EBM Magazine #10 by NEXT Magazine

N o1 0 / A U T U M N 2 0 1 9

BUSINESS & LIFESTYLE

MAGAZINE

1 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

BUSINESS INSURANCE A flexible and customisable package to cover virtually all aspects of your business, including:

Additional Benefits: | Benefit from our best possible rates and terms by taking out a full insurance package. | Business Insurance policy comes with 24/7 Emergency Assistance Services, including immediate electrical, plumbing and broken external window repairs, and locksmith service. | Tailor your company’s health insurance plans to your own requirements, including preventive care and dental cover. | Group Life Insurance may be based on multiple of salary or flat sum, and may include cover for disability and critical illness. | Reduce your admin by having all of your insurance policies in one place. | Benefit from Laferla’s experience and excellent customer service. Valid claims are settled within 7 business days from acceptance.

2 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

Insurance? You need someone Professional | You need someone Reliable | You need someone To Trust | You need LAFERLA

Agents for:

+356 2124 0828 |

E-mail

info@laferla.com.mt |

Visit

www.laferla.com.mt |

Laferla Insurance Agency Ltd.

204A, Vincenti Buildings, Old Bakery Street, Valletta VLT1453. 3 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10 Laferla Insurance Agency Ltd. is enrolled under the Insurance Intermediares Act, 2006, to act as an Insurance Agent for Mapfre Middlesea plc (MMS). MMS is authorised by the Malta Financial Services Authority to carry on both Long Term and General Business under the Insurance Business Act, 1998. Both entities are regulated by the MFSA.

4 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

EDITOR'S LETTER

It has been a great Summer so far and it is not over yet – luckily we are in Malta! We can still suntan our buns and enjoy beautiful swims in the Mediterranean Sea until late October. What more could one wish for! This Autumn issue will tickle your curiosity on all fronts including the addition of an architectural piece. It is a beautiful and historical write-up by the ever so talented, in many aspects, Konrad Buhagiar. Hopefully, your taste buds will be satisfied literally (with our Asian style recipes by Madeleine) as well as metaphorically. While picking and sorting all the ingredients for this issue of EBM Magazine, I tried my best to give you the best visuals possible that best represent the wonderful content - nothing makes one more curious than a compelling image.

EBM Magazine EBM No 10 / AUTUMN 2019

On the photography menu there are a few new faces too; Federico Peltretti, Silver Portugov and David Zammit. It has been a such pleasure working with them – I hope you enjoy their work as much as I do. Travel tips are on a wider range in this issue – you have the option of spending big buck in Côte d'Azur or exploring Peru on a tighter budget. I can assure you that you will equally enjoy the scenery that both places have to offer. We musn’t forget to thank our new Travel contributor Mari Aho; originally from Finland, who is quite the travel junkie. Mari also lived in Malta for a few years before travelling. I am very pleased to announce a couple of new writers joining our team for this issue – Iggy Fenech and Anna Marie Galea. Apart from doing an amazing job reviewing Ambassadör’s biggest and most popular event of the year, Showers, they have proved to be brilliant and diverse with other write-ups, and I couldn’t be happier working with them. I strongly recommend you don’t miss the witty banter in the Showers article. Our cover story - is the cherry on the cake - I am thrilled to have the giant of Malta’s iGaming industry on the cover - Betsson. We are also lucky enough to have the crème de la crème of the company featured on the cover photo! You will find out anything you’d like to know about this brand in the 8 pages dedicated to them and it may also tempt you to want to join the company. Happy reading! Enjoy the rest of the summer under the blue skies and cool of the sea (with a touch of construction base) Muchos love, Julia x

Subscribe to EBM Magazine for free! Enjoy Every issue delivered to your door or workplace. SUBSCRIBE IN 3 EASY STEPS: 1. 2. 3.

visit www.ebmmagazine.com enter your details & hit subscribe enjoy reading all the stories

For sales contact Martin Petterson  sales@ebmmagazine.com For any other enquires  info@ebmmagazine.com

 hello@ebmmagazine.com  @ebmmagazine  @ebmmagazine #ebmmagazine

Julia Boikova Editor

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 5

CONTENTS 10

Betsson Group: The culture at the top

Iggy Fenech meets with Betsson's top 8 to discuss the strategy behind their success

Affiliation 3.0 Find out how Dilanti Media have successfully infiltrated the affiliate industry and kept up with today's trends

Rolex: Submariner Date Luxury brands are synonymous with status and prestige. Locally, no other company quite spells Luxury as Edwards Lowell

Love. Dare. Win. Say hello to iGaming Idol's people to watch: Kristiano Vella

Showers Iggy Fenech & Anna Marie Galea hit the hottest party of the Summer

Take a deep breath & get ready to take in natural, cultural & hedonistic wonders... at the Cote D'Azur.

Un rêve blanc

Photography as Storytelling

Believe the hype: Peru is Magic Explore the wonders of Peru with Mari Aho

Step into Villa Mirano - a modernist work of art set in the beautiful town of Èze.

Up close and personal with Mark Arrigo

Abacá

Bringing the flavours of Asia straight to your home

A playful dialogue between forms, textures & colours

Mouth watering recipes by Madeline Fenwick

Shazam Co-founder Dhiraj Mukherjee has a message for Malta tech start-ups

Rich spectrum of Hedonism

Horse Rescue Anneli Nilsson chats with Korin Farrugia about horse rescue in Malta and the RMJ

F O R E WA R D

EBM was born in April 2013 when then photographer and founder, Martin Pettersson, noticed a gap in the local market for high-end and innovative events, hence the inceptual name of Events by Martin. Soon after the first successful invite-only event on top of The George boutique hotel, Martin joined forces with Pierre Lindh to found EBM’s mother company Ambassadör Events. Together, they have now expanded into corporate events and several other projects including EBM Magazine and B2C and other B2B events. As the EBM brand has grown from strength to strength throughout the past six years, the team has expanded to include a dedicated group of creative and talented individuals to work solely on EBM Magazine and EBM events, ensuring that constant innovative ideas and new projects are delivered. Something different which you may have noticed from the cover - this issue of EBM Magazine has eight cover stars from Betsson Group. No easy feat to coordinate a shoot with so many wonderful models, but we think the magazine team did an amazing job! We held the second edition of EBM Fashion First at Palazzo Parisio earlier this year in May and introduced a foreign designer, David Catalan, to the Maltese fashion elite which was received with much praise and acclaim. Check out our last issue to find out what went on. Continuing our collaboration with the InterContinental Hotel, EBM Sundays at SKYBEACH has proven to be a firm favourite with those looking for the perfect weekend afterparty chill, week after week. July also saw us dance our way through the sixth edition of Showers; you can read all about what went down in this issue. And, if you couldn’t attend (why?!) and are having a serious case of FOMO, make sure to check out the spin-off evening only event on 31st August called Colours by Showers, again at Café del Mar. We’re excited for September to herald in the return of iGaming Idol and kick off our brand-new project, iGaming NEXT which will see around 700 delegates engage with keynote speakers in various tech industries from around the globe, including Shazam and Microsoft on the 10th September. Speaking of Shazam, check out what co-founder Dhiraj Mukherjee had to say about the tech industry and his advice to start-ups in Malta. Our new concept for Halloween on the 26th October is sure to leave guests spooked, entertained and slightly fearful as we unfold the true story of a murder that occurred in one of Malta’s most notorious brothels, the infamous The Splendid hotel in Valletta. We’re really going all out for this one so be sure to mark it in your calendars!

Pierre Lindh

Managing Director, Ambassadör Events

Martin Pettersson

Head of Sales, Ambassadör Events

For bookings contact  martin@ambassador-events.com

Debbie Cooper

Grab a copy of EBM Magazine from the hottest spots on the island GZIRA Dr Juice · The Grassy Hopper The Ladybird · L'Angolo cafe

SLIEMA Café Cuba · Charles Grech Compass Lounge · Dr Juice Freemyme · Giorgio’s Cafeteria Giorgio’s · Hammett's Gastro Pub · Just Burger · Mint New York Best · Palazzo Violetta Freemyme

ST JULIAN'S Crust Bakery · Dr Juice Fat Louie's Hush Restaurant Intercontinental · Pippa Toledo Rocksalt · Tiffany U Bistrot · Vivaldi Hotel Westin Dragonara

TA' XBIEX Beans Café · Genki · Pasta & Co Busy Bee

Head of Brand, EBM

VALLETTA Casa Ellul · Charles Grech Cru Wine Bar Kingsway Valletta

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 7

8 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

9 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

Lena Nordin & Jesper Svensson

10 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

C O V E R S T O RY

BETSSON GROUP THE CULTURE AT THE TOP

With over 1,700 people employed in ten locations across Europe, Betsson Group is a force to be reckoned with. Its strategy for success has always been a simple one: focusing on employees will result in a better experience for customers. Here we visit the global head office located in Ta’ Xbiex to speak to eight of the top people – including CEO Jesper Svensson – to find out just how it all works.

Words by Iggy Fenech | Photography by Federico Peltretti

The year is 1963 and Bill Lindwall and Rolf Lundström are about to found AB Restaurang Rouletter in Sweden with just one single slot machine. The 56 years that follow, would see that tiny company merge and grow, become listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and, with the advent of the Internet, come to hold gaming licences in twelve jurisdictions across the globe.

As Peter Zäll, the Chief Strategy Officer, admits, the company needed a framework that had a clearer and stronger foundation based on Vision, Mission, Ambition and Values. “Our new strategy statement is to be a customer-centric gaming company that delivers sustainable growth through our strategic pillars, which are talented people, quality products and operational excellence.

With growth, however, comes risk. In late 2017 and early 2018, the company experienced a slowdown that saw it change CEOs and make 130 employees redundant – a move that spurred a whole host of rumours about its future and that of the iGaming industry in Malta, Betsson’s home since 2004. Yet, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Group got back on its feet swiftly, and is now experiencing a strong comeback.

So, when it came to creating a specific three-year strategy that the CEO and management teams could decide upon, these were the principles that were focused on. This, I believe, has really resonated well with our Betssonites [Betsson Group employees] and has been a catalyst for improving confidence in the organisation both internally and externally.”

“These past few years have been quite a ride,” says CEO Jesper Svensson, whose past roles at Betsson include those of the Group’s CCO and of Managing Director of betsson.com, the company’s most important brand. “We have improved the company significantly over the past year or so, and that is the result of structural changes in every single part of our organisation and operation.”

This is further confirmed by the current Chief Financial Officer, Kristian Saliba, who is the longest-serving member of the leadership team at the Group. When asked about what he believes has been the key to turning things around, his reply is clear: “Passion! I’ve been with Betsson for eleven years and have seen it go through good times and bad. As I’ve come to realise, it’s the challenging times that truly make you step up and be a leader, both as a person and as a Group.”

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 11

C O V E R S T O RY

It’s of little wonder, therefore, that Jesper tells us he is proud of how he and his team have managed to improve the results – something that began in the second quarter of 2018, when the Group’s report showed positive organic growth in many of its markets. “I’m also incredibly pleased with the results of our internal survey, which show that close to 90% of our employees are happy in their jobs and believe in the management. This is an incredible development.” According to the Chief Human Resources Officer Lena Nordin, what makes Betsson Group a great place to work at is the diversity of its workforce. “The 1,700 Betssonites spread across our ten locations around the world hail from more than 60 different countries, with 35% of them being Maltese. Moreover, our workforce is 75% millennial and 37% female. All this makes it a young, vibrant and balanced environment, which I am sure has been a key part in turning things around.” The turnaround hasn’t just been in terms of Betsson’s financial numbers, either. Since 2017, employee turnover has decreased by more than 10%, and more people who had previously left the company are now applying to return, with some twenty rejoining Betsson over the past eight months alone. “Strong-leadership has to go hand-in-hand with a good work culture,” Lena continues. “We want to be the Employer of Choice within the industry and want people working here to enjoy themselves and to grow with us. That’s why we have set up various initiatives that help them achieve just that, including a leadership programme with the Stockholm School of Economics to help boost their leaders’ credentials, a new internal careers website to help Betssonites find vacancies across the global Betsson network, and two days’ paid leave a year which they can use to volunteer for a cause of their choice. Moreover, we’re also supporting Betssonites with a healthier work-life balance by bringing a whole host of useful services in-house, including concierge, nail technician, and hairdressing, among others.” This, of course, is over and above the expertise and experience gained by employees working at Betsson. As Ronni Hartvig, the Chief Commercial Officer, points out: “One of the greatest opportunities of working with Betsson Group is that, depending on your position, you get to work on different brands across multiple countries. In fact, while we are a fast-paced company, our employees are still able, and encouraged, to contribute ideas and, thus, have an impact on our operations and bottom-line. “It’s no coincidence, in fact, that ‘talented people’ is the first pillar in our Business Strategy,” Ronni continues. “Without the engagement and hard work that our people put in, there would be no business and we are keen to show how much we appreciate their input.” “Happy Betssonites are what makes Betsson succeed,” Jesper agrees, “and having employees hailing from countries, with different backgrounds and beliefs creates a unique vibe that helps us grow stronger… We’re a company that is open and welcoming and, indeed, to me, Betsson is unique precisely because it’s multi-cultural, multimarket and multi-brand.”

12 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

Ronni Hartvig & Apostolos Dousias

C O V E R S T O RY

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 13

C O V E R S T O RY

Corinne Valletta & Kristian Saliba

14 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

C O V E R S T O RY

This concoction of abilities and backgrounds is also what has given rise to many of Betsson’s most popular products, many of which were created and are owned by the company itself. Owning this technology means that Betsson can differentiate the customer experience from that of its competitors and adapt quickly to changing market conditions. “We develop our core business critical capabilities in house, while we use standardised solutions when appropriate,” says Peter Frey, the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Product Officer. “At this point in time, Betsson has approximately twenty different brands, with some of the biggest names being Betsson, Betsafe, NordicBet, StarCasinò and RaceBets. “Some of these offer solely casino-style games, namely slot games, table games and also live casino, while others complement their casino games with a sportsbook. We also have our own gaming studio so we have multiple exclusive casino game titles that are only available on our brands, and we’re now working on re-introducing bingo to some of them, too.” Owning its technologies and having its own platform means Betsson can be more in charge of its destiny than its competitors can. Yet, as Jesper himself admits, there will always be challenges: “While, as a Group, we have moved forward and turned our luck around, there

are still many external challenges we must face. But, of course, that’s not just us, that’s everyone,” Speaking to Corinne Valletta, the General Counsel Betsson Operations, about this, she explains things in more detail: “The growth of the industry came at a price. In a way, one could argue that it keeps the industry on its toes, but it is also true that the gaming industry has become one of the most regulated and is now subjected to different licencing laws depending on countries of operation, as well as horizontal laws in everything from anti-money laundering to consumer protection, through to advertising and data privacy. “I think that, at some point soon, we may need to take a step back and consider whether the increased regulation is continuing to do good at the same rate as it did in the past. Online gaming will always be around because of the ease of its spread over the Internet, so only the right regulatory approaches will make sure that it remains regulated.” That, of course, is not to say that Betsson doesn’t seek to selfregulate and protect its customers. Indeed, sustainable gambling and customer protection are at the core of the company’s values. In many ways, the biggest guarantee of this is that ensuring that customers play responsibly and according to their budget means that they will return. Yet the company feels it has an ethical responsibility, too.

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 15

C O V E R S T O RY

"Online gaming will always be around because of the ease of its spread over the Internet, so only the right regulatory approaches will make sure that it remains regulatedâ&#x20AC;? Corinne Valletta, General Counsel Betsson Operations

16 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

C O V E R S T O RY

Peter Frey & Peter Zäll

“While our various departments have different areas of focus, they are all governed by one common goal: that of delivering the best customer experience in the industry and to be fair to our customers,” says Apostolos Dousias, the Chief Operating Officer. “Our mission as Operations is to align our different teams to work towards this shared goal and ensure that we all pull the rope in the same direction. Achieving this allows the teams to work with their individual focus areas. For example, in sportsbook this is done, in part, by offering competitive odds, ensuring the integrity of the events, and making sure we have a class-leading sportsbook offering. In other teams, such as customer service, our vision is realised by making sure our agents act as champions for our players and take ownership to ensure we deliver on our promises.” The future for Betsson is looking rather brighter, too. In terms of its products, the team has just launched LiveRoulette.com in the UK and created a mobile game frame that allows the company to shape the entire mobile experience of its customers. “Before we launched this feature, mobile casino games were hosted on our gaming provider partners’ platforms and, therefore, the customer used to, technically, leave our platform,” Peter Frey continues. “Now they can do in-game deposits without the need of leaving the game completely and having to restart. “Moreover, we have also made enhancements to our sportsbook, with more markets added in several sports. This has worked wonders: during the Champions League final, we had 458 pre-match betting markets [events that people can bet on] making it one of the largest Champions League offerings in the industry.” Now, Betsson is also setting its sights on even more out-of-Europe markets, something which, as Corinne explains, “makes things more complicated because the approaches there are all so different. The sheer volume of regulations is already a challenge in itself due to the changing attitudes in the different countries, and when you go beyond Europe, the starting points are also different.” Even so, the stellar team and the fact that Betsson owns its technology will help facilitate its global expansion – though it is keeping CEO Jesper up at night! “Well, being the CEO of such a company is definitely a twentyfour-seven role but working with so many incredible people is inspirational. I feel privileged to be here and I look forward to the next chapter for Betsson Group,” he concludes. You and us both, Jesper! You and us both!

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 17

BUSINESS

AF F I LI AT I ON

3.0

18 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

BUSINESS

Affiliation has certainly changed over the last five years, long gone are the days when it was all basement type companies with one or two employees and questionable or even no company structure at all. We have seen the second phase with the introduction of larger more structured corporations and even stock listed entities. Consolidation has come natural as the big listed corporations can simply borrow funds, buy small entities and be at a direct surplus by adding the revenues on the stock market. Recent developments has however seen prices off small entities go up while the stock market has not been as favorable for gaming entities. The simple strategy of purchasing growth is no longer as obvious as is once was and therefore the new type of affiliate companies, like Dilanti Media will have to find new smarter ways of growingâ&#x20AC;Ś..

It all started when we explained to operators how we were building our SEO on automation rather than endless repetition of to say the least boring tasks. While a lot of our competitors, especially the big ones use number of employees as a measurement of success from the verry start we did the opposite. We do measure success in the amount of employees but in having as few as possible rather than the opposite. We have a small team of highly skilled individuals developing a platform that can not just automate SEO but in fact most parts of what is required to run our business. Through the operators our competitors heard of this leading to a reaction from their side but not the one we expectedâ&#x20AC;Ś About 6 month in to starting our business we visited affiliate grand slam in Hong Kong. Word has started to spread about how we automate SEO and our whole business. This time however it was a competitor asking rather than one of our customers and a completely new business area just took form.... The Asia gaming market has always been a bit different to Europe in the sense that the volumes are simply so big that you think of it less form a competitor perspective as there is enough to go around if you can just crack the code. Therefore this became the natural place for us to start being not just an affiliate but a B2B operator. We realised our technology would never come to its full potential just using it ourselves but rather by sharing it and simply being able to invest even more.

The old idea of growing with acquisition did have a limitation that its depending on price the affiliate is willing to sell at and furthermore a positive stock market but furthermore affiliation is so much about the people and their particular way of building the site and technology. The minute you buy a company the clock starts ticking until the lock up period is oven and the main people of the purchased company leave and do their new start up. The new environment we are creating is in the form of joint ventures where all our partners can access the technology to get started and significantly grow their business. Not just in automated SEO but in automated data collection that can be used to improve end user experience and go from not just being traffic driven but drive commercials from quality. We share the cost of technology and share the profits. The affiliates does not have to sell their business and we never have to deal with people leaving. We can also achieve one of our own targets of keeping the company small while not limiting the financial growth. There are certainly huge advantages of large scale operations and large scale revenues if you want to invest in technology and have a strong position in the market but successful affiliates has always been built by entrepreneurs building quality products and that's why we believe that this new business model that can cater for both of these key factors will be the next big trend in the affiliate industry.

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 19

DESIGN

SUBMARINER DATE Photography by David Zammit | Model Michael Naudi

The Oyster Perpetual Submariner is a reference among divers’ watches; it is the watch that unlocked the deep. Launched in 1953, the Submariner was the first divers’ wristwatch waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). This was the second great breakthrough in the technical mastery of waterproofness, following the invention of the Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, in 1926. In watchmaking, the Submariner represented a historic turning point; it set the standard for divers’ watches.

20 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

Edwards Lowell is the official retailer of Rolex watches in Malta.

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 21

OYSTERSTEEL Rolex uses Oystersteel for its steel watch cases. Specially developed by the brand, Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family, alloys most commonly used in hightechnology and in the aerospace and chemical industries, where maximum resistance to corrosion is essential. Oystersteel is extremely resistant, offers an exceptional finish once polished and maintains its beauty even in the harshest environments.

THE OYSTER BRACELET The Oyster bracelet is a perfect alchemy of form and function, aesthetics and technology, designed to be both robust and comfortable. It is equipped with an Oysterlock clasp, which prevents accidental opening, and an ingenious Glidelock, allowing fine adjustments of the bracelet without using any tools - and allowing it to be worn and comfortably over a diving suit.

BLACK DIAL The dial is the distinctive face of a Rolex watch, the feature most responsible for its identity and readability. Characterised by hour markers fashioned from 18 ct gold to prevent tarnishing, every Rolex dial is designed and manufactured in-house, largely by hand to ensure perfection.

22 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

DESIGN

3135 MOVEMENT This model is equipped with calibre 3135, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Like all Rolex Perpetual movements, the 3135 is a certified Swiss chronometer, a designation reserved for highprecision watches that have successfully passed the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) tests. It is fitted with a Parachrom hairspring, offering greater resistance to shocks and to temperature variations. Its architecture, in common with all Oyster watch movements, makes it singularly reliable.

REFERENCE 116610LN

MODEL CASE Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel OYSTER ARCHITECTURE Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown DIAMETER 40 mm MATERIAL Oystersteel

UNIDIRECTIONAL R OTATA B L E B È z e L The Submariner's rotatable bÈzel is a key functionality of the watch. Its engraved 60-minute graduations allow a diver to accurately and safely monitor diving time and decompression stops. Manufactured by Rolex from a hard, corrosion-resistant ceramic, the Cerachrom bÈzel insert is virtually scratchproof. A luminescent capsule on the zero marker ensures legibility, no matter how dark the environment. The bÈzel’s knurled edge is carefully designed to offer excellent grip under water, even with gloves.

BÈzeL Unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated, scratchresistant Cerachrom insert in ceramic, numerals and graduations coated in platinum WINDING CROWN Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system CRYSTAL Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date WATER-RESISTANCE Waterproof to 300 metres / 1,000 feet

MOVEMENT Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding CALIBRE 3135, Manufacture Rolex PRECISION -2/+2 sec/day, after casing FUNCTIONS Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. Instantaneous date with rapid setting. Stop- seconds for precise time setting OSCILLATOR Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring WINDING Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor POWER RESERVE Approximately 48 hours

BRACELET Oyster, flat three-piece links BRACELET MATERIAL Oystersteel CLASP Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system

DIAL Black DETAILS Highly legible Chromalight display with long- lasting blue luminescence

C E R T I F I C AT I O N Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 23

PA S S I O N

24 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

PA S S I O N

Words by Anna Marie Galea

Considered to be the Oscars of the iGaming world, iGaming Idol is a yearly event rewarding the top talent in the industry. This star-studded event is not only the perfect space to mingle with the crème de la crème of the online gaming world but it also gives people like Kristino Vella the well-earnt opportunity to be recognized for their sterling contributions to this online industry. Beginning eight years ago, the start of Kristino’s journey was an unexpected one: “I studied Psychology at university and never even considered the iGaming industry until a family friend suggested it. I started as a support agent and I would answer questions and queries from customers about fields like poker, casino and sports betting in English and Italian. It was a very young atmosphere. It was while doing this role with two different brands consecutively that I set my heart on progressing to the Payments and Fraud Department and after some time in the Registrations Department, where you spend day, in day out verifying your customers and getting to know them inside out, I was able to reach my goal. Today, I even spend my spare time at the beach reading about new ways to tackle fraudulent behaviour.”

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 25

PA S S I O N

What Kristino enjoys about this particular area is that every single day brings something new to the table; in fact, his eyes light up when he tells me about how every single case is different from the one before it: “Although dealing with customers’ transactions and security might bring banks to mind, it is the investigative part of the job which I have always enjoyed. I derive a great amount of satisfaction from being able to present my findings to the company because I can show my superiors something tangible. You feel a sense of pride in the fact that you are helping the company you love to operate efficiently.” The company Kristino loves is Hero Gaming. A company he credits with not only believing in him enough to allow him to build their fraud department from scratch when he started working with them three years ago, but who have also given him the necessary tools and support throughout his time there for him to flourish and be the prestigious award winner he is today. “Everyone in the industry knows about these awards but I can’t describe how it felt for me to be nominated. I remember getting the automatic email to inform me that someone believed in my work enough to nominate me and feeling an overwhelming sense of happiness. It was extremely rewarding to get that first nomination but when other nominations started coming in, I felt even happier. That said, when iGaming Idol contacted me for the interview which forms part of the adjudicating process, I felt a lot of pressure. All these people had shown their faith in me and I didn’t want to let them down. I’ve always been lucky enough to be inspired by my superiors and I wanted to replicate that feeling with my own team.”

26 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

After the nerve-racking interview with some of the industry’s titans, Kristino learnt that he had been shortlisted with the final three nominees and as a result would be attending the gala night. He recalls the night in great detail: “From the minute that I was nominated till when I actually won, I was offered nothing but unwavering support from my company. They even sponsored my fiancée to attend with me so that she could be part of the big night. When I won, it was just mind-blowing because you feel like your work is being recognized industrywide. I have made so many new friends as a result of this and the best part has been the opportunity to share ideas with others. On top of all that, this year I was nominated to be a judge so I’m going to experience being on the other side of the table too.” Energetic, enthusiastic and engaging in person, Kristino’s parting words make it more than clear why he has left such an impact on the iGaming community: “My personal mantra can be summed up in three words: Love, Dare and Win. You need to love your job in order to be dedicated to it enough to succeed and you also need to make sacrifices and go over and above what is required from you. If you manage to do ten things between 8 and 5, go home and do another five. You not only need to do what is given to you, but you also need to be proactive. It’s only in this way that you can become an expert in the field. If you love your job, keep yourself updated with the latest trends and dare to take things to the next level. Only then can you win.”

Presented by

Recognising top talent in iGaming 11th September 2019 InterContinental Arena Conference Centre

#igamingidol2019

igamingidol.com

EVENTS

SHOWERS Iggy Fenech & Anna Marie Galea hit the hottest party of the summer. Here’s what went down.

Words by Iggy Fenech & Anna Marie Galea | Photography by Silver Portugov

3pm

3.25pm

As we step outside the car, our senses are assaulted: Our skin tingles under the powerful rays of the July sun, our ears get the full blast of the thumping music wafting from Café del Mar below, and our eyes... Our eyes are met by a giant entrance tunnel adorned with colourful balloons and the ‘Showers’ logo. Iggy

Bags casually thrown in a spot in the shade, we are now showcasing our best peacock moves on the dancefloor. The sun may be blazing, but the party is already in full swing as hostesses bring out giant bottle after giant bottle of vodka and champagne. Anna

3.10pm We have all the necessary wristbands and our bags have been dutifully searched. We go down the steps and make our way to the first bar we spot. With a couple of Aperol Spritzes in hand, we search for our friends. Iggy 28 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

3.30pm DJ Bene’s set comes to an end and a whole troupe of sun-kissed hosts and hostesses come out carrying a series of letters: T I F F A N Y is up next! Dancers take the stage in an orgy of feathers, flowing fabrics and gold paint, while some of Malta’s most recognisable faces – Sarah Zerafa, Nena Kay, Shanel de Battista, Peter Carbonaro, Caroline Paris, Jasmin Azzopardi Schellmann and Grazielle Camilleri – get grinding. Iggy

EVENTS

Anna Marie Galea & Iggy Fenech

Shanel De Battista

Nena Kay & Jovana Kokovic

Caroline Paris

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 29

EVENTS

Pierre Lindh, Sarah Zerafa & wedding planners

Martin Pettersson

30 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

EVENTS

4pm Bubbles start emanating from a spot nearby and, as our eyes follow them, we realise that there is a... Wait, is that a mermaid in the pool?! Yes, yes it is. And framed by the beauty of Saint Paul’s Islands, Marfa and Gozo, the whole scene looks like something out of a fairy tale – which, of course, is the whole idea behind this year’s Showers. Conceived by Pierre Lindh and Martin Pettersson, and executed by the Ambassadör Events’ team, giving a boozy summer party the fairy tale treatment was a stroke of genius, after all, this is surely how Disney Princesses and Princes spend their post-Happy Ever After days, right? Anna

5pm We make our way to the makeshift wedding chapel, where two highpriestesses and an assortment of costumes are waiting for people to cement their relationship. We approach tentatively, passing many-ashiny, gyrating body. Should we? To hell with it, we shyly step onto the podium, recite our vows and seal them with a kiss. (Wait, what?! Iggy’s gay and I’m in a relationship? Well, this is awkward.) Anna

5.10pm As we’re having our post-wedding photoshoot taken, Pierre Lindh and Sarah Zerafa decide to tie the knot themselves. ‘This is gonna make the headlines,’ we both think as we cheer on. We’re not wrong, just Google it. Iggy

5.35pm Beckoned by the intriguing stalls near the inside bar, we spy Caroline Paris and Sarah Zerafa getting tattoos. We decide to stop by. I am now the proud owner of hipster-approved temporary tattoo in the shape of a gold circle with an arrow going through it. On the way back to our bags, we see beach balls flying through the air. The party has well and truly started. Anna

6pm As we down another drink hey, it’s sweltering! we make our way backstage, where we find our editor, the awesome and too-cool-for-school Julia Boikova enjoying a well-deserved break complete with pizza. Julia, we come to discover, has been here since 6am working with a whole team of people to set up. From the corner of our eyes, we spot the mermaid, who, miraculously, has just pulled an Ariel and now has two legs complete with feet and toes. We’re introduced to her and she tells us how, while on a trip to Malta from Brazil a few years ago, she basked in the glory of the much-mourned Azure Window and was inspired to become a mermaid. The only thing we’re inspired to do right now is drink some more and dance, so we decide to chase our dreams, too. Anna

7pm There’s been another change in deejay – from Seb Sooka and DJ Jerez to the legendary DJ Ruby. The atmosphere is electric by this point: the drinks are flowing faster than before, the bubble machine is working its magic, and everyone is throwing their best shapes on the dancefloor and in the pool. Iggy

8.20pm The sun is (‘finally!’, according to Iggy) setting and it’s not just the body glitter that’s golden. The view of the sun sinking into the water from Café del Mar has always been breath-taking but today it looks extra special. Many have temporarily paused mid-jig to watch the spectacular sunset. A guy next to us turns to his friend and says, “Man, this is why I love Malta.” Damn right, buddy, and it’s here to stay because they can’t cut it down. Anna No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 31

EVENTS

DJ Ruby

32 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

Peter Carbonaro, Desphina Zahra & Kris Micallef

EVENTS

9pm

11pm

We may always be with a drink in hand, but we’re only ghosts of our former party selves. As we sip on what is probably the 14th glass of prosecco, host Peter Carbonaro, who’s been compering the party since 1PM, takes a bow while Erik Hagleton takes over the music. We slowly make our way to the Pillow Kingdom, where comfy cushions are scattered on the floor of a small marquee and a projector is screening Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. As we get to rest our feet and our heads become one with the pillows, we can’t help but think of how brilliant the mind that conceived this little retreat is. Iggy

Having been revived by a couple of vodka-limes, we’re now back on the dancefloor. We’d like to think that you couldn’t distinguish us from the YADA dancers up on stage, but we’d be lying. DJ Pereaux is now starting his set, and the party’s buzzing more than before. Anna

10pm We’re chilling so hard that we’re about to doze off, when... *BOOM!* *BANG!* *POW!* ‘What’s going on?’ we say simultaneously. Halfasleep, we make our way from under the tent to a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the night sky. Anna disappears. It’s no magic trick though, she’s gone to the bar to get us two more drinks. Iggy

12.15am We finally admit that we are exhausted and drunk, so we call a cab and start air-kissing everyone we know. Walking out, we spot the Showers team getting ready to start dismantling everything. ‘They’re heroes,’ we tell ourselves as we get into the taxi that drops us off at a fast food restaurant. ‘Give us your biggest, baddest burger,’ we tell the person on the other end of the intercom at the drive-through, “we’ll worry about our figures for next year’s Showers tomorrow.” Iggy

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 33

BUSINESS

SHAZAM CO-FOUNDER DHIRAJ MUKHERJEE’S

MESSAGE TO TECHNOLOGY START-UPS IN MALTA Words by Giselle Scicluna

Dhiraj Mukherjee is a well-established name. The co-founder of popular app Shazam, he went on to forge an impressive track record as an experienced digital business executive and entrepreneur, in both corporate and start-up environments. Now a keynote speaker in the upcoming iGaming NEXT event, happening on September 10th, we speak to Dhiraj to help us track his remarkable journey so far…

Shazam is one of the most popular apps in existence; to what does Dhiraj credit its ongoing success? “I think Shazam’s success is because it really addresses a fundamental human need. It is in that moment of experiencing music and its connection and understanding of who is performing, and the discovery of the name of the artist which simply opens up a whole set of musical experiences. Shazam is a really old service that has evolved over time and added new few features. However, at its core, it delivers a little moment of magic and I think that is what has helped it to be so enduring.”

If you have to pinpoint just one single aspect which would ensure a start-up’s success, what would it be? “Our design philosophy at Shazam was elegant simplicity; inspired by Steve Job’s philosophy. I think it’s true that in an increasingly digital world where we have so many products and services, it can be difficult to get one’s head around. I believe that simplicity in the experience and elegance in the interaction is the one aspect which makes a truly distinctive digital product.”

Closer to home, Malta is quickly becoming a major tech hub in the European Union - the first jurisdiction in the world to set up a legal, regulatory framework catering for all blockchain operations including cryptocurrencies, as well as investment in many tech areas such as Esports, A.I., iGaming, and aerospace. What would be your message to the next generation of Maltese tech entrepreneurs?

34 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

“My message is to appreciate the opportunity and environment which is created by collaboration with a regulatory system that encourages innovation - it’s something which is not to be taken for granted and something which a lot of governments and territories try to replicate but doesn’t always work. My message is to focus on the positive impact of technology and the benefits both to individuals, to the country as well as to society and I think that’s the path to success in the future.”

As a world-renowned mentor what would be the single most powerful bit of advice, you’d give to an emerging technology start-up? “The word I use is quality. I advise the companies I invest in to focus on quality; quality people, quality experiences and quality employees, because that to me is determinant to success. If one cuts corners, breaks the rules, one ends up with something that is not enduring. So, yes that would be my message to technology start-ups.”

What would be your personal vision of the future through the eyes of an innovator? “My vision is one where technology allows us to be more human – to work fewer hours, which we now do compare to a hundred years ago, to be more creative which is hard when one is trying to meet one’s daily needs and finally to look out for each other and help those who are less advantaged or less fortunate. At the moment I fear that wealth creation or money is driving some parts of the industry, but I’m also encouraged to see how technology is being used for good, a trend which I see particularly among young people; not focusing just on building big business but looking as well on the impact on the planet and using tech to benefit humankind. So that’s my personal vision; where more people have the opportunity to express themselves as humans and let technology do the heavy lifting, which ultimately lets us stretch our horizons further,” Dhiraj concludes on a very positive note.

BUSINESS

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 35

T R AV E L

BELIEVE THE HYPE:

PERU IS MAGIC In her continuing trek across South America, Mari arrives to Peru and is promptly spellbound by a country whose natural beauty, delicious food and ready spirit of adventure transcends all cliche Words by Mari Aho / Teodor ReljiÄ&#x2021; | Photography by Mari Aho

36 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

T R AV E L

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 37

T R AV E L

It may sound like a cliché, but Peru is alive with a kind of magic. Setting foot in this South American country whose reputation for natural beauty precedes it, any visitor will be immediately struck by the enduring influence of the nation’s indigenous culture . It’s certainly evident in the country’s conscientious and careful approach to the environment, all of which lays the groundwork for an enriching experience for any visitor who, apart from taking in the atmosphere of the place, can find plenty to enjoy. For one, Peru’s beaches are renowned for having the longest waves in the world -- a surfer’s dream! Meanwhile, the Andes are a playground for hikers. But the less physically ambitious travellers will find lots to enjoy too. Like the food. Yes, Michelin star restaurants abound, but that’s not all. From the fancier joints to casual venues and street food, Peru’s natural predilection to crafting dishes with care is evident with every bite. Fun fact: the country’s culinary gift to the world is ceviche: raw fish spiced and cured in citrus juices -- definitely worth trying and telling all your friends about. 38 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

So, all that is to say that photographers and epicures will find plenty to take back home from Peru, whether it’s visual mementos or unforgettable markings on the palate. Let’s go in for a more detailed look now. Peru’s capital city of Lima is great to visit for a variety of reasons, but its most intriguing are is arguably the bohemian district of Barranco. Packed with eye-catching street art and plenty of hipster bars and cafes, it’s the perfect place to just settle down for some ‘pisco sour’: Peru’s trademark cocktail. Head to the more upscale Miraflores in case your wardrobe needs some updating: Peruvian climate is notoriously diverse -- with warm days and freezing nights -- so it’s best to have adaptable clothing at hand. The shopping centres and department stores in the area have the most comprehensive selection of international brands I’ve seen in South America, and the Larcomar -- hanging from a steep cliff in the oceanfront -- is the most beautifully located shopping centre in the world, worth a visit for the view alone.

T R AV E L

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 39

T R AV E L

40 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

The magic only intensifies as you come into Cusco. This mountain town is where pilgrimages to places such as Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain begin. On the city streets you’ll see locals in traditional costumes, and yes, not all are worn simply for the sake of tourists. Also, be careful: if you try to snap a photo of the locals who are walking alpacas, they’ll demand money from you if they catch you. It’s clear that alpacas are a rich resource for the Peruvians -- you can buy alpaca wool clothing and even eat alpaca (you can eat guinea pig, too. Just saying).

parts of it. The excitement was building up when I took a long ride in a minibus, driving centimeters from the cliff’s edge with a direct fall of dizzying heights, on an unpaved road on crumbly mountains prone to landslides, in a country known for the frequency of bus accidents (precisely the kind where they plunge off cliffs to death). Feeling lucky to be alive, I then walked about three hours into the jungle along train tracks with other budget-conscious tourists opting for an alternative to the pricey train ride to Aguas Calientes: a small town situated at the bottom of the valley just next to Machu Picchu mountain.

This means that your clothes shopping doesn’t have to be limited to the flashy Miraflores, since Cusco gives you a perfect excuse to get your hands on some of the vividly coloured, intricately patterned local textiles to wrap yourself up in layers of them come sundown.

The next day, I watched Andean condors soaring the blue skies from the bus window, and I had butterflies in my stomach as we got higher. The first sight of the ancient city made me silently scream in awe. I spent several hours hiking to viewpoints, taking in the sight from all possible angles and petting the wandering llamas. When I would look at photos of Machu Picchu in the past, I always assumed it to be one of the most gorgeous sights on earth. Actually being there did nothing to alter that impression.

But as you make your way through this beautiful and varied country, remember that the altitude sickness can be brutal. During those first days in the city, I felt like my heart was jumping out of my chest at the slightest uphill or quickening of pace. Drink coca tea and get acclimatised for a few days if you want to be able to do any hiking to the surrounding destinations without fainting or vomiting. It’s better to start with Machu Picchu, as it’s actually a bit lower than Cusco. Some prefer to take the train and bus, some hike all the way or

Back to Cusco, next it was time for Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain. Up in those altitudes everything is so fluffy -- the alpacas, dogs, even horses have a teddy bear-like coat. For the benefit of the worst altitudesufferers, the locals sell horseback rides along the incline. There’s a rainbow of colours in their costumes, like there is in the soil No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 41

T R AV E L

at 5,200m. This is about as high as Mount Everest base camp. Even higher mountains surrounding Vinicunca are still snow-capped, but its colourful peak was discovered only recently as the snow melted. Down on Lake Titicaca, the indigenous Uru people build and inhabit floating islands. Everything is made of totora reed: the islands, houses, boats. Today they have also motor boats, solar panels and plenty of tourists visiting, but other than that they still live pretty much like they did centuries ago. Setting foot on these wobbly islands, you’ll notice that they are very firm – no need to fear them coming apart under your feet. Locals will invite you in to tell you all about their way of life, while showing off their hand-crafted wares…which are, of course, for sale. Peru’s climate is versatile. Misty lakes, humid jungles, crisp and dry mountain air, burning hot desert sands. The only desert oasis on the continent, Huacachina, has grown into a small town nestled between the high dunes. The surrounding desert used to be the bottom of the ocean and houses dinosaur and whale fossils. A couple of hours’ drive into the desert meanders a serpentine canyon carved by water, wind and time named Cañón de los Perdidos, the Canyon of the Lost, due to it being accidentally found by people who were lost, and people getting lost trying to find it again. Only recently discovered, it’s soon to be closed to the public for preservation. The place is still enveloped in mystery, beyond the gigantic images of animals and men in the Nazca lines carved in the desert more than 2,000 years ago. Sure, Peru’s ‘gringo trail’ is hardly the road less travelled in this day and age. But that doesn’t mean that its marvel have lost any of their lustre.  @Mari_Ahoy

42 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

44 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

T R AV E L

RICH SPECTRUM OF H EDONISM Take a deep breath and get ready to take in natural, cultural, culinary and hedonistic wonders… at the Côte d'Azur Situated right between the Southern Alps and the Mediterranean, the Côte d'Azur can truly be said to be located at the heart of Europe. Such a strong geographical confluence means it’s no surprise that it has proven to be a consistent source of inspiration for a number of great artists from various genres and disciplines. From painters like Monet, Renoir, Picasso, Chagall, Matisse and Dufy to filmmakers like Hitchcock (To Catch a Thief), Luc Besson (The Big Blue; Taxi), Martin Campbell (James Bond: GoldenEye), Irvin Kershner (Never Say Never Again) and even more recent auteurs on the scene like Jacques Audiard (Rust and Bone). It is a region draped in the most gorgeous and multi-hued scenery, painted in blues, greens and every shade of nude that you can imagine, and that you’ll get to take in as you embark on beautiful drives, hikes and boat trips. Picasso had found himself at his happiest and most productive point while at Château Grimaldi in Antibes in 1946, which has since become his museum. He also spent quite a bit of time in Cannes, where he had created many of his major works dedicated to Ménines. Going slightly further back in art history, we discover that Claude Monet was introduced to French Riviera by Renoir; both fellow impressionists marked by the landscape of the French Riviera. Though born in Belarus, Mark

46 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

Chagall (1887-1985) moved to the French Riviera while his family fled to America: something of a survival necessity during wartime, owing to them being Jewish. Chagall’s museum is located on the top of the hill in Nice, with the most gorgeous tiny park and view. Henri Matisse moved to French Riviera at the age of 52, by which time he was already an artistic force to be reckoned with. However, Nice gave a fresh surge to his drawings and colour palette. He also got his own museum in Nice, situated not too far from Chagall’s own, in an elegant 17th century Villa painted red with pale blue blinds. In short, Côte d'Azur is quite a treasure trove for those art lovers on holiday. If your first stop happens to be Cannes, here, with its prestigious location on the Boulevard de la Croisette you will find the most luxurious and captivating Hotel InterContinental Carlton Cannes. Soak up the timeless, sophisticated atmosphere of this iconic hotel, which was featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1955 film ‘To Catch a Thief’. Even if you’re not lodging there, you can still enjoy a refreshing glass of champagne at this prestigious and picturesque venue. Slow walks along the promenade in the evening are a dream, sunsets are stunning and there are plenty of places to sit down and enjoy the magical moment.

T R AV E L

Words by Julia Boikova / Teodor ReljiÄ&#x2021; | Photography by Julia Boikova

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 47

T R AV E L

48 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

T R AV E L

Fifteen minutes’ drive away from the centre of Cannes you will find a gorgeous little Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc (although if we’re being exact, its precise location would be the Cap d'Antibes). Don’t mind the size: the place is world-famous for its food and stunning location. Now an undeniable gem, it was in a markedly more dilapitated state before its founder, Antoine Sella, took it under his wing and turned it around, with the hotel first opening its doors to the public in 1989. The park will present you with huge Aleppo pines; those beauties will keep you in the shade and will let you enjoy the perfect combination of salt and pine flavoured air. Under there, you will find smart tennis courts and an ever-so-charming spa area. The pool is famous for its natural sea water; Antoine had used dynamite to carve it out of the basalt rock in order to ensure the hotel remains a comfortable destination in both winter and summer. Two restaurant areas are on offer: the fancy service and food upstairs and the more relaxed gourmet buffet downstairs, with a deck that will take you to the pier, stretching towards a lovely view and offering some moments of quiet away from the lively crowd that traditionally gathers around the buffet area. No chance visit to French Riviera would be complete without a quick stop at Monte Carlo… at the end of the day, this is what your friends will ask you about. World-famous for different reasons, the place is a must see… but just before we get there – whether it’s by car, train or boat – I strongly recommend to stop by at one gorgeous little town on a hill – Èze. It is captivating, fairy tale-like and wondrous in every respect. Occupying barely 10sq km and populated by almost 2,500 people, this little town had unanimously voted to be part of France in 1860, and had been previously occupied by Romans, Moors and Turks on the top of native occupants who were first mentioned in 2,000BC. The commune is located at approximately 500m above sea level and a little treat awaits hiking and/or philosophy enthusiasts: Le Chemin de Nietzsche or Nietzsche’s Path, stretching from the train station level to the top of the hill.

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 49

T R AV E L

While the towering, influential and contentious German philosopher Frederick Nietzsche lived in the area in the 1880s, the environment had a tonic effect on him. “I slept well, I laughed a lot, and I found a marvelous vigour and patience,” he later recalled. He also found the inspiration for the third part of Thus Spoke Zarathustra, much of which was composed in his head (so the story goes) while hiking the steep trail every day from the seaside to the medieval village. The route, once a goat path, is now marked by the legacy of this titan of 20th century thought. Once you reach the top of the hill, you will be amazed by incredible panoramic view of the coast, but the little town is in itself a thing of wonder. The stone structures and winding cobbled streets are well restored, with high walls and narrow paths that create a bit of a maze. The town is full of small art galleries and posh tourist boutiques and a couple of luxurious hotels, to say nothing of the Jardin botanique d'Èze, established by the mayor of town in the wake of World War II. The garden boasts an impressive collection of cactuses and succulents from the Mediterranean region, Africa, and the Americas. A gorgeous little church just about juts out in secret from the edge of the coast line, conjuring a movie-like dream scene. But… you’ll have to see it for yourself! You will hopefully reach Monaco with your endorphins fully replenished, as that place is up for anything – be it partying, gambling, art or even quiet moments by the sea! Monaco is known for being the most expensive and the wealthiest place on Earth, Vatican City excluded, due to its tax laws. In 2014, it was noted that about 30% of the population was made up of millionaires, all this while it only takes an area of 2sq km and population is estimated at 38,400 based on last census of 2016. If you would like to start your visit with a bit of culture, the Palais Princier de Monaco is a must-see. The palace sits high on the top of Monaco and dates back to the 13th century. But there’s a catch: you can only visit the palace if Prince is not at home. The simplest way to determine this is to look out for the flag: if it’s peering from the tower, that means the prince is in fact at home, so you’ll have to try your luck next time. However, the palace is quite a piece of art in itself and is really worth the visit.

50 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

T R AV E L

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 51

T R AV E L

52 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

T R AV E L

The Casino de Monte-Carlo is one of the most famous casinos in the world, particularly as it was built in the flamboyant Beaux Arts style in 1893. You will find 28 onyx columns and marble atrium that welcome you to the Gaming Rooms. It is an absolute piece of art and different gaming rooms are decorated in a variety of themes: make sure you enjoy the beauty of this place as you try your luck.

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 53

T R AV E L

54 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

T R AV E L

James Bond fans will of course enjoy an additional thrill, since the Casino Royale is the purported setting of the debut 007 novel from Ian Fleming. But while the James Bond films GoldenEye and Never Say Never were in fact filmed on location at Casino Royale, curiously enough this does not apply to the 2006 film of the same name, which sees the MI6 superspy going back to his roots, rebooted with Daniel Craig in the starring role for the first time. That film places the casino in Montenegro, while being filmed in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. While we’re on the subject of cinema, one can’t fail to mention the most romantic (and Hollywood related) garden you’re likely to find in Monaco: Princess Grace Rose Garden. Created as a memorial to starlet Grace Kelly, wife to Prince Rainier III, it can be spotted in To Catch a Thief and other classic films. Boasting 4,000 roses and a statue of Grace Kelly by Kees Verkade, its position within Hollywood iconography is all but assured. Neither should you miss out on the beautiful and elegant Musée Océanographique , located 90m above sea level, having taken 11 years to complete. As it opened in 1910, it can boast the title of one of the oldest aquariums in the world, and is dedicated to marine oceanography and marine artefacts. It is famous for exhibiting scientific items found by Prince Albert as well as Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Dive into the world of 6,000 different kinds of marine life and 100 different pools recreating their natural environment, including reconstructed coral reef. It’s a truly unique experience. Meanwhile, art lovers need to delve into the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco. Made up of two villas – Villa Paloma and Villa Sauber – which are both stuffed with contemporary art and photography, making it an essential stop to get your fill of fresh visual art. Don’t forget to grab yourself a glass of French wine every evening, be charmed by the French accent and enjoy the memories of the afternoon discoveries (even if it was discovering new books on the beach) at the Côte d'Azur!

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 55

UN RÊVE BLANC

INTERIOR

Words by Konrad Buhagiar Location: Villa Mirano. Èze Project: Interiors and landscaping by Laurent Dormont & Claude Depasquale

56 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

INTERIOR

When I was growing up in immediate post-colonial Malta, the world was divided into well-defined socio-cultural political categories that boxed us in unambiguously. We inhabited the West or the East, we were either capitalist or socialist, and the way we wore our hair, long or crew cut, was not a style but a symbol of our personal political creeds. We spent our free time swimming and reading spy novels. We never dared to cross boundaries. If you crossed from East to West you were shot, if you turned from straight to gay you were thrown into prison and next to nobody ever considered the possibility of changing gender. Then the Berlin Wall came down and everything changed. Boundaries became blurred, liminal spaces all the rage and rules were thrown out only to be reinvented after the event. Modernist Architecture was on its last legs, overtaken by a more ironic, complex and contradictory Postmodern that jumbled up the past and the present and deconstructed all the certainties that Howard Roark, in Ayn Rand’s representative novel ‘The Fountainhead’, was ready to die for. Modernism is not dead, however. Many, unable to fathom the intellectual underpinnings of the New Spirit, were mystified by its straight lines and hard edges, its lack of ornament and its clean, bright spaces. Many more are seduced today by the myths that were created by the Modern Movement, which have survived the relentless ascendency of liberal democracy and the onslaught of postmodernist philosophy itself.

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 57

58 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

INTERIOR

'The End of History’, as Francis Fukayama described the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War in his eponymous best-selling book, can be applied to Architecture as well. Manifestos that were containers of the beliefs of the Brave New World have been reduced to mere styles. ‘Form follows function’, ‘a house as a machine for living in’, ‘less is more’, slogans that stood for a break with the tradition of Beaux Arts in the wake of mass-production and massconsumerism, have become fashionable again. Which is not to say that today’s buildings that follow the tenets of the Modern movement are mere pastiches of a past era. Villa Mirano reinterprets the obsessions of centuries of working with the formal qualities of Architecture. It is located in Èze, on the Côte d’Azure, close to Nice. It is bathed in a millennial light and its universal cubical form, like a beacon of the presence of Man in nature, is embraced by a classical landscape, the sea in front and the rock face behind. The balance of form and scale, of solid and void, light and shade, is ubiquitous. So is the contrast between rational, man-made form and Nature and between the machine aesthetic and the natural landscape. The white walls frame the splendid views of the karst landscape all around, recalling at the same time the tradition of Mediterranean vernacular architecture. The contrast in materiality between the smooth contemporary walls and the rough-hewn ashlar boundaries is softened with natural materials, such as cane and large pottery urns, all engulfed in the luscious endemic species of plants that contribute to the authentic qualities of the site.

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 59

INTERIOR

Beside this natural growing out of the surroundings, the house re-proposes, consciously perhaps, but not slavishly, some of the research of the heroes of the Modern movement: Corb’s maritime machine aesthetic and his mezzanine floor, cutting into two the room height, Mies’ marble-clad walls and fluidity of space and Aalto’s marriage between the interior and the landscape. It is a testimony to the secret survival of the founding myths of Modern Architecture.

60 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 61

62 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

PA S S I O N

PHOTOGRAPHY A S S T O RY T E L L I N G Words by Anna Marie Galea | Photography by Mark Arrigo

While there is a school of thought claiming that good photography, like any good art, is a subjective matter, there are some people who are so gifted that their talent surpasses all debate. One such person is homegrown photographer Mark Arrigo who has been making waves internationally with his haunting images. Taking advantage of his holiday time in Malta, Anna Marie Galea speaks to him about his journey to working with modelling titans such as Cara Delevingne and Kate Moss and the significance of his latest work seen for the first time exclusively on these pages. "I didn't always know that I wanted to be in this line of work," he starts. "In fact, I was studying Philosophy with a mind to becoming an academic." After mulling over his career path, he decided to read for a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts: "I thought I was going to be a Renaissance painter, but well, that wasn't to be either. I took a small credit in film production and really impressed the lecturer who told me that he preferred my work to some of the work of his other students. This led to me going to Pakistan for two months to work on a documentary." Mark credits his Pakistan trip with making him fall in love with travel documentaries, something which he did for three to four years before embarking on his photographic career: "I was seeing the world and soaking up all these different cultures and ways of life and at the same time, I was growing as a person. I was filming a documentary about illegal immigration for educational purposes and learning all these different things. It was an amazing time."

"The name of the shoot is 'Possessed by the Divine' and it's about being infatuated with something or someone and how it takes you over. We shot the photos in my grandmother's house which was particularly poignant for me. My grandmother was obsessed with her house and her garden and I wanted to honour her space and memory. Although she has been dead a long time, I felt emotional about this space which has so much of her in it. One of the models, Georgia, is a professional dancer and she really set the photos on fire. I wanted to create something beautiful but dark because, well, nothing is ever just perfect and beautiful. She was just so engaging." Speaking about what his goal is with each and every photo, Mark states that what is important to him is to create a picture which one will always feel compelled to go back to: "We have become overwhelmed by the wealth of information which is out there, so I suppose it's only natural to want to create something which engages the mind, triggers a response or inspires a memory. My original idea was to photograph a group of gospel singers. When you see gospel singers who are really in the throes of what they are doing, they are possessed by this euphoric experience which takes over their bodies and basically turns them into dancers. I had this idea of entangled bodies. It's remarkable to see the way in which this concept evolved. It's so important to be photographing someone who knows themselves and through dance, you can tell stories using your body as the vehicle. After all, what is photography if not storytelling?â&#x20AC;?

After moving back to London, he began to focus more on photography, although he still oscillates a lot between both it and film: "I think what got me into photographing fashion is the fact that it is a pure expression of art because it doesn't have the boundaries that the art world has. It is such a free, innovative medium of expression. I find it fascinating that clothes can be used as a vehicle." While some people may still be stuck in the old, reductive, way of viewing fashion, Mark has a very positive and refreshing way of looking at the people he is photographing and the way they make garments look through their emotions and how they move their bodies: "Everything is beautiful if you show it in the right way. It's all about telling a story and showing emotion. The industry has grown a lot in the past five years and countless models and influencers have been pushing a new identity for the fashion industry. There's so much more body positivity and gender positivity than there used to be. It's like the world has become passionate about finding beauty in everything again."

Speaking about passion and obsession leads us seamlessly to the springboard of this article: his latest shoot in Malta, a shoot where he collaborated with our very own Julia Boikova who designed and created clothes that had a classical feel and brought an ethereal mood to the whimsical shoot. No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 63

PA S S I O N

64 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

PA S S I O N

66 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

68 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

PA S S I O N

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 69

PA S S I O N

70 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

ART

ABACÁ: A playful dialogue between forms, textures & colours ART BLOGGER EVE COCKS SPEAKS TO WIOLETTA KULEWSKA ABOUT HER LATEST EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS, ABACÁ.

Wioletta Kulewska Born in poland, 1980 Lives & works in Valletta, Malta Wioletta Kulewska is a Polish painter and designer who has lived and worked in Valletta, Malta since 2009. A graduate of Fine Arts from the Opole High School of Arts, the Academy of Fine Arts in Wroclaw, and the London Metropolitan University, Kulewska went on to complete the painting in contemporary practice course at the Slade School of Fine Arts in London, 2017. In 2018 Kulewska was selected for the Slade’s educational residency in contemporary painting. Currently, she is part of the Turps painting correspondence course for the 2018/20 programme. In Spring 2019, she took part in the Turps | PADA art residency in Lisbon, Portugal. www.wiolettakulewska.com

72 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

ART

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 73

ART

Wioletta Kulewska Abacá I, 2019 Oil paint & fabric cut outs on canvas 160 x 140cm

Eve Cocks: ABACÁ was your second solo painting exhibition in Malta. Wioletta Kulewska: ABACÁ presented six new works which I created during a residency in the former industrial city of Barreiro, outside Lisbon, in spring 2019. My first painting exhibition Embedded – a collection of abstract, biomorphic paintings – happened last winter, at Palazzo de La Salle. Conceptually ABACÁ evolved from Embedded as they are both related to ideas of infinity. The ABACÁ paintings are intimately linked to the place of my residency, the Turps | PADA art residency.

EC: The title of the exhibition, ABACÁ, derives from the abacá plant. How do you relate this to your current work? WK: The abacá plant originates from the Philippines, used in industry as a major source of high-quality fibre prior to the introduction of synthetic textiles. A material used in cordage, hatmaking, teabags, carpeting, clothing and furniture, abacá featured prominently in the city of Barreiro, the site of my residency, before it was phased out with the city’s deindustrialisation in the early 1970s.

74 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

Wioletta Kulewska Abacá II, 2019 Oil paint & fabric cut outs on canvas 160 x 140cm

ART

ABACÁ, the title of the exhibition refers to contemporary environmental issues. I used pieces of broken glass found in nature and abacá cloth to create this new body of work. The ABACÁ paintings were created in PADA studio’s, which used to be a textile factory. There is a connection and relationship between human, nature, urbanisation, and industrialisation. Intimate and mystical coloured shapes in my paintings reflect on current environmental issues and our responsibilities to the natural world.

EC: You seem to find your inspiration through an intense engagement with nature and the everyday. WK: Places, people, objects, colours, patterns, light, movement…‘things’ I have seen or experienced have always been my main source of inspiration. I’m also fascinated by the universe, the idea of infinity, and the great questions of human existence – birth, life and death. My observations inform my studies and guide me on a journey that leads to a never ending process of development through simplification and abstraction.

EC: What draws you to abstraction as a visual language of expression? WK: Abstraction gives the viewer a sense of freedom of interpretation. In this way people can search for their own answers. So for me it is not important what the work represents but how the viewer relates to it. The ABACÁ series display gently geometric forms set against a subdued background. The shapes seem to float in an ‘infinite’ space, reminiscent of the Russian Suprematist painters, the art movement founded by Kazimir Malevich, who frequently used “the white” to

represent a state of transcendence. The subdued colour and the curious shapes in my work seem more feminine, as opposed to the more masculine shapes in Malevich’s paintings.

EC: Can you tell us more about your practice. WK: Although mainly painting-focused, I employ a broad range of materials like print reliefs, found objects and paper cut-outs. I often experiment by layering oil paint with different materials on the canvas. The ABACÁ paintings represent a playful dialogue between forms, textures, and colours. The colour palette was inspired from the Barreiro landscape and its surroundings. I did a lot of colour studies before I found the right colour palette. I believe that my design roots bring emphasis to the pleasure of form, shape, and colour in paint. I still love traditional painting techniques, for example painting from observation. I often use this as a starting point in my work.

EC: The ABACÁ paintings were presented at the Malta School of Art, Valletta, hanging on un-stretched cotton canvas. Can you explain the idea of the frame or framing in your work? WK: I wanted my work to feel like it is floating in the air and not be defined or enclosed in a frame. I started looking into the idea of a ‘free’, unframed and un-stretched canvas a couple of years ago. By not stretching the canvas, the painting hangs by its own weight with a certain freedom. It is not confined within a frame that is a more traditional way of presentation.

Wioletta Kulewska Abacá III, 2019

Wioletta Kulewska Abacá IV, 2019

Oil on canvas 160 x 140cm

Oil paint & fabric cut outs on canvas 160 x 140cm

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 75

ART

EC: You often refer to yourself as a traditional and technically schooled painter.

EC: Tell us more about your experience in Turps | PADA art residency.

WK: I studied art and design at the High School of Visual Arts in Opole, as well as at The Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Art and DesignGeppert Academy of Art and Design in Wroclaw, Poland. I spent many years in Polish art schools. Over the years I have learned different painting methods and techniques. The monotony of traditional art education encouraged me to search for new forms of painting. I took part in the Sladeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s educational residency in contemporary painting last year and in spring 2019, I participated in the Turps | PADA art residency in Lisbon, Portugal.

WK: It was an incredible experience on a personal and professional level. I had an opportunity to work in a large studio space, among other painters. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for an artist to grow and develop their practice through similar projects or residencies. The collaborative environment of the studio and the communal aspects of the residencies help foster dialogue and exchange of ideas.

This interview originally featured on evecocks.com in July 2019.

76 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

juliabka.com

FOOD

78 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

FOOD

BRINGING THE FLAVOURS OF ASIA STRAIGHT TO YOUR HOME Words & recipes by Madeleine Fenwick | Photography by Julia Boikova

Ever since I was a child, I was lucky enough to grow up with my mother growing vegetables and fruits in the garden and making all kinds of delicious preserves. Some of my earliest memories are of eating straight from the garden under the hot summer sun while filling baskets to take into the kitchen and transform into various delicacies. The heavenly smell of jam would fill the house as my mother made huge vats of her divine concoctions, helping her fill dozens of jars, to be distributed to friends and neighbours. This process – my mother’s magic in making sauces, jellies and cordials – had such a particular methodology, which I continue to find incredibly inspiring. She steps into the kitchen and knows every stage of her preparation process. Her kitchen skills have always left me in awe: not only does she make incredible cakes and pastries, she also makes the most divine Oriental cuisine. Surprised? Well, don’t be. My parents lived in Hong Kong for ten years, and this is where my mother learnt to cook perfect Cantonese and Chinese food. Among the dishes I grew up savouring and cherishing, you’ll find: Mama’s ‘Whatever’s Around’ Stir Fries, chicken noodle soup, steamed fish in banana leaves, roast belly pork with rice, banana fritters and on special

occasions, dumplings. Whenever I arrive back home after being away from a few long months, this is the taste of home I look forward to. As I grew older, the exotic palette my mother introduced to me led me to discover so many more Eastern cuisines: Thai, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Malaysian, Indian and of course the meticulous perfection of the Japanese culinary tradition. The particular combination of ingredients, the precision in preparation and presentation… this is how I like to show food the respect I believe it warrants. The freshness and the purity of each ingredient, cut just right, added in certain order for the cooking process and to harmonise with the palette. Enjoying the local produce, seasonally and sustainably with the freshest and most delicious ingredients, is essential for good food, in my opinion. Although I love to experiment with food, the challenge lies in eating local ingredients only when they’re in season, and with an eye towards sustainability. I’ve been trained as a chef in the UK before coming to Malta, and culinary variety will always be important for me, whether I’m at home or cooking professionally.

Ever since arriving on the island, I have had the pleasure of enjoying a diet of incredible fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, all brimming with the sun and salt of the Mediterranean Sea. But Asian-style cuisine is what I tend to cook at home, and I actually find that it works perfectly with the local ingredients here. The addition of spices and particular sauces create the umami flavour that I find so invigorating for the body and the mind. Some of my friends tell me they are intimidated by Asian cuisine, that there are too many ingredients they are not familiar with. I honestly find that I have a very simple basic list of ingredients: fresh fresh vegetables, ginger and garlic and proteins, rice of course. Store cupboard basics are light soy sauce, sesame oil, miso paste, mirin, Sake or Shaoxing wine (which can be substituted with dry sherry) and a few baking essentials like spices, honey and molasses. Most dishes are also gluten- and dairy-free, although if you are gluten intolerant, do pay special attention to the ingredient list on your soy sauce, as some brands tend to use gluten. Now, I’m happy to share with you some simple, versatile recipes I often make at home, which take full advantage of lovely fresh Maltese produce.

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 79

FOOD

CRUNCHY SALAD BUNCH OF RADISHES MANGE TOUT/SUGAR SNAP PEAS/BEANS CARROT GINGER DRESSING: 2 TBSP SESAME OIL 2 TBSP MIRIN 1 TSP SOY SAUCE 1 PINCH SUGAR/HONEY

Wash all fresh produce thoroughly and trim tops and tails. Slice the mange tout or sugar snaps at a 45 degree angle into thin strips. Cut the radishes in half from top to tail and slice into thin half rondelles. Peel the carrot and cut into thin batons/ julienne and dice into a fine brunoise. Peel the ginger, you can also use the peeler to shave fine wafers that you can then easily cut into squares/strips. To make the dressing, put the mirin first, then a pinch of sugar, add sesame oil and a dash of soy. I usually use brown cane sugar but whatever you prefer. Mix well to taste. Then toss well. Serve

80 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

FOOD

GRILLED EEL UNAGI & PICKLED CUCUMBER EEL 160G EEL ¼ CUP SOY SAUCE ¼ CUP MIRIN 2 ½ TBSP SUGAR 1 ½ TBSP SAKE PICKLED CUCUMBER 1 CUCUMBER 2 TBSP SALT 2 TBSP MIRIN 1TSP SUGAR 2 TBSPRICE VINEGAR 1TSP SOY SAUCE SESAME OIL SESAME SEEDS

Grilled Eel Unagi I personally love eel, but this sauce will work well with other kinds of fish. In a small saucepan, add the mirin, sake, sugar, on a low heat and whisk. Then add the soy sauce and bring to a boil. Then reduce to low heat and cook for 20 minutes. You will see bubbles towards the end of the cooking time. Let it cool, the sauce should thicken more. You can seal in an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Preheat the oven to 290 degrees, prepare a tray with foil, lightly oil it and place the eel on it. Cook through, and then brush the sauce over it. Continue to cook for another 30-60seconds until the sauce starts bubbling. Serve with rice.

Pickled Cucumber Wash the cucumber, remove the seeds and cut into even half circles about 5mm thick. Then salt and leave to allow the water to come out of the cucumber. Throw away the green water and dry the cucumber. Take an airtight container, add the mirin, rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce, mix well then add the cucumber. Seal and leave in the refrigerator overnight. Serve with a little sesame oil and sesame seeds.

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 81

FOOD

JAPANESE MISO AUBERGINE (NASU DENGAKU) 1 AUBERGINE MISO GLAZE: I TBSP MISO PASTE 2 TSPS HONEY 1 TBSP HOT WATER 1 TBSP MIRIN 2 TBSP SAKE

Wash the aubergine well, cut in half from stalk to bottom. I leave the stalks only trimming the leaves, but you can remove if you wish. Cut the open flesh into a criss cross pattern, diagonally across. Take a large frying pan with a lid and cover with hot water about 1/2cm deep depending on how thick your aubergines are. Place the aubergines face down in the water and cover. Simmer on a medium to low heat, as the water condenses, open the lid and check the aubergine for tenderness and make sure the water doesn’t all evaporate ie that the aubergine’s flesh is protected from the pans surface. This process cooks the aubergine through, but shouldn’t burn it. While this is happening, make the miso glaze, first add hot water to the honey, stir to dissolve, then add the mirin and sake. Then add your miso paste and whisk in til smooth. If you need to add a touch more hot water to help your consistency, that’s fine. You should now have a lovely smooth paste with a runny dropping consistency. Taste and make sure

82 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

it is balanced, if the miso flavour is too strong for you, add a touch more honey, mirin and sake to soften the saltiness. Pre heat your grill to about 220 degrees Celsius. Now your aubergines should be good and tender– about 10-15mins of the wet steaming usually does it. Take a spoon or a brush and smear the paste over the soft flesh of the aubergine, really fill the cross hatches you made earlier so the flavour gets in there. Now pop it under the grill for about 5 minutes, keep a close eye on it at this point as the sugar can burn if you get distracted! It should be beautiful, brown and caramelised. If you want to make more than 2 portions of this, just increase the ratio of the sauce above for each aubergine. This is a really quick vegetarian dish that is delicious at a BBQ or at home after a long day. You can also use this miso marinade for grilled mackerel – leave it to marinate overnight and grill for about 10 mins skin side on the heat.

FOOD

MANGO PUDDING

Make sure you find perfectly sweet and ripe mangoes for this dessert. Take a heavy bottom pan and heat the coconut milk and cream, add the saffron and whisk in corn starch til dissolved. Cook at a low heat for about 10 mins, until boil. After it has risen to the boil, remove, sprinkle the gelatine and allow to spread across the surface for a moment, then stir in, making sure the mixture is smooth. Then add the sugar, vanilla essence and pureed mango. Whisk in well, ensuring a good blend. Cook on a low heat for a further 2 mins, then set aside to cool for at least 10 minutes. Pour into moulds/serving glasses, cover and chill overnight until set.

400ML COCONUT MILK 100ML COCONUT CREAM (OR HEAVY CREAM) ½ TSP SAFFRON 2 TSPS CORN STARCH 20G GELATINE POWDER 2 TSPS VANILLA ESSENCE ½ CUP SUGAR 3 RIPE MANGOES PUREED

No 09 - EBM MAGAZINE - 83

COMMUNITY

"YOU DON'T THROW AWAY A WHOLE LIFE JUST BECAUSE IT’S BANGED UP A LITTLE”. Words by Anneli Nilsson | Photography by Julia Boikova

84 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10

COMMUNITY

The quote comes from the Hollywood movie “Seabiscuit” from 2003, in which a horse was injured and saved from being put down to go on and have an amazing career as a race horse. The movie, which is based on a true story, inspired pre-teen horse-lover Korin Farrugia to do things never done in Malta before.

We are all unique individuals but few of us are truly extraordinary. I've known of Korin since 2009, which is when I first saw her at a horse farm in Maghtab. She was then 17 years old and had just rescued her first horse, RMJ. Today 27 years old, this truly extraordinary young woman has inspired a whole movement in the fields between Burmarrad and Maghtab, where she after years of rescuing horses as a "hobby" finally set up an NGO in 2016. Another young woman; Emma Ciangura, has joined Korin and they run RMJ’s Horse Rescue yard together, currently hosting 35 rescued horses in various states of recovery from neglect, abuse and starvation, with the help of 10 volunteers. The whole idea is to rehabilitate, retrain and rehome. "Malta has so many horses but there is no place for retired or unwanted horses", says Korin. It didn't start there, of course, but with the horses who were found in bad states of abuse, neglect and starvation. Korin would literally buy horses to free them from abusive owners but, nowadays, RMJ's is so well known that people keep knocking on their door with unwanted horses which will simply be put down unless they're taken in. RMJ’s helps horses move on from seemingly impossible situations, to live a good life with the help of the NGO, their volunteers and the many people who have adopted horses from RMJ's, both in Malta and abroad. There is the story of a retired French trotter called “Tom". Korin met this sad-looking, no longer wanted horse, who lost his will to race, and promised him that he would run in a massive green field abroad, and run for the sheer joy of it. Once she had made that promise,

the project "Back to the Green" was formed. Instead of keeping the rescued horses here in Malta, the horses who are fit to travel and can have good lives abroad, are sent to England or Sweden, where they are offered much better circumstances than we can offer here in Malta. "It costs a lot of money but keeping horses here isn't cheap either. Sending a horse abroad costs €1300-2000. We hold fundraising events and we have followers who visit our facebook page to check in on our horses and many go on to contribute something. Without the fundraising, we would have failed long ago", says Korin, who is a full time Chemistry teacher by profession. Horses are creatures known to have calming and healing powers, and are widely used in the rehabilitation of human beings with both psychological and physical problems. RMJ's frequently sees visitors from Apogg and The Rise Foundation, both groups and individual visitors, for therapeutic reasons. They also receive teams of up to 30 people for team building activities from large companies. There is no fee for this but donations are always welcome. “Many people who have connected with the horses keep coming back. With 35 horses, there's always something to do. We would love to see more volunteers join us!” To date, RMJ's Horse Rescue has rescued more than 200 horses. With 35 horses presently at the yard, more than 130 horses have been rehomed in Malta and 30 of the rescued horses have been sent abroad via the "Back to the Green" project. And, yes, Tom was the first to leave!

No 10 - EBM MAGAZINE - 85

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SEPT JULY

Good life Cara Cwynar Curated by Sara Dolfi Agostini

(exhibition) 68 St Lucia Street, Valletta, Free, 11th July - 20th September . Tue - Fri 14:30 – 16:30hrs . Sat 10:00 – 13:00hrs . Sun, Mon, public holidays – closed thisisblitz.com

23 20

OCT 02 04

IGaming NEXT InterContinental Malta St. George's Bay, St. Julians, €69 - €299 09:00 - 19:00hrs

National Theatre Captured Live on screen: Fleabag

InterContinental Malta St. George's Bay, St. Julians 19:00 - 01:00hrs

05 06

The rite of spring

(classic music concert) Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta, €20 | €30 20:00hrs

08 13

Lo Speziale by Joseph Haydn (opera) Teatru Manoel, Valletta bookings teatrumanoel.com.mt (+356) 21246389 | 19:00hrs

Don Giovanni (opera on screen) Eden Cinemas, St. George's Bay, St. Julians, €18 | €15 . Tuesday 8th October - 19:45hrs . Sunday 13th October - 16:00hrs

12 20

The Bubble 2019 - a Festival of change (camping & festival) The Golden Bay Headland, €35 | €140 16th September - 23rd September, 14:00hrs www.showshappening.com

20 22

Valletta Military Tattoo 2019 St. George’s Square, Valletta, €20 | €30 | €50 20th September - 22nd September, 19:00hrs www.ticketline.com.mt

26 20

OCT

www.kreattivita.org

Strauss for Two Pianos

(classic music) Teatru Manoel, Valletta bookings teatrumanoel.com.mt (+356) 21246389 | 20:00hrs

Hilton, Vjal Portomaso St Julian's €99 | €300, 20:00hrs

Caligula by Albert Camus (theatre) Teatru Manoel, Valletta, bookings teatrumanoel.com.mt (+356) 21246389 . Saturday 12th October - 20:00hrs . Sunday 13th October - 19:00hrs . Thursday 17th October - 20:00hrs . Friday 18th October - 20:00hrs . Saturday 19th October - 20:00hrs . Sunday 20th October - 19:00hrs

17 20

Under Milk Wood (ccomedy) Valletta Campus Theatre (VCT ex MITP), Merchants street, Valletta, €10 | €15, 19:30hrs

NOV 29 04

National Theatre Captured Live on screen: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Spazju Kreattiv Castille Place, Valletta, €15, 20:00hrs

Malta Poker Festival Portomaso Casino, Hilton, Vjal Portomaso St Julian's Check website for more info

www.themaltapokerfestival.com

01 03

Leonardo: the works

(arts on screen; opera) Eden Cinemas, St. George's Bay, St. Julians, €12 | €10 . Tuesday 1 st October - 20:30hrs . Thursday 3 rd October - 16:00hrs

www.edencinemas.com.mt

Requiem by Biber (classic music) St. Dominic's Church, Valletta bookings teatrumanoel.com.mt (+356) 21246389 | 20:00hrs www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

05 10

www.ticketline.com.mt

Halloween - Strait to Hell (event) Splended Hotel, Valletta Sat 26th, 20:00hrs tickets available from: www.showshappening.com

www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

National Theatre Encore: One Man, Two Guvnors

(National Theatre on screen) Spazju Kreattiv, Castille Place, Valletta €5 - €10 . Thursday 26th September - 19:30hrs . Sunday 20th October - 18:00hrs

Malta Innovation Summit 2019 www.ticketline.com.mt

www.showshappening.com

National Library, Valletta, €30 . Friday 25th October - 20:00hrs . Saturday 26th October - 20:00hrs www.ticketline.com.mt

www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

www.iGamingidol.com

Your Song - Celebrating the Music of Elton John

www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

www.edencinemas.com.mt

www.kreattivita.org

www.eventbrite.com

IGaming Idol 2019

Spazju Kreattiv Castille Place, Valletta €15, 19:30hrs

www.vallettacontemporary.com

MFCC Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre Millenium Stand, Level 1 National Stadium, Ta' Qali €60 | €120 17:00 - 00:00hrs www.showshappening.com

French Idea[L] Curated by Olivier Plique

(exhibition) 15, 16, 17, Triq Lvant (East Street), Valletta, Free, 23rd August - 20th September . Tue - Fri 11:30 – 19:00hrs . Sat 11:30 – 17:30hrs . Sun, Mon, public holidays – closed

Delta Summit (Tech conference)

Concerto / Enigma variations / Raymonda Act III (ballet on screen) Eden Cinemas, St. George's Bay, St. Julians, €18 | €15 . Saturday 5 th October - 20:15hrs . Thursday 10th October - 16:00hrs www.edencinemas.com.mt

National Theater live on screen: Hansard Spazju Kreattiv Castille Place, Valletta €15, 20:00hrs

www.kreattivita.org

24 27

Don Pasquale (opera on screen) Eden Cinemas, St. George's Bay, St. Julians, €18 | €15 . Thursday 24th October - 20:00hrs . Sunday 27th October - 16:00hrs www.edencinemas.com.mt

26 29

Sigma 2019 (iGaming event) MFCC Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre Millenium Stand, Level 1 National Stadium, Ta' Qali, €49 | €159 Check website for more info www.sigma.com.mt

Presents

Splendid Hotel, Va􏿙􏿙e􏿂􏿂a

OCT 26 2019

tickets available from showshappening.com

Malta â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;19

10.09.19 INTERCONTINENTAL ARENA MALTA igamingnext.com 88 - EBM MAGAZINE - No 10