Sunday Circle Issue 223

www.sundaycircle.com

JULY 2013 – ISSUE NO. 223

Interview

SUCKER PUNCH

HaiTHem Laamouz See page 20

Feature CROP WARS

The controversy surrounding GMOs

Exclusive

jason MICaLLEF

The newly appointed Valletta 2018 Foundation chairman on the challenges that lie ahead for a city bursting with cultural potential See page 12

see page 16

ItN W astic n a af

BAG E I D GOO ONATauEse &D od c 5 a go age 5 to

PLUS

Following the recent spate of protests in Turkey and Brazil, is more unrest likely to follow?

See page 31

see p

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contents REgUlARs

5 a Word froM tHe editor 6 c Body | 8 c style | 10 c liVing 73 PaParaZZi

sHOppINg

78 a BatHrooM guide 80 PaWs & claWs | 85 suMMer sPlasH 86 food & drink | 88 Hi-tecH

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INTERVIEWs

12 tales of a city

Philip Leone-Ganado speaks to newly appointed Valletta 2018 Foundation chairman Jason Micallef

39 ageing gracefully

Dermalogica’s Dr Diana Howard speaks to Martina Said about the importance of a skincare regime and the paramount use of sunscreen

52 tHe tHroes of tradition

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Martina Said meets former CEO of Villeroy & Boch, Luitwin Gisbert von Boch who has carried on 265 years of family legacy

cUlTURE

President and founder of skincare and suncare brand, Polaar, Daniel Kurbiel, speaks to Katryna Storace about his adventures in the arctic

The much-loved MADC Shakespeare returns to San Anton Gardens for the second consecutive year with a comic offering of Much Ado About Nothing

59 sPirit of adVenture

57 tHe Bard’s BaWdy

FOOD

69 tales on tHe telly

16 croP Wars

Martina Said digs into the thorny issue of GMOs and the endless controversies that surround the practice

spORT

20 sucker PuncH

Martina Said speaks to boxer Haithem Laamouz who, at 23, is at the top of his game

sAFETY

27 on guard

With the summer season in full swing, Carla Formosa catches up with the lifeguards patrolling the sweltering sands of Golden Bay

pOlITIcs

31 song of angry Men

Following the recent spate of protests in Turkey, Bulgaria and Brazil, are we gearing up for a summer of discontent, asks Philip Leone-Ganado?

With greater demand for television series, Rachel Agius takes a look at what we’re watching and what it says about us

sTYlE

36 tHe essence of luxury

Sterling has recently launched its Bvlgari boutique, exclusively representing the brand in the heart of Valletta

43 escaPe into suMMer

Style bloggers Claire, Nicole and Sandro, test-drive three of summer’s holiday trends for 2013: Safari, Morocco and Cruise

HEAlTH & BEAUTY

64 HollyWood sMile

Dental and Implant Surgeon Jean Paul Demajo highlights the ins and outs of dental veneers

67

after Breast augMentation surgery

Consultant plastic and aesthetic surgeon Ray Debono discusses the revolutionary non-surgical liquid facelift

Send your letterS to: Katryna Storace, the editor, Sunday Circle, Network Publications Ltd, Level 2, Angelica Court, Guzeppi Cali Street, Ta’ Xbiex, XBX 1425, or email: katryna@ networkpublications.com.mt. The editor reserves 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. Artworks should be sent to: martinau@networkpublications.com.mt. 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.

I LOVE MY

GIFT Yo u r s w i t h a n y E l i z a b e t h A r d e n purchase of € 40 or more from

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t h e f o l l o w i n g o u t l e t s .*

*House of Beauty perfumery in St.Julians, Victors pharmacy in Sliema, Roberts perfumery in Sliema, Pro Vita perfumery in Naxxar, Grognet pharmacy in Mosta, Royal pharmacy in Valletta, Daniel’s The Perfumery in Hamrun and Body Needs perfumery in Rabat, Gozo

YOU’VE ARRIVED

BREAKFAST ~ LUNCH ~ DINNER ~ COCKTAILS +356 2376 2225 St George’s Bay, Malta

A word from

the editor

After a slow and gloomy start, the summer has finally reared its scorching head, and here in the office, we pass the days sheltered from the blaze outside behind the doors of our air-conditioned rooms. As I look out of the window at the sky from the comfort of my desk, my thoughts often run to those whose daily routine involves standing for countless hours under the summer sun.

The lifeguards who patrol our beaches, for instance. Contrary to the glamorous images of the bathing suit clad beauties of Baywatch, real-life lifeguards must wear a uniform at all times – even in the water – and spend long hours acting as a second pair of eyes, while the rest of us kick back, sip on a Kinnie and enjoy the sea and sand. They’re not the only ones braving the elements. This month, I had the pleasure of meeting Daniel Kurbiel, founder and president of Polaar, who shared with me his experiences of the arctic wilderness. Within the fragility of polar region, Kurbiel discovered the resilience of the indigenous flora and fauna which now make up the essential ingredients of the all-natural brand. In the arctic or the Mediterranean, too much sun isn’t good for anyone. Dermalogica’s skin guru Diana Howard couldn’t stress this enough. Exposing the skin without the adequate protection can be dangerous, and is the primary cause of ageing. So take heed: before you hit the beach, slap on the sunscreen, and spare a thought for the lifeguards in their red and yellow get-ups – their hard work might just be what saves your life this summer.

AROMA SUN EXPERT PROTECT YOUR BEAUTY.

PUBLISHER John Formosa Network Publications Ltd www.sundaycircle.com

JULY 2013 – ISSUE NO. 223

Interview

SUCKER PUNCH

HaiTHem Laamouz

PUBLICATION & SALES MANAGER Renée Micallef Decesare

See page 20

EDITORIAL Feature

Katryna Storace

The controversy surrounding GMOs

Martina Said

CROP WARS see page 16

Exclusive

jason MICaLLEF

The newly appointed Valletta 2018 Foundation chairman on the challenges that lie ahead for a city bursting with cultural potential See page 12

INtic

W ntas a fa AG DIE B GOO ONATusEe &D od ca a go ge 55 to

PLUS

see pa

Following the recent spate of protests in Turkey and Brazil, is more unrest likely to follow?

See page 31

EDITOR ASSISTANT EDITOR

Philip Leone-Ganado ASSISTANT EDITOR

COVER Steve Muliett PHOTOGRAPHY

ERRATUM In last month’s article, “Slimmer and Trimmer”, by Raymond Debono in the table comparing liposuction to laser lipolysis, the text should read: laser lipolysis has the risk of skin burns if laser fibre is passed very close to skin leading to permanent scarring.

Laser lipolysis does not physically remove fat deposits as was printed.

We regret any inconveniences caused by such errors.

ART & DESIGN Sarah Scicluna Jessica Camilleri

SALES & MARKETING Marisa Schembri FEATURES SALES MANAGER

Sasha Miceli Demajo SUPPLEMENTS SALES MANAGER

Jessica Borg SUPPLEMENTS SALES COORDINATOR

Martina Urso SALES ADMINISTRATOR

THE POWER OF PROFESSIONAL AROMATHERAPY SKINCARE ExclusivEly REpREsEntEd By c+M MaRkEting ltd. tEl: 21424079/80

Body 1. Ultimate sUmmer Body

4. HealtHy looking skin

2. illUminate yoUr eyes

5. Hydrate, protect and sHine

Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Control is the first slimming treatment that prevents and corrects the appearance of cellulite at every level, visibly smoothing hips, buttocks and thighs for a slim, beach-chic shape. Its unique combination of active ingredients helps reduce cellulite, firm and refine the contours. It is an outstanding skin care product that targets both early and stubborn cellulite. Available from the Clarins Beauty Centre, Ta’ Xbiex, Tel: 2133 9256, 2133 8404; and Clarins authorised outlets. Exclusively distributed by von Brockdorff Imports Ltd.

Elizabeth Arden introduces Visible Difference Multi-Targeted BB Cream SPF 30 to its Visible Difference line of skincare essentials. This all-in-one beauty balm is the ultimate balancing act – blending protection and perfection for healthy looking skin. Marrying the brand’s 100 year skincare expertise with the natural coverage of a sheer foundation, the formula instantly hydrates, brightens, primes and protects skin for a flawless-looking complexion. Exclusively represented by C+M Marketing Ltd. Tel:2142 4080/79.

Elizabeth Arden’s original Eight Hour® Cream Skin Protectant has been an international sensation that’s passed down from generation to generation. Now introducing this new lip treatment to the line: Eight Hour® Cream Nourishing Lip Balm Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 20, which is created using a special formula for the thin skin of the corneum and epidermis of lips. The nourishing lip balm, which has an SPF of 20, is also made to hydrate dry and chapped lips, help fend off future damage and improve the pout with sumptuous shine.

Exclusively distributed by C+M Marketing Ltd. Tel: 2142 4080/79.

Inspired by Asian beauty rituals and developed in collaboration with Dior makeup artists and beauty experts, Dior is offering two new shades of BB Crème, a new beauty product exclusively for the eyes. This original concept has a new, all-in-one treatment, which removes signs of fatigue and smooths, protects and illuminates the eye area. It is a pioneer treatment, an icon in the making that inspires young women. Dior Hydralife BB Crème is distributed by X-Treme Co. Ltd.

3. lasting sUn spray

New PIZ BUIN® WET SKIN™ is the first line of sunscreen from PIZ BUIN® designed to be applied directly to wet or dry skin. While ordinary transparent sunscreen, when applied to wet skin, can compromise your protection by mixing with water, this sun spray cuts directly through water, absorbing instantly into the skin. The formula ensures your skin doesn’t dry out while in the sun. It is non-greasy, easy to apply and water resistant. Exclusively distributed by Chemimart, Tel: 2149 2212.

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6. glowing complexion

Introducing a long-wearing foundation and timeless new face product from Givenchy. In pure couture spirit, its imperceptible and comfortable silky veil matches your skin to provide tailor-made coverage. The skin’s texture is smoothened, blemishes and fine lines blurred; your complexion is even and glowing. Teint Couture: absolute hold is available in two versions, an airy-light fluid or compact powder accompanied by its rosy illuminator.

Exclusively represented by C+M Marketing Ltd. Tel: 2142 4079.

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Sunday Circle | July 2013

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STYLE RELEaSE YOuR HaIR The Remington Keratin Therapy Collection is a range of styling tools featuring Keratin – an essential ingredient for strong, healthy hair. This range of ground-breaking styling tools harnesses the very latest in hair care technology. By cleverly combining Advanced Ceramic coatings with Keratin you can be kinder to your tresses as you style. The Keratin Therapy range is the ultimate in hair protection – check it out at mt.remington-europe.com or call Miller Distributors Ltd. Tel: 2166 4488.

FaSHION aND COMFORT Say hello to flattering footwear that actually cares for your feet. Sketchers brings you “fashionable but comfortable” designs, which are equally charming and kind to the feet. This season’s ever popular wedge forms a big part of Sketchers’ footwear collection, which add the right amount of comfort while making your legs look even longer. Available from Europsort and Sketchers stores. For further details call on 2385 9388 or visit www.eurosport.com.

SIXTIES INSPIRED

SuPER-SIZED WaTCHES Diesel reintroduces its super wowfactor, drink-coaster-size of a watch dial reimagined in various new styles for summer 2013. The style DZ7125 features multiple time zones without losing a second, black leather strap, stainless steel case, black dial, analog and digital function. It is available for the price of €299 from Diesel Stores at Valletta, Merchants Street and Sliema, St Anne’s Square.

Inspiration is taken from the sixties for different beachwear ensembles at Guess. Cuts and details for the new season’s collection are reinterpreted in a modern context and three very diverse and sensual women emerge. Iconic represents the true DNA of GUESS beachwear in animal and decisive floral prints. Cuts are extremely structured and feminine with splashes of sequins.

Sensual and romantic offers a dreamy and relaxed mood. Lace and chiffon are soft, flowing and voluminous with faded and foil prints predominating on delicate tones of nude, beige and optical white. Guess, The Point Level 1, Sliema and Bay Street, Level 1, Paceville.

INTENSE COLOuR The Koleston Colour Intense Foam puts the power of intense colour in your hands. The unique formula is drawn through the hair by capillary action and delivers colour to the core. Its easy-to-spread formula that quickly absorbs into the hair means that you won’t lose a drop of colour. Just three shakes, foam and indulge. For local trade enquiries call VJ Salomone (Marketing) on 8007 2387.

SMOOTHER SKIN

Over 85 per cent of women will develop cellulite at some time during their life. With SmoothShapes®, cellulite is reduced through a painless, safe, and effective programme of combined light, laser, and massage therapies. Benefit from a 10% discount on our SmoothShapes® treatment throughout July. Persona Med-Aesthetic Centre, 42, Marina Court, Sir Ugo Mifsud street, Ta’ Xbiex. Tel: 2134 0366, Email: info@persona.com.mt or visit www.persona.com.mt.

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Sunday Circle | July 2013

Naturally You

LIVING Perfect Summer WINeS Nestled in Chile’s Rapel Valley, Misiones de Rengo produces wines on lands that were once the location of the Spanish Spiritual Crusade. With a passion for tradition, the winery tends the same vines that monks tended with devotion years ago. Popular varieties which are perfect for hot summer days and nights include the 2009 Misiones de Rengo Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Misiones De Rengo wines have been voted Chile’s number one wines for the sixth consecutive year. Misiones De Rengo is represented by P. Cutajar Ltd.

oN the BeAch The Lido in Tigne, Sliema offers a relaxing beach escape from 10am till midnight every day of the week. Full membership, includes free use of sunbeds, umbrellas, pool and shower from Monday to Friday, and at a 50 per cent discounted rate on the weekends. A full cocktail menu is also available along with a restaurant open for lunch and dinner. During the summer months, The Lido will be hosting live bands, such as Airport Impressions on 9 July, Ira Losco on 13 August and Tribali on the 27 August. Tel: 9909 9099; www.thelido.com.mt.

AutheNtIc LAtIN fuSIoN Situated in the heart of the Valletta Waterfront, this newly launched food establishment embraces a stylish outlook and a vast menu of exquisite Latin dishes that will entice anyone’s taste buds. The authenticity of Caliente: Latin Fusion & Lounge is reflected in the food and ingredients that make up the great dishes as well as the staff who is mainly Spanish. This includes the chefs, who take meticulous care in preparing the great food purveyed at this lovely establishment. For more information call 2124 2400 or visit and like our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CalienteLatinFusionLounge.

ALL NAturAL juIce drINk Fruvia is the latest exciting and innovative addition to the Farsons portfolio. A sparkling, all-natural juice drink, it is naturally sweetened and contains no artificial ingredients or flavourings.

Fruvia is one of the first beverages of its kind in Malta that is sweetened using a mix of Stevia, the revolutionary natural sweetener from the stevia leaf, and sugar. With only 70 calories per 330ml can, it comes in three refreshing flavours. Available in major stores and supermarkets, beach bars, cafes and snack bars. Visit www.fruvia. com.mt for more information.

refreShINGLy crISP This crisp, refreshing blush hails from France’s best terroir for fresh wines, the Loire Valley. Anjou is, perhaps, best known for Savennières, a wine made from Chenin Blanc that is almost exclusively dry, but the area grows many varieties of grapes and boasts additional AOC classifications within the region. Filled with fresh berry and fruit notes, this wine is light and fruity, ideal for warm days and is perfect for afternoon sipping by the pool, in the sun and among friends. Rose D’Anjou is imported

by P. Cutajar Ltd. 10 Sunday Circle | July 2013

A GAStroNomIc exPerIeNce Waterbiscuit is a new bar, lounge and restaurant located at St Georges Bay offering a gastronomic experience that will delight all. It is a truly contemporary location ideal for any business rendez-vous, social gathering, casual dining and nightlife. Their creative and ever-evolving menus jump to the forefront of the Maltese culinary experience with delicious and innovative dishes with an emphasis on healthy and organic ingredients from all across the Mediterranean.

Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails.

Tel: 2376 2225.

www.demajowinesandspirits.com

coVer story

TALES OF A

CITY

Months after Valletta was officially crowned capital of culture 2018, the Valletta 2018 foundation has a new chairMan. philip leone-Ganado speaks to newly appointed Jason Micallef about the challenGes that lie ahead for a city burstinG with cultural potential P hotograPhy

12 Sunday Circle | July 2013

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S teve M uliett -ยง- M ake - uP

by

k erry J ane C hetCuti

COVER STORY

T

he day our capital city officially assumes the title of European Capital of Culture is still four and a half years away. But Jason Micallef, the new chairman of the Valletta 2018 Foundation, already has a very clear image of what he wants to see when the time comes. “We want to make Valletta the place to be,” he tells me when I meet him at the Foundation’s headquarters in Republic Street. “If you want to impress someone, to show them what Malta has to offer, your first thought should be Valletta. Coming to the city is an experience.”

Jason was appointed chairman in early May, and over the next few years will be working in close collaboration with the executive team of Valletta 2018, as well as the Foundation’s board of governors, representing entities as diverse as the University of Malta, MCAST, the business community duly represented by the Chamber of Commerce and the Local Councils’ Association. Jason’s role in all this is, in his own words, that of any chairman: “You talk about ideas, you talk about policy, and you push forward the decisions you think are best for the project as a whole.”

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 13

COVER STORY Indeed, the spotlight that Valletta 2018 will shine on the capital city represents an opportunity to showcase the best of Malta’s talent and cultural heritage, but according to Jason, its fruits will continue to become evident even when the lights dim, the curtain comes down, and the world’s attention turns elsewhere. “One of the legacies we want to leave is the creation of a creative economy,” he says.

“We want to show that the arts can be useful to the public not only in terms of aesthetic appreciation, but also by creating jobs and improving the sustainability of our economy.”

One of the challenges in ensuring that legacy is finding a way to engage children and teenagers who, though young now, will be at the forefront of a new generation of artists come 2018. To that end, Jason explains, the foundation’s artistic programme directors have been collaborating with the education ministry to develop programmes specifically aimed at getting school children excited about the possibilities the project holds for them. “At that tender age, culture might be something secondary. But if you can kindle an interest, and give the right direction, they could well start to see a cultural career as a viable option.”

Careers in the cultural sector, of course, take many different forms, but in particular, I wonder whether Valletta 2018 will serve as a motor to increase opportunities for locally-based professional artists, stemming the drain of talented young people who are forced to seek their fortunes overseas. Jason certainly thinks so. Yet his idea is a holistic one, linking the arts firmly with economic regeneration. “Take Strait Street,” he suggests. “What we have in mind is giving life to an entire area. When you do that, you’re creating a new market for performing artists.” A similar idea is also envisioned for Merchant’s Street’s covered market, known as “Is-Suq”, where Jason sees performing arts spaces sitting comfortably amid the expected trappings of a traditional market. “Artists shouldn’t need to pay rent to express their art. We’ll provide the spaces, and perhaps that starting opportunity can help them to one day go professional.”

The European Capital of Culture, awarded to two European cities every year, is a yearlong programme of cultural events aimed at highlighting the richness and diversity of European cultures, and celebrating the cultural ties that link Europeans together. For the hosting city, it is a unique opportunity to revitalise its cultural life, raise its international profile, boost tourism, and enhance its image in the eyes of the locals.

14 Sunday Circle | July 2013

The biggest obstacle to the realisation of this dream isn’t resources, Jason believes, but mentality. “There’s this perception that all artists are lunatics, and those who can’t appreciate art are stupid,” he laughs. “We need to find common ground somehow. Culture is the art of tolerance.” While exploiting niches is important, bringing artists closer to the general public and to popular culture is crucial to the success of the project. “We can’t be elitist,” he says. “There’s no point presenting something that the public is going to reject, and at the same time there’s nothing wrong

COVER STORY with being popular. We shouldn’t be aiming to attract 200 people to an event; we should be aiming for many, many more.”

Ownership and inclusivity are definitely the order of the day, but they do seem to be more than buzzwords. After all, uniquely among the European Capitals of Culture, the Valletta 2018 title will be extended to incorporate the whole of the country. It may be testament to Malta’s small size, but as Jason explains, to do otherwise would have been a disservice. “How many other places in the world have multiple art museums in every town?” he asks me. It feels like a sales pitch, and I play along with a quizzical expression. “Every locality in Malta has a number of huge churches,” he continues with a smile. “If you walk into one, you feel like you’re in a remarkable art museum. How can we not take advantage of that?”

about the richness of our heritage,” he says, summing himself up with a sigh. “We excel in it, and that’s something I really want to sell, not just as part of Valletta 2018, but because I love Malta and I truly believe in the potential of this little island. It’s unique in the riches it has.”

“Valletta is so close to Cottonera and Sliema geographically, but traffic-wise it’s still very far away,” he says, pointing out that the dramatic reduction in journey times that a reliable ferry service could bring about would serve to bring the harbour area closer together, not to mention the environmental benefits.

“We need to develop a holistic sense of how to improve the country.

If the residents of Cottonera feel abandoned and cut off from the rest of Malta, wouldn’t it be a remarkable success for Valletta 2018 if we could get business blooming in Cottonera, in part, perhaps, thanks to these ferry connections?”

I TRULY BELIEVE IN THE POTENTIAL OF THIS LITTLE ISLAND. IT’S UNIQUE IN THE RICHES IT HAS

As Jason lays out his vision for a European Capital of Culture that encompasses an entire island, his ideas gloss over the temples at Haġar Qim and Ġgantija, the Victoria Lines, the Grand Harbour, the natural beauty of Gozo and Comino, our beautiful blue seas, and many others. “We don’t have enough patriotism and passion

Jason’s conception of culture is a broad one, incorporating art, heritage, sports, tourism, and economic development into one cohesive whole. And perhaps nowhere is this more clear than in his insistence that if Valletta 2018 is to be considered a success, it must also be seen as an opportunity to improve the infrastructure surrounding the capital city. In particular, he considers vital the improvement of ferry connections between Valletta, Sliema, and the Three Cities.

There’s a long way to go, of course, and Jason is realistic about the work that needs to be done. On the road to 2018, the Foundation will also be supporting Malta’s EU presidency in 2017, and the 2016 celebrations for 450-year anniversary of the Great Siege and the founding of Valletta.

And beyond? With Malta due to host the European Capital of Culture again in 2031, the ripples from our capital city’s moment in the limelight will, if all goes according to plan, be felt for years to come.

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July 2013 | Sunday Circle 15

FOOD

CROP WARS W ords

by

M artina s aid

THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING GMOS HAS BEEN AROUND AS LONG AS THE PRACTICE ITSELF – AND IF RECENT EVENTS ARE ANYTHING TO GO BY, THE ISSUE IS NOT GETTING ANY SIMPLER...

A global march against seed giant Monsanto last May witnessed determined crowds from over 50 countries protest a single, significant cause: the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in foods that consumers buy and eat, whether they know it or not.

For years, the questions surrounding – and often plaguing – GMOs have been tossed and toyed with, highlighting just how contentious an issue it actually is. Only adding to its complexity are the polarised opinions in favour or against them – a result, one could say, of the ambiguity surrounding GMOs, causing real facts and debates to be lost in translation.

So was the case with “golden rice”, a genetically engineered strain of rice that has been in the making for many years. The goal was to fortify the staple food of many developing countries with vitamin A, in an attempt to address the deficiency in their diet which often leads to blindness. The project, however, was met with backlash and trials have not yet confirmed it as safe for human consumption.

This, perhaps, is the central question hanging over our heads: are GMOs safe or not?

IS THIS MODIFIED?

THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE MODIFIED What’s all the fuss about GMOs? Or, simpler still, what are they? I meet Dr Suzanne Piscopo, senior lecturer at the University of Malta and outgoing chairperson of Home Economists in Action. She explains that to “genetically modify” means to alter by removing a gene from one organism – a plant, animal or microbe – and inserting it into another. A gene is a “code” that instructs cells to make a specific protein.

“Since the 1990s many organisms have been modified,” says Dr Piscopo, although the most common existing or experimental GMOs are soybean, corn, cotton seed, oilseed rape (canola), potatoes, papaya, sugar beet and fish, among others. Fish, she explains, can be modified to grow faster in less time; potatoes are modified to be suited for cultivating in different climates and corn can be modified to have an inbuilt pesticide. “Many GM foods are intended for direct human consumption but others, such as soybean, are mainly for animal feed.”

“Typically the purpose of such a practice is to take a desired trait from one organism that will be useful in another. For instance, you want a certain food to be richer in a particular nutrient, so you insert the gene from an organism rich in that nutrient into the food product that lacks the nutrient.”

The intended benefits of GMOs are various – for instance, crops with greater nutritional value, a larger yield in less time, plants that are disease-resistant, pesticide resistant and drought-resistant resulting in less losses, foods with medicinal properties, such as an inbuilt vaccine, and food with more desirable traits, such as

16 Sunday Circle | July 2013

FOOD

potatoes that absorb less fat when fried. “Theoretically, many of these benefits would seem to make a farmer’s work easier and more lucrative and also be good for humans,” says Dr Piscopo. But there are numerous cons that leave many people in doubt over their safety.

The more widely-debated downsides of GMOs range from concern for human health and the environment, to concern for the welfare of farmers that is largely controlled by the companies that manufacture GMOs, especially seeds. It has been suggested that they can be toxic, allergenic and increase antibiotic-resistance in humans, as well as increase the risk for a number of health problems, damage soil and the environment.

has created weeds that have become resistant to weed killer – so-called ‘superweeds’ – and so a new weed killer needs to be invented and more weed killer is used,” says Dr Piscopo. “This way, one of the good original intentions for creating that GMO in the first place is lost.”

Such malfunctions also majorly affect the farmer – “though the idea was to make work easier for farmers and perhaps less costly, the farmer will have to buy a specific herbicide to kill the herbicideresistant weed, making the companies that produce such products extremely powerful and leaves the farmer at their mercy.”

Since the 1990s many organisms have been modified “A major risk of inserting a new gene into an organism is that you cannot be too sure if, when and to what extent a ‘naturallyoccuring’ gene is affected by the new one,” says Dr Piscopo. Also, a particular nutritional value of a food could be reduced rather than increased, and GM seeds could mistakenly mingle with seeds sown in other fields creating new, undesired crops.

“Crops have been modified to resist herbicides, such as soybean.

This is seen as generally good because it results in greater yields due to less losses and there is less use of herbicides. But the seed

TESTING, TESTING In the EU, only two genetically modified plants are allowed to be cultivated commercially: a type of corn and a type of potato. All other genetically modified produce is imported. There are three ways in which we can consume GMOs: either by eating the produce itself directly, such as a type of corn or bean or a product made from it, such as cornflakes or cornoil; through a derivative of the GM food, such as an extract used from soybean that is used as an additive in another food; or by eating animals that are fed on GM feed.

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 17

FOOD

“The EU and Malta believe strongly in consumers having the right to know what they’re buying and eating” The approval of GMOs, it seems, is a somewhat slippery slope. “A decision is made, by the European Commission, after evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority and other EU entities, on whether to allow a GM crop or food onto the market or not based on evidence provided by the company wishing to commercialise the GMO.” Does this mean the material is not reliable? “There are drawbacks to the evidence: tests are generally carried out on animals, mainly rats, by the company itself. Also, tests often run for 30 to 90 days. Is that enough to classify it as safe for humans in the long term?” If a GM food is approved by the Commission, then it very likely makes it onto our grocery shelves.

THE CASE FOR MALTA What is Malta’s position on GMOs? Malta follows EU regulations.

“Whatever is allowed to be placed on the EU market is allowed into Malta – there are EU countries that have made their own laws on GMOs, but we have not and neither do we have a list of the products available to consumers that contain GM ingredients.” Consumers could, however, see what is allowed in the EU through an online register called the EU Register of Authorised GMOs Do local authorities carry out food tests for GMOs? “From time to time, the Environmental Health Directorate through the Health Inspectorate and the Public Health Laboratory monitors for specific GM ingredients which might not be allowed or be considered safe.”

EU regulations also require that any product which is a GMO, or that contains an ingredient that is 1 per cent or more GM, is labelled, leaving the choice entirely in the consumer’s hands. “Even GM additives and flavourings have to be indicated on the label.

However, the foods coming from animals raised with GM feed, such as meats, eggs and dairy products do not require labelling.”

18 Sunday Circle | July 2013

And what are the implications of this? She suggests that they are far from ideal – however, we’re somewhat better off than the other countries.

“The EU and Malta believe strongly in consumers having the right to know what they’re buying and eating,” says Dr Piscopo. “In the US, for instance, there is no regulation on mandatory food labelling for GMOs... eating foods certified as organic is one way of avoiding GMOs.” TOWARDS THE FUTURE Despite the negative outpour elicited from populations around the world towards Monsanto and other similar companies, it is highly probable that the furore is nothing more than a thorn in the giant’s side. The resistance to GMOs worldwide is high, but without adequate labelling laws it is hard to know the full truth about what we eat.

Although it might be premature to slam a practice as 100 per cent incorrect, there is certainly more to be desired on the front of consumer care. “More scientific evidence is emerging about unintentional and unpredictable impacts and side-effects. Only epidemiological studies (studies of populations) can one day give us answers on the long-term health effects of GMOs – otherwise there are lots of unknowns and uncertainties,” – ones that do not seem to be close to resolution any time soon.

Dr Suzanne Piscopo is a senior lecturer in nutrition, family and consumer studies at the University of Malta. She is a founding member of Home Economists in Action, the Maltese professional organisation for home economics graduates.

To learn more about GMOs and their effects on local agricultural practices read our interview with John Portelli from the Malta Organic and Agricultural Movement. Visit sundaycircle.com.

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20 Sunday Circle | July 2013

SPORT

W ords

by

M artina s aid -§- P hotograPhy

by

n icky s cicluna

aithem Laamouz has, for the most part, one thing on his mind: the young boxer talks feverishly about a sport that has had him hooked for half a decade. Even during brief pauses in the course of our conversation, he cannot help but throw a few quick, controlled punches into the air. After being introduced to the sport all but five years ago, at the age of 23, Haithem has since taken part in 45 fights, even competing against heavyweights overseas.

Boxing, however, was not on the cards early on – fighting was. “I got scared easily as a child, and thought fighting would help me. I’ve thankfully gotten over that fear now, and fighting has become my career,” he says.

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 21

SPORT

As a teenager, Haithem says he often got involved in street fights, although he feared being beaten. He soon began to channel his urge to fight through kick boxing and later, through mixed martial arts. His talent was spotted by a trainer, who told him he fought well with his hands and suggested he attempt boxing.

“I decided to give it a go, went for my first lesson and got my ass kicked during my first sparring session,” he laughs. “By the end of it I thought to myself, I simply cannot let that happen again, so I worked hard,” he says. He went on to take part in his first competition and won. “The feeling I got at the end, when they lifted my arm in the air... that got me hooked.”

His hard work has taken him from strength to strength. Haithem clinched seven wins from nine matches in the 2010/2011 boxing season in the UK spanning from September to June. This year, he clinched the gold medal in the Sweden box cup Uppsala region, gold in the Sweden box cup Orebro region and won a number of matches in London.

“It takes all your time to become a great boxer,” Haithem says of his achievements.

“Some say boxing is not a sport or a game, it is a lifestyle. You have to put in a lot of 22 Sunday Circle | July 2013

effort, time and energy. You have to watch what you eat, make sure you get enough hours of rest, and train. You cannot go out and get drunk. All these things need to be given importance... otherwise you cannot make it to number one.”

SOME SAY BOXING IS NOT A SPORT OR A GAME, IT IS A LIFESTYLE. YOU HAVE TO PUT IN A LOT OF EFFORT, TIME AND ENERGY The physical demands for boxing are huge, with rigorous daily training sessions during the season. Haithem is self-trained and does not enjoy the guidance of a coach. This, he says, makes him uneasy. “I haven’t found a coach here that I’m happy working with, so it is hard for me to feel confident as a boxer knowing there are other boxers out there who are probably doing better training.”

The mental strains are equally demanding.

“I’d say the mental preparations are probably harder than the physical.” How does he mean? “Somehow, you get through the physical, even though it’s tough,” he explains.

“But mental struggles require a different strength. All fighters are there trying to get to the top, so you’re aware of competition. You also question yourself during a fight or after – am I doing enough to win? Is my opponent working harder than me? It’s all mind games.”

What keeps his mind on track during a fight then? Instinct, he says. If, during an intense fight, his opponent is doing better than him and the match is entering its last round, then he will fight hard and do anything necessary to win. “From the first sound of that bell till the last, you just fight. Especially towards the end of a match, when it is a challenge to push through the fatigue. Your mind tells you to keep punching, punching and punching.

That is what I’ll be thinking. Even if I got punched in the face I’m thinking ‘keep going, keep fighting, keep punching.’”

Haithem recounts an experience during the North East London championship final last year, where he was up against some tough competition. He considers it to be one of his most memorable experiences to date.

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INTERVIEW “I was the underdog and everyone kept telling me I was going to get beaten up. Before the fight even started I was beginning to convince myself that I was going to lose. But I was driven when I got out there. My opponent beat me in the first round, but in the second round my fighting instinct set in. I began to notice a look in his eyes – he was getting tired and that pushed me to keep going.” In the end, Haithem won the championship.

Haithem’s dedication comes with a dose of sacrifice. Most friends his age are off doing all the things most twenty-something year olds do. He, on the other hand, tries to save energy and money on training and travelling overseas to participate in competitions. Has he got any regrets? “The sacrifice is worth it – satisfaction in the ring makes it worth it. And I would do it over and over again.”

Haithem explains how boxing has helped him in many ways – to gain confidence, keep him out of trouble and to be more disciplined in mind and body. “I’m calmer too, because I put so much effort into workouts at the gym that outside of the gym I just want to relax.”

THE SACRIFICE IS WORTH IT – SATISFACTION IN THE RING MAKES IT WORTH IT. AND I WOULD DO IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN His experience so far also landed him a job as a boxing and personal trainer at a local gym.

“Boxing as training is the best thing to do to get fit – both in terms of exercise and as a means of releasing stress and tension. People always end up leaving the gym with a smile.”

While summer recess is giving Haithem time to recover from last season, his eyes are on the prize for gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. “If I make it, I would be the first Maltese boxer to win a gold medal,” he says. His ultimate dream would be to turn professional, which means fighting in the ring without any protective gear. “Professional boxing is rougher but more entertaining. I do hope to get there some day... but only when I feel prepared for it.

When I am, I’m sure it will be exciting.”

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 000

ON GUARD

SAFETY

With the summer season in full sWing, Carla formosa CatChes up With the lifeguards patrolling the sWeltering sands of golden Bay...

P hotograPhy

by

N icky S cicluNa

hen it comes to lifeguards, many of us usually conjure up the same image: tight and revealing orange bathing suits, with easy flowing beach hair, running up and down a beach in slow motion to one of our favourite songs. Being utterly misled by the spin off series of Baywatch starring the famous David Hasselfhoff, the whole concept of what a lifeguard represents and does has been totally off.

Arriving early at Golden Sands to meet with Orazio Zahra, the president and founder of the Soċjeta Nazzjonali tas-Salvataġġ, I am greeted with a somewhat still uncluttered beach. Right in the centre, on the high yellow and red tower, stand two lifeguards dressed in their easily spottable uniforms, watching the lapping of the waves. I can already sense a huge change of work ethic from the one you’d find inside an office. Without their superiors present, they are at full attention and working diligently.

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 27

SAFETY

Only 15 per cent of the Maltese population actually knows how to swim properly. The other 85 per cent know how to float and travel, but that’s not really swimming at all

“A lifeguard cannot be a money seeker or a job hunter. He has to become a lifeguard because that is what he wants to do,” explains Orazio Zahra about the importance of the work ethic needed for such a demanding and important role.

Everything was originally funded by Mr Zahra himself, but as the society became more popular, and their hard work began to be recognised, they started receiving a lot of small donations which was all invested towards their society.

Maris Vassallo, the Secretary General and Operation co-ordinator of the society, also supports the importance of what morals a lifeguard must have.

“I always felt the urge and found serenity in helping people, and through this job, I found exactly that.”

“We often have people categorising what we do for them as a job, as they constantly insist on paying us.

But by personally accepting money from them, we would be going against all the principles we believe in,” Zahra explains. “So, if they do insist on giving us money, we take it as a donations towards the future of our society,” Vassallo continues.

Since 2004, from the start at St George’s beach in St Julian’s, our beaches have been patrolled by the team of the Soċjeta Nazzjonali tas-Salvataġġ. However, it was only in 2007 that they became autonomous of Societa Nazionale di Salvamento in Genoa.

The voluntary based Society is fully equipped with the most professional tools available, enabling them to work at a very efficient and proficient level at all times.

28 Sunday Circle | July 2013

The money collected through multiple donations has also led to the creation of their Clinic on Wheels.

Zahra and Vassallo both described with huge excitement their truck, which was fully transformed into a mobile clinic. Focusing on the utmost hygiene, two ventilators were installed to constantly air it.

interview

The truck has been completely altered to cater for any casualty. “The bed inside the truck can rise from either the back or the front according to what the patient needs,” Zahra stated.

The clinic is not, however, and must not be confused with, an ambulance. The truck cannot transport patients from one place to another. It is there to act as a mini health clinic until an ambulance arrives. This leads Zahra to educate me on the differences between a doctor and a lifeguard: “The job of a lifeguard is to preserve life. Which basically means that if someone has cut their arm, my aim is to stop the bleeding and prevent their body going into shock. The aftermath of the cut, such as infection and scarring, is dealt with by a doctor. So, as long as I have prevented any further damage, as far as I’m concerned, I have preserved that person’s life, and ultimately done my job,” Zahra explains.

Even though the role of a doctor and a lifeguard may differ, a lifeguard’s job must not be seen as an “easier option of lifesaving”. One must be ready to endure “high stress levels, long tiring hours in the hot heat of summer, and also hard physical situations,” says Vassallo.

The list of training courses a person must go through to become a lifeguard and have the privileged responsibility of patrolling a beach goes on and on, from serious medical and physical examinations, to rescue technique training and first aid levels. Traits such as responsibility and readiness to learn and take orders seem to be of equal importance.

Although, one major factor that is always checked before assigning someone with the role of becoming a lifeguard is whether they actually do know how to swim. “Only 15 per cent of the Maltese population actually knows how to swim properly,” says Zahra. “The other 85 per cent know how to float and travel, but that’s not really swimming at all.”

Working at the beach all day isn’t as easy as you would think.

“It can be really hard sometimes to watch everyone relaxing and enjoying themselves on the beach, while we have to remain alert at all the time. We cannot afford to let our guard down,” confesses Vassallo. From his own experience, Zahra expresses how casualties do often tend to happen if you aren’t always alert. “We are just like normal people, having a subconscious that constantly makes us doubt ourselves. I find myself questioning whether I did actually do my utmost in any situation, and what difference would it have made if I was there just a few seconds earlier.”That is why they try to focus on the idea that “prevention is better than cure.” By constantly being on the look out, they try and eliminate any casualties from occurring.

The job of a lifeguard may not be as glamorous as Baywatch once made us believe – the fit, bathing-suit clad bodies of C. J. and Mitch dashing across our TV screens. But for Vassallo and Zahra, and the rest of the lifeguards that will patrol our beaches this summer, this business of guarding lives carries rewards that are too often underestimated.

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 000

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POLITICS

G N SfO RY MEN o ANG

Following the recent spate oF protests in turkey, Bulgaria and Brazil, are we gearing up for a summer of discontent, asks PhiliP-leone Ganado?

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 31

POLITICS In 2011, the Arab Spring showed us how a single protest could spread across national boundaries and ignite a massive movement.

Now, in 2013, it looks like it’s happening all over again. On the face of it, the new crop of protests may seem to have little in common between them. In Turkey, the spark was government plans to develop an urban park, in Brazil it was a rise in fares, in Bulgaria electricity bills. But beneath the surface the similarities are apparent.

In all cases, the bulk of the protest is not, as traditionally conceived, the put-upon lower classes, but a growing and expectant middleclass. Relative deprivation – how your perceived status matches up to what you see around you – has become far more important than absolute deprivation as an indicator of civil unrest.

“Where people feel that the government is not listening to them, there is a temptation to turn to protest,” wrote one political analyst in a note to investors. “Look at South Africa, where the ANC has been in power for 19 years and has failed to deliver what it promised such as alleviating poverty, boost employment and improve education.”

In Brazil, the number of people living in poverty has dropped by 40 million in eight years. Those 40 million people are now rankled to see their government spending billions on the World Cup

EGYPT

32 Sunday Circle | July 2013

BULGAR

IA

and Olympic Games, when their quality of life, healthcare and education, is in no way commensurate to that lavish spending.

In Turkey, where 59 per cent of people are considered middle-class on the basis of their consumption of luxury goods, and where the number of graduating students has risen 8 per cent every year since 1995, the social conservatism of Prime Minister Erdoğan, building new mosques and mulling an alcohol ban, is completely out of step with people’s own aspirations, and Gezi Park has become a symbol of that incongruence.

“Although the existence of a strong middle class is an advantage for the development of democracy,” said the chairman of the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation, with some prescience, four years ago, “it can pose a challenge for society if the political administration cannot give it hope and leaves it uncertain of its future.”

Moreover, as The Economist writes, “protests are no longer organised by unions or other lobbies, as they once were. Some are initiated by small groups of purposeful people – like those who stood against the fare increases in São Paulo – but news gets about so fast that the organising core tends to get swamped. Spontaneity gives the protests an intoxicating sense of possibility.” The use of social media, of course, remains a large part of this.

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POLITICS

A successful protest in one area demonstrates to people in other areas with similar concerns that protest is a viable option to achieve their goals

In Turkey, anger intensified over the absolute lack of coverage given by domestic media channels, with one television station farcically broadcasting a documentary about penguins even as police were brutally cracking down on the protests. To counter this, protesters took to social media, not to organise themselves in the face of repression, as in the Arab Spring, but to communicate details of what was happening on the ground, and crucially to build up support in other parts of the country and internationally.

Similarly, Brazilian protesters have set up event pages on Facebook for individual protests, and a shareable, on-message video entitled “No, I’m not going to the World Cup” – explaining the outlook of ordinary Brazilians on the event – has been viewed nearly 4 million times on YouTube.

Social media has a major effect on the way protests spread, but it would be short-sighted to attribute the contagion solely to this phenomenon. Since long before the advent of social media – in 1848, 1968, and 1989, for example – protests have always shown a tendency to piggy-back off one another. A successful protest in one area demonstrates to people in other areas with similar concerns that protest is a viable option to achieve their goals; it focuses the attention and support of outsiders, which platform and resources can then be appropriated by a different set of protesters riding the same wave.

Erdoğan, for one, clearly sees Brazil as a continuation of the troubles in his own country, though the differing reaction of his Brazilian counterpart would seem to suggest otherwise (President Dilma Rousseff has accepted the protests, and publicly acknowledged the protesters’ grievances). “The same game is now being played over Brazil,” said Erdoğan. “The symbols are the same. The posters are the same. Twitter, Facebook are the same.

The international media is the same.”

The question many are now asking is: what next? As the protests in Turkey and Brazil spill into the summer, the leaders of many 34 Sunday Circle | July 2013

countries will certainly be throwing nervous glances over their shoulders. Not only do protests have a nasty habit of spreading, but there is ample evidence to show that they have a particularly nasty habit of spreading during the summer months.

Social scientists Craig Anderson and Brad Bushman have researched the link between crowd violence and higher temperatures on the basis that heat fuels our aggression on a physiological level, while even more pragmatically, nice weather means people are simply more likely to be willing to take to the streets to demonstrate.

Looking forward, analysts at Japanese financial services conglomerate Nomura have identified eleven countries that they feel investors should be wary of because of the potential for imminent civil unrest. Some, such as Argentina and Venezuela, are clearly affected by their proximity to Brazil; some have already witnessed sporadic or intensifying protests, as in South Africa, India, Egypt and Indonesia. Russia and China, also on the list, could like Turkey suffer from the clash between a heavy-handed regime and an increasingly socially mobile population.

Interestingly, France is also on the list, with anger over President Hollande’s proposed pension and labour market reforms already simmering just below the surface. The rest of the Eurozone could well follow: European unemployment hit a record high last month, with one in four young people out of work, and already a new antiausterity movement – Blockupy – has staged demonstrations in Frankfurt, while protests against public spending cuts in Greece, Spain, Portugal and Italy have now become a regular feature of our news diet.

Speculation is rarely a profitable game. But it is fair to say that few would be surprised if the massive unrest we’re witnessing in Turkey and Brazil takes root elsewhere before the year is done. Or, indeed, if 2013 goes down in history as another year marked by a new wave of protest.

STYLE

L

THE ESSENCE OF Sterling haS recently launched itS Bvlgari Boutique – the first monobrand luxury boutique exclusively representing Bvlgari in the heart of valletta’s repuBlic street…

W ords

A

s the sun dims on a balmy summery evening and the lights go up on Republic Street, the gorgeous set-up comes to life, and the spotlight falls on the exclusive, newly launched Bvlgari boutique.

With its incredibly rich textures and colours, Valletta provides the perfect backdrop for a brand that encapsulates timeless sophistication: lush posters of Bvlgari’s Serpenti collection hang against the building’s historical façade, while beautiful pieces are showcased in sparkling glass cabinets outside the boutique.

Out here in the red carpet enclosure, as elegant waiters zigzag through the stylish crowd carrying fine Prosecco and wines, and the musicians strike up a few jazz standards, it feels as though we’ve landed in the very lap of luxury.

36 Sunday Circle | July 2013

by

K atryna s torace -§- P hotograPhy

by

b rian g rech

Founded in 1884 in Rome, the Bvlgari brand represents a unique and eclectic mix of tradition, Italian flair and a classical character, inspired by Greco-Roman classicism, the Italian Renaissance, and the 19th century Roman school of goldsmiths.

“This boutique is in fact the first and only one in Malta fully-dedicated to this iconic Italian fashion brand,” says Romina Fenech, director of Sterling Group as we stop for a brief chat outside the boutique.

The opening of the Bvlgari boutique marks an important milestone for Sterling Group, and reflects the group’s commitment to play an active role in Malta’s luxury and high fashion sector by bringing the best international brands and presenting them to customers within their rightful setting. “Sterling is synonymous with some of the most sophisticated brands in fine jewellery and having a flagship boutique in Valletta’s Republic

Street denotes our firm belief in this brand as one of Sterling Group’s most important representations in Malta,” says Romina.

Romina emphasises that the philosphy behind launching a monobrand store stems from the belief that to fully appreciate the unique qualities of the Bvlgari brand, it needs to be showcased in its original and exclusive setting. For the client, the boutique is a space where Bvlgari can be experienced in all its timelessness. “This is what the Bvlgari Boutique seeks to deliver – an authentic space and a discreet environment that offers clients the opportunity to ‘absorb’, so to speak, what Bvlgari stands for.”

To add to the experience of visiting the boutique, says Romina, clients can also avail of the VIP facilities where they can enjoy the convenience and discreet service of private viewings. This is luxury: it extends to the customer’s needs and offers an unparalleled service.

Luxury BVLGARI HAS MANAGED TO CREATE A COLLECTION OF INFINITE BEAUTY, UNCOILING ITS SECRETS WITH SINUOUS GRACE

“Today’s buyer is an increasingly discerning one whose choice is not only limited to the beauty of jewellery creations but is also concerned in the longer-term value that these items carry with them,” says Romina.

After the boutique is officially inaugurated by the Prime Minister’s wife, Michelle Muscat, I take a tour of the interior, guided by Bvlgari’s representative from Milan, Dario Cimino. The Bvlgari boutique showcases contemporary jewellery, one-off creations, watches for men and women and an enticing collection of accessories such as handbags, small leather goods for men and women, scarfs, ties, and belts.

Displayed alongside the more classic Bvlgari pieces are the latest Serpenti creations. “This collection has been inspired by the snake, a creature that has been a source of inspiration through the

STYLE

history of jewellery design since antiquity,” Romina illustrates. “As with most Bvlgari collections, the snake’s symbol transcends time again, and now finds itself expressing its eternal magnificence as the prime inspiration for this collection. With delicate and flawless craftsmanship, the serpent’s form has been re-created into a mystical embrace of precious stones and Bvlgari has managed to create a collection of infinite beauty, uncoiling its secrets with sinuous grace.”

And as the evening draws to a close and the crowd slowly diminishes, Romina’s words seem to paint a delicate picture of what makes the Bvlgari brand so incredible: drawing on the ideals of beauty from a bygone age, it brings forth an aesthetic that reaches beyond the now. In its timelessness, Bvlgari will always be contemporary: it is the brand of the gods.

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 37

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INTERVIEW

AGEING Gracefully

Dermalogica’s Diana HowarD is an expert in tHe fielD of skincare. sHe speaks to martina saiD about tHe importance of a skincare regime, staying out of tHe sun – anD just How paramount it is to use sunscreen

W

P hotograPhy

ith her thick American accent and confident demeanour, Dr Diana Howard commands your full attention. As vice president of Global Education and Research and Development for The International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica, she is a seasoned expert in her field and at the forefront of the skincare industry. Which is why I’m slightly taken aback when she says, flat out, “there is nothing you can do to stop wrinkles.”

“I’ve been in this business for 33 years – my role has not only been in research and development but as an educator too, addressing the need to change how we present skincare to the public,” she says. “We often see grandiose adverts splashed everywhere promising our wrinkles will disappear in three days, which doesn’t help the credibility of our industry. The goal is the skin, not the product.”

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S teve M uliett

Dr Howard has travelled the world, sharing her knowledge with skincare therapists and educating women on the importance of caring for their skin. She is here to deliver a seminar to skin therapists in Malta for a few days.

Having been able to raise the bar in skincare education is, in fact, what she considers to be her greatest achievement.

What she wants to continue to strive to achieve, however, is getting women to embody getting older while keeping their skin in optimum health.

“I live in L.A., and it is incredible how many women there are who look like freaks. I’m 60, and there are women half my age who are already filled with Botox,” she argues. “It’s ok to embrace getting older – keep your skin healthy and be happy about it. Do not try to look half your age because it won’t look good.”

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 39

INTERVIEW She says that, even in times of economic recession, when quite literally every cent counts, women will not and should not compromise their skincare regime; it is a matter of health, not beauty. “Women in magazines nowadays are portrayed as perfect and their skin is flawless. These are not women you and I can relate to, so we need to be realistic. If you can make your skin look and feel healthy, then you feel better and feel more confident.”

Is there anything that could be done to, perhaps, slow down the signs of ageing?

“The deadliest and most detrimental thing for skin is UV radiation – and here in Malta you get a lot of sun,” says Dr Howard. “Ninety per cent of the signs of ageing are linked to UV radiation. So without a doubt, the number one product is good sunscreen to block out UVA and UVB rays.”

With so many products on the market, Dr Howard agrees that it could get confusing for people to choose the right product. What should we be looking out for? “Vitamins and peptides fight ageing, specifically retinol for vitamins, so it is important to look at the ingredients list when buying a product.”

She adds that increasing vitamin intake through our diet will not necessarily guarantee great skin. “The skin is the largest organ of our bodies and vitamins make it to every organ, leaving the skin for the last.

By the time they make it to the skin there might not be enough. By applying creams containing vitamins directly onto the skin, they will slowly get absorbed.”

The deadliest and most detrimental thing for skin is UV radiation – and here in Malta you get a lot of sun Every year, when summer rolls around, we begin to crave long hours in the sun often without the use of sunscreen. It is especially common for younger people, in fact, to neglect their skin – until the first hint of a wrinkle begins to appear, forcing some form of action. This, says Dr Howard, shouldn’t be the case. “You can start to properly care for your skin from as early as your 20s, or even younger, when you’re a kid, by wearing sunscreen.”

40 Sunday Circle | July 2013

Dr Howard’s journey has been a long and rewarding one. Having started out as one of very few women in the industry, she’s achieved so much already, but says she has so much more to do and discover. “At Dermalogica, we’re constantly looking out for new ingredients that impact and improve the skin, and we’re making discoveries every year.

Also, the scientific community is recognising the potential of these ingredients in fighting off the signs of ageing.”

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July 2013 | Sunday Circle 000

STYLE

veryone and their mother had been talking about how uncharacteristically dull the weather had been all throughout May and June when suddenly, the summer heat plonked itself onto our heads, clinging onto our shirts and hair and never, letting, go. As with anything else, the season heralds in the start of many things: the touristic boom, the 50 per cent increase in exposed skin (not complaining), which is directly proportional to the increase in laziness (or inversely proportional to the amount of hoots given by the general public), mercury’s hike up Thermometer Hill, the addition of many a blonde head to the sea of Maltese commuters and, most importantly, holiday season.

(accessories) (TOP) CLAIRE: HAT – ACCESSORIZE NECKLACE– MORELLATO, AT VIP WATCH – MICHAEL KORS, AT VIP (BOTTOM) CLAIRE: RINGS, NECKLACE – ACCESSORIZE GOLD AND SILVER CUFFS, WATCH – SKAGEN, AT VIP NICOLE: STUDDED CUFF, NECKLACE – ACCESSORIZE WHITE GEM RING – MORELLATO, AT VIP YELLOW GEM RING, WATCH – SKAGEN, AT VIP SANDRO: RING – DIESEL WATCH – SKAGEN, AT VIP

44 Sunday Circle | July 2013

STYLE

(CRUISE) (TOP) SANDRO: STRIPED TOP, TROUSERS – DIESEL BOAT SHOES – TIP TOES WATCH – SKAGEN, AT VIP (BOTTOM) NICOLE: BLAZER, TROUSERS, SHOES – MARELLA NECKLACE – ACCESSORIZE WATCH – SKAGEN, AT VIP

We decided to document three trends which are just as appropriate for our own climates. If your idea of a perfect summer holiday is a stay in the mountains in order to escape the temperature, then there’s not much we can say except wear everything in your wardrobe and hope for the best. If, on the other hand, you’re about to jet off to the Moroccan beaches, or craving a drive around the African landscapes to observe the wildlife, or looking forward to life on deck aboard a cruiseliner (Schiettino, begone), then you’re leafing through the right pages.

Be warned: these are interpretations of the trends. Don’t go mucking around the soil in heels and then blame it on us. This is fashion, after all, not Ultimate Survival with Bear Grylls.

First off, we have the Moroccan trend. Chock-a-block with patterns and colour, it is probably the most Mediterranean of the three, as it compensates for the lack of layers with vibrancy, creativity and greater leeway in the field of coordination, also making it the most forgiving. You can go all out in head-totoe pattern in an easy, breezy jumpsuit, as worn by Nicole, or follow Claire’s example and opt for embroidered detailing.

Pairing shorts in a palm motif with a patterned shirt in a

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STYLE

46 Sunday Circle | July 2013

STYLE

REFRESHING COCKTAILS TOGETHER WITH ORIGINAL AND EXCELLENT DISHES AT LE BISTRO AT THE RADISSON BLU RESORT IN ST JULIANS

(MOROCCO) CLAIRE: TOP, SHORTS – MONSOON SUNGLASSES, BAG, SCARF (WORN AS HEADSCARF), STUDDED BRACELETS – ACCESSORIZE FLATS – TIP TOES NICOLE: JUMPSUIT, BELT, SANDALS, HAT, SUNGLASSES, BANGLES, NECKLACE – ACCESSORIZE GOLD AND SILVER CUFFS – SKAGEN, AT VIP SANDRO: SHIRT, SHORTS, ESPADRILLES, SUNGLASSES – TOPMAN T-SHIRT – DIESEL WATCH – NAUTICA, AT VIP

bolder colour is permissible as long as they’re grounded with plain, solid colours (as is the case with Sandro’s outfit). Sunglasses and hats are a must, both as protection and as final touches. Also, if you’re riddled with hathair-o-phobia (it’s a thing), turbans and head scarves are your friend.

Although not much of a new trend, Safari is a classic because of its utilitarian approach and use of neutrals, which makes it super easy to mix and match – the cause of many a headache when packing, and also during the holiday itself. Light materials like linen are also key to combatting the scorching heat, although we wouldn’t suggest long sleeves (as portrayed) in above-30 temperatures. You can also play around with proportion and shape by putting on a pair of slightly harem trousers with more structured items on top for balance.

A candlelit dinner on a cool summer evening or a romantic stroll along the decks of a cruiseliner, where dressing to impress is the order of the day, require a certain air of effortless luxury, which does not necessarily have to be reflected in your bank account. Cruise and resortwear are all about those inbetween seasons where, apart from the temperamental weather, a need for formality and easy-chic is introduced into the equation. The accessories here are not only final touches, but centrepieces that pull everything together. Think of places like St Tropez and Monaco, where people have become fine artists in marrying beachwear and luxury together to create a lustworthy and enviable air of nonchalance.

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 47

STYLE

48 Sunday Circle | July 2013

STYLE

(SAFARI)

(CRUISE) CLAIRE: TOP, TROUSERS – MARELLA HAT – ACCESSORIZE NECKLACE – MORELLATO, AT VIP WATCH – MICHAEL KORS, AT VIP SHOES – TIP TOES

CLAIRE: JACKET, TOP, TROUSERS – DIESEL RINGS, NECKLACE – ACCESSORIZE GOLD AND SILVER CUFFS, WATCH – SKAGEN, AT VIP

NICOLE: WAISTCOAT, SLEEVELESS SHIRT, TROUSERS – DIESEL STUDDED CUFF, NECKLACE – ACCESSORIZE WHITE GEM RING – MORELLATO, AT VIP YELLOW GEM RING, WATCH – SKAGEN, AT VIP

As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”, so we followed suit by having dinner at Le Bistro at the Radisson Blu Resort in St Julians. Whatever the occasion, whether you have had the most glorious of times or the most stressful, sitting at the table at the end of the day, alone or with your loved ones, venting your frustrations or appreciating the wonders of life, is an absolute must. If accompanied by excellent food which, in both presentation and taste, is perfection, then you are pretty much set for life. How humans have turned one of

SANDRO: PARKA, TROUSERS – DIESEL POLO SHIRT, BACKPACK – FRED PERRY SUNGLASSES – TOPMAN WATCH – SKAGEN, AT VIP

life’s most basic needs into a sensory epiphany has always been a source of fascination for us, and Le Bistro was an epitome of this catalysis.

We would like to thank the staff at the Radisson Blu Resort in St Julians for being such excellent hosts, as well as Andrew Borg Wirth for willingly getting his trousers wet in the name of photography!

With Love,

CNS x

CLAIRE, NICOLE AND SANDRO SHARE A PASSION FOR CLOTHES AND STYLE WHICH THEY DECIDED TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD THROUGH THEIR BLOG, THE CLOUDED REVOLUTION. TAKE A LOOK AT THEIR SITE AND FACEBOOK PAGE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THESE FREELANCE STYLISTS AND FASHION AMATEURS. WWW.CLOUDEDREVOLUTION.COM & WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THECLOUDEDREVOLUTION ALL ITEMS AVAILABLE FROM MARELLA . MONSOON & ACCESSORIZE . DIESEL . FRED PERRY . TOPMAN . TIP TOES . LEVEL 1 . VIP . IN SLIEMA

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 49

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PROMOTION

THE THROES OF

TRADITION

CeramiCs Connoisseurs Villeroy & BoCh are world-renowned manufaCturers. martina said meets former Ceo, luitwin GisBert Von BoCh, who has Carried on 265 years of family leGaCy P hotograPhy

by

S teve M uliett

He is the eighth generation family member to continue the legacy of the ceramics manufacturing company Villeroy & Boch, founded in 1748. And, for a man of such stature, it is heartening to watch the incredibly jovial Luitwin Gisbert von Boch greet guests at the Bathroom Design showroom in Iklin with such warmth.

“I trained practically with the company for four years before attending University, on different plants in different countries,” says von Boch.

“I learned every movement of a worker, so that when I got to a higher position later on and dealt with workers myself, I could say that I’ve done it all and know what hard work is.”

He started out in the business as a young boy, frequently accompanying his father to large manufacturing plants where sanitary tiles and bathroom-ware were made, including visits on Christmas and New Year’s Day, during workers’ night shifts. He watched and studied them hard at work – learning the ropes for bigger posts within the company later on.

He’s worked his way up from manager of Villeroy & Boch’s biggest warehouse in Luxembourg to managing director, and eventually CEO. But, through all of this, one thing remains certain: “Ceramics was and is in my blood. I loved it back then and it is why I am still in it today.” Although he now retired from his position of CEO, at 76, he is a member of the supervisory board and remains in touch

52 Sunday Circle | July 2013

PROMOTION with the company’s growth and progress. “I love dealing with customers and love the job.”

Von Boch has travelled extensively on work, including a trip to Malta 30 years ago that resulted in a chance encounter. “I remember telling my sales colleagues that we needed to find a company here to fit our philosophy,” he explains. “In doing so, while trying to improve our goals and sales, we found Bathroom Design, who had already discovered Villeroy & Boch on one of our international fairs.”

He adds that finding a new client to work with bares resemblance to a marriage – “you have a trying and testing period, then your hearts join and when they do, they work together. It’s been a beautiful development with Bathroom Design and we’re hopeful our connection will only get better.”

It all began with a small pottery in France. But since its founding over 260 years ago, Villeroy & Boch has developed into an international lifestyle brand, now represented in 125 countries around the world with 15 production facilities in Europe, Mexico and Thailand. The company’s portfolio has evolved extensively to include two divisions: Bathroom and Wellness, which includes ceramic bathroom collections, bathroom furniture and bath and whirlpool systems, and tableware, which covers a complete range of products for a perfectly laid table.

“Ceramics are becoming a greater part of people’s housing habits, which is nice to see,” says von Boch. “A bathroom can become boring: it is something you change perhaps every 15 to 20 years, so you want it to look good and complete.” It is with this idea in mind that “The House of Villeroy & Boch” sales concept was created: whereby customers can make purchases to complete their house, including tiles, towels, furniture, sanitary equipment, tables, cutlery, glassware and porcelain.

Ceramics was and is in my blood. I loved it back then and it is why I am still in it today The company’s growth and development is indeed remarkable, but von Boch admits the ride was not always smooth. He recalls an experience during his first position as managing director, when his father needed him to reduce the personnel of one of their factories from 2,600 to 2,100. “I was 30 at the time and had to get it done in the space of one year.

It was a very difficult time for me letting many people go.

Now that I’ve been in the company for 50 years, I consider it an achievement that we have managed to achieve success in difficult times, including various economic crises.”

Through thick and thin, the company has been able to rely on a steady base of support – the importance of family and tradition has never waned and it is no coincidence that it’s been around for eight generations. “We have made it so far because of constant creativity, technique, by being international, social and by remaining close to our customers and workers. I am very proud of the company’s growth... and I am positive about our future.”

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 53

E I D O O G

BAG

Sunday CirCle iS giving one luCky reader the ChanCe to win a fabulouS goodie bag and itS fantaStiC ContentS eaCh month while helping out a different Charity. thiS month’S prizes are worth €903 – have you donated yet?

DONATE &WIN

This month’s charity is LifeCycle (Malta) Foundation. The Actavis LifeCycle Challenge 2013 will see cyclists travel from Minsk to St Petersburg, covering 2000km in 10 days, from 19 to 28 August, in order to raise money for the renal patients and transplant support group. Visit www.lifecylcechallenge.com for more info.

We thank all our readers for their generous donations last June to the Richmand Foundation. Log onto sundaycircle.com for last month’s winner’s details.

WIN A GOODIE BAG & GIVE TO CHARITY*

Be the lucky owner of the Vodafone Smart Tab II 7” worth €225.99 which comes with an upgradeable 4.0 OS and allows access to Google Play, internet, news, videos and much more. It is compact and lightweight, making it the perfect tablet for when you’re on the move.

Built by Lenovo with Vodafone-approved quality.

How? Choose one of these three payment options to participate and you could win yourself an incredible bag of treats. Each entry must be a minimum of €2.33 (one entry) and a maximum of €4.66 (two entries) 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.

1

2. Send a cheque of €2.33 or €4.66 payable to LifeCycle (Malta) 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.

3. Apply online by visiting sundaycircle.com and submitting your bank details and the amount you wish to donate (either €2.33 or €4.66). *Winner will be drawn by lot

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1. Guess leather tote bag with ray-look print, €143 2. Guess Miss Match beach towel, €72.40 3. Ray Ban Caribbean Cat Eyes sunglasses, available from Solaris in Valletta and Sliema, €132 4. Dior Iconic Overcurl Mascara, €32.50 5. Dior Addict Lipgloss, €28.95 6. Guerlain La Laque nail polish No. 121 Rouge, €24.25 7. Elizabeth Arden Ceramide lipstick, €27.30 8. Guess triangle string bikini, all available from Guess at The Point and Bay Street, €62.20 9. The Lido summer membership which includes free use of a sunbed, umbrella, pool and showers from Monday to Friday and 50% off weekends when you show the membership card, €225.

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 55

DRINK RESPONSIBLY

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The Bard’s Bawdy

The much-loved mAdc ShAkeSpeAre reTurnS To SAn AnTon GArdenS for the second consecutive year with A comic offering of much Ado About nothing

romantic pairings. “The constables are the sort you’d have seen in Malta around that time, down to the shorts they’re wearing, and we’ve even got hold of a genuine 1940s motorcycle, complete with sidecar.”

“Sigh no more, ladies, sigh no more, men were deceivers ever,” sings Balthasar in Shakespeare’s Much Ado about Nothing.

“One foot in sea and one on shore, to one thing constant never.” In the world of this witty-fast-paced comedy about love, hate, and everything in between, it seems, anything goes.

For the second consecutive year, the highly anticipated play will be returning to San Anton Gardens, where it has been a yearly fixture for decades. “The atmosphere is absolutely perfect,” says Michael Mangion, who plays the villain of the piece, Don John (known behind his back as John the Bastard). “Apart from the rich tradition associated with the place, the play is very outdoorsy, and every scene could legitimately take place outside.” And taking full advantage of the space, the production crew has built a stage with the audience surrounding the actors on three sides, bringing them right into the action.

Much Ado about Nothing – sometimes called the Bard’s most contemporary comedy – is in high demand at the moment. Last year saw David Tennant and Catherine Tate take on the famous roles of warring lovers Beatrice and Benedick in an acclaimed West End performance, while Avengers director Joss Whedon released a modern-day film version just last month, shot in blackand-white over just 12 days at Whedon’s own home in California.

Now the play is set to receive a uniquely Mediterranean make-over, as the MADC set up their annual summer appointment with Shakespeare at San Anton Gardens, with a production directed by veteran director Chris Gatt, and set in Malta in the aftermath of World War II. “There are lots of little details that give it a genuine Maltese flavour,” explains Nicola Abela Garrett, who plays Hero, one half of the younger of the play’s two

The play is originally set in Messina, and Mediterranean culture runs through it.

“It’s quite farcical, and our production really plays up the comedy,” says Nicola.

“What makes the love scenes so great is that there’s this witty love-hate relationship throughout, and we’re having lots of fun milking that for all its worth.”

CULTURE

Michael Mangion & Stefan Cachia Zammit

Polly March and Nicola Abela Garrett

Steffi Thake Malcolm Galea and Faye Paris

Meanwhile, the cast – a variety of old hands and fresh faces – have all taken to the concept with gusto. “The whole experience is really exciting: the cast, the rehearsal process, the venue...” says Andre Agius, one of the first-timers, who plays Hero’s love interest Claudio. “It’s great to be part of the same cast as actors that I’ve looked up to and always wanted to work with, and I can’t wait to share it with an audience.”

Much Ado about Nothing will be staged between 24 and 30 July at 8.45pm at San Anton Gardens. Tickets start at €15 and may be purchased from www.madc.com.mt

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 57

INTERVIEW

P hoto

by

A lexAndrA P Ace

SPIRIT OF

ADVENTURE

President and founder of skincare and suncare brand, Polaar, daniel Kurbiel, speaKs to Katryna storace about his adventures in the arctic, his love of photography and the fragility of beauty It is difficult to imagine, as we go about the rush of our daily lives, what it would be like to board a sea vessel and journey into the arctic wilderness. Such adventures are the stuff of our childhood imagination, fuelled by the illustrated tales of Jules Verne and the colourful pages of the National Geographic.

Sometimes, however, life has its way of opening doors onto worlds otherwise inaccessible to others. This is certainly the case with Daniel Kurbiel, president and

founder of up-and-coming brand, Polaar.

Born to scientist parents, Daniel spent much of his teenage years aboard a 15-metre vessel while they explored the arctic. For Daniel, a polar expedition was much more than the stuff of his imagination.

“When you’re young and you’re in the arctic with your parents, you don’t really notice how unique your situation is,” he remarks as he looks out onto the choppy Mediterranean waters from behind the glass windows.

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 59

INTERVIEW

You’re surrounded by the beauty and the danger of nature, and this constant sense of the fragility of the universe

We are seated in a cosy corner of the quiet restaurant, enjoying the afternoon sunlight. “But when you return home,” he continues, “and you return to your school friends and compare your life with the lives of others, then you realise the extraordinariness of it all.”

The arctic, to Daniel’s mind, is as spectacular as the image it holds in the popular imagination. “The flora and fauna is fabulous – being so close to polar bears, walruses, narwhals – it’s really something.” Spending long hours amid the arctic wilderness in such close proximity to nature also gave Daniel some unique perspectives. “It’s a fantastic time for self-discovery, as you travel along and observe the changing world. You learn a lot about the duality of life: that of life and death,” he reflects. “You’re surrounded by the beauty and the danger of nature, and this constant sense of the fragility of the universe.”

particular environment; and “adaptogenous” ones, that can adapt well to changes in their indigenous environment. Both types contain special extracts that are simply not found in other parts of the world. These specialised organisms make up the main ingredients of the Polaar skincare and suncare ranges. “If there had been no expeditions,” Daniel admits, “there would have been no scientists; and with no scientists, no scientific discoveries and thereby, no Polaar.”

A team of scientists accompanied the Kurbiels’ expeditions in the arctic, whose mission it was to study the unique properties of the flora and fauna of the polar regions. “I learnt a lot by watching the scientists on these expeditions,” says Daniel.

Daniel’s decision to marry the knowledge garnered during the scientific expeditions with his parents with his entrepreneurial spirit, however, came much later on in his life. “I did a bit of Olympic sailing and participated in the America’s cup.” It was during long hours spent at sea that the first seeds of the Polaar brand were sown. The extreme conditions set him off thinking about how the plants he had come across during his polar adventures, such as arctic cotton and bearberry, could survive such harsh conditions. Daniel also toyed with the question: “I wondered if the extremes of the poles could be used to combat the extremes of the city.”

There are two types of organisms in the arctic: “extremophiles” that cannot survive outside their

Research and experimentation yielded positive results, and Polaar was launched: a skincare brand targeting

60 Sunday Circle | July 2013

men’s needs, containing active ingredients from the unique organisms of the arctic. Despite the brand’s overwhelming success, I wonder whether launching a cosmetic brand for men was a bit of a risky business. “When we talk of men’s products, we talk of ‘accessories to our elegance’,” he jokes. “We don’t talk cosmetics, because that’s for girls.” In fact, the men’s line carries the tagline: “are you man enough?” and Daniel says that the brand’s philosophy was to overcome prejudices against men using cosmetics. “The packaging is very masculine, and we received backing from different men across the world: explorers, sportsmen, heros.”

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Today, the company has widened its operations to include a range for women targeted at different age groups and based on all-natural ingredients, as well as sun care products. “I’m very proud of our sun line. When you create a company, it’s already a huge highlight. But when you realise you can compete against the big boys – that’s quite an accomplishment.”

Daniel tells me that he has recently returned to the arctic for another expedition, years since he last embarked on the family’s vessel. “The beauty is that I went back to a place I had visited almost 20 years ago. You see for yourself how time flies and how fragile the universe is. I thought to myself, last time I was here, my dad was my age.” This sense of fleetingness was also evident in the changing face of the natural landscape. “We passed the Northwest passage in the 80s and we experience four winters.

This time, we completed the journey in two months.”

Daniel’s interest in photography – something he developed while travelling the arctic with his parents – is deeply influenced by this sense of fragility. “There is something beautiful in taking pictures. You cannot stay passive in front of the beauty you’re faced.” Today, Daniel and his parents have amassed an archive of about 40,000 pictures, and have been integrated into the general aesthetic of the brand.

“Beauty, like the instant, is always fragile. With Polaar, we enhance natural beauty – and with photography we capture it,” he says. “I suppose you can say we’re in the business of the vanishing.”

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 000

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Dental anD Implant Surgeon Jean paul DemaJo hIghlIghtS the InS anD outS oF Dental VeneerS

When one talks about arranging their teeth or wanting to have brilliant white teeth they usually quote names of Hollywood film stars and talk about veneers. But what are veneers? A veneer is a facing of porcelain or composite that is stuck to the front of a tooth with the aim of aesthetically improving the overall smile.

1

USES OF VENEERS

Pre-treatment: Notice the colour and spaces between the front four teeth

2

• Tooth whitening: discoloured teeth due to antibiotics, heavy smoking, age or genetic make-up may be changed once and for all. The final colour of the teeth may be as white as the patient wishes.

• Tooth alignment: crooked teeth may be straightened with ease eliminating the need of braces. Patients often correct the upper anterior 4 to 8 teeth and at times also the matching bottom ones. This corrects the front teeth mostly visible when smiling. Veneers have limitations for tooth alignment.

• Tooth adjustment: teeth may be widened, lengthened, angulated and adjusted in any dimension to match up with the adjacent teeth in order to achieve symmetry.

Small spaces in between teeth or chipped teeth may also be corrected.

Anterior 4 incisors prepared and all remaining teeth whitened

3

Composite veneers are built-up by the dentist while the patient is in the dental chair (direct veneers). This is done by sticking composite resin or filling material with glue onto the teeth.

On the other hand porcelain veneers are fabricated in the laboratory. A conventional silicone impression is cast into a model and using the model the technician builds a porcelain veneer. This method requires more than one appointment allowing a few days in between appointments for construction.

ADVANTAGES

DISADVANTAGES

• Very aesthetic

• Veneers have limitations when adjusting tooth angulation

• Quick • Not too expensive • Gentle to tooth structure Final result with the new four anterior porcelain veneers

• Most veneers come with a guarantee

• Minor tooth preparation may be required • Veneer may come off and have to be re-cemented

New methods of digital impression are also available. Photos of the prepared teeth are shot. The images are loaded onto a dental restorative program and the veneers are designed. The digital view displayed on the computer software aids the patient to visualize the future set of veneers and also allows the patient to modify it to his or her preference prior to its fabrication. The chosen design is then sent to an on-site milling machine which mills (or cuts) the porcelain veneer out of a pre-fabricated block of highly aesthetic porcelain in the colour chosen by the patient. This method, know as CAD-CAM design (computer-aided design) allows for the immediate fabrication of porcelain veneers within the hour. The patient may wait for these porcelain veneers and walk out of the same single appointment with a highly aesthetic result.

Patients often tend to laser whiten their non-veneered teeth, achieving the whiteness they’ve always wished for, and to choose the colour of the new veneers to match up with the whitened teeth. This holistic approach gives the full cosmetic result the patient always wished for.

64 Sunday Circle | July 2013

Dr Jean Paul Demajo has trained in London working in private practice in Malta

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beauty

AFTERBREAST

AUGMENTATIoN

SURGERY

Consultant PlastiC and aesthetiC surgeon ray debono disCusses ComPliCations after breast augmentation surgery After having breast implant surgery, about one in three women – 30 per cent – will require further surgery within ten years of their initial operation.

The AddiTionAl surgery mAy be needed for one or more of The following reAsons: • • • • •

capsular contracture – hardening of the scar capsule around the implant sagging of the breast – through pregnancies or ageing movement of the implants – rotation or upward or downward displacement implant rupture – though with good quality implants this is rare, less 1 per cent change in size or shape of implants

CAPsulAr ConTrACTure

imPlAnT ruPTure

After having a breast implant, your body will create a capsule of fibrous scar tissue around the implant as part of the healing process. Over time, the scar tissue may begin to shrink. The shrinkage is known as capsular contraction.

The rate and extent at which the shrinkage occurs varies from person to person. In some people, the capsule can tighten and squeeze the implant, making the breast feel hard, and there may be pain and discomfort.

implants rupture when the shell cover splits. implant covers weaken with time as the silicone cover ages. rarely, implants rupture after an accident or are damaged during surgery. Modern implants have strong vulcanised shells and rupture is very rare, the rupture rate is less than 1 per cent. Modern implants are filled with cohesive gel silicone which does not flow when the shell is ruptured and remains enclosed in the capsule the body has formed around the implant.

If the capsule becomes tight enough to cause distortion in shape then an operation to remove the capsule will be required. The capsule can be removed completely (capsulectomy) or only partly incised (capsulotomy). The recurrence rate after capsulotomy is much higher than after capsulectomy.

sAgging of The breAsTs breasts sag as a result of three main reasons: • after pregnancy and breast feeding • after weight loss • with age as part of the ageing process Breast implants do not protect the breasts from sagging in any way.

Heavy implants, especially if placed under the skin and gland on top of the pectoralis muscle, will undoubtedly make the breast skin sag and become thinned out in time. It is therefore very important to avoid the use of unnecessarily large implants as they will definitely lead to future problems.

moVemenT of The imPlAnTs In time implants can move downwards, upwards, sideways or rotate with the consequent deformity in shape and volume. If “tear drop” shaped implants rotate the shape of the breast changes and usually becomes fuller near the middle of the chest. Once implants move surgery is generally required to repair the pockets and restore shape.

oTher Problems ThAT mAy oCCur Visible Rippling, Kinks or Creases: This deformity can be very problematic and usually happens when implants are placed under the skin and breast gland on top of the pectoralis muscle especially in women with small breasts.

Loss of Nipple Sensation: This problem is often encountered in women with small breast and relatively large implants placed under the skin and gland on top of the pectoralis muscle. The incidence can be as high as 25 per cent. The feeling almost never fully returns though it may improve to some extent.

generAl deTeriorATion of shAPe With time, the ageing process in the body leads to loss of fat in and around the breast. This leads to a general deterioration of the tissues that support and cover the breast implants. In general the shape of breasts with implants placed on top of the pectoralis muscle deteriorates far quicker than the shape of breasts with implants placed under the pectoralis muscle.

Raymond DeBono is a Consultant Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon in Private Practice in Malta. He has extensive experience in cosmetic breast surgery and corrective breast surgery in the UK. July 2013 | Sunday Circle 67

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pop culture

With the advent of online streaming services, television is no longer restricted to the boxy thing in the living room. and With greater access come a bigger audience and more demand for television series. rachel agius takes a look at What We’re Watching and What it says about us.

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by

r achel a guis

rom October until a few weeks ago, Monday mornings on any social networking platform you can think of looked rather the same. Aside from the usual, distraught discovery that yes, the weekend is over and Mondays are the plague of the modern worker, there is also a great deal of active discussion about the events of the night before. Not politics, no. Not the contents of the Papal homily either.

Mondays were the days when fans of The Walking Dead and then Game of Thrones came out in droves to critically assess the episode that just aired, share memes about it or just express their disbelief (generally in all caps) about the goings on in a fictional world which, for about an hour every week, they get to be a part of. Similarly, numerous

are the status updates complaining of spoilers being posted willy nilly, with no thought to those chained to their desks until such time as they can race home and watch the latest offering and make up their own minds, develop their own theories and make their own predictions.

Whether it is a post-apocalyptic, zombie-infested America, the realm of Westeros, New York in the 1960s, WWI-era Britain or one man’s rather unusual mid-life crisis in New Mexico, viewers today are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a TV series to watch. Some take us to the past. Downton Abbey and Mad Men both deal with a bygone age, albeit separated by an ocean and two world wars, and infuse it with a romanticism and unrelenting nostalgia for a time very few people and possibly even fewer viewers remember first hand.

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 69

pop culture Other shows take place in the future. The Walking Dead takes place in a reality similar to ours, which lends itself well to the intrigue and immediacy of the plot lines. Orphan Black brings reality and fiction closer, easily passing as a depiction of current times, including and hinging upon the emerging science of human cloning. Falling Skies looks at a future dominated by an alien species, with about ten per cent of the former population struggling to survive in a decimated world.

A variety of characters inhabit the shows so obsessively scrutinised all over the world.

From the many kings (and one queen) duking it out for control of the Seven Kingdoms in Game of Thrones to Walter White, a man stuck in a monotonous, thankless and, as of the first episode, prematurely short existence in Breaking Bad, the most popular television series at the moment provide both fantastically foreign and excruciatingly familiar protagonists.

With locations, time periods and characters all over the map, what exactly is driving the mania surrounding today’s most popular television shows?

What compels people to invest a great deal of time and energy is discussing, arguing, debunking and comparing even minute details, every week?

Escapism has, and probably always will be, one of the medium’s strongest features, both positive and negative. Television has often been accused of being entertainment that requires only the smallest degree of intellectual engagement – watching pointless drivel after a long day’s work can have an extraordinarily cathartic quality but it might actually put a dent in your IQ.

ESCAPISM HAS AND PROBABLY ALWAYS WILL BE ONE OF THE MEDIUM’S STRONGEST FEATURES

And yet there is no lack of intellectual engagement when watching a favourite series. Characters become the focus of intense emotion, whether it is utter revulsion (think Mad Men’s Pete Campbell) or near-embarrassing infatuation (Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of the titular character in the BBC’s Sherlock comes to mind).

And most fans do not watch just the one show. The sheer number of television series currently in production means that you could have something new to watch every night of the week.

Disentangling plotlines can be a real pain and keeping track of characters and how you feel about them is a feat in itself.

It is at these many crossover points that an interesting trend emerges. Some shows, particularly the ones set in the past, depict a social hierarchy, an inescapable status quo that is

70 Sunday Circle | July 2013

pop culture often the point of conflict for the main characters. Downton Abbey centres on the lives of the elite and their working class staff. Women struggle to make their mark in the maledominated world of advertising in Mad Men. It does not require a stretch of the imagination to transpose these realities onto the modern world, where the fat cats at the top of the food chain are slowly being exposed in their dubious dealings and taken down a notch. Wall Street bankers, defaulting nations and entire democracies are being challenged by the little guy and being told, in no uncertain terms, that the old regime is through. The story of the underdog putting up a fight is as inspiring as it gets, even if resistance in today’s world might seem like something out of reach to people who are frequently reminded of their powerlessness.

WE SEEM TO FORGET THAT WHAT WE WATCH SPEAKS VOLUMES ABOUT US In contrast, other shows take place during or after some sort of world changing, cataclysmic levelling event. Wealth and status make no difference when you’re fighting off the incompletely deceased in The Walking Dead or trying to stay alive after the alien invasion in Falling Skies. It’s all a matter of surviving by keeping your wits about you, surrounding yourself with those you trust and honing your defensive skills in a scenario where a mistake can cost you your life.

The world we face today is daunting, especially for someone striving to become a functioning member of society. Its obsession with qualifications, work experience, transferable skills and a hundred other vague but crucial terms make for a disheartening minefield between the sheltered comfort of the education system – if you can afford it – and the world of work. A reality where all that does not matter, where your worth is decided not by a degree or a recommendation but your own initiative, determination, cunning and strength, is a dream come true for most millennials, even if it does involve the occasional zombie or extraterrestrial.

We watch a lot of TV and we watch it for a lot of reasons.

We also talk about it a lot. Still, we seem to forget that what we watch speaks volumes about us too, reflecting that which we perhaps cannot articulate in our real life. Whether it’s a chance to break the traditional mould, an opportunity to prove oneself in a primal realm where survival is the only goal or both, television lets us live these improbable circumstances without risking the security of our positions in society, as they stand.

The ultimate freedom does lie in fantasy after all and what’s better than a fantasy told in weekly installments and shared by millions? Our TV religions are just as important as our spiritual ones in a world where nothing is untouchable and tough times reveal what people are really made of.

Trade Enquiries: Malta - Red October Tel: 2147 0400 Email: mschembri@redoct.net Gozo - The Liqueur Shop Tel: 2155 6531 Email: info@wisto.com.mt

Red October Malta

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 000

VRF SYSTEMS MULTI SPLIT INVERTER SYSTEMS DIGITAL SPLIT INVERTER UNITS SINGLE SPLIT INVERTER UNITS

Cutrico Ltd, Mriehel Bypass, Mriehel BKR 3000, Malta Tel: +356 2149 8658 / 2149 8693 | Email: sales@cutrico.com

www.cutrico.com

1: Saul Halevi, Francesco Perricone & Rob Bruno 2: Katryna Storace, Charles Azzopardi, Saul Halevi, Marisa Schembri, Marcette Azzopardi, Anna Grech & Justine Storace 3: Renee Micallef Decesare, Claude Paris, Claire MIfsud, Bernard Shranz, Ottavio Suda, Katryna Storace and Colin Fitz.

4: Helen Camilleri, Kevin DeCesare, Theresa Ganado & Matthew Calascione

5: Daniela Pandolfino, Jean Borg & Ian DeCesare

6: Annalese Grech, Christopher Farrugia, Sharon Debono, Tyrone Psaila, Sandy Cassar Cardona, Stanley Bugeja, Adrian Saliba Vella, Roxanne Clarke, Darren Bonnici & Arielle Desira

• 1-2: Charles Azzopardi, GM of the Phoenicia Hotel, Floriana hosted the Summer Prelude Dinner for the media on 18 June.

• 3: Delicious press lunch at the newly opened Caliente restaurant at the Valletta Waterfront.

• 4-5: The launch of Waterbiscuit, St Julians on 15 June.

• 6: DC Aviation Malta 5th year anniversary event held on 14 June at the Xara Lodge.

• 7: Visit of Nestle Vice President Laurent Freixe to Malta at the NDG Shop in Shop at Charles Grech Store, B'kara.

• 8: The 1st Anniversary reception of Meat & Co, St Julians held on 23 May. • 9-10: Cars International Ltd launched the New Opel Mokka at the Merkanti Bay, Hilton.

• 11: Final polo match of the season held at the Malta Polo Club, Marsa on 8 June.

• 12-13: Malta Sotheby's International Reality Inauguration Event. * For inclusion in Circle Paparazzi contact Marisa Schembri on marisa@networkpublications.com.mt ** For more Paparazzi photos log on to www.sundaycircle.com

8: Pierre Cassar, Riccardo Lorefice & Michael Frendo

11: Karl Galea & Stephan Buontempo

7: Joanna Micallef-Farrugia, Davinia Pirotta, Laurent Freixe & Alfred Borg

9: Mark Pace, Ryan Buttigieg, Ray Meli, Nicolai Aquilina

12: Olivier Beumer, Malcolm Lowell & Philip White

10: Pamela Baldacchino, Robert Baldacchino, Anthony Fenech, Simon Gatt Baldacchino, Mark Laferla Jr, Keith Laferla

13: Philip White, Richard Elliot Square, Andrew J Zammit, Tony M Zammit, Michael J Zammit, Ian Zammit, Roger A Strickland Jr and Olivier Beumer

14. Ann Sammut, Renee Micallef Decesare, Dario Cimino, Romina Grech Fenech, Alessia Bonanni, Claduia Andreini & Katryna Storace

17. Daniel Kurbiel, Vicky Muscat & Katryna Storace

16. Deo Debattista, Alfred Fenech & Monica Debattista

15. Timmy Grech, Michelle Muscat & Alfred Fenech

18. L.G. Von Boch, David Camilleri & Joseph Muscat

19. Mark Camilleri, Claire Zarb, Chris Cardona, Rita Camilleri & David Camilleri

• 14-16: Official opening of the Bvlgari boutique in Valletta on 6 June.

• 17: At the official launch of Polaar held at The Exiles on 30 May. • 18-20: Reception held to launch the newly refurbished floor at Bathroom Design B'Kara on the occasion of the 30th anniversary on 25 June.

• 21-23: Marco Bicego event was held on 21 June at Classic Jewellers, Republic Str., Valletta.

• 24: The first P. Cutajar Wine & Dine experience at Zen, St Julian’s.

• 25: Premier of Season 2 finale of Klikka on 9 June held at the Eden Cinemas.

• 26: Banif Bank St Julians Branch, awarded Branch of the Year Award. * For inclusion in Circle Paparazzi contact Marisa Schembri on marisa@networkpublications.com.mt ** For more Paparazzi photos log on to www.sundaycircle.com

20. Lloyd Zarb, Mark Camilleri, Claire Zarb, Thomas Seifert, L.G. Von Boch, Joseph Muscat, Mrs. Michelle Muscat, Jessika-Maria Rauch, Rita Camilleri, David Millon & David Camilleri.

21. Marco Bicego & Josette Grech Marguerat

22. Marco Bicego, Lina Fenech & Mr. Paul Fenech

24. The team from P. Cutajar and Zen restaurant

25. Gareth Micallef, Tezara Camilleri & Taryn Mamo-Cefai

23. Ramon Cassar, Yanika Mattei, Duncan Sultana & Dulcie Bianco

26. John Paul Parnis, Marco Zammit, Adriana De Carlo, Clare Mamo, Rueben Bezzina & Lloyd Zarb

PROMOTION

Traditionally hand-cooked Chips for the Connoisseur KETTLE® Chips are crunchy, tasty chips, hand-cooked

in the traditional way with no artificial flavours or colours – perfect for sharing with friends and family!

Trade Enquiries: Malta - Red October, Tel 2147 0400, Email: carlosc@redoct.net Gozo - The Liquer Shop, Tel: 2155 6531, Email: info@wisto.com.mt 272, Mdina Road, Qormi, QRM 9014 RedOctoberMalta / www.kettlechips.eu KETTLE* and other trade marks shown belong to Kettle Foods, Inc. and are used under licence. Kettle Foods, Inc © 1993-2013

20 Knights Fine Dining:

DINE WITH US Join 20 Knights for an exclusive experience in fine dining We are a nation that loves to dine in the company of others and 20 Knights is an exclusive experience for the discerning diner. 20 Knights is a diner’s card that gives its members the opportunity to eat at the finest restaurants in Malta and Gozo, while benefiting from the advantages that membership offers. Represented by 20 of the top restaurants on the islands, 20 Knights Fine Dining is a must-have for the discerning diner. Membership is restricted to 1000 persons in order to retain exclusivity. From time to time, 20 Knights organises social and promotional events in collaboration with the 20 restaurants and/or sponsors. These events are exclusively for members and their guests and include, amongst others, wine tasting, trips abroad, special

dinners by renowned chefs and themed dinners. Osbourne Caterers are offering members the added privilege of bespoke dining at Villa Arrigo for a minimum of 20 people. There is no rental charge for the venue. Benefit from a 10% discount when purchasing from Paul & Shark, Harmont & Blaine, Trussardi and Vascas and get one free bottle of wine with every 12 bottles purchased from Red October. (The lowest priced item is free).

Contact Details: Mobile – 99495106 – Christopher Caruana Turner Mobile – 99477776 – Edward Calleja Email – ccaruanaturner@redoct.net Email – ecalleja@redoct.net

Knights

AN EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE FOR THE DISCERNING DINER July 2013 | Sunday Circle 75

SAFETY

BE SAFE THIS SUMMER With the start of summer comes a busier social life, Which often involves the consumption of alcohol. but too much drinking could spoil all the fun...

Summer is here and one can feel the buzz around the island which fills the Maltese population with a sense of eagerness to go out and enjoy all this season has to offer. In summer in particular, heat-related illnesses can pose a risk when temperatures rise.

One particular website offering useful tips in this regard is www.drinkawaremalta.com

by The Sense Group (TSG), which aims to reduce alcohol related harm by promoting moderate drinking through numerous targeted initiatives. It is bringing into focus the fact that with so many events, village feasts, festivals, and parties, it is customary for many adults to consume and enjoy alcoholic drinks with friends. While there is nothing wrong with this aspect of social life as drinking in moderation is part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, TSG is highlighting the fact that excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to dehydration and heat exhaustion, especially during the hot summer months. When consuming these beverages, it is important that one keeps hydrated with adequate amounts of water or sports drinks, before, during and after.

It also helps to eat well before you leave home or while you are drinking any alcoholic product. A full stomach slows the absorption of alcohol.

TSG advises that the most important thing to keep in mind at all times is to drink in moderation and to trust one’s own careful judgement, by avoiding peer pressure in swaying one to do anything one doesn’t want to do.

More info can be found at www.drinkawaremalta.com. This website answers some of the most commonly asked questions about alcohol such as enjoying a safe night out, the perfect host, safer summer holiday, how much is too much, what is responsible drinking and how alcohol affects your body. There are top tips for young adults, guidelines for parents, and advice for those under sixteen.

Founded in 1997 by producers and importers of alcoholic beverages, The Sense Group’s main objective is that of reducing alcohol related harm by promoting moderate drinking through numerous, targeted initiatives that are recognised as being one of the best examples of Corporate Social Responsibility in Malta. Amongst these are regular campaigns against drinking and driving, underage drinking and binge drinking.

TSG advises that drinking too much alcohol in the heat can also have an impact on one’s judgment. The more alcohol one consumes, the harder it is for the person to recognize whether one might have a heat-related illness. The combination of alcohol and heat also poses serious health risks for older adults and individuals with medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.

One’s judgement may be impaired if that person has been drinking too much: best is not to take risks one may regret, such as diving into water, if one doesn’t know how deep it is or fooling around near swimming pools.

Apart from car accidents, summer can also be a dangerous time of year for boating incidents. If one is likely to drink alcohol, then TSG highly recommends that a nondrinking driver is designated: one should not get into a car or a boat with a driver who has been drinking beyond safe limits.

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 77

PROMOTION

. A BATHROOM GUIDE .

ELEGANT BATHROOM FINISH

Rabat Marbles offers custom bathroom sinks and vanities in natural stone such as marble, granite, onyx and quartz to suit all modern and traditional designs. With over 200 materials in stock and using the latest technology they can create your dream bathroom including vanities, wall cladding, sinks and inclined shower trays. All made from natural stone and tailor-made designs.

Porcelanosa offers a wide range of bathroom products all designed to satisfy users’ relaxation and wellness needs. The Nacare collection of large format tiles gives the illusion of an opulent mosaic pattern, but its rectified edges create a tiny grout joint, giving your wall a seamless finish.

It’s subtle coloration and finish plays with the lights in your home for an elegant finish to any bathroom wall. Nacare available in blanco and gris 13” x 26” exclusively from Satariano.

RABAT MARBLES, Labour Avenue, Rabat Tel: 2145 6680 | Email: factory@rabatmarbles.com Web: www.rabatmarbles.com

SATARIANO, Valley Road, Birkirkara Tel: 2149 2149

BESPOKE VANITY TOPS & BATHROOM SINKS

OLD MEETS NEW

THE FINISHING TOUCH The Etic collection is a faithful reinterpretation of seven fine wood essences, each with its own tradition, look and charm. It offers two surface finishes: a matt finish, featuring a delicate natural aesthetic evoking the fascination of slightly lived woods, and a textured finish that reproduces the saw cutting. Having excellent technical dualities, it is perfect for outdoor applications and wherever the utmost standards of resistance and safety are required.

To view the rest of the range please visit www.atlasconcorde.it 78 Sunday Circle | July 2013

The Frame collection exploits the most modern ceramics technologies, expressing itself through powerful decorative surfaces inspired by subjects and suggestions of tradition and interpreting the evolution of the ceramic floor concept in a contemporary key. Frame carries all the evocative power of classic patterns that take us back to a family atmosphere. The deconstruction of the traditional subject, the reinterpretation of color and the emphatic use of changed scales creates a dynamic and thrilling effect.

To view the range further please visit: www.refin.it JOSIES BATHROOM CENTRE, Naxxar Road Lija, Malta Tel: 2141 0685 / 2143 8242 | Web: www.josiesbathrooms.com

PROMOTION

FROM TILES AND SHOWERS TO LIGHTING AND ACCESSORIES, THE SUNDAY CIRCLE BATHROOM GUIDE WILL HELP YOU CREATE YOUR PERFECT BATHROOM SPACE

HOT SUMMER OFFERS NOW ON The new summer bathroom collections at Vella Falzon Bathrooms provide countless aesthetic options with designs and styles that offer the best solutions for any décor. The pure expression of the concept of versatility gives life to an infinite number of solutions for a young bathroom environment, functional and dynamic.

VELLA FALZON BATHROOMS, Regional Road, Msida Tel: 2144 5165 | Email: info@vellafalzon.com Web: www.vellafalzon.com

EXCLUSIVE ITALIAN DESIGNS Modern Bathrooms Ltd. has always striven to present good quality and service through their retail collection of sanitary ware, chrome fittings, ceramic tiles and bathroom equipment for the disabled.

Importing their sanitary ware from none other than Pozzi Ginori of Milano, one can surely recognize the exclusive designs and ideas Italy is well known for. The range of ceramic floor and wall tiles at Modern Bathrooms can suit any demand whether domestic, commercial or industrial. The various types of ceramic utilised for different purposes can satisfy any customer, designer or architect.

MODERN BATHROOMS LTD., 396, Fleur De Lys Road, Birkirkara Tel: 2144 1689 / 2149 5726 | Email: modernbathrooms@keyworld.net

YOUR DREAM BATHROOM Famous among the Maltese clientele for their prime selection of bathroom suites and floor tiles, AVANTE bathrooms form part of the established AVANTE Group in Malta. Also offering laminate parquet, decking, kitchen sinks, reverse osmosis and filters, mirrors, marble sinks, GROHE mixers, Roman shower enclosures, bathrooms sets and all kinds of accessories to complete any bathroom or kitchen. A newly renovated showroom in B’Kara has been made to display a huge collection of their directly imported products from all areas of the globe ranging from qualities of mid level to a high sophisticated range. They cater for private individuals, commercial and business projects.

AVANTE bathrooms, 181, Psaila Street, Birkirkara Tel: 2147 2095 / 7981 8181 | Email: info@avantebathrooms.com Web: www.avantebathrooms.com July 2013 | Sunday Circle 79

PROMOTION

PAWS & CLAWS PETCARE YOU’LL LOVE With so many devoted animal lovers on the island, Allcare is the first company on the local market to offer pet owners the possibility of taking up a pet insurance cover. In many instances, pets are a considered to be an integral part of a family and animals are just as susceptible to illness and injury as their owners.

The Allcare standard Petcare Insurance policy provides cover for medical expenses in the event of unforeseen accident or sickness of the pet, advertising and reward costs in the event that the pet is lost, boarding or pet minding fees in the case a pet owner needs to be hospitalized, reimbursement of holiday cancellation costs in the event that the pet needs life saving treatment while the owner is abroad, third party liability cover in the event that the owner is legally liable for damages to property or injury to a person caused by the pet, burial or cremation costs following accidental death of the pet. The Allcare Petcare Insurance policy provides an optional overseas travel cover and an accidental death benefit. The policy is available for domestic cats and dogs aged between 12 weeks and 10 years of age. The policy is very competitively priced and a discount is available if more than one pet is insured under the Allcare petcare policy.

For more information visit www.allcare.com.mt

PET’S HEALTH FIRST

AIL Petcare advert 121x97.indd 1

20/06/2013 16:50

At Petkin®, we know how much you care about your pet. As lifelong animal lovers ourselves, the bond between an owner and their cat or dog is one we can appreciate first-hand and have worked hard to honour for over two decades. We’ve developed a full line of specialty grooming and dental products, whether you’re looking to use our renowned pet wipes to quickly rinse down your dog after a long walk, clean out your cat’s ears with our medicated pet swabs or assist with just about any other necessity for a furry friend. Available from all leading pet shops.

GLAD Enterprises Ltd | Tel: 2744 7799

HAPPY DOG SUPREME GRAIN FREE

80 Sunday Circle | July 2013

Happy Dog offers the exact nutrition that your dog requires, for every size, for every need and for every age. We source raw ingredients from local farmers and are personally responsible for the safe origin of our food ingredients.

Only high quality proteins, combined with the valuable properties of herbs and fruits, are used in our products.

Available from all leading pet shops.

GLAD Enterprises Ltd | Tel: 2744 7799

PROMOTION

FROM PET INSURANCE TO NUTRITION, SUNDAY CIRCLE BRINGS YOU THE BEST IN PET CARE PRODUCTS THIS SUMMER

BEST PAW FORWARD ORIJEN & ACANA At Champion Petfoods, our mission is clear and strong – we make Biologically Appropriate™ dog and cat foods from Fresh Regional Ingredients, such as Orijen and Acana.

The Biologically Appropriate™ concept is simple: mirror the richness, freshness and variety of meats that dogs and cats would naturally hunt in the wild and for which they are evolved to eat. Bursting with cage-free poultry, nest-laid eggs, wildcaught fish and free-range red meats – all raised or fished within our region and delivered to our kitchens fresh each day – Orijen’s Biologically Appropriate™ foods and treats provide the ultimate food experience for dogs, cats, and the people who love them.

Acana too follows the same philosophy – where foods are made exclusively in our award-winning kitchens in Alberta, Canada. Acana is guaranteed to keep your dog or cat happy, healthy and strong. With three unique product lines formulated to our Biologically Appropriate™ standards – Acana Classics, Regionals and Singles – Acana is guaranteed to meet the diverse nutritional needs of today’s dogs and cats.

LIFE PETCARE The objective of LIFE is to provide pets with the best nutrition. Because, just like a human being, nutrition is vital for the health of the animal and the inappropriate feed of a cat and dog is the main cause of diseases and health problems. The pet foods LIFECAT® and LIFEDOG® are made with the best ingredients for biological and nutritional values with exclusive and innovative recipes and totally free of artificial additives. We have a real commitment to provide cats and dogs with the best nutrition and, more generally, to improve animals’ wellness.

COMPETITION

WIN a selection of top pet food products for cats and dogs with IdeaNatur and Sunday Circle.

To find out how to participate and win, visit sundaycircle.com. Send your entries by Friday 19 July.

For more information call on 2147 0291 / 9924 2302 or Find us on Facebook:

Idea Natur 2000 - Pet Shop

Orijen Malta

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 81

MASTHEAD

W O N !

T E I R Y O TR N ST I PURINA® has introduced Friskies® Omega which combines the goodness from the fish, with a high content of Omega 3 and the great taste from beef for a meal your dog will enjoy.

You love your dog and the joy he brings to your family. Wouldn’t it be great if you could help him stay energetic and healthy?

Developed by PURINA® Vets and nutritionists, all Friskies® complete tasty recipes provide your dog with all the nutrients he needs to be healthy so he can enjoy nice moments with the family.

The new PURINA® Friskies® Omega 3 contains high quality protein which helps maintain an ideal body condition and provides Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for keeping a healthy skin and a shiny coat. Friskies® Omega 3 provides 100% of the nutrients that your dog needs every day.

The new PURINA® Friskies® Omega 3 is avaliable in all leading groceries and pet shops. For more information customers are invited to contact the PURINA® Customer Care Centre on 2122 5147.

July 2013Nestlé S.A 000 ® Reg.Sunday Trademark Circle of Société|des Produits

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 93

PROMOTION

NUTRITION FOR THE NEUTERED Royal Canin’s Sterilised range for Dogs and Cats provides dedicated nutrition, specifically designed to help maintain your dog’s weight after neutering. Having your dog neutered eliminates or greatly reduces the chance of certain health problems. The benefits of performing the surgery early on in the dog’s life are undeniable, and reinforces and prolongs the bond with the owner. The most common risk after the sterilization is the tendency of the dog to put on extra weight due to the slowing of the metabolism. If left unchecked, the obesity can predispose the pet to many health risks such as cancer, diabetes, joint problems and lower urinary tract disease.

As well as the physical health risks, pets that are overweight or obese are often unhappy. This is a real risk but is one that is easy for the owner to manage. Feeding a higher protein diet, maintaining a restricted energy diet and maintaining a regular exercise regime makes it easier to keep the excess weight under control. Feeding a good quality high fibre diet helps to improve the feeling of fullness. The most important point to remember when choosing a diet for your neutered dog is to ensure it is a complete and nutritionally balanced diet adapted to the dog’s size and age, and is able to meet their energy needs without promoting weight gain.

HAPPY AND FLEA-FREE DID YOU KNOW? The adult flea can lay 1000 eggs over 21 days. Quite Shocking! You will never get rid of them as they will keep on reproducing and laying eggs unless you use a flea treatment to kill the fleas. When choosing a flea treatment it is important that it contains the IGR (insect growth regulators) such as S–Methoprene with a total kill against all life stages of the flea. The only way to get rid of fleas and ticks is to use FRONTLINE COMBO® or Certifect. They offer the unique combination of expellency and increased tick-killing power: • Fast and powerful: unequalled speed-of-kill of ticks observed from 2 hours • Visible efficacy: rapid tick detachment and prevention of new tick attachment for 4 weeks • Unrivalled protection: demonstrated reduction of the risk of transmission of tick borne diseases • Optimal flea control: kills adult fleas, eggs and larvae Also, be careful to distinguish between a flea treatment and a flea repellant. When using a flea repellant, the fleas fall off your pet, landing on your household furniture and remain alive and reproductive. If one does not break the cycle of fleas by using a flea treatment such as FRONTLINE COMBO® or Certifect for dogs, the problem will remain in your home forever.

Ask for Certifect from your veterinarian and FRONTLINE COMBO® can be found in leading pet shops and garden centres.

Borg Cardona & Company Ltd. Tel: 2144 5816 July 2013 | Sunday Circle 83

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

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

84 Sunday Circle | July 2013

CIRCLE LOVES SUMMER SPLASH 1. light as a feather Relief for heavy, tired legs comes in the form of new Vitiven Ultra Cold Massage Gel from Arkopharma. The plant extract formulation will help cool and soothe hot, swollen and aching legs. Vitiven has been specially devised to treat varicose and spider veins.Vitiven can be found in all leading pharmacies and Scholl Foothealth Centres.

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Trade enquires: Pharma-Cos Ltd. Tel. 2144 1870.

2. New two-iN-oNe solutioN from ultrasuN sunscreen with anti-ageing properties

The Swiss Ultrasun high 50+SPF Face sun protection is the be-all and end-all for outdoor enthusiasts. It provides optimum UVA and UVB protection, is free of emulsifiers, perfumes, colourants and preservatives, and is suitable for sensitive skin types. High 50+SPF is water resistant, non-greasy and easily absorbed into the skin.

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Available from leading pharmacies. Exclusively distributed by A.M.Mangion Ltd, Tel: 2397 6000.

3. sCholl saNDals Scholl Pop are this seasons ultimate sandal. Colour and Style, together with the full comfort of the adjustable loop. Bringing colour to the mix at only €25 and we’ve got over ten different colours to choose from! Visit the Scholl Foothealth Centres in Sliema, Valletta, Mosta, Fgura, Suffolk Valletta and Abela’s Health and Beauty Centre Gozo.

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For the full range view schollfoothealthcentre.com

4. get Your Nails NotiCeD For classic, French, decorated or trendsetting nails look no further than Elegant Touch. Easy to apply, natural comfortable fit, perfect for up to seven days. Also available in the Elegant Touch range: Nail Treatments, Nail White Pencils, Nail Files, Nail Clippers, Emery Boards, Tweezers, Scissors.

Elegant Touch products are distributed by von Brockdorff Imports Ltd. Tel: 2123 2141.

5. the DeliCious matCh ColleCtioN The Delicious Match collection by Deborah Milano includes four captivating combinations of Milano Red lipstick and 7 Days Long nail enamel in fabulous new colours. Milano Red Lipstick* is formulated to leave lips incomparably comfortable and deeply moisturised, while the 7 Days Long nail enamel** gives the nail that freshly manicured look, with no touching up.

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(hypoallergenic*, Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP and Camphorfree**)

SAVE €9.24 TWIN PACK OFFER

WAS €21.24 | NOW €12.00 ANTI-WRINKLE DAY & NIGHT TWIN PACK*

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

NIVEA

Pearl & Beauty 150mlx2

Fresh Natural 150mlx2

Double Effect 150mlx2

Dry impact 150mlx2

Silver Protect 150mlx2

Cool Kick 150mlx2

Exclusively distributed by A.M.Mangion Ltd, Tel: 2397 6000.

Find us on deborahmilanomalta, www.deborahmilano.com

25% OFF on these selected Deo Spray Twin Packs* *Offer valid on promotional packs only, until stocks last.

TWIN PACK OFFER

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 85

FOOD & DRINK

A sweet dream

There’s no need to be a patissier to create tempting desserts. Just use Hopla da Montare cream. The success is guaranteed: once the cream is whisked up, Hopla will be very easy to prepare and use.

TROPICANA Try out the new refreshing and delicious apple blends with an exciting twist. A 200ml glass of delicious Tropicana apple blends is:- One of your recommended five a day - A good source of vitamin C - Naturally sodium and fat free GoHealthyMT

86 Sunday Circle | July 2013

‘HOPLA

ASY!

FOOD & DRINK

July 2013 | Sunday Circle 87

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summer hi-tech A BRIGHt IdEA

WEBER BARBECUES

Simes, leading company in outdoor lighting, offers a wide range covering 10 different project applications and over 60 different product family types that can assure the best lighting technologies and efficiencies.

Choose the quality of Simes light fittings to design your landscape.

Introducing Weber BBQs at Forestals! Weber is not just about barbequing, but a belief in cooking delicious food outdoors and creating happy memories with family and friends.

All Weber products are built to the highest specifications using premium grade materials and components. Every product goes through rigorous testing to ensure quality and durability. In fact, Weber offers long term warranties on all their barbecues!

SIMES, painting with light.

See the entire range of Weber barbecues at the Forestals showroom in Mriehel.

For more information visit forestals.com or call on 2343 6000.

GEmCo Ltd.

Msida Valley Road, Msida Email: sales@gemco.com.mt | Tel: 2148 8919

NEW RENAULt CLIo – HIGH oN EmotIoN! ELEGANCE The only thing you have to do is relax...We'll do the rest.

Aquavia implements the latest technology in ergonomics in the design and creation of its hydromassage tubs, leaving no detail to chance. We equip our spas with the best jets, the best control panels and other accessories. Everything is strategically put together so that we can offer you the best possible product.

Aqualine 26/28 Mill Street, Qormi Tel: 2149 3400 | Mob: 9949 7594 Email: info@aqualine.com.mt | Web: www.aqualine.com.mt

SIMES, painting with light.

GEmCo Ltd.

Msida Valley Road, Msida Email: sales@gemco.com.mt Tel: 2148 8919

The new Renault Clio is the first model to feature Renault’s sensuous, all-new brand identity which is all about passion on the inside as well as the outside. New Clio packs standard features that are normally associated with larger cars, such as touchscreen navigation and USB port, air conditioning, 16” alloys, traction control and ESP. New Clio’s powertrain includes the 1.2 75bhp and new 3-cylinder TCE 0.9 90bhp petrol engines, as well as the 1.5dci 90bhp diesel engine.

See the new Renault Clio at Auto Sales Ltd – Kind’s, Lija or call 2331 1126/131 for a test drive.

www.petroleamalta.com Like us on Facebook

oPEN ALL dAY

88 Sunday Circle | July 2013

Petrolea, Valley Road, Msida | Tel: 2123 4501/ 2144 5728 Email: showroom@petroleamalta.com Web: www.petroleamalta.com

O AMEX .52

FINO AMEX .52

FINO AMEX .52

The real pleasure comes from knowing I’ve earned it.

After a 56-hour week in the office, I’ve earned some time to myself. And thanks to my American Express® Card I’ve also earned ways to spend it. It gives me one Membership Rewards® point for virtually every €1 spent, which I can use for anything from the latest Mp3 player to help me unwind, to a gourmet meal in the best restaurant in town.

My life is demanding.

My Card listens to me.

You have the life, now apply for the Card and sign up for Membership Rewards.

Call 2131 2020 or visit www.bov.com

Exclusive provider of American Express® Cards.

American Express is a trademark of American Express. The Green Card from American Express is issued by Bank of Valletta pursuant to a license from American Express.

Guam Fango Crema Notte Available from all leading pharmacies and beauty salons

CELLULITE TREATMENT facebook.com/guammalta Distributed by Liberty Business Culture Ltd. tel : 2141 0008