BUSINESS & LIFESTYLE
N o0 3 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 7
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contents
EBM
MAGAZINE WINTER 2017
Niclas Elfstedt page 72
events
PG8. INSANELY DAZZLING DRAMA: NETENT’S PLANET OF THE APES GAME LAUNCH HITS THE ISLAND
cover story
PG16. LEOVEGAS…CULTURE EATS STRATEGY FOR LUNCH
creative
PG26. IN FOCUS: KRIS MICALLEF ON MAGNIFICENT IMAGERY, CREATIVE FREEDOM AND ECHOES OF STUDIO 54
dating
PG38. MODERN DAY ROMANCE… WELCOME TO THE DATING JUNGLE
hr
PG44. HR MANAGEMENT: BEYOND THE ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS OF AN ORGANISATION
PG64. LOVE AGAINST ALL ODDS
talent
PG72. GLITZ, GLAM AND RAZZMATAZZ AT THE ICONIC IGAMING IDOL AWARDS 2017
passion
PG80. NICLAS ELFSTEDT ...ONE MAN’S PASSIONATE JOURNEY
christmas
PG90. IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE (A SWEDISH) CHRISTMAS…TRADITIONS FROM WAY UP NORTH
party
PG98. SPILLING THE UNDERGROUND’S BEST KEPT SECRET…
people
travel
PG106. IVONNE MONTEALEGRE… AN EXTRAORDINARY GAME CHANGER
street style
PG113. ‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY
PG48. YOUR PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE ISLAND OF GODS, BALI PG56. BALANCED LIFESTYLE page 4
love
events
memo I am so excited about this issue! It's filled with too many inspiring and emotional stories that will touch your heart! To say I enjoyed every second of working on it, is an understatement. I feel very proud and privileged to work with an absolutely amazing EBM team! You guys rock! Now grab a glass of mulled wine and enjoy reading it! Have a wonderful Christmas and NYE with your loved ones!
Pavli Medvedova ART DIRECTOR & EDITOR @pavlistyle
EBM Magazine has arguably become the most popular magazine on the island thanks to our creative team of likeminded individuals, fuelled by passion and a feisty mindset to not give a f*** as to what others are doing but to do things our own way. EBM Magazine is taking shape as a trendsetting and bold publication, a provocateur, whose aim is for the reader to understand that behind every personality lies a story. We hope you will love the third issue as much as we do. Take care of each other during the holidays and remember those less fortunate than us. Peace & Love.
Pierre Lindh
MANAGING DIRECTOR, AMBASSADĂ–R EVENTS @pierreobv
This magazine just keeps getting better and better! I am so proud to have joined the EBM team who nicely put together the enticing content for the readers who manage to get their hands on a copy of the issue. Don't forget that you can always subscribe for free to receive a copy and add to your collection of magazines at home. Wishing a wonderful Christmas to everyone!
Kimberly Micallef CREATIVE DESIGNER
KIMBERLYMICALLEF.COM
@kim.berly.mica
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the team Your merry little Christmas starts here... Our team on what makes or breaks the festive spirit... GISELLE SCICLUNA I can’t recall a ‘best’ Christmas experience. The festive season is when everything just seems magical, just that little bit sparklier. That said, when I was still young, free and single, I used to dread the first Christmas songs as they came on the radio in November. The festive season can sometimes be very isolating, even if you’re in a crowd and ‘having fun’. As I got older I started to value what’s really important in life and now as long as I’m surrounded by family, it’s always a great Christmas.
JACOB SAMMUT I can't really choose seeing that anything that may go wrong throughout the year happens during the festive season. Wonder what it has in store for me this year and what other crap the new year will start off with. That being said, the one thing that makes me happy throughout this season is putting smiles on other people's faces, be it through love, gifts and most of the time just being there for others when they least expect it. We don't always have control over the dark cloud hovering above us, but we can try and lighten up the skies above those that are going through a dark patch. Being there is worth so much more. JACOBSAMMUTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
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the team
MARTINA BRTNICKA The best Christmas in the last couple of years was definitely two years ago, when I spent Christmas with my grandma, my mum, my boyfriend and his parents at grandma's house. It was the last Christmas we had all together before my grandma had a stroke and was left half paralysed and unable to speak.
Since my boyfriend works and lives on a research vessel, the worst New Year experience must have been last year, when we were stuck on a rocking boat and we couldn't go anywhere as the sea was too rough; seasick, guarding the vessel just in case a rope breaks or something happens.
MALTATINA.COM
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INSANELY DAZZLING DRAMA: NETENT’S PLANET OF THE APES GAME LAUNCH HITS THE ISLAND Words by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Jacob Sammut
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events
A
lmost fifty years after Pierre Boulle’s 1963 novel La Planète des Singes was turned into a movie with Charlton Heston crash-landing on a post-apocalyptic planet Earth ruled by apes, the Planet of the Apes franchise continues to provoke and entertain through its futuristic, dystopian concept of man versus ape and their clash for survival. Five decades on and there’s a brand-new, fresh take on Planet of the Apes. In a collaboration with 20th Century Fox, the franchise’s production company, gaming giant NetEnt has obtained an exclusive licence to Planet of the Apes for the sole purpose of online casino gaming. Based on the two movies – Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes – the game takes the player on a journey between the two different phases of the Ape Army leader Caesar’s life.
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Featuring sensational graphics and exciting game mechanics in true NetEnt tradition, it is bound to be a huge success throughout their extensive and diverse player base. But launching such a product, which is steeped in rich cinematographic history, deserves its very own spectacular event…And as always, NetEnt delivered, big time! On one balmy October night, one of Paceville’s main thoroughfares was transformed into a backdrop for this science fiction contemporary classic. Reproducing an eerie ‘San Francisco’ in which a dystopian and apocalyptic story of war between the human race and highly evolved apes unfolds, NetEnt has managed to create one of the craziest, most unforgettable launches this year. So, here’s how NetEnt rebooted Planet of the Apes here in Malta… Right in front of Eden Cinemas, where a special screening of ‘War of the Planet of the Apes’ was scheduled for later, actors in lifelike ape costumes, custom made by Game of Thrones
events
special FX make up designer, prowled the smokefilled, floodlit street …On horseback; incredibly lending an even more menacing authenticity to the proceedings. And authentic doesn’t even begin to describe it! According to sources in the know, with each strand of hair individually hand knotted in place, the ape costumes took three whole months to produce. Now that’s quite a lot of ape hair! On the night, in the great Hollywood special effects’ tradition, the actors had to endure four straight hours of prodding and preening to be finally transformed into the legendary apes. By the end of it they looked and even behaved like the real deal. Adding some zany effects for good measure, spectacular flamethrowers fired up the crowd,
heavily layering on the suspense for what lay in store. But that’s just the post-apocalyptic urban jungle outside, a minute teaser of what was about to go down inside Eden Cinemas… Inside, NetEnt went the whole hog, with custom graphical branding transforming the interior of the cinema lobby and screen foyer to reflect the feel of the movie. Faithful to the original movie set down to the last detail, with iridescent green lighting and military signage complete with fake bullet holes, the exhilarating atmosphere was perfect for the screening of the critically and commercially acclaimed blockbuster ‘War of the Planet of the Apes’.
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events
Guests were treated to custom designed popcorn NetEnt boxes, because let’s face it, even in a dystopian future, in the middle of a raging war, humans still have to sustain themselves; and what’s better than popcorn at the movies? But the jewel in the crown of this insane launch, remains the surprise appearance of the badass star himself, Caesar the Ape, who at the end of the movie, announced the slots winner for the night. Now that it’s done and dusted, we can safely say that NetEnt has come up trumps in its launch of the Planet of the Apes game, not just for executing such an event in kickass style but also for delivering top-notch entertainment in the process…Way to go NetEnt! Until next time…
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cover story
LEOVEGAS… CULTURE EATS STRATEGY FOR LUNCH Words by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Kris Micallef // Makeup by Jennifer Dimech // Styling by Eli van Poeyer // Fashion by SARTO // Hair by Remi Hairdressing // Location Duplex Penthouse in Valletta courtesy of Mark Molnar
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MARCUS Jacket & pochette - Dolce & Gabbana Shirt & pants - Dsquared2 Sneakers - Valentino
RIKARD
LOUISE Jacket, pants, pumps - Dolce & Gabbana
Suit - Zegna Shirt - Burberry Sneakers - Valentino
cover story To better understand the concept behind the LeoVegas success story, you have to think of a flourishing gaming company and all that it stands for. Think about its operations, its human resources, business strategy and a million other things which make for a thriving enterprise. Now, when you think of LeoVegas, scrap all that and start again… LeoVegas… The human equivalent of a pride of lions in the animal world; regal, fierce, loyal to the pride and most significantly, courageous…Consistently treading where all others fear. But at LeoVegas the culture of the ‘pride’ goes way beyond and is considered as the company’s main lifeline, to the point where everything else, including strategy, becomes secondary. In our mission to investigate what makes this particular company tick, we enlisted the help of three of LeoVegas pride’s finest…
“...if you don’t have the right people, it’s not going to work”
L
ouise Nylén (CMO), Marcus Nylén (COO) and Rikard Ljungman (CCO) form part of LeoVegas’ driving force and as a team they have seen the company grow to unprecedented heights in a very short span of time. We manage to get them together between fittings for our cover shoot to tell us a bit about themselves and all about their take on the renowned LeoVegas ethos. This culture of putting the employee first is inherent to the gaming industry, but as Marcus succinctly explains, this culture at LeoVegas goes beyond than just paying lip service, “Many companies say that they cultivate this kind of working environment, but we actually deliver on it. All employees feel empowered and are continuously encouraged to make their own decisions and take on more responsibility,” he says.
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“All employees feel empowered and are continuously encouraged to make their own decisions and take on more responsibility.� page 19
cover story How does this impact the company? “First of all, our culture is top priority during all the meetings we have. Strategy comes second. We talk about our people. That’s different to what most other companies do. I have worked with many different companies throughout the world and I know that this is not how it’s usually done. Despite a self-image of inclusive management, there is a top-down way of doing things wherein people do what they’re told, no more, no less. Our management has this clear focus that we want to work with our people... We believe that the value of people is significant. That’s one of the reasons why we have been so successful. LeoVegas was born out of this passion, as well as the passion to lead the way into the mobile future; our founders Robin and Gustaf saw a window of opportunity and they grabbed it. Their enthusiasm is like a positive disease which is contagious and filters down to the rest of the lions,” Marcus explains.
How does this culture translate in the workplace on a day-to-day basis? “Given our growth of people, we are currently putting a lot of emphasis on communicating our passion and attitudes internally. This explains where we’re going and what we want to achieve. We believe that when we all understand this, everyone will really be able to make his/her own decisions and that will make us a much faster company. It will help us retain the passion, the energy, and the self-driven capabilities that people have. I believe that working for LeoVegas is more challenging and demanding, but enables more autonomy and freedom, which is much more rewarding. We obviously make mistakes but moving forward, that is the only way to make things happen,” Marcus says. Moving on to the dynamics of the team leading the Malta operation, Marcus’ main responsibility as COO is the company’s expansion; growing into new markets, looking into business opportunities in new areas and basically thinking of future growth. Louise on the other hand, is the company’s CMO and is in charge of growth of new customers in the current markets, while Rikard as CCO retains the existing customer base.
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A three-way working relationship is surely difficult at times, so how do they work together? “It actually works very well. LeoVegas is based on transparency and the only way this works is if there is complete honesty and the ability to separate friendliness, friends, relationships and work. And of course, Louise and I being married, we have to be extra careful so that there is no dependence and that we’re also objective in our decisions,” Marcus says adamantly.
Marcus Nylén AGE: Mentally 28, in reality 44
FAMILY: Married to Louise and have 1 boy and 1 girl EDUCATION: Master of Business Administration, CERAM Sophia Antipolis EXPERIENCE: Marcus has a broad international experience, mainly as CEO for companies within the telecoms industry. These CEO positions include Bredbandsbolaget and in various companies within the Tele2 Group. Before joining LeoVegas, Marcus was CEO for Mr Green. As COO within LeoVegas, he is also responsible for the expansion in new markets. ABOUT: In his free time, Marcus enjoys the goodies of life and all that comes with it; family, friends, and sports of nature, mountain and sea - especially around the Maltese islands or the Swedish archipelago.
cover story And just on time, just as Marcus is about to explain Rikard’s sartorial choices, commotion ensues. Louise arrives for her fitting, fizzing with excitement, since this is the first time she will be taking part in a photoshoot. Rikard also tumbles in with his lunch in hand and the atmosphere degenerates into a party of sorts. Rikard, seeing as he will soon be primped and preened for the photoshoot, carefully explains his lifelong relationship with clothes, which he views as a necessary evil, “no more than a commodity which I had to pick every once in a while,” he says.
Moving on with our interview with Rikard this time, how does it feel to work within this extraordinary team? “I would say that I feel safe and confident, not threatened at all by the fact that Louise and Marcus are already an established team as a married couple. We don’t pretend to be someone we’re not, we’re all quite experienced,” he says. For a team to work, all players have to complement each other. How does this work for them? “I believe it all boils down to our background. I studied as a mechanical engineer at university and fortunately the internet boom happened when I finished. And I thought, back in ’95, that this is what I want to do. My job now is to increase the company’s revenue; I do that from both a technical and a human viewpoint, and I’ve also been doing this for twenty-two years now,” he smiles. Rikard is also a published writer, writing one of the first books in Sweden on why companies should start their own website. At the time, he wrote why people should have their email addresses on their business cards, which was practically unheard of at the time. Since then obviously a lot has happened. “It’s been a long ride,” Rikard says, “but we are at a place now where most of what we have predicted has happened. So basically, I’m the tech geek. Louise is the business brain, she’s very structured and organised, her agenda is always crystal clear and very firm in the way she presents things. I’m a bit more loose,” he laughs, “Marcus is the true sales guy, so all in all we support and complement each other. We’re all easy-going, we’re not intimidated by the challenges that crop up.”
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Rikard Ljungman So, what’s the best and worst thing about working with Louise and Marcus? “I have to say trust. We trust each other implicitly and that’s an extremely important issue in any relationship. I honestly have a hard time being annoyed with people, I’m very diplomatic so it happens a lot that I find the way to a solution during our disagreements. It takes a lot for me to be irritated,” Rikard says with a smile.
With such a successful career under his belt, looking back, what has been the best ever advice he’s been given? “That was by my grandfather. He started with Swedish railways when he was sixteen and worked his way up to an engineer and he used to tell me, ‘Rikard, don’t be afraid to hire people who are better than you. If they push you out, then it means you didn’t make the cut, if they don’t, then they’ll lift you up with them.’ This is something which I have taken with me always,” Rikard ends with a grin.
AGE: Distinguished FAMILY: Married to Petra and have two boys, aged 17 and 10 years. EDUCATION: Civil Engineering, Industrial Economics/Machinery, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University EXPERIENCE: Rikard has had a number of senior roles in fastgrowing companies, such as CEO Exigo AB, CEO Mind TT AB, Vice President Ongame AB, CEO Xover TV. CEO PlusOneDreams Ltd and CPO at Episerver. ABOUT: In his free time, Rikard enjoys basically the same as the other two, just a slightly bit more fanatic about boats and a passion for piano playing. He also sailed around the world in the early 90’s.
cover story Meanwhile, ignoring the riot Marcus is causing by modelling his chosen outfit and angling for opinions, we sit down with Louise whose fitting is now sorted. We launch our interview with Louise with the big question. Where does she think LeoVegas will be in five years’ time? Confidently she says, “We would have conquered the world by then. I simply think that the sky’s the limit with our company culture, the attitude and drive and obviously the people.”
Being part of such a talented tremendous trio, how would she describe the dynamics of their relationship? “It’s unconventional, but it works. Obviously, I don’t know how we’re perceived but we’ve only ever received positive feedback, so it must be all good. I do feel that despite being such a close team, we still manage to be objective even when we disagree. We are so different, but I think that’s the key to being able to work together, because if we were too similar we wouldn’t complement each other so well,” Louise says.
As for being a woman in the industry, has this been a disadvantage in any way? “With this whole #MeToo movement, I’ve actually been reflecting a lot on this. I believe that being a woman has been tougher, but I was fortunate that I have not experienced clear resistance, but on the other hand I haven’t experienced true support until I came to LeoVegas. It was a turning point in my career, where I was believing in myself and had the necessary support to do that from senior management. When I joined the industry I had no experience, so yes, you need to have a sponsor, people who believe in you and are willing to take a risk. The founders at LeoVegas put their trust in me and supported me throughout. At LeoVegas gender is totally irrelevant, everyone starts off in the same level playing field. That reflects perfectly the culture of the company and our focus on gender neutrality,” she says emphatically.
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How would Louise describe herself? She laughs and says, “Often I’m given traits that make me sound square and boring; organised, structured, confident and other adjectives to that effect and they could be true. But there’s also a much softer side to me. After all I am a mother to two beautiful children and with all that it entails, nurturing and worrying… that quite says it all, I guess. But I do have different personalities, you have to, when you’re juggling so many different aspects in your life.”
Being a woman with a finely-tuned instinct for reading people, how would she describe her partners’ personalities? “I think Marcus has a gift for making people comfortable to the extent that they can laugh off any joke he delivers without taking offence. If I said some of the things that he says, people would inevitably be offended. It can be really annoying! Rikard is a rock, very calm, laid-back and tends to keep what he’s thinking to himself basically, which can be a bit frustrating at times,” she says.
If she has to pinpoint just one element as being the secret to LeoVegas’ success, what would it be? “It’s undoubtedly the people… The right people at the right place. You can have everything else; timing, money, everything but if you don’t have the right people it’s not going to work. And our lions have the drive, the determination and the ability to work as a dynamic team, leading the way into the mobile future. We’re not following, we’re not looking at anybody else, we’re simply leading and together as Team Leo we win,” Louise says before saying goodbye as the thrilling prospect of her first ever photoshoot beckons.
Louise NylĂŠn AGE: Old enough FAMILY: Married to Marcus and have 1 boy and 1 girl EDUCATION: M.Sc. in Finance and Economics from Stockholm School of Economics EXPERIENCE: Louise has been LeoVegas Chief Marketing Officer since 2015. Between 2013 and 2015 she had the role of Head of Marketing Development. Prior to LeoVegas, she had the position of Senior Director, Head of Region Europe and Americas, and Director of Business Strategy and Development at OSM AB and Associate Consultant at Bain & Company. ABOUT: In her free time, Louise enjoys beating her husband in sports, teaching her kids how to ski like a professional, and being the captain of the family boat.
IN FOCUS: KRIS MICALLEF ON MAGNIFICENT IMAGERY, CREATIVE FREEDOM AND ECHOES OF STUDIO 54 Words by Giselle Scicluna // Stylist Marc Felice // Fashion by SARTO
Kris Micallef’s hauntingly stunning images entice you to a world where sensuality and form add up to a vocabulary of styles which is so thoroughly unique, that his work is instantly recognisable. www.krismicallef.com
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Photography by Pavli Medvedova //
creative
“..I thrive on the rush of experiencing new things and looking for ways to better myself; I guess it’s just intrinsic to my nature.”
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Photography by Pavli Medvedova //
creative
I
n producing such magnificent photography, he manages to capture the viewer’s attention without restricting the imagination - no small feat, especially in a world that’s connected 24/7 and where images come hard and fast. Whether artistic or fashion photography or numerous marketing campaigns, Kris’ remains true to his art, successfully using aesthetics and composition to ensure maximal impact. But there is definitely more to Kris Micallef than meets the eye.
Kris is also renowned for his fashion photography, with plenty of images which have graced the covers of both local and international magazines. What does he think of the local fashion scene?
We met up with Kris to find out more about the man behind the camera and this is what we discovered…
We’ve a long way to go” he says with a laugh, “Malta is not exactly what you’d call a fashion hub. That said, I think it has moved in leaps and bounds over the past few years, thanks to a number of new visionary bloggers and influencers. Boys are now looking better than girls. To be honest, the girls sometimes do need to tone it down a notch with their makeup.”
Kris is a trained architect, even if he has never actually practiced in the profession, something which he says will change soon. Why is that? “I think the time has come to widen my horizons. I am renovating my own house at the moment and the whole process has rekindled my interest in architecture all over again. Besides, I’m always up for new challenges, I thrive on the rush of experiencing new things and looking for ways to better myself; I guess it’s just intrinsic to my nature. With regard to photography I am feeling very restricted. In all fairness, I had more creative freedom when I was just starting out and was virtually unknown. Nowadays, when I’m working on a commissioned project, I’m usually tied to a brief with very limited room for manoeuvre, which doesn’t really get the creative juices flowing. To a certain extent sticking to a rigid brief is understandable, but as an artist it hugely limits your scope,” he says.
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But Kris’ true forte are his artistic images. His sharp eye for detail has created some incredible shots which are timeless visual feasts; prints from his internationally acclaimed ‘UNDRWTR' series which was part of REGNVM, a body of his works exhibited in various countries more than three years ago, are still selling hard and fast.
How would Kris define his style? Without hesitating Kris replies, “I believe it’s sharp and honest. I portray an image as true as is possible.”
creative
As an artist does he have a particular muse? “Cyril is one of my current muses,” he smiles, “he’s a French model who has this aura, an undefinable quality if you like, but which translates into magic as soon as he’s in front of a camera. He’s actually a joy to shoot and has been the inspiration behind some of my latest fine art prints including the merman images.”
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Photoshoots are obviously Kris’ bread and butter; has there been one, which in his view has been memorable? He thinks for a moment, “Oh yes. A recent photoshoot for Sarto has honestly been the best I ever had the opportunity to work on. Both models, Misa Patinszki and Corina Corduneanu have been incredible. It’s not every day you get to shoot pros who have walked for the biggest couture houses in the world. I guess it’s one of the perks of the job.”
creative Kris is also half (together with Keith St.John) of the brain behind Lollipop, the monthly pop-up gay party which is fast becoming popular since its launch in December 2016.
How has this change in direction come about? “It’s quite simple really. I’ve always loved clubbing and our favourite haunt used to be a gay nightclub in Paceville which was always a blast. There was just this one problem; a gay club but with straight DJs, who played music which they worked out was what gay people
wanted to dance to. I don’t mind camp. Camp is good actually, but there are only so many times you can dance to YMCA by The Village People,” he says jokingly. “We were having a laugh one night at this club and we started bandying about the idea that maybe we could create something which was more in tune with what we wanted, and soon after, Lollipop was born. Despite the huge strides this country has made with civil rights, gay people do not always feel comfortable in a straight club, so Lollipop is a fun alternative where everyone; straight, gay and everything in between, is made to feel welcome as long as they dress the part,” Kris explains. Echoes of Studio 54 in NYC come
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creative to mind where entry policies based on one's appearance and style were the norm. “Yes, Studio 54 and the London gay scene have been a huge inspiration, but we’re not as restrictive either. We just want people to look good and create a great atmosphere. People here are scared to look and be different and Lollipop is about to change all that,” he says.
Being part of the local gay community, what’s his take on it? It is a very small community, so everyone knows who’s dating who, who broke up with whom and so on. It’s like watching a soap opera unfold, but always with the same protagonists. Gay rights have come a long way, but homophobia is still rife especially at entertainment venues, so I think that whether we like it or not, the gay community is still facing a lot of issues,” Kris says.
With such a huge circle of friends and acquaintances, what puts his teeth on edge in a person? With a wry smile he replies, “Laziness and lack of ambition. Maybe because I’m a workaholic, but I can’t stand people who have no aspirations and are content to simply drift along.
Finally, what’s in the pipeline for Kris?
He smiles, “I’m working on a project at the moment, an upcoming exhibition. What I can tell you for now is that it’s going to be very, very different to anything I have done so far.” Knowing what kind of brilliant creations Kris Micallef can produce, we can wait, for it is now only a matter of time before he will captivate us with his magic once again… @krismicallefphotographer
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MODERN DAY ROMANCE… WELCOME TO THE DATING JUNGLE Words by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Jacob Sammut page 26
dating
E
ver since the first caveman clubbed a cavewoman over the head, dragged her by the hair to his cave and presumably proceeded to ‘have his way with her’, courting (for lack of a better word) has evolved beyond recognition. Nowadays, swiping right for ‘The One’ or ‘The One for tonight’ on Tinder, is the hooking up method du jour, and the dating scene is now not only ripe with possibilities but also fraught with new pitfalls. It is now more likely to know whether you float someone’s boat through their Facebook posts or Instagram photo complete with cheesy quote, than having them tell it to you in person. Social media has altered completely not just the way we live, think and function, but also how we conduct our intimate relationships.
Instant gratification is the name of the game, but how is this working out IRL? Is having a ‘database’ of prospective partners through just a swipe, all that’s cracked up to be? Are emoticons an adequate alternative to the nuances of real-life conversations? Is it still defined as physical attraction when all you have to go on is a filtered, choreographed photo? In our quest for answers, we teamed up with three single warriors to help us navigate through the intricacies of the infamous modern-day dating jungle…
Jen, Joe and Jess* are successful thirtysomething singles who are old hands at the dating game, but with the rules changing constantly are still trying to decipher the blurred lines coming their way. So, what do they think of Tinder? Jen immediately dismisses the app, “I had it, I tried it and kicked it off my phone, it’s rubbish” she says disparagingly. Jess is even more adamant, “I am totally against it. It’s so fake! First of all, let me put you in the picture, I don’t do online dating in any way, shape or form. Personally, I need to see the other person, hear their voice and speak to them, have a connection of some kind.” Basically, in old school speak, all forms of ‘blind dates’ are out.
Jen says, “You get all sorts of sleazy remarks, it’s crazy. I think Tinder has become more Grindr than Grindr itself. It’s superficial. Basically, you’re basing your choice on a couple of photos, which is not a reliable yardstick anyway and when you do have a match, half the time you do not get a response. It’s like coaxing blood out of a stone trying to have some form of communication. So, after a couple of times I just went, ‘sod it’ and scrapped it off my phone.”
As the only male on board, how does Joe view this phenomenon? “I’m the exact opposite! I simply love Tinder, it’s another world. I’ve used it for several years now and only stop when I’m in a relationship. I think it’s a cool app and is great for meeting new people. Maybe in Malta it’s not so relevant because we have such a laid-back lifestyle, but if you’re living in a big city and you don’t have all that much time to go out and socialise, then it does its job perfectly, connecting you to new people without all the hassle,” he says. As an avid user, what have been his forays into the Tinder world like so far? Joe explains with a smile, “I’ve found love, casual sex, prostitution, friends, some very cool people and some very bad people as well. It’s exactly like life, where you get to meet all sorts. Mind, you could always end up like I once did on a date with someone whose profile picture was some ten years old. But I was a gentleman and made no mention of that!”
Soon enough the topic of casual sex crops up. page 39
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dating In a world where everything is fast becoming dispensable, how does no strings sex figure in the grand scheme of things? Both Jen and Jess vehemently state that it’s definitely not their thing. Jen goes on, “I’ve been there and it’s no fun at all. I need to have a connection with that person, someone I could trust. Call me old-fashioned, but I only feel comfortable having sex when its within the confines of a relationship.” One-night stands have always been a controversial topic, with some claiming that mindless sex leaves them cold, while others believe that the no-strings-attached liaison is a pleasurable way to indulge your sexuality without the intricacies of maintaining a relationship. On which side of the fence does Joe stand on this? Raising a very good point, he says, “How can you know if it’s a one-night stand? Maybe it is a one-time thing, but it could also be something which can develop much further. And if everyone involved is upfront about their intentions and they both want the same thing, why not?” Dating could be an exhausting business; anyone would tell you that the notorious ‘first date’ is usually fraught with tension and ‘what ifs’. So, what would it take for an encounter to proceed to the second date? What would be a definite deal breaker? Jen is upfront, “I wouldn’t want to see the same man again if he’s being rude to the waiters. A man’s attitude to the serving staff is a good indicator of what and how he is on a day-to-day basis. Conversely, if I’m enjoying myself and the conversation is flowing, then yes a second date would be great.”
What would rate as a 'disaster' date? “Someone clams up and you have to do all the talking. I went on this date once and this guy spent all the time pretty much checking his phone. And I was like ‘Hello?’. Why bother going out on a date when you’re acting like you’re not interested. Believe me, those were the most boring couple of hours I’ve ever spent in my life. Months later I got to know that at the time he was going through a rough patch. He could’ve said something,” Jess says indignantly. Joe agrees that lack of a sparkling conversation is a deal breaker, “There are girls who are shy and find it a bit daunting to keep up their end of a conversation. I’m usually quite talkative so I try to keep it flowing, but if it’s just a beautiful girl who hasn’t got anything to say, then it’s goodbye.” page 41
Sex in a long-term relationship has been termed as the glue that keeps everything together or the gauge by which the wellbeing of relationship is measured. What do our singletons think of this? “Sex is the maximum physical intimacy a couple can achieve and if sex is missing in a longterm relationship than yes, something is definitely wrong, so it is a gauge,” Jess says. For Joe it is the be-all and end-all of a relationship and is the most important thing, “If there’s no good sex a relationship will flounder for sure, maybe it can survive without conversation or all the other elements of a good relationship, but without sex it’s the end. It’s essential.” If they had to turn back the clock, would they want to live in a more genteel era, where social media was inexistent, and you had to actually ask, in person, when you wanted to go out with someone? “Social media has killed real communication,” complains Jess. Jen interjects, “But there’s this growing trend now, when we seem to be trying to retrace our steps; actual diaries and notebooks, writing letters… Like in the old days when you didn’t have to have everything on your phone. So, it could be that the tide is turning, and people are getting tired of communicating virtually.”
Is romance dead in 2017? According to Joe, Jen and Jess it’s not, but not surprisingly their definition of romance is not the honey sweet flowers and chocolates kind. They all agree that romance is not about the grand gestures, but it’s the little everyday kindnesses which make the gesture itself special. As our conversation draws to an end, we can only conclude that despite all the technology available, despite being able to connect in real time at the touch of a key, the heady elements of what makes a relationship sizzle; conversation, body language, humour are still the indicators, we, as humans look for…That said, the debate in the jungle still rages on… *Real names have been replaced
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dating
READ ALL ABOUT IT! NEW DATING APP REVEAL IS ABOUT TO LAUNCH Tinder is all about matching up through a profile pic (we’ve all heard the horror stories). New app Reveal works on the concept in reverse. According to its creator, “I am sure that if most girls knew a bit more about me, they’d give me a chance,” he laughs. So, on Reveal you upload an out of focus profile photo plus a profile about yourself; who you are and what floats your boat. The more interested a match is in the bio, the more of the photo is revealed in stages. Unlike Tinder, it presents a level playing field for those who have much more to offer than just good looks (or simply good photos). Reveal is all about personality!
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hr
HR MANAGEMENT: BEYOND THE ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS OF AN ORGANISATION Planning and coordinating the administrative end of the business might seem quite straightforward, but managing HR is an all-encompassing role which also includes the recruiting of new staff. Having the intuition to recognise talent is a unique quality very few possess…Here’s a crop of the very best HR Managers in the industry on whose judgement the success of their respective organisations rest and their take on hiring of new staff…
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Carol Camilleri LEOVEGAS
What do you look for in an applicant during an interview What is the one thing that would be a deal breaker apart from qualifications? Skills and experience are important of course, especially when it comes to slightly more senior roles - but what is more important is that the person has a great team player attitude to bring to the department that he or she is joining, a hunger for more information, to grow and to succeed and that the person is also humble about all that they will bring. In all cases it is vital to us that every chosen candidate fits in with the company’s core values, or as we call them at LeoVegas, Attitudes.
How do you recognise real talent? With very specific skills we like to get experts involved, therefore, get the finance team involved in finance recruitment, and the IT guys involved in IT recruitment. That said, sometimes, recruitment doesn’t focus only on talent (as in skill), but also very much on bringing the right attitude to the company.
during an interview?
Speaking for myself, the biggest turn off would be a lack of humility and a lack of interest in the role or in the company.People who are only motivated by money don’t show any interest in the industry, no interest in helping the company help them become better people.
What do you believe is the one thing that keeps employees motivated? Here at LeoVegas we thoroughly believe in empowering individuals at all levels of the company, we encourage people to make their own decisions, come up with ideas in how things can be improved, which will encourage personal and professional growth within the company. The after work events and the benefits also help :)
Alethea Chemaly CASUMO
What do you look for in an applicant during an interview How do you recognise real talent? apart from qualifications? Experience in their field and passion for what they do probably trump qualifications. What’s even more important to us besides that, is how someone might impact the team they enter. Maintaining our culture and ensuring every new Casumo is aligned with our values is the main driver during our recruitment process.
We have a thorough competence-based interview process and don’t make exceptions for “superstars”. We want applicants to be treated fairly and given every opportunity to showcase their talent through various means to make sure we don’t miss out on anyone who isn’t an apparent superstar from first impressions.
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hr What is the one thing that would be a deal breaker during an interview?
What do you believe is the one thing that keeps employees motivated?
Probably arrogance. We like humble, open and honest people. A disinterest in who we are and what we do could also be a deal breaker. It’s all about the feeling we get from someone and that again goes back to aligning with our values.
Feeling empowered in the workplace, whether it’s in their own role and ability to make decisions or our flexible approach to working. Empowering everyone at Casumo means people are more likely to do things their way and therefore more likely to feel inspired in their roles as Casumos.
Jordan Costello CATENA MEDIA
What is the one thing that What do you look for in an applicant during an interview would be a deal breaker apart from qualifications? during an interview? I will never take a ‘’one size fits all’’ approach when considering applicants. While we, of course, consider qualifications important, at Catena Media, we factor in other elements such as cultural fit, a positive and motivated attitude and core competencies based upon the role we’re recruiting for.
Someone who arrives with an over inflated ego is nearly always an instant ‘no’, but the biggest deal breaker, for me, would be someone who has made no effort to research the business and what we do.
How do you recognise real talent?
What do you believe is the one thing that keeps employees motivated?
While first impressions count for a lot, it is also important to back up your assumptions with tangible evidence; we create bespoke challenges in collaboration with hiring managers to ascertain whether a candidate has the potential to fit the role.
At Catena Media, we are all about hiring for attitude and training for skill so, for us, training and development plans are key to keeping our people motivated and competitive in the market and, therefore, becoming a more successful company.
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YOUR PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE ISLAND OF GODS,
BALI
Words by Martina Brtnicka from Maltatina.com // Photography by Martina Brtnicka
travel I’m sure you’ve already heard about Indonesia’s charming island of Bali. Especially after the island was named the World’s Best Destination 2017 in the prestigious Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice Award. Bali encompasses all kinds of travellers’ holiday interests. Whether in natural attractions, cultural richness and gastronomic adventures, these can all be enjoyed in many spots throughout the Island of Bali.
I
always wanted to travel to Asia and see for myself what it is all about after hearing the fascinating stories from my friends and relatives who visited Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines or India. I opted for Bali because my cousin spent 6 months on the Island of Gods and she gave me an exhausting list of attractions to visit, restaurants to try or natural beauty to admire. This article is a summary of my two weeks long adventure in Bali. What I loved, what I hated, where I stayed, what I did and what I would do differently if I would go again. If you are planning your Christmas holiday in Bali, Indonesia, read carefully to be well prepared.
Where to stay: The options where to stay in Bali are endless. It all depends on what are you after and what your budget is. This is where we stayed and why (October 2017):
Semyniak (Bali) Tijili Hotel – 4*, 6 nights, Rp 4,918,320, 30 min to the airport I chose the area because it’s central and touristic to make it a bit easier to adapt to a different environment. The hotel was awarded Certificate of Excellence and is situated just
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couple of minutes from the sandy beaches. What to do around Semyniak? Hit the beach! The never ending sandy beaches in the Semyniak / Kuta area are just like in the movies! Go for a romantic walk, have fun jumping in the waves or try surfing if you are an adrenaline seeker. Great for sunbathing and lazing around too, just don’t forget the sun cream. Not very suitable for swimming as the waves are high and the swell pretty powerful. Get a massage. There are countless of spas (go by recommendation or TripAdvisor reviews) at a fraction of European prices. Great way to get rid of all the pains and aches from a long flight. Rent a scooter (for the brave ones) or get a driver for a day and do some beach hopping at the Bukit Peninsula, the southern end of Bali. Why not to start at Nusa Dua beach, continue alongside the south coast and finish at Pantai Uluwatu watching the sunset from a bar or an infinity pool for an extra special experience. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage myself, but I’ve heard great things about Waterbom Water Park, so if you love water attractions add it to your list! Where to eat in the area: La Plancha, KU DE TA, Potato Head Beach Club, La Laguna, but there are plenty of suggestions on TripAdvisor.
travel
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travel Gili Air (Lombok) Gili Air Escape, Gili Air Island – 3*, 3 nights, Rp 3,672,000, 2h speedboat ride from Bali.
and visit the neighbouring Gili Trawangan, which is known as the party island.
Gili Air is one of the three Gili Islands - Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno & Gili Air - just off the northwest tip of Lombok.
Tried & tested: Pachamama Organic Cafe, Warung Sunny, Chill Out Bar & Bungalows.
What to do in Gili Air? Definitely go on a snorkelling expedition to swim with turtles. If you are a diver, or would like to try diving, that’s another great option how to spend a day. You can also just laze around by the pool or go out to experience some of the great local bars & restaurants. You may also want to catch a boat
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When travelling back to Bali be aware of the pushy taxi drivers trying to get hold of your ticket (that entitles you to free transport to your hotel), so you would be forced to pay for a taxi. Don’t give it to anyone, don’t trust anyone and make your way to the nearby car park, where the dedicated driver will be waiting for you.
Ubud (Bali) Ulun Ubud Resort, Bali – 4*, 5 nights, Rp 6,320,000 This beautiful resort is situated in the middle of a jungle. There is a Campuhan Ridge Walk nearby as well as a Sari Organic Cafe in the middle of rice fields. Ubud is considered Bali’s cultural heart, the centre of traditional crafts and dance. There is a long list of sites you can visit and I’m just mentioning a fraction of them that I actually managed to visit. Monkey Forest, officially known as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is the perfect attraction for animal/monkey lovers. It is a natural reserve and Hindu temple complex in Ubud. Be aware of the monkeys as some might be pretty aggressive and could bite you. Never stare in the monkey’s eyes as it’s an indication for a fight.
There are dozens of temples worth visiting in Ubud. I’ve been to Goa Gajan Elephant Cave, which I didn’t find that impressive, however the 11th-century temple and funerary complex Gunung Kawi, surrounded by beautiful rice fields was pretty awesome. The Tegenungang rice fields are arguably the most famous in Bali. You can walk around the rice terraces and take the most annoying selfies ever as the backdrop is absolutely stunning. Even though I haven’t been myself because of health reasons, the Vulcano Batur Sunrise Trekking tour is one of the must-does in Bali. Hiking at night and enjoying a sunrise overlooking the lake Batur is a lifetime experience. You can finish off by buying some souvenirs at the Ubud Traditional Market and relax before your flight back home at the Jungle Fish swimming pool & restaurant.
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travel Before you go: Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months. No VISA needed.
Protect your skin. Apply plenty of sunscreen frequently of no lower than 50 SPF.
No vaccinations are required.
Many Balinese see tourists as ‘walking wallets’. You’ll come across some rude and pushy people trying to sell under any circumstance or directly ask for tips. However there are still plenty of lovely and extremely polite locals.
Start taking probiotics at least 2 weeks prior your departure to eliminate the chances of getting the ‘Bali Belly’. Alongside with your basic medicine you take with you on your travels add probiotics, Imodium, Dioralite (rehydration salts), mosquito repellent (tried & tested: Incognito Insect Repellent with Incognito Luxury Citronella Soap from H&B). No need to pack too many outfits (like me!), the hotel’s laundry is super cheap and convenient. Gives space for shopping.
How to get around: The cheapest way to travel around the island is to rent a scooter. Prices start as low as IDR 50,000 / day. However, the traffic in Bali is a nightmare with no rules whatsoever.
Be aware of dishonest money changers in Bali. Either change enough money in Malta or go to an authorised exchange office situated in a modern building (not a street shop exchange).
General info: CAPITAL CITY: Denpasar AREA: 5,780 km2, Length: 145 km, Width: 80 km RELIGIOUS: Bali - Hindu (84%), Gili Air (Lombok) - Muslim CURRENCY: Indonesian Rupiah (€1 = approx. 16 000 IDR)
Secondly, I would recommend Uber, which was also very cheap and pretty reliable.
TIME: + 6 hours (+7 hours Europe Winter Time)
Lastly you might want to try and hire a local driver / tour guide for a day (approx. 8 hours), who would take you around and show you places off the beaten path for about €30.
Sunrise at 6 am, sunset at 6pm all year around (shorter days than I expected for sure)
Keep in mind:
CLIMATE: Tropical monsoon climate
The digestive ailment known as “Bali Belly” (traveller’s diarrhoea) does exist! Don’t drink tap water! Stick to bottle water. Brush your teeth in bottled water and don’t rinse your mouth while showering as the tap water in Bali is of uncertain quality. Also avoid ice in your drink. Always sanitize your hands before you eat. Choose restaurants wisely.
PLUGS: Two pin socket (like in most Europe)
DRY SEASON: May to September, Wet season: October to April TEMPERATURE: Average temperature is around 30°C BEST TIME TO VISIT: April – June / September – October HIGH SEASON: July & August, Christmas / New Year & Easter
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Photography by Jacob Sammut
Words by PavliStyle //
BALANCED LIFESTYLE
Balanced lifestyle is what we all strive for....we could learn a thing or two from these guys including style!
Faye Zammit @fayezam page 56
street style Nadine Bico
www.nadinevocals.com
@wanderbico
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street style
Jack Bailey @bails_81
Andra
One piece is the new ‘beach babe’ thing. All you need is confidence! page 40
Anchelique Fjœre @ancheliqueyoga_freemyme
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Selma
The maxi dress and beach waves modern days boho girl has everything she needs, love and peace.
Wail Rizgalla @cubtreebird
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street style
Alexandra Provaznikova @alexprovaznik
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Daniel Lake @dan_lake
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Tammy Kelner Maimon @tammykm
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LOVE
AGAINST ALL ODDS “TIS BETTER TO HAVE LOVED AND LOST THAN NEVER TO HAVE LOVED AT ALL” – LORD TENNYSON Words by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Jacob Sammut
It’s a well-known fact that relationships are a bit like a roller-coaster. Two separate, complex human beings with their good, bad and ugly sides, who decide to share their lives, emotions, pains and joys with each other for the long haul. Add some baggage, unresolved issues or difficult personality traits into the mix and a ‘rough ride’ does not even begin to describe it. But ‘love’ as the old cliché goes, ‘conquers all’. But with a debilitating, terminal illness thrown into the equation, can love actually survive, let alone conquer all?
love Bjorn Formosa needs no introduction. Since he went public with his ALS diagnosis two years ago, his name has become synonymous with bringing this degenerative disease to the attention of the whole nation. Bjorn is not only an avid activist, who through his relentless work has managed to not only raise awareness about the disease, but has also raised enough funds to build a specially equipped ‘Dar Bjorn’ for people suffering from ALS and other neurological diseases. But Bjorn is also husband to Maria and with their first wedding anniversary on the horizon, we met up with both to find out a bit more about their extraordinary love story.
How did Bjorn and Maria meet?
“Well, I had just been diagnosed with ALS and decided to go public. I gave my first interview to The Times and the response I got was huge. Friends I hadn’t heard from in a while, got immediately in touch, including Maria, who I had met a couple of times, back when we were still sixth formers, thirteen years previously. That same night she sent me a photo of a group of us at Paceville. To be honest, I don’t know how she held on to that picture for thirteen years; she must have had a crush on me for all that time,” Bjorn says jokingly, while Maria laughs it off. He continues, “I invited her to the next Ice Bucket challenge and asked her whether she would be able to help out. I guess that’s how the whole thing started.” Maria interjects, “I hadn’t seen him in thirteen years since our student days and then, there he was on the newspaper talking about his diagnosis. To say I was shocked would be an understatement.” Maria made her presence known by attending all of Bjorn’s fundraising activities, something which Bjorn was liking a lot. However, at the time, a relationship was the last thing on his mind, “It’s not that you don’t want a relationship, but knowing that you have such limited time, how can you involve anyone else? It felt like such a huge dilemma; on one hand you are in the throes of a debilitating illness which is sapping at your strength and life, on the other, your emotions are all over the place. Still, illness or no illness and against all rational logic, the heart still feels what it wants to feel, even if you feel guilty all of the time about having these feelings”
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he says before teasing Maria with, “Mind, I still had to chase her hard!” At this statement, Maria’s face breaks into such a heart-warming smile, that it is very easy to understand the depth of emotion that flows constantly between the two.
Turning to Maria, I have to ask; how did it feel to commit to a relationship in such unusual, if very difficult circumstances? “You don’t stop and ask yourself too many questions. If you had to try to rationalise it you’d go crazy. But, the way I see it, is that I’m lucky to have found this kind of love, even if it’s on a deadline, then to not have been able to experience it at all,” she says musingly. This reminds me of a poignant quote by the great poet Tennyson which I mention; “Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all” and to which Maria nods her head in complete agreement.
It is beyond human imagination watching a loved one deteriorating at such a pace, which is very much the case with Bjorn. How does Maria cope with this? “I try not think long-term. Actually, it’s more of coping with each day as it comes. At the beginning I used to tend to overthink stuff…For example, I had to think that one day very soon, Bjorn would be using a wheelchair and it was something which seemed insurmountable at the time. But it came to that point and we got on with it and this became part of our life. So, I tend not think in terms of the next hurdle; we’ll cope with the necessary changes when the time comes,” she says belying a steely determination, which is rarely apparent at such a young age.
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love “Too much positivity is like being overoptimistic and let’s face it the situation is what it is. More than anything I try to make the best of it; that’s my philosophy anyway.” page 68
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love Bjorn says, “The only problem is that ALS is relentless, there’s no respite to it and I feel the deterioration coming on every single day. I do try to feel positive, but I can feel the difference from one instant to the next. I try not think about being at death’s door all the time, but it’s there every single minute of the day. That said, you try to get on with life as normally as is possible given the circumstances.” Staying positive is something which both Bjorn and Maria believe helps, however, Bjorn is adamant that he is more of a realist than anything else, “Too much positivity is like being over-optimistic and let’s face it the situation is what it is. More than anything I try to make the best of it; that’s my philosophy anyway.”
Truth be told, even under normal circumstances, marriage can be a notorious breeding ground for conflict…Do Bjorn and Maria ever argue? “Bear in mind that since day one, we’re together 24/7, so we’re bound to disagree at some point. Given that we’re both very, very stubborn and won’t budge an inch and well…” Maria says with a smile, to which Bjorn replies, “We get along perfectly on most things, but the circumstances in which we live are themselves very stressful. It’s not just the illness, but we have the added strain of running the foundation, which in itself is very time and labour intensive. So, we’re not just a married couple, but also co-workers.” With their first wedding anniversary coming up, how did the proposal which was recorded for posterity on tv programme Xarabank come about? On a trip to the European Voluntary Awards in London, wherein Bjorn was awarded for his work in raising ALS awareness, he managed to concoct a romantic scenario for a
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“But, the way I see it, is that I’m lucky to have found this kind of love, even if it’s on a deadline, then to not have been able to experience it at all.” marriage proposal. Maria’s take on this is slightly different, “We’ve spent the whole day trudging through London with the Xarabank team, under the pretence that we had to film a segment for the programme. Bjorn duped me into thinking that it had to be a particular location. Finally, just when I was about to faint in exhaustion we found a bench in a park ‘to film the segment’ and he proposed. I managed to cry my eyes out that day,” she says, eyes shining at the memory.
Living in the clutches of such a cruel disease, what’s the way forward for Bjorn and Maria? “Time is limited, we have come to terms with that. We have somehow managed to help a lot of people, but there is still so, so much left to do. The tricky bit is finding the right balance between what we do and our relationship in the time that remains,” Bjorn says as we say our goodbyes. Walking out of the state-of-the-art ‘Dar Bjorn’, I am reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and a quote which encapsulates both Bjorn and Maria, comes to mind…Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when the ‘hero’ within is revealed…
Feeling healthy and being healthy are two different things. Be proactive about your health, Saint James Hospital tailors screening plans to age, medical history and lifestyle. Call 2329 1000 for more information. www.stjameshospital.com
GLITZ, GLAM AND RAZZMATAZZ AT THE ICONIC IGAMING IDOL AWARDS 2017 Words by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Jacob Sammut
It is Tuesday night, the 26th of September 2017 and the second edition of the iGaming Idol is under way. Just seventeen extraordinary individuals and one kickass employer in the thousands strong iGaming industry are about to be declared ‘Idols of the Year’.
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talent
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talent
B
ut before proceeding to the Grandmaster’s Suite at the Malta Hilton, more than four hundred guests in black tie, ballgowns and evening dress (more on that later) tread the glamorous red carpet for a champagne reception, where the movers and shakers of the ‘work hard, play hard’ industry get to rub shoulders with the players and the protagonists of the night…Bathed in the electric atmosphere of the Grandmaster’s Suite foyer, between one flute of champagne and another, small talk and greetings, one whispered question is already making the rounds…Who will be crowned this year’s iGaming Idol? But before we step inside the actual Grandmaster’s Suite where the main event will be happening, we at EBM Magazine (quite a nosy lot we are) get to indulge in a bit of our favourite pastime; people watching. And what a sight! A huge mass of beautifully dressed people; primped and preened to the hilt (and that’s just the boys!) for this getting together in honour of the most outstanding individuals in this wonderful industry. From the ultra-conservative tux to more lively and eccentric coloured bowties and sashes, the boys had an air of sophistication about them which is rarely if ever glimpsed on the ‘shop floor’. Meanwhile, the ladies, ahhh! the ladies…Multicoloured butterflies flitting around, marking this celebration as the annual event where one can see and be seen. From über-sexy backless gowns to more demure, minimalist creations paired with vertiginous Louboutins, the ladies really went to town with their jaw-dropping fashion choices! How was the trip itself? The guests finally proceed to their seats in the Grandmaster’s Suite, where after a short speech by Michael Pedersen, CEO of iGaming idol, welcoming the guests, finalists and sponsors, the time has come for the sumptuous three course dinner prepared by the Hilton’s world-renowned Head Chef, Joe Vella, to be served. Special guest, the Hon Silvio Schembri, Paliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation, delivered the opening speech by praising the event’s innovative concept in recognising outstanding talent within the industry. Hon Schembri also announced that Government was working on facilitating work
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“iGaming Idol is all about the recognition of individuals and giving employees within the industry their due importance. Supporting charity and giving back to the community is another pillar of iGaming Idol and we are thrilled to donate more than €12,000 to the Malta Community Chest Fund this year.” - MICHAEL PEDERSEN, CEO IGAMING IDOL permits and visas to attract even more foreign talent. A presentation delivered by one of the event’s charity partners, Step Up for Parkinson’s sets the tone for the evening. By this time the magnificent banquet hall is buzzing in anticipation and as the entertaining presenters for the night, Becky Liggero and the larger-than-life Michael Caselli take to the stage with the help of the event’s sponsors, to the deliver the eighteen awards, the packed to the rafters Grandmaster’s Suite explodes in a heartfelt applause. Winner after winner are swiftly announced, accompanied by the loud cheering of colleagues, turning the event into a joyful celebration of everything the great and the good of this forward thinking industry has achieved this past year… And amid such a jubilant, unforgettable atmosphere the curtain comes down on another sizzling iGaming Idol and with an eye on next year’s edition, we can only say…Bring it on!
“This means a lot to me! I have worked hard in the past three years…I have been waiting for this.” - TECH FRONT-END IDOL OF THE YEAR: KURT AQUILINA, PLAYNGO
“You know the feeling when you’re wearing your most expensive suit but still feel underdressed? Well, that’s me right now I guess. I thought thanking my team was my unique selling point, but this is truly a team effort, this award belongs to my team.” - RECRUITMENT IDOL OF THE YEAR: JAKOB WALLOF, NETENT
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“We are leading the way, not to predict the future but to shape it. Our first thoughts go to the 500 lions, whose shoulders we are standing on. Look around you, we’re bigger than the music industry and we’ve only just scratched the surface!” - OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION OF THE YEAR: ROBIN RAMM ERICSON & GUSTAF HAGMAN, LEOVEGAS
“We’ve had an amazing last couple of years. The growth and recognition of this award is all due to the amazing team that we have and the reputation we have managed to build in Malta. We hope that this award is just the beginning of better things to come.” - EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR: CATENA MEDIA
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passion
NICLAS ELFSTEDT
...ONE MAN’S PASSIONATE JOURNEY Words by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Jacob Sammut
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T
all and lean, soft spoken, with wholesome good looks and easy charm, Niclas Elfstedt is the type of easy-going guy you’d be more than happy to spend a few sparring hours with. Despite the laid-back aura he exudes, Niclas harbours an all-consuming passion for his favourite sport, Thaiboxing, one which takes up a huge chunk of both his time and energy. Currently working as Key Account Manager for Betsson Group, he has been in Malta for the second time since June 2016. Reconciling the day job with his passion must be no easy task, but Niclas’ steely determination to make it work is nothing if not admirable. But the first question that comes to mind is how did this obsession with Thai boxing come about? “As long as I can remember, I was always an avid fan of martial arts. As kids we used to watch as many Bruce Lee movies as we could get our hands on; any Asian martial arts video for that matter,” he laughs before continuing, “Then when I was about thirteen my mum introduced me to a colleague who was a Muay Thai boxing instructor. I had a try out at his gym and the die was cast.”
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But the love of all sports had been ingrained in the young Niclas, well before the time he had his first foray in a boxing gym; he had long been into ice hockey and football in his Swedish hometown of Karlstad. Trying to juggle all his commitments at such a young age proved too much. Something had to give and Niclas gave up boxing after only a year and a half of training. But his passion was soon reignited on a holiday trip to Thailand with his family, where boxing is a national pastime and fights are on every single evening. His fascination grew to such an extent, that he quit both ice hockey and football on his return to his native Sweden. He went onto preparing for his first bout at nineteen, which he describes as painful, “I had a recurring inflammation in my shin, which I stubbornly ignored, until the pain became unbearable and I had to spend two weeks in crutches. I had to put my training on hold for quite a while,” he says pensively. But by his mid-twenties he was burning the candle at both ends and was hugely out of shape, “I realised that I had to do something drastic…I had been in good shape all my life, could eat
“I’m going to give you hell, you’re going to hate me, but we’ll win’. It’s a tough journey for sure, but if you have to do it give it your 100%...
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...never, ever half-ass something.�
passion
“Beginners’ class? No way was I going to do that and that was what probably got me motivated!” whatever I want, was always fit and healthy, but constant partying had taken a huge toll. I always knew that I wanted to fight before I got too old and this was a wake-up call,” he says, “So I entered the fray once again. This time around it was incredibly hard, to the extent that I was throwing up even after warming up. The trainer was adamant that I had to start from scratch in a beginners’ class. Beginners’ class? No way was I going to do that and that was what probably got me motivated!” Niclas cleaned up his act, quit drink and junk food and spent the whole of summer doing cardio and conditioning on his own. He started training in a Thaiboxing gym with a friend, who would consistently trash him every single night. But the pain and hard work finally paid off…That Autumn he attended just one beginners’ class but was moved to intermediate immediately, going on to his first ever fight that December. Fast forward to June 2016, his second time in Malta where Niclas found a true mentor in Thaiboxing coach Al Creed, at Malta Thaiboxing; an authentic, raw gym in a cavernous garage in Gzira. After winning two fights in the past year, an injury has kept Niclas from training properly. But a
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silver lining was on the horizon. Coach Al suggested that he should teach and mentor the fighters; something which appealed hugely to Niclas. It seems that he has found his niche; mentoring fighters, preparing and organising fights comes naturally to him. “Mentoring is my thing, which is why I am trying my best to gain as much experience as possible, which I can then pass on in future. That said, I feel hugely responsible for my fighters. When I’m in the ring, I usually blank out and am completely in control but it’s a total different ballgame when someone you have trained and mentored up to that point is up there fighting…I’m usually a nervous wreck,” he says on a more serious note. So, coaching seems to be on the cards; what would his advice be to anyone thinking of taking up this sport, which according to Niclas requires sheer discipline and willpower. “I’d tell them what Al told me the first time I wanted to fight. He said, ‘I’m going to give you hell, you’re going to hate me, but we’ll win’. It’s a tough journey for sure, but if you have to do it give it your 100%... Never, ever half-ass something,” Niclas ends with a smile as another sparring class with his fighters beckons…
@niclasapan
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Malta Thaiboxing
Raw and authentic
Al Creed (his real name and yes, as in Apollo Creed) is a British ex-pat who has lived on the island for the past seven and a half years. Upon arrival he realised that as a Muay Thai boxing instructor there was a niche in the local market which suited him to a tee, “I noticed that there were plenty of kickboxing clubs, but no Muay Thai coaching.” Starting out with just a couple of students and with a plan to stay for just one year, his new ‘club’ snowballed in a few months. Malta Thaiboxing is a gritty gym in the heart of Gzira, which does away with all the frills and is as authentic as it gets. According to Al, eighty percent of the regulars emanate from the gaming industry and classes are staggered, catering for different levels. It’s a relaxed space where anyone can train, “I do my best to prioritise, so that my students can get the best attention possible,” says Al, “Especially the newbies. It could be quite intimidating for anyone to take the plunge and enrol, even more so if you’re going it alone. That said, we’re quite laid-back here; some people go for monthly sessions, some for block sessions, while others are simply walk-ins. We make sure everyone is treated the same.” What makes Malta Thaiboxing so unique? Al smiles, “A great atmosphere plus coming here is always a rewarding experience. More importantly, there definitely is no room for egos!”
IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE (A SWEDISH) CHRISTMAS… TRADITIONS FROM WAY UP NORTH Words by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Jacob Sammut
It’s that time of year again. We all love Christmas, or at least most of us do…the picture perfect one; with a house full of beautiful smells, the magical decorations, a joyous gathering of friends and family and the general feeling of goodwill and cheer. Christmas has been celebrated all over the globe for centuries, with different traditions indigenous to every country. But what is common to every culture in every Christmas celebration, near or far, is undeniably the food…Ahh! The food! page 90
christmas
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ith an ex-pat population of thousands, Christmas in Malta is a melting pot of traditions hailing from all over the world. Clara Holmström is one such ex-pat, who is not only a mother of two young children, as well as the owner of the cafeteria at Betsson Malta, but is also an expert baker, who will for the ninth year in a row recreate a Swedish Christmas with all the trimmings for her young family, relatives and friends. We met up with Clara to better understand what a Nordic Christmas looks and more importantly tastes like. But before we discover Clara’s prowess in the kitchen, we kick off our interview with the obvious. Why Malta? “I wanted to try something new. I was tired of living in Sweden and wanted to go somewhere where it’s warm. I couldn’t speak French or Spanish, so, Malta seemed like the natural choice. Everybody here speaks very good English, so it was perfect, so perfect that I have been here for the past nine years,” she says. Was it too much of a culture shock? “It is different,” she smiles, “It’s a more relaxed way of life for sure. Sweden is a bit more organised. It can get a bit frustrating here, but it can be so much more spontaneous. Say if I wanted to have a barbecue on a Tuesday evening, then it’s okay. In Sweden people like to plan their lives to a tee, they need to have a schedule even for their free time, it’s normal. There’s more of a community feel here in Malta.” Moving on to Christmas traditions, she says she isn’t all that familiar with Maltese traditions but what she does know is that it is probably just like back home in Sweden where, “We all eat so much and then we eat dessert. It’s constant eating like for five days.” But a Swedish Christmas goes further than just an opulent lunch. Clara shows me a decorative clove-studded orange which smells divine, which she says is used in Swedish households to perfume the whole house…The Christmassy scent is simply heaven and something I can’t personally wait to recreate this Christmas. Like in most households on the island, Christmas lunch is a grand affair. What will Clara be preparing? “I buy most ingredients directly from Sweden. For some dishes you
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“It’s much easier sourcing unhealthy choices than healthy ones, so I try to stick mostly to great salads that will still keep you full; red or brown rice and vegetables and not just iceberg lettuce and some slices of cucumber.”
christmas
have to have the authentic stuff,” she laughs. “We usually start off with cold cuts; herring in a typical mustard sauce with onions, gravlax and different types of sausages. Then we move on to warm foods; an oven baked cured ham, potatoes, more sausages and meatballs. A cheese platter comes next with traditional cheeses. And then after a bit of a pause, dessert…You can’t have Christmas without dessert, even if everyone is way too full.”
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distinct flavour. It’s a very Swedish thing, you eat one of those and you’re immediately transported back home,” she says.
Clara tells me all about the Swedish traditional dessert Risalamalta, a rice pudding with whipped cream and fresh oranges. One legend has it that the name originates from centuries ago, when the Knights of Malta sent oranges from local groves, which at the time were considered as a luxury fruit, to royal families all over Europe including the Swedish royal family and hence the name Risalamalta.
Food is something that Clara has to think about every day and not just at Christmas. So catering for a good number of people, how does she go about creating menus at her cafeteria? She replies adamantly, “It’s much easier sourcing unhealthy choices than healthy ones, so I try to stick mostly to great salads that will still keep you full; red or brown rice and vegetables and not just iceberg lettuce and some slices of cucumber. We try to keep it interesting and innovative but since Betsson is a Swedish company I also like to have a Swedish touch on the menu. Which is why we bake cardamom and cinnamon buns and some other Swedish classic pastries fresh every day.”
As the cafeteria owner at Betsson Malta, where a good number of Swedish ex-pats congregate every single day, what would she list as the most coveted food item which reminds of home? “I’d say it’s cardamom buns. We bake them fresh every day at the cafeteria. They’re very similar to cinnamon buns but cardamom gives them a very strong and
Speaking to Clara has been a short if wonderful culinary journey into Swedish cuisine, a sweet reminder of home for all those who hail from up north. Recreating the traditions of home may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for the lucky people at Betsson, they can have a taste of home every single day at Clara’s cafeteria…
Clara’s mouth-watering Lussekatter: favourites (SAFFRON BUNS)
Melt the butter in a saucepan, add milk and warm to 50 degrees. Whisk in all the other ingredients except the flour. Pour in a baking machine and add approximate 1kg of flour. Let it prove for 30 minutes. Knead the dough and add more flour if necessary. Cut into pieces and shape into the form you wish. Decorate with raisins. Prove for another 30 minutes. Brush with egg mixed with water. Bake in oven on 180 degrees Celsius for about 15 minutes. Preferably cool down on a rack.
• • • • • • •
150g butter 500g milk 15g yeast 5g salt 185g sugar /2 dl 1 egg 1 g saffron
Ljus Knäck! Butterscotch: (SOFT WERTHER'S ORIGINAL)
Mix butter, sugar and syrup in a saucepan, add salt and boil a few minutes until ready. Drop a sample in a glass of ice water to check the consistency. Pour in small thimble sized bakeware and cool.
• • • •
100g sugar 100g syrup 100g real butter 1 teaspoon salt
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Ris à la Malta: Boil 500g of short rice in plenty of water for 12 minutes. Strain rice and add 300ml of fresh cream (no substitute) and 300ml full fat fresh milk. Add 4 tablespoons of sugar and 6 grated bitter almonds (or almond essence). Boil for 3 minutes and leave to cool down overnight. Serve with 300ml whipped fresh cream and 2 diced oranges.
• • • • •
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500g short rice 600ml fresh cream 300ml full fat milk 4 tablespoons of sugar 6 grated bitter almonds
food
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SPILLING THE UNDERGROUND’S BEST KEPT SECRET… Words by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Jacob Sammut
DJ Ruby Secret Series Events are an exact replica of the notorious underground music party concept which Ruby hosted between 1999 and 2012. Eighty parties in thirteen years which started out with a modest crowd of about a hundred growing to more than two thousand people at each event. Fast forward to 2017 and the Secret Series has been in the running for the past two years. So, what exactly is it all about? We sent self-confessed party animal Lor Glitz on the prowl to investigate what goes down on the night‌
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he Secret Series events are held at secret nonclubbing venues, and the crowd, usually Progressive House music aficionados, is hand-picked by Ruby himself. In keeping with tradition, no promotion is ever done on social media and the venue is only revealed on the day via sms. So, on one fine Saturday afternoon in October, Lor makes her way to the BMX track in Pembroke just in time to see the party kicking off at 17.00. Ravers were soon pouring in, in their mainly black typical techno attire and given that entrance is through a limited time window, it was good to see that most invitees had made it by the 19.00 curfew.
party A great mashup is as democratic as it gets and soon, Lor is happy to report that the crowd is a great mix of people of all backgrounds, ages and ethnicities. From ordinary Joes to the elite, music unfailingly manages to connect people and erase all boundaries. Unlike the usual clubs, these secret parties don’t revolve around commercial music with each DJ and clubber getting hyped over the newest songs being dropped; these parties are all about dancing, which is also why the use of mobile phones on the dancefloor is strictly prohibited. Facebooking or selfies are out, so FOMO is, unlike anywhere else on the clubbing scene, so not a thing. Word has it that Ruby got his inspiration for the Secret Series by a trend which is championed by one of Berlin’s finest underground music clubs: Berghain! Whatever the inspiration, Lor agrees that the pure, raw, party vibe was unique on the night, in a location that was headily intimate, dark and smelled authentic, plus the music quality was second to none. This time around, for the ninth event of the series, famous progressive house DJ - GUY J graced the hallowed DJ booth with Ruby, sparking even more of a frenzy, until at midnight the crowd moved to the after party at the mega ‘Mansion’ in Paceville for even more dancing. So, what’s the verdict? Lor who is a seasoned pro at anything that’s party related, says that the freedom and the sheer atmosphere of the place is phenomenal, where the only thing that matters is the dancing, no more, no less…Or, as she eloquently puts it, “Everyone dances all night long with no f**** given!” Keep your eyes peeled… As the 10th edition of Ruby’s Secret Series is coming soon to a location near you… In the meantime, follow more of Lor Glitz’s crazy adventures on Instagram: @ glitz_around_the_globe
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IVONNE IVONNE MONTEALEGRE… MONTEALEGRE… AN EXTRAORDINARY GAME CHANGER Words by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Jacob Sammut
AN EXTRAORDINARY GAME CHANGER In this business you get to meet all sorts. But every now and again, the universe beams down on you and you get to meet a powerhouse woman whose passion and enthusiasm is infectious. Ivonne Montealegre is one such powerhouse. Synonymous with worldrenowned Pokerlistings, Battle of Malta tournament, she is the creator and driving force behind its legendary success which has seen the tournament grow to unprecedented levels in just six years.
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e catch up with Ivonne at the Hilton Portomaso Casino, mere minutes before another segment of the tournament is about to commence. Anyone else, with so much going on, and our interview would have descended into disaster, but Ivonne is welcoming and gracious and despite the mayhem unfolding around us with hundreds of players milling around the vast expanse of Portomaso casino, she even offers us a tour of the whole tournament. When we finally sit down and catch breath (seriously, the woman is a human dynamo!) we delve into what makes her tick. Born and raised in Costa Rica, Ivonne has been organising tournaments since the grand old age of nineteen, including the ongoing Punta Cana Poker Classic in the Dominican Republic. After travelling the world, Ivonne landed in Malta where she observed an incipient and young gaming community and realised that “this island has something”, something which was so attractive that she decided to stay. That something came about after meeting with a client in London during a conference, where she was hired to work in Stockholm, but given that she was averse to the weather, she was sent by the company to work in Malta. She says, “Malta and I have a passion. It’s like a first love. Some people will say that you’re born in a country, but you belong in another and it’s true. I love my Costa Rica but I belong to Malta. The way that I have been treated by the community feels so much like home.”
What inspired her to create the Battle of Malta? “First of all, Malta has all the indicators to succeed. The weather is fabulous, so our November is summer in Scandinavia. So, taking that into account as well as the beautiful location here at Hilton, it is the formula for a great poker holiday. I focus a lot on the poker holiday idea, it’s a whole experience; the parties, the bars. We barely break even, but its marketing value is fantastic,” she says with gusto.
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But Ivonne is not just the face (a very pretty face at that) of Battle of Malta. She is also a mother, to two tiny babies, who she says she owes like a lot else to the Battle of Malta. “I met the father of my children here. I found love,” she smiles before continuing, “Malta has given me everything… My children, my passion for this job, love. I’m so thankful!” The notorious ‘glass ceiling’ has been a hot topic in the past decade or so, with hundreds of column inches dedicated to women who are trying to make it in a male dominated corporate world. Ivonne has not only shattered the ‘glass ceiling’ but is now a wholly respected and admired main protagonist on the international gaming circuit. But in such a male-oriented sector, how was her journey to the top? With her trademark smile she says, “It was a very, very difficult journey. I think as a woman you have to inevitably develop a few male-like characteristics to survive. Sometimes, you come across a little bit harsh. What is also interesting is that many people are incapable of accepting who you are and what you do. Many a time I was approached with ‘who’s your boss?’, they couldn’t believe that a woman is leading. It is very challenging on daily basis. You invariably get a lot of s***!”
How does she tackle this chauvinistic approach? “Well, I was brought up in Costa Rica and we are very straightforward, which is in direct contrast to people here, who are very polite and nonconfrontative. I am the opposite…I am extremely confrontative, if I don’t like something I tackle it there and then, because I don’t want to take it home with me. Now with the children this is even more important,” she says.
As a hard-working mum, how does she juggle her obviously gruelling shedule?
“Many a time I was approached with ‘who’s your boss?’, they couldn’t believe that a woman is leading.” page 109
“It’s a tough industry and you have to have a very thick skin to just survive.” page 82
people In a more sombre tone she replies, “Believe me, it’s tough. Planning this tournament, I haven’t seen my children in three months, my partner has been taking over. I have been working brutal hours to get this off the ground, but the beauty of this job is that once this is over, I can relax. That said, for the first few weeks after, I feel empty, like, ‘why am I not getting any emails’? My timeline is quite hectic at the moment, but as soon as we’re done, the owners at Pokerlistings and my colleagues give me a chance to be a mum.” “It sounds like a cliché, but quality time with the children is all-important. With children you have to be very focused, there’s no time to waste. You have to manage your time and prioritise the most important stuff, otherwise my children will suffer,” she says wistfully.
As someone who’s at the top of her game, what would she suggest to any young girl trying to make it big in the gaming community? “First and foremost a formal education in marketing, finance or perhaps event creation is always the best way forward. After that, never, ever take things personally. It’s a tough industry and you have to have a very thick skin to just survive,” she says.
Like in any other scenario, there are pros and cons to every situation. What are the things which annoy and bother her on the job as well as the best highlights? “Well, when some clients and sponsors forget that you’re human and demand your services at all hours of the day and night. When someone calls at 4.00 a.m. because they have an issue, I regard that as very inconsiderate. That said, I treasure the friendships with people from all the over the world which I have formed over the years through my job. This tour is built with love, we have poker players who make millions in Las Vegas, but still come here just to help me create the live stream for free. I believe that these friendships are the best gift my career has given me,” Ivonne says. The Battle of Malta tournament is according to Ivonne not just another poker event, “Life-long friendships have been forged here. There are couples who have met here and I’m sure even babies have been conceived,” she says with a tear in her eye, “when you have human capital, beautiful things can happen, miracles can happen.” And that coming from such a feisty lady, who radiates such beautiful warmth and energy, is something I can truly believe.
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CONCIERGE SERVICE EVENTS MANAGEMENT HIGH-END PUBLIC EVENTS MALTA SPECIALISATION I-GAMING HOSPITALITY
www.ambassador-events.com
‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY The festive season is once again upon us and with plenty of events to see us through Christmas, NYE and beyond, we’re simply spoilt for choice. From the most exclusive clubbing event on the island to classy evenings for culture vultures and everything in between, the cold winter months are chock-a-block with events happening every week. So, dig in our pick of the very best… Enjoy!
The Nutcracker The Nutcracker’s first performance was not a success, but the enduring popularity of the musical suite Tchaikovsky extracted from it helped make it a Christmas season staple. Under the direction of Armenian conductor Sergey Smbatyan, the MPO will be performing an extensive selection of music from this charming and heart-warming ballet. The orchestra will also be performing Mendelssohn’s famous Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream and his only Violin Concerto, for which it will be joined by the internationally-acclaimed young violinist Esther Yoo.
15 DECEMBER 2017 Pjazza San Gorg
WWW.MALTAORCHESTRA.COM/
REL•INK – INDELIBLE NARRATIVES For those in search of something off the beaten track, REL•INK – INDELIBLE NARRATIVES is an exhibition featuring oral accounts and images of tattoo designs of elderly Maltese men. Historical research, gathered from the National Archives of Malta, shows that tattoos were included in passport documents and referenced as visible distinguishing marks. The project focuses on various aspects related to maritime history including employment, economic and maritime traditions and the movement of seamen and port workers from the 1900s up to World War II.
OPEN UNTIL 30TH DECEMBER 17
Malta Maritime Museum WWW.HERITAGEMALTA.ORG
events EBM presents Dom Pérignon New Year's Eve Party at TwentyTwo In keeping with tradition, EBM will be hosting one of the most anticipated NYE parties on the island. To be held at Malta’s exclusive nightlife venue, TwentyTwo, EBM will provide the unique and amazing opportunity in welcoming the New Year with a bang, while watching the glorious fireworks from TwentyTwo’s unique vantage point - a stunning 360-degree panorama from the highest point on the island. Expect some truly old school debauchery, great music and a fired-up atmosphere in true, renowned EBM style.
31 DECEMBER 2017 TwentyTwo - Level 22, Portomaso Business Tower
Carnival in Gozo Nadur’s no-rules carnival is deeply traditional and essentially spontaneous. In Nadur the purpose of costumes is disguise – quite simply not to be recognised. Sunset reveals a multitude of masked and hooded creatures thronging the streets. People wear all kinds of funny and grotesque costumes, some satirical, and most remain silent to aid their disguise, gaining the Nadur celebrations the sobriquet, The Silent Carnival. The Nadur ‘floats’ are often little more than carts released from their duties on local farms but there is always a wicked edge to the celebrations.
9 – 13 FEBRUARY 2018 Nadur – Gozo
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