Identity Magazine April 2018 issue: the world of Ahmed Malek

APRIL 2018 - 20 L.E., VOLUME 13, ISSUE 5 WWW.IDENTITY-MAG.COM

Bromance Romance

Skin Care Products Every Man Needs

+

SPRING SUITING Fashion Trends

VS

HOW DO GUYS DEAL WITH HEARTBREAK? see page 38

A BROKEN MAN...

A BROKEN PROMISE

25 Best Easter Vacation Ideas

the world of

AHMED MALEK

LET US COLOR YOUR E ASTER

Embrace Spring’s arrival as warm fragrant breezes bring the wonder of Easter and Sham el Nessim to the heart of Cairo.

The ‘easy going’ vibes at Roy’s features buffet dinners for Easter Sundays on 1st and 8th of April.

Celebrate Sham el Nessim at Omar’s Café for the legendary breakfast featuring all traditional classics.

Later, stroll among the flowers, parasols, egg hunts, laughter and chatter at the Garden Promenade Café where sizzling grills, crisp salads and Easter treats complete a holiday to remember.

A tip ... the chocolate bunnies are hiding among the cakes and colored eggs at The Bakery!

16 SARAY EL GEZIRA ST., PO BOX 33 ZAMALEK, CAIRO 11211, EGYPT. T: 00. 202.27.28.3000 CAIROMARRIOTTHOTEL.COM ARABIC.MARRIOTT.COM

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APRIL 2018, VOLUME 13 ISSUE 05

I

n this day and age, what defines a true “gentleman’? Is it a guy that carries the bill on a date night or pulls the door open for you?

I would like to believe that in our modern

world where women have become much more liberated and empowered that the definition of a real “gentleman” stretches far beyond expectations that are actually condescending and demeaning

FOUNDER & MANAGING EDITOR Rola Kamel EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nawal Ismail ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR Alia El Abd COPY-EDITOR Amina El Fayoumy SENIOR STAFF WRITER Amina Moustapha STAFF WRITER Salma Elfeqy

to strong independent women of today. Men are

FREELANCE WRITERS Amina Elghandour, Rana Ramez

no longer expected to be guardians or caretakers

INTERNS Amira ElSayed, Neamat ElTouby

of the ‘weaker’ gender, but rather supportive, respectful and equal partners in the bumpy road

RELATIONSHIP EXPERT Marwa Rakha

of life. Men are human beings who are sometimes

FASHION EXPERT Nahed Kazziha

harshly judged by society that expects them to be

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sandy Saied

one thing and its opposite at the same time!

In our April issue, we delve into the fascinating

MARKETING & ADVERTISING MANAGER Riham Yehia DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Youssef Ali

world of men and offer them lots of fashion, health

SOCIAL MEDIA EXECUTIVE Mostafa El Toukhy

and relationship advice which they will hopefully

IDENTITY MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTOR Ashraf Fouad

appreciate.

Rola Kamel

Identity Magazine was founded in 2005 by Rola Kamel to enhance every aspect of a woman’s life style, helping our female readers to discover and improve their own identities.

Published by Beezarre Publishing Ltd. Themistokli Dervi, 6 Papyros Building, 4th Floor, Flat/Office D5 – P.c 1066, Nicosia, Cyprus.

The subscription rate is 240 L.E./year (12 issues) through Al Ahram, Tel: 02-27703190 Distribution by AL AHRAM Website: QPIX SOLUTIONS Printing House: SAHARA PRINTING COMPANY Contact us at: 26A Montazah St., Zamalek, Cairo-Egypt. Tel: 02-27361187 Mobile: 0122-9401071 email: sendus@identity-mag.com www.identity-mag.com

4 IDENTITY

IDENTITYMAGEG

CONTENT

APRIL 2018, VOLUME 13 ISSUE 05

16

ABOUT MEN 6 8 10 11

Identity Picks To a mother-in-law who won’t let go Bromance vs. romance: what do men really prefer?

Four signs you have found a modern gentleman

STYLE 12 14 16

Let’s make something very clear... His skin Nourished hair, bolder colour Accessory report: the must have list

52 18 20 22

Suit up!

On going trends from 2017 Ahmed Malek

MODERN GENTLEMAN 32

A broken man... a broken promise 34 The difference between dating a boy and dating a man 36 Who needs who more?

38 The truth on how guys deal with heartbreaks 40 Eight misconceptions about what makes a man ‘manly’ 42 The day I met a guy who killed 44 Eight things to know about the philosopher’s flight book 46 Eleven secrets for an effective workout 48 Easy meals anyone can cook 50 Around the World this Month 52 Easter Getaways

OUT & ABOUT 56 Advertorial 58 Press Releases 64 Horoscopes

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22

PuraVida Design by Phoenix Design

The brainchild of Phoenix Design, the design of this extraordinary complete range makes minimalism approachable by giving it a new feminine touch. All lines are gently softened giving the range a poetic lightness.

For more info please visit our showrooms in Sheraton +2 02 26968700, Designopolis +2 02 38572041 or +2 0238572042, Sharm El Sheikh +2 06 93664162, Hurghada +2 01 001789418 or visit www.duravit.com.eg

W E CA N H E L P YO U I N D E S I G N I N G YO U R B AT H R O O M .

PICKS

IDENTITY PICKS Series 7000 Wet & Dry Electric Shaver

by Philips This series 7000 protects against signs of skin irritation. SkinGlide rings with antifriction coating enable the shaver to glide effortlessly across your face.

The blade cuts close and protects skin.

Pen by Mont Blanc Mont Blanc created a writing instrument that became an icon of writing culture.

Its functional, attractive design, the innovative inkfeeding system and its hand engraved gold nib with an iridium tip.

Premium Beard Balm

by Beardoholic Beard growth, style, health and care combined all in one. The only beard palm you will ever need.

It also has health benefits such as helping you to stop a beard itch and to eliminate beard dandruff.

Cycling It’s a low-impact type of exercise, so it’s easier on your joints than running or other high-impact aerobic activities.

Watch by Daniel Wellington The Daniel Wellington watch with its interchangeable straps speaks for a classic and timeless design suitable for every occasion.

Sensitive Homme set

by Yves Rocher Intense comfort from this 3 in 1 Moisturizing care enriched with the soothing properties of the Anta bean extract and protective Aphloia extract which leaves the skin feeling soft all day.

Mens Leather Classic Slim Backpack

by Samsonite Minimalistic and subtle, the Slim Backpack is built to carry all of your personal and business items while maintaining a simple, understated profile.

BYLLAN Laptop support

by Ikea Easy to keep clean thanks to the removable and machine-washable fabric cover. The laptop support is stable on your lap or an uneven surface thanks to the formable base.

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Men’s Wallet by Ted Baker Ted Baker’s designer leather wallets and card holders for men. They’re perfectly pocket sized with quality designs that are well worth your pennies. Their elegance and simplicity is suitable for all fashion styles.

ABOUT MEN

To a Mother-in-Law Who Won’t Let Go

by Salma Elfeqy

We often come across mothers in law who won’t let go of their sons, not even after 10 and 20 years of marriage. They always feel like they have the right to do whatever they want as they are still their kids. But this makes life very hard on both the son and his wife (the daughter in law). Mothers in law need to understand that at some point their sons won’t need them as much as they did when they were 10 years old. Please try to maintain a healthy relationship with your kids and try doing the following: 1. GIVE HIM HIS PRIVACY You need to understand that your son has his own life now and you can’t know every single thing that is going on in either his marriage, work or even social life. This doesn’t mean that he loves you any less, to the contrary, it only means that he is growing into a man and you should respect his privacy.

2. STOP MAKING DECISIONS FOR HIM Your role as the decision maker ended a while ago.

You are still his mum, but he is a grown-up who needs to make decisions totally on his own. He needs to make mistakes, learn from them and even repeat them to learn the lesson twice at times. You can guide him, only if he asked for it.

3. DON’T FEEL JEALOUS OF HIS WIFE There is no comparison between you and his wife, because each one of you is special in her own way.

You need to understand that even if your son loves his wife a lot, this doesn’t mean that he loves you any less. To the contrary, he loves you both a lot and would love it if you both have a really nice, decent relationship.

4. DON’T INTERFERE IN RAISING THE KIDS Of course you are one to depend on when raising kids because you’ve already raised a son of your own who is successful and charming. However, you didn’t like it when your own mother in law interfered in raising your son. You always thought that it is none of her business and that you are good enough to raise him on your own. Give this very same chance to your daughter in law and avoid this hassle.

5. DON’T TREAT HIM LIKE A CHILD It is very obvious that your son is no longer a kid and that he is a mature working man who has his own life and responsibilities. Treating him like a child will drive him away from you. Instead, try to make him feel like you are proud of him and that you sincerely want the best for him.

The smartest thing you could do is to maintain a healthy relationship with your daughter in law and to respect your son’s personal space and try to let go.

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IDENTITYMAGEG

BROMANCE vs. ROMANCE: What Do Men Really Prefer?

by Rana Ramez

According to a recent study in the journal “Men and Masculinities”, men find close intimate friendships with other males, or what we call “Bromances”, more satisfying than romantic relationships. We know this may be frustrating for you ladies, but let’s brush our disappointments aside, think rationally and try to figure out why men find bromances to be more emotionally satisfying than romantic relationships.

Following is a list of 4 potential reasons why men sometimes think it’s “Pals Before Gals”: 1. ACCEPTANCE As social creatures by nature, we crave the feeling of acceptance in any kind of relationship we have. It’s what makes us break down our walls and lose our defence techniques. And in the lack of acceptance and the presence of judgment comes our attempt to change or hide our true nature. So based on the fact that many guys feel more judged in their romances more than they are in their bromances, automatically they tend to prefer the last one.

2. SELF-REVELATION That being said, and since most men find it really hard to be emotionally intimate and vulnerable with women, especially in the early stages of relationships, the bromances come to the rescue as a safe space where they can act comfortable in their own skin and be their unguarded selves. They are more willing to be vulnerable with their bros because they do not have a certain image to maintain; to act in

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a specific way around their female partner is surely exhausting.

3. ABSENCE OF PRESSURE It’s doubtless that romantic relationships put a lot of pressure on both parties. Maintaining a certain level of respect while dealing with your partner, the relatively emotional instability with long-lasting intense arguments, choosing one’s own words and behaviours; all these things make a bromanctic relationship run more easily and more smoothly, compared to a romantic one. No wonder guys perceive it as a safe haven!

4. IT’S SOCIALLY ACCEPTED NOW Bromances can be seen as a progressive development in relations between men. And recently it is getting more accepted socially to have a close intimate relationship between guys, thanks to bromantic relationships between celebrities such as Brad Pitt and George Clooney, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire and Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto.

At last, we need to cut the guys some slack! It’s their right to have a close relation with their male friends. If it was socially accepted for them to be close with their bros in the first place, just like girls enjoy this privilege, we wouldn’t even be discussing this right now! And guys, please give your ladies a chance, maybe you’ll find out that your romance is as fulfilling as your bromance.

HE AVOIDS CRASS OR VULGAR HUMOUR This rule has recently been added to the rulebook of good manners; because while writing down the art of elegant dress and graceful conversation and how to act courteously, it wouldn’t have cross anyone’s mind the need to mention that a man must boycott the use of curse words! It seemed obvious back then. This rule doesn’t only apply when he is in your company, a gentleman would avoid crass and vulgar humour because no one likes a person who’s socially insensitive. His words define who he is, so if he picks them carefully, he is indeed a gentleman.

HE ARRIVES ON TIME In the world of gentlemen, the concept of “fashionably late” doesn’t exist; in their world they still go by the good old rule that arriving late is just flat-out rudeness. They always honour the time agreed upon, because they believe doing the opposite, indicates that you do not value your time, nor the time of the other person involved. In a world where it’s deemed ‘okay’ to show up whenever you please, he sets himself apart and shows up when he said he would. He is a reliable and dependable man in the long run.

HE HOLDS THE DOOR OPEN

4 Signs You Have Found A Modern Gentleman

by Amina Moustapha

W

hat draws a line between a man and a gentleman? What magic lay within manners so that they make a regular man charming and attractive? Here goes your answer; manners, etiquette aren’t just a way of letting the world know how you behave; it’s also a way of letting people know that you respect them. For some odd reasons, the concepts of manners are a dying breed these days. The little gestures that make all the difference in any kind of relationships got buried under the fast rushing rhythm of our lives. But no matter what occur around him, ladies, a gentleman will always follow the customary code of polite behaviour.

Below are 4 sure signs you have found a modern gentleman:

Now, let’s forget all about the trendy notion that holding a door open for a woman is a gesture of ‘sexism’! We, women know very well that we are capable of opening the door for ourselves, don’t we, ladies? A gentleman knows that too, but that doesn’t stop him from holding the door for you, for the elderly, and for anyone who is close behind him that could benefit from a door being held open. It’s a kind polite gesture, and a gentleman doesn’t do it to prove anything but his good manners.

HE KNOWS HOW TO LISTEN Let’s talk numbers in order to elaborate this one.

The scientific breakdown of human communication is 9 percent writing, 16 percent reading, 30 percent speaking, and 45 percent listening. Formal education covers the first three parts; but only a gentleman will practice to master the fourth. Hearing is different from listening. If he gives you his full attention when you speak, if he doesn’t interrupt you, if he doesn’t fidget, or show signs of impatience; you have found yourself one hell of a man. Not using unneeded words speak so highly of the person, and prove his is a gentleman.

And that’s how you figure if your guy meets the requirements of a modern gentleman or not.

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BEAUTY

LET’S MAKE SOMETHING VERY CLEAR... HIS SKIN

by Amira ElSayed

How to choose the right moisturizer for your loved one? You walk into a seemingly endless aisle with words like CREAM! LOTION! HYDRATION! ANTI-AGING! ENERGIZING! shouting at you from bottle after bottle and a certain paralysis sets in. Skincare is personal.

It can be tailored to his skin’s specific needs.

But that can take a lot of legwork, trial and error and, sometimes, a lot of money before you find him something that actually works.

ReVive Sensitif Renewal Cream This is the gold standard of moisturizer. He should put this on when his skin feels ravaged and needs some serious repair.

It will feel like cells are knitting themselves back together and will give him a protective layer.

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Paula’s Choice CALM Redness Relief Moisturizer Sensitive skin is an issue for most guys, even if you don’t think they have it. Redness, dryness, uneven texture and breakouts can all be signs of sensitivity. Barring a visit to a dermatologist, the best way to combat these issues is to change the products you’re buying to those tailored specifically for sensitive skin.

They are formulated to keep irritation to a minimum. This moisturizer is a game-changer for anyone with redness.

Nivea Men Energy Revitalizing Lotion The quality of this is superb for a drugstore brand. It goes on light and gets absorbed all throughout the day. When you’re looking for a good all-around reasonably priced moisturizer, it’s important that it goes on smooth. Too often products have a lot of additives that can sit on his skin and impede absorption, which means they don’t work as long or as well as they should.

This great multi-purpose lotion is the exception.

Youth to the People Age Prevention Cream Natural ingredients are the biggest trend in skincare right now and with good reason. Just like a healthy diet, his skin benefits from natural vitamins and antioxidants found in things like essential oils, plants, vegetables and fruits. Think of this as a juice cleanse for his face. Youth to the People uses the same philosophy to deliver high-potency, cold-pressed benefits to the outside of his body.

Clinique For Men

Royal Fern Phytoactive Anti-Aging Cream You can definitely tell when a skincare product has higher quality ingredients. The texture is better, there are typically fewer chemicals and additives, and the results are faster. Royal Fern is no exception. The active ingredients are evident and the results are almost instantaneous. With a few weeks of regular application, his skin will look completely different.

Multi-benefit lotion instantly improves skin and softens beard.

Applies easily over facial hair, from one-day stubble to a light beard, to soothe the skin beneath.

Over time, strengthens skin and conditions beard for easier grooming. The 2 in 1 Skin Hydrator & Beard Conditioner does exactly what its name suggests, and is oilfree to avoid breakouts.

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel

Dr Jackson’s Dr Jackson’s signature cream visibly helps nourish and repair dry or sun damaged skin by tightening the skin. This skin cream has been formulated using natural extracts of Kigelia, Baobab, Shea butter and Marula Oil. Compounds identified within these natural extracts have been shown to stop melanin production, allowing for a more even skin tone. Especially effective on sun damaged skin, sun spots, liver spots, Dr Jackson’s has an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing redness and blemishes.

Vitamin-enriched and energizing, non-oily moisturizer wakens and uplifts dull, tiredlooking skin. Dynamic “facial recovery accelerator” helps skin resist the effects of environmental stress (we know it’s hard to resist) for a healthy appearance. The formula, with Vitamin C and E, Chestnut Extract and Soy, helps waken tired-looking skin and improve skin’s look and texture. With use, his skin will feel refuelled, re-energized and revitalized.

Aveda Men Pure-Formance

Neal’s Yard Remedies Men This energising, gently foaming men’s face wash offers a deep cleanse for all skin types. An infusion of Fairtrade antioxidant-rich rooibos and organic calendula washes away everyday impurities while keeping his skin clean and refreshed.

Moisturising formula preps skin for a close, comfortable shave. Contains exclusive phyto-active blend with naturally derived ingredients specifically created to treat men’s skin conditions with soothing, anti-oxidant power. Helps protect against razor burn as well as having a rich and refreshing aroma that combines organic lavender, Vetiver and lemon.

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NOURISHED HAIR, BOLDER COLOUR

by Amira ElSayed

If you’re sick and tired of seeing him with the same hairstyle or just can’t figure out what product to get him so his quiff can stay put.

The following are the newest trending hairdos.

2018 HAIRSTYLE TRENDS

TEXTURED SLICK BACK Slicked back styles have come a long way since the early 2000’s but are now longer, higher and more textured. It suits all age groups and has a classic elegance to it. It is arguably the most stylish and popular type of undercut hairstyle now. Slicked back hair offers the best of both worlds; a cool men’s hairstyle that works for business professionals, yet looks casual in other settings.

NECKLINE HAIR DESIGN The neckline hair design trend just keeps getting bigger. He can now relocate the design from the sides to the back of the head for an eye-catching rear view. The design itself can be a simple V on the back or as complex as a multiple fade pattern.

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1 Natural Oil Most men don’t naturally take the time of day to care for their hair, but with natural oil as a styling cream replacement all that might change. It might not be as effective in holding their hair in place and it might be too shiny for most men’s liking, but it’s the healthiest choice of all.

2 Gel Gel has both a high hold and high shine so if their going with long slick back look, I think gel is the product to go for.

3

COLOURED HAIR DON’T CARE

If they don’t enjoy the shine and think it’s too feminine then you should definitely go for a simple hairspray that will just hold his hair in place with no further effects.

Men are allowed to bleach and dye their hair too! Guys are experimenting with brightly coloured locks; from deep blues, greens, to pastel pinks and purples.

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TYPE OF CARE FOR EVERY KIND OF HAIR

1

Hairspray

If you don’t know which products create which kind of effect on their hair, here’s a sum up of each; using wax holds hair in place and is highly effective in doing so but has a medium shine to it.

3

Oribe

Wax

5 Styling Cream

2 F.Miller

ProRituals

fatboy R+Co

4 5

If you’re going with normal styling cream, let’s hope you don’t mind their hair being all over the place, because it doesn’t really do it when it comes to holding itself. It is, however, very high on the shine and softness of the hair.

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NOVELTY CUFFLINKS

1

Remember the first set of cufflinks you ever got him? Surely you should not let your nostalgia hold you back. Update his shirt with variations in stones, woods and even offbeat design molds.

Tom Ford

CASUAL BELT

2

Suit belting is common sense, but adding some sophistication to his casual jeans and T-shirt look is so simple! A clean brown belt will do the trick and the styles are endless from polished and pebbled leather, to woven models.

Lanvin

ACCESSORY REPORT:

The Must Have List

by Nahed Kazziha

No outfit is complete without a distinguished accessory or two. If your man is into no muss, no fuss that does not mean that they have to shy away from some extra trimmings here and there. There are a few key add-ons every man must have to up their sartorial game on the regular.

3

CLASSIC TIE CLIP For those occasions that cause you to reminisce, you can recall a bygone era by donning an iconic tie clip. Not only will it give him an instant upgrade, but it will help his tie stay in place and help avoid messy tie movements.

Dunhill

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4 Montblanc

TRUSTY PEN You never know when he needs to sign papers or fill out a form. Bypass the frantic pen search and keep a pen handy along with a stylish notepad. Who knows, maybe an important meeting will pop up!

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5

JaegerLeCoultre

Turnbull & Asser

WHIMSICAL POCKET SQUARE

HEAVY DUTY TIMEPIECE

Elevate a drab blazer with an eyecatching pocket square. Colourful and easy, this tiny accessory has the power to transform his jacket into a conversation starter effortlessly.

Durability is paramount. Opt for a watch with the right dose of elegance and practicality, in other words, stainless steel. The material is more durable than its leather counterparts and yards more sophisticated than a G-Shock.

GO-TO CARDHOLDER

Persol

STAPLE SHADES Living in one of the sunniest countries in the world has its benefits. Not only are sunglasses useful but they are also a fashion statement. Be sure to keep a pair of aviators or wayfarers tucked away in his car in case of a shades emergency.

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Credit cards and business cards need a place of their own in a man’s wardrobe. Next time he is out hobnobbing, he can pull out his super sleek cardholder and smoothly hand out his digits without fumbling.

8 Givenchy

9 Paul Smith

MAN PURSE

TRENDY SOCKS

If he is not into bold patterns and colours, then surprising socks are the way to go.

Whether he chooses to wear it with a suit or a pair of chinos, bold and shocking hosiery cannot be overlooked and score him immediate style points.

Between papers and laptops, a carry all has become more of a modern day necessity than an accessory. Be it a briefcase or messenger; just make sure his bag has a shoulder strap handy while he is on the go.

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Smythson

IDENTITY 19

STYLE

Lanvin

Double Breasting

Drake’s

This suit jacket style is for all men out there. Let him skip all the bench presses and take a trompe l’oeil shortcut to a built physique.

The double breasted jacket will give his shoulders just the right structure and form they need.

Kingsman

Hermes

SUITUP!

Officine Creative

by Nahed Kazziha

Swimming through a sea of suits, it can be difficult to gather inspiration. The dull blacks and greys take over; single breasted, white shirt pairings stunt your man’s creativity and lead him to surrender to monotony. It does not have to be this way! Consider a fresh take on suiting this spring, by infusing some colour and cut risks that will reward his senses.

Prada Deakin & Francis

Textured Tuxes

SALLE PRIVêE

Classic black will never go out of style, especially when it takes the form of a tuxedo. Dark as the shade may be, the bright side is that he will not need a belt. So, channel his inner James Bond with some satin accents and a bowtie.

Alexander McQueen

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Zenith Hugo Boss

Etro

Charvet

Begg & Co

Vibrant Variation For those semi-formal and casual occasions that require an extra oomph, pick out a pastel or vibrant colour from this year’s spring palette and commit. Complete the look with laid back kicks and a light scarf for good measure.

Bunney

Tod’s

Moscot

Mulberry Hugo Boss Thom Browne

Fresh Linens

Daytime wedding? No problem. Beat the heat in cool linen menswear that will have him looking dapper rather than damp on a hot April afternoon.

The best part is that his tie is optional; however his sunglasses are a must.

George Cleverly

IDENTITY 21

ON GOING TRENDS FROM 2017

by Amira ElSayed

With a seemingly endless dribble of newins and new-outs, it can be hard on both your wallet and his closet to constantly play catch-up with the latest menswear collections. Luckily, this season sees some of 2017’s biggest trends spill over into 2018.

Coloured Tailoring The navy suit. Stylish, yes. A wardrobe cornerstone, most definitely. But exciting? Not necessarily.

And because menswear itself has become increasingly ballsy, his tailoring now comes in techni-colour.

The 1970’s The seventies have been staying alive in menswear in one form or another for years, but that didn’t stop the era from staging an outright onslaught on his wardrobes in 2017. Fortunately, instead of disco hair and platform shoes, what they got was roll necks, corduroy, patterned knitwear, silk shirts and wide lapels.

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Tactile Fabrics Joining existing winter wardrobe will be shearling, wool and flannel. Perennial party season staples like velvet, touchy-feely garments such as suede bombers, corduroy trousers and puckered summer jackets have become essentials in their own right.

Cuban Collar Shirts

If there’s one thing we wouldn’t move from last year’s wardrobe, it would be our Cuban collar shirts.

Cuban collars will be here to stay for a few summers because they’re practical. The best of these shirts come in cotton or linen, making them flattering as well as light and airy on a hot day.

Vertical Stripes

Much like checks, it’s hard to remember a time when stripes weren’t in favour. Vertical stripes were once again all over the runways at the recent London Fashion Week Men’s, applied to everything from T-shirts to tailoring.

Retro Sportswear

Unless you’ve been living under a soundproof rock, you will definitely know that sportswear has been one of the biggest risers in menswear over the past couple of years. If your man happen to have vintage sportswear in his closet, let him hang on to those items!

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Jacket, Trousers and Sneakers: Maison69, T-shirt: Pull & Bear, Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs - Baraka

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INTERVIEW

AHMED MALEK Interview by Amira ElSayed Styling and Art Direction: OMAR FADDA Photographer: AMR EL GOHARY Assistant Photographer: OMAR EL SHAFIE Fashion Coordinator: OMAR HISHAM Hair Stylist: MOHAMED MAMDOUH FROM AL SAGHEER Location: WINDSOR HOTEL, CAIRO

“A modern gentleman is just a truthful and honest human being because in the end that’s all we can ask to become. We had the amazing opportunity to speak to one of Egypt’s rising stars; actor Ahmed Malek as he opens up about his challenge with his artistic integrity, his newfound fame and the trappings of success.

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Trousers and T-shirt: Reserved, Sneakers: Maison69, Sunglasses: Polo Ralph Lauren - Baraka

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Shirt: Bershka, Sneakers: Maison69

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Your career kicked off at a very young age, what were the challenges you faced?

The challenges you face are ongoing; it doesn’t end at a certain point. You always face challenges, but my only challenge is probably my career and how I pursue the craft of acting. Of course challenges differ from one person to another, but I always say that in a way the acting life chose me, and I suddenly found myself in the midst of all of this. It’s all growing with me and helping me grow. Acting is something you have to take on with all your heart so you can bring out the most truthful emotions possible, and so I guess that was also a challenge.

But overall the word ‘challenge’ is very philosophical and can be approached in many different ways.

Who is your role model when it comes to acting, and what did you learn from this person?

I don’t have a role model. I don’t believe that people should have role models. I’m not going to say ‘Be Yourself’ because that’s a very hard thing to achieve. It’s a very long journey; some people die not knowing who they truly are. Being yourself is a journey that requires a lot of dedication and digging deep enough to actually be able to say “Yes, I finally reached who I am truly meant to be.” But going back to role models, we can say that some people pushed hard for their careers and you would one day like to do the same. Daniel Day-Lewis is someone whom I admire their dedication and aspiration.

In just a few short years you have starred in some of the biggest films and TV series in Egypt such as “Clash” and “El Sheikh Jackson” (both of which reached international fame). How does it feel to have your career grow so fast?

approach. Until now I don’t have a specific way that I go by and I don’t think that there is just one certain way. Each time a role touches me somewhere, I go with it to reach the demands of the character. Once I come to understand what my character likes, I become more comfortable and adaptable to that role.

Which of your performances is your favourite so far and why?

Each performance has its own taste and has its own quality. Like stated before, I give each role my all and different aspects of myself. But I usually don’t like my performances because I always feel like I didn’t give it enough effort and I want to give it more. I never watched myself and was impressed. I’m always thinking to myself how I could have improved that performance.

Do you have any preference between TV and cinema?

If I had to choose one of both, I would without a doubt go with cinema. It’s more exciting and livelier to watch something up close and new. The whole vibe of it is more exciting.

What advice would you like to give young aspiring actors?

Theatre. Definitely start with theatre. It will help you learn a lot. Also go for acting for the sake of the craft and not for the sake of what comes with it. If you want to start acting for the fame and money, which I call the pollution of the scene, never go for the stardom and the light. Just go for the blood, not the skin.

It’s a bit scary because you feel like you’ve given a lot and it’s still not enough. But at the same time it’s not scary because it’s growing fast, I take it one step at a time. I go for whichever project comes my way and watch the results as they unfold. And when presenting my part, all I can try to do is be the most truthful version of myself. In other words, I always want to bring out a different aspect of myself so I too can discover it. I believe that when you surprise yourself you can also astonish your audience. When your goal is to work for yourself, the outcome is better than when you’re doing a role just for the audience.

In your opinion what is the definition of a modern gentleman?

How do you prepare for a role you’re going to play?

My next project is a movie called “Def” with Hady El Bagory as the producer and Khaled El Sawy, Sherine Reda and Jamila Awad as my co-stars; that’s as much as I can tell you for now. To know more about it, you’ll have to wait and watch it!

There is no specific way to prepare for a role. Each role has its complete different circumstances and

I’m against putting people in frames, for example calling guys ‘gentlemen’ and women ‘nice ladies’.

Labels don’t exist except in our heads. So to put it in context, a modern gentleman is a human being that is empathetic and truthful and also has his flaws and mistakes and isn’t ashamed to admit that he has them. They also won’t do something for their image unless it benefits their true self.

What is your next project?

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Sneakers: Maison69, Sunglasses: Prada - Baraka

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“

Acting is something you have to take on with all your heart so you can bring out the most truthful emotions possible.

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Trousers: Pull & Bear, Sneakers: Maison69, Sunglasses: Gucci - Baraka

MODERN GENTLEMAN

A BROKEN MAN...

A BROKEN PROMISE

by Marwa Rakha

Dear Marwa, I was in a relationship with a guy for 8 months. His personality was a bit difficult as he has a lot of problems in his life, especially with his parents. He is not on good terms with his dad, and they have a lot of family drama. As a consequence, it made him a negative person with a passive perception of life.

Despite that, he was very nice with me and he kept telling me that I was the only ‘good’ thing in his life. I happily shared his problems and tried to lift the weight off his shoulders, and always tried to cheer him up and offer him all the emotional support he needed.

His parents already had a brief idea about us, but when he told his dad, and based on their not so harmonious relation, he totally refused the idea of him taking an official step with me. We were so 34 IDENTITY

‘‘

hopeless and since he is still relatively young, he would need his father to support him financially.

Despite all that, he always assured me that we will never leave each other and that he will do whatever he can to make “us” happen. And despite all the obstacles, I was willing to wait for as long as it takes him to convince his dad and solve all of his problems.

But in the day prior to my birthday, we had a ridiculous fight over something absurd. And though we had many fights before over some big issues, this time he decided to end everything. He didn’t call me on my birthday, and I never heard anything from him since then. You cannot imagine my depression and heartbreak over his sudden change and all of his broken promises. After all what we’ve been through and all the things I was ready to bear for him, everything ended and not even because of his father, it was a causeless break-up.

I’m still in a state of shock and I cannot find any reasonable explanation for what he did; he didn’t even have the courage to face me with the reasons of our break-up.

Dear Shocked,

I just finished reading an amazing book by Dr. Mohamed Taha. The book is titled “Dangerous Relationships” and it certainly is. We, human beings, live in an intricate web of relationships that impact our emotional and mental well-being; your relationship with your mother starts in the womb and continues into adulthood, your relationship with your father, your relationship with your teachers from nursery until graduation, your relationship with peers –friends or passers-by – from early childhood into adulthood, your relationships with men, or women, or both, your relationship with your body, and your relationship with yourself – the many parts of the self.

Any human being is defined by these relationships.

You are defined by the messages you have received from birth until adulthood by people who formed your core. Your boyfriend is also defined by such relationships. Based on how each person defines himself/herself, consciously or subconsciously, that person chooses his/her partners, plays certain roles, and drives his/her relationships. Dr. Taha called it a “prophecy”; I will call it a spell! You cast a spell on your relationships.

In your case, you derive your value and self-worth from being needed. You feel secure in a relationship when the other party is too weak to think and act without you. You enjoy playing the role of the saviour; hence, you choose someone who views himself as a victim. This is a very unhealthy relationship. Healthy relationships are not built around victims, saviours and aggressors. These are all sick and twisted relationships.

Your “victim”, wants to stay a victim forever, or until he gets professional help, and you cannot play the role of the “saviour” forever, because it is so exhausting and draining. It is also unhealthy because you invest so much into saving someone who might not want to be saved, and you expect total and utter loyalty and gratitude – the kind of gratitude you would expect from a dog you rescued off the streets.

Relationships do not work that way and, in your case, your boyfriend believes that he does not deserve to be happy. He thinks he does not deserve respect.

He is so broken from inside that his shattered pieces will cut the skin of anyone who tries to hold him and soothe him. He has no faith in life or in himself – and there is nothing you could do about that.

Be grateful that he walked away, and if he ever comes back, direct him towards psychotherapy. Do not get involved with someone who is a victim of abuse; be his friend not his lover. As for you, why do you need someone to depend on you emotionally that much? Why do you feel that you do not deserve, or will not keep, someone who is stable, strong and happy?

On a different note, history has a way of repeating itself, and if you get married to a broken person who has been emotionally abused by his parents, without professional help, that person is most likely going to repeat the abusive behaviour with his kids.

If his father denied him the feeling of self-worth, and self-respect, then he will do the exact same thing with his wife and kids. The worst outcome of abuse is that the abused person identifies with the abuser to the extent of becoming just like him.

Consider this a learning experience, food for thought, and something to sleep over. Allow this experience to help you grow into a person who is more aware of her needs and roles. Hopefully next time you will choose someone who loves you for who you are not for what you do for him – someone who sees you as a woman not a shock-absorber.

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DATING A BOY AND DATING A MAN

by Amina Moustapha

In one of the cheesiest romantic comedy movies of all times, “Valentine’s Day”, Jennifer Garner’s character said one of the most significant lines of all times. “He is not just a guy, he is a man.” Let’s ignore the fact that she was talking about Patrick Dempsey who is drop-dead gorgeous, and pause to reflect on what distinguishes a boy from a man.

Maturity is mistakenly associated with age, but that’s nowhere near the truth. It’s not measured by age; it’s much deeper than that. Maturity is the way you see and understand things. The way you consider things. The way you communicate. They way you react. The things you value. In a nutshell, age has nothing to do with being a mature man, it’s merely a number—actions define who he really is. Everyone grows old, but not everyone grows up.

To all the ladies out there, if you seek a man, you have to stop chasing the boy. So to draw the line in the sand and outline differences between how boys act when dating, and how men act when dating, here are a few distinct contrasts.

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1. A boy makes promises he knows he cannot keep. A man has integrity.

A real man knows that there are three things you should never break; promises, trust and someone’s heart. People with good intention make promises, but people with good characters keep them. And that’s what tells the differences between a man and a boy. If you’re dating a boy, it’s only a question of time until he breaks a promise. Eventually, this will shake the trust between you. And broken promises are worse than lies because he gave you hope for something he wasn’t sure he could give you, so you will end up with a broken heart. On the other side, a real man is the person who has integrity. His words aren’t cheap, because they are always backed up with action, with fulfilled promises.

2. A boy bottles up his emotions. A man admits when he needs you.

One of the biggest misconceptions about the characteristics of a real man is that he should have no weaknesses, and could handle everything that

motivation to change should come from within you, and not because of some pressure from somebody else. A real man knows that he loves you as you are; he doesn’t want you to change for him, but for you. He will do the same thing for you because he wants to make it work; that’s the kind of change a man will want in a relationship. A boy will simply want to change you to the best version that suits him; he doesn’t get your imperfection.

4. A boy cares too much about looks. A man cares about character.

comes his way without needing help. If so, you better start looking for this guy in the Marvel world, between the superheroes and the Avengers! We all need each other; that’s what makes us human.

A real man knows this as a fact; a boy considers it weakness and hides his emotions from you. A man admits when he needs you and when he needs to talk, even if it makes him uncomfortable, because he believes you two are team players who can’t do without each other. That’s the person you will turn to when you need help; you won’t shy away from leaning on him when needed because you know he will be there.

3. A boy will want you to change for him. A man loves you the way you are.

When you’re involved with someone, you change a bit, but simply because now you’re functioning as two persons not one, that’s the first level of adjusting yourself to a relationship. The second level is changing things about yourself in order to compromise in the relationship. It’s like taking a step further for the person you’re in love with. The

Physical attraction plays a major role in a relationship, but if it’s all there is to a relationship, then let me break it for you, your relationship is a house of cards that will collapse sooner or later. A real man understands that he is not involved with a Barbie doll. He knows that everyone has good and bad days as far as looks go, and won’t hurt your feelings or love you less if your weight fluctuates or you have a bad hair day or didn’t put on some make-up. He could see through your imperfection and find the woman he loves. A boy will tease you for looking sloppy until you fix yourself back up to his standards.

5. A boy brings out the worst version in you. A man makes you a better version of yourself.

Some people inspire us and some people drain us; that’s what life is all about. It’s a must that your love life be edifying. It should help you be better, and achieve more than what you would on your own.

Because love is not selfish. When you truly love somebody, you want to help them be greater; even if that means that they might overshadow you one day. When your partner feels insecure about your success, he is a boy. When he doesn’t inspire you to do better, he is a boy. A real man isn’t afraid to let you outshine him. Because to him, you’re already his biggest trophy in life, you are meant to shine.

You will meet lots of boys in your life, but when you do find a man, a man who completes you, who doesn’t just tell you that he loves you but backs it up with his actions, he is to keep, ladies.

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WHO NEEDS WHO MORE?

by Neamat ElTouby

Do Men need Women more? Or do Women need Men more? A question we have yet to uncover.

The controversy over who is weaker, who needs who more, and what men can’t do that women could easily do has troubled many feminists and traditional thinkers around the world. Though, who is truly in need? Is it the man or is it the woman?

Men refuse to admit they need women more often than not. However, they believe that the woman completes them, fills their lives, and takes care of them. Women take care of men in the ways they cannot take care of themselves; whether it’s supporting a household or being a pillow to rest their head on after a hard day. Automatically, a woman rushes to her man’s side. She is there to feed him, to make sure his clothes are neat, to be the ultimate caregiver he longs for her to be. It is not weakness on the woman’s side; on the contrary,

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it is strength and endurance that the man himself could not bear. Without a woman, men feel weak and helpless, hence, them always needing a woman in their lives. After a divorce, men haste into new relationships to substitute what they’ve lost.

Emotionally, men are in dire need for women. They pour in all their hardships and complaints into them expecting no solution, but an ear to listen and a heart to comfort. This is probably why most teenage boys seek close and more open friendships with girls than they do with boys. Looking at it, men trust a woman’s advice and intuition more than they trust their own, or another man’s. Most of the time, they make decisions based on an opinion given by their mother, friend, or lover.

Men need encouragement, encouragement which they receive from a woman. With a woman in his life, a man is faster and keener on working hard to pamper her, make her happy, and most importantly, support her. Not to mention the ego boosting and

and alone with no man in their lives, regardless of their position.

Other than serving as a safety mat, women need to be spoiled. Men would cross oceans for a woman they love, and that’s exactly what women need.

Women spend days obsessing over how to please the men they love, and more days taking care of them and being the best partners they could be, thus feel the desire to be catered for and loved unconditionally. Being spoiled by a man is not being showered with gifts and served breakfast in bed. It is being drowning in love and appreciation. It is the woman knowing he is never leaving her side and showing her he appreciates her never leaving his.

attention the woman provides the man. A man with a woman’s attention would go to the ends of the earth to prove himself to her and please her. Men cannot allow themselves to feel like they are not satisfying their women and therefore, try to support them in all the ways they possibly could.

Physically, men are built to want women more.

They are the more sexual gender as a man’s drive is way higher than that of a woman. Studies by professionals on WebMd.com show that males are more sexually active than females as they think about sex a lot more frequently than women do. As a result, they usually want it more during any stage of their relationship.

Sentimentally, women need men to give certain warmth that they, as well as other female friends, could not satisfy. Women need to feel like someone has their back, a feeling of security, a backbone.

For some reason, only men are able to achieve that need by giving the woman a steadfast to lean on when in trouble. The euphoria women feel when they know someone is there to fix whatever is broken is an irreplaceable feeling women tend to need. Furthermore, many women feel unprotected

Women hate being alone, as many times as they may deny it. Male partners serve as companions for women who play a legitimate role in their lives. As much as they may tire women, men become their best friends. They grow old with them and help them live out their days with someone they love.

When women grow old, they love being with their husbands of many years, who reciprocate their love, become a little source of entertainment, and keep life into their house when all the children leave.

We’ve heard the theory that women think with their hearts and men think with their heads a million times, but we’ve never really thought about it correctly. Indirectly, the saying implies that man and woman complete each other. The man thinking through his brain contributes in the relationship with logic; the woman though, contributes with her heart and emotions completing the equation. Each gender is one half of a whole; both bring different elements to the table that neither can satisfy without the other. Not to mention the support they supply one another from the day they meet and for a connection to the last day they spend together.

Finally, no one can deny the most powerful connection between a man and woman. After all, “It takes two to tango!”

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The Truth on How Guys Deal with HEARTBREAK

by Rana Ramez

It’s no secret that men deal with pain, especially emotional pain, in the opposite way of how women do. This leads women to think that men are incapable of feeling pain, but this is just far from the truth. The difference is mainly linked to the “Holding the Steering Wheel Myth”; men have the urge to be always in control. And since emotions are an uncontrollable field, showing pain is perceived as an act of weakness. Needless to say, that this perception disparity is translated into different reactions while dealing with emotional pain. So here are 8 ways men deal with heartbreak that don’t deny their ability of feeling pain: Guys would rather not talk about it at all Unlike women, men don’t spill out every single detail about a painful situation to their mates, no matter how close they are. Guys will just skip the “awkward emotional part” talk and they will focus on maintaining their strong image in front of their guy friends. This stems from the fact that women are better than guys at expressing their feelings; they are willing to spend hours and hours talking through things, analysing them and digging deep to actually figure something out. And not to mention the social stereotypes that men never cry, whatsoever!

The obligation to get over it Due to never talking about their emotions and pushing bad feelings in the background, men feel the obligation that they need to move on way too fast, without taking the convenient amount of time to heal. This is interpreted in having rebound relationships after breakups. It’s a normal inclination to try to find someone else to replace the loss, even if they’re sure they are not over their exes. It’s a “fake it till you make it” strategy. Moreover, the feeling of being desired does good to a man’s ego, especially if he was not the one ending the relationship.

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The emotional lag thing You know how after a breakup, the female partner breaks down right away whereas the guy holds it together and seems great dealing with it, that’s probably due to the emotional lag. According to a study by Binghamton University of New York, guys don’t feel as devastated as women in the first stages of breakups; it takes them more time to realize the loss. So after women go through all the stages of being miserable and managing to process it, guys experience the downs when women are finally about to move on. That explains why men try to contact their exes just in time they are over them.

They feel anger instead of depression Due to the holding back, never admitting and faking being normal, men feel anger instead of depression and anxiety after heartbreaks. That’s why in order to tease their exes, they sometimes tend to do something stupid that their ex-partners didn’t approve. It’s like paying them back for how they made them feel. We can say that the childish side takes over in that stage; you hurt me, I hurt you.

And cry it all out when no one is looking Not talking about it doesn’t mean that they don’t experience emotional break-downs! Believe it or not, many guys lose it and burst into tears after breakups, but only behind closed doors when they are alone and nobody’s watching. Nothing wrong in tearing up over a lost love, that’s the most painful feeling anyone can experience. But unfortunately, most men feel that they have to wear a strong face and act as if they don’t care enough to shed a tear.

Men’s heads always win the battle The main difference between men and women is that women are mostly emotional creatures, while men are more rational. So in the post-breakup stages, the more emotional partner always tends to overthink and overanalyze the situation with all

the “What ifs” and “What could’ve happened”, while the rational partner starts to wander “What’s Next?”

This doesn’t mean that men do not care enough, or weren’t really in love. It only means that their heads always win the battle against their hearts; they start to search for logical reasonable ways to minimize their loss.

Burning bridges After ending a romantic relationship, a guy would cut off every channel of contact with his ex. Yes they will delete, if not block, their exes from every social media account they have, delete their chats, messages, pictures and everything that can remind them of the pain they are experiencing. As cold as it sounds, this is their technique to get over it and regain their emotional sanity. They don’t want to be reminded of their loss, not even through social media. It’s going to be like the relationship never existed.

A burst of productivity In order to keep their minds off, guys will use their energy after a breakup in order to be as productive as ever. Maybe going to the gym, having another job or going to that Spanish class he always wanted to take; this will make them feel good about themselves by redirecting their energy to the tasks they’ve been procrastinating about. That’s a good way to cope in the short run, but swamping themselves with activities only to cover the pain can lead to disaster later on.

In the end, it is important to admit that men and women have very distinctive natures, physically and emotionally. When it comes to heartbreaks, there is no question that both parties experience severe pain, but it’s every man on his own. So never underestimate someone else’s pain and know how to respect the strategies they adopt to overcome it.

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8 MISCONCEPTIONS About What Makes A MAN ‘MANLY’

by Salma Elfeqy

When people try to define what a real man is, they sometimes have unrealistic or irrational views. But since we are living in the 21st century, I guess it is fair to say that some people’s views on masculinity are outdated and need to change sooner than later. These misconceptions place burdens on men that they can’t truly be themselves. They try to please the society and act as ‘manly’ as possible, when this is not even the real definition of manhood. Teach your kids, friends, and everyone around you that the following list is nothing but fictitious.

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Why is it that people always assume that a real ‘man’ wouldn’t be interested in fashion, and if a guy is, then probably he is not straight. It doesn’t make you any less of a man if you like to take good care of yourself, follow fashion trends and want to look as good as you can. To the contrary, it makes you look sexy and attractive to women, because believe me not a single woman would like to date a guy who looks untidy.

Men Shouldn’t be Emotional It is very weird how women build this stereotype of how guys should be strong emotionally, otherwise they are cowards and then later on when their significant other is cold and doesn’t like sharing his emotions, he is considered a cold person. To cut this eternal story short, men are human and humans have feelings, it is not something out of the ordinary. Encourage your sons to share their feelings whether of sadness or happiness, otherwise you are encouraging them to be as cold as ice.

Men Shouldn’t Cry Crying is a natural process that humans go through when they are in pain whether physically or emotionally. Why would we deprive men, a species of humans, of this right? They have the right to cry freely when they just got out of a relationship or lost someone dear to them, or even when they just had a terrible day. Be lenient because at the end of the day we are all human beings who need to cry when things go south.

Men Shouldn’t Do Any House Chores Men are raised in a way where their mommies make it seem like it’s socially degrading for him to do any of the house chores. But this specifically needs to change. Every mum should assign house chores to her kids equally, whether they are males or females. This develops a sense of responsibility and independence.

Men Are Valued With What They Own and Earn You’d think that it only used to be the case 20 years ago, but believe me some girls still think that way. A man is so much more than just his monthly paycheck or the kind of car he drives. We need to start thinking of the person without adding the materialistic stuff in the equation. If he is a great person but doesn’t own a cool car, then believe me he is better than a guy who owns tons of cars, and makes a 100 thousand every month.

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Men Shouldn’t Be Interested in Fashion

Fight the stigma because men are just human beings.

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Men Should Tell You What To And What Not To Do Unless you are still this little dependent kid, then no man should tell you what to do and what not to do.

Of course any person can give you a piece of advice, but no one should oblige you to do something that you don’t feel like doing. Believe me, a man is much sexier when he debates with his wife and kids what life has to offer. He is much cooler when he’s a flexible kindhearted person who is not super strict that you fear him and hate his existence.

A Man Should Never Depend on Anyone Of course every person, not only men, should be independent and responsible, but this doesn’t mean that if you once, twice or even 10 times depend on someone then you are not man enough. It is okay to depend on people that you trust whether it’s your mum, dad, siblings or even the girl that you love. Admitting that you need help is what’s going to help you get through life stronger, tougher and even more successful.

A Man Should Be Perfect Every human being has flaws and sometimes fatal ones, so why are humans super judgmental and expecting men to be perfect in every way possible.

They are just as humanly as women; they have weaknesses and they have strengths as well. But forcing them to hide their weak points only makes it a bigger problem.

A man should not be stereotyped as someone who is filthy rich, super strong, perfect, careless, emotionless or has a sucky fashion taste. A man is compassionate, loving, caring; weak at times and strong at times. A man is so much more than what the society claims.

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THE DAY I MET A GUY WHO KILLED

by Amina Elghandour

Here he was sitting right next to me in an outdoor cafe on a chilly London night. His face was illumined by the heater that burned right above him. He was handsome, young, with glistening eyes and a charming smile – and he smiled a lot. Nothing about his looks or demeanour suggested blood, in any way.

An ordinary conversation evolved into a deeper one.

Ideas exchanged and questions were asked. He had worked for the police forces. Yes – he has mentioned that at the beginning of our meeting. And suddenly it slipped out of me. Did you ever have to kill?

THE FIRST TIME One of the first missions I was assigned to was to arrest a suspect in a terrorist attack. Attempting to flee, he dashed through the desert as I chased after him with my regiment. But he suddenly disappeared.

You don’t vanish in an open desert. As we stood bewildered and looking around, we suddenly heard gunshots from a distance. One of my guards fell to the ground as more gunshots were fired in our direction. Instantly and with outmost precision I fired back at the moving figure. I hit him and he dropped – dead. I did not have a choice… ‘I did not have a choice’ he repeated.

I lost my sleep and appetite completely for a week as the events of that day replayed in my mind over and over. I rethought and reevaluated the situation countless times – it could have not ended otherwise.

Colleagues came and talked me out of my depressive state. Reminded me of those who lost their lives because of radicals like that man I just killed.

Not a moral judgment, just my thought: The man came to represent an idea and the death of an idea is much more digestible to the mind than the death of a person.

KILLING AS A GROUP The following two times he killed, death did not have a face. These were confrontations between our forces and a group of terrorists. We don’t know who fired first. But there was an exchange of fire and human causalities were inevitable.

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My thoughts: A group conscience is probably more immune to the pain of a lost life. A group represents an ideology and an ideology is oblivious of the individual.

ACCIDENTAL KILLING Leaving home for work one day, I stumbled upon two guys rushing in a motorcycle as one of them snatched a bag from a passing lady throwing her violently to the ground. I drove after them and hit their vehicle with mine – as they both fell, one got up and swiftly ran away. The other slowly got up and reached for a pistol that he pointed in my direction and fired. I reached for mine as quickly as possible and shot at his leg hoping to tip him off balance and to the ground – to arrest him. The bullet went right into his thigh rupturing his femoral artery, blood burst out and he died almost instantly.

MY THOUGHTS: NOTHING As the stories unravelled with their intricate details, my mind numbed to the horror of killing – to the idea of a lost life. I numbed just like he numbed to it bit by bit. The first killing took its toll on him mentally and physically, the second less and less so.

“It chipped away a bit of the person you are; and that’s why it affected you less and less every time.

This is scary,” I finally said breaking the silence.

In his mind there were good reasons, a ‘higher cause’ as he put it. As for me, there was nothing easier than to sit back and morally judge his actions. But I was suddenly overwhelmed by a feeling that that would be extremely unfair. If I did not enjoy a sense of security – one way or another – I would not possess the luxury of thought and contemplation. There are parts of life that are gruesome and someone has to deal with them after all! Hence, I decided to share his experiences and my thoughts free of a moral judgment – hopefully.

I faced death right in the face. I had to kill to defend myself and others, and I had to witness the death of colleagues with whom I shared meals, jokes and dreams of the future. And in a strange way it made me appreciate life – being alive – more.

“A thousand times we die in one life. We crumble, break, tear apart until the layers of illusion are burned away and all that is left, is the truth of who and what we really are” Teal Scott Death may be the only truth in our lives, but when it touches us so closely, we inevitably change. Some people face situations where they must put their lives on the line, whether for duty or belief, but along the risk of losing their lives, and the innate urge to defend it – they lose pieces of themselves along the way. What fascinates me most about my friend’s experiences is how the mind works itself through the distress of taking a life.

The ‘mind’ is an interesting tool in devising reasons for what we want or have to do. While rationalism is much defended in this age, I could never solely trust a rational process. As young children we are fully reliant on our feelings to know, but as we grow and are socially conditioned, we learn to suppress our emotional intelligence. We learn fear. And fear disables both mind and heart, blurs our outlook and potentially enables us to hurt ourselves and others.

Terrorism is the by-product of fear – but so are the means to ward it off.

As we go on in life, life leaves its scars on us; and the scars should teach us and liberate us from fear and limiting patterns of living, enabling us to live fully as mind, heart and soul- all in balance. It is an individual journey that does not complete without going inwards.

Our journeys are different and some are rockier than others. Having to repeatedly face life or death situations and make choices accordingly, is not a path that everyone will walk. My friend did what he had to do at the time- but the choices inevitably left their scars on him. If he is content at heart with his choices I know he would continue to heal and evolve – for as much as he rationally justifies his motives, he still needs to reconcile his actions to his emotions. True self-nurtured emotions remain the more dynamic part of our human experience and inevitable to our learning journeys. May we all continue to learn.

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REVIEW

8

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE PHILOSOPHER’S FLIGHT BOOK

by Rana Ramez

In an alternative femalecentric world where women are the powerful gender, a gifted boy goes where no man has gone before! You know the kind of books that grab the readers’ full and complete attention from its opening lines without losing and not even lessening its pinch all the way through, until the very last words? That’s one of these.

The Philosopher’s Flight is an engaging historical fantasy set in a world where women are the dominating gender, thanks to magic.

The social and political changes of this kind of development are not overlooked throughout the book by Tom Miller. Miller is the author who is actually an ER doctor turned into novelist. He writes with unrivalled imagination, ambition and humour.

Here are 8 things you must know about the Philosopher’s Flight book.

1. IT IS ABOUT ALTERNATE HISTORY AND MUCH MORE This book is a combination of high-fantasy, romance, sci-fi, alternate history, adventure, historical fiction, danger and magic. You don’t need to be a fantasy or sci-fi fan to fall head over heels for this book. There is a little bit in the Philosopher’s Flight for every reader and for every reading taste. It cannot help but remind us of the Harry Potter series.

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2. IT’S ABOUT FLYING RESCUES As we now know, the word philosophy is different in Miller’s first book. It refers to a special power, with the major sigil skill of flying. It’s a talent that comes in handy in emergency cases, and where the American Civil War was its first major application. Following that, siligists were removed from combats and employed as a sort of Red Cross. And when World War 1 took place, our main character is eager to join the Flying Rescuers, due to his natural talent in flying.

Unlike other fictional writers who don’t go into too many details about the difference of life for the average person if magic truly existed, Tom Miller chose to go the extra mile. The author got really into the details of social changes caused when the impossible became reality; when magic comes to life. This historical fantasy novel talks about famous individuals, wars and events that happened at the same time and had the same results. The distinction is only the societal changes due to the existence of the extra component: magic.

4. FEMINISM BACKLASH Due to the dominant situation of women in the created society, a dark side of the sigilry was created by a group of men who are determined to restore the world to its pre-sigilry state. This can mirror what we are witnessing today about the “Male Rights Activists” movement and others. It’s engagingly satisfying to see how Miller has created the society’s reaction to this early women’s liberation. And it’s fun to see for once, even if it’s a fiction novel, how it would be if men were the weaker gender and how they would react to that.

5. A DELIGHTFUL GENDER-BASED TWIST The author represents an illustration on what women face in our society in case they pursue an unusual dream for their gender. 1917 in Montana, the main character Robert Canderelli Weekes is about to experience insults, prejudice and sexual harassment from the other gender, after being awarded a scholarship to study at Radcliffe, a virtually allwomen college. The self-taught 18 year old man invading the women-dominated branch of science will try to prove over and over that he is worthy to be there. Does it ring any bells?

6. AN UNPARALLELED WORLD BUILDING “To the men the earth, to the women the sky” The Philosopher’s Flight is considered as a unique reimagination of the history. In Tom’s story, empirical philosophy, or as he called it sigilry, is a branch of science which use expanded in the year 1750. It’s simply the movement of energy to produce a physical effect, and “flying” - with thousands of other useful things - can be done through it. In addition to that, it’s a women-dominated field. How cool is that, ladies! And the Protagonist – Robert – plays the part that would be played by a girl in any other novel:

a man trying to break into a profession dominated by women while experiencing a lot of prejudice through the story. That takes us to the next point.

7. THE CHARM OF CHARACTERIZATION This book could have gone wrong in so many ways, especially about the discrimination part. It could have been a dull story about how Robert is unfairly discriminated against by women because of his gender. But Miller was smart enough not to make this mistake, by surrounding Robert with so many women who are varied, opinionated, and interestingly flawed. The author has created a complex setting that is far from being a simplistic narrative.

8. EPIGRAPHS INTRODUCTIONS For the aim of making sure that readers understand the different world built in the story, each chapter is introduced with a quote from a noted personage, some of whom are characters in the book. Those epigraphs offer some interior history and provide a glimpse into both what came before and what lies ahead in the big picture of the story arc. This could highly be considered as a seed for future sequels and prequels.

Finally, it’s only fair to say that The Philosopher’s Flight is a delightful read; interestingly unique story, out of the box idea, compelling, engaging, fastpaced, and full of characters and incidents. You will find trouble to put the book down and will be devastated when it ends. Tom Miller has set the bar very high, and anyone who got the chance to read his first novel is looking forward to his next one, since it is book one of the Philosopher’s War Series.

“

The Philosopher’s Flight is a romp of a tale... it will launch a hundred thousand glyphs and sigils in every reader’s imaginations.

Sheheryar B. Sheikh

“

3. THE MAGIC’S AFTERMATH

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H E A LT H

11

SECRETS FOR AN EFFECTIVE WORKOUT

G

by Rana Ramez

etting fit is not an easy task and staying fit is a challenge for both you and your man. But believe it when they say that once you see the results, it becomes an addiction. Identity is offering you a list of 11 tricks and tips that will help you start a healthier lifestyle, maintain it and get the most out of your exercising routine.

4. HAVE A FITNESS BUDDY Choose someone you like, whether it’s a friend, a relative or even a work colleague, with the same purpose of building a healthier lifestyle. Encourage each other and work out together. The emotional support and encouragement are as important as the actual exercising. And chances are higher to stick to your routine if you have company.

5. THE CHOICE OF ACTIVITY IS KEY

1. SET REALISTIC GOALS “The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don’t define them, or ever seriously consider them as believable or achievable.” — Denis Waitley Do not be fooled with the enthusiasm of the first week or two; take it slow with baby steps and aim at increasing your healthy behaviours. Setting idealist goals will only leave you frustrated when you’re unable to meet them. This one thing at a time strategy will take you further than you’ve ever expected.

2. BUILD A HABIT According to S.J. Scott’s book ‘Habit Stacking’, 40% of our daily performed actions are habits and not decisions. Start with some 15 to 30 minutes of working out almost every day of the week. Try to exercise at the same time every day so that it becomes a regular part of your routine while choosing a suitable time and place. And always remain flexible; like if you miss your 20 minute walk one day, take the stairs instead of the escalator.

3. FIND YOUR OWN MOTIVATION But on the other hand, try to find a motivation to get you started. Prepare a playlist of motivational music and with your favourite songs, use audio books or even talk to your fitness buddy for encouragement; anything that will make you move your bottom off the couch and start working out again.

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Make sure to choose an activity you really enjoy doing. There are unlimited ways to get fit, so if you hate the gym, it’s fine. You just need to know what you enjoy doing the most and start from there. Make it fun and avoid exhausting and boring activities. That way exercising will be something you look forward to, not something that you just have to get over with.

6. SAVE TIME AND BUILD MUSCLES Your weight workout should be under 60 minutes, since after one hour your body starts to produce more of the stress hormone which can have a blocking effect to your muscles building. So if you want to grow muscles, you need to keep it fast.

Muscle growth is reduced by too much heavy training. Additionally, you may want to save cardio after your weight routine or even do it on a different day.

7. PREPARE YOUR MEALS AHEAD, ALWAYS Exercising never starts the minute you start to actually work out, but the minute you wake up.

To increase your body’s productivity prepare your meals with the right food at the right times. Eating slow-digesting carbs before your workouts like whole grains, oatmeal and sweet potatoes make you burn more fat not only during your workout but also during the day. For 4 hours before workout, avoid higher-fat meals such as fast food and include a green salad in your last meal before the workout.

8. NEVER FORCE IT Yes, you’ve read it right. If you are not in the mood for working out, just don’t. Try to be active in other ways during your day. But forcing yourself to work out while you’re too tired or don’t feel like it will create an inner feeling that this is something you MUST do. And this feeling will only leave you discouraged.

9. CAFFEINE IS A GREAT BOOSTER Working out is a stressor that increases your cortisol levels. Drinking tea can largely help in keeping this catabolic hormone lower after workouts. Thus, it clears the path to greater growth.

Moreover, to have caffeine one or two hours before working out increases the fat-burning and boosts the endurance of muscle pain.

10.

FOLLOW WORKOUT TIPS

POST-

After the workout, you need not only to enhance the ability of your body to grow but also to get ready for your next workout. Stretch after your workout since muscles are best stretched when they are warm. With your body trying to replenish glycogen stores and rebuild muscle, you have to re-fuel with nutrition full of protein and carbohydrates.

11. CELEBRATE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS In order to do so, you need to track your progress.

Write down your activities on a calendar, document the distance and time your workout took, and describe how you felt after every exercising session.

Set some milestones and reward yourself for achieving each one of them.

Last but not least, you need to be patient. To be fit is a state of mind; it’s rather a way of living, not a temporary way to have the perfect body or to build muscles. Embrace its ups and downs and never give up. Your hard work will pay off sooner or later. By putting these tricks into action, you’re guaranteed to witness stronger faster results.

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EASY MEALS ANYONE CAN COOK

by Amira ElSayed

Don’t have an hour to spend cooking a stove- top dinner or waiting for it to roast in the oven? Our ideas for quick and easy suppers are wholesome, entirely homemade, and affordable, too—no chicken nuggets, fish sticks, or expensive takeout here. These speedy recipes all require just 30 minutes or less of hands-on work.

LOADED BAKED POTATOES INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup unsalted butter, thinly sliced Potatoes (depending how many you want) Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 slices bacon (turkey/beef) 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/4 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons chopped chives STEPS Make crosswise cuts in each potato, about 1/8-inch apart, add butter slices between the cuts; season with salt and pepper.

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Transfer the potatoes to a baking sheet. Place into oven and bake until the outsides are browned and crisp, about 1 hour. Top with cheese and bake until melted, an additional 5 minutes.

ROAST CHICKEN WITH BABY BRUSSELS SPROUTS INGREDIENTS Chicken (either whole or drumsticks) Baby Brussels sprouts Mustard Olive Oil Salt/Pepper Breadcrumbs

STEPS Toss the baby Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add to a baking dish. Coat the chicken with mustard and then coat them in breadcrumbs. Add the chicken to another lightly oiled baking dish. Bake both dishes for 25 minutes, turning the chicken once and tossing the Brussels once halfway.

ONE POT WONDER CHICKEN INGREDIENTS 1 pack of linguini or fettuccini pasta broken in half ½ boneless skinless chicken breast cut into small chunks 4 medium carrots peeled and cut in thin 3 inch long strips 1 medium red bell pepper cut in thin 3 inch long strips 1 bunch green onions white part sliced and green part cut in 3 inch long strips 4 cloves garlic minced 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon corn starch 1 tablespoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

STEPS Why it’s impossible to screw up: Literally everything is cooked at the same time in the same pot.

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A RO U N D T H E WO R L D

Around the World this month

FESTIVALS TAKING PLACE Koningsdag, King’s Day

Festive ‘Explosion of the Cart’

In Amsterdam, this one is considered to be a national holiday where the whole nation celebrates the king’s birthday the night before. A massive street and canalboat dance party that you wouldn’t want to miss.

In Florence of Italy, on Easter Sunday, in the amazing Piazza del Duomo, the Archishop of Florence will ignite a dove shaped rocket infront of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore.

La Feria de Abril

Chaumont International Garden Festival

In Seville of Spain, you’ll witness one of the best spring parties with a parade full of traditional dresses and dancing in a great ambiance.

In the Loire Valley in France, you’ll get the chance to see 30 wonderful garden shows around the perfect chateau. It is something you wouldn’t want to miss.

TOP MOVIES TO BE RELEASED A Quiet Place: This is a horror movie about a family that lives an isolated life in utter silence, fearing the unknown threats and attacks at any sound. Starring Emily Blunt, John Krasinski and Noah Jupe.

Rampage: This movie is based on the 1980s video game where apes and monsters dominated mother earth and tried destroying cities. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Malin Akerman.

Truth or Dare: This is a horror movie that is based on the game Truth or Dare among friends. After a while the game turns deadly once something/someone starts punishing people who refuse to play the game or lie.

Starring Tyler Posey, Lucy Hale and Violett Beane.

Duck Duck Goose: This animation movie is about a bachelor goose that has to make a bond with two ducklings as they move forward with their journey. Starring Jim Gaffigan, Zendaya and Lance Lim.

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NETFLIX SHOWS COMING THIS MONTH Good Witch (Season 2) This series is based on the Good Witch franchise of movies and series. It is coming back this April for its second season.

Lost in Space (Season 1) This new show will be released this month as a Netflix original. This series is based on the science

fiction show that was released back the 60s. It is about a crew who got lost in space.

The Week of (Movie) This movie of Adam Sandler and Chris Rock will be on Netflix this month. It is about two men preparing for a wedding. It is a must-see movie as it is one of Adam Sandler’s best movies aired so far.

CONCERTS AND TOURS TO WAIT FOR Coachella: This music festival will take place in the United States of America on two separate weekends; it will start on the weekend of the 13th of April and the weekend that starts on the 20th of April. Tickets of every weekend are sold separately for different prices starting from 40$.

Lorde: This amazing singer is touring in the United States of America all month long; you’ll find her in different cities at different times.

Sam Smith: The concert will take place in London, UK in the O2 Arena on the 6th of April this year. Ticket prices start from 40 Sterling Pounds. Doors open at 18:30.

Harry Styles: The concert will take place in London, UK in the O2 Arena on the 11th of April this year. Ticket prices start from 11.5 Sterling Pounds. Doors open at 18:30.

Imagine Dragons: The concert will take place in Paris, France in Accor Hotels Arena POPB on the 3rd of April this year.

Ticket prices start from 50 Euros. Doors open at 18:00.

Lana Del Rey: Lana will be touring all across Europe for the month.

You’ll find her in Rome on April the 13th, in Berlin on April the 16th, in Belgium on April the 17th and so much more.

TOP MATCHES TO WATCH Premiere League: April 7 — Everton v Liverpool April 7 — Manchester City v Manchester United April 28 — Manchester United v Arsenal

Champions League: 03–04/04/18: Quarter-finals, first leg 10–11/04/18: Quarter-finals, second leg 13/04/18: Semi-final draw 24–25/04/18: Semi-finals, first leg

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T R AV E L

Easter

Getaways

VIETNAM: 10 Days/ 9 Nights Departs: 06/04/2018 Starting from: 690 USD (excluding international flight and visa fees) Package Includes • All accommodation • Professional English speaking guide • All activities • All transfers For more information visit: Gazef facebook page

BALI: Indonesia 9 Days/ 8 Nights Departs: 06/04/2018 Starting from: 690 USD (excluding international flight and visa fees) Package Includes • All accommodation in a double and triple room basis • Professional English speaking guide • All activities mentioned in itinerary • All transfers 54 IDENTITY

For more information visit: Gazef facebook page

BEIRUT: Lebanon 5 Days/ 4 Nights Departs: 06/04/2018 Starting from: 8860 EGP Package Includes •All accommodation • Daily breakfast.

• International flight • Airport- Hotel transfers For more information visit: travelchoiceegypt.com

PHILIPPINES: In Search of Paradise 13 Days/ 12 Nights Departs: 06/04/2018 Starting from: 875 USD (excluding international and domestic flights & visa expenses) Package Includes • All transfers in a private vehicle • Accommodation for 12 nights in standard hotels & guesthouses • All tours and permits For more information visit: destination31.com

LISBON: Portugal 6 Days/ 5 Nights Departs: 06/04/2018 Starting from: 980 USD Package Include: • Flight tickets • Hotel accommodation • Airport transfers For more information visit: Triptanza facebook page

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LUXOR & ASWAN Nile Cruise 4 Days/ 3 Nights Departs: 06/04/2018 Starting from: 2200 EGP Package Includes • 3 nights accommodation • All inclusive For more information visit: Triptanza facebook page

AIN EL SOKHNA Romance Hotel & Beach Resort 3 Days/ 2 Nights Departs: Upon Request Starting from: 725 EGP Package Includes • Hotel accommodation for 2 nights per person in a double room • Half board basis • Includes service charges and taxes For more information visit: travelchoiceegypt.com

MARSA ALAM 5 Days/ 4 Nights Departs: 05/04/2018 Starting from: 3800 EGP Package Includes • All accommodation • Swimming with the dolphins • Qulaan visit, Honkorab and Nayzak • All transportation

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For more information visit: Gazef facebook page

SIWA The Mystical Oasis 4 Days/ 3 Nights Departs: 06/04/2018 Starting from: 2500 EGP Price Includes • Roundtrip transfers from Cairo to Siwa Oasis in a private A/C Vehicle • Desert Safari in 4WD cars in the Great Sand Sea with lunch and water • All accommodation • All tickets and permits • All activities For more information visit: destination31.com

TABA The Hidden Treasures 4 Days/ 3 Nights Departs: 06/04/2018 Price: 2800 EGP Price Includes • Roundtrip transfers Cairo Taba in a private A/C vehicle • Camping accommodation for 2 nights in Taba Heights • Accommodation in a beach camp in Ras Shitan for 1 night • All tickets & permits For more information visit: destination31.com

HURGHADA Jaz Aquamarine Resort 4 Days/ 3 Nights Departs: Upon Request Starting from: 4115 EGP Package Includes • Accommodation per person in a standard room For more information visit: travcoholidays.travel

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Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel

OUT & ABOUT

EASTER DAY TREATS Easter Holiday Celebrations At The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo

Bunny up It’s Easter Time at Cairo Marriott!

Spring is here and The Nile RitzCarlton, Cairo is certainly the best destination to celebrate an Easter Family Vacation. This Easter, gather your family and bring them to enjoy an exclusive Easter celebration with an endless selection of family activities and events. From a lavish Easter brunch at ‘Culina’ restaurant to an exciting Easter Kids Festival at ‘The Garden City’ or a special family day at the pool it’s all here at The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo.

The Cairo Marriott Hotel welcomes Easter with open arms!

Enjoy the warm spring weather and start colouring those eggs!

Every year, Easter comes with a lot of fun surprises, treasure hunts and plenty of chocolate bunnies.

This year, let’s take a moment to be grateful for even the simplest of things and replenish our hope for a new beginning. Bask in the beauty of Easter and surround yourself with family and friends for a much needed day out in the sun.

On Monday 9th of April, the allday dining restaurant ‘Culina’ invites you to a lavish Easter brunch that offers a wide variety of culinary creations. The special enhanced buffet features extensive carving and seafood stations together with Easter inspired dishes as well as delicious desserts

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Easter Celebrations On The Nile At Grand Nile Tower Hotel Grand Nile Tower hotel is proud to invite you to join in Easter’s celebrations filled with sumptuous meals and lively entertainment on the Nile. Start out your day with a sumptuous breakfast indoors at

the Fontana Restaurant. For lunch, the weather and the panoramic view can be appreciated in tranquility at El Sakya Souk terrace, while listening to the DJ, live band and a lot of activities for children including art & craft, clowns, magician and Muppet show.

Conrad Cairo is The Perfect Getaway For an Easter Break This Easter, Conrad Cairo offers a selection of activities and packages to celebrate the holidays with the whole family.

Take a well-deserved break and enjoy a stay in one of the hotel’s luxurious rooms overlooking the majestic Nile for LE 1200 per person. Delight in a double room, including a breakfast buffet at Solana Restaurant, 50% off car parking, 20% off dinner at OAK Grill and Kamala, and late checkout until 6:00pm.

Easter At Le Meridien Cairo Airport Room PKG Experience a joyful Easter break filled with fun activities, and relaxing atmosphere at Le Méridien Cairo Airport.

Book 2 rooms and get 50% off the 3rd room, starting from 900 EGP per person including: Easter buffet breakfast Early Check-in and late Checkout. Live Due performance, DJ and Special kid’s activities to keep your little ones entertained Safir Hotel Cairo and magical joy of Easter!

the

Celebrate Easter at Safir Hotel Cairo in a relaxing atmosphere and choose from our specially prepared offers either for accommodation or for dinning.

Palm’s Coffee Shop presents an exquisite Easter breakfast and lunch buffets include a wide variety of international dishes, Easter specialties, home-made bakery, Easter inspired desserts represents a temptation to every appétit as well as a special lunch buffet for kids.

Enjoy an Enchanting Easter at Steigenberger Hotel EL Tahrir April in Cairo is a time of beauty, and what better place to experience that other than the very heart of Cairo. Set amongst one of the most sought-after and exciting locations in Cairo, Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate Easter with the whole family and book the exclusive package of only EGP 1500 for a double room including a rich Easter breakfast buffet.

Your little ones up to 10 years of age will enjoy a complimentary accommodation!

Spring Festival Getaway Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah

At

Enjoy Easter celebrations at Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah,

spend a vibrant Easter by the Nile and enjoy the spring festival with selective dining options, highlighting the marvellous Easter mood. For an Easter to remember with family and friends, don’t miss our exclusive room package and spend an unforgettable night in one of our luxurious rooms and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the scenery of Cairo.

Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh has announced plans offering lavish Easter holiday festivities.

Featuring an open buffet with exquisite gourmet cuisine coupled with unparalleled service. Hyatt Regency Sharm El sheikh Easter Brunch invites families to re-unite in Egypt’s sunniest city, Sharm El Sheikh! Come relax, enjoy and spend quality time with your loved ones in an unforgettable location, in the Gardens Bay where the panoramic view of the Red Sea is unbeatable.

Celebrate Sham El Neseem At Hilton Zamalek Enjoy our flavourful Sham El Neseem brunch in a festive buffet spread, interact and sing with our duet singers and DJ, join in with various activities for children. All at EGP450 per person. While you can spoil your family by booking one of our luxurious suites from EGP2300 up to four persons, or just pick one of our comfort rooms starting from EGP900 including breakfast buffet.

Celebrate Sham El Nessim At Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel!

Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel is an ideal getaway to unwind during Easter and Sham El Nessim. Join us for a special Easter-themed international Sunday lunch buffet at Citron offering various selections of mouthwatering dishes. Guests will enjoy live band spring vibes complemented by creative activities for younger guests at Sol Pool Bar.

Easter getaway at Sheraton Sharm El Sheikh At Sheraton Sharm, we believe great moments are better when shared. Come together to an oasis of peace and tranquility and celebrate Easter holiday with family and friends in the magnificent atmosphere and exquisite location of Sheraton Sharm hotel.

The Easter Circus Brunch At Fairmont Nile City For the second year in a row and based on guests’ request, Fairmont Nile City is bringing the circus to its rooftop this April with the best Easter brunch in the city alongside the world’s finest toy shop “Hamleys.”

Easter is made special at Sonesta Hotel, Tower & Casino -Cairo This year staying in Cairo during Easter is different with Sonesta Hotel.

Get together with your family, friends and the little ones for an exciting sham el Nessem day around the pool. Enjoy the fresh air, sunlight, lunch buffets with live entertainment and lots of activities for only LE 495 per person and LE 265 per child all inclusive.

Our little guests will enjoy their own playing area with exciting activities including Cupcake decorations, painting corner, yummy giveaways and special kids’ buffet.

For a splendid Easter Getaway, book our “Family Easter Package” for only LE 945 per person in a double room including special Easter buffet breakfast and Easter Lunch by the pool with live entertainment, special kids’ activities and late check-out till 6:00 pm.

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THE NILE RITZ-CARLTON SPA & FITNESS CENTER In Cairo, change lingers in the air while symbols of an ancient past mark the skyline, providing us an opportunity to experience both sides of the Egyptian capital. The hotel, set in the city center, offers breathtaking views of the Nile and the Egyptian Museum, allowing us to see the city before stepping foot in it.

Overlooking downtown Cairo through floor-toceiling windows, the 24-hour gym and spa offers an inspiring view both morning and night. Set on the hotel’s second floor, the gym features modern equipment, luxury changing facilities and the expertise of personal trainers, while the spa offers signature treatments.

The spa at The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo offers a selection of services inspired by ancient healing and beauty secrets. From an indulgent Moroccan bath to a relaxing massage, signature treatments combine traditional practices with modern techniques to offer a truly indulgent experience. But our favourite by far was their signature Sea Holistic Experience which included an ultra- relaxing treatment that uses the warmth and fragrance of lavender flowers.

This unique body massage uses Thai inspired sea boluses that eliminate tension knots one by one and restore balance to the body with an exfoliation, using sea salt crystals and a radiance boosting facial treatment.

We also learnt that you don’t have to be staying at the hotel, you can simply just be a Cairo resident

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to enjoy access to the 24-hour hotel health club, complimentary spa and fitness services throughout the hotel with an annual membership.

All that is aside from their special offers for the ladies out there. Forget about house chores for a day and while they rush to work or school, allow yourself some quality time for you to be pampered, you deserve it after all. Visit The Nile Ritz-Carlton Spa on Tuesdays and enjoy 50% savings on a full hour of pampering massage of your choice.

We had a sensational experience while being pampered at The Nile Ritz-Carlton, starting with their beautifully scented oils and candles and spacious sauna to their professional staff caretakers.

We will definitely be heading back there again!

Al Ahly Sabbour Hosts a Gala Dinner Celebrating the City of Odyssia Launch Cairo’s the Nile Ritz-Carlton hosted a sensational gala dinner, courtesy of Al Ahly for Real Estate Development – Sabbour, celebrating launch of the City of Odyssia, and their partnership with Hill International, Gensler, and JLL. The four entities are joining forces to develop Sabbour’s next generation of residential compounds.

The night kicked off with a speech from Eng. Ahmed Sabbour, Managing Director of Al Ahly for Real Estate Development, followed by a word from Gensler’s Managing Principal, Ian Mulcahey, where each expressed the significance of their collaboration and how it aspires to add value to the market.

IKEA Gives Egyptians Some Extra Zzzzzz’s on Cairo Streets Not getting enough sleep? We know IKEA has a smart solution for all our household needs, and now they’re even helping us find time in our schedule to take a nap.

For 10 days at the end of February to early March, IKEA’s Nap Truck cruised around Sheikh Zayed, 6th of October and New Cairo offering a comfy bedroom to curious passersby in need of a nap.

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Celebrations Ignite Across Egypt As Historical Fifa World Cuptm Original Trophy By CocaCola Leaves The Land Of Pharos Anticipation and excitement took over the hearts of football fanatics in Egypt as the fourth FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola landed in Cairo on Thursday, March 15, in Egypt as part of its global tour, for a two-day visit filled with festivities in the country.

GOLD for GROHE: outstanding series at the iF Design Award GROHE, the world’s leading provider of sanitary fittings, has received a record number of awards at this years iF Design Awards 2018 – one of the world’s most celebrated and valued design competition. Two products of GROHE even received the Gold Award, one of the globally most recognised trademark for excellence in design. Another five iF Design Awards underlines the design excellence at GROHE. The official awards ceremony, with around 2,000 guests, was held at the BMW Welt in Munich.

AccorHotels Middle East and Africa Recognizes Valued Partners in Cairo Event AccorHotels Middle East and Africa hosted its annual Partners Recognition event at Novotel Cairo Airport with over 200 valued clients and partners from Cairo as well as Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and the Red Sea.

Conrad Cairo Chinese New Year

Celebrates

Conrad Cairo celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year by hosting five chefs from China for an authentic Chinese culinary experience at its pan-Asian restaurant, Kamala.

Guests had the opportunity to taste classic Chinese favourites, featuring a selection of regional Asian flavours including freshly made noodle dishes and dumplings with a variety of fillings.

Evolve Business Development Solutions Leads The Management Agreement Signing Of The DoubleTree by Hilton Mangroovy El Gouna Resort After a few months of extensive & thorough negotiations, hard work and dedication to reach the most suitable hotel operator to manage this Red Sea Gem, the executive team of Evolve Business Development Solutions has successfully concluded the management agreement signing of DoubleTree by Hilton Mangroovy El Gouna Resort.

Mountain View Celebrates Mother’s Day with Residential Communities Mountain View, the leading real-estate developer in Egypt held a mother’s day event in its prestigious compound to celebrate their long-lasting relationship with families in the city’s capital. The company has continued its commitment to support Egyptian families and elevate their quality of life in residential communities. With that in mind, the company held an event named “Thank You Mom”, which took place at Mountain View New Cairo 1’s Executive Ballroom Club House where mothers residing in the compound were invited to be “pampered” the whole day.

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa Participates as a Sponsor at the Fourth Annual Round of Women for Success International Forum As part of its vision to empower women and contribute to the welfare of the community, Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa recently sponsored the fourth round of the annual Women for Success International Forum, hosted

by Business Women of Egypt Association. The conference was recently held in the historical city of Luxor; gathering around 140 leading business women from different countries around the world.

First Emirates NBD Egypt Corporate Conference to discuss ‘Economic Transition and the Digital Revolution’ in Aswan, Egypt Emirates NBD Egypt launches “Smart Business” application For Corporate Clients through mobile phones.

The first corporate mobile banking application of its kind in the Egyptian digital banking market, which provides exceptionally unique banking services for Corporate Clients

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Quality Studios

work

out

at

Hers

A beacon of fitness soars across New Cairo and HERS Studios jumps into the spotlight. March 31st has marked the launch of HERS Studios, a leader in female fitness and sports to deliver the latest and most effective sports techniques for ladies in Egypt.

HERS Studios was launched in the presence of influential starts and members of the Egyptian community to showcase the testers achievements and celebrate women empowerment in the fields of sports and fitness.

This celebration took place at New Cairo, following the launch of the Studios at Point 90 Mall.

Iwan Developments Celebrates Its 15th Anniversary and Reveals an Aggressive Investment Plan for the Local Market Ambitious plans for 2018 with total sales target of EGP 4 billion Iwan Developments, a subsidiary of Iwan Group, held a press conference today in celebration of its 15th anniversary, revealing the details of its investment plans for 2018 highlighting its efforts to help address real estate demand in the local market.

Hilton Signs its Newest Resort in Mangroovy El Gouna on the Red Sea Riviera

In the celebration of the World Oral Health Day and for the 4th consecutive year:

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has signed a management agreement of the new DoubleTree by Hilton Resort with Mangroovy For Real Estate & Tourism Investment to bring its DoubleTree by Hiltonbrand to manage a new resort property in the Red Sea resort of El Gouna.

Construction of the 179-room DoubleTree by Hilton Mangroovy El Gouna is expected to start later this year as part of Mangroovy Residence’s ambitious masterplan for the destination.

“Signal” launches a nation-wide awareness campaign about oral health in cooperation with the FDI World Dental Federation.

Signal, a Unilever Mashreq brand, kicked off an oral health awareness campaign that involves more than 83 activations across Egypt to be carried out through March for spreading awareness about the importance of oral and dental health, and the repercussions of neglecting it on the rest of body functions.

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For the Third Consecutive Year, Egyptian King Mohamed Salah is to be Pepsi® Brand Ambassador for 2018 Throughout history Pepsi® has brought joy to each generation while connecting fans with the world’s most popular sport, football.

Today, Pepsi announces signing a new agreement with Egypt’s most prominent football super star Mohamed Salah. For the third year in a row, Mohamed Salah will act as the Pepsi brand ambassador in the Middle East and North Africa in 2018.

Adidas originals - Deerupt Disruptively simple Adidas Originals introduces its newest sneaker, Deerupt — a contemporary take on adidas heritage realized in a radically new look. At once minimalist and bold, the silhouette looks to the archive for its grid design inspiration, while debuting a new profile that remains undeniably adidas.

Cairo Festival City Mall Together with Cairo Runners bring Egypt’s biggest marathon Cairo Festival City Mall together with Cairo Runners bringing to Cairo People its biggest marathon; first official 42k Marathon, 21K run, 10k, Family Run 3k & the first Paralympic marathon

contentment and appreciation for winning such a prestigious award.

He is also proud of the hotel and its associates as they strive to always provide world class service while following energy efficiency procedures and are in constant execution of renewing energy and effectively taking part to excel by offering only the best while exceeding guest comfort & satisfaction.

L’Oréal Egypt participates in “She Can 2018” event We are prideful of our exceptional work through the outstanding FWIS program L’Oréal Egypt partook “She Can 2018” summit that was held in the Greek campus, with the startling presence of more than 2000 female entrepreneurs specializing in different work sectors.

Lucratively affirming the company’s support to the exceptional researchers & scientists women whom received L’Oréal UNESCO For Women In Science Fellowship.

Grand Nile Tower Brings Cairo’s Arts & Cultural Scene Into One Hub

Bayer launches periconceptional iron, folic acid and multiplemicronutrient supplement in Egypt “A Healthy Start…for You and Your Baby” Bayer Egypt held a press conference to launch Elevit®, a periconceptional pharmaceutical supplement that contains a combination of folic acid, vitamins, minerals and trace elements which support healthy baby development during the early stages of pregnancy.

In an elegant event, Grand Nile Tower hotel launched its new Arts & Cultural Center as a versatile hub for contemporary, modern and fine arts, offering a diverse cultural platform to both established and aspiring artists.

8 Experts and 150 Exhibitors

Welcome You and Plan With You Your Big Day In “Our Wedding Carnival– SEASON 6”

Jw Marriott Cairo Receives Energy Efficieny Award!

In the ceremony held by the American Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Electricity and the UNDP awarded JW Marriott Cairo with “Energy Efficiency Award” in light of acknowledging the entities for energy efficiency and renewable energy.

The award was granted to Mr. Magdy Naguib, Multi-Property General Manager of JW Marriott and Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotels, who expressed his utmost

“I Love Life” Showcased During CardioEgypt 2018’s Proceedings The Egyptian Society of Cardiology (EgSC) hosted a press conference to showcase the nationwide ‘I Love Life’ campaign, during its 45th Annual International Congress ‘CardioEgypt 2018’, held at the Hilton Heliopolis. CardioEgypt 2018 is widely regarded as the largest, most comprehensive annual cardiovascular meeting in North Africa and the Middle East.

Your wedding day is coming soon, anxiety is mounting and your mind is perplexed. You look too much at yourself in the mirror and wonder how to shed those extra kilos, and how to retain a glowing and clear complexion. You are surfing the internet and going through dozens of magazines looking for that perfect hair style and makeup that would suit your character. In the midst of all those questions running in your head, fear of the unknown and stress arise when you also think of the new stage in your life which you will be embarking on.

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SIGNS

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Strengths Audacious, Optimistic, Kind-hearted, Passionate Weaknesses Jealous, Impatient, Aggressive Most Compatible With Leo, Libra, Gemini, Scorpio Love In order to attract an Aries you need to challenge them and always be up for fun adventures. You also need to be quick on your feet and in your decisions, as they tend to appreciate fast decisions and actions.

LOVE COMPATIBILITY ARIES This relationship is doomed from the very start. They both care about pleasing one another that it comes in the way of their own personal happiness.

TAURUS When it comes to sexual pleasure between the two, the sheets literally get tangled. While Taurus cares about intimacy and romance, Aries likes being rough and getting to the point straight away.

GEMINI Both zodiacs have a wild imagination when it comes to their pleasure. The good thing is that neither is too sensitive so this can be exciting for both of them.

CANCER It will never happen between both. Cancers are considered asexual; they will only give in if they feel they are loved and respected enough and are shown enough compassion.

LEO This is such a passionate connection, in which sparks fly around all the time. They have similar sexual preferences and they take each other seriously.

VIRGO When Virgo and Aries clash, it’s easy to say they would be the worst couple ever in bed. Virgo needs a lot of foreplay beforehand, while Aries likes to jump the sheets first chance they get!

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LIBRA They may be great in the bedroom, but outside in the real world there can be conflict. They both like to be in charge and both come from sexual zodiac signs.

SCORPIO Unlike when two Aries’ clash, Scorpio possesses just the perfect traits to be similar yet different from an Aries. When they come together, they form an unbreakable bond.

SAGITTARIUS With their cheerful personality, they like to make a joke out of everything. But when Aries takes their sexual pleasure too seriously, that may cause a bit of tension between the two signs.

CAPRICORN When this sort of relationship happens, it is in most cases triggered by some deep unconscious need to be held back and restricted when it comes to sexuality. Capricorn will hold back an Aries and put too much pressure on them.

AQUARIUS Sexual contact between them can be either stressful or extremely exciting. Sometimes both. Their signs go well together in general and they support each other easily.

PISCES The two signs have trouble connecting. When they end up together, it can be torture for both. They just don’t understand each other’s needs.