EBM Magazine #05

BUSINESS & LIFESTYLE

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BUSINESS & LIFESTYLE

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contents

EBM

MAGAZINE SUMMER 2018

travel

PG38. TREASURES OF SINGAPORE

food

PG42. PURE…INSPIRING AMAZING FOOD FOR A HEALTHIER MALTA

something new

PG46. ABSOLUTE ELYX, THE SUPERPREMIUM VODKA…THE EPITOME OF LUXURY AND ETHICAL CREDENTIALS

art & culture

PG52. KANE CALI…ART AS A POWERFUL SOCIAL STATEMENT

beauty

PG56. SUMMER & SKIN

people

PG58. BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS… THE HALLMARK OF AN ABSOLUTE CHAMPION

party

PG64. EBM SUNDAYS AT SKYBEACH

style

PG68. MASQUERADE STYLE

cover story

PG12. JUGGLING ACT: THE FASCINATING CHRONICLES OF MODERN DAY SUPERWOMEN

fashion

PG24. BREITLING: REFINED ELEGANCE WITH SKY-HIGH PRECISION

marketing

PG28. THE AUTHENTIC BRIEF ADVERTISING THAT CREATES THE ALL-IMPORTANT EMOTIONAL CONNECTION

fashion

PG34. A SUMMER OF LOVE

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fitness

PG72. THE ANCIENT ART OF YOGA… THE ULTIMATE HARMONY BETWEEN MIND AND BODY

design

PG78. THE MAKEOVER: GOODBYE DRAB AND GLOOM, HELLO JAZZY TERRACE!

community

PG82. CONTRIBUTE WATER – THE ENTERPRISE WITH A SOCIAL CONSCIENCE

entrepreneur

PG84. BORIS MIHOV…TAKING THE ESPORTS PHENOMENON ONTO THE NEXT LEVEL

team I am super excited to embark on this little venture of EBM! We started this issue together with Pavli, who had beautifully led this project for the first four issues. I have to say I am in love with the team and the amazing energy they have; I couldn't be more inspired by their enthusiasm, ideas and determination. The most exciting thing about this issue is that we have an amazing cover story on five beautiful women who are extremely passionate, committed to who and what they love, and their captivating spirit represents all the magical qualities of the female gender.

Julia Boikova

EDITOR

@julia_bka

I am a big art and culture fan and to that end we have an amazing feature on Kane Cali in this issue which delves into his magnificent body of work. This guy has been a breath of fresh art on the island - read our little story and keep your eyes peeled for more! We have interviewed Henrik Lindh in rather sweaty circumstances…that story will give you a sneak peek into a rather extreme sport; few actually realize just how extreme! No summer issue is worth its salt without covering our glorious summer activities and you will find yourself seduced by the article on gorgeous SKYBEACH Sundays by EBM. There are also a few great things to enjoy from the fashion and beauty front!

What’s for sure is that with this issue, we got your reading sorted for a stunning summer’s day at the beach! Enjoy!

After 4 male dominated covers it was about time we feature a strong woman! In a male dominated industry, we feel it's important to highlight the strong women who make up the igaming industry, and there's definitely no shortage of talent. Line, who is featured in the cover story, is a good friend of mine and someone who I very much look up to with the story she has. A real power woman. This magazine is now maturing in it's 5th issue and we are excited to have Julia Boikova on board as our editor. Happy reading!

Pierre Lindh

MANAGING DIRECTOR, AMBASSADÖR EVENTS @pierreobv

Summer is here and that means busy season for me with events! June has been extremely busy but luckily I did the majority of my work with EBM magazine in April and May. This issue we have lots of interesting content for you to dig into during those lazy summer days. It’s especially nice to see a woman on the cover and a great article about power women in iGaming, since we mostly had men on prior covers. Sales wise I am mostly focusing on coming issues right now, in fact all our covers are taken until Q1 2019. I wish you all a great summer!

Martin Pettersson HEAD OF SALES

martin@ambassador-events.com page 9

team Interviewing five kickass women has been a privilege‌Feisty and down-to-earth, they represent all there is to celebrate in being a female. Whether managing a company, supervising whole departments or trying to be great mums to their kids, their narratives mirror the small miracles ordinary women perform every single day.

Girls‌You rock!

Giselle Scicluna

CONTENT WRITER @sciclunagiselle

This edition is different particularly for the reason that it empowers women more than ever.

As women we will always face more challenges than men especially at work, but this issue shows us that strong women can surpass this and still achieve what they aspire to. Finally a woman on the cover of EBM magazine! For this reason, I decided to add new elements in the magazine to keep the design looking fresh and bold as ever as well as added some colourful flair with the help of Julia Boikova.

Kimberly Micallef CREATIVE DESIGNER

WWW.KIMBERLYMICALLEF.COM

@kim.berly.mica page 10

Great achievements, being male or female, should always be celebrated; and yet we still live in a world in which equality is encouraged and promoted but never really acted upon. From politicians to religions we still see dark age treatment enacted onto women. It is sad to see such discrimination when the female gender has brought so much to this world since before the classical period. Female achievements should not just be recognized and celebrated because of the great change they are to have upon our society, but also to bring an end to discrimination within societies all over.

Jacob Sammut PHOTOGRAPHER

WWW.JACOBSAMMUTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

@sammut.jacob

page 12

Juggling act: The fascinating chronicles of modern day Superwomen Words by Giselle Scicluna Photography by Zvezdan Reljic Make-up by Gia Marie Waits

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cover story

D

o you know what it feels like to walk onto a surreal movie set, where all the superheroes are bold, gorgeous, talented and above all female?

Me neither. But all that was about to change as I made my way to interview the five incredible women who form part of the management team at Twin, the online casino. Five hard-working women, who are not only passionate about their careers but also lead busy personal lives - in other words, they successfully manage to juggle different roles and still be amazing carers and ambitious providers without losing their identity or verve. We got together with these exceptional ladies to discover their wisdom and experience and what makes them thrive in an ever-changing modern landscape.

Twin’s COO Ewa Kaźmierska, is a force of nature. If looks can be deceptive, then Ewa is a case in point; petite and ballerinalike in stature, she is that rare combination of being razor-sharp, witty and eloquent with a hint of steel thrown in for good measure.

We quickly launch into our interview…

Who is Ewa? “That’s a very difficult question, as I’ve been trying to find that out since I was a little girl, and I’m still looking” she says smiling, “I tend to be very philosophical; I overthink things, maybe not as much as I used to back in the day when I was still in high school, when I was very much into philosophy. But now with a full-time job and two kids, I simply cannot afford the time, so the answer to that is still a bit elusive.”

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As any parent would readily admit, having children usually turns everything on its head, how would that work out for a self-confessed overthinker such as Ewa? “Everything you think you know simply flies out of the window, instinct kicks in and you have to go with the flow. Obviously, I still have doubts and second thoughts about a lot of things, including my children, but I don’t go too deep into them, I rather tend to trust my intuition more, which is a relief.

Back in high school, I remember feeling truly let down by the great philosopher Schopenhauer. I was so into reading him and into understanding about life, and all those big existential questions and then I read that he wrote all

these theories while having a good dinner. When you’re a teenager, you absorb everything and cannot filter what’s real and what’s fake and what’s important. Teenagers do not take anything with a pinch of salt, so I felt so crushed, so cheated,” she says with feeling.

As a hard-working mother of two children of eleven and one, has she ever suffered from that widespread affliction affecting most working mothers: the dreaded guilt trips?

“Gender is a very complex thing; when you compare men and women and their attitude to work, it’s completely different. Men go to work, they shut the door and lose themselves in the job, they don’t stress about how their children

are faring during the day. With mums that is not always the case; you focus on the job but there are a hundred thoughts about the children cramming the back of your mind… ‘Are they ok?’ or maybe ‘Should I be with them?’.

Your subconscious is on the alert whether you want it to or not, maybe we’re just hard-wired that way. But as a working mum I’m also programmed to not waste time, so as soon as I’m through the door, I do my best to spend quality time

Ewa

cover story

with them. So, overall, I do not feel guilty, as I know I’m cramming a whole lot in the space of just a few hours. However, business trips are a totally different ball game,” she sighs before continuing, “Kids somehow sense just how bad you feel about leaving them and punish you even more for it. It’s not the same thing when their father goes away, but again, men lack that sense of guilt which we seem to carry around. It’s unfair, but there you go!”

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The role of COO carries a lot of responsibility, how does Ewa view this?

“If you take it seriously, then yes, it is quite a role, not only for being responsible for certain operations within the company, which is actually the straightforward job description, but also that you’re ultimately responsible for people,” she remarks, “The human capital is the most important asset for the company and the way it is handled matters a lot. We all know that the human factor is quite challenging and how you cope with that is what makes a good manager. For example, the diversity issue has become a bit of a cliché these days; diversity managers, diversity reports, etc, and I think that people are focusing too much on how this issue looks on paper, how many boxes we are able to tick to achieve an attractive report – we’re more concerned with superficial ‘success’ than how this affects the actual people involved. Diversity is a good thing, but I believe it’s more important to be inclusive, to enable people to successfully work together. We have to accept that we are all different and unique, with different work ethos and personalities and defined by our life experiences, but we’re in the same place, trying to paddle in the same direction and that is the ultimate goal,” she says adamantly.

In her role, Ewa believes that you have to be a mentalist and be able to foresee any glitches on the horizon before they take root. According to her, social intelligence helps a lot when the human element presents

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Ann

cover story

constant challenges, “Even a mood change which is quite a normal occurrence, can throw the whole dynamic of the workplace into a tailspin. I keep saying that you can’t force people to feel happy at work, you can’t even make them like each other, but what you can do is provide a healthy environment, where people can work together and be made aware that there is a common goal. Every little detail matters, whether you’re a man or a woman, regardless in which area you operate, you need to understand that we’re striving towards a goal which is bigger than our differences. We need to foster an element of trust at all levels and leave out the mind games... Heck, the only game that’s worthy is football,” Ewa laughs, immediately launching into a heated discussion about her love of the beautiful game.

Dealing with people, their quirks, strengths and weaknesses is part of Ewa’s job but coming up with practical solutions which benefit all those involved, is also her forte.

She pragmatically sums it up, “Either you’re part of the solution or you’re part of the problem!

Whether it’s a work or family dilemma, you can choose exactly how to tackle it, and despite being an overused cliché, I do truly believe that where there is a will, there is always, always a way,” she says with finality, in her typical down-to-earth style.

cover story Anna Kowal hails from Poland and has been living in Malta for almost four years. She fell in love with the island, its weather and its hospitable people; a love affair which she says is still ongoing. The move to Malta for Anna, her husband, and then baby daughter (she is now six) came as a bolt out of the blue, when her husband who worked remotely from home, was given the option of either moving abroad or be made redundant – in truth a choice between a rock and hard place. “We had just settled down and bought our own place. We were the perfect little unit; a home, a baby, a dog,” Anna laughs, “We had to up sticks and leave. Mostly, we were worried that without the support network we had at home, we would struggle, since my daughter was only two at the time, but with a little help and guidance from above, everything came together.”

As a career woman with a small child, how does she cope with being a mother, a full-time job and keeping home all at the same time?

“I do appreciate how our company is flexible with regard to working mothers and its recognition of the fact that these women have other just as important duties outside their jobs. I can take my daughter to work on days when it is a school holiday, and both my husband and I cannot fix our schedule to accommodate this. Coming to work with me is quite a little adventure for my daughter.”

Having hectic work schedules plus a family to take care of, can put a lot of pressure on a relationship, how does Anna and her husband cope with all this?

“It’s all about compromise, we always try to figure out the best way for all of us. Our daughter is our priority, so we always manage to work around that. The only drawback is when we want to have a date night as a couple…Then yes, it’s a bit of a hassle and takes a lot of strategic planning,” she says with a smile.

“I do appreciate how our company is flexible with regard to working mothers..” page 17

cover story

What does Anna believe is the one main ingredient to maintaining a work/life balance?

Alex

Anna says that she is not the daring type and loves her routine, “You won’t find me skydiving or anything that’s too adventurous.

I’m actually quite a homebody; relaxing for me is all about cooking or reading or at most doing sports.

I also love entertaining and having friends over for dinner. When we first moved to Malta, we had relatives visiting over from Poland every week,” she says, “Let’s face it, when you’ve lived in Polish weather all your life, Malta is quite a holiday destination.”

page 18

“I believe that it’s a combination of a lot of things; an employer who’s willing to be flexible, communication between the couple, effective time management. It’s all about give and take and being able to find the middle ground with the people around you. Life is made up of positives and negatives, but you just have to focus on the positives and believe that you can and will make it work,” Anna ends on a more serious note.

cover story Head of HR at Twin, Alex Rubena sits down, nervously admitting that this is her first ever interview for a magazine. Having interviewed dozens of prospective employees, she says that is feels quite strange to be under the spotlight herself. A reticent wallflower, she is a totally different personality to the other interviewees. She readily confesses that it took her quite a while to become self-confident and start believing that she is actually “very good at what she does”.

I inevitably ask where did this lack of self-belief stem from…

the company, assessing people on a regular basis and deciding whether they would be an asset or not to the overall wellbeing of the organisation.

do, then everything’s possible.

That said, I always try to get a second opinion,” she says.

Twin prides itself on its gender equal and inclusive policies, but as someone who has been working since she was sixteen, has Alex ever come across gender inequality at other workplaces, has she ever been prejudiced against just because she’s a girl?

“..At Twin, gender is never an issue, it is what you can bring to the table that counts..”

“Hailing from Latvia, the environment I grew up in is totally different to Malta.

In the Baltics people are more guarded, a bit more pessimistic perhaps, so you can never gauge what they think through their responses, so you can never know how well you’re doing from their reactions. Then I discovered sky-diving and the exhilaration this summons is something else. If you can find the courage and take the plunge to go for it, then your confidence automatically grows,” Alex explains, “It all started out when I met my husband six years ago, and he got me into rock-climbing and my interest into these kinds of adrenaline fuelled sports escalated from there. This started me thinking that if I can conquer my fear, I can conquer anything, including my work-related anxiety.”

As Head of HR, her job carries a huge responsibility towards

But what makes a person tick, how would she single out a prospective employee?

“First you have to separate their professional qualities, from their personality. No matter how many qualifications, you have to gauge how that person will fit in.

I value openness and I always try to picture how it would feel to be actually working alongside that person. After all, we work in a very fast paced environment, so they’d also have to be quite reactive and not everyone is able to do that. It’s quite instinctive really, you get a gut feeling that that person would do a great job or not. At the end of the day it all boils down to that person having a drive and if they

“Yes, I’ve had issues with other companies, but definitely not at Twin.

You’ve met with some of our girls,” she says with pride, “the way we’re regarded. At Twin, gender is never an issue, it is what you can bring to the table that counts. Sadly, some organisations still mistakenly believe, that men are better at leading a company.

This mindset is shifting quite drastically now, but I believe we still have a long way to go.”

With hindsight, if Alex could change anything about her past, what would it be?

“Nothing really, because I am what I am today and am where I am because of all my past experiences, both good and bad,” she says with a brilliant smile.

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Gosia Matusewicz is also part of the management team at Twin and describes herself as ‘being quite scary’ for some of her colleagues.

This stems from the fact that she could be quite intense, “I think that I’m very focused as a person and will give my hundred percent to whatever it is I am doing. I’m a perfectionist and expect others to be the same, so, when something which is beyond my control goes awry, it tends to unbalance my day and I get quite pissed off, hence people around me think I’m quite a handful,” she laughs.

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Gosia

cover story

cover story Her role at Twin is to “Ask a lot of questions,” she says, “but officially I take care of bonuses and promotions for our clients.

I also work with the developers, who are working on new things which we are adding and improving constantly, which is why I do have to ask a lot of questions. We all have our weak moments, but if something’s done without questioning whether it makes sense or not, then I’m truly irritated. To be honest, quite a lot of swearing goes on, we even have a ‘swear words piggy bank’, but this diffuses the tension and after, we can all have a laugh about it.”

Away from the workplace Gosia’ also has two Masters’ degrees in classical music, but regrettably she doesn’t indulge in this passion anymore as she says it takes up a lot of her time. Does she miss her music?

“Sometimes, yes. When I go to a concert, I think to myself ‘I used to do that’, but I am very focused on my job, so music had to go. At the end, everything comes with a price. But, I have found another vocation,” she chuckles, “I now bake artistic cakes for enjoyment.”

Talking to Gosia I can sense that she has a wicked sense of humour, which she says not everyone comprehends, “Often people think that I’m this serious person, when in fact, most of the time I’m just being ironic or taking the piss and they worry because they can’t fathom whether I’m being dead serious or just having a laugh. Those who know me well, however, are used to it.”

Being in a mostly female working environment could prove tricky for some people; there’s the general perception that women view other women as competitors and therefore this could cause friction. What’s her take on this?

“I don’t think it’s relevant whether your colleagues are male or female, you either click with someone or you don’t. It’s great when you have the right chemistry, but finally we are all evaluated on our results, so regardless of chemistry we need to work as team if this is to happen.”

Going home with her partner of ten years, how does she manage to switch off from a hectic day?

“Driving home from work, while we’re stuck in traffic, we let off steam,” she laughs, “so, by the time we get home, cook and feed the cat, we’re ok. We also walk a lot, we’re very into geo-caching – it’s like a treasure hunt app. It’s great for sightseeing, you get to visit a lot of beautiful places which are off the beaten track.”

Gosia spent three years working on cruise ships, which not only provided a chance to see the world, but also an opportunity to discover herself. “More than anything that period in my life taught me to be more reliable, because you’re in the middle of the ocean and people’s lives are dependant on you. This forever changed the way I look at things and made me what I am today,” she ends on a more serious note.

“..so regardless of chemistry we need to work as a team if this is to happen.” page 21

cover story

Line Line Young Peteri is a familiar face on social media, where she runs her popular blog, a frank and witty take on life and anything else which takes Line’s fancy on any given day. The past few months have seen Line join the Twin team, something which she seems quite chuffed about.

Kicking off our chat with Line, there seems to be only one problem; she admits that she can talk nineteen to the dozen and keeping up with her could prove to be quite tricky.

Still, we plunge in…Born in South Korea and adopted by Danish parents, Line is now married to a Swedish/Finnish man and with their two children have been living in Malta for the past ten years. Regarding her online presence she says, “I have an opinion about everything, and believe that if something bothers you, it is useless moaning and not doing something about it.

Right now, I’m focused on getting more women back to work. I realised prior to my move to Twin, that after having children, it’s not easy. I love Malta, but here most women who have given up their careers to become mothers find themselves lacking the self-confidence and the necessary network to return. I try to encourage women to believe in themselves and not be afraid or feel guilty to admit that while they love their children, they would love to go back to their job.”

“...pretty is good, but clever is better...” page 22

Line continues, “There is almost a stigma attached to being a working mum where some companies are concerned, there should be more focus on this matter and how it affects the female half of the population.” When I point out to her that it seems that women are always being judged on their choices, she says, “No-one judges us more harshly than ourselves. We are our own worst enemy, we would think things about ourselves which would never dream of saying to anyone else. Again, the problem boils down to lack of self-belief, if we believed in ourselves we simply wouldn’t care what other people thought.”

Having always looked and felt different to the “Nordic blonde world” she was brought up in, the younger Line felt that she would never fit in.

Today at 41, she embraces being different, to such an extent, that even when she moves in fashion circles (which is often), where the imposed standards of beauty are terribly exacting, she still feels comfortable in her own skin. Her mantra, which she also tries to instil in her children is quite simple, “pretty is good, but clever is better” and is something she has come to believe over the years.

Line’s life has been quite a roller-coaster, with some very low periods, “When my baby girl was six months old, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which knocked me sideways. Everyone said that I was ‘lucky’ as this was the most curable cancer of all. I had surgery to remove the tumours and left my baby and toddler son for four entire weeks, which I think was the hardest part. Ironically, thyroid cancer is curable, but I turned out to be one of a very small percentage who become immune to treatment. The more treatment I had, the more aggressive it became.

I was travelling forwards and backwards to the UK every few weeks – at one point they found nine new tumours in my neck and it apparently had spread to my chest,” she says, “The scariest part was that I lost my voice and while I can communicate through email or messaging, I still felt helpless, a feeling that is totally alien to me.”

Despite the huge trauma, Line chose to fight back in small ways, describing how she would return home from surgery wearing red lipstick, despite having an assortment of blood and drainage bags attached to her body. Choosing to be defiant in face of adversity, was her way of staying positive and what she believes helped in her rapid recovery.

For the past four months Line has been part of the Twin team, what does she think of the company?

“It’s a relatively small company so we can be flexible within our roles. The beauty of it is that it encourages this entrepreneurial spirit and creativity, while having the stability and luxury of working within the confines of an organisation,” she says.

As a working mother, with an active platform on social media as well as the owner of a shoe

company, how does Line manage to juggle all these roles?

“I was very clever,” she giggles, “I found a very good husband, who’s willing to share the work. I also believe that looking good is part and parcel of feeling good, so every three weeks I have this lovely girl who comes over in the early morning and primps and prods me beautiful. Then, it’s the daily school run and by 7.30 I’m at work till 4.00.

Of course, in the evening you can guess the rest, everything gets a bit too chaotic, but you know what? Energy feeds energy and if you love what you do, you have the energy to organise and time manage pretty much your whole schedule. I also believe in karma and if you give out positive vibes, positive energy will come back to you.”

Line believes that as women we should learn to prioritise and not be afraid of saying ‘no’, “It is ok to admit to your limitations and no-one would blame you for it. In the long run, honesty would be way much more appreciated. I always made it a point with my employers and now at Twin, that I will do whatever it takes for the company, except neglect my kids…Lord knows I have spent more than enough time away from them. At Twin I have never been made to feel bad because I had to leave at a certain time, never. Companies need to provide an environment where working mothers are made to feel appreciated and judged by their capabilities and not by how many hours they need to be away for their children,” she says with feeling.

In an ideal world what would Line be doing in five years’ time?

For a very short moment sadness flits over her face, “My mum who is very sick, would still be alive and perhaps they would’ve found some kind of cure, but you know what? I don’t think I would be doing anything too different to what I’m doing now. I’m forty-one years old and I’ve had a hell of a ride, so I’d be grateful for some normality; to be with my husband and children, my friends and colleagues. Some people reach for the stars and yes to achieve more would be great, but I love where I am and having given up on getting taller,” she jokes, “all I can wish for is to spend more time with family and my Korean family whom I have just discovered, and hopefully be hundred per cent free of cancer.

Nothing kicks your ass harder and pulls you back down to earth as quickly as illness, so to be able to have just a semblance of normality, would be awesome!”

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fashion

Breitling: Refined elegance with sky-high precision

I

Words by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Jacob Sammut

n 1884, Léon Breitling was a skilled watchmaker who crafted both timepieces and intelligent measuring tools in his St. Imier workshop. Within a short time, the innovative features that he developed for his pocket watches earned Léon’s company a formidable reputation. Without question, Breitling’s numerous ground-breaking innovations led to the chronograph watch as we know it today.

Léon’s original vision for Breitling would finally be realised through the work of his grandson, Willy. Among Willy Breitling’s celebrated pioneering achievements was the establishment of the Huit Aviation Department in 1938. Fully aware of the strict requirements for military and civil aviation, its name – the French word for “eight” – was a perfect choice.

It reflected the eight-day power reserve offered by many dashboard clocks and other dedicated chronometric instruments, including wrist chronographs, which the department was developing for professional aviators.

Yet another noteworthy innovation in the 1940s was when Breitling started adding slide rules to its pilot chronographs. Before the advent of the electronic calculator, slide rules were the go-to tool for mathematical calculations.

In addition to their impressive power reserves and easy readability, these onboard chronographs were distinguished by their lightweight cases. The Huit products immediately attracted the attention of military aviators and, as World War II loomed, the Huit Aviation Department received a large order for chronographs from the Royal Air Force, gaining Willy Breitling’s brand access to the cockpits of the legendary bombers and fighter planes that performed so brilliantly throughout the war.

While the chronograph and instruments for professionals have established themselves as Breitling’s domain of excellence, travel watches have also played an important role in the history of the brand with the winged B. The Breitling Transocean Chronograph Unitime traces its roots to a 1958 model of the same name; the perfect accessory for international travellers.

With clean lines and a refined aesthetic, the Transocean is the perfect blend of fine craftsmanship and technical excellence.

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Today, Breitling is firmly established as “official supplier to world aviation” and continues to offer stunningly innovative, professionalgrade chronographs. It’s among the few brands that submits all chronograph models for rigorous COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) certification testing.

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fashion Thanks to its double disk, the Transocean Chronograph Unitime simultaneously and constantly indicates the time in all 24 time zones.

It is an innovative system based on a patented mechanism which enables the user, when changing time zone, to adjust all the indications in one smooth and easy move simply by turning the crown.

An exceptional new instrument makes its grand entry into the world of exclusive fine mechanisms.

Today, Breitling is further extending its invitation to enjoy travel and performances by combining universal time and the chronograph function within a new model in the Transocean range – a collection reflecting all the refinement and prestige of luxury long-distance journeys.

In creating Caliber 01, the Breitling engineers devised the world’s best chronograph movement.

In developing the new Caliber 05, based on the same high-performance architecture, they have also reinvented the world time mechanism by equipping it with an adjustment system boasting unprecedented user friendliness. The Transocean Chronograph Unitime features two mobile disks: a 24-hour disk and a disk bearing the names of 24 cities representing the world’s 24 time zones. The time shown by the central hands corresponds to that of the time zone displayed at 12 o’clock. The city disk also bears indications serving to take account of “summer” or daylight-saving time (DST).

When the user changes time zone, he needs only to pull out the crown and turn it forwards or backwards in one-hour increments in order to correct the hours, the city disk and the 24-hour disk in one smooth move. Meanwhile, the calendar is easily adjusted in both directions to the date corresponding to local time. During these manoeuvres, the minute and seconds hands continue turning normally without any loss of precision, and without perturbing any chronograph timing operations in progress.

Associating innovative technology with stylish aesthetics, the Transocean Chronograph Unitime is distinguished by its modern, pure lines and the infinite care lavished on the smallest details – such as its dial bearing a globe pattern. It comes in steel or red gold versions with the city bezel available in several languages. That unmistakable first-class feeling on the wrist.

In Malta, leading authorised retailer of high-end luxury watches and jewellery, Edwards, Lowell Co Ltd is the exclusive distributor for Breitling timepieces.

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marketing

The Authentic Brief – Advertising that creates the allimportant emotional connection Words by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Jacob Sammut

Upon meeting, Rebecca Barbaro Sant gives the impression of a soft-spoken, shy young woman.

But as is always the case, first impressions can be quite deceiving. In reality, despite her gentle approach, you soon realise that this is quite a young lady; feisty, sharp and someone who truly knows her stuff. As the founder of the Authentic Brief, she has embarked on her role as Creative Partner (more on that later) with aplomb, creating one of the most significant marketing campaigns for Alberta – the fire and security company, with unique creative flair and unstinting professionalism. As she speaks of her latest venture, you can sense her sheer enthusiasm for her work, which she describes as her life’s passion.

But first things first. How did she get here?

“The reason I ventured alone in the creative scene was that I found a niche within which I could operate. We live in a fast-paced life, and I sometimes feel that we don’t have the time

to go back to basics. Therefore, this is where I come in to give the client an edge. Obviously, everyone has their own way of thinking, but my belief is that one must really grasp a clear understanding of the audience and subsequently elicit an emotional response. I also believe that for a business relationship to flourish, there needs to be total honesty and a certain chemistry with the client,” she says.

Rebecca is adamant that the Authentic Brief offers a more tailor-made approach to PR, hence her role as creative partner; ‘partner’ being the keyword here, rather than someone who’s just given a brief and left to their own devices. “I don’t want to become an advertising agency,” she resolutely says, “I do my utmost to avoid it.

I’m cultivating an overseas client base in Spain and the UK and also actively seek creative collaborations which help avoid falling into a rut.

Competition is healthy, but these collaborations are a means of helping one another and sharing concepts and ideas.”

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marketing Rebecca is also something of a globe trotter, venturing out to study in Brighton in the UK, trying to cover all the basics of the industry; graphics, PR, marketing. She went on to university and earned her bachelor’s degree in advertising and branding, focusing her dissertation on advertising in Islamic countries, a subject which she says still fascinates her to this day after spending time in Jordan. She travelled further to New York and landed a plum job at Brooklyn Brothers, the globally renowned agency, which she says was an eyeopener. She came back to work for some of the most reputable agencies here, but always knew that she would one day venture out on her own, not as a competing agency but as a partner to her clients.

How does the process of becoming a partner work?

Rebecca says, “I believe in taking small steps. First, I have to meet with the prospective partner in an

informal setting. I need to check out their aura and see if we’re compatible. It sounds a bit dramatic, but it would be useless to continue if they do not like the way I think. From there on, if we feel that we can work together, we can start building a foundation to the partnership. After agreeing on a three or six-month contract depending on the nature of the job, I relocate to the company itself and become part of the team. This is essential to get to know better what the company stands for; gauging its processes on a day-to-day basis is the best knowledge you can garner and critical in building your creative direction.”

This innovative approach is sometimes quite hard for companies or brands to understand initially, but as the creative side of the project comes to life, then the initial reluctance to this novel concept soon fade away. Looking at her first huge local project - a marketing campaign for Alberta, one of the leading fire and security companies on the island, the message is clear and simple, but one which uses very strong, resonant imagery.

What inspired Rebecca for this campaign in particular?

“I believe in tapping into emotions. At the end of the day, we’re all human beings and my inspiration always comes from being around people; I go climbing, I dive and travel, which I love. Understanding different cultures, exploring different worlds – basically, what makes us humans connect, so the human condition is important to me as a creative. The concept for the Alberta campaign came to me when I spoke with friends, one had just been burgled, another had a kitchen fire and you can see how this affects them emotionally; the fear and stress these events elicit, which at times are more traumatic than the material loss itself. I research my subject thoroughly and in this case in particular, while positivity is all well and good, you have to strongly highlight the outcome when safety is an issue.

What I most wanted to convey was the message that our safety, is a choice which is well in our control,” she tells me.

For someone who views her profession with such sheer exuberance, what would be a dream project for Rebecca? page 30

marketing

“I have ongoing projects abroad, but what I would love is to land a project in a country that has a different culture, for example Dubai. But having said that, it can be anywhere around the world, as long as I have a challenging topic, good aura and I can synergize the clients’ objective to their audience, which in turn makes me even more enthusiastic,” she says adamantly.

Rebecca’s last words before saying goodbye still resonate as I walk down Gzira’s promenade and see her eye-catching campaign for Alberta gloriously splayed on a huge billboard…And as I think of her, with her huge smile and natural zest for life, I believe that this is only the beginning for such a beautiful mind as Rebecca’s. www.theauthenticbrief.com

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marketing

“I believe in tapping into emotions. At the end of the day, we’re all human beings and my inspiration always comes from being around people..”

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A

Summer of Love Creative Direction by SARTO Photography by Kris Micallef

Photography Assistance by Gulja Holland Make up by Jennifer Dimech Styling by Giuseppe Ceccarelli Hair by Remi

Leading on from the #LoveSARTO concept introduced earlier this year, SARTO heads to Malta’s capital to embark on a beautyfilled love affair under the Mediterranean sun.

The campaign was shot by acclaimed photographer Kris Micallef and styled by Giuseppe Ceccarelli who has previously worked for CNN Style, L’Uomo Vogue and modaonline.it, with creative direction by SARTO. The campaign narrative is taken to a new level thanks to Valletta’s iconic historical locations, which while often juxtaposed, always exude innate charm and character. From the Priory of St Augustine to a statue of St Paul and the Royal Opera House that was, each setting is steeped in heritage and authenticity - much like SARTO and the fashion houses it represents.

‘A summer of love’ celebrates SARTO’s most diverse and exciting collection yet: the arrival of Stella McCartney, her effortlessly confident styles and commitment to Skin-Free-Skin; Dolce & Gabbana with its trail of flowers and highly-motifed pieces fused

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with quintessential Italian charm, and the likes of Ermenegildo Zegna and Alberta Ferretti - which are guaranteed to ooze chic and subtle sophistication at any special event this season. We also see the return of signature SARTO staples, such as Rockstud pumps by Valentino, Burberry’s classic house-check shirt,

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DSquared2 denim and the iconic Moncler polo.

Faces of the campaign, Anja Zvicker and prolific Maltese model David Camenzuli, are captured candidly in situations which speak of curiosity, contentment, confidence and of course, love.

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travel

Treasures of Singapore Interview by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Martin Pettersson

The impressive skyline of Singapore at Marina Bay! Once a quiet body of water at the entrance of the Singapore River, this area now stands as a spectacular example of how this small country has come to be one of the world’s most luxurious travel destinations.

S

ingapore is a constantly evolving destination…

A veritable melting pot of cultures, it is as exotic as it is feisty and remains one of the ultimate holiday spots in South-East Asia. We ask seasoned traveller, Martin Pettersson, to share his experiences of this wonderful location…

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The grand dining room at Brasserie Les Saveurs, St Regis Hotel.

The impressive Cloud Forest dome at Gardens by the Bay, built to mimic the eco system of a high altitude rainforest.

Have you been to Singapore before?

I was in Singapore before, but it was 17 years ago, so I honestly don’t remember that many details. What I remembered was that it was very clean, organized and green, despite being a big city. These things are still the same 17 years later. It’s actually pretty amazing how everything can work so well and efficiently.

What is different and fascinating about it when compared to Europe?

View from the infinity pool at PARKROYAL on Pickering!

An eco-friendly five star hotel covered in lush gardens and a central location next to China Town.

First of all, I think the biggest difference when comparing Singapore to most countries in Europe, is that it was a colony.

Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences are all palpable there, making for a mix of traditions and local customs. page 39

The Fullerton Hotel is a five-star luxury hotel located near the mouth of the Singapore River. It have served many roles throughout history, first as a post office, later as hospital during the Second World War and finally now as a hotel.

Secondly, I think one of the most amazing things about Singapore is how green it is. It’s a modern urban environment, but you never feel like you are in a concrete jungle. Also, many big cities can feel chaotic, but in Singapore you never get that feeling.

You hear no honking horns, see no traffic jams and everyone is very relaxed. Finally, if all the greenery in the city is not enough it’s only a 15-minute drive to all the beaches on Sentosa Island.

What’s the attraction regarding the cuisine?

Clifford Pier at the Fullerton Bay Hotel, historical building from 1927 that now is a part of the hotel and used as a restaurant.

Martin: To be honest I think these days in most big cities you can get a variety of good cuisine from all around the world. I think what makes Singapore stick out is how scalable it is. It’s all up to you if you want to have lunch for 1 euro or 500 euro and both options are very good. Singapore has lots of food centres called Hawker Markets and there you have lots of cheap options for food, many of them are even air conditioned and feel a lot more upscale than cheap food options around Asia, even if the price is the same. So, in short you can eat really well for almost nothing, but if you want to spend a lot you can get an amazing setting with stellar service at one of the many Michelin starred restaurants in the city.

Out of all places on your photo album, which one was favourite?

Atlas Bar at Parkview Square for sure! I have travelled a lot, but this bar exceeds everything I have ever seen before. Pictures really don’t do it justice, it’s like nothing you have ever seen before. It’s not only for show either, they have great food and drinks and also fantastic service. I am also a big fan of gin and they have the biggest collection in the world with over 1000 different bottles.

The majestic Atlas Bar, home to the biggest Gin collection in the world with page over381000 different bottles.

travel

Delicious starters at Brasserie Les Saveurs, St Regis Hotel.

Dessert section of the Sunday Champagne brunch of Brasserie Les Saveurs, St Regis hotel.

Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay! These iconic tree-like vertical gardens are designed with large canopies that provide shade in the day and come alive with an exhilarating display of light and sound at night.

Any other places you would have liked to visit while there, but didn’t have time this time around?

Sentosa Island! It’s an island very close to Singapore with lots of entertainment for the whole family like theme parks, resorts, great restaurants and also some fantastic beaches.

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PURE…Inspiring amazing food for a healthier Malta Words by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Jacob Sammut

“EAT. YOUR. GREENS,” barked my formidable mother in a voice which could send wild beasts running for cover, “Or else…” Thankfully, more than four decades later, my relationship with ‘healthy’ food has vastly improved, even if I’d still probably choose lasagne over alfalfa sprouts on any given day of the week. That said, despite belonging to the ‘live and let live’ school of thought and wouldn’t dream of begrudging anyone their health fixes, I am still somewhat allergic to modern day food nazis and their penchant for militant food related concepts. Therefore, with a heavy heart, I found myself, as instructed by my lovely editor, on my way to interview Trevor Diacono, founder of popular health bar PURE in Sliema.

But, much to my astonishment, Trevor is nothing like the ‘food police’ I have had the dubious fortune to encounter one too many times. He is all about balance, education and doing our collective best to improve our wellness, without the guilt trips and superiority which some people woefully manage to attach to eating and living healthily.

Phew! Gratefully, not another slick, wannabe, health guru then! page 42

food

Despite initially training as a chef, Trevor’s career was quite shortlived, “What I’d imagined while training was a world away from reality,” he says with a smile, “In a professional kitchen, you can only function as part of a production line. The big creative dreams you envisage are all but stifled in that environment, so I gave it up.” Much later, his love affair with food was reignited, albeit by a personal quirk of fate. “I always tried to maintain a healthy lifestyle; gym, protein shakes, eating chicken. I was aware that plants were a much healthier option, but the traditional way of cooking vegetables never appealed.

To this day I still hate the taste of boiled broccoli for example,” he laughs.

The turning point came about when his girlfriend Deborah introduced him to vegetable juicing, which despite him being

hugely sceptical, he “reluctantly” tried. Within a couple of weeks, he felt both physically and mentally better, going so far as to claim that even his eyesight had gotten “sharper”. Soon he was hooked and started to look at food differently; more conscious of the benefits of healthy eating and the way the body reacted to a cleaner, more wholesome diet…And as long as it tasted great, he was in.

By now Trevor was a convert, getting friends to try his new ‘discovery’ and soon enough, word got around, until he was inundated with so many requests for juices, he couldn’t accommodate the sheer volume of orders from his kitchen any longer. Armed with his innate passion for food and his relatively new initiation into the world of healthy eating, plus a resolute entrepreneurial spirit, PURE the juice bar was launched. Initially,

Trevor’s goal was to sell juices, but the outlet where he had set up shop was previously operating as a traditional salad bar and therefore the actual configuration was already there.

The upgrade from selling just juices to tasty, healthy salads was a natural transition which came about thanks to an ever-growing customer base, and so he reasoned, “If we have to sell salads, let’s make sure they’re healthy ones.” Besides creating a few signature dishes to start off with, he gave his patrons the choice to create their own custom-made salads; a move which proved highly successful and which probably won over plenty of people whose idea of a salad inevitably conjures a few limp greens and a greasy dressing.

Despite a bumpy start, business soon picked up, “That was when page 43

food The newer outlet boasts a yoga room for regular classes, and free cooking workshops and meditation sessions are regularly held. Trevor claims, “We strive to be true to our philosophy.

PURE is a way of life, it’s not just about food. Food is just a means to inspire people to embark on a healthier lifestyle, a more holistic approach to wellness. For example, stress still remains the biggest killer out there. No matter how healthy the diet, if this is not balanced out with a healthy mind, wellness would be an abstract concept.”

we started to get creative, moving from salads to other even more complex dishes, putting our philosophy to the test, experimenting with different produce to create healthy options which tasted great,” Trevor says with passion. It came to a point where their first juice bar could not contain the sheer growth of their customer base and so the second PURE juice bar was launched at the other end of Sliema.

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Speaking to Trevor while an international backlash against the #Cleaneating movement is currently raging, I have to ask how he views this trend, which has seen people unwisely giving up whole food groups in an (not always successful) attempt at healthy eating. He sighs, “Let me put it bluntly…I hate extremism in any way, shape or form.

This might sound controversial but despite claiming otherwise, the world knows very little about nutrition and what it knows is still speculative.

What I do believe is that it’s of utmost importance that we listen to our bodies and not buy blindly into every new fad going. We need to be able to make choices according to what our bodies tell us, regardless of what’s the latest trend out there,” before adamantly continuing in this vein, “Food is also psychological. For example, whenever I eat a doughnut, even if rarely, its smell, taste and texture reminds me of good times…

It specifically takes me back to my childhood, so I believe that the feelgood factor it induces can only be a good thing, even if its nutritional value is rubbish.”

Trevor firmly believes that food is sustenance, not an evil concept which can be tweaked into some form of punishment, “I get people who are embarking on a new diet coming here, telling me that they will not be eating grains, or this or that and all I can say is that it won’t last long for sure.

If sitting down for a meal feels like deprivation, a person will struggle to maintain that particular

diet and we all know how that usually ends up.

That said, the right diet can thoroughly transform a person’s life.”

Given that we’re sat right next to the kitchen with all kinds of mouth-watering smells wafting by, how would Trevor describe the food on offer at PURE? “First and foremost, and contrary to popular perception, we are not a vegan place. We do vegan, but we do meat as well, albeit meat that is not doused in hormones, but only grass-fed beef and free-range chickens. Meat comes with a warning, in the sense that it takes the digestive system much longer to process, but why not enjoy it in moderation?” he asks. “We do a whole spectrum of tasty dishes, we recognise that food is subjective and what would be an instant hit with one person would be a disaster with another and therefore we cater for all tastes, always tweaking our food to create a balanced, healthy option,” Trevor passionately says.

“What is for sure is that our ethos in providing food that is free from artificial preservatives is constant throughout all our menu. Each dish, including dressings and condiments, is prepared from scratch from the freshest, and whenever possible, organic, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. It is also our mission to make healthy food as tasty as possible; we have a responsibility

towards those who are just venturing into health food territory, to make them understand that healthier options need not be bland and unadventurous,” he fervently says.

What’s next on the big PURE evolution? Another outlet perhaps?

Trevor laughs, “There are so many details which we need to tweak, which I believe would make the whole PURE experience even better. But for now, we’re focusing on opening up evenings as well.”

So, we can look forward to dinner at PURE? “No, no, we’re thinking of serving finger food, little tapas and for want of a better description what I’m calling ‘Conscious drinking’. We plan to serve alcohol but with a PURE twist. We’ll do away with the artificial mixers, syrups and cordials you can find at any other bar and create our own from scratch, for example with coconut sugar instead of white cane sugar. That, I think, would be quite a different experience for people who like their drink,” he says as we bid each other goodbye…

And that, as someone who believes (perhaps quite wrongly, but who cares) that alcohol is the fuel which keeps human interaction civil, I can only think… Cheers Trevor!

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Absolut Elyx, the super-premium vodka‌ The epitome of luxury and ethical credentials Words by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Sean Mallia

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something new

Vodka has been the drink of choice for those in the know since the invention of the cocktail shaker. Its versatile taste, subtle intensity and mixability has made vodka the unparalleled choice for anyone who wants extra verve in their glass. But, not all vodkas are created equal…In a superficial, elitist, and stagnant Super Premium Vodka category, Absolut Elyx stands out as a luxury vodka with soul.

Full bodied and with a luscious silky mouthfeel, Absolut Elyx Vodka is not only indisputably stylish with an incredible taste to back it up, but also boasts impeccable ethical credentials and the finest craftsmanship throughout its manufacture.

At 42.3% ABV, Absolut Elyx believe this is the optimal strength to enjoy the full character of the spirit. Clear glass bottles - a squared version of the Absolut bottle, decorated with copper details honouring the role of copper in the manufacturing process, further add to the unique and luxury feel of Absolut Elyx.

But there is more to Elyx Vodka than just impeccable taste, craftsmanship and good looks.

Its manufacturers are driven by ambition to always act with integrity – Swedes believe that it is every person’s right to experience their country’s natural wonders, while at the same time, it is every person’s responsibility to protect and preserve them for generations to come, hence the company’s drive towards an ethical product which promotes sustainability, while also unfailingly assuming their corporate social responsibility.

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Absolut Elyx believes in doing the right thing, through its sustainable farming: growing GMOfree winter wheat and water conservation. But this is not all. Absolut Elyx have partnered with non-profit organization Water for People, in their mission to provide sustainable water solutions where they are needed most. For every bottle sold in the United States, Absolut Elyx provides one week’s worth of safe water for someone in need and for every sale on the Absolut Elyx Boutique (www.elyxboutique.com) they will provide access to a month’s worth of water (560 litres). Their 5-year goal is to provide 100,000 people with safe water.

So, in a nutshell, besides its ethical soul, Elyx is the finest specimen in its category, smooth and sleek both on its own or as the sexy base for dozens of exciting cocktails, allowing it to rise way beyond the conformity of other vodkas in its class…And to taste Elyx in its natural habitat, come join us on Sundays at SKYBEACH, where the glamorous ambience, food and top-notch entertainment complement Elyx’s exceptional quality.

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Experience the difference!

Try Elyx Vodka at SKYBEACH on Sundays!

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art & culture

Kane Cali…

Art as a powerful social statement Words by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Alexandra Pace

Kane Cali, the great-grandson of the famous Giuseppe, is the modern-day version of a visionary, pioneering artist, exploring the rarely trodden territory of digital realms, through his hauntingly and much coveted, beautiful creations. We track down Kane at his studio in Valletta to see what’s new and happening with this bright, young talent.

Upon meeting, we immediately launch into a discussion about the diverse array of media Kane employs throughout his work, “Artists are no longer defined by their medium,” he tells me, “It could be glass, concrete, basically anything which one finds attractive at that point in time. It depends on how artists think and what they think and how they address it. The medium has become a language, a way to express vision and ideas, which go beyond the traditional.”

and a master’s degree in Ceramics and Glass (Royal College of Art), and an extraordinary, rare vision which translates his work into an evolving language.

When I ask about a magnificent print which forms part of his collection ‘Lines and sequence’, an image which in simple terms represents both the passive and aggressive side of an individual, Kane says that he believes that there’s a duality to every personality, a duality which is clearly represented in this particular image – a 3-D scanned image of a person which he states is “an observation through a machine”. However, he insists he still strives for his creations to remain aesthetically clean regardless of how difficult the subject matter.

Explaining further he says, “I form part of a wider artistic perception which breaks away from the conventional idea of art; where artists have a more political take on their work, more or less a reaction to being intrigued by topical issues or situations. I believe that artists should have something to say, for example my recent ‘pastizzi’ body of works is just that. As a nation we are all in some way attached to the humble ‘pastizz’. It is a language we all identify with in one way or another and inevitably unifies our country; going way beyond class and social standing and I’m using that to nudge a stimulating thinking process and break down barriers.”

On one of his social media accounts, Kane describes himself as a ‘post-data dadaist’. How has this description come about? “We are living in a postdata era, an era where everything is monitored, calculated and put into a machine and targeted for marketing purposes. Nowadays, advertising is very much key to the world we live in; collection of data to better understand human behaviour and proceed accordingly. What I’m doing is I’m making use of that, but keeping it superficial by producing visual art. The ‘dada’ element references the Dada movement, which basically takes the piss out of everything and anything. Ultimately, my family is originally from Naples, where people are renowned for being temperamental and for their hot-blooded take on life,” he says with a twinkle in his eye.

His precise execution of his art throughout all of his collections bely the mastery garnered through a bachelor’s degree in 3-Dimensional Design Glass

Kane’s love of beauty is not only apparent in his collections but is also apparent throughout the studio; modern objects d’art jostle for attention in

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Photo by Jacob Sammut

the clean, stark space. It seems small compensation for what Kane believes is a country which is a bit void of beauty. “We don’t really care if something is beautiful or not. As long as something functions, we’re satisfied, and I have a huge problem with that,” he claims. Having only recently relocated to Malta after quite a long stint in London, how does he view the local visual arts’ scene? Has it evolved in any way? “The change is quite recent actually,” he says, “It happened through Alexandra Pace’s project ‘Blitz’.

She started to drive this idea of an independent art space, which was till about fours ago, totally unheard of in Malta. Art should be about people and

Alexandra is casting her net wide, involving the underprivileged, children…It’s all about inclusion and evolution.”

One of Kane’s most acclaimed collections is ‘HUMAN_CONSTRUCT’, described as ‘a techno utopian premise – one that suggests that advances in science and technology might be a means to the understanding of social differences’. How does he believe this understanding will come about?

“I’ve always believed that you can be a pessimist, a realist and an optimist to some extent, though I’m not a huge fan of optimism. I fall into the realist

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Sequence of Self Eradication 2016

spectrum, but I appreciate that yes, statistically these advances are making a huge difference, they are connecting the world. Take as a simple example the use of drones for the purpose of delivering blood to someone in an emergency, that is huge, or printing a 3-D house in the middle of nowhere because it’s logistically impossible to build it in the traditional way, providing shelter to those who are in dire need of it. So, the potential for good is there and this is the concept that I’ve tried to reproduce in this collection, through the collection of data and the exploration of cast crystal glass, concrete, marble, holographic projection, print…

Using different materials also points to the malleable quality of data and once you become data, you can be easily manipulated,” he enthuses.

His latest offering is a huge sixmetre installation, a collection of perfectly cast glass pastizzi in a myriad of colours, titled ‘Rituals for consumption’ which Kane admits is a “deceptively arty-farty title”.

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“I went for that title on purpose.

I’ve created a Trojan, putting this huge installation in a commercial, corporate space, but the message in itself is very satirical, basically taking the mickey out of who we are as a culture. My argument is to forget the George Cross, forget the eight-pointed Knights’ of St John cross, forget the ‘Luzzu’ and all the shit which we believe represents us a nation. What are we about?

And the ‘pastizz’ just about sums it up – it represents all of us. It has sexual connotations, light-hearted connotations and even derogatory ones,” he states matter-of-factly.

Despite Kane having a signature style running deep within his collections, each body of works is a huge departure from the previous one – as an artist what’s next on his incredible journey? “I’m planning a pop-up exhibition, taking the ‘pastizzi’ concept onto the next level,” he says with a smile, “Damien Hirst type of ‘pastizzi’, rubber ones, clinical ones, was also tempted to go down one very dangerous route, by

encasing a line of cocaine in a clear glass ‘pastizz’, which my lawyer was adamant that that cannot be done…

Again, we have to discuss current social narratives and whether we acknowledge it, or not recreational drug abuse is rampant in our society.

Because of the legal implications I’ll have to settle for a substitute substance.”

What triggers such extravagant and at times bizarre ideas? “Frustration and anger mostly. I’m engaged with life and what goes on around me and take an interest in the cause and effect of circumstances and how to react or amend them. If you regard art as a language but you have nothing to say, you’re just producing an object but when you are engaged you effectively produce a statement,” he says. And browsing through his magnificent collections, it is more than obvious that a powerful statement is something that Kane Cali’s art is incredibly capable of creating. www.kanecalistudio.com

art & culture

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beauty

Summer & Skin Words by Joanna Delia from People & Skin // Photography by Alexandra Pace

What must one do to keep one’s skin in perfect health throughout summer?

When taking care of the skin, seasons need to be taken into consideration. Out of all seasons, summer can take the most toll on the skin. The heat, humidity, pollution and sea water can all dehydrate the skin, making it look parched and dull. I cannot stress enough the importance of taking care of skin in the right way to avoid any damage.

First and foremost, it is important to understand that hydration comes from within. Therefore, the first step to making sure that skin is sufficiently hydrated is to drink plenty of water. Drinking water regularly will plump up and hydrate skin cells. Think of the leaves of a dehydrated house plant - flaccid, wrinkled and lifeless. When we don’t drink enough water, we are covered in cells which are flat and stiff, and incapable of fighting off external pollutants.

Secondly, applying a sun protection product on a daily basis is also fundamental. One needs to find the right product according to their lifestyle. If during the day you are running around it is important to find a product which can be easily re applied. Nowadays, there are also sprays which serve as a make-up fixer with an SPF and therefore one does not even need to remove carefully applied make up. In the morning, the sun protection product is to be applied at the end of your skin care regime, right before you apply your make up. Sometimes finding a tinted sunblock can make this process easier.

Prevention is always better than cure. However, for those of you who have sun damaged skin there are still solutions which you can opt for, starting off with lasers

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and chemical peel treatments which can solve your pigmentation problems. All these treatments must be done during winter to ensure minimal sun exposure during the recovery period.

Another fantastic treatment, which I truly recommend, is mesotherapy treatments with hyaluronic acid and vitamins. This is ideal for persons who crave a glow and who need to revitalize their skin’s complexion. Imagine you can insert the right ingredients directly into the skin. This treatment helps with the skin’s elasticity and tone. It is a great way to give a boost to the skin before the hot summer days and even during, to keep up the ability to retain a good level of hydration. Hyaluronic acid is already found naturally under the skin, thus this will simply enhance it and sort of act as a sponge, to benefit from all the water one has been drinking. The beauty of this treatment is that it can be done on face, neck, decollete and also hands which are usually the areas which show the most dehydration lines.

Last, but not least, during summer you might need to change your skin care regime. You might need to find the right products which contain hyaluronic acid but have a lighter texture, to help the skin even more. There are also masks which are full of hyaluronic acid, that can temporarily boost hydration and make the skin look soft and supple, especially before a night out or a special occasion.

I love summer days, but I make sure to take care of my skin, so as not to regret anything when it is all over.

Unfortunately, sun damage does not always appear straight away, therefore you need to take care of your skin for the future as well. There is always a starting point and becoming aware of what the damage is, can be a start. In this way all the care comes naturally! Enjoy your summer!

people

Blood, sweat and tears…

The hallmark of an absolute champion Words by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Jacob Sammut

Getting to interview a national champion, is a rare event, but, when that champion is not only the owner of an ultra-ripped body, but also an all-round nice guy with a down-to-earth personality, then it becomes an interviewer’s equivalent of the holy grail.

Saying that Henrik Lindh, a classic bodybuilding champion, standing at six feet three inches tall, is an impressive sight would be a gross understatement; his sheer presence is truly a sight to behold.

We met up with Henrik on his ‘home turf’; the Fort Fitness gym in Sliema, to better understand what motivates this gentle giant and what drives him on his journey towards success.

In a career that has spanned more than a quarter of century, Henrik who is now thirty-six, says that he has been lifting since he was twenty, and started competing in 2008, though it feels as if he’s been doing this “for two hundred years”.

But what attracted him to this sport in particular?

It started off as would many a boy’s dream, “Like any other boy my age, I grew up on a diet of He-Man and plenty of brawny super heroes and obviously I wanted to become one of them. I was fascinated, but was told that I was too tall, too this and that. Basically, that I wouldn’t be able to make it,” he

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says sardonically, “Of course, what they meant was that being taller, involves a lot more hard work as obviously you have longer muscles to build. True to form, the more I was told I couldn’t do it, the more I became adamant that I could. If I wanted to look like a cartoon guy, then I would.”

Psychologically, what does attaining this physical level of perfection mean for Henrik? Is it vanity?

“It feels more like an obsession than anything else. You’re constantly thinking about your diet, sleep and training; basically, you obsess about your lifestyle every single minute of the day. My hobby is fishing, which I truly enjoy, but bodybuilding remains my passion.

As for vanity, I don’t do this to look good, not anymore anyway,” he says with honesty, “to me it’s all about competing and striving to be the best at this sport…When I look at the mirror, I still see that small guy from way back.”

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It goes without saying that bodybuilding is a sport of extremes, how does Henrik cope with pushing his body to its limits?

“It is about pushing the body to as far as it can go. For example, during the run up to a competition, you start out eating a massive amount of food while training, but the closer it gets to the day, the less food you can consume and all the while the intensity of your workout is increasing at a very fast pace. That’s a lot of pressure on the body. Intensive training while starving and lethargic is insane, but the less fat on the body, the better it will look on stage…That said, it is still a daily battle,” Henrik says with a pained expression.

I would imagine that this kind of regime would wreak havoc on an athlete’s mental wellbeing, does Henrik have really dark days during this time?

“I’d say that by the end of it, six days out of seven are really bad, bad days. But this is where selfdiscipline comes in; you have to know yourself and your end goal, even if it feels like a constant uphill struggle. You must also have a support network, people who understand what you’re going through, though I do try my best to not let my girlfriend or friends suffer, just because I’m on an excruciating diet. Still, in the last few weeks before a competition, I create my own bubble; I simply hibernate and sleep as much as I can, just to avoid food. This is why I believe that bodybuilding is the toughest sport in the world, because with other sports you can at least be sociable,” he explains.

The run up to a competition is a gruesome business, but having painfully gone the whole nine yards with training and nutrition, how does it feel to finally go up on stage?

Henrik smiles broadly, “It’s so rewarding! No matter how many times I go up on stage and I have, many, many times, it’s always so exhilarating, best feeling ever.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a huge audience or not, the satisfaction you get just being up there is simply incomparable. All the hard work, the blood, sweat and tears you’ve had to endure prior to the event is up there for all to see.

Every single sacrifice is on show and will be rewarded accordingly.

It’s actually like a very precise science because the body doesn’t lie; each and every muscle shows exactly what you have been doing in terms of nutrition, fluids and training in the previous days, weeks and months.”

Without stating the obvious, given that Henrik has quite a good number of awards to his name, plus having just been crowned Malta’s national bodybuilding champion and placing third in the coveted Diamond Cup competition, what has been the best day of his sporting career so far?

“That was a sensational weekend, grabbing the championship and placing third in the Diamond Cup,” he happily claims, “And when you consider that I lost out on the Diamond Cup by a couple of points, I think that I managed to achieve quite a great result. I’ve had my eye on the Diamond Cup for a while now, as whoever wins it gets the chance to turn pro, which is what I’ve been working for all these years. I now know that if I work on the small details I will eventually achieve my dream.”

Apart from hard work (understatement of the century), to what does Henrik credit his success? A particular mindset perhaps?

“It’s very simple really,” he says, “Never lose you focus and just stick to the plan. You have to always have the end in sight no matter what, no shortcuts, because if you start out thinking that you can take this journey one day at a time, you’re only setting yourself up for failure.”

And now? What’s next on the cards for Henrik?

“I will focus on next year and take it to the next level by hopefully winning the Diamond Cup, turning pro and competing all over Europe. That, at least is the plan,” says the champ.

And if past performance is anything to go by, we’ll soon be hearing more great things about Henrik Lindh’s bodybuilding journey.

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EBM Sundays at SKYBEACH

EBM Sundays at SKYBEACH are back! This unique, luxe venue, situated on top of the InterContinental, right at the heart of Malta’s vibrant nightlife and entertainment prime location, is the essence of high-end indulgence, boasting a magnificent infinity pool, overlooking the striking vista of St George’s Bay and beyond. Throughout the Summer months, experience the very best SKYBEACH has to offer with EBM Sundays – a concept which brings dining, fashion, music and entertainment together, providing the perfect ingredients for a chilled afternoon on long Summer days. page 64

party Launched on Sunday 3rd June, EBM guests will experience a Summer that’s choc-a-bloc with special events including fashion shows, exhibitions and plenty of surprises. Guests can enjoy themselves on oversized and chic white sofa beds, sunbeds and gazeebos, sipping on SKYBEACH’s signature cocktails, discovering incredible food catered by the incredible team at SKYBEACH and dancing to the grooves of resident DJ Benè Marshall. Keeping in line with the opulent setting and much in the gastronomical tradition of the InterContinental, the food on offer at SKYBEACH sources the best produce on the island and delivers an exciting menu of pasta, fresh fish and little eats, going beyond the typical pool bar restaurant dishes.

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party

In 2017, hospitality entrepreneur Kevin Decasare, introduced SKYBEACH to the island as one of the first original luxury beach clubs that combines great food, entertainment and relaxation into one. A year later it has evolved into one of Malta’s top high-end chill venues. But SKYBEACH is not just an exclusive day experience - As the sun sets, it seamlessly transforms into one of the most scenic and vibrant restaurants and bars on the island, where one could enjoy a great dinner and some perfectly mixed cocktails against the exotic, unique ambience of the hottest venue in town.

EBM Sundays started on Sunday 3rd June and goes on until Sunday 16th September 2018.

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Masquerade Style Photography by Jacob Sammut

(Left to Right): Michelle Orlee Blogger Mindfulness SEO Specialist Laura Tettamanti Marketing Manager at bets.com page 68

Anastasia Sanko IT Professional Services at Bradford Jacobs

style For many years doing a proper Venetian style masquerade in Malta had been on the mind of Martin, so when the opportunity came to do it at the beautiful Palazzo Parisio it was the correct time to do it. It turned out to be a magical evening with stunning people in spectacular outfits and masks. It would not have been possible without the support of our partners iGaming Elite, Remax, Twin, Veuve Cliqcuot, Sarto and Hugo Boss. Also a big thank you to Christophe and Justine from Palazzo Parisio for trusting us with the beautiful venue.

Johan Emeren Quality Assurance Support and Desk Coordinator at trustly.com

(Left to Right): Despina Zahra Founder at DeSmile Eric Soler Music Producer at K.A.R.R.

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style

Tina Lombardi HR at Malta International Airport

(Left to Right): Josh O’Cock Owner & Founder of Growth Gurus Maria Moller Owner of Fly the Fly Vintage

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style

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(Left to Right): Merili Urbala Customer Support Representative at Kindred Group Masso Nordin SEO Master at SuprNation

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fitness

The ancient art of Yoga…The ultimate harmony between mind and body

I

Words by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Jacob Sammut

spirit…

t may sound like the most terrible cliché but ask any yoga enthusiast about this ancient discipline and they will promptly say that it has irrevocably changed their life. Rosita Jan, Svetlana Abela and Georgia Evans are three practitioners who have devoted their lives to practicing and teaching yoga…Here they chart the journey of how they have achieved the harmony of uniting mind, body, and

Rosita’s first encounter with yoga was almost ten years ago during her study years in the UK and like the majority, she was simply intrigued by all the fancy postures. After graduating university in the United Kingdom, she travelled to South Africa and there she found the joy of incorporating yoga and meditation into her everyday life. Deepening her yoga practice and also taking her first steps towards teaching, she ended up travelling to Rishikesh, the international capital of yoga in India, where she spent time exploring the intricate studies of yoga and spirituality. After moving to Malta in early 2012 she started teaching yoga part time.

A few years later she made a decision to leave her corporate career in finance and share her passion for yoga and movement full time.

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Although initially she was motivated by the physical benefits of practicing yoga, Rosita soon discovered that there was much more to this ancient Indian philosophy than just a daily workout. During a particularly turbulent time in her life, she found solitude and stillness whenever she practiced yoga. She felt that during practice she was reconnecting with herself and finding the inner strength to deal with whatever came her way. To this day she uses her time on the mat, be it a physical practice or a simple meditation, to keep herself grounded and focused.

Rosita teaches yoga and budokon mixed movement art, integrating alignment, core work, and breathing techniques with creative

fitness

Rosita Jan sequencing. She runs beach yoga and hot yoga classes during the week. When not leading teacher trainings locally and internationally, Rosita teaches trapeze yoga, an inversion system helping clients to strengthen, decompress and align their bodies. Her biggest passion to this day is Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) yoga.

Rosita has made it her mission to make this type of yoga accessible to everyone in Malta. She is the creator and lead teacher at SUP Yoga & Fitness Malta offering daily SUP Yoga & Fitness classes.

At SUP Yoga & Fitness Malta, Rosita combines yoga with the Stand Up Paddleboard element to teach her students how to breathe, move and be present not only on the water but in their everyday life. This unique exercise blend will help build the body’s overall strength, stability and flexibility.

Combining breath with movement on a floating platform, students are sure to find moments of fun, laughter and focus.

What Rosita really loves about SUP yoga, is that the classes are designed to cater for all levels, from those with no prior yoga or SUP experience to serious practitioners of both, who would like to leap into a dynamic, joyful and safe yoga practice on the water.

So, what advice would Rosita give someone who is interested in practicing yoga but for some reason or other feels reluctant to take the plunge? Rosita says, “It is normal to feel apprehensive about trying out something new. You don’t know what to expect, you don’t know how

the experience will feel and sometimes you just might be nervous. Step one: find a beginner-friendly yoga class. Step two: get in touch with the teacher and let them know this will be your first time doing yoga and voice any concerns you might have (having your questions answered will help you to know what to expect and will make you feel more assured that the class is right for you). Step three: ask a friend to come with you. This will make your first time yoga experience stress free and more fun!”

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Svetlana Abela

It was like a natural process that has been evolving from the beginning; step by step, day by day, practice by practice...Through yoga she noticed that she became so much calmer, her concentration improved drastically, and it helped a lot especially during her university days, where the pressure of exams was very high.

Since the start of her journey with yoga, how would she describe her relationship with her own body and how has this developed? Svetlana says, “Thanks to yoga I feel so much stronger and so much more confident in my own body! I feel so much better than 20 years ago! I started appreciating my body instead of judging myself for not having this or that. As women we tend to focus on our flaws and wish for things we don’t have. Yoga practice offered me a lot of peace and taught me to love my body just the way it is, taught me not to push too hard. Instead of pushing harder, yoga teaches to just practice wiser, with love and care, rather than trying to attain something in order to look better. With yoga practice you learn that it’s not about looking better but instead feeling better! A strong and lean body comes with regular practice…It’s not the ultimate goal as such!”

Svetlana has been teaching yoga for the past 15 years.

She learnt various styles of yoga; hatha yoga, power yoga, ashtanga vinyasa yoga, SUP yoga, aerial yoga, budokon yoga, acro yoga, kundalini yoga, kriya yoga, iyengar yoga, yin yoga, prenatal yoga, yoga for kids, yoga for golfers.

Svetlana attributes the benefits of aerial yoga to its movements, where almost all the body parts are forced to move and stretch. Muscles are toned and redefined, and joints are regenerated and strengthened due to these movements. Suspended yoga strengthens core muscles and increases spinal and shoulder flexibility, thus healing back problems.

Aerial yoga improves balance and memory, improves the circulation of blood, thus combating aging and its symptoms.

Svetlana’s journey into yoga started 20 years ago when her mum took her to a yoga class that she used to attend herself. Prior to that first encounter, Svetlana had been dancing ballet for 10 years. After she stopped ballet, she noticed that her posture began to take a turn for the worse, since she had a lot of studying and exams’ pressure and very little time for any physical practice.

Svetlana never planned to become so dedicated to this practice but understanding of the greatness of a yogic lifestyle came with years of practice and the more she practiced, the more devoted she became. page 74

Acro yoga on the other hand is a partner-based exercise that combines yoga and acrobatics. In this method, both gravity and body weight are used to strengthen and stretch in poses. Its uniqueness lies in increasing one’s physical capabilities by several notches.

The practice involves engaging with another person and building trust with them to support and be supported during a pose. Acro yoga encourages constant verbal communication, unlike solo practice, where time is spent on the head. Acro yoga will help build core strength, leg, arms and chest muscles, helping to stretch and relax the body. Acro yoga builds stamina and improves memory, helps quick decision making and overcoming any fear of falling. Acro yoga also teaches how to address conflicts head-on!

fitness

Georgia Evans

Originally, Georgia started yoga when she was just nine years old, as a side training program for ballet. Later, she continued in various styles of yoga, eventually settling into Mysore or Vinyasa as she travelled for dance work outside of the States where she grew up. It was not until Georgia moved to Malta in 2016 that she was introduced to hot yoga and began teaching vinyasa at hot yoga Malta.

Yoga has been a large part of Georgia’s life since she was very young. Initially, she devoted so much to it because it was and is the best physical and mental practice to complement very high intensity physical careers like dance. The focus on breath, mindfulness and clear thinking was monumental in her training.

However, through time it became much more than a practice to help with her dance career; it became a rewarding way of seeing the world and living in it and a way to focus inwards.

Georgia believes that since embarking on this journey she has definitely become more aware of how her body works, how it doesn’t and how it can. Yoga has given her a sense of empowerment and inner strength that she does not think she would have otherwise gained. Before she focused more deeply into yoga, her relationship with her body was very exterior and superficial. Now she finds she is able to understand and work within her body in ways she would never

have had the confidence or inner knowledge to do so beforehand.

As a yoga teacher of Hot Vinyasa Flow and yoga sculpt, what can Georgia list as the benefits of these particular styles? She says, “Since I began teaching at Hot Yoga Malta and in a hot studio I cannot imagine going back to an unheated class. The effect the heat has on muscle tension, memory and rehabilitation is incredible. Before I began teaching in a hot studio, I used to suffer from regular dizziness in movement.

Since working in heat, the dizziness has completely gone away and my strength has increased tenfold. I believe that the styles of Vinyasa I teach are best for strength and flexibility. I try to teach in such a way that through focusing on the body and its movement, the mind reaches a clear state of pure focus of wellbeing, rather than focusing on the spirituality outright.”

Georgia would also love for yoga to reach people who are unsure of trying it out because of doubts regarding spirituality. For her, spirituality is in the body and presenting yoga as a physically rewarding practice, offers both benefit for the body as well as the mind.

She thoroughly believes that yoga helps with all aspects of life, it improves the body, both superficially and deeply, physically strengthening and opening it, gives a clearer state of mind and allows one to feel good in one’s body and mind above all else. page 75

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The makeover: Goodbye drab and gloom, hello jazzy terrace!

Interview by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Jacob Sammut

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design

W

hen Pierre Lindh first bought his apartment, the

existing terrace was nothing more than a dingy, unloved space at the back. But even then, Pierre knew that with a lot of attention and a healthy dose of inspiration, his terrace could be transformed into the apartment’s best feature. But a more professional take on the project was required and the dynamic, well-known architect, Angie Sciberras, was assigned with the none too easy task of creating an efficient, functional space without stinting on the aesthetics. We asked both Pierre and Angie, how they dreamed up, managed and executed such a jaw-droppingly fantastic transformation…

Describe the space before the works and what did you want to achieve with the makeover?

Pierre: The space used to be a big, grey, bland space but I thought that with a proper makeover this could be the nicest part of the flat. I’ve always been a massive fan of colours and cosy areas, so that was the direction that I wanted to go, with the purpose of creating a space to socialise, for myself, my dog and my friends.

What’s the inspiration/theme behind it?

Angie: My architectural design process is heavily focused on the end users, on the ambiance and emotion the space should evoke, and the essential elements for it to function.

During our initial meetings, Pierre and I discussed the way he intends to use the space and the way he will interact with it. I wanted to create a space that is all his own - a reflection of his character. Like all projects I work on, by coming up with innovative ideas, I strive to create spaces that are unique and inspirational to others. The design of the space must also improve the environment and the quality of life.

Pierre: Since we are not exactly blessed with a lot of greenery in Malta, using fake turf as a base with lots of cushions to simulate a garden back in Sweden, was a no-brainer. However, I also am a big fan of colours, so I thought that combining this with a Moroccan/bohemian theme and complementing it with an outdoor projector, would put a really cool and unique twist to the concept. page 79

design be it. So, stepping out in that environment is like stepping out into my head.

What’s the focal point of the whole space and why?

Talk us through the colour scheme and why did you settle on that particular choice...

Angie: With Pierre being the true inspiration behind this design concept, one quickly learns of his love for vibrant colours, his artistic mentality and his desire for the extraordinary. His intended use of the terrace was one where people relax on the floor rather than on tables and chairs - couple that with Pierre’s bold colour requests and it was natural to draw inspiration from Moroccan designs. One of the most beautiful gardens in Morocco is the Yves Saint Laurent House; that blue inspired me to go for a blue rather than reds and pinks. Placing that blue in an environment so barren from greenery, we needed to alter the colour into more of a customised blue with hues of green. With Pierre and Valpen’s feedback, we chose this gorgeous emerald green that immediately transformed the place.

Pierre: The turquoise base is such a vibrant, inspiring and happy colour.

The moment Angie showed it to me I was sold. It’s definitely not for everyone, but I would say that if my brain had one colour, this would

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Angie: In this case, there are multiple focal points. Pierre wanted the space to be multifunctional; from areas to train and play with Valpen his dog, to areas for BBQing and entertaining friends. He wanted areas to relax after a long day’s work and watch movies on a projector screen, or even to stargaze - a place to adapt and grow with him - but also to do less fun, more practical things, like hanging his laundry.

However, if I had to choose my favourite part of the terrace, it would be the natural bamboo roof with the fairy lights and string lights as well as the plants such as the bougainvillea, that will create an ever-changing space with bold, contrasting yet complimenting colours.

Was it difficult sourcing the elements (soft furnishings, furniture?) to create what you had in mind?

design Angie: As with every innovative project on this island, the toughest part of the job process is to source the items, while keeping within budget, which left us no choice but to purchase most of the items from abroad. Pierre and I brought in Julia Boikova, another creative mind, a fashion designer with experience in fabrics and materials - and where to source them. Her ability to understand the concept, as well as the mix of natural and raw materials, colours and ragged style, helped us achieve the desired look.

Are you both happy with the final design? Was there anything during the design/ execution of works, upon which you could not see eye to eye?

Angie: I will never present a design proposal that I am not proud of. Design is my passion and I find even small projects such as this quite exciting! Whether I’m designing 2000sqm offices, or a 40sqm terrace, the love and enthusiasm for the project is always the same. Seeing my clients happy with the project is however, above and beyond rewarding!

Pierre: I’m extremely happy with the final results. There were amendments along the way and there were a few times where suppliers would screw up in various ways, but we always managed to solve these issues together. I think that is why the project turned out so great as we work very well together.

Has the original scope for this makeover been achieved?

Pierre: I would definitely say yes. More so than it looking visually nice, I’m actually surprised as how much I use it. Every morning I do yoga and light exercise.

When I come home from work, I can’t wait to dive into the pillow corner and relax, I play with my dog, I have friends over for drinks, I watch movies out there.

From that perspective it turned out much better than I could have ever dreamed of.

Any activities you’re planning for your new playground?

Pierre: We are having friends and people almost every weekend but what I’m most excited about is the World Cup. I’m planning to organise a few events to invite friend over to see the games… …And with that exciting prospect on the horizon, we leave Pierre to enjoy the awesome aesthetics of his spanking new, transformed terrace as created by the kickass Angie the architect! page 81

community

Contribute Water – The enterprise with a social conscience Words by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Jacob Sammut

Clean water is a commodity which we all take for granted, however, for entire communities, this is a rare luxury. While this seldom makes the news, it is a major problem and according to statistics, every 20 seconds a child dies because of lack of clean water and sanitation.

But with a little conscious effort from the rest of us the situation can change dramatically! Not only does a basic thing as clean water mean that people can sustain themselves and avoid disease, but it also drastically improves their quality of life; whole villages can focus on “more productive” things such as growing crops and creating sustainable communities.

Contribute Water is a local social enterprise, which is making a difference not only by helping thousands of people access clean water through the installation of water pumps in Malawi in Africa, but also by creating awareness regarding our purchasing choices.

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Contribute Water came into being when Karl Wijkmark, a Swede, came to Malta some seven years ago for a work opportunity and loved it so much, he stayed…He not only loved the country, but also fell in love with a Maltese girl, Janika, the other brain behind Contribute Water. Janika is now Karl’s wife and is currently doing a master’s degree in entrepreneurship at the University of Malta. Initially, Karl’s brother Nils was also in Malta, so he is also one of the original founders, but since relocating to Stockholm he now occupies a more passive role.

In the beginning, they all spent endless nights brainstorming and drinking wine on their terrace, trying to figure out what they really wanted to do and finally they came up with the concept for Contribute Water. We spoke to Karl and Janika in a bid to better understand how this innovative social enterprise works…

The idea of combining a business venture with a charity element is quite a novel concept especially for Malta; how did they manage?

“We really wanted to have our own company, but we also wanted to give something back. We had this vision that it’s possible to run a business and share at the same time. Instead of just making a profit, why not try to help less fortunate people whilst still making a living? Rather than gauging the company’s success on bottom line profit, we’d rather base our success on how many people we can help,” Karl says.

It might seem like an obvious question but of all charities, why did they settle on the idea of contributing to water charities?

Janika explains, “Upon doing our research, we found that there are almost 800 million people living without access to clean drinking water. We wanted to go for a “onefor-one” concept, meaning that we wanted to sell water to support water projects. We believe that people can connect with the idea better if they’re quenching their thirst and give to water charity projects at the same time. It makes people reflect.”

Given this dire situation in so many communities, do they believe it could change?

“One of our ‘missions’ is to raise awareness for this issue. However, we don’t just want to portray a picture of doom and gloom; we believe in sharing success stories of how we can actually make a difference, just by making a conscious, informed choice

in our purchases. When choosing Contribute Water, you are actually making a difference,” Janika says, “Yes, things can change, and the situation is slowly but surely improving.”

Logistically, how does the process work; from bottling factory through to the donations reaching the various charitable projects?

“After initially importing the water from abroad ourselves, we decided to team up with local brewery, Farsons, as we wanted to reduce our carbon footprint and have a truly Maltese product. As Farsons are taking care of the manufacturing and the distribution, we can focus on what we are good at, marketing, sales and the charity element.

When a person buys Contribute Water, they will always contribute to charity (regardless of whether we are making a profit or not). We

funnel the money on a quarterly basis to our charity partner Pump Aid, who are the experts in building water pumps in Malawi.

Through their team on the ground, they identify where help is needed the most and choose where to build the pumps. Once ready, we will get stories from the villages to see how our help, truly changes peoples’ lives. We share these on our Facebook page, so our ‘Contribute family’ can see that they are dramatically changing lives, simply by drinking water.”

Do they believe that there is enough awareness locally, regarding this tragic albeit mostly ignored issue?

“Unfortunately, no, but this isn’t a surprise and it’s not specific to Malta, the lack of awareness is a global issue. News is mainly about war, politics, natural disasters and so on, but never about the water situation

which is affecting two billion people on the planet, people who don’t have access to sanitation and clean water.

But at least we’re doing our bit, we have even been invited to schools to ‘educate’ kids on this topic. So, step by step we are making a difference,” Janika ends earnestly.

Whether you are a company or a private person, it is easy to get involved and help us help. Why not offer Contribute Water to your employees or use it in conference rooms for example?

Or if you have an outlet offering water, join the Contribute family and be part of creating something good. As a private person, you don’t have to go out of your way to help, just ask for Contribute Water next time you’re drinking water.

Interested?

Please send us an email on info@contributewater.com or give us a call on 7998 8987.

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entrepreneur

Boris Mihov…

Taking the esports phenomenon onto the next level Words by Giselle Scicluna // Photography by Jacob Sammut

E

sports is a rapidly growing scene, where pro gamers go against each other in a variety of games such as Counter-Strike, League of Legends, Dota 2, FIFA and many more.

The industry saw exponential growth, with revenues projected to reach 900+ million USD in 2018 (excluding betting), and betting turnover projected to reach 23 billion USD by 2020 according to some sources. While it’s been around since the late 90s, it was the last couple of years when esports established itself as the new form of sports and entertainment that’s poised to take over the world. From the unique, tightly knit communities, through the online streaming platforms where millions of gamers watch each other play, to the stadiums filled with tens of thousands of fans, it’s fresh, exciting and still largely unexplored. One man who’s well on his way to exploring this relatively new phenomenon, is none other than Boris Mihov, Chief Product Officer at fully licensed betting platform, Luckbox. Here he shares the many stages of his journey as one of esports’ most enterprising prodigies.

We ease into our interview with a straightforward question; how did he start out on the career path

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which finally led him to Luckbox? “There’s two notable events - one was when I was nine years old and I saw StarCraft; that was pure love at first sight. The other one was the first time I opened Photoshop – that was about 15 years ago, and I’ve never closed it since. Since then it’s been quite the rollercoaster - I’ve worked for different start-ups and shaped a variety of projects on many different platforms, both as a designer and product manager,” he says, “Finally, my love for esports took over and led me to one of the largest and oldest esports websites - GosuGamers, where we served tens of millions of users and worked with Blizzard, ESL and quite a few other big names in and outside esports. That also brought me to Malta where I met Lars, Luckbox’s CEO and co-founder. Once I left GosuGamers I’ve spent some time consulting for different companies, one of them being Luckbox, which I joined last year as their Chief Product Officer.”

What does his role at Luckbox involve? Boris explains, “As a start-up, we all wear many hats.

My main designation is ‘get stuff done’ with regard to anything that our users can see, touch and feel. I’m coming from an esports, UX and visual design background, which requires a lot of technical knowledge as well, so I make sure we take the right product approach for our audience,

but also that we have the right people and tools to do it properly. I work a lot with our marketing team on one side, and our development team on the other and my role shifts constantly between strategy and execution.”

Looking to the future, where does he see the company going within the next three to five years? “To the moon, hopefully,” he says not quite in jest, “In all seriousness, the esports scene is moving with an astonishing pace. Our goal is to be the number one place for esports betting and we have everything we need to make that happen.”

On a more personal note, how does he achieve life/work balance within such a busy schedule?

“In general, I don’t recommend the start-up and/or esports environment for people leaning towards the ‘life’ side of the balance sheet. Most of the free time I manage to find, I try to dedicate to sports, but Netflix and my Playstation backlog are also very tempting. Living in Malta makes it a little bit easier though, as the lack of commute and the sunshine make up for a lot of the stress you would otherwise accumulate,” he states.

Finally, any tips for any young entrepreneurs who are just starting out? “Entrepreneurship is about doing your homework, so get the right sources of information and look for confirmation of your ideas as early as possible. Another thing I’d say to everyone going down that route, is to look after yourself. You need to make good decisions, constantly, and doing that living on 4 hours of sleep a night, coffee and pizza is not sustainable. Businesses fail more often than people think because of this,” Boris says. And with that kind of down-to-earth guidance emanating from the man who has journeyed along the path of success, it is great, wholesome advice indeed!

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