malta" - "Good food, good service and good view" "Unexpected jewel in Marsaxlokk" - "Amazing place not to be missed." - "Terrone offers art on a plate". We invite you to look us up and read the details yourself or even better: come and try it. Booking recommended. Parking available outside. Short taxi ride from most locations including Sliema /St. Julianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s / Valletta.

Perfectly baked pizza, juicy tender meat and tasty pasta. That's what Grana is all about! Bring the family, gather your friends and join Grana for delicious dishes, specially crafted by experienced chefs. Open for lunch from Monday to Friday between 12:30hrs and 15:00hrs and for dinner, between 18:00hrs and 22:30hrs, Grana is also open during the weekend from 12.30hrs onwards.

+356 2016 5109 www.facebook.com/granamalta

+356 2704 2656 info@terrone.com.mt www.terrone.com.mt /terronemt

FOOD A ND DRINK

THE MEDINA RESTAURANT

TA’ MARIJA RESTAURANT - EST. 1964

Holy Cross Street, Mdina

Constitution Street, Mosta

Lose yourself in all of Mdina’s tranquillity and dine in the romantic surroundings in the vine clustered courtyard. The restaurant is a mixture of ingredients designed to please the most discerning clients. The foundation for our cuisine is solely based upon the sourcing of local produce, evoking the skill and talent of our chefs and to provide our clients with honest food. Open for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday and open for dinner from Monday to Saturday.

Awarded Best Maltese Food Restaurant for 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 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 folklore show featuring six dancers will 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.

+356 2145 0560 info@xaracollection.com www.medinarestaurantmalta.com /themedinarestaurant /medina_restaurant

+356 2143 4444 info@tamarija.com www.tamarija.com

SINGITA MIRACLE BEACH MALTA

LUNA AT PALAZZO PARISIO

Triq Għajn Tuffieħa, Mġarr

29, Victory Square, Naxxar

Nestled in a completely natural surrounding, Singita Miracle Beach philosophy is all about happiness and wellness. Mediterranean pasta, fresh salads, local and exotic fruits, local seasonal vegetables, pizza, evening barbecues and a lot more can be experienced in our sea view terrace. Waiting for the sun setting straight into the sea sipping our fresh fruit cocktails, is now one of Malta’s top experiences.

There are few places on the island that exude elegance like Luna. The restaurant at the 18th century Palazzo Parisio, it is open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner throughout the year serving Italian cuisine with an international flair. In the warmer months – and the sunnier days in winter – guests can slip into the magic of the garden, whilst the colder weather brings people into the cosy heart of this stately home. Experience life the elegant way at any time of day. Luna at Palazzo Parisio is open daily from 9:00am till 6:30pm for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. It is open for dinner from Thursday through to Saturday until 10:30pm

+356 2157 8586 www.singita.it/en/malta/

+356 2141 2461 info@palazzoparisio.com www.palazzoparisio.com

FOOD A ND DRINK

BOTTEGIN PALAZZO XARA

GROTTO TAVERN

St Paul’s Street, Rabat

St Paul’s Square, Rabat

Experience good quality food and drinks in a traditional local band club setting inside the historical 300 year old Palazzo Xara. Hang with the locals by the bar or join in a game of snooker while listening to soft symphonic jazz music. We pride ourselves in using local genuine products and ingredients. Bottegin Palazzo Xara is located within the winding narrow streets of the heart of Rabat.

The Grotto Tavern is the only restaurant in Malta where one can dine in a magnificent natural Cave whilst enjoying a unique dining experience in a candle light setting. We offer a tasting menu serving the finest seasonal produce with developed innovation and expertise to bring forth tantalizing dishes. Grotto Tavern is situated in the heart of Rabat, the suburb village of the old capital Mdina.

+356 2145 4538 / 7945 4538 info@bottegin.com.mt www.bottegin.com.mt

+356 2145 3258 / 7945 3258 info@grottotavern.net www.grottotavern.net

HAMMETT'S GASTRO BAR

TA' KRIS RESTAURANT & MALTESE BISTRO

33/34 Tigne Sea Front, Sliema

80, Fawwara Lane, Sliema

Hammett’s Gastro Bar is a unique, city-inspired, social dining experience, with a menu composed of a colorful arrays of food. Directed by 24-time award winning Chef and restaurateur Chris Hammett, Hammett’s Gastro Bar offers a wildly innovative plates-to-share concept with influences, ingredients and imaginative cooking techniques from all corners of the world. You will never get bored with a seasonal menu changing according to fresh local produce, there is always a new favourite to discover!

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.

+356 2134 1116 www.hammettsgastrobar.com

+356 2133 7367

FOOD A ND DRINK

THE AVENUE

PLANET HOLLYWOOD MALTA

Gort Street, Paceville, St Julian’s

Bay Street Complex, St George's Bay, St Julian's

This award-winning restaurant has been a household name for over 25 years. Its versatile menu, friendly service and wellpitched 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 versatile and portions are generous. The Avenue encompasses four different sections, all with different character and décor: the modern rustic styled room, the elegant ‘Valentino’ section, the time zone area and the more informal and colourful segment. This venue is popular with locals as it’s good value for money. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Includes two hours free parking at the Portomaso car park. Delivery service to the surrounding areas is available.

Planet Hollywood, the world’s one and only dining experience inspired by the glamour of Hollywood, is a one-of-a-kind destination reflecting the feeling of a movie set that fits into the story of Hollywood including several themed areas from famous movies, including productions shot in Malta. There are a number of iconic movie memorabilia and props from blockbuster movies to bring back memories from the big screen to life. Planet Hollywood Malta boasts a timeless menu which highlights the gastro diners’ classic dishes, including a savoury selection of burgers, steaks and other signature dishes and decadent sweets, as well as a dedicated gluten intolerant menu for those suffering from food allergies. We are open Monday to Sunday from 11am till late.

+356 2750 9751 PlanetHollywoodMalta www.planethollywoodmalta.com

+356 2135 1753 / +356 2137 8731 www.theavenuemalta.com

PARANGA

MUŻA RESTAURANT

St George's Bay, St Julian's

Auberge d'Italie, Valletta

Paranga is set on teak decking adjacent to the rippling Mediterranean Sea. The menu offers a superb array of stimulating and diverse Sicilian flavours interpreted from a traditional or contemporary style. Local fishermen deliver fresh fish and shellfish daily, which may be enjoyed with ideally selected and impeccably paired wine, aperitif or digestif.

Securing the best venue in town, MUŻA Restaurant is the envy of the capital. Housed in the stunning surroundings of MUŻA public space within the historic Auberge D’Italie, it is breathtaking on all counts. All the dishes are inspired by a selected choice of artworks that are on display in the galleries. Peep through the windows and get a glimpse of the artworks within the museum. MUŻA…the place to be inspired!

+356 2376 5064 malta.fnb@ihg.com malta.intercontinental.com/gastronomy/paranga

+356 7979 0900 catering@muza.org.mt

A I R M A LTA N E W S A I R M A LTA N E W S

EVENTS & NEWS THE FOLLOWING PAGES WILL GIVE YOU AN INSIGHT ON WHAT’S GOING ON AT AIR MALTA. THE BEHINDTHE-SCENES AND HIGHLIGHTS OF PAST MONTHS AND FORTHCOMING ONES. MALTA’S NATIONAL AIRLINE TELLS IT LIKE IT IS, ENSURING ALL AIR MALTA CUSTOMERS ARE WELL-INFORMED WHILE SOARING HIGH IN THE SKY.

FESTA TIME IN MARCH AT RABAT With warmer Spring days on the horizon,

of Rabat following the band march by the

It guarantees a typical Maltese traditional

Rabat boasts its centuries old artistic street

L’Isle Adam Band Club procession, confetti,

festa with lots of music, cheers and firework

decorations as Malta celebrates one of the

as families maintain an age-old tradition

displays that light up the skies from the 17th

oldest feasts dedicated to St Joseph.

of opening their doors and welcoming all,

till 19th March.

Maltese and tourists alike, to step indoors Spanning from the 1st to the 19th March

and enjoy a drink or two and enjoy a nibble

The feast, one of the first of the year, is for

(with the latter being a Public Holiday), the

or two, all in a boisterous environment.

many closely linked to the taste of żeppoli or sfineġ, traditional sweet or savoury, deep-

historic core of Mdina’s suburb is enriched with colourful processions accompanied by

The feast reaches its climax with

fried dough balls filled with ricotta cheese or

musical bands, which will march through the

a procession that goes around the

anchovies. If that is not inviting enough, a

quaint village streets of Rabat. It's a great

intertwining streets of Rabat, carrying the

few minutes’ walks away you can discover

way to experience marching music and

statue of the patron saint accompanied by

the hidden treasures of the fortified city of

festive hymns by several bands at various

the local brass bands. The procession takes

Mdina with ample dining options.

times throughout the day, particularly on

place on the 19th March at 19:00hrs (N.B.

the 19th of March.

expect jam-packed streets as hundreds of

For those travelling by Public Transport, the

people gather around the Franciscan church

Rabat Interchange near the Domus Romana

Let’s put you into the picture: Imagine

of ‘Santa Marija ta’ Ġesu’, adorned with

is just a few metres away from the heart of

yourself immersed in the narrow streets

works of art and decked in rich red damask).

such festivities.

AIR MALTA’S ONE-STOP SHOP FOR THE PERFECT HOLIDAY AIRMALTAHOLIDAYS.COM

Minister For The Economy, Investment and Small Businesses, Silvio Schembri.

Air Malta is 45 years young this year. Since its very inception to date,

more people prefer the security of a one package which is on a par

it remains a source of great pride for our nation, a true example

with their requirements and expectations.

of remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Over the past five decades, the company has not only created an excellent standard in

By embarking on a digital transformation process across various

the industry, but as our national carrier, has offered a multitude of

sectors, Air Malta is first and foremost facilitating the travel booking

valuable services to the country.

process. This new system will offer a new and straightforward shopping experience to its customers, partnering reputable

Now, however, we need to drive the company onto new, wider

companies within the sector which will ultimately offer a more

horizons, which are essential for its long-term growth and wellbeing.

personalised, enhanced experience, offering packages which

Nonetheless, for far too long, market trends and an evolving

would essentially work out much cheaper than buying flights,

customer appetite have been ignored, waiving what could have

accommodation and related services separately. Through Air Malta

been a very lucrative sector within its market operations.

Holidays, travel agencies, tour operators, transport and other ancillary service providers are offered a white labelling service which

It is therefore high time and with great satisfaction that we can

enables them to operate the process themselves without having to

unveil the new link in Air Malta’s chain of services; a link which will

invest in creating the technology and infrastructure, making the

further establish Air Malta’s credentials as the go-to airline for locals

whole process much easier, not only for the end-consumer but also

and foreigners alike. Taking into account that every year Air Malta

for the providers themselves.

flies over 2 million customers, the launch of Air Malta Holidays is the next natural step for the company.

Air Malta Holidays is simply the first step in the evolution of Air Malta, a clear signal that we are ready to pave the way forward

Air Malta Holidays is the brand-new platform which offers a one-

for projects that will enhance, increase and sustain the efficiency

stop shop combining Air Malta flights, the best hotels in Malta and

and long-standing reputation of the company. We aim to continue

airport transfers, with more options to be added in the near future.

facilitating travel through investments in IT and improvements in

In other words, value for money packages with the backing of a

our customer experience, utilising the latest technology available

reputable name like Air Malta’s at its core.

to better reflect and address the requirements of our customers and substantially reduce unnecessary bureaucratic systems, in

With the advent of e-commerce, customers have come to expect

everyone’s best interest; the company itself, its hard-working staff

a seamless hassle-free digital experience throughout all of their

and most importantly, you, the end consumer.

transactions. For travel customers, researching travel arrangements can be complicated, time consuming and a nightmare to sift

Therefore, with all this in mind, we welcome you to Air Malta’s new

through a multitude of service providers and therefore, more and

venture; with Air Malta Holidays your perfect holiday starts here!

A I R M A LTA N E W S

AIR MALTA HOLIDAYS LAUNCHED TO LOCAL TRAVEL AGENTS

Air Malta Holidays, the new inbound

package holiday market as well as means for

“Travel customers have come to expect a

package holiday arm of Air Malta, was

clients to have better hold in personalising

seamless digital experience common in other

launched to local travel agents. Air Malta

their visits whilst lessening procedures that

industries. Researching travel arrangements can

Holidays offers a one-stop-shop combining

for some may seem stressful when planning

be complicated, time consuming and owned

Air Malta flights, the best hotels in Malta

a holiday,” said Minister Schembri. He

by different players. By embarking on a digital

and abroad, and airport transfers with more

added that this initiative reflects Air Malta’s

transformation process we have integrated and

options to be added in the near future.

commitment to adopt to new technological

facilitated the travel booking process. This new

Local travel agents can now start selling

methods which cater well for new trends in

system will offer a new easy-to-use shopping

these value for money packages to their

the touristic market. “This is just one of a

experience to local travel agents with which they

customers through the travel agents portal

series of several initiatives to be announced

can extend their portfolio of services offered

on www.airmaltaholidays.com.

by Air Malta to generate new streams of

to their clients,” added Clifford Chetcuti, Air

revenue. This new system will serve as a

Malta’s Chief Executive.

Air Malta Holidays was introduced to

one-stop-shop for travel agents and visitors

local travel agents during an event in

which will seek to cater everyone’s needs

Paul Sies, Air Malta’s Chief Commercial

the presence of the Hon. Silvio Schembri,

throughout their stay in the Maltese Islands,”

Officer, explained that the site will offer

Minister for The Economy, Investment and

said Minister Schembri.

packages at great value for money, cheaper than buying flights and accommodation

Small Businesses, responsible for Air Malta. During the event local agents had the

Air Malta’s Chairman Dr Charles Mangion,

separately. Starting to sell is very easy and

opportunity to review and discuss the new

added: “We are determined to continue

all transactions can be done on-line. “Air

system with the airline’s Sales team and

facilitating travel through investments in

Malta Holidays was introduced as incoming

other company officials.

IT and improvements in our customer

package platform in December of last year

experience. Over the last two years we

to support the growing demand of package

Speaking at the event, Minister for Economy,

have invested heavily in technological

holidays, events and conferences in Malta.

Investment and Small Businesses, Silvio

improvements in various areas of the

Now we are expanding the system and

Schembri, said that the launch of Air Malta

organisation to enhance operational

partnering with travel agents so that they can

Holidays is the next natural step forward

efficiencies, commercial reporting and

offer flights, hotels and facilities through Air

when one takes into account that every year

human resources information. Through

Malta Holidays for incoming customers and

Air Malta flies over two million customers the

this new sales and distribution system we

for people who are looking for a great holiday

majority of which are tourist visitors. “After

are partnering with local travel agents and

abroad,” said Mr Sies.

years of absence, this initiative will serve as

give them the opportunity to also sell Air

a springboard for Air Malta to re-enter the

Malta’s package.”

Visit www.airmaltaholidays.com

A I R M A LTA N E W S

Air Malta Chairman Dr Charles Mangion.

Air Malta Chief Commercial Officer Paul Sies.

Travel Agents during the launch of Air Malta Holidays.

A I R M A LTA N E W S

WHERE EVERY PATIENT COUNTS: MAKING THE LIVES OF RARE DISEASE PATIENTS EASIER AND LESS LONELY

Members and volunteers of the National Alliance join forces for Rare Disease Day during a fund raising car wash organised on the 1st February 2020.

Mrs Michelle Muscat President of the National Alliance joins EURORDIS at the European Parliament in Brussels during a meeting for MEPs as part of the Rare Disease Day events.

Rare disease month kicked off with over 60 volunteers getting their

research pilot project which will help detect rare immunological

hands wet by washing cars at The Meeting Place in Marsa with the

conditions in babies and thus assist with treating them earlier rather

aim of raising the much-needed funds for the National Alliance For

than later in their lives. This in turn should give rise to a quicker

Rare Diseases Support - Malta. So began the month-long campaign

and correct referral to specialist services to allow for effective

on rare diseases on this island.

intervention for these infants.

However, for the National Alliance for Rare Disease Support - Malta

The month closed off on the rarest day of all, February the 29th,

it is about much more than raising funds. Consider the frustration

when The Rare Soirée organised by The Marigold Foundation

you may have experienced when seeing one medical practitioner

was held to raise funds for the much-needed services given to

after another, and the relief when finally receiving a diagnosis of a

rare disease patients in Malta including psychosocial help, group

treatable condition. Now just imagine that you visit one doctor after

therapy, couple therapy and play therapy for little members.

another for over a year or so and still remain without a diagnosis.

These services are all offered for free to registered members within

If eventually you do get diagnosed, then you might learn that you

the Alliance.

might be the only one in the country, that little is known about your illness or condition and that you cannot meet other patients like you

Although February has passed, the ‘Where every patient counts’

as nobody knows who they are. And if there are any medicinals to

campaign will continue throughout the year with doctors being

cure you, then they might be ultra expensive and unaffordable.

encouraged to register patients diagnosed with a rare disease on the National Register and to encourage them to seek support and

The ‘Where every patient counts’ initiative is an awareness

fight isolation. From local studies undertaken in recent years, on

campaign designed by The National Alliance and its founder The

average GPs in Malta will theoretically have some 99 rare disease

Marigold Foundation. Its focus is on increasing awareness about rare

patients under their care.

diseases and lessening the instances of non-diagnosis. As part of the campaign a seminar was held for healthcare professionals under

The National Alliance for Rare Diseases Support - Malta is an

the patronage of the President of Malta where key note speaker, Dr

affiliated member of Eurordis and of Rare Diseases International.

Keith Sacco from the United States National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland highlighted the endless research possibilities for

To gain more information or make a donation to the National

rare diseases and the importance of proper diagnosis.

Alliance for Rare Diseases Support, Malta visit: https://rarediseasesmalta.com/ or call (+356) 9991 2373.

President and co-founder of the Alliance Ms Michelle Muscat

Email: info@rarediseaesmalta.com or

revealed the initiative to launch the immunology neonatal screening

The Marigold Foundation on info@ marigold.org.mt

Untitle

A I R M A LTA N E W S

Different cultures same airline

Cairo

starting from *

€69

Rome starting from *

€37

starting from

€35

Amsterdam

Stuttgart *Starting from fares based on half return inc. taxes & charges

starting from *

€45

airmalta.com

A I R M A LTA N E W S

IL-BIZZILLA TALKS TO MARIO GENOVESE RISK MANAGER HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING WITH AIR MALTA AND WHAT ROLES HAVE YOU SERVED? I joined Air Malta ten-and-a-half years ago and have worked mainly in risk management and insurance. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF YOUR JOB? When I joined the airline I had to formulate a procedure to satisfy Air Malta’s policy of Corporate Risk Management. This led to the set-up of a formal Corporate Risk Register. Besides being a challenge in itself, the job entailed the task of instilling a companywide culture change relating to risk management. Another challenging task was that of taking over the administration of all the insurance requirements; both aviation and non-aviation. This encompassed not only the understanding of the various different needs of a wide range of operations, but also taking over the relationship with our brokers both locally and abroad. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? I have many hobbies but limited time on my hands. I am a passionate musician; a guitarist and a singer and can also play the piano. Besides that, I take photography very seriously, sometimes going to pains to edit each photo taken when I am abroad. I can go to dangerous extents to take a good picture with my favourite being that of a grizzly bear which I took from an unsafe distance without realising what I could possibly be in for! My wife and I are avid travellers and travel many times every year. On top of that I enjoy star and planet observation, gardening and swimming while trying to keep my daily early morning jog as much as possible. WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED MALTESE DISH? Nothing beats a typical Maltese ftira topped with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, capers, parsley, aubergines, grated Maltese cheeselets, salt and pepper. The more the ingredients the more irresistible it is. WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME? Shawshank Redemption for its twist and ending and for the way that the protagonist; a nice and educated prisoner structures a way out in the most unexpected manner. What I learned from that movie is that you should always respect your rivals or enemies and never hint that you are waiting for an opportunity to hit. It’s a bit like the story of the Horse of Troy. WHAT KIND OF MUSIC YOU LIKE TO FOLLOW? As a musician I must say that I can listen and appreciate a good 80% of all genres, be it rock, pop, rhythm & blues, country, jazz, classic, samba and of course my favourite, bossanova. WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION AND WHY? Definitely South America – especially Brazil. The locals are amazing with their warm temperament. They live in such a beautiful country and a superb kind of music which can make anyone move to its rhythm. That is why I adore bossanova and samba. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE SPOTS AND TIPS FOR ANYONE VISITING THE MALTESE ISLANDS? The three cities for their rich historical value and diverse people culture. Valletta and Mdina for their wealth of architectural masterpieces and Gozo in winter for its tranquility and humble inhabitants.

FLIGH T I N FO

F L I G H T & CO M PA N Y I N FO R M AT I O N

SURVEY

NEWSLETTER

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.

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

www.airmalta.com/wearelistening

A I R M A LTA F L E E T

AIRBUS 320CEO

AIRBUS 320NEO

QUANTITY: 7 IN FLEET NUMBER OF SEATS: 168/180 ENGINES: CFM56-5B4/P MAXIMUM TAKE OFF WEIGHT: 75.5 / 77 METRIC TONS OVERALL LENGTH: 37.57M WINGSPAN: 34.1M CRUISING SPEED: MACH 0.78 (450KNOTS, 833 KM/HR) RANGE: 5,200 KM, 2,800 NMI, 3,250 SMI

QUANTITY: 3 IN FLEET NUMBER OF SEATS: 180 ENGINES: CFM LEAP-1A MAXIMUM TAKE OFF WEIGHT: 77 METRIC TONS OVERALL LENGTH: 37.57M WINGSPAN: 35.8M CRUISING SPEED: MACH 0.78 (450KNOTS, 833 KM/HR) RANGE: 6,500 KM, 3,500 NMI, 4,025 SMI

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

SMOKING

Alcohol consumed at high altitude can have a stronger effect than usual. Cabin crew are legally empowered to refuse to serve any alcohol to an intoxicated passenger and anyone under the age of 18. In extreme cases, crew may also temporarily confiscate the passenger‘s own drinks so that the passenger does not become a nuisance to the other passengers and crew. Furthermore, Air Malta is bound by international regulations which prohibit the embarkation or the carriage of drunken passengers. However, since 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 departure terminal building until you reach the arrival terminal building. Smoking is allowed in designated areas only. Smoking is not allowed during any phase of the flight and in any area of the aircraft. Should you be aware of a passenger who has smoked in the toilet during the flight, please inform the cabin crew immediately so that they can check for any undetected fires. The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is not allowed on board Air Malta flights. Similarly, the use of naked flames on and around the aircraft is also prohibited.

FLIGH T I N FO

E N H A N C E YO U R T R AV E L E X P E R I E N C E

JOIN OUR BUSINESS CLASS Upgrade to Air Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business 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.

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

FLY IN COMFORT Enhance your comfort with extra legroom during your flight. This option gives you more space to relax in preparation for your trip. Visit www.airmalta.com/information/services-by-air-malta/seat-selection

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

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

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

D E S T I NAT I ON I N F O

D E S T I N AT I O N I N FO R M AT I O N

FINLAND

SWEDEN NORWAY

RUSSIA

Oslo Stockholm

ESTONIA LATVIA

DENMARK

UNITED KINGDOM

REP. OF IRELAND

LITHUANIA

Copenhagen

Hamburg Bremen

HOLLAND London Heathrow

Amsterdam

London Gatwick

Brussels

BELG IU M

Hanover

Moscow

BELARUS Berlin

POLAND

GERMAN Y

Kiev

DÃ¼sseldorff

UKRAINE

LUXEMBOURG

Paris Orly

Prague Frankfurt CZECH REPUBLIC

Paris Charles de Gaulle

SLOVAKIA

Munich

FRANCE

AUSTRIA

Zurich

SWITZERLAND Lyon

Vienna

Milan

PORTUGAL

SPAIN

SERBIA BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA KOSOVO

Otopeni

BULGARIA

Sofia

MONTENEGRO NORTH MACEDONIA

Rome Olbia

GEORGIA

ROMANIA

SLOVENIA CROATIA

ITALY Lisbon

MOLDOVA

Budapest

HUNGARY

ALBANIA

Istanbul

TURKEY

GREECE

Tunis Casablanca

TUNISIA

MOROCCO

Palermo Catania

Larnaca

CYPRUS

MALTA

Tel Aviv

ISRAEL ALGERIA Cairo

LIBYA

EGYPT

AIR MALTA DIRECT FLIGHTS

AIRPORT

WEEKLY FLIGHTS

Amsterdam 5 Berlin 2 Brussels 7 Cairo 2 Casablanca 2 Catania 9 Düsseldorf 2 Frankfurt 5 Kiev 1 London Gatwick 6 London Heathrow 14 Lisbon 2

AIRPORT

WEEKLY FLIGHTS

Lyon 3 Milan (Linate) 7 Moscow 2 Munich 12 Palermo 2 Paris Charles de Gaulle 7 Paris Orly 5 Prague 2 Rome 10 Tel Aviv 3 Tunis 2 Vienna 8 Zurich 7

CODE-SHARED ROUTES ETIHAD AIRWAYS

BRISBANE

Abu Dhabi Brisbane Melbourne Sydney

ALITALIA

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

LUFTHANSA Stockholm (Arlanda) Berlin Bremen Dresden Düsseldorf Frankfurt Hanover 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

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

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 via Rome

AUSTRIAN AIRLINES EMIRATES

Budapest Bucharest (Otopeni) Prague Sofia Warsaw

Larnaca

via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna via Vienna

AIRBALTIC Riga Riga Riga Riga Riga Riga Tallinn Vilnius Vilnius

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

AIR ITALY Olbia

TURKISH AIRLINES Istanbul

via Rome

ELEC T RON IC DEV IC ES

U S E O F P O RTA B L E E L E C T RO N I C D E V I C E S O N B OA R D

TRANSMITTING PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDS)

NON-TRANSMITTING PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDS)

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 such as GSM & Wi-fi are switched off. Devices working on Bluetooth wireless connectivity are allowed. 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.

LAPTOPS AND NOTEBOOKS 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.

ARE THERE TIMES WHEN I CANNOT USE MY ELECTRONIC DEVICES?

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 … your 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

(when instructed by Flight Crew or Cabin Crew)

YES

Taxi-out for Take-Off

YES

During Safety Briefing Demonstration

YES

Take-Off

YES

Cruise

YES

(Cabin Crew PA)

YES

Landing

YES

Taxi to Stand

YES

Extended Ground Delay

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. 96

s d or W d on y Be

Ramla Bay - Photo by Kevin White www.visitgozo.com