Sunday Circle Issue 229

www.sundaycircle.com

JANUARY 2014 – ISSUE NO. 229

Spotlight

New ChoiCes, New Families An in-depth look at civil unions and gay adoption

See page 4

Interview

helGa ellUl The European Parliament candidate and former Playmobil Malta CEO on business and politics See page 18

Exclusive

DAVIDE TUCCI The model and actor on life in front of the lens, working as a model in Melbourne – and how acting fires his imagination and his ambition See page 8

PLUS

Photo essay: behind the scenes at the last ever animal circus to be staged in malta ...See page 23

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36

8

contents Society

PHoto eSSay

As Parliament debates the Civil Unions Act, Philip LeoneGanado takes a look at the complex debate surrounding civil unions and the adoption of children by same-sex couples

Photographer Jacob Sammut goes behind the scenes at the Circo Viviana Orfei — the last ever animal circus to be held in Malta, as new legislation banning the controversial performances nears introduction.

4 New ChoiCes, New Families iNteRVieWS

8 Not Just a Pretty FaCe

Modelling has brought Davide Tucci recognition but it’s acting that really fires his imagination. Sarah Borg meets the man behind the face

18 star oF iNdustry

When Helga Ellul first came to Malta from Germany, she planned to stay for a year. Forty years later, she tells Philip Leone-Ganado about her plan to enter the political fray – and give something back to her adopted homeland

32 oN the move

From piano to accountancy to skiing trips to lifestyle changes, there is little Stellina Galea hasn’t successfully done. Philip Leone-Ganado finds out what makes her tick

HealtH

15 the GiFt oF liFe

The importance of donating blood is something we have all become aware of, but less is known about the other side of the line – those whose life is better thanks to someone’s blood donation. Sarah Borg investigates

40 PreveNtiNG tooth wear

18

23 the CirCus leaves towN cultuRe

34 the loNG aNd short oF it

Between Twitter and Vine, the ultra-short form certainly seems to be the internet’s preferred mode of expression.

But could our bite-sized missives one day amount to more than just fluff, asks Rachel Aguis?

36 writiNG lives

As she prepares for the release of her latest novel, renowned author Clare Azzopardi talks to Adrian Camilleri about realism and imagination, writing for children and adults — and the writer’s craft

23

RegulaRS

2 a word From the editor

SHoPPiNg

42 health | 44 Food & driNk 45 kids | 47 shoPPiNG 48 home

Dental and implant surgeon Dr Jean Paul Demajo on the wearing away of the natural tooth structure 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 editors 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 As a new year begins, a new life could be about to begin for many men and women in Malta. A new bill the government expects to pass in the coming weeks would for the first time allow gay couples to formalise their relationship in a civil union – and to adopt children as a couple. As heartening as it is to see Malta ensuring equal rights for all its citizens, the plan is not without opposition. In our opening story, we explore the debate.

And as some things begin, others end. The curtain seems set to come down on animal circuses for the last time, as a total ban moves towards introduction. Before that happens, we went backstage at the Circo Viviana Orfei, which could well be the last ever circus of its kind on the island. The shots in our photo essay

tell of a show rich in spectacle and tradition – but they also offer a glimpse of the treatment that animal rights activists have protested about for so long.

From author Clare Azzopardi to the businesswoman and political candidate Helga Ellul, we also had the pleasure of encountering a number of prominent female personalities this month, who gave us a unique insight into their life and work.

And of course, our cover personality this month is the Italian-born model and actor Davide Tucci, who you can expect to see gracing your screen ever more in the months and years to come.

This and more inside. Thanks for reading.

SUNDAY CIRCLE WINNERS MYSTERY SANTA

GOODIE BAG WINNER

Carmen Fenech was the winner of last month’s Mystery Santa competition. She received a grand prize of €1000 in vouchers to be spent in any of the shops found in this complex. Carmen (centre) is pictured here with Bay Street Marketing and Events Executive Philip Galea and Sunday Circle’s Sarah Borg.

This month’s Goodie Bag winner is Maria de Conti Manduca, pictured here (left) with Sunday Circle’s Viktoriya Kyurcheva.

Maria won a fantastic selection of gifts from a variety of outlets, including a Coccinelle handbag, make-up and perfume – all while helping us raise money for a charity close to our heart.

So, are you still guessing who our Mystery Santa was?

Well, he was certainly a good sport (pun intended). It was marathon man and CEO of Inspire, Nathan Farrugia!

enter the circle

PUBLISHER John Formosa Network Publications Ltd www.sundaycircle.com

JANUARY 2014 – ISSUE NO. 229

Sarah Scicluna Jessica Camilleri

SALES & MARKETING

Spotlight

Renée Micallef Decesare

Marisa Schembri

An in-depth look at civil unions and gay adoption

EDITORIAL

Jessica Borg

New ChoiCes, New Families See page 4

Interview

helGa ellUl The European Parliament candidate and former Playmobil Malta CEO on business and politics See page 18

Exclusive

DAVIDE TUCCI Scan here with your smartphone or tablet

PUBLICATION & SALES MANAGER

ART & DESIGN

The model and actor on life in front of the lens, working as a model in Melbourne – and how acting fires his imagination and his ambition See page 8

PLUS

Photo essay: behind the scenes at the last ever animal circus to be staged in malta ...See page 23

Philip Leone-Ganado EDITOR

Sarah Borg ASSISTANT EDITOR

Rachel Agius ASSISTANT EDITOR

CONTRIBUTOR Adrian Camilleri

FEATURES SALES MANAGER SUPPLEMENTS SALES COORDINATOR

Viktoriya Kyurcheva SALES ADMINISTRATOR

COVER Ryan Galea PHOTOGRAPHY

178, Marina street, pietĂ seafront st anne street, fLoriana i teL: 2010 3715, 2010 2949 i www.victorazzopardi.coM

BOUQUET collection

NEW choicEs NEW s E i L i M FA

nAdo tAkes A look At the -GA ne leo iliP Ph t, AC s ion Un il As PArliAment debAtes the Civ n of Children by sAme-sex tio oP Ad e th d An s ion Un il Civ ComPlex debAte sUrroUndinG ArGUment eArheAdinG either side of the sP e os th om fr s Ar he d An – CoUPles

4

Sunday Circle | January 2014

SOCIETY

T

wo years ago, a survey conducted

by MaltaToday found that some 33 per cent of the Maltese population supported the principle of gay marriage with full adoption rights. Support was predictably highest in the 18-34 age-group, where 46 per cent expressed themselves in favour. More recently, a study commissioned by the church in October 2013 found that opposition to adoption by homosexual couples stood at 80 per cent.

But Dr Helena Dalli, Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties, is unfazed. Her government is pioneering legislation that will allow samesex couples to enter into Civil Unions that are, for all purposes of the law, equivalent to marriage – including being able to apply to adopt children as a couple. “It’s always like that,” says Dr Dalli of the surveys.

“People were against the decriminalisation of homosexuality and the vote for women.

People said we weren’t ready for divorce, but nothing happened when we legislated for it. Somebody now is willing to forge ahead and legislate in the interests of a minority, otherwise nothing would change.”

She points to the fact that civil unions featured in the Labour Party’s electoral manifesto and were a clear part of its electoral strategy, suggesting that the government is only being loyal to what people have already voted for in the general election. But more fundamentally, she questions the relevance of popular opinion on the issue. “I don’t believe the majority should decide for the minority.

If 80 per cent are opposed, the 20 per cent still need the legislation.”

Her most vocal critic is the Auxiliary Bishop Mons. Charles Scicluna. “The Civil Unions Bill raises a number of issues,” he says. “I oppose treating the unions of same sex couples as equivalent to marriage in all aspects because it would be against the common good to treat different relationships as if they were the same. I am also opposed to the adoption of minors by legal parents of the same sex because this does not reflect the wisdom and order of creation; it is not in the best interest of minors.”

Mons. Scicluna made headlines worldwide a few weeks ago, when he quoted Pope Francis saying he was “shocked” at developments on the issue in Malta. He has also said that for a Catholic lawmaker to support the bill would be to commit a “gravely immoral act.” Yet he rejects any suggestion that he is attempting to put undue pressure on Members of

Parliament. “I take issue with those who say that what I say to the Catholic faithful, who have a right to know what the Church teaches, in fact constitutes undue pressure on them. Every MP remains free to follow his or her conscience.”

From the other side of the coin, Dr Dalli issues a thanks-but-no-thanks response.

“Some MPs happen to be Catholic, but in Parliament we are first of all MPs, and we legislate according to our electoral manifesto.

So there’s a line that separates politics from the Church. It’s good for the Church to voice its teachings and to have a debate, but legislation is a matter of state.”

Like many opponents to the bill in its current form, Mons. Scicluna suggests that too much importance has been given to the rights of people to adopt instead of the right of a child to be adopted. “Every child has the right to know his or her parents, the right to be brought up in a family of a mother and a father. Society has a duty to ensure this for its future citizens,” he says.

“In every adoption process, the best interest of the child should be the paramount concern and the main focus.

The Civil Unions Bill does not amend the law on adoption but introduces the legal concept of same-sex parenthood, under “Filiation”, which is a legal fiction rendered possible only through adoption of minors born of a man and a woman. The minor will therefore have to indicate John and John, or Mary and Mary as his or her legal parents with all the effects that will have on his or her self-identity and privacy.”

In every adoptIon process, the best Interest of the chIld should be the paramount concern and the maIn focus

Worldwide, gay couples can jointly adopt children in seventeen countries worldwide, including seven in Europe: South Africa, Iceland, Canada, Mexico, Spain, UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, as well as in certain parts of Australia and the USA. Moreover, step-parent adoption is available in three more countries: Israel, Finland, and Germany.

In Malta, the current law on adoption allows people to apply for adoption either as a married couple or as single individuals, with no reference to sexual orientation. With no recourse to marriage, gay couples looking to adopt have no choice but to apply for the adoption in the name of one of the partners, leaving the other partner with no parental rights over their adopted child. For Dr Dalli, the fact that gay parenthood is already January 2014 | Sunday Circle 5

Dr Dalli is spearheaDing ve legislation that woulD gi gay couples the right to y enter into a union legall anD equivalent to marriage, uple. to aDopt chilDren as a co D we “we believe in equality an for think we must legislate which the rights of minorities now. have been ignoreD up to we think it’s important, as the prime minister saiD, that 2014 shoulD be the year of equality – anD this bill supports that statement.”

ChaRleS SCiClUna 6

Sunday Circle | January 2014

helena dalli mons. scicluna oppose s the legislation on the ba sis of church teachings anD the poss ible impact on chilDren aDopteD by samesex couples. “i oppose treating the unions of same se x couples as equivalent to marri age in all aspects because it woulD be against the common go oD to treat Different relationship s as if they were the same. i am al so opposeD to the aDoption of min ors by legal parents of the same se x because this Does not reflect the wisDom anD orDer of creation; it is not in the best interest of minors.”

SOCIETY a reality means that any move to regularise the situation can only be seen as positive. “If anything, we are actually tightening scrutiny,” she says. “Where before only one of the partners would have been scrutinised before adoption, now both will have to appear before the board.”

The Minister stresses that the right under discussion is not so much the right to adopt as the right to apply for an adoption.

While the Opposition has called for a social impact assessment before any law comes into force, Dr Dalli argues that such an assessment will take place on each and every case. “Anyone applying to adopt a child – as has been done up to now – will have to be scrutinised extensively in front of a board. It is the experts there who will decide whether the people in front of them are capable of bringing up a child.”

To date, the absolute weight of international scientific evidence suggests that there is little value in asking whether same-sex couples are prima facie any more or less capable of raising children without adverse effects on their wellbeing. In its amicus brief to the US Supreme Court on a landmark case concerning same-sex marriage, the American Sociological Association stated: “The clear and consistent consensus in the social science profession is that across a wide range of indicators, children fare just as well when they are raised by same-sex parents when compared to children raised by opposite-sex parents.”

If the consensus is to be believed, concern over children’s best interests may be misplaced. Judith Stacey, Professor of Social and Cultural Analysis and Sociology at New York University, goes further. “Rarely is there as much consensus in any area of social science as in the case of gay parenting, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics and all of the major professional organizations with expertise in child welfare have issued reports and resolutions in support of gay and lesbian parental rights.”

Her paper, co-authored with Timothy Biblarz, “How Does the Sexual Orientation of Parents Matter?” found that children with gay or lesbian parents “are well-adjusted, have good levels of selfesteem and are as likely to have high educational attainments as children raised in more traditional heterosexual families.”

It Is the experts there who wIll decIde whether the people In front of them are capable of brIngIng up a chIld

Dr Dalli is confident that consensus will be reached on the bill, which is currently before parliament in the committee stage. “The Opposition have declared themselves in favour of the principle.

They’ve proposed an amendment to the constitution to explicitly prohibit discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation – so we seem to be in agreement.”

Still, even if the bill passes, there is a long road ahead for prospective gay parents. The path to adoption is an arduous, taxing process at the best of times, but for gay parents, it is even more so. In an interview last year, Malta Gay Rights Movement coordinator Gabi Calleja pointed to the fact that most children are adopted from abroad, with Maltese adoption agencies having to compile a report about the prospective parents, which is sent to the country where the child lives. “The problem is if this information [that the adoptive parent is gay] gets included in the report as there is currently no country open to gay adoptions,” she said. In October 2013, in fact, Russia put on hold all adoptions to Malta in light of the government’s direction on same-sex unions.

Yet despite all this, for those gay men and women eager to start a family, the signs are positive.

January 2014 | Sunday Circle 7

8

Sunday Circle | January 2014

cover story

NOT JUST A

PRETTY FACE Modelling has brought davide tucci recognition at hoMe and abroad, but it’s acting that really fires his iMagination – and his aMbition. sarah borg Meets the Man behind the face P hotograPhy

by

r yan g alea

You may not know him by name but you must certainly have come across the fresh faced Davide Tucci on ad campaigns, television or at the theatre in the last couple of years. The 26-year old, born to a Maltese mother and an Italian father, is currently playing one of his most challenging roles to date: a visually impaired man in TVM’s drama series Katrina, while gearing up to showcase his Russian spy skills in an upcoming short film.

“If you don’t love working as an actor, then you wouldn’t do it because there is no money in it locally,” says Davide. Speaking frankly about the challenges of the local acting industry, the model and actor says that one of the persistent faults is the use of exaggerated expressions in local series, resulting in overacting. “There is this constant fear of what the Maltese audience might like or not like and some of the industry insiders have created strict boundaries, but thankfully, there are others who are pushing for improvement.”

January 2014 | Sunday Circle 9

COVER STORY The composure of his manners and the idealism he strives towards for the local acting industry are refreshing in a man whose symmetrical features and blue-green eyes are bold enough to capture anyone’s attention without him having to make the least effort. These physical traits were in fact, the elements that brought him into the world of modelling. “I was taking part in musical theatre when a photographer asked me if I had ever thought about modelling. I used to dismiss this profession as being shallow but I learned it gets tricky because you have to express yourself through stills.”

Commercials, editorials and ad campaigns have given Davide local and international exposure, even spending a year working in Melbourne. “I felt at home in Melbourne. Maybe it’s because I’ve gone to and fro between Italy and Malta all my life, but I feel at home everywhere I go, and that’s why I love travelling, even though I don’t have enough time to do so with a full-time job and acting work taking up whatever time is left.”

Beyond the sightseeing, Davide found that the people he worked with, more than the work itself, were the reason modelling became an important part of his development. “When you’re modelling, it’s about you, there is no real character. But this profession did give me the opportunity to meet a number of creative people who have influenced me and from whom I learned a lot about creativity.”

After three years of photo shoots however, Davide started to focus on what he really loves: acting. “I enjoy being a different character and I like being directed.” When a workshop led by foreign director Lucien Simon was being held in Malta, Davide 10 Sunday Circle | January 2014

took the opportunity to work on his upcoming role as Clyde, the visually impaired young man in Katrina.

“Lucien Simon made me close my eyes, then he dropped me at a random café in Sliema. I was stranded and I could not see!” he recalls. “I was frustrated but it was important for me to be so because the character I was going to play had been visually impaired for ten years, so I had to fast track through all the emotions this man would have gone through.” After ordering coffee, sitting there all by himself, “the oddest thing happened,” he recalls. “I sensed that people wanted to help me and they did so by opening their hearts so I could feel better.”

Stumbling in a few chairs while walking out of the café to end the exercise, this was one of the many ways Davide prepared for the role, as research, he says, is central for any of his roles.

When it came to Clyde, he also made sure to spend time with people who were visually impaired to observe how they go about their day. Once filming started, Davide learned where things in his room were placed. “On set, nobody moves anything from Clyde’s room, everything remains in its place, that way, when I’m in character I can blur everything out and focus on the tone, on what I hear and what I touch because I cannot rely on expressions.”

Research was also imperative for his role as a Russian spy, for 12 frames, a short film directed by Peter Paul Gauci, which will be released in 2014.

“I researched how snipers were trained in WWII. I learned about the background of the average spy so that I could then build my character.

At one point during filming, I was given a rifle used in WWI as one of my props and I was so happy, I love that era.”

Merchant Street, Valletta | St. Anne’s Square, Sliema

COVER STORY

“it is common for the people you are auditioning for to stop you before you even say one word because you don’t have the right look” Juggling a full time job and his acting work, Davide says it’s great when his work is appreciated. “Clyde’s scenes are usually very depressing; filming during the weekend, I’ve often gone back home in a bad mood and it was only after a while that I realised how much Clyde’s story was affecting me, but when I meet people who are so hooked on the drama, then it’s worth it. There are people in Malta who don’t speak English and so our local television dramas are important to entertain them.” This role has indeed given Davide more exposure locally, but those around him are doing their part to keep him grounded. “My colleagues have given me a paparazzi kit for Christmas to take the piss,” he laughs.

Despite being very fond of Malta, Davide does not rule out the possibility of travelling to other countries to work on acting projects.

“The beautiful thing about bigger countries is that there are two to three auditions every week,” he explains, adding that he is not keen on improvisation, focusing instead on preparing himself for every audition he attends.

“Although there is more opportunity abroad, there is also more competition and it is common for the people you are auditioning for to stop you before you even say one word because you don’t have the right look.”

The acting world, like the fashion industry, can be brutal, but Davide has concluded that “you can chase a body type or you can be yourself.” When he did want to change, he adds, it was for his personal objectives not for a specific body type, which led him to discover a passion for fitness and well-being. “The gym does help when I’m in a bad mood,” he admits.

He will be pursuing the gym for a while then, since filming of Katrina will end midway through the year.

“I never know what’s going to happen next in the series because I only get Clyde’s script, which is strange but I understand it helps our acting even more.”

Looking back on 2013, Davide describes it as one “filled with great work and opportunities, but I’m hoping to be a bit less busy this year, because it is important for me to spend more time with my loved ones.” The projects for 2014 are lined up, as he gets excited about his upcoming role in Jien Inħobb, Inti Tħobb produced by the Manoel Theatre and Mario Philip Azzopardi, which will be playing in February, as well as the release of 12 frames. “Being happy with what you have means there is less room for improvement.

This industry is about survival,” Davide concludes in a sober tone, one which nonetheless, exudes the hope of a man who dreams big.

12 Sunday Circle | January 2014

HEALTH

The GifT of Life The imporTance of donaTing blood is someThing we have all become aware of, buT less is known abouT The oTher side of The line – Those whose life is beTTer Thanks To someone’s blood donaTion W ords

by

D

uring the last couple of years, our local Blood Donation Unit has strengthened its voice in the media, urging us to donate blood, and giving us the power to save a life. It’s worked. The number of donors has grown, especially in the last three years, and lives are being saved.

The shelf life of blood is a short one: red cells need to be used within 42 days, while

s arah b org

platelets last only 5. As a result, donors are always welcome, especially now, with flu season in full swing. An average of 50 to 60 units of blood is required daily by hospitals; moreover, if one or two serious accidents occur, all of the blood supply is used up. But donors often remain unaware of the impact they’ve had on those whose life has been improved, or even saved, by their selfless act.

January 2014 | Sunday Circle 15

HEALTH “I wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for someone’s blood donation,” Raymond Borg affirms, recalling his struggle with leukaemia. Raymond’s condition required six blood transfusions a month, as well as a number of platelets – a process where he received specific blood components. Platelets, together with plasma and red cells, fall under a specialised form of blood donation known as apheresis, a process that is physically more demanding than a regular blood donation.

As a platelets donor, Paul Mamo knows that apheresis is a more demanding process. But a car accident twenty years ago, leading to two major operations and a minor one, a three month stay in hospital and countless blood bags compelled him to do this, and to also become a stand-by donor.

“The operations I underwent were not life threatening,” Paul explains, yet they were significant procedures that required a lot of blood, changing his perspective on life and turning him into an active donor.

Raymond’s perception of life has also changed since overcoming leukaemia.

“My life has changed drastically such that I know value life much more,” he says. Unlike Paul however, Raymond cannot donate blood. “I suffer from epilepsy, so I was never able to become a donor. Moreover, after being cured from leukaemia, I was informed that I would never be able to donate blood.” What he does do, however, is encourage those who can to do so. “Caring for others is a virtue from God given to us to help all those in need.”

Raymond may not be able to donate blood, but over 300,000 people in Malta can. Yet according to a Eurobarometer survey published in 2010, only 29 per cent of the population have made a donation before, placing Malta well below the European average of 37 per cent, although the last three years have seen the amount of donations increase.

Similar to Raymond and Paul, Rita Attard has also been on the other end of the line, needing blood to recover from anaemia. “I was losing a lot of blood due to my menstrual cycle and I had also developed some fibroids,” she 16 Sunday Circle | January 2014

explains. By the time she underwent a hysterectomy procedure, Rita had already been given six bags of blood.

“I became a blood donor myself after this experience because I felt ashamed thinking somebody else needed my help.”

With a rare blood type, Rita was even luckier to have the blood she needed available. “Thanks to the blood donors, I am full of strength and I do not have enough words to reciprocate. No money and no gratitude can buy such a deed so believe me when I say that you cannot imagine how much you can be of help when you donate blood.” For those who have never donated blood, Rita explains how “it is only a small sting that you experience for just a few seconds, but it is an act that will last through a lifetime for others.”

Eligible donors donate less than a pint of blood in one sitting – a volume that is automatically replenished by the body within 24 hours. If they are leading a healthy life, drug free and do not suffer from serious chronic illnesses, men can donate up to four times a year, while women can do so three times. Every single day, even if there are no accidents, people visit Mater Dei Hospital for regular blood transfusions in conjunction with several illnesses, while the 300 grievous traffic accidents that Malta experiences every year put a further strain on the system.

For the donor, besides the goodness of the gesture in itself, donating blood reduces the chances of ischemic heart diseases (the beginning of heart problems) since multiple donations reduce the unwanted iron load from one’s body. But most importantly, a life may well have been saved. Donors cannot know who it is they’ve helped, but are comforted in knowing they’re roaming the same streets, carrying something of theirs that has given them a better life.

For those who have already donated, all that can be offered is Raymond’s gratitude. “Thank you. If it was not for your generosity I would not have survived.” Paul and Rita, like all those who have benefited, add their sincere thanks, and the hope that all donors understand the magnitude of their benevolent act.

You can

give

blood if you are

between years of age

18-63

Source:

You

must

weigh at least

DRINK water &

HaVe a good

blood

breakfast before donating

who are menstruating

can

DONATE

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18 Sunday Circle | January 2014

interview

H

elga Ellul has lived in Naxxar for 35 years, but around town, she’s still referred to as Il-Ġermaniza. Born and raised in Nuremberg, she speaks English with a pronounced German accent, but these days a certain Maltese tonality has crept into her cadence.

She doesn’t speak Maltese, incidentally (though she understands the language well enough), but when she refers to the Malta and the Maltese, the word she uses is “us”.

It’s unsurprising, then, that when I ask her to which extent she identifies as Maltese, her answer is unequivocal. “I am Maltese. I know this island and I love it. I’ve involved myself in many areas of society, and I think people know that about me: that I’m always active, always out and trying to help, for the good of Malta and because I have a strong belief in Malta.”

Ellul identifies as staunchly pro-European. “When Malta joined the EU, I felt for the first time that we were where we belonged,” she says. “I have seen how much the country has developed since it joined the EU. Malta’s accession has created a certain dynamic. We’ve had to live up to certain quality standards which have been beneficial. It’s given us a drive to be a bit more hardworking: we’ve done very well, which proves that we can find our place in Europe. In fact, if you look at the Mediterranean region, I think Malta is an exception in how well it’s done.”

star

of industry When helga ellul first came to malta from germany, she planned to stay for a year. forty years later, the former playmobil malta ceo tells philip leoneganado about her plan to enter the political fray – and give something back to her adopted homeland

Ellul first arrived on the island in 1974 as Plant Manager of the German Brandstätter Group’s new manufacturing facilities – supposedly for a single year. “We launched Playmobil that year not knowing how much it would change our company,” P hotograPhy by S teve M uliett she recalls. “Then the company grew. We started producing figures in Malta, enlarged the premises, and I stayed on.” She smiles. “I also met my husband a few months after I arrived, which had a bit of an impact too.”

But she also feels that in certain segments of society – particularly older generations – the mentality that prevails Before retiring as CEO of Playmobil Malta in 2012, she had vis-a-vis Europe is still one of us-and-them. “What’s worrying overseen the company’s growth to a point where all Playmobil is that I often hear: what can we get from Europe? But we figures – over 100 million per year – are today produced in have to give as well. We are part of Europe. You can’t sit Malta, as well as the move to a new state-of-the-art factory round a table as equals if you’re only looking to take. It’s like a in 2002. Over the years, she has also held public positions in business: you have to find a win-win situation for everyone.” various fields: President of the Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise, a member of the board of Governors of MCAST, “economic growth is built on confidence.”

Director at Air Malta, and President of the National Council Her decision to throw her lot in with the Nationalist Party stems of Women, among other involvements. Since retiring, she from a shared commitment to Christian values, but also what has run a small private consultancy, but as she explains: she perceives as an innate confidence in the capabilities of the “Somehow, it wasn’t enough.”

Maltese people. “The party has always had the confidence to put the stakes high, knowing we can manage that. That’s what “we can find our place in europe” earned us respect abroad, along with the fact that the Nationalist government always showed stability; it had a plan of action.”

So now, she is throwing her hat into the political ring, running on the Nationalist Party ticket for next May’s European Parliament elections, where she feels her German background combined with her knowledge of Malta and her extensive experience in the business sector will serve her well. “In business you learn how to negotiate, to compromise for a long-term achievement.

Especially in the European Parliament, with 28 countries, that’s very important. You have to see the European aspect, how something affects your country and your party, but also how it fits with the European dimension.”

January 2014 | Sunday Circle 19

InteRVIeW

With Playmobil we proved that if you have the right product and the right skills, you can make it work In contrast, Ellul suggests, the new government has yet to lay out a proper economic vision. “Economic growth is built on confidence.

That’s where politics comes in. Businessmen will invest if they realise that the government is on the same wavelength as them. So far, I haven’t seen a clear definition from this government: it’s just more or less what we already have.” Special criticism is reserved for the controversial citizenship scheme. “We’ve built a very good reputation, but you can destroy it very quickly, and the government needs to be conscious of that.”

Valley: the DNA is the close work between students and the business community, not looking at what we have, but at what we can develop.”

“We need to look at the next step” When asked to expound on what she believes that vision should entail, Ellul speaks with conviction and authority. “Being so small, we can never be a centre of excellence in one specific area, so we need to find niches and diversity, which we’ve done, and which has served the country extremely well,” she says, pointing to financial services, e-gaming, and aircraft maintenance as examples of that diversification, while insisting that more remains to be done. “We can do it. We have good brains; our people are very flexible. Maybe it’s a cultural inheritance because Malta’s always been dominated and has had to adapt,” she adds.

Drawing on her work with MCAST, she stresses that a closer connection between industry and education can be beneficial in this sector too, calling for a greater integration of systems.

“There are people who missed out on university, but maybe after a number of years of working they want to go back. Let them!

Assess their knowledge, but why should it only be A-levels? There is other experience that a person can gain that would equip them for higher education.”

“We need to look at the next step and where we want to go. What’s definitely missing is research and innovation. We need to open our university more and get closer relations to other universities to create a cultural and educational hub. We need to look at newer economies and newer fields, working with start-ups for example. Look at Silicon 20 Sunday Circle | January 2014

At the same time, Ellul points out the importance of not neglecting the more practical, skill-based sectors of society. “We need to look into manufacturing as well, high-end manufacturing for the right products. It’s very difficult for Malta because of its island status, but with Playmobil we proved that if you have the right product and the right skills, you can make it work.”

In society as in business, Ellul sees problems and shortcomings as opportunities for improvement. “When I arrived in Malta, I immersed myself in the business environment and asked myself what I could accept and what I could change for the better. At the time, people were still being paid in cash every week. We became the first company to have bank transfers, and the first to have an ATM outside so people on shift work could get money.” It is a similar pragmatism and optimism that she hopes will serve her well on her newest endeavour.

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PHOTO ESSAY

THE CIRCUS LEAVES TOWN We go behind the scenes at the circo ViViana orfei – the last eVer animal circus to be held in malta, as neW legislation banning the controVersial performances nears introduction P hotograPhy

by

J acob S ammut -§- W ordS

by

P hiliP l eone -g anado

January 2014 | Sunday Circle 23

PHOTO ESSAY

2

1

24 Sunday Circle | January 2014

3

PHOTO ESSAY

A

nimal rights activists have regularly protested against animal circuses, arguing that animals are mistreated during the training process, that the space provided for large animals is insufficient, and that the stresses of constant transit and performance amount to further cruelty. Last year, 94 per cent of those who took part in a public consultation exercise favoured the banning of wild animals from circuses.

5 6

4

In November 2013, the government published a draft bill – Prohibition of Wild Animals in Circuses Regulations – which proposes a ban on all wild animals in circuses, defined as “an animal that is a member of a species not normally domesticated in Malta.” Anyone contravening the regulations will be liable to a prison term of up to a year and a fine of between €30,000 and €50,000, the cancellation of their permit and closing down of the circus. The move follows other countries such as the United Kingdom, where the government confirmed that all animal circuses would be banned by next year.

Despite the controversy, animal circuses have traditionally been relatively popular as Christmas entertainment with the Maltese public. Circus promoter Silvio Zammit claims to have collected 2,000 signatures opposing the draft ban. He has consistently argued that the circuses he promotes draw on rich tradition, and that all animals are born in captivity and treated with care and dignity.

1 Pippo the Hippo turns back from his brief appearance and heads backstage to return to his truck.

2 A young member of the circus family runs and plays in what is his travelling home.

3 The decorated cabin of one of the vast array of trucks used to get the circus on the road.

4 Tigers obey their tamer, and stand on their hind legs.

5 A Colombian daredevil prepares backstage to join two colleagues in a death-defying motorcycle stunt.

6 One of the stage hands takes the lit torches a juggler has just used.

January 2014 | Sunday Circle 25

PHOTO ESSAY

7

8 9

Apart from animals, the Circo Viviana Orfei draws together over sixty artists from all over the world – magicians, trapeze artists, tight-rope walkers, acrobats, jugglers and clowns – who all live, work, and travel with the circus, creating a tight-knit family. Many of the performers come from circus families going back as much as four generations. Animal-free circuses may well flourish in Malta in the years to come, as they have overseas. Touring performances have stopped by from time to time, and last summer saw the debut of the homegrown ĊirkuMalta. But for these performers, the road is not likely to lead to Malta again.

7 An acrobat fights to keep balance whilst walking on a tightrope with no safety net to to comfort him

8 An acrobat makes the use of an aerial loop look easy.

9 Dressed and made-up, performers relax before the doors open and the audience pours in.

26 Sunday Circle | January 2014

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Cards on the Table

AN EFFICIENT APPLICATION PROCESS WITH INNOVATIVE FEATURES, NO NEED TO OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED, THE YES MONEY VISA CARD IS A CREDIT CARD LIKE NO OTHER ON THE LOCAL MARKET. INSIgNIA CARDS CEO FREDERICK ELLUL AND THE REST OF THE TEAM TALK ABOUT THEIR NEW PRODUCTS “The future of money is credit cards,” says Frederick Ellul, CEO of Insignia Cards Limited. Joined by Ryan Cachia, CFO, and Sue Zrinzo, marketing manager, in the sun-lit boardroom at their Portomaso office, the three explain the innovative features of their cards – one that is unique to the Maltese market. Insignia Cards Ltd is a member of the VISA International Card Scheme and is licensed and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority. Teaming up with the YES brand, “the card is innovative because it allows for a flexible type of repayment mechanism, where a person can defer paying over a period of time, choosing from three, six, nine or twelve months, besides the traditional revolve credit plan,” Ryan explains.

The application process for this card is an efficient one as clients can apply for and be accepted online in less than one minute. “Once you are accepted, our delivery person will deliver your card and will check and collect certain

28 Sunday Circle | January 2014

documents,” Frederick explains, after which you can start spending. “Complimenting the YES Money VISA Card, Insignia also offers a supplementary YES e-Card,” Ryan adds, “which is targeted towards online shopping, thus giving our clients enhanced benefits, such as stronger purchase protection and best price protection on eligible items.”

Insignia Cards is a new start-up in Malta, but it has the backing of 12 years of experience in the credit card industry since Insignia is one of the most bespoke high-end lifestyle management service groups in the world. “Credit cards are our primary business and we have become experts in this field,” says Frederick. “Banking with any local bank should not stop you from getting an Insignia Card. We are an alternative.” Indeed, with the YES Money VISA Card, clients are not asked to open an account, or to deposit any money. The card also comes with additional benefits, including gifts through YES Rewards, Travel Accident, Purchase Protection Benefits and more.

PROMOTION

Clients of the YES Money VISA Card will have the opportunity to view all of their purchases online through the online services platform.

Clients will receive an SMS after every purchase and can follow the link to choose the desired payment term. “With our call centre operating 24/7, answering phones and replying to emails, our team works towards giving our clients the help they deserve. Ultimately, we want to educate people about cards,” Sue explains. “We are investing in people here at Insignia, and our aim is for the team to grow in 2014,” Frederick adds.

Their biggest investment is in IT security however, as Frederick explains their focus on continually having “adequate infrastructure” for full security.

Credit cards are our primary business and we have become experts in this field

“We’ve created easy money,” Ryan concludes, “and people have already started applying for our cards, which is encouraging.” The YES Money VISA Card was launched last December, together with another Insignia card, a VISA card, known as the Valletta FC Card, as the company is the main sponsor of Valletta FC. “The payment services industry in Malta is relatively new, but it has grown abroad,” Frederick explains, adding that this new culture of credit cards is what they want to provide to the local market. Moving forward, Frederick sees Insignia introducing more cards and premium cards for different markets, as well as offering these cards as a market product in Europe.

January 2014 | Sunday Circle 29

twenty years on

still your favourite read Sunday CirCle iS turning 20 thiS year. thankS for making uS your magazine of ChoiCe

The Sunday Circle began life as an exclusive quarterly publication known as The Circle, and distributed to a restricted mail-base of 3,000 members. Twenty years ago this year, it began distributing with The Sunday Times, and today reaches an audience of over 90,000 readers. Throughout the years, the Sunday Circle has had different clusters of editors, writers, photographers and designers who have created stories relevant to the time through the pages of the magazine.

Together, the teams have produced intelligent

interviews and investigative pieces; they have given more than a glimpse of the Maltese scene and they have created a culture of who’s who in Malta. In recent years, the Circle has reached new audiences with the launch of its online incarnation: sundaycircle.com.

Featuring the same blend of personalities and features that readers have come to expect – while adding into the mix a steady flow of viral content from across the web, offering something for readers of all ages, every day, whenever and wherever they log in.

29.1%

adult readership In a survey conducted in November 2013, 29.1% of Maltese people over the age of 25 indicated that Sunday Circle is their preferred magazine. For years, Sunday Circle magazine has been consistently voted as the most popular newspaper magazine on the island. With a focus on rich content and eye-catching photography and design, it has maintained its favoured position among readers. While many other magazines show great quality in their production, few match Sunday Circle for wide reaching lifestyle appeal.

3.4%

3.4% 2.4%

Sunday Circle

Tune In

Homeworks

30 Sunday Circle | January 2014

Pink

2.1%

Cibus

2.1%

Style

1.5%

First

1.3%

Taste

1.3%

Vida

1.1%

0.6%

FM Gourmet

0.6%

Flair

0.4%

Vamp

survey

46% facts & figures

of readers keep the CirCle magazine for at least one month

20.9%

87% of readers read the CirCle on a monthly basis

Which are you more likely to prefer reading?

14%

of maltese people aged 16-24 list the CirCle as their favourite magazine, followed by Cibus at 7.5% & homeworks at 6%

42% of readers also follow the online version: sundayCirCle.Com

34%

31%

readers

37% 18% SUNDAY CIRCLE

of

aLso

said that they buy a copy of the sunday

THE SUNDAY TIMES

BOTH DON’T KNOW

Look out for more speciaL anniversary year content in the months to come!

times specificaLLy because it contains

favourite magazine

their

source: malta research insights This survey was conducted by Malta Research Insights in November 2013. The research team, led by Danika Attard, is composed of a group of professional researchers in various fields, including statisticians with 10 years of experience in the area of Surveys and Research Statistics, and has been entrusted with numerous research projects both at a national and international level.

Danika Attard. B. Sc (Hons) M Sc (London) -Post Graduate Researcher (Stirling). info@maltaresearchinsights.com

January 2014 | Sunday Circle 31

ON THE MOVE From piano to accountancy to skiing trips to liFestyle changes, there’s little stellina galea hasn’t successFully done. philip leone-ganado Finds out what makes her tick P hotograPhy

by

Stellina Galea is incapable of sitting still. From the moment she drives up for our interview, she seems to exude boundless energy, flitting between conversation topics and physically dashing around with such verve that she seems to raise the pace of everyone in the area.

In life too, Stellina is not one for sitting on her laurels.

A qualified auditor and accountant, she is perhaps best known as the face behind YTC Travel’s popular skiing trips to Livigno – and, with appearances on various local TV shows, as something of a local personality. But in April last year she opened another new dimension to her work with Stellina’s Lifestyle Changes, which, like most of her business ventures, all started with a personal experience.

“I’ve always wanted to look and feel my best,” Stellina explains. “But I was a yo-yo dieter for about 20 years. It was quite depressing. I’d lose weight and gain it again. I did a lifestyle change programme nearly 3 years ago and it completely changed my life, so naturally I had to tell everyone about it. And here I am.”

The Stellina’s Lifestyle Changes team consists of 30 people, and has reached thousands through talks and programmes. “I’m living proof that change is possible” says Stellina. “People see that if I – and so many others – can actually do it and change their lives for the better, then they can too.” The philosophy she espouses is one that starts from belief. “We give you the path to succeed, and you follow it. In doing that, you change, and having changed, you know what you need to keep doing so. A full lifestyle change is the only way. We’ve had people of all sizes and ages discovering a new lease of life.”

Of the many success stories Stellina has witnessed, the most impressive is that of a person who lost 35kg of fat in 20 weeks. “Each success is a celebration for the whole team,” she says with a smile. “My biggest satisfaction is seeing people change.”

32 Sunday Circle | January 2014

J acob S ammut

With so many different things on her plate at once, I ask Stellina how she succeeds in managing her own life.

“It’s a tightrope,” she laughs. “But I’ve learnt to carve out spaces for myself. I do 45 minutes of exercise a day -you can intrude at any other time except for that– I’m always getting up in the middle of the night to send emails – but nobody’s allowed to touch my exercise time.” She also credits her family’s support as vital to her success, and does her best to keep Sundays free to spend time with her husband, Steven, with whom she owns an accounting firm, and her 22-year old son, Sean, who is following in his parents’ footsteps and studying to be an accountant.

Stellina admits she finds it nearly impossible to switch off, even on holiday, where she spends more than half her time thinking about what’s going on back at the offices. “But the satisfaction is so great, I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She does, however, have one secret to unwinding, she reveals somewhat sheepishly, and it’s actually reading children’s books. “At the moment my favourite is Percy Jackson,” she laughs. “I just go to a different place. When I’m with a book, it’s practically the only time I can forget everything.”

So where does she go from here? “My vision at the moment is to do more philanthropic work. I recently worked with a girl whose mother had died of cancer, and who then battled cancer herself. I was asked if I could help by the Arani Issa team, so I offered her and her family a skiing trip to Livigno. With Stellina’s Lifestyle Changes, we work closely with Inspire and promote their organisation whenever we can. I’d like to do more of that.”

As she prepares to turn fifty, there are, in any case, no signs of Stellina slowing down. “I imagine that I’ll calm down later on in life. I have to. My schedule’s too tight at the moment.

But setting up a new business is no joke, and for it to be successful, you have to give your 100 per cent. My biggest problem is that my mind never stops thinking. I want to take it easier. I want to start yoga, for example. But I can never imagine stopping work.” It’s hard not to believe her.

INTERVIEW

January 2014 | Sunday Circle 33

MASTHEAD

#THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT Between twitter and Vine, the ultra-short form certainly seems to Be the internet’s preferred mode of expression. But could our Bite-sized missiVes one day amount to more than just fluff?

W ords

34 Sunday Circle | January 2014

by

r achel a gius

POP CULTURE

W

e measure the progress of innovation, particularly in the field of technology, by its speed. When the protocomputers of WWII were made, computation could take days. Now we can communicate with people thousands of miles away with the touch of a button. Waiting for a video to load often takes less than a minute and yet those tiny units of time we call seconds seem to stretch out for days before us, making us fidget and rock in our chairs and sometimes just give up and move on to something else.

The average attention span of the average web user certainly seems to be shortening. A phone that doesn’t respond immediately or a computer that struggles for a moment with our commands is a source of frustration.

We like things to happen fast. So it comes as no surprise the way we express ourselves is becoming more and more concise.

Take Twitter’s 140-character limit and Vine’s 6.5 second videos. Even the lowly gif has grown in popularity as a suitable response to a situation.

And if a picture is worth a thousand words then how much, roughly, is a looping animation worth? With just under 60 million Tweets being sent a day, there is some strong evidence supporting the argument that the short form of expression is taking over the Web. In a high speed world, shorter communication may be more time efficient but it has not necessarily put the long form at risk of extinction. Take the gif for example. These short loops can be found everywhere from book reviews to blog posts. However, they cannot tell a story beyond what their few frames allow them – they will simply repeat themselves ad infinitum, transmitting the same message. Rereading a good novel, on the other hand, can result in the

reader unearthing completely new layers to the text. Try rereading one of your Tweets from 2009 and see if any new, literary depth emerges. It doesn’t really happen.

Tweets, while primarily text-based, are no threat to the novel or fulllength news piece even though the micro-blogging site is being used with increasing frequency to break stories. What Tweets and gifs and Vines share and what makes them such an addictive medium is that they provide context that is difficult to construct via language alone in the brief flicker of attention we assign to each piece of information as it zips past us.

Simply being on a computer connected to the internet provides the context these media require to be effective. Even if you perform only the most basic internet functions, you cannot escape what have now become cultural references in their own right, even if we never exchange a word.

Is our fleeting attention span to blame for this proliferation in short form communication? Well, maybe not. Gifs and Tweets and Vines are not only quickly watched, they are also quickly made. If we consider that a well researched journalistic piece can take months of work, it stands to reason that reporting what you had for lunch – a significantly less engaging topic – would take only a fraction of that time. The things we say in these brief explosions of expression are not generally life-changing – often they’re not even interesting.

It is entirely possible that the growing popularity of Twitter, Vine and gifs is fuelled by our insatiable need to express our feelings, opinions and complaints. There is enough evidence to suggest that it is our collective narcissism that has led to these short, throwaway expressions of ourselves becoming the only way to get our message across quick enough. They are the internet version of graffiti. Both

can be of good quality or utter rubbish, both last a long time – one through waterproof paint, the other through the thoroughness of search engines – and both can become just background noise.

But that’s not the whole story. Much like other parts of the internet, these tools can be used for creative purposes as well as mundane ones.

Some Vines out there obviously took a lot of time to make, despite being only a few seconds long.

Twitter has given rise to a new breed of storyteller, one that can weave a compelling tale within that restrictive character limit. Gifs can be nothing short of spectacular with some examples remaining funny or thought-provoking even after being viewed several times.

This new, brief language we speak may be mostly fluff; a collection of ephemeral artefacts of our daily, technologically augmented lives.

But that language is proving just as capable of transmitting messages, cultivating creative exploration and being profoundly engaging as any other medium. And as more and more of us learn to understand and use that language, it is the next natural step for people to experiment with it.

Entrepreneurs in the United States have found a way to print gifs, using that ‘holographic’ technology we remember from our childhood trading cards. Authors using only Twitter as their platform have risen to heights of popularity that match those of published writers.

Vines? Well for the most part, Vines remain a source of mostly undemanding entertainment – so far no videos with the production values of Casablanca have come to light. But who knows? We might yet see a Hall of Fame for Vine videos or anthologies of Tweets being published faster than we think.

They are the internet version of graffiti.

Both can be of good quality or utter rubbish, both last a long time... and both can become just background noise

January 2014 | Sunday Circle 35

Writing Lives S ArAh S ciclunA by

A rt D irection

P hotogrAPhy

by

M ArijA g rech

As she prepAres for the releAse of her newest novel, renowned Author ClAre AzzopArdi tAlks to AdriAn CAmilleri About reAlism And imAginAtion, writing for Children And Adults – And the writer’s CrAft

36 Sunday Circle | January 2014

literature

C

lare Azzopardi is a writer who has become a household name for many. The recipient of several awards for her works, she lectures in Maltese Literature and is an active member of Inizjamed, an NGO whose mission it is to promote literature through literary festivals and workshops.

2014 sees her launching her latest work, Kulħadd ħalla Isem Warajh. Published by Merlin Publishers, it can be described as a collection of several short stories featuring somewhat quirky female characters: the first, Sandra, has a fixation on leaving keys lying about for others to find.

Moulding characters I ask Clare the difference between the writer and her characters. “There is always, somehow, something of yourself in the characters you create. There are also many bits and bobs of people I know well and even of members of my family.

These fragments are shaped and moulded into new characters with their own life story and their own foibles.

Humour, I find, is one of the distinctive differences between my writing for adults and writing for children... When writing for adults my humour tends to get darker, much darker

“Kulħadd ħalla Isem Warajh has eight different women with their own story to tell. They all, somehow, carry fragments of myself, either of what I am today or what I was in my childhood. Having to constantly share my head with them, their story becomes, in a way, mine, even though in reality it is one I have never lived.

“While these characters are, more or less, based on real people, my aim is not to write a documentary, but to please the reader and, more so, to have the reader empathise with these characters, despite their perceived ugliness. These characters may be founded on real people, but then the writer’s imagination takes over, which leads to the creation of something new.”

I prod her on. “My more recent works have many elements from fables and fairy tales, as well as many strange coincidences, elements which are absent from my earlier work. These elements, I believe, are what makes them literary.”

So the stories reflect reality, but they are not, strictly speaking, realist. “It is my belief that a contemporary author should not write realism in the strict sense. A journalist does that.”

Naturally, some may retort that the literary writer may be, as a matter of fact, offering the reader a lie. What use can there be in this? “In a Catholic country like Malta, we are brought up to believe that lying will inevitably lead to hell and eternal damnation. We are a guilty people, whatever we do. This upbringing, forced upon us, is very hard to overcome and lingers into adulthood.

Nevertheless, a story lets us enjoy living a lie without necessarily feeling guilty, because people expect a story to be more or less made up. One can leave behind the troubles of everyday life and find refuge in a book. I believe that escapism is necessary, particularly in the frenetic lives we lead nowadays.”

Writing for children and adults Clare is the author of numerous publications for both children and adults, and also the recipient of numerous awards. Her work, Meta l-Milied ma Ġiex, won first prize for Prose for Children in 2008, while the following year she placed second for the same award, for Ir-Re Pankrazju IV Jagħlaq Mitt Sena. She also writes for adults, with Il-Linja l-ħadra winning the National Book Prize in 2006.

“Humour, I find, is one of the distinctive differences between my writing for adults and writing for children,” she explains.

“When writing for adults my humour tends to get darker, much darker.”

Her children’s books, on the other hand, have a cheerful air about them which, she points out, she loves shaping, far from the moroseness that sometimes permeates adulthood. “I do not want to transmit misery to children. Having said that, in my children’s stories, good does not necessarily win over evil.

“Unfortunately I feel that, in Malta, authors and publishers of children’s books tend to moralise,” she explains when asked to elaborate. “That is something I do not want to do, not in my stories for adults nor in those for children.”

Page and Stage Clare’s theatrical contribution includes two plays: In-Nisa Maltin Jafu Kif, and L-Interdett taħt is-Sodda. The latter was first performed at the St James Cavalier theatre in 2006.

January 2014 | Sunday Circle 37

literature It consists of three monologues spoken by two characters: a young woman who is buried in the unconsecrated part of the cemetery and a grave digger working there decades later.

“When writing a play one needs to keep in mind the type of space in which it will be produced and what advantages and limitations such space holds,” says Clare. “When working on a play you are also working with a lot of people: the producer is constantly watching over you; the director is telling you what needs to be done; even the actors determine your type of work.

“Furthermore, a play is yours and it isn’t at the same time. It is yours up to the point you submit it, when it becomes the director’s, and the producer’s, and the actors’. A producer might keep editing stuff right up to debut night because, perhaps, he deems the play too long. Moreover, every time a play is produced by a different cast, this will further transform it, giving it a fresh vision, new character interpretations and new scenarios.

38 Sunday Circle | January 2014 000

“When writing a book, on the other hand, you are creating everything in words: the characters, the setting, the description of things. There are, so to speak, no limits set on the imagination.

One is free to set the stage as one likes without the necessary limitations of the theatre. One is free to go into as much detail as one wants. The amount of detail I now go into is, in fact, one of the differences I observe in how my style of writing has evolved over time.

“I also feel more empathy towards my characters nowadays, as compared to my earlier works. Growing older may have played a role in that”, she smiles.

“I have grown the eight characters for my new book and, even in their bizarre, if not outright obnoxious qualities, I empathise with them. I hope my readers will be able to do the same!”

Kulħadd ħalla Isem Warajh will be on sale from major bookstores from February.

PROMOTION masthead

The edge of The world

Are you reAdy for An Adventure? PrePAre to exPerience the triP of A lifetime with SoljerA trAvel How does an exotic and enlightening adventure fit in with your New Year’s Resolutions? enrich your life through witnessing unique cultures, breathtaking scenery, and delicious cuisine from some of asia’s most stunning places – while travelling under the complete safety and expert guidance of our guides.

For June 2014 and 2015, a group of 10 people will have the opportunity to travel with us to these unique destinations.

Nepal - The roof of the world

INdIa - Birthplace of ayurveda

Nepal package

€1,800 for 10-14 days Highlights: Trekking the world famous Himalayan regions – a sound level of fitness is required for this one – you will explore the unique sights of Nepal, a true adventure with several activities to choose from including para-hawking. (all expenses included at half board exc. int. flights)

INdIa package

INdIa & Nepal - Best of both worlds Booking is available for June 2014 and June 2015 and booking expires on march 1st 2014. For more information please visit: soljera.com/adventure or tel. 9969 0258 to book directly.

€1,800 for 10-14 days Highlights: Rest and recreation lie in one of the most authentic ayurvedic ashrams of the Southern regions. get in touch with your inner self during a tailor-made programme specifically designed for your body type and physical condition. (all expenses included at full board exc. int. flights)

compleTe package – Nepal INTo INdIa €3,300 for 28 days

Highlights: Witness the best of both worlds and experience the journey of a lifetime in a combined visit to these countries. (all expenses included at half board exc. int. flights)

soljera.com health, travel and more.

To recieve updates and offers like us on facebook.com/Sol Jera

January 2014 | Sunday Circle 000 April 2013 39

HEALTH

PREVENTING TooTh Wear

Dental anD Implant Surgeon Dr Jean paul DemaJo on the wearIng away of the natural tooth Structure There is a high prevalence of tooth wear in the population spanning all ages and there are different types of tooth wear.

Erosion This is caused by acidity in our mouth coming from acidic food and drink such as citrus fruit and beverages like soft drinks which reduce the pH level in the mouth, softening the enamel, causing it to decompose (Figure 1). This exposes the dentine, making the tooth more vulnerable to tooth wear. saliva is our natural defence but the flow of saliva is often reduced due to medication resulting in higher rates of acid erosion. Acid reflux rising from the stomach may also cause enamel surface loss.

AbrAsion Abrasion is the wearing away of tooth structure by mechanical forces from a foreign element. The main cause of this is hard tooth brushing as well as the continual placement and removal of a dental appliance. This tends to occur mostly at the junction of the root and crown of the tooth. Hard brushing causes the gums to be pushed away from the crown exposing the root (Figure 2). The root, made up of softer dentine, wears away more easily, causing it to become more sensitive to food that is hot and cold.

ATTriTion Attrition is the loss of tooth structure by mechanical forces from opposing teeth. initially affecting the

Figure 1: Upper dentition showing diffuse loss of enamel caused by acid erosion.

Figure 2: Gum recession caused by hard brushing exposing the roots

Tooth wear may severely demean the aesthetics of the dentition not to mention the ongoing associated symptoms of sensitivity and nerve pain.

Progressive tooth wear may lead to tooth fracture and eventual tooth loss. Tooth wear should be nipped in the bud. Ask your dentist!

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enamel, if unchecked, it may proceed to the underlying dentine (Figure 3). Erosion is a very important contributing factor to the loss of tooth substance by attrition. The lowered pH level softens the teeth and as a result it is easier for opposing teeth to wear away on chewing or grinding. Attrition also occurs due to a reduced number of surviving teeth present in the mouth, increasing the load on the remaining teeth.

AbfrAcTion Abfraction is a theory explaining the noncarious cavities around the gum line. The theory suggests that excessive loading forces during eating or due to grinding habits (bruxism), places excessive loads on the enamel. This is mostly seen at the crown-root junction causing this pattern of destruction of the enamel.

PrEvEnTion of furTHEr TooTH loss •

Dietary control

•

soft brushing

•

Production of a custom-made mouth guard to reduce tooth grinding at night

•

frequent use of minimally abrasive tooth-paste

•

replacement of missing teeth to dissipate the masticatory load on all teeth and not just on a few.

Figure 3: Tooth wear of lower anterior teeth. Notice the polished surfaces caused by the opposing dentition.

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

face VaLUE

BEAUTY

Consultant plastiC surgeon raymond deBono on faCe suspension in 30 minutes

NoN Surgical FaceliFt uSiNg coNe Suture SuSpeNSioN

For a lot of us life has become busier and busier and finding two weeks off work or off family duties for a surgical facelift can sometimes be impossible. As minimally invasive plastic surgery techniques continue to advance, it has now become possible to lift the cheeks using temporary sutures placed under the skin with local anaesthesia. The sutures utilize advanced ‘cone’ technology that suspends tissues using a purse string mechanism.

techNique aNd materialS uSed ‘Cone’ sutures are sutures that glide only in one direction through the tissues of the face under the skin. When they are introduced into the cheeks they lock in place and can only be tightened in one direction. The benefit of this is that they produce a purse string tightening or lift certain parts of the cheeks that are seen immediately. The cheeks appear fuller and lifted.

limitatioNS aNd poteNtial complicatioNS The effect of cone sutures lasts 12 to 18 months and for ideal results it’s usually best to combine it with botulinum toxin and fillers. The rejuvenation effect is generally limited to the cheeks. Whilst the technique is generally complication-

ideal caNdidateS For Suture SuSpeNSioN oF Face As we all know the aging changes on a 40-50-year-old are milder than the aging changes on a 50-60-year-old and even milder than of a 60-70-year-old. The technique of suture suspension works best in cases of mild to moderate aging changes as it has only a limited power of lifting. It is more likely to be suitable for the 40 to 50 age range, but there are no hard and fixed rules – it all depends on the severity of the aging changes.

free and one can usually return to work and social activity immediately, some complications can occur. These include bruising, infection and asymmetry (differences between the right and left sides) – though in good hands these are not common.

reSultS In the correct choice of patient and using the correct technique by a qualified plastic surgeon the results can be rather pleasing. Usually a satisfactory correction of the groove on the side of the nose at the junction with the cheek can be achieved. Correction of a jowl deformity (the bags on either side of the chin) with this technique is less reliable.

Before

30 mins after

January 2014 | Sunday Circle 41

HEALTH

New Year, New You

The holidays are over and suddenly There is no excuse for Those exTra kilos. a lifesTyle change will help you geT back in shape, jusT as you promised in your new year’s resoluTion

DNA FIT/DIET

by

the computerised circuit of the future

Move, the Future of fitness Come try our Future Generation machines in one of Malta’s most beautiful locations, and get ready to shape up and burn those extra fats, improve fitness and activate and tone all your muscles simultaneusly. Our 30 min personalised workouts improve skin texture, cellulite, blood circulation and bone density. They also get amazing results in those hard to get areas: especially glutes, hips, triceps and abdominals. At Move you will also find various group classes such as TRX, Indoor Cycling, Pilates, Hipos and more, and a few beauty treatments including threading and massages.

Move, the future of fitness, is the official distributor of this revolutionary breakthrough in genetic fitness. This is where the world is heading. We can now prepare Training and Diet plans tailored to your individual genetic potential. Your genes will tell us how to create a fitness and diet programme that is 100 per cent personalised. No more wasting time experimenting. Now you can find out how to reach your own individual personalised 100 per cent results.

Miha Body Tec

MOVe | Tel: 2131 0573 | Web: www.move.com.mt address: Forth Mansions, Ta Xbiex Seafront, Ta Xbiex

Taking the Challenge At Challenger Fitness Centres, we believe in giving our clients the choice to workout at the time and location that best suits their lifestyle and this is why we have 4 strategically placed gyms — Qormi, Paceville, Cottonera and Valletta — with early opening hours and late night closings.

At the moment, we are offering new recruits a special price of €170 for a one year subscription.

This membership includes: •

The use of all 4 Challenger gyms.

•

Professional personal trainers that can create customised workout plans for you.

•

Free advice on nutrition and health training programmes.

•

The use of facilities, including sauna, steam room and more.

•

Free weights and/or resistance machines providing the flexibility to train to your own needs.

•

A wide range of cardio equipment.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 6am-10pm – Sat 8am-4pm Sunday and Public holidays 8am-12pm Challenger | Tel: 2149 7265 email: challengermalta@hotmail.com Web: www.challengermalta.com | Facebook: Challenger gym 42 Sunday Circle | January 2014

masthead

January 2011 | Sunday Circle 000

FOOD & DRINK Get Your VAt BAck – When BuYinG Your AppliAnces from forestAls!

San Michel: official water for the Vodafone Malta Marathon

Buy your Appliances from Forestals and get your VAT back!

That’s right, don’t miss this fantastic opportunity and benefit from special discounts on appliances from world renowned brands like Miele, Smeg, LG and more!

The Vodafone Malta Marathon will this year be taking place on Sunday 23rd February and San Michel is once again confirmed as the official water for Malta’s largest and most popular athletic activity.

This year’s marathon will once again see a record number of participants and more significantly a substantial increase in Maltese participants.

The race starts in Mdina and ends at the Sliema Ferries, and the general public is encouraged to support the runners along the route and cheer them at the finish line.

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For more information please visit the Forestals showroom in Mriehel, Tel, 2343 6000 or Email: info@forestals.com

4 portion packs for freshness & convenience High source of fibre Suitable for vegetarians Tomato & herbs contain olive oil Visit: www.cbiscuits.com

KIDS Brain chewies your tummy will love!

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STyLiSh, FUN ShOES Over 170 years caring for kids have helped us become perhaps the world’s best known name in children’s shoes. Millions of parents trust us, not only for the fit, quality and durability of our shoes, but in delivering style with substance. Kids love us too because our shoes look great and come with built-in fun. Our designers have put their own spin on inspiration taken from our archive and from the street, and they’ve included that all important element of fun. From style and comfort to fit, fun and functionality, our kids shoes have it all!

SALE NOW ON UP TO 70% OFF.

OVS Leader in the Italian clothing market, OVS is today a reference point in fashion retail.

Quality collections at competitive prices and a new interpretation of shopping based on continuous renewal. OVS designs, develops and manufactures its clothes controlling every step of the way. A quality, stylish and Italian in taste product is the result of a complex path of research, origination and manufacture that starts from an in house team of stylists and product managers.

OVS, Tagliaferro Centre, High Street, Sliema.

Tel: 2258 2777 OVS, Pavi Shopping Complex, Manwel Dimech Street, Qormi, Tel: 2258 2778

Efamol new products contain a higher strength concentration of Essential Fatty Acids than our best selling standard range. Offering you a Triple Strength Omega-3 in a tasty new format: Delicious Berry Burst chewable capsules.

No fishy aftertaste or reflux.

Trust Efamol® Distributed by Vivian Corporation E. info@viviancorp.com W. www.viviancorp.com T. 2132 0338

Tagliaferro Centre, High Street, Sliema. Tel. 2258 2777 Merchants Street, Valletta. Tel. 2258 2727 Tower Road, Sliema. Tel. 2131 4674 (Adults Only) Pavi Shopping Complex, Manwel Dimech Street, Qormi. Tel. 2258 2778 (Adults Only)

Help your children learn how to save The MSV Child Savings Plan For more information on the MSV Child Savings Plan contact MSV Life today on freephone 8007 2220, or visit our website at www.msvlife.com, or contact your Tied Insurance Intermediary, 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. COM 231112

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SHOPPING StyliSh, fun ShoeS

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

Umbrella measurments: Open diameter: 87cm

FREE LIP BUTTER WITH EVERY DOUBLE EFFECT EYE MAKE UP REMOVER* *Offer available on promotional packs only, until stocks last. Available in 4 different variances.

Total length: 54cm

FREE UMBRELLA

WHEN PURCHASING ANY TWO NIVEA WOMEN’S FACE CARE PRODUCTS* *Offer does not include NIVEA Facial Wipes x7 and Face Masks, until stocks last.

January 2014 | Sunday Circle 47

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HOME

EfficiEntly warm If you’re lookIng to reduce your heatIng bIlls whIle doIng your bIt for the envIronment, these products should keep you warm and mentally at ease

Solar Water Heaters For Every Type Of Residence EcoFriendly Stoves Meli Bugeja Ltd. is proud to announce sole representation and distribution on Ravelli Pellet Stoves here in Malta. These ecofriendly stoves, besides not requiring any heavy fuels, guarantee pure heat in your homes, doing away with all the humidity and fumes so common in our houses in Malta. All this is backed with a technical know-how and guaranteed satisfaction, given our excellent after-sales service. Although the stoves require an initial investment they ensure a quick return due to the saving on fuel. On normal running time, fuel could cost you as little as €2 daily.

Meli bugeja | tel: 2144 4348 | Mob: 7940 8402 email: info@melibugeja.com.mt | Web: www.ravelligroup.it order your wood pellets online, free next day delivery www.ooii.com.mt | tel: 8007 4117

Maltezos Solar Water heaters are engineered and built for the Mediterranean sun.

• With over 30 years in the local market, more than 4,000 units sold to satisfied customers.

• Maintenance free and 10 year warranty.

• Water boiler manufactured from the best grade stainless steel type AISI 316L grade HI Mo

Maltezos - exclusively available froM satariano tel: 2149 2149 | address: valley road b’kara

Simply The Most Beautiful Go solar. Get saving.

Harnessing the maximum green energy from the sun requires the correct engineered solution and site specific analysis. It is important to not only look at the power these green systems generate but also the consumption used by your household. A typical PV system designed by Panta Lesco has a full payback over 4 years and a solar water heater over 3 years. Therefore a properly design PV system, solar water heater and/or under floor heating will produce more when designed with the right parameters in mind. This is how you really get saving. panta lesco | tel: 2381 2381 | email: enquiries@pantalesco.com 48 Sunday Circle | January 2014

The Bidore 140 is a stunning, frameless, linear right or left corner fireplace produced by Element4 B.V., the award-winning fireplace manufacturer from the Netherlands, and imported and distributed

by Tekno Air-conditioning Malta. All the gas fires in the Element4 collection have one thing in common: their well thought-out simplicity – because we believe that simplicity is the key. Simplicity in construction simplifies installation and maintenance. Simplicity in use guarantees a cosy and warm atmosphere at literally one push of a button. The trimless design of glass meeting glass allows a cleaner view of this modern linear corner gas fireplace. supplied by tekno | tel: 2132 2553/4 email: sales@tekno.com.mt | Web: www.tekno.com.mt

Over 400 models in store Fluless gas fireplaces also available

2149 8658, 2149 8693 - www.cutrico.com - sales@cutrico.com Cutrico Ltd, Mriehel Bypass Mriehel Bkr 3000

p u c A touch of love in every