Sunday Circle Issue 230 by JessDoodles

www.sundaycircle.com

FEBRUARY 2014 – ISSUE NO. 230

Interview

RITTY TACSUM Spotlight

THE CLOSET ATHEISTS

The exciting young experimental photographer on the story behind her darkly surrealist images See page 18

How easy is to admit that you’re a non-believer in Malta today? See page 12

Exclusive

RAYMOND BUGEJA

The businessman and European parliament candidate on forging a career from Buenos Aires to Hong Kong, capitalism with a social heart – and why he’s nothing like Silvio Berlusconi

IC T AS G AUSE T N A C FA IE B OOD

See page 8

PLUS

The Psychology of Change: why is it so difficult to break our bad habits? See page 41

A D G 49 IN OO TO Ae page W G TE se &

NA O D

When we walk through the door, we will ignore the pile of mail on the side and the dishes that are still in the sink. We won’t focus on the unfolded laundry or care that the fridge is starting to sound funny. Because we’re home. And at home

there’s always

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. contents . INTERVIEWs

musIc

Businessman and MEP candidate Raymond Bugeja tells Philip Leone-Ganado why he’s ready to trade an international business career for the cut-and-thrust of politics

Rachel Aguis talks to the minds behind Electro-Swing Malta, a local iteration of a sweet-sounding movement that is taking Europe by storm

8 FROM ENTERPRISE TO POLITICS 25 ELECTRIC FEEL 30 ThEaTRE aS ThERaPy

Dramatherapist Lou Ghirlando has seen first-hand the power of drama as a healing tool. She tells Rachel Aguis about her goal to create theatre for and by people with disabilities

34 FOR LOVE aND aRT

fEaTuRE

36 ENgagED & OVERwROUghT

Overworked and tuned in is the mantra of today’s professionals, writes Sarah Borg – but long hours may not always lead to better work

From painting film sets to creating commemorative figurines for foreign presidents, artists Joe and Christine Debono tell Sarah Borg about a life less ordinary

41ThIS wILL ChaNgE yOUR LIFE

Maurice Mizzi, President of Mizzi Organisation, tells Philip Leone-Ganado how a raunchy joke in a Swiss restaurant led to the release of an album of classic love songs – all in aid of a children’s charity

57 gaMES TO gO

50 ThE OLD FaShIONED way socIETy

12 ThE CLOSET aThEISTS

Is it still difficult to be a non-believer in Malta today? Philip Leone-Ganado explores the process of coming out of the religious closet

aRT

Why is it so difficult to kick a habit or stick to that diet? Sarah Borg delves into the long and complex process of changing our ways

Mobile games sometimes feel just as addictive as any drug. Rachel Agius looks at the numbers and discovers that they just might be

sPoRTs

46 RIDINg ThE waVES

Surfing is not commonly practised in Malta, but young surfer Luke Muscat isn’t letting that stop him. He talks to Sarah Borg about this locally underrated sport

18 ThE gIRL whO SPOkE IN REVERSE hEalTh 59 OUT wITh ThE OLD, IN wITh ThE NEw Fresh from exhibiting at the museum of contemporary arts in Taipei, experimental photographer Ritty Tacsum tells David Schembri that looks can be deceiving

Dr Jean Paul Demajo talks about how cosmetic dentistry can bring a breath of fresh air to your smile

REgulaRs

2 a wORD FROM ThE EDITOR 4 C bODy | 6 C bEaUTy

shoPPINg

competition: 49 wIN a gOODIE bag

61 hI-TECh | 63 gENERaL 64 PaINT IT RED

Send your letterS to: Philip Leone-Ganado, the editor, Sunday Circle, Network Publications Ltd, Level 2, Angelica Court, Guzeppi Cali Street, Ta’ Xbiex, XBX 1425, or email: philip@networkpublications.com.mt. The editor reserve the right to edit letters for clarity and where space is limited. For advertising enquiries email: renee@networkpublications. com.mt or call: 2131 6326/7/8. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole, or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Opinions expressed in the Sunday Circle are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers. All reasonable care is taken to ensure truth and accuracy, but the editor and publishers cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions in articles, advertising, photographs or illustrations. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome, but cannot be returned without a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The editor is not responsible for material submitted for consideration. The Sunday Circle is printed by Progress Press and distributed free with The Sunday Times every month.

A word from

the editor

COFFEE CAN BE ROMANTIC

When your line of work puts you into contact with so many different people from so many walks of life, it’s hard to avoid developing a sort of shorthand when you meet someone new: your artist acts thus, your politician thus. But it’s always a pleasure to find your assumptions blown wide open. So, for example, in this edition we had the pleasure of meeting two different individuals who’ve both made names for themselves with huge success in the business world, but whom we spoke to for completely different reasons. Our cover personality, Raymond Bugeja, burst onto the political scene when he contested the PN leadership election last year after a jetsetting career overseas; the other, Maurice Mizzi, is releasing an album of classic love songs in aid of charity. Where one was every inch composure, the other cut an eclectic figure: both should prove entertaining reads. But we also met electroswing musicians and experimental photographers, dramatherapists and aspiring surfers. We peeked into the addictiveness of mobile games and the difficulty of changing our ways. In our spotlight feature, we got an insight into whether it’s still difficult to be an atheist in Malta in this day and age, and learned that sometimes how vocal a minority is may not reflect its confidence. This and more inside. Thanks for reading.

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PUBLISHER John Formosa Network Publications Ltd

10PIECES www.sundaycircle.com

FEBRUARY 2014 – ISSUE NO. 230

Interview

RITTY TACSUM Spotlight

facebook.com/NESCAFEDolceGustoMalta.

THE CLOSET ATHEISTS

The exciting young experimental photographer on the story behind her darkly surrealist images See page 18

How easy is to admit that you’re a non-believer in Malta today? See page 12

PUBLICATION & SALES MANAGER Renée Micallef Decesare

EDITORIAL Philip Leone-Ganado EDITOR

Exclusive

RAYMOND BUGEJA The businessman and European parliament candidate on forging a career from Buenos Aires to Hong Kong, capitalism with a social heart – and why he’s nothing like Silvio Berlusconi See page 8

PLUS

The Psychology of Change: why is it so difficult to break our bad habits? See page 41

C TI SE AS U NT AG CA FA B OD A DIE GO49 IN O O A age W GO TE T see p &

COVER PERSONALITY Raymond Bugeja

COVER PHOTO

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NA DO

Sarah Borg Rachel Agius ASSISTANT EDITORS

ART & DESIGN Sarah Scicluna Jessica Camilleri GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

SALES & MARKETING

Roberto Runza

Marisa Schembri Jessica Borg

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Sunday Circle | February 2014

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Sunday Circle | February 2014

P hotograPhy

Sunday Circle | February 2014

J ean M arc Z erafa

COVER STORY

FROM

ENTERPRISE POLITICS TO

EntrEprEnEur and EuropEan parliamEnt candidatE raymond BugEja talks aBout forging a carEEr across six countriEs in thrEE continEnts – and why hE is a capitalist with a social hEart P hotograPhy

J ean M arc Z erafa -§- h air & M ake U P

ho is Raymond Bugeja? That is the question many people found themselves asking when, almost out of the blue, Bugeja’s name appeared on the list of candidates for the Nationalist Party leadership election last May. The entrepreneur had been involved with the party before, behind the scenes, but having lived and worked outside Malta for most of his career, he was well known to the local business community but largely unknown to the Maltese public. Although he did not win the leadership campaign, Bugeja looks back on it with positivity. “When Dr. Gonzi resigned, I wanted to offer the party councillors the option of a political outsider, but with leadership and administration experience and maturity,” he says. “I got 5 per cent of the votes, which for one month’s campaigning was a good result, but much more importantly I met the councillors and everyone involved with the party, which greatly spurred me to involve myself further. I also felt well received by everyone I met who felt I was an approachable, modest man, with moral and family values.” In the months that followed, Bugeja was elected to the party executive, headed the finance commission, which produced a report in July, and joined the finance group, which is working on the commission’s recommendations. Now, having recently been unveiled as a Nationalist Party candidate for the upcoming European Parliament elections, he is also focused on the European Union, which he is not new to, having worked in a number of countries in Europe for 32 years. “The party feels I can make a contribution there with my expertise and my knowledge of the European mindset and Europe is a natural second home for me”. So who is Raymond Bugeja? Ask the man himself, and he’ll respond with apparent contradictions: Maltese with an international outlook, conservative with a liberal heart, capitalist with a social heart. During the leadership election, with little known about him, a lot was made of his perceived wealth. But Bugeja is keen to downplay any sensationalism.

t anya c ardona

“One newspaper described me as Malta’s Berlusconi,” he shrugs. “But I’m nothing like him, not in wealth, nor in personal philosophy. I come from a modest family of 12 children from Sliema, with Gozitan ancestors from three sides of the family. My father rented our house and worked two jobs; I was the first of my family to go to university and develop a career overseas. But I kept in close touch with my large and closely-knit family, something most dear to me, and kept abreast of all that happened, including politically, in Malta which I visited regularly from wherever I was. My success hasn’t changed me: I’m the same person who left Malta all those years ago.” Bugeja emigrated when he was just 21 years old, abandoning his medical studies at the university and with them his childhood ambition of becoming a doctor. But having married at the age of 19, the need for a full-time job, coupled with a desire to live overseas having married an Englishwoman, led him to leave our shores for the UK, where he initially settled down and qualified as an accountant. A few years later, he was on the move again, his first overseas assignment taking him to Buenos Aires with Reuters at age 25. Before long, he had developed a reputation as somebody willing to move from one place to another: after Buenos Aires came Rio de Janeiro, where his son Paul was born, then Paris, Hong Kong, and finally Milan, where he lived for 23 years, interrupted by an assignment in London. In recounting his travels, Bugeja comes back to his son: “Paul has greatly enriched my life with two beautiful granddaughters,” he says. While in London – and later back in Milan – he co-founded an investment management company, which grew internationally and brought him a large measure of success. “I’ve had a very dynamic career, spread across a number of countries and cultures,” he says. “Every moment was a new challenge. But there’s a significant jump in starting your own business, especially in investment management. It’s a highlyregulated industry so you really need to know what you’re doing. That was perhaps the culmination of my career.”

February 2014 | Sunday Circle

COVER STORY

“ You can have all the social wishes you want, but if you don’t have the money to pay for it, you remain with just wishes ”

which can lead to economic stagnation, incentivisation schemes for businesses through low corporation tax, and controlled government expenditure” he explains. “That’s what the UK has done and it’s come out of the recession, it’s creating jobs, and by 2020 it’s expected to be the strongest economy in Europe, stronger even than Germany. It works: we don’t need to reinvent the wheel.”

In the meantime, he obtained an American MBA and is at the final dissertation stage of a Swiss DBA. He is also a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment and a Fellow of the Institute of Directors. He is also a member of the Order of Merit of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and of the Order of St John. Now, having returned to Malta in 2010, he is ready to forge a new path as a politician. “I believe in mature politics, in listening more than speaking,” he says. “I’m a person of a few words, but to the point. I don’t believe in unnecessary political rhetoric or in personal mudslinging. I go for the problem and tackle it in an objective, practical, and serene way.” He still has some business interests and remains an investor in a couple of ventures, where he leaves the management to others. But today he is more interested in government policy: “How can we develop the economy? How can we incentivise business? How can we create an environment for job creation?” His answer hearkens back to his definition of himself as capitalist with a social heart. “You can have all the social wishes you want, but if you don’t have the money to pay for it, you remain with just wishes,” he says. “If you want to improve healthcare, education, or infrastructure, you need to generate income and wealth.” Accordingly, he rejects policies that he sees as robbing from the rich to give to the poor. “The rich should be incentivised to become richer – to invest, to create businesses, to grow – because that creates employment.” He points to the fact that bank lending rates for businesses in Malta are higher than in other European countries, and questions the government’s decision to lower tax rates for middle-income earners, suggesting that a cut in corporation tax would have been more beneficial. “Low interest rates, not too low an inflation rate 10

Sunday Circle | February 2014

Bugeja believes that his experience and expertise in finance, financial services and markets, and economics will serve him well in the European Parliament if elected. “An MEP has a dual role. One is to contribute to policy and law formulation within the various committees and help enrich and strengthen the European Union and bring increased benefits and prestige to Malta – this is the professional role. The other is to represent Malta, in my case within the EPP Group which has the strongest presence, in the European Parliament – a Parliament which also acts as Malta’s Upper House and if and when necessary as a shield to protect Malta and the Maltese”, Bugeja says. “I am particularly interested in the Economic Affairs and Budget committees. The first contributes to the economic wellbeing of the EU and the second allocates the EU budget to each country. In the first, one can make a contribution, earning prestige for Malta, and in the second, one can negotiate the highest possible share for Malta of the resulting benefits. Some have said they’re going to Europe to fight for Malta. I have no intention of fighting but intend to contribute to Europe’s strengthening, for the benefit of all member states, including Malta, which is foremost in my mind.” A staunch pro-European, Bugeja believes that Malta is stronger because of its European dimension and criticizes the way, as he sees it, the government has strained relations with Europe. “We have to negotiate with the full conviction of a sovereign state, but also with the modesty of a small nation which wants to be heard. We have 6 seats in a parliament of 751, as it will be. Europe will listen if we talk intelligently and make sensible proposals, rather than using a belligerent approach. It’s one family, and we are, and need to be, a part of it. “Malta is a microeconomy. We’ve invested heavily in education, but if young people graduate and they can’t find a job, you’ve done something good, but you also have a capacity problem. I spent a lot of time overseas. It benefitted me, opened my mind, gave me a career, and also gave me an element of success. That opportunity should be there for the youngsters of today, even if they come back after 6 months. That’s one very important reason why Europe is important for us.” Does he ever regret leaving medicine all those years ago? “For a time, whenever I went into a hospital, I’d feel that that’s where I belonged. But that phase passed. I’m happy with what I’ve done, and now politics has given me the social dimension that I had looked for in medicine.”

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Miranda Kerr

The ATheisTs Malta prides itself on its tolerance to all religious beliefs, but does that include those who hold no religious beliefs? philip leoneganado looks into being an atheist in Malta today â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and finds out why soMe reMain afraid of coMing out

Sunday Circle | February 2014

society

A few weeks ago, a 23-year old Afghan man was granted asylum in the UK on the basis that his atheism would lead to persecution if he were returned to his homeland, the first time atheism had ever been cited as grounds for asylum. His lawyers argued that under Sharia law, the man would be subject to the death sentence if his atheist views became known, and that since Islam permeates every aspect of daily life and culture in Afghanistan, living discreetly would be virtually impossible. Nobody would seriously argue that the situation in Malta is anywhere near comparable. But being open about your lack of religious belief may not be as easy as we’d like to think. “Malta has taken considerable strides forward in terms of secularism, and while openly declared atheists remain a rarity the scope for active discrimination has lessened significantly,” says Raphael Vassallo, a journalist and Chairman of the Malta Humanist Association. “Having said this, from the experience of some of our members we can confirm that some people still find it difficult to be open about atheism in Malta. Various factors come into play: family pressure (real or perceived) is still an issue for many people, and there are certain sectors where being an outspoken atheist can have repercussions at the place of work.” Despite a Constitutional ban on religious discrimination, for example, religion teachers are required by law to be Catholic. “All primary school teachers have to teach religion as part of the curriculum in both Church and State schools,” Raphael explains. “This may force atheist school teachers to keep quiet about their atheism for fear of losing their jobs.” Similar issues could arise for atheists appearing before a court of law, where witnesses are by default required to take an oath on the crucifix. “The court offers an option for the non-religious, but some witnesses may feel that taking that option might prejudice their case with certain judges. Besides, the fact that the default option is a religious oath also means that people have to ‘out themselves’ as non-believers to take the secular option. This may be awkward for them for family or other reasons.”

More worryingly, Raphael says that he is aware of cases where atheism has been used as a legal argument against individuals in court: in child custody cases, for example, lawyers have been known to argue that atheists should be denied custody on the grounds of their non-belief.

These observations – while very worrying – are in fact fully consistent with scientific research into people’s perceptions of atheists. A study by the University of British Columbia presented participants – a broad section of American adults – with a story about a person who accidentally hits a parked car and then fails to leave behind valid insurance information for the other driver. Participants were asked to choose the probability that the person in question was a Christian, a Muslim, a rapist, or an atheist, among others. “The description of a criminally untrustworthy individual was seen as comparably representative of atheists and rapists but not representative of Christians, Muslims, Jewish people, feminists, or homosexuals.” Researchers also looked at how atheism influences people’s hiring decisions, with people asked to choose between an atheist or a religious candidate for a job requiring either a high or low degree of trust. For the high-trust job of daycare worker, people were more likely to prefer the religious candidate. For the job of waitress, which requires less trust, the atheists fared much better.

So who would choose to be open about their atheism? Certainly for politicians, and those in the public eye, the question seems to be almost a non-starter. It is telling that Malta has had, for example, openly gay politicians, but not a single openly atheist one. In a 2012 Eurobarometer survey that asked respondents to rate their level of comfort with a Prime Minister with a different religious belief to the majority, Maltese respondents registered an average comfort level of 5.5 out of 10 – only Cyprus fared worse.

February2014 2014||Sunday Sunday Circle Circle 000 February 13

society

“The religious closet is a tough one to come out of in Malta,” said one young politician I spoke to, who asked not to be named. “If I say I’m atheist I’d lose more than half of my voters for sure, not to mention the political mileage other politicians would get from it – and I’m speaking about members of my own party.” However, the man in the street may not have it much better. Many of the atheists I reached out to whose family and friends are aware of their atheism spoke of awkwardness at family gatherings, of being forced to repeatedly justify their religious views, and of responses that vary from indifference to shock or sadness. Tellingly, few were comfortable with their name appearing in print. “I got the ‘but how can you not believe in anything? Your life is going to be so empty!’ reaction,” said one. Another added: “My friends all think it’s a phase and that I will eventually cave in. They’ve asked me questions to discredit me, or said I was just trying to be cool.” When religion permeates so many facets of everyday life, being part of such a small minority – only 1 per cent of the Maltese population self-identify as atheists – is always going to lead to subtle social exclusion. Religion is in the Constitution, it’s in the National Anthem, it’s in public buildings, ceremonies, celebrations, funerals, weddings, feasts. “Not being terribly outspoken, the months leading to my wedding were filled with very awkward conversations about which church we’d be getting married in,” says Sarah, 25. “I had one of the biggest arguments of my life with my father over this; he’s only peripherally religious but he was afraid of shocking my grandmothers. I was actually pleasantly surprised to find that a good number of people encouraged me when I said I’d be having a civil wedding. Quite a few couples told me they had only been married in the church for the sake of the status quo. I guess the wedding sort of let me come out indirectly.”

For some, keeping their religious beliefs (or rather, the lack of them) a secret seems the preferable option. It seems reasonable to question the statistics when the word “atheist” still carries such a stigma, and when the process of coming out is at the very least so uncomfortable. Yet with something as personal as religion, remaining in the closet is not so straightforward either. I sat down with Dr Julian Caruana, a chartered counselling psychologist whose doctoral research focused on the impact of religiosity on 14

Sunday Circle | February 2014

If “If I I saysay I’m I’m atheist I’d atheist I’d lose more than half of lose my votersmore for sure, not than to mentionhalf the political of my mileage other voters politicians for would get sure, from it” not to mention the political mileage other politicians would get from it

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psychological wellbeing. He points out that one of the psychological benefits of religion is that it allows people to face the basic questions of existence within a coherent and all-encompassing structure. “We have an innate desire to search for significance,” he explains. “Being part of a religious community and connecting with like-minded individuals makes it easier because you feel common ground.” Of course, while community often comes with being part of a religion, it is not the sole reserve of the religious. “Being part of, say, a group of humanists may give you the same advantages. But if you’re keeping your beliefs a secret, then you’re tackling these questions alone.” “If somebody isn’t disclosing their atheism, my first question would be why. There’s probably a fear of not being accepted. That’s a problem in itself because that fear is keeping them from being totally honest with

themselves. Then there’s the pressure of covering it up: watching how you speak, keeping track of who knows and who doesn’t. A lot also depends on your perceptions of what the repercussions may be if you’re found out.”

As far as Raphael Vassallo is concerned, issues still exist. “Many people still cannot comprehend how it is possible to lead a morally good life without religion,” he says. “The way forward is through improvements to the education system, and we are pleased to see that steps are already being taken in this regard. The recent introduction of an ethics class represents a very important development, in that a non-religious module now stands on the same footing as religion in the task of imparting moral values. In time this will hopefully help to address any remaining perception problems with atheism, at least among future generations.”

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the girl who spoke in reverse Fresh From exhibiting at the museum oF Contemporary arts in taipei, experimental photographer ritty taCsum tells DaviD sChembri that looks Can be DeCeiving P hotograPhy

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000 18 Sunday Circle | February 2014

art

If you were to ask Ritty Tacsum, 23, what her favourite car gear was, don’t be surprised if she says it’s reverse. While asking that question would probably be what one finds at the bottom of the conversational barrel for most people, it would possibly make sense in this case. Tacsum, you see, is nothing but Ritty’s (Ritianne) surname Muscat, in reverse. “When I was younger, me and my friend used to speak in reverse,” Tacsum says, going on to say something to the effect of “I am having coffee with David” – backwards – to prove it. “And when it came to setting up my first photography blog, I used that,” she says. It was actually her online presence that brought Tacsum’s haunting pictures to a wider audience. “After I started taking pictures of my friends, I created a blog and started putting pictures there. Then I created a Twitter account, posting links, and that’s when Chris Gatt [then St James Cavalier’s general manager] approached me, asking me whether I wanted to have an exhibition at St James,” Tacsum says. After some initial hesitation, she accepted the offer. That was 2011. Since then, she has been in nine exhibitions, her latest being at the MOCA Taipei as part of an international exhibition. “Those were experiments… The pictures I showed in my first exhibition were pictures I’d done for myself, without an exhibition in mind,” Tacsum says.

It is not hard to see why the young photographer – then only 21 – would have caught the eye of a gallery. Looking back at her 2011 portfolio on her website (which she edits ruthlessly from time to time), the common thread is a dark surrealism incarnated in meticulously staged photographs. The staging, this want to control what comes out on the picture is something which has characterised Tacsum’s work from the very start, when she first borrowed her elder brother’s camera and started taking pictures of her friends and teachers at school, which she then edited and posted onto the school’s noticeboard, culminating in an end-of-year slideshow with “random” pictures Tacsum (then Head Girl at Maria Regina) had taken. As she decided to take her photography more seriously, she bought a small Nikon point-and-shoot camera and started to take pictures of her friends. “I used to dream up something and tell them ‘let’s do it’,” Tacsum says. The following upgrade, to an SLR, was more wrought out of feelings of inadequacy rather than the technical reasons photographers are known to trade between themselves. “When I started taking pictures of people, I started feeling embarrassed by my small camera, more because of its size than anything, so then I bought my SLR. I used to take more infantile pictures at the time, sometimes even based on dreams I’d had. Once, for example, I had this dream of flying spaghetti, so I boiled the spaghetti, put a backdrop on the floor, got a friend of mine and I made this design with spaghetti which I was throwing from above.” Although her style has grown up from its “infantile” beginnings, the artist’s driving force remains the same.

February 2014 | Sunday Circle 000 19

“What’s important is that whatever’s in my mind gets onto the picture – whether it’s by staging and ‘editing’ as I’m shooting or after the pictures are taken, it doesn’t matter. What’s important is that I get rid of the idea, because an idea will occupy my mind until I do it, and then I can move on.” Sometimes, she finds that the ideas she has at the time are perhaps beyond her reach. “There are ideas which I have which I couldn’t execute at the time, because of some limitation or other. For example, in Four Rooms [her most recent exhibition] there were pictures which were taken underwater, and when I had the idea for that I didn’t have an underwater camera,” Tacsum says. Apart from that, approaching models was a bit of a challenge. “It’s not the first time I approached a model with an idea and then they get a bit scared. I ended up doing it in film, using a Lomography fisheye camera. I found models whom I’d worked with, I used food colouring in the water. The only problem I had was that one of my models was about to choke in a bedsheet: she was trying to get out of this sheet, with food colouring in her face...” Ritty says.

“What we look like is just a shell... there’s more than meets the eye” 20

Sunday Circle | February 2014

The idea that has been occupying her mind of late is gender ambiguity and the tension between outward appearances and people’s identity; her work is focused towards reversing pre-conceived ideas we have about gender and appearance. Again, it’s not surprising. Dressed in a slim-fitting suit, her hair styled backwards aping a quiff, Tacsum’s attire during our interview would appear to be menswear. “They’re actually all ladies’ clothes,” she disclaims. “It’s a style I’ve recently adopted.” “My focus is mostly on sexuality and androgyny, particularly recently. You see me as a woman, but without wanting you judge based on what you see. I believe there’s more to people than the shell. What we look like is just a shell, that there’s more than meets the eye,” Tacsum explains. “There are men, for instance, who look tough but who are really sensitive.

art

It doesn’t make them less of a man, but they’d have this ‘feminine’ side. Take my father: if you saw him you’d be scared of him, but then you’ll see him watching television and getting all emotional about what’s on. You can’t judge a person from what you’re seeing on the outside.” She took the issue of gender ambiguity further in her Taipei exhibition – Post-humanist Desire – for which she received a grant from the Malta Arts Fund. Apart from exhibiting six new works there, she also had some shoots, the fruits of which will be published in a photobook later this year. “I tried to choose males with long hair; I want to shoot nudes where it isn’t clear if it’s a man or a woman. I think it’s so ambiguous to identify someone as male or female solely based on appearance,” she says. “It was amazing being part of the a show that has been elected within

the best ten exhibitions held at public museums in Taiwan in 2013. The MOCA team were amazing, they were extremely helpful and professional – they are excellent hosts. It was fun seeing it all come together and meeting important artists; I definitely made a few good contacts, and the team at MOCA is helping me to apply for a residency within the Museum of Fine Arts in Taipei.” In Four Rooms, the photographer went to town with the concept. Set across four rooms, the first room, On My Skin, was characterised by a mound of clothes covering a wardrobe. “Did you go into the wardrobe?” she asks me. “Because in there I had nudes: the clothes were left on the outside, while there were nudes on the inside. “You can’t stay at the first room, at the surface, where the clothes are. But that’s what happens a lot of the time.” The following rooms: In my Body, In my Mind, In my Heart, progressed into

further stages of intimacy. While In my Body was an installation, the pictures in In My Mind were dreamlike, manipulated or staged images. In my Heart saw the manipulation being toned down a notch with more intimate, raw pictures. Many of her pictures have nudes in one way or another, as if she is trying to get as close to the core of her subjects as she possibly can; in many others, masks conceal the faces of her models. Sometimes, it’s a combination of both – the masks reminding us that, after all, it is all a shell; that even our bodies conceal what we hide inside. And while her photography continues to explore the tension between what we hide and what we don’t, Tacsum is at work on some shells of her own. “I’m currently working on the launch of a clothing line,” she says, one eye, as ever, on what comes next.

February 2014 | Sunday Circle 21

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POP CULTURE MUSIC

ElE

F E E c i l r t

What happens When you take three music lovers, one emerging genre and legendary parties? rachel agius talks to the minds behind electro-sWing malta, a local iteration of a sWeet-sounding movement that is taking europe by storm

February 2014 | Sunday Circle 000 25

MUSIC

first met the Electro-Swing Malta boys about a year ago. Still a fledgling endeavour with modest aspirations to match, Tom Devenish, Michael Carbone and Alex Spiteri Gingell – The Chef, Dockerbone and Zicotron, as they are known professionally – have come further than they ever could imagine through the wonderful, upbeat world of Electro-swing. For the uninitiated, electro-swing music is a combination of the bouncing 1930s swing music, known for its big band arrangements, and any number of more modern rhythms. Swing music was big in a time when people needed a little hope in their lives: the Great Depression, one world war over and another looming make for desperate times. This music injected happiness and fun, at least temporarily, at a time when very little was certain and sources of joy were hard to come by. Today’s iteration of the style – electro-swing – has a similar flavour. It is almost impossible to resist the bold, toe-tapping beats that span genres and generations with equal abandon. Locally, you would need to keep an eye out 26

Sunday Circle | February 2014

for the events organized by Electro-Swing Malta to get your fix and they have, over the past year, met and exceeded expectations. “We were concerned that people might not take to the style,” says Michael, describing the first tentative steps of the trio’s foray into a genre that was only just breaking through in Europe at the time. They needn’t have worried. “The first couple of parties were... OK, they were a flop,” he laughs, “but after that, more and more people became interested.” Electro-swing Malta set the bar for parties that catered to the weird and the whimsical. Each event has a theme and the partygoers’ enthusiasm surprised even the organizers. “People really go all out with their costumes,” Tom says. “We like to create a holistic event – it’s about dressing up, the music and the atmosphere.” There seems to be plenty of that to spare. Dancers, illusionists, tarot readers and other performers liven up the evenings and using Tom’s knack for rescuing discarded junk, they have created a fantastic collection of props. These parties became the talk of the

town and fans waited eagerly for news of the next one. Keeping pace with developments on the continent, Electro-Swing Malta grew from strength to strength, a development that did not escape the notice of electro-swing DJs abroad. As word spread locally about the music, they began to receive invitations to play abroad. “It is still such a rush when someone gets in touch and wants us to play in their city,” smiles Alex, the one who usually breaks the news to the other two. Over the past six months, Electro-Swing Malta has travelled to a number of European countries and played in several cities. The response, without exception, was positive. “We worried that perhaps the audiences abroad would not like our style or that we weren’t up to their standards,” says Michael. But the requests to play continued streaming in, allaying any fears that their music was not up to scratch. They went on to draw the biggest crowd at a European event other than a music festival, at the Roxy Club in Prague.

MUSIC

How does it all happen? All three have held on to their day jobs and receive no funding from outside sources. Surely paying for all this is a source of anxiety? “We’re not in it for the money,” Tom quickly clarifies. “It doesn’t really matter if we make a loss.” Alex nods: “It’s about the music, giving people a chance to let loose once in a while. And since we’re not focused on profit, we are completely focused on the product.” Anxiety in general is not something that concerns these three. “Planning starts months in advance, lies dormant until the last couple of days before the event and then we put everything together in two days,” says Tom. “There simply isn’t time to encounter problems.” The Do-It-Yourself vibe that comes across is not far from the truth. Over the course of last summer, The Lido in Sliema played host to a series of weekly events titled Swing Island and each week, renowned DJs from all over Europe got the crowd moving. The hosts saved on expenses by offering their own couches and spare bedrooms to the foreign acts, a kindness repaid them when they travelled abroad to play. For now though, Electro-swing Malta is staying put. They have recently had to say goodbye to their ancestral home at Duke’s club, which is soon closing down. But soon they’re wondering aloud if there are any contortionists available for hire locally – and that quickly puts to rest any concerns that their upcoming events might not match up to its predecessors. The next frontier? “Electro-swing is only just catching on in the States,” says Alex. “It would be great to play over there.” 2014 is already filling up, with about 5 gigs already planned and many DJs clamouring to visit the island and its electric audiences. “We have had to put people on a waiting list,” Michael says, “There simply isn’t enough time to fit in all the DJs over the course of a year without saturating the calendar.” Despite the logistical manoeuvring, this is probably the most planning that has ever gone into their endeavour. There is a palpable excitement when the three chatter among themselves, recalling the excitement and the escapades of their European travels. They may have been at this a year but it is clear that the music is still a source of unbridled enthusiasm.

“We have had to put people on a waiting list... There simply isn’t enough time to fit in all the DJs over the course of a year”

Sunday Circle | February 2014

It looks like the coming months will have plenty for budding electro-swing fans to sink their teeth into. And given their business model (i.e. having no business model), The Chef, Dockerbone and Zicotron, seem equally at ease with a jam-packed calendar as they are with pulling off spectacular lastminute events that audiences won’t soon forget. With their skills tried and tested across Europe, ElectroSwing Malta look set to fill the coming year with great parties, foreign acts and that infectious, uplifting music partygoers can’t seem to get enough of.

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THEATRE AS As A drAmAtherApist, Lou GhirLAndo hAs seen first-hAnd the power of drAmA As A heALinG tooL. But now she is AiminG At somethinG more: theAtre truLy creAted for And By peopLe with disABiLities, thAt the rest of society cAn enGAGe with too W ords

r achel a gius -ยง- P hotograPhy a rt d irection

000 30 Sunday Circle | February 2014

M arija g rech

s arah s cicluna

POP CULTURE society

THERAPY The world of theatre is a varied one. From comedies to mysteries, for kids and adults – you would think there really is something for everyone. Dramatherapist and practitioner Lou Ghirlando found that that statement was not quite true. People with disabilities are not often treated to theatre that is tailored to their needs, both as players and as an audience. Lou has ventured forth into the world of art-based therapy – which is only just gaining ground here on the Maltese Islands – to bring theatre closer to those who might otherwise never have access to it. How does one become a dramatherapist? “First one must want to,” she laughs. Her academic background is in theatre, where she first learnt about the existence of the profession from a

lecturer. Through her studies, Lou began to appreciate the power of drama, but there was one catch. A growing social awareness led to a focus on inclusivity in Art, a message conveyed by Art itself. Despite this, the theatre for and by people with disabilities was conspicuous in its absence. After studying at the University of Roehampton in the UK, Lou became qualified as a dramatherapist and has since worked with people with disabilities of all kinds. She is quick to point out that, professionally speaking, she wears two hats: therapist and practitioner. Often, these two roles are confused. “In both settings, the artist as a creative individual is involved,” Lou says, “But the scope and context differ greatly.” As a drama practitioner, her role is to train actors – honing their skills, boosting confidence and offering constructive criticism, all with an audience in mind. “In a therapeutic capacity,” she explains, “All the ‘material’ that the actors come up with is processed, engaged with. The main focus is on healing.” Dramatherapy can help people with disabilities find a new voice with which to express themselves. Part of the core team behind the NGO Opening Doors, Lou has witnessed first-hand the vast world that opens up through drama and the arts in general. Through a Grundtvig Learning Partnership, supported by the European Commission, and in collaboration with St James’ Cavalier in 2007 – a relationship which is ongoing – the group was set up with the aim of making the arts accessible to people with disabilities. “It promotes opportunities to develop creatively,” she explains. Several productions have been put up so far and were received by encouragingly receptive audiences, both here and overseas. Participants are given the chance to experience the arts in a way that is suited to their needs. Performers have taken their work abroad and the team itself has benefitted from invaluable networking opportunities and the chance to work with people from different backgrounds while absorbing new ideas. Last November’s edition of Żigużajg, the arts festival for children and youths, featured a production that turned the idea of theatre on its head. With the help of composer Veronique Vella, fellow drama therapist Diana Cauchi and artist Jo Tabone, Lou developed Neith, a piece of theatre that was unique in many ways. It played in an intimate setting to small audiences – only ten people at a time – and was written with adolescents in mind. February 2014 | Sunday Circle 000 31

SOCIETY

“It is important that teenagers have access to productions that acknowledge their age and maturity”

“There is not much out there, in terms of art, for the teenager with a disability,” Lou says. “Neith was about creating something specifically for a very niche audience.” While the piece can and has been enjoyed by children and adults, Lou stresses that the target audience are teens with profound learning disabilities. “Often the term ‘multi-sensory’ brings to mind materials directed at children,” she says. “It is important that teenagers have access to productions that acknowledge their age and maturity.” The name of the play comes from Egyptian myth, which describes Neith as a goddess of water, mother to the god Ra and a weaver. All these elements were brought together, in the St James’ Cavalier theatre, to literally weave a world around the audience. The high demand for repeat performances was very reassuring. Of course with such a tiny audience, Neith is not exactly costeffective. “The Malta Arts Fund supported the production during Żigużajg,” Lou says. “And the immediate, positive response we got from the Fund was very important to me – a great achievement.” Finding sponsors for more performances is the next challenge. “We’d like to take Neith to more schools in Malta and Gozo. And maybe abroad too!” she enthuses. The issue of money is one that has relentlessly pursued the arts since time immemorial. So it is unsurprising that Lou’s hopes for Opening Doors include a stable financial future – “It would be nice not to have to work from grant to grant.” But her aspirations 32

Sunday Circle | February 2014

go beyond that. “I would like for more art forms to become accessible,” she explains. So far, Opening Doors has focused on drama and has piloted a program for dance but visual art and music have not been given their due attention as yet. “We are only now opening up the team to new people,” she says. “We did not want to dilute the dynamic we had before now to give all of us a chance to develop, personally and into our roles with Opening Doors.” Guest directors have been invited to lend their expertise, including Coryse Borg who will be directing the next production. The future looks bright for the profession and for this dramatherapist in particular. Another Grundtvig Learning Partnership has brought Opening Doors into contact with contributors from Iceland, the UK, Belgium, Finland, Spain and Poland. Each of these will be sharing knowledge, ideas and resources, which will culminate in a disability arts festival, held in Malta, in two years’ time. With the glowing memory of Neith and its success still fresh, the idea of drama as therapy and the creative potential of people with disabilities are slowly breaking into the public consciousness. “What I would really like,” Lou says, “is for audiences – both mainstream and niche – to know about and look forward to these productions.” With the energy and creativity of people like Lou Ghirlando propelling them forward, audiences will be hard pressed to forget these inclusive, engaging productions, even after the curtain comes down.

For Love and Art S

Through 50 years of marriage, arTisTs Joe and ChrisTine debono have mainTained The drive and passion ThaT firsT drew Them TogeTher. from painTing film seTs To CreaTing CommemoraTive figurines for foreign presidenTs, They Tell sarah borg abouT a life less ordinary

P hotograPhy

Sunday Circle | February 2014

J ean M arc Z erafa

tepping into Joe’s and Christine’s dining room, a striking painting with Arabic script captures your attention. “A friend asked us to hold on to it until he came back from abroad. This was 1964,” Joe laughs.

With more than 50 years of living and working together, the septuagenarian couple’s storytelling starts in medias res – as naturally as if Joe was sculpting or Christine was painting a portrait. They recount the day Colonel Romeo, head of the Italian Military Mission in Malta, gave Christine the broom to run after Joe in the 80s, as well as

the day they cut their wedding cake on a washing machine, while their drunk photographer friend snapped the shot. “The first time I saw Christine was at college in London,” Joe recalls. “I was walking along a corridor and suddenly this girl came flying from atop some steps, hair streaming back, and landing on the balls of her feet, did a pirouette and leaped into the print making room... weeks passed before I talked to her.” At 16, Joe and Christine – he Maltese, she English – formed a love and work relationship, leading them to become popular with collectors all over the

SOCIETY

world seeking their figurines and chess sets delineating historical events such as the Mongolian attempted invasion of Japan and the Great Siege of Malta, the latter of which was gifted to three of Malta’s presidents. This relationship did have its walls, as Christine’s father was not keen on Joe, who is Maltese. “After suffering a black eye from him and waiting till we were 21, we got married and had our reception at my mother’s house, where we had enough friends and drinks, although we did have to borrow my parents’ wedding rings until ours arrived, weeks later,” Joe recalls. “The evening before our wedding, we were selling encyclopaedias door-todoor,” Christine adds. Their years in London saw them managing a hostel, and starting to make figurines to sell, until the IRA bombings convinced them to move to Malta with their two young children. Seeking an income from their art, they would work until four in the morning, Joe assembling the mould and casting the figurines and Christine painting the figurines to sell in gift shops. Rows, or “heated discussions,” as Christine calls them, naturally ensue when you work with the same person you’re married to. “I tried to get him to work out of the house,” Christine says, adding: “I let him tell all the anecdotes, otherwise he’ll fret.” “I haven’t strangled her yet,” Joe interjects jokingly. “We have rows, we tell each other the truth, then we move on. That’s how a marriage survives.” “I’ve read your diaries,” Christine teases, “so I m not sure about the truth, maybe tolerance.” Despite working on their figurines and chess sets, their primary work, they found time to work on over 20 films, both in front of and behind the cameras. “We’ve painted a number of sets including Helen of Troy. We’ve

also worked as extras, including in Oliver Reed’s last scene before he passed away,” Joe recalls. “Colonel Romeo was one of the first to recognise the value of our well researched figurines as diplomatic gifts. In the beginning, our Italian was weak and his English was too, so we tried using Caesar’s Commentaries thinking he would understand Latin! After this, the Foreign Office and the Office of the Prime Minister also contacted us.” Among the many figurines they parted ways with, is one they still miss — the one which led the Colonel to give Christine a broom to run after Joe, after Joe offered to give it to him for nothing if he could not afford it, as part of the hard bargaining. Over the years, they’ve also created a statuette of Garibaldi for the late Dom Mintoff, then Prime Minister, as a gift to the President of Italy on the occasion of the anniversary of the signing of the treaty between Garibaldi and Victor Emmanuel II, as well as a statuette of Omar Mukhtar as a gift to Muammar Gaddafi. “I also remember when the late H.E. Guido de Marco called to thank us for the symbolic figurine that he had commissioned, from us, for him to give to Jiang Zemin,” Joe recalls. They could go on for days: Joe talking about history, Christine raising an eyebrow and reminding him of conflicting sources. They have done all of this and more, while raising two children and building their house in Mgarr – “at first, this house only had three rooms but it was habitable, unless it rained,” says Joe. There’s still work to be done here, as well as more chess sets and more figurines, as these two fiery characters prove that besides the addition of their four grandchildren, nothing has really changed – they’re still working, loving and bickering.

February 2014 | Sunday Circle 35

feature

Engaged & Overwrought OverwOrked and tuned in is the mantra Of tOday’s prOfessiOnals, but lOng hOurs may nOt always lead tO better wOrk W ords

The words busy and stressed may have carried negative connotations in the past, but in our contemporary culture they have permeated our language and are now perceived as a status symbol. These words are overused, but we are all guilty of using them when we’re asked how we are doing, often bringing a conversation to a halt. Unlike the pre-email era, when there was a clear distinction between work-time and play-time, we now find ourselves without these boundaries, so we are always tuned in, trying to be on top of things as information overload pervades every moment of our life. A 2008 Harvard Business School survey of a thousand professionals found that 94 per cent worked 50 hours or more a week, and almost half worked in excess of 65 hours a week. Where 30 years ago, the best-paid workers in the US were less likely to work long days than low-paid workers, that trend has reversed today: seven years ago, the best-paid were twice as likely to work long hours. Feeling busy gives many of us a sense pride, so we crave it, but it also points to the blatant fact that many of us nowadays do not know how to take a break. Sure, we may know how to distract ourselves by browsing through social media for five minutes or laughing out loud thanks to the latest Vine, but to tune everything out – no

Sunday Circle | February 2014

s arah b org

phones, no social media, nothing except you and those around you – can leave many experiencing the feeling of emptiness: we have become accustomed to being continually mentally stimulated. But such breaks lead to more creative work and fewer breakdowns. Working smarter, rather than longer, is the favourable way to go about handling your workload. American multinational investment banking firm Goldman Sachs instructs its junior investment-banking analysts not to work on Saturdays. The same goes for Credit Suisse and the Bank of America Merrill Lynch. One start-up owner, CEO of Treehouse, Ryan Carson, created the 4-day work week for his employees, believing that the information industry is not the manufacturing industry and motivated employees can finish their tasks on a 4-day week. The 4-day week has also gained traction elsewhere: in 2008, employees of the Utah state government all began working ten-hour days from Monday to Thursday. For most companies such a shift might prove too radical – for now. But if we spend most of our days working and very little time concentrating on that which really matters in life, happiness is likely to elude us – along with our creativity and productivity.

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3. Melanie Tanti & Charlene Farrugia

5. Joshua Borg, Michael Sultana, Marvin Gauci & Anthony Tabone

6. Kate Gonzi, H.E. Dr George Abela & Mrs Abela

Circle Paparazzi

• 1-3 The 2013 Xmas Party organised by Nestlé themed Nestlé Nite of the Stars 2013. • 4-5 The Definitely Good Guide 2014 Restaurant Awards held on the 9th December 2013 at a Gala Dinner to reward the highest rated eating establishments in Malta and Gozo • 6-7 The book launch of Kate Gonzi "From the Heart" on December 11th, 2013 at the Radisson Blu, St Julians. • 8-10 Christmas Drinks Party at Waterbiscuit, St Julians • 11 Lunch hosted by his H.E. Michel Vandepoorter for the Maltese French Chamber of Commerce at his Zebbug residence * For inclusion in Circle Paparazzi contact Marisa Schembri on marisa@networkpublications.com.mt ** For more Paparazzi photos log on to www.sundaycircle.com

8. Edward Frendo Jones, Lisa Urpani, Christina Galea, Laureen Spiteri & Kamilla Nikolas

10. Stephanie Anastasi, Simon Arrigo & Mark Vassallo Cesareo

7. Maryanne Cachia, Stephania Dimech Sant, Kate Gonzi, H.E. Dr George Abela, Daniela Allen, Josephine Vassallo Parnis, Mrs Abela & Doriette Camilleri.

9. Iggy Zammit, Nicola Busuttil & Adriana Magro

11. Ms Bernadette Bonnici Kind, H.E. Michel Vandepoorter & Ms Ann Petroni

FEATURE

This will change your life Why is it so difficult to kick a bad habit or stick to that diet? sarah borg delves into the long and complex process of changing our Ways It is a veritable truth that change is inevitable in our everyday life â&#x20AC;&#x201C; time goes by, wrinkles ensue and life passes by when we take a moment to blink. The changes occurring in the world around us are usually evident and often out of our control, but the same cannot be said for those happening within us, some of which require conscious effort to occur, to rid ourselves of our bad habits. Such change

is nothing more than a new action that we instil in ourselves to replace the bad habit, thus creating a new one in the process. But as Mark Twain rightly put it, â&#x20AC;&#x153;habit is habit, and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time.â&#x20AC;? It takes time for change to be ingrained in us as a new habit, and starting small, rather than undertaking one drastic move, is often the way to succeed.

February 2014 | Sunday Circle 41

FEATURE

The best-known process towards implementing change is the “Stages of Change” model, introduced in the 1970s by James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente when they were trying to find a way to help smokers to quit. The model has six stages: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance and Relapse. The adoption of this model enables change to occur gradually, with relapses being an inevitable part of the process. Some people remain stuck in the contemplation stage since they become discouraged by the costs required to attain the change they seek, which they perceive as outweighing the benefits. With this model in mind, change should be undertaken in small steps, rather than through a complete overhaul of one’s habits because the pain caused by the sudden change will often result in failure. A paper in the Harvard Business Review states that for long term discipline, you should “identify the aspects of your life

Sunday Circle | February 2014

that you consider mundane – and then ‘routinise’ those aspects as much as possible. In short, make fewer decisions.” If you do this, you will be saving your willpower for crucial parts of your day. According to researcher Roy F. Baumeister, “people perform relatively poorly on tests of self-control when they have engaged in a previous, seemingly unrelated act of self-control.” In an experiment cited in Monitor on Psychology, Bauminster invited some students to eat fresh-baked chocolate-chip cookies, and asked others to resist the cookies and munch on radishes instead, then gave them impossible geometry puzzles to solve. “The students who ate the cookies worked on the puzzles for 20 minutes, on average. But the students who had resisted the tempting cookies gave up after an average of eight minutes.” The general misconception towards adopting a routine is that you turn into

a robot and become “so obsessed with performing your habits, that you wouldn’t have space for spontaneity or fun,” as Scott Young, author of How to Change a Habit, writes in an article on online magazine 99U. “[But] like the discipline of the pianist frees him to play any song, the initial ability gives new flexibility.” Self-help books like Young’s number in the thousands, the model to change is there and professional help is available – so why do many people still struggle to succeed in changing? Pain. The uncomfortable feeling, the difficulty of trying something outside of your comfort zone creates unbearable feelings which build the wall of resistance. Except, as Brock Henry, author of the productivity blog Strategic Simplicity puts it: you need to “do all the crying, kicking, and screaming [...] then start to seek out ways to make your new situation more liveable and enjoyable,” because waiting “until the pain of not changing exceeds the pain of changing... is a sad way to live your life.”

Love is... giving.

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FEATURE

RatheR than puRsuing change by maRking a momentous day (often a monday oR at the staRt of the yeaR), appRoach change stRategically

Rather than pursuing change by marking a momentous day (often a Monday or at the start of the year), approach change strategically. Psychologists at University College London argue that the belief that a person requires 21 days to form a new habit is a myth. “The best estimate is 66 days, but it’s unwise to attempt to assign a number to this process,” writes Benjamin Gardner. The number of days to adopt a new habit is subjective, and for it to happen you will need to be consistent. Leo Babauta, writer of one of the most popular blogs in the world, Zen Habits, lists a process of actions, including writing on paper motivations, obstacles and strategies; committing to the change in a public way to be held accountable; logging progress and finding a support group, doing so, one habit at a time. The change should be the reward itself; it should be that which drives you, instead of making the change and rewarding yourself with something else, as the self-determination theory states. Being

intrinsically motivated to carry out a change does require fantasising about life with the new habit, but according to a study from UCLA, what you visualise can impede you from succeeding. Indeed, researchers found that people fantasising about learning another language, by visualising themselves practicing every day after work were more likely to stay consistent than those who visualized themselves speaking French on a trip to Paris. The process towards change is often one of trial and error spanning years, sometimes even decades. You may not have will power, but if you have a sound plan, then you are on the right track towards adopting change. “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit,” Aristotle wrote, and when you do relapse, it’s good to remember that “our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

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Sunday Circle | February 2014

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Sunday Circle | February 2014

sports

Riding the

waves Surfing iS not commonly practiSed in malta, but young Surfer luke muScat iSn’t letting that Stop him. experiencing the thrill of high waveS, and learning along the way, he talkS to Sarah borg about thiS locally underrated Sport When you choose to surf, you are choosing to adhere to the temper of the wind; you are not free to do so on any given day, instead, you wait for the right wind to come and then you take advantage of the opportunity for as long as it is given to you. 23-year old surfer Luke Muscat has become more than familiar with the different types of wind on our shores, so that a thrilling surfing day is never lost, especially during the summer season when a windy day is a rare one. “My father introduced me and my brother to water sports from a young age. I have tried different types of water sports including windsurfing but the interest soon died out. Surfing is the one that stuck because it’s fun and it doesn’t take me long to set up.” Putting on a wet suit and fastening the string of your board to your calf is in fact, all you need. There are different types of surfing – bodyboarding, stand-up paddling, bodysurfing, and others – but Luke says nothing beats standing up on the board as soon as the wave hits. “When you are standing on your board without the help of a paddle, you are moving with the momentum of the wave. It is the most challenging type of surfing.” Luke learned to surf through trial and error, striving to conquer more moves with every surfing trip, as the unpredictable Maltese weather makes it challenging for anyone to offer surfing lessons. “The wind could go from 16 knots to 23 knots, so you cannot really plan a surfing

lesson, especially not with a beginner because it could be dangerous. This is also one of the reasons why surfing competitions have never been held in Malta.” Unpredictable weather aside, Luke notes that anyone starting out must be aware of a number of things before taking on surfing. “An instructor will show you how to apply wax on your board for your feet to stick, as well as show you the right time to stand on your board and the proper stance when standing,” he says. Every wave has a peak, Luke explains, and you choose to go left or right depending on which will give you the longest ride. “Basically, if you see foam on your left then you should go right because it is here that the wave is breaking. In Malta, there are some waves which are all the same height, forming a wall of water that is one big peak. These can be dangerous and beginners should be wary.” Moreover, when you are just starting out, you will need to learn how currents work – “each bay has a different current, which can be very helpful if you know how to use it and dangerous if you do not know how to.” Beginners start with a longboard, which is between 8 and 11 feet long, and comes with a number of fins depending on the level of the surfer. “Thrusters – three fins – are usually the fins beginners start off with, however, you can choose from a single fin to a tri quad (five fins). The less fins you have the faster you go; the more fins, the slower you go but the more stable you are.”

February 2014 | Sunday Circle 47

SPORTS

“When I have a bad day all I need is to surf one good wave to turn my mood around” Once you become accustomed to surfing, you can then advance to the short board – around 6 feet long and ending in a point – making surfing even more challenging. “Surfing requires you to paddle through short bursts of energy so you do need strong shoulders and a strong back,” says Luke. Moreover, knowledge of the sea – the size of the waves and the current of the bay – and knowledge of the different types of wind are important for anyone who wants to be a surfer. “I’ve worked on yachts and that’s where I gained the knowledge on the wind and how the sea works. Nowadays, I can just look at the way the waves are moving from the top of the hill of Għajn Tuffieha bay to understand whether it is viable for me to surf.” The Maltese summers often being as still as a tomb, the surfing season on our island is between October and April. “I do wear a wet suit which helps keep me warm but my face, my hands and my feet are freezing,” Luke admits. Nonetheless, the cold does not stop him from surfing three to four times a week during these months, choosing the bay according to where the window is blowing from. “Selmun is a great beach to surf when we have a North-East wind, but this wind is not very common. When it’s a South-West wind I surf at Golden Bay.” Għajn Tuffieha is, however, the beach he regularly surfs at because it’s best when there’s a North-West wind – very common in Malta. Luke has not limited his surfing experience to Malta, taking his board abroad to surf in beaches around Europe. “I’ve surfed in 48

Sunday Circle | February 2014

Ericeira and Jeniche in Portugal, Hossegor in France, and San Sebastian in Spain. Where I would most like to surf however is at the Gold Coast in Australia.” Surfing abroad, he explains, is on another level, and surfers are sometimes very protective of their territory and their waves. The surfing community in Malta is small, he adds, but with very limited beaches and unpredictable wind, this is not a negative point. While Luke admits to indulging in some friendly competition when he is surfing with his brother, he also finds that surfing is the best way for him to relax. “When I have a bad day all I need is to surf one good wave to turn my mood around. At the moment, I am suffering from a back injury and it’s quite frustrating that I’ve missed two months of the surfing season already.” Luke’s injury did not come from surfing, but from skateboarding, which along with snowboarding is a good way to practice for surfing, since it uses similar skills. “Working on your obliques and your calves is also a good way to strengthen your body for surfing.” Despite understanding the waves and practising every chance he gets, there are still many tricks Luke strives to conquer. To perform an air, when your board seems to be flying off the water, is one of these tricks, along with other moves which he studies by watching professional surfers through online videos. “I study the position of their body and then try to emulate these moves in the water.” He still has a long way to go, but he’s young and willing to defy the waves. Ultimately, Luke is driven by the thrill of the act, more than anything else.

E I D O GO

DONATE &WIN

BAG

This month’s charity is The Ladybird Foundation – an NGO that helps terminally, critically, or seriously ill children to fulfil their dreams. www.theladybirdfoundation.org

Sunday CirCle iS giving one luCky reader the ChanCe to win a fabulouS goodie bag loaded with fantaStiC prizeS – while helping out a Charity CloSe to our heart. have you donated yet?

PRIZES 1.

Closing date 3rd March

A beautiful, classic red Coccinelle handbag made of Saffian leather — this is a very easy to wear piece, lending itself to its very colour which is a perfect choice for Valentine’s Day. Coccinelle handbags, 11, Tower Road Sliema, €185 Shiseido Perfect Mascara Full Definition BK901. Volume, Length and Separation, €26.50

2. Valentino Uomo fragrance for the classically elegant man, €60.00 3. Bvlgari Omnia Amethyste fragrance, the floral fragrance with woody notes, €67.00 4. Shiseido Perfect Hydrating BB Cream SPF30 Dark. With a make-up effect and skincare benefits, €33.00 5. Chamilia 925 sterling silver bracelet with heart locket beads from The New Heart & Soul Collection, €110 + vat

Available from 202 Jewellery, www.202jewellery.com. Tel. 2720 2202.

4 2

A beautiful, classic red Coccinelle handbag

How To Take Part 1.

Send an SMS with your name, surname, email and home address on 5061 7373 for a donation of €2.33 or on 5061 8076 for a donation of €4.66.

2. Send a cheque of €2.33 or €4.66 payable to The Ladybird Foundation. Send the cheque to Goodie Bag Competition, Sunday Circle, Network Publications,

Level 2, Angelica Court, Guzeppi Cali Street, Ta’ Xbiex with your name, surname, home address, email and mobile number. February 2014 | Sunday Circle 49

e n o i h s a F d l The O For businessman maurice mizzi, President oF mizzi organisation, what started as a raunchy joke in a swiss restaurant has ended with the release oF an album oF classical love songs – all in aid oF a children’s charity. PhiliP leone-ganado Finds out more Maurice Mizzi may be one of the most established businessmen on the island, but when I catch up with him at the Coach and Horses bar in Birkirkara, he’s far more interested in talking about music. Having just released an album featuring ten covers of romantic songs from times gone by – Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Charles Aznavour – he is hoping to use all the proceeds to benefit the The Spiro Mizzi Foundation, a charity he set up five years ago to help children from the Three Cities. Speaking to Maurice is an eclectic experience of the sort you don’t often get from businessmen. His stories are a smorgasbord of people, places and events: he rattles out names as if it were inconceivable that you’re not acquainted with them, and seems equally at ease talking about his business as he is recounting the time he walked with lions in Mauritius, or took a zero-gravity flight on a Russian aircraft. Still, business, he insists, remains his passion. Maurice started out as a legal procurator, but opted not to pursue his legal studies any further. “That would have meant starting my business life late,” he says. “You have to get into it before you’re 21, or you’re too old to learn the tricks.” He got his start attending sales courses in the UK and

Sunday Circle | February 2014

selling washing machines in London door-to-door. “Once I sold a couple a washing machine before they even had electricity. That’s the power of real salesmanship: you can sell snow to an Eskimo.” From household appliances he went into cars, which today remain the largest part of his operations, with agencies including BMW, Porsche, Audi and LandRover. As President of Mizzi Organisation, he employs 1200 people, as well as serving as President of the Chinese-Maltese Chamber and the Association of Car Importers, among a host of other private and public involvements. So where does music fit into all of this? “Singing has always been a bit of a hobby,” says Maurice. The idea for an album probably took root while dining in a fine restaurant in Staad, Switzerland with a group of close friends – “We call ourselves the Wolf Pack,” he adds with a smile. That night, the woman singing caught his eye, and he jokingly told his friends he’d quite like the opportunity to sing with her. “Sure enough, one of them went up to her and brought her to the table. She grabbed my arm, dragged me up to the stage, and we sang Night and Day together. Since then, every time I went to have dinner there, they’d always ask me to sing.”

INTERVIEW

Way

P hotograPhy

J acob S ammut

February 2014 | Sunday Circle 51

INTERVIEW

We knocked out the first three songs at one go after a day’s work... But we took more time as we went on, to get everything just right

Eventually, as more and more people became aware of his penchant for performing, Maurice decided to release an album as a way to raise funds for the Spiro Mizzi Foundation. “We knocked out the first three songs at one go after a day’s work,” he laughs. “But we took more time as we went on, to get everything just right.” All the songs on the album are sung by Maurice himself – and, in at least one instance, cheekily improved. “For The Old Fashioned Way [by Charles Aznavour] I changed the second part of the text,” he says with a grin. “I added: ‘I love your soft skin, your hair, your eyes, your smile.’ It makes it a bit more human...a bit more sexy.” Due to complications over rights, Maurice has not yet been able to sell the CD publicly, but has been giving it out in exchange for donations to the foundation. “One person donated €1000 and another €500, so I’ve been very pleased with people’s generosity.” The Spiro Mizzi Foundation was founded five years ago, named in honour of Maurice’s father, who was born in Vittoriosa. “The aim of the Foundation is to increase the 000 52 Sunday Circle | February 2014

number of children from the Three Cities going to university, or finding a nice job, so they can make their own lives and get out of the conditions that persist in that region,” he explains. The Foundation’s work involves providing children with classrooms and computer equipment, and teachers to instruct them in their use. “We could have donated directly to people, to help them with their problems, but we chose to give a rod rather than just giving a fish.” Maurice says that he believes it is the duty of the wealthy to give something back. “I chose to work with the Three Cities because in my opinion it’s the area that needs it the most. But there are a lot of poor people in Malta. We just don’t realise because Maltese people are so proud. You’d never see somebody begging in the streets. Many people go through a phase when they need help, but if they come through, they can continue on their own. If you have too much, you have to help the ones who have nothing.” The album now complete, he has already nearly

finished work on his next project: a book on gardening (his garden has been featured in eight international magazines), where once again, all proceeds – expected to be about €30,000 – will be going to the Foundation. So does he ever see himself slowing down? He is, after all, 78 years old. “I hope not,” he laughs. “I still attend meetings every day. I still have a lot of responsibilities and I’m careful to take the right decisions. On the other hand, I believe that in order to say healthy at my age, I need to have time off to keep in shape and keep my body going.” Every year, in fact, he spends two weeks skiing in Switzerland, and two weeks waterskiing in Corfu. It seems to be working: apart from four days out with bronchitis recently, Maurice claims to have never lost a day of work due to illness in 15 years. “I work hard but I also play hard,” he says. Maurice Mizzi Sings: 10 Romantic Songs can be obtained upon donation from The Spiro Mizzi Foundation c/o Continental Cars Ltd., Princess Margaret Street, Msida, MSD 1330. All proceeds go the Spiro Mizzi Foundation.

2014

th March 4 l th February til 28

www.visitgozo.com

National & Regional Celebrations Committee

Indulging The One You Love

Beautiful flowerS for your Valentine

Love doesn’t require the grandest of gestures, but induLging that one speciaL person in your Life is stiLL a treat that never gets oLd, especiaLLy on the most romantic day of the year. give your Loved one gifts that ignite sensory experiences this vaLentine’s day by showering them with presents that offer the Luxurious taste of chocoLate, the sweet smeLL of perfume and the deep hues of fLowers

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Sunday Circle | February 2014

While any day is a fine day to buy chocolate, Valentine’s Day is definitely the time to step it up when buying chocolate. At Vini e Capricci, you can get a wooden canister of Guido Gobino Chocolate Cialdine (Turin) for your loved one. Visit our shop where we have an array of Valentine’s Gifts or choose a customised gift. ABRAHAMS | Gozitano Agricultural Village, Mgarr Road, Xewkija, Gozo T: 2156 3231 / 2156 0952 | W: www.abrahams.com.mt

POP CULTURE

indulging the one You love ChoColates melt, unforgettable nights don’t! Everyone wants to make the most romantic day of the year unforgettable for their loved one and we can help through our restaurants — Valentine’s with a Twist at the Quarterdeck Bar with a romantic 3 course meal · Price: €45 per person · Free parking included A Mediterranean Buffet Dinner at the Oceana Restaurant · Price: €55 per person · Free parking, welcome drink and gift for the ladies A Royal Thai set menu at the Blue Elephant Restaurant · Price: €90 per person · Free parking, free flowing wine/water and a gift for the ladies We are also giving 12 couples the chance to win special moments at Hilton Malta. Like our Facebook page and vote for your favourite romantic plan for Valentine’s Day. One couple will win the Grand Prize: A 2 night stay in a Corner Suite with 2 dinners, 1 at the Blue Elephant and 1 at the Bottega Del Vino, and a Spa Treatment. HILTON MALTA | Portomaso, St Julians | T: 2138 3383 E: info.malta@hilton.com | W: www.hiltonmaltahotel.com Facebook: hiltonmalta

love hearts Love hearts – Enjoy the pleasure of a Maltese Artisan product. Delicious handmade pralines for the sweetest gift this Valentine’s Day produced with the finest Belgian Chocolate. BUSY BEE LTD. | Ta’Xbiex Seafront, Msida T: 2133 1738 | E: info@busybee.com.mt W: www.busybee.com.mt

56 Sunday Circle | February 2014

POP CULTURE feature

GAMES TO GO Addiction is An insidious thing. it All stArts out the sAme wAy: “Just once won’t hurt.” thAt sAme thinking is fuelling An errAtic but powerful trend in mobile gAmes W ords

It started with Farmville. Described as a social network game, it first made waves in 2007 via a Facebook application. An app for Apple smart phones followed later, as did Farmville 2. People all over the world were genuinely concerned for their virtual crops and virtual animals and those of their neighbours, some even going to far as to wake up at night to maximise on their virtual harvest. At first, Farmville was just a fad. Then it was something to ridicule, something one’s parents found out about months after everyone else, and now it has faded from the Web’s notoriously fickle memory, a brief entry in a list of things that caught our attention. The company that made it, Zynga, also made the Scrabble-like Words with Friends and a handful of other web and mobile applications. But for the most part, Farmville was the prize pig and the one which they will be remembered for. As social networks evolved, and our relationships with them, games like Farmville fell out of favour. Facebook was

r achel a gius

no longer an elite club, a safe haven for the technologically advanced youth. Now your boss, your primary school teacher and your mum were all there too. You didn’t necessarily want them to know you spent hours tending to imaginary beetroots. Coupled with the growing ubiquity of smart phones, this meant that in order for games to be successful, they needed to make the leap from a web browser to a mobile phone. Angry Birds needs no introduction. Created by Finnish studio Rovio, this app lets its players fling different – but equally irate – avian missiles at structures within which hide some very nervous pigs. The runaway success of Angry Birds is evident in the many new iterations of the game (including a Star Wars-themed one), the release of physical merchandise and the promise of a full-length film in 2016. It still lingers at the top of the download charts for all mobile operating systems. That, it would seem, is what a hit game looks like.

Except that that is not the whole story. Launching an airborne avian assault on some pilfering porcine targets may be the recipe for success but, as users recently found out, it is definitely not the only one. Cue the release of Candy Crush Saga by King, in 2012. Grown men and women were reduced to frustration by the candy-matching game. It started on Facebook and then moved to mobile which is, arguably, when things got serious. Thinkgaming.com, an analysis tool used to gather data on games and gaming habits, estimates that Candy Crush, which is free to play but offers paid in-game purchases, pulls in between $750,000 and $875,000 per day. This blows Rovio’s daily takings through Angry Birds – just under $6,500 – out of the water. A number of factors come into play when considering the addictive nature of Candy Crush. First, it makes you wait. It makes you wait for 30 minutes, unless you want to pay to get back to your game.

Candy Crush, which is free to play but offers paid in-game purchases, pulls in between $750,000 and $875,000 per day

February 2014 | Sunday Circle 57

FEATURE

This keeps users coming back and, if their patience runs out, paying more money. Throw in a little positive reinforcement – each successful round rewards the user with an audio prompt saying something like ‘Delicious!’ or ‘Sweet!’ – a sense of escaping the dullness of daily life and a constant stream of new levels, and you have an unputdownable game that people keep returning to, with and without the help of the in-game purchased boosts. Then came Flappy Bird. Seemingly out of nowhere, this maddening and maddeningly simple game has taken top spot across all mobile platforms, with 10 million downloads and counting. Even its creator, Vietnamese Dong Nguyen was shocked. He released Flappy Bird

Sunday Circle | February 2014

last September but it has only just come to everyone’s attention, mostly thanks to social media sharing. It has a simple interface, no story, basic graphics and no in-game purchases. You can compare your score to your friends’ but there is no cooperation required within the game itself. It is as simple as they get and still, people are flocking to this game and venting their frustration online. So what’s next? It’s really hard to say. From the collaborative efforts of Farmville, to the franchising machinery behind Angry Birds, to Candy Crush’s nearly scientific exploitation of psychology and Flappy Bird’s austere mechanics, it is difficult to predict – but it won’t be long before some new game has us glued to our screens.

New

OUT WITH THE OLD, in with the

HEALTH

Dr Jean Paul DemaJo talks about how cosmetic Dentistry can bring a breath of fresh air to your smile

When was the last time you gave your teeth some attention? Do they still look good or are you too embarrassed to expose them? As years go by, the aesthetic result that was once achieved through conventional dentistry is lost. Colour

Natural teeth change in colour by absorbing stains from food and drink, while porcelain present in old crowns and bridges does not. This causes a noticeable difference in colouration. GiNGivAl reCessioN

An old 7-tooth conventional bridge

Gum recession causes teeth to look longer and may even expose metal present in dental crowns or bridges. Metal leaches out chemicals, which may infiltrate the gums and make them look darker. spACes

Bridges replacing missing teeth spanning from one tooth to the next can loosen. The loss of the natural tooth results in a loss of stimulus to the bone. over the years this results in the loss of bone causing the gum to recede. The resulting space may cause food to get trapped leading to localised inflammation and possible bad breath. TooThWeAr porcelain is harder than natural tooth enamel. As a result when natural teeth chew against porcelain teeth, most of the wear occurs on the enamel side. This leaves unidirectional facets on the natural teeth causing asymmetry and loss of harmony with the other teeth.

New all-ceramic (metal-free) crowns. Part of the old bridge has also been replaced by 2 implant-supported crowns

soluTioN the gingival contour. This treatment regime results in the once lost inter-dental papillae being regenerated improving symmetry and gingival health. single teeth carry far better aesthetics than teeth joined together.

1. old crowns are replaced with new ones using the highest grade of porcelain without the use of metal. This maximises the aesthetic result offering the most life-like aesthetics porcelain can create. 2. Teeth may be bleached to their natural colour removing the stains piled up over the years. The colour of the new crowns may be chosen to match the bleached natural colour. 3. Missing teeth once replaced with bridges may now be replaced with implants. implants may require minor bone reconstruction, re-shaping

4. The shape of the tooth may be redefined to achieve the desired symmetrical result. This is done by adjusting the toothâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s length, width, angulations and inclination.

There is absolutely no reason why you should be covering your teeth when smiling. Cosmetic dentistry offers ways and means of revitalising your smile. With minimal effort and maximum attention, your teeth may be transformed. The result is not just good looking teeth but a huge boost in your confidence on a daily basis. Ask your dentist!

Dr Jean Paul Demajo, Dental and Implant Surgeon has trained in London and works in private practice in Malta.

February 2014 | Sunday Circle 59

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W E N

*Offer valid on promotional packs only, until stocks last.

Ponsomby Street, Mosta MST 4032 2143 2571, 2143 6186, 2143 2951 info@vct.com.mt www.vct.com.mt Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 08.00 to 18.00 Thu 08.00 to 20.00 (Late Night) Sat 09.00 to 12.30

Sunday Circle | February 2014

HIGH-TECH

Give a car wash gift voucher to your loved one this Valentine’s Welcome to Promobile Car Wash, a mobile car wash company offering you premium car wash services in Malta. Get your car washed within minutes any place you want, without visiting a far away car wash centre and having to take time off work. Call us and we will send our mobile car valet unit that is fully equipped to wash your car inside out, giving it a thoroughly brand new look.

Booking No: 7988 0317 All online bookings or Facebook comments are confirmed within minutes.

Stylish living

Standard wash (interior and exterior detailing) Euro 20 Deluxe Wash (standard wash + soft shell wax application protection) Euro 35 Complete Valet ( All interior is washed, sterilized and complete detailing) Euro 55

Brighten your rooms with our new collection of chandeliers, floor lights and lampshades. Stunning designs in every style and size, from fresh contemporary looks to classic crystal chandelier designs. Limited offer. Buy 1 get 2nd one half price

Service times from Monday – Saturday 8-5pm

B4 Group, Fgura, Tel 2180 1092 | Mosta, Tel 2143 2003 Web: www.b4.com.mt PROMOBILE CAR WASH

WWW.PROMOBILECARWASH.COM facebook.com/promobilecarwash

New Toyota Auris Doneo Experience your music on the go, wherever you are. Enjoy rich, life-like sound from an ultra-compact speaker that is small enough to fit in your palm. The Bose SoundLink® Mini® speaker connects wirelessly to your Smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth® enabled device, so you can listen to your music, games or videos on the go, everywhere you go. With a rechargeable battery that plays up to 7 hours, simply grab it and dash. Available at €199 from Doneo, Mountbatten Street, Hamrun. Tel. 2123 0741, info@doneo.com.mt | www.doneo.com.mt

New Toyota Auris – Sleek and Sporty From Every Angle The new Toyota Auris has a dynamic, sporty and sleek exterior that creates a powerful road presence, with the new ‘Keen Look’ styling at the front of the car sweeping back from the badge to merge into the headlights. Exceptional comfort also comes as standard, with blue-white illumination producing a cool, calm look and complementing the soft touch materials used throughout the interior. For more information, visit the Toyota showroom at Micheal Debono Ltd Mdina Road, Zebbug. Tel : 2269 4000

Visit us on FACEBOOK

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Saving for your future is about seeing the bigger picture

No matter what you want to save for it is never too early to start saving for your future.

Talk to us now for more details For more information on our range of Savings Plans contact us today on freephone 8007 2220, visit our website at www.msvlife.com, contact any of our Tied Insurance Intermediaries, your Insurance Broker or visit any branch of Bank of Valletta or APS Bank. MSV Life p.l.c. is authorised by the Malta Financial Services Authority to carry on long term business under the Insurance Business Act, 1998. Bank of Valletta and APS Bank are enrolled as Tied Insurance Intermediaries of MSV Life p.l.c. COM210513

Art Design, Air Brush paintings and murals Gypsum board and furniture painting Hotels, Coffee Shops, Nightclubs & Home Interiors

Anthonyairbrush Desira artist anthonyartist.blogspot.com Mob: 7930 1835

Sunday Circle | February 2014

SHOPPING

SHARING THE MOMENTS M&S loves sharing with you those moments which mean the most to you. This Valentine’s, be a romantic: share a box of choclates and a bottle of Sparkling Rosé with your loved one. Pop in store to check out our full Valentine’s selection or log onto www.winedrop.com and get it delivered to your door.

Kwai believes that life is worth living. Kwai Heart + Immune combines garlic and vitamins A, C & E to help maintain a healthy heart and immune system. Available from leading pharmacies. Distributed by Vivian Corporation Email: info@viviancorp.com Web: www.viviancorp.com Tel: 2132 0338

The boys’ Holy Communion and confirmation suits have a discreet, elegant classic style, showcasing excellence of materials and richness of textures. The distinctive look for the girls’ Holy Communion and confirmation dresses reflect the fashion houses G.F. Ferre, Val Max and Pamela that have always paid tribute to sophistication and splendour of haute couture.

BICE, Old Treasury Str, Valletta | Tel: 2123 9885 | Email: bicemalta@gmail.com February 2014 | Sunday Circle 63

Paint it Red 1. A UNIQUE DRINK

3. UNIQUE AND TIMELESS MIXERS

Campari is a unique drink. Its distinctive red colour signifies passion. Its unmistakable taste has been enjoyed for 150 years, unchanged since it was dreamed up by Gaspare Campari in 1860. It has always been distinguishable thanks to its style, class and elegance. Campari serves as the basis of many cocktails, making it the perfect drink for any time of the day. The classic Campari Orange is a perennial favourite long drink but if you prefer to try a different expression of this passionate drink, go for a Negroni Sbagliato - 1 part Campari, 1 part vermouth Cinzano Rosso and 1 part Cinzano Prosecco. Build in a double rocks glass with ice and enjoy in your favourite company. Distributed by FBIC Ltd. Tel: 2381 4400.

The Artisan Food Mixer is of full metal construction so it is robust, stable and durable. The planetary action allows for fast and thorough mixing. The direct drive is silent, reliable and long lasting. The single attachment hub is easy to use and allows for versatility. The bowl has an ergonomic handle for a better grip and easy handling. Everything about this mixer has been designed to make it look outstanding. Each machine is coated in baked enamel, this not only makes the Kitchenaid Artisan stand mixer easy to clean but prevents scratching and chipping easily. Available in several colours including Empire Red. See the entire range of Kitchenaid mixers at the Forestals showroom in Mriehel. Tel: 2343 6000. Web: www.forestals.com

2. LUXURY LIPSTICK

4. ThE STYLISh DRIvE

The NEW MilanoRed laque liquid lipstick. An unbeatable performance and a revolutionary 4-in-1 formula, it blends the comfort of a luxury lipstick with the hydration of a lip balm, the lacquer-like shine of a lip gloss, and lasting colour of a lip stain. The formula is neither sticky nor drying because it contains water, hydrating oils and butters, such as olive and Shea butter, for deep tissue hydration. The pigment-rich formula leaves full, brilliant, faderesistant colour. Hypoallergenic. Formulated to minimise the risk of allergy Exclusively distributed by A.M. Mangion Ltd. Tel: 2397 6000.

The Renault Clio delivers a high standard of comfort and safety equipment and features an affordable personalisation programme on an unprecedented level for Renault. Instantly recognisable with its front-end style featuring the Renault logo, the Clio, with its sporty silhouette, is a combination of beauty and functionality, recording low fuel consumption. See the new Renault Clio at Auto Sales Ltd â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Lija. Tel: 2331 1126/131 for a test drive.

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4.99% interest rate

the car of your dreams at an incredible rate Have you been dreaming about your perfect car? Now’s the perfect moment to make your dreams a reality - we guarantee the best financial package for you. Talk to us today. Your success is our goal.

BOV PERSONAL LOANS 2131 2020 I bov.com

Send a blank sms to 7969 6975 (normal SMS tariffs apply) Offer valid until 31st March 2014 and may close earlier at the Bank’s discretion. Representative example of a Motor Loan based on a loan amount of €12,000 being made available by Bank of Valletta plc at a variable interest rate of 4.99% p.a. (interest margin of 2.54% plus Consumer Lending Bank Base Rate of 2.45%): APR will be 5.178% p.a. and loan will be repayable in 84 equal monthly instalments of €169.94 over a term of 7 years. The total sum payable throughout the term of the loan, assuming the variable interest rate remains unchanged, will be €14,274.96 being capital of €12,000 and interest of €2,274.96; no processing fees are payable. Terms and conditions apply. Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c. 58, Zachary Street, Valletta VLT 1130 - Malta

i LOVE YOUR SKIN Dermalogica is about helping you achieve your best skin. So weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not filling this ad with movie stars, sparkly packaging or extravagant promises. Because we believe in smart skin care, with proven results. We take skin seriously. Your skin.

we are The number one choice of professional skin therapists, even for their own skin

ASK for your Valentine Gift Packages, available from all leading Dermalogica Salons & sm the Dermalogica Skin Bar level 0, The Point, Sliema Dermalogica is distributed by Biocare Company Ltd. T. 2142 4401/2/3 E. info@biocaremalta.com

DermalogicaMalta