Sunday Circle Issue 222

www.sundaycircle.com

JUNE 2013 – ISSUE NO. 222

Interview

Food Thought FEATURE

OUR WOMAN ABROAD Meet diplomat

vanessa fRazieR See page 18

for

With several cases of food fraud surfacing locally and abroad, what exactly are we eating? See page 73

Exclusive

DANIEL CAUCHI

On his love of the Kanzunetta Maltija, the joys of performing at the Malta Arts Festival and how he has embraced the clichés of parenthood See page 12

PLUS

The Rehabilitation Revolution: what is the future of punitive justice?

See page 25

INtic W ntas a f a

BAG E I D GOO ONATauEse &D od c 1 a go age 4 to

see p

42

contents REgULARs

6 A wORD FROM THE EDITOR 8 C BODY | 10 C STYLE 81 CIRCLE EVENTS PAPARAZZI 83 PAPARAZZI

12

inTERViEWs

12 IN THE SwING OF IT

Daniel Cauchi talks to Katryna Storace about his love of the Kanzunetta Maltija, the joys of performing at the Malta Arts Festival and how he has embraced the clichés of parenthood

18 OUR wOMAN ABROAD

31

hERiTAgE

69 THE MASTER TRIUMPHANT

Ambassador of Mata to Belgium, Luxembourg and NATO, Vanessa Frazier, speaks to Philip Leone-Ganado

Katryna Storace meets art historian Keith Sciberras to discuss how, 400 years since the birth of Mattia Preti, new works by the baroque master are still being discovered

58 MADE FOR MEN 99 HI-TECH | 100 SUNKISSED & BEAUTY 102 FOOD & DRINK 104 MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

MoToRing

FooD

The brand new Renault Clio is put to the test as it embarks on a charming tour of Gozo

How much do we know about the origins of our food? And, asks Martina Said, can we trust it?

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23 HIT THE ROAD, CLIO

73 FOOD FOR THOUGHT

25 THE REHABILITATION REVOLUTION 84 FINER PLEASURES 31 PRIDE & PREjUDICE

Bormla is a city steeped in history and tradition, yet for years, its name has been tarnished by persistent labels, says Martina Said

goZo

36 BENEATH THE AZURE wINDOw

Beneath the waters of Dwejra’s seascape lies a unique world now brought to life by the Panacea Environmental Education Centre, Katryna Storace discovers

ART & CULTURE

FiLM

89 TALKING FILMS

Film commissioner Peter Busuttil talks to Katryna Storace about how training initiatives and good networking are putting Malta on the map of the international film industry

hEALTh AnD BEAUTY

57 BEAUTIFUL TEETH

Worried a filling will ruin your smile? Dental and Implant Surgeon Jean Paul Demajo offers some tips on aesthetic fillings

42 THIS IS BLITZ

76 SLIMMER AND TRIMMER

65 jAZZING IT UP

93 DIFFICULTY BREATHING

Martina Said visits Blitz – an old, uninhabited townhouse in Valletta waiting to make its grand entrance as a newly restored art space

Experience some of the best local and international artists at this year’s Malta Jazz Festival, in the historical backdrop of the Grand Harbour

Raymond DeBono, a Consultant Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, digs into the current aspects of fat removal techniques

Although asthma can be a threatening condition, with the correct treatment, symptoms can be kept under control, says Mariella Camilleri

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.

A word from the editor The thing I love most about summertime is how everything seems to take on new life. It feels like a sort of regeneration: an eruption of activity that leaves in its wake a general sense of warmth and well-being.

Summer nights are abuzz with events of all sorts, not least, the upcoming Malta Arts Festival at the end of June.

Daniel Cauchi, on our cover this month, reminded me that this is an incredibly high-calibre event on the cultural calendar, with some of the best artists in their field performing in various locations around the harbour area. This year’s offering by Big Band Brothers, Daniel’s pet project, promises to be as entertaining as the previous two editions of Ftakar. But that’s not

all. The annual Malta Jazz Festival will be lighting up the Ta’ Liesse area in Valletta half way through the month, while a collection of works by Baroque master Mattia Preti, entitled Mattia Preti: Faith and Humanity, will be on show until early July.

Alongside the bigger events are those projects of a more personal nature. Writer Clare Azzopardi, together with a team of anthropologists, sociologists, and artists, has embarked on an exploration of the stories of the women of Bormla, in a fascinating project called Din Mhix Tazza.

Down the narrow end of St Lucy Street, photographer Alexandra Pace will be launching the creativity hub, Blitz, with a very intimate exhibition of works that explore the themes of time, dreams and repetition.

With so much to look forward to, we’re really spoilt for choice. The only thing left to worry about is missing out. So bring on the summer and let the festivities begin...

FANTASTIC PRIZES WITH SUNDAYCIRCLE.Com Win a free wine tasting and food pairing of Franks Wine Boutique’s exclusive organic wines from New Zealand for two people that will be held at Tempt Asian in The Palace on Friday 28 June and a Fortnum & Mason Hamper worth €200, with a fine selection of teas, jams, biscuits, wine & pasta.

See page 87.

www.sundaycircle.com

JUNE 2013 – ISSUE NO. 222

Interview

Food Thought FEATURE

OUR WOMAN ABROAD

With several cases of food fraud surfacing locally and abroad, what exactly are we eating? See page 73

Exclusive

DANIEL CAUCHI See page 12

PLUS

Win a Breil Enclosure quartz chronograph worth €270.

Visit sundaycircle.com to participate.

See page 18

for

On his love of the Kanzunetta Maltija, the joys of performing at the Malta Arts Festival and how he has embraced the clichés of parenthood

Win a Polaar Men’s gift set including Hydraboost Gel 50ml + Shaving Gel 150ml + Shower Gel 50ml. See page 10.

Meet diplomat

vanessa fRazieR

INtic

W tas G a fan DIE BA GOO NATEuse & DO od ca a go e 41 to

see pag

The Rehabilitation Revolution: what is the future of punitive justice?

See page 25

PUBLISHER John Formosa Network Publications Ltd PUBLICATION & SALES MANAGER Renée Micallef Decesare

EDITORIAL Katryna Storace EDITOR

Martina Said ASSISTANT EDITOR

Philip Leone-Ganado

Log on to sundaycircle.com to WIN a Shiseido Advanced Body Creator. See page 8.

ASSISTANT EDITOR

COVER Steve Muliett PHOTOGRAPHY

ART & DESIGN

GOODIE BAG

WIN 2 tickets per event for the Malta Arts Festival running from the 30 June to 8 August & 2 block tickets to the Malta Jazz Festival from 18 to 20 July.

Support the Richmond Foundation and win a crocodile embossed leather tote and crocodile embossed leather iPad case and lots of beautiful items inside.

See page 41.

Jessica Camilleri Sarah Scicluna

SALES & MARKETING Marisa Schembri FEATURES SALES MANAGER

Sasha Miceli Demajo SUPPLEMENTS SALES MANAGER

Jessica Borg SUPPLEMENTS SALES COORDINATOR

Martina Urso SALES ADMINISTRATOR

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Sunday Circle | June 2013

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COLOURfUL, YACHTING fASHION

OMEGA SIGNS NEW GOLfER

OMEGA took its association with golf to an even higher level with the signing of Rory McIlroy, one of the game’s most talented and accomplished players.

The popular golfer from Northern Ireland has entered into an agreement with OMEGA that will make him part of a roster of ambassadors featuring many current golf stars – including legend, Greg Norman – and leading figures from the world of entertainment such as, Nicole Kidman, George Clooney and Daniel Craig. Visit Diamonds International outlets for more information.

Launching their Spring/Summer Collection, Paul & Shark held a fashion show at Pjazza Tigne’ where the guests could admire the latest trends for the coming season, which are very much related to and inspired by the freshness and colourful world of yachting. The summer collection in fact includes a bright and colourful selection of casual and elegant wear which uniquely embrace the ingredients of modern fashion and comfortable functionality. Visit Paul & Shark at Piazza Tigne Point.

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COVER STORY

12 Sunday Circle | June 2013

COVER STORY

IN THE SWING OF IT KATRYNA STORACE SPEAKS TO MUSICIAN DANIEL CAUCHI ABOUT HIS LOVE OF THE KANZUNETTA MALTIJA, THE JOYS OF PERFORMING AT THE MALTA ARTS FESTIVAL AND HOW HE HAS EMBRACED THE CLICHÉS OF PARENTHOOD Daniel Cauchi’s life revolves entirely around music. At the age of 27, he has accomplished what many in his shoes can only dream of: he holds musical qualifications from universities both locally and abroad, is the principal percussionist of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and heads the ambitious 18-man project, Big Band Brothers. In spite of his growing eminence, however, Daniel remains a level-headed, humble guy, with a genuine love for what he does.

Splitting his time between his work with the orchestra and Big Band Brothers, Daniel is intent on keeping up this divide. “I enjoy keeping them separate,” he remarks, as we talk over coffee in a shady corner of a garden café. “My main profession is that of a percussionist in the orchestra.

I consider singing and my side projects to be hobbies – not because I don’t enjoy my playing in the orchestra, but because it involves all the elements of a job.”

Photography by Steve Muliett -§- Location: Pjazza Teatru Rjal -§- Styling by Luke Engerer -§- Clothes: Mexx June 2013 | Sunday Circle 13

COVER STORY

“

Even though a project like this, at the end of the day, needs to keep on being viable, I would very much like to resist compromising quality for popularity

“

Big Band Brothers is evidently Daniel’s pet project. He recalls how his music teacher sparked off his interest in the big band as a young boy. “My teacher was obsessed with swing bands and big bands. He would make me tapes at the time, and I would listen to them. I think this is the reason why the big band set-up has always fascinated me,” he says.

This childhood fascination has followed him into his adult life. “Big Band Brothers is made up of 18 members, and that, I think, is the beauty of the big band – there is a wide margin for experimentation. We use the old format of a big band, with different sections, which is the proper set-up,” he says.

Despite the entertainment value that is very much at the heart of Big Band Brothers, Daniel is keen on keeping things up to standard. “On a certain level, we try to keep the same level of professionalism. We always try not to go all out in terms of the mainstream. That has never been our intention,” he says. “I guess I resist this because I come from an orchestra background. Even though a project like this, at the end of the day, needs to keep on being viable, I would very much like to resist compromising quality for popularity.”

“I have a collection of old LPs that I’ve bought from car boot sales.

The ‘Kanzunetta Maltija’ really fascinates me, and I’m always looking for ways that songs from the past can be used and adapted today.”

One of the band’s biggest projects to date has been Ftakar – a series of concerts performed at the Malta Arts Festival, where old Maltese songs are given a modern twist in the big band format. “Mario Frendo, artistic director of the Malta Arts Festival, first approached us to present a concert performing songs and standards that we had adapted from Maltese song books,” says Daniel. “The first edition of Ftakar included 30 mostly popular and well-known songs, which we performed with the big band.”

The concert was such a success that Big Band Brothers were asked to stage a second edition of Ftakar the following year. The performance centred on the work of Maltese composer Alfred C. Sant.

“Coincidentally, he discovered that I lived a few doors away from him.

He came over to congratulate me for the work in the first edition of Ftakar and we hit it off. I started helping him to digitalise his sheet music, and this opened up the floor for a collaboration,” says Daniel.

Indeed, Big Band Brothers seems to maintain this balance quite masterfully. The ensemble has participated in numerous contexts since its inception, including TV performances, functions, dance collaborations, with performances both in English and Maltese. “It is more a medium than a band that produces its own music which is recognised for that alone,” and its function is to branch out and root itself in various different areas of contemporary culture.

In the meantime, Daniel and the rest of the band set out to record their first studio album, Ftakar, based on the same concept as the concerts.

The album was produced with Peter Borg of local band Red Electrick.

“I wanted to challenge myself by collaborating with someone who is involved in a project that appeals to what’s happening today, while still keeping the original appeal.” The album also features a number of accomplished classical artists the likes of Wayne Marshall, for example.

This is, of course, no mean feat. But Daniel is never short of ideas.

“You cannot close any doors,” he reflects, “because why would you limit yourself?” One of the band’s most defining features, perhaps, is the way it skirts between past and present. Big Band Brothers takes a traditional set-up and places it in the context of today. And, as Daniel points out, there’s an infinite amount of ways this can be done.

Big Band Brothers will be participating in the Malta Arts Festival for the third consecutive year. How does it feel to be involved in this particular festival, year after year? “I see the Malta Arts Festival as one of a particular quality. The artists that come over every year are probably top of their field, and to be asked to play alongside such artists is great. It gives us a very high standard to aspire to.”

14 Sunday Circle | June 2013

society This year’s concert, is partly dedicated to the work of Prof. Joe Friġġieri. The fruit of a close collaboration with the writer, the band has taken the music already written around his poetry – by Charles Camilleri, Dominic Galea – and has revived it in a way that is more relevant to an audience today. “To mix things up a bit, we’ve roped in Red Electrick who, in my opinion, are not only very good musicians, but are also very open in their ideas,” says Daniel enthusiastically. “This, I think, will make it very interesting.

We’re also going to be performing some of their original numbers, again, within big band format.”

Between the orchestra and Big Band Brothers, Daniel somehow finds time for other collaborations. He also takes any opportunity to travel and interact with international musicians. “The exchange is always important, because it gives you a sense of what you’re missing out on. Malta, I think, is a sort of laboratory. Certain things that are common abroad are not so common here, so Malta serves as the ideal testing ground. Here, you can touch on a lot of different things that are still new to the local scene.”

Something Daniel is keen on challenging, however, is what he calls the “banda mentality” that sometimes trickles into other areas of the local music scene. “In its context, I like the banda very much. It’s got a strong sense of tradition and identity. At a professional level, however, you cannot adopt the same mentality of how things are run.”

In his music, Daniel has always taken confident decisions that seem to have paid off. One thing he was less confident about was the birth of his son just over two months ago. “I’ve always been extremely afraid of childbirth,” he laughs, and blushes as I quiz him further. “At school, I had actually fainted while watching The Silent Scream. When my wife was pregnant, I had told the tutor at our childbirth course that I wouldn’t be able to go through with it. The night before she gave birth, I couldn’t sleep, so I stayed up watching childbirth videos on YouTube.” When it came down to it, however, Daniel resisted the temptation to flee.

He is reluctant to discuss the effect his son’s birth has had on his life for fear of sounding trite. “All those clichés, they’re all true,” he hesitates. “The fact that I wake up to his smile is the highlight of my day.”

“I’ve also started to understand the realities that my wife has had to face, which makes me appreciate her even more – she’s a dancer and has to give up what she loves to bring this child into the world… I honestly cannot imagine having to give up the music.”

Ftakar 3, a Malta Arts Festival commission, will be performed at Pjazza Teatru Rjal on 7 July, as part of the Malta Arts Festival. A member of the European Festivals Association, the Malta Arts Festival, now in its eighth edition, will run between 30 June-14 July, with a special concert on 8 August, and is held mainly in open-air venues in Malta’s capital Valletta in summer. Featuring a varied programme of theatre, music, dance and visual arts, the festival offers a broad range of genres and artistic forms. This year, the festival will feature the first-ever concert by the European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO) in Malta. The concert, held in collaboration with V.18, supported by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts and the European Commission Representation in Malta in partnership with MEUSAC, will be held on 8 August at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta. The Malta Arts Festival is supported by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts. Tickets are currently out and are available from maltaartsfestival.org June 2013 | Sunday Circle 000

INTERVIEW

Photography by Steve Muliett 18 Sunday Circle | June 2013

Our Woman

INTERVIEW

ABROAD

there’s more to life as a diplomat than fancy parties, ambassador of malta to belgium, luxembourg and nato, vanessa frazier tells philip leone-ganado

Twenty years ago, as a young diplomat in Washington, Vanessa Frazier received a bit of advice she has never forgotten. “The role of a diplomat,” the British Ambassador told her, “is to walk down a street one day, meet the butcher and talk about meat; then walk down the same road the next day, meet the baker and talk about bread; and on the third day walk down the same street, meet the butcher and the baker and talk sandwiches.”

Today, as the Ambassador of Malta to Belgium, Luxembourg and NATO, she has still never heard a better description of what she does and why she loves it.

“Many people think that I spend my life going to glamorous lunches and receptions where I’m served pyramids of chocolate,” Vanessa laughs. It’s an alluring fantasy, but not one she subscribes to. “There are daily receptions and events to go to, which may sound glamorous, but it’s really a lot of work.

We go to these receptions to network and make contacts to promote Malta’s interests, as well as to try and create economic opportunities for Malta: to attract tourists to visit Malta, students to learn English, and businessmen to invest in Malta and create jobs for the Maltese.”

Vanessa first joined the Maltese foreign service in 1994 as a Second Secretary, and since then has served in postings in Washington, Rome and London. From 2006, she spent six years as the Director for Defence Matters within the Office of the Prime Minister, before being appointed to her current post in April last year. Now at the peak of her career, what drives her is still her love for her country. “Malta is now a bigger player than ever in the European and international scene,” she says. “Knowing that I am making Malta an even better and richer place than it is, helping and assisting

the Maltese who live in the countries that I am accredited to...that’s what drives me.

And most of all, being a role model to my children and to younger diplomats.”

Vanessa and husband Marco – whom she met at a running club during her posting in Rome – have two children: Julian, 8, born in London, and Nicole, 5, born in Malta. “I would not be able to balance my work and family life if I did not have such a wonderful husband to support me continuously,” she says. “Without that I would not be able to do what I do. We are a team and that’s very important.” Though the diplomatic life is not always an easy one for a young family, the children have taken it all entirely in their stride. “They love their school in Brussels and they have made many new friends.

They also keep in touch with their Maltese friends through Skype and Facetime, and we ensure that they spend all their school holidays in Malta, to remain close to their cousins and friends.”

Does juggling it all ever feel like too much?

Vanessa’s answer, for an ambassador, might be surprising. “When I need to unwind and take my mind off work, I go the local dojo and practice my judo. I’ve done it since I was 13, and I credit the sport with a lot of the successes I have had in my personal and professional life.”

Vanessa’s ability to maintain balance and perspective while working in a demanding international arena is notable, but it should not belie the very real stresses of her work, nowhere more amply demonstrated than during the Libyan Civil War. Then, Vanessa (in her role as Defence Director) was called upon to help coordinate a massive international evacuation effort from the stricken country.

June 2013 | Sunday Circle 19

INTERVIEW

While paying tribute to the vast legions of civil servants that were involved in the operation, and especially the chairman and members of the Sanctions Monitoring Board, Vanessa herself recalls travelling to and from Libya in the height of the revolution, and the fear that accompanied those trips, as she worked to return injured people to Malta for life-saving treatment and ensure that vital humanitarian aid was delivered to those still in the country.

Among the moments that stick in her memory, she mentions the evacuation of 600 injured Libyans by catamaran and the transfer of three dead foreign journalists on Good Friday 2010.

Vanessa also recalls the transfer of Shweyga Mullah – the nanny to Hannibal Gaddafi’s children, who made international news was brutally attacked and disfigured by Gaddafi’s wife. “That was a very emotional one,” says Vanessa. “We had all seen her on CNN and Mikela Fenech Pace, the assistant director in the defence department, immediately set out to find her and transfer her to Malta. She worked very hard on this case, which had touched so many of us.”

In her current posting, perhaps, the stakes are not, on a daily basis, quite so high. But forming part of one of the largest diplomatic communities on earth – 188 countries have an 20 Sunday Circle | June 2013

embassy in Brussels, with many having two or three, accredited to the EU, NATO, and Belgium – is no walk in the park. “One of the differences between Belgium and the other postings I have been on is the Maltese community,” says Vanessa. “The community is mostly made up of young, highly qualified, first-generation Maltese – unlike in say Australia or the UK. The Maltese in Belgium mostly work for the European institutions, developing European policy that will affect Malta, therefore a close link with them is very important.”

Bill and Hillary Clinton were in office when I was in Washington, and I had a few encounters with them One particularly enjoyable aspect of Vanessa’s career is that it has brought her into contact with a number of very high-profile individuals.

From dining with Margaret Thatcher in Washington and hearing the Iron Lady’s recollections of Malta, to having lunch with Henry Kissinger, she has had her share of memorable meetings. “Bill and Hillary Clinton were in office when I was in Washington, and I had a few encounters with them,” she remembers. “I recall in particular a speech

which Hillary Clinton gave at the closing of a conference of First Ladies, where she inspired one to dream of a female American president.“ But she recounts with particular fondness one moment from her time in London, when she was invited to Buckingham Palace to attend the credentials ceremony for the new Maltese High Commissioner. The only problem?

Vanessa was 41 weeks pregnant with her first child. “As I was already one week overdue, the Maltese press in London had made bets that my waters would break in the Palace,” she jokes. Mercifully, that didn’t happen, but she did have to apologise to the Queen for not being able to curtsey as she was so heavily pregnant. “We both laughed about it, but the following November when the Queen came to Malta for CHOGM, she asked me to bring my son as she would like to meet him. I was very touched that she had remembered our previous meeting as fondly as I had.”

From moments like these to historic revolutions, life on the diplomatic circuit has certainly been memorable. Vanessa says she is proud to have got where she is today after 20 years of service, and while still young and energetic enough to make a difference. There seems little chance of that energy, or the memorable moments, drying up any time soon.

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HIT THE ROAD, CLIO The sleek, sTylish and brand new renaulT Clio embarks on a charming tour in gozo, putting its star power on display...

Text by Martina Said

Driving along the cliff’s edge en route to San Raflu, limits of Kerċem, it is hard to ignore the stunning panorama that surrounds me and my driving comrades. Blue skies and sea, cliffs and a sweet breeze only serve to make a drive around scenic routes in Gozo on a warm spring day that much more pleasant. Throw the brand new Renault Clio into the equation and the experience becomes somewhat sensational.

Before setting out on the adventure, sales and marketing manager at Auto Sales, Ivan Grech, tells me there are many features that make this car a great and innovative one. It’s got a modern and spacious interior, has an extensive variety of personalisation options, is packed with the latest technology and offers a superb drive among many others. And so, without much time-wasting, myself and a variety of other test-drivers, journalists and members of Auto Sales – including sales and marketing director Bernadette Bonnici Kind – embarked on a drive to and around Gozo to put the cars to the test.

of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. There’s the 0.9 three cylinder engine, the 1.2 16-valve petrol engine with 75 brake horsepower and the 1.5 diesel engine with 90 brake horsepower.

After settling in and dining at the luxurious Kempinski San Lawrenz Hotel, we were treated to an after dinner private gig by Winter Moods frontman Ivan Grech, who is brand ambassador of Renault.

Following an overnight stay at the hotel, off we set again to drive through some schenic Gozo roads.

The experience provided by the different engine types varies and is ultimately down to personal preference. But all elements of the Clio combined come together to provide comfort, functionality and serious style. The playful interior, with touches of colour, sleek gloss black trim and strokes of chrome show immense attention to detail.

The experience, might I say, was fantastic. Four sparkling Renault Clios in a range of unique colours followed each other from San Lawrenz Kempinski Hotel to Kerċem and on to Xlendi. After stopping for quick refreshments by the sea, we continued driving through Zebbuġ and past Qbajjar Beach towards Marsalforn, later making our way towards Mġarr Harbour.

It is brimming with innovative technology, namely an advanced Bluetooth radio and a Media Nav system with multimedia functions. It is also showing the way forward for low CO2 emissions thanks to new engines, stop/start technology and ‘eco’ driving aids.

The four cars that took us on our journey each boasted a different engine capacity in petrol and diesel. The broad range of engines meets the needs of different customers while constantly maintaining control

The new Renault Clio is sporty and robust, built with precision and comfortable to travel in. Driving it around Gozo and back to the Kind’s showroom made our road trip fun and adventurous... leaving young and older drivers alike wishing they could push the peddle a little more.

June 2013 | Sunday Circle 23

CRIME

THE

REHABILITATION

REVOLUTION from retribution to rehabilitation: what is the future of punitive justice, asks PhiliP leone-Ganado When, last month, local courts handed down probation orders – rather than a prison sentence – for two 17-year-old boys convicted of raping a 14-year-old, the public disbelief and outrage that followed was all too familiar. The specifics of the court’s ruling may have been certainly problematic, but underlying a lot of the response was the

expression of a very simple and traditional dictum: people who commit a crime should go to prison for as long as possible; it’s the only way to punish them and keep us safe.

But increasingly, that idea no longer holds true. Is the future of our justice system one where offenders are rehabilitated in society, rather than locked away?

June 2013 | Sunday Circle 25

CRIME

The vast majority of people don’t end their lives in prison. They’re going to come out.

And there needs to be a plan in place for when they do

“People think: let’s lock them up and throw away the key. But the reality is that’s not going to happen,” explains Dr Sandra Scicluna, a senior lecturer at the Criminology Department at the University of Malta. “The vast majority of people don’t end their lives in prison. They’re going to come out. And there needs to be a plan in place for when they do.”

In the UK, Justice Secretary Chris Grayling has referred to the “depressing merry-goround of crime”, pointing out the “insanity” of the fact that those likely to re-offend are released without support. “Re-offending rates have barely changed in a decade, and it’s clear we need to do things differently,” he says. At the forefront of his plans for change is, in fact, an overhaul and an enhancement of the probation services.

It’s not difficult to see why. Around half of all prisoners released from British prisons – and 58 per cent of short-sentenced ones – are convicted for another offence within a year; 26 Sunday Circle | June 2013

for those on probation, the re-offending rate drops to around 38 per cent. A study in Ireland added that the likelihood of a person under a probation order committing another offence dropped by half from the first to the second year of the operative period, showing in real time, as it were, the rehabilitative effect in action. Unfortunately, clear details on the situation in Malta are not so easily forthcoming, with our attempts to speak with a senior probation officer not being authorized by time of print.

Nevertheless, Malta’s probation system has been thriving since a reform of the system and the introduction of the Probation Act in 2002, which revised the previous act dating back to 1957. There is currently an average of fourteen probation officers, all of whom have a first degree in psychology, criminology or similar fields, followed by a one-year postgraduate course specialising in probation, which for many leads to a Masters degree. Between them, these

probation officers handle an active case load that stood at 657 at the end of 2009.

So what is it they do? In its simplest terms, a probation order is a sentence issued by the court in place of a prison sentence, which returns the offender to society under the supervision of a probation officer, for a period of one to three years. The probation officer works closely with the offender, offering support and guidance on the path to rehabilitation, learning about their life and the people around them, and creating a plan of action with goals and deadlines, to help the offender get back on their feet.

The rehabilitative benefits are clear, as is the effect of putting a human face on offenders. “A prison sentence is ugly,” says Dr Scicluna. “You lose your liberty, of course, but you also lose all contact with your family, all means of supporting them and yourself. If you remain in society you can continue to earn money, pay your taxes, and support your family.”

Valletta – Merchant Street Sliema – Saint Anne Square

crime

The whole system – probation, prison, parole – should be seen as part of an interlinked chain. A lot of the offenders processed by the different systems are the same

This is especially true for those convicted of minor offences, and who have a chance of cleaning up their act and whom prison might actually expose to worse habits and influences, perpetuating a cycle when the time comes for release. In fact, probation is excluded for any crimes with a sentence of over ten years, as well as offences such as drug trafficking and arson.

It’s cheaper, too: the cost of keeping someone in prison is around €50 per day, as opposed to just €3 for probation.

Probation isn’t seen in isolation. Courts can also order community service, which by its nature is more punitive, and has a larger element of “giving back”, or join the two in a combination order. Suspended sentences are another option at their disposal. All slot neatly into the broader punitive system. “The whole system – probation, prison, parole – should be seen as part of an interlinked chain. A lot of the offenders processed by the different systems are the same,” Dr Scicluna points out. The Economist, writing of Chris Grayling’s reforms, says: “he wants to see all offenders met at the prison gate by a mentor – a ‘wise friend’ – who will have sorted out a place to live, drug or alcohol treatment if needed, training or leads on employment.”

Still, a fair question to ask is whether offenders are making fair amends for their crimes. Rehabilitation or not, society – and victims, in particular – must still feel that justice is being done. But probation is no free ride, and a number of offenders have in fact refused to accept probation orders: preferring a prison sentence to the constant supervision and authority of a probation

28 Sunday Circle | June 2013

officer. The control aspect means officers have the duty of ensuring that the terms of the court’s probation order aren’t breached.

The offender is required to attend regular meetings and submit to measures such as drug testing, while the court can also impose a number of other conditions. If there is a breach, the case is returned to court, where the period of probation can be extended, or a prison sentence administered.

So will all offenders soon be walking the streets? Not quite. The safety of society remains paramount, and isn’t jeopardised by probation. “Risk assessment is always the main consideration,” says Dr Scicluna.

“The probation officer will make a recommendation to the court based on the risk of re-offending, and the risk the offender might pose to his immediate circle, or to himself. Sometimes you take a calculated risk: somebody who has re-offended a lot might have reached rock bottom, and you know something has changed; probation might give you that chance to finally get them on the path to rehabilitation.”

Across the world, policy makers are considering with renewed vigour a shift in emphasis from retribution to rehabilitation, with measures such as probation at the forefront of that movement. For the general public the leap is always going to be slightly harder to make, though experts insist that’s largely down to a lack of understanding. Locally, probation orders and suspended sentences are still generally perceived as soft options, symptoms of a failing system. But perhaps the time has come to start seeing them instead as the only way forward.

ExclusivEly DistributED by tA’ xbiEx PErFuMEry ltD. tEl: 2133 1553

society

PRIDE & PREJUDICE Bormla is a city steeped in history and tradition. yet, for many years now, its name, character and inhaBitants have Been tarnished By persistent laBels...

Text by Martina Said -ยง- Photography by Nicky Scicluna From leFt to right: virginia monteForte, cl are azzopardi, sara Falconi, nathalie grima

June 2013 | Sunday Circle 31

T

SOCIETY

here once was a time when Cottonera – otherwise the Three Cities, Birgu, Bormla and Isla, or Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea – was considered to be Malta’s treasure hub. The area bustled with activity, and residents enjoyed a pleasant standard of living and a history that oozed out of every street, square and alley. Today, however, the scenario is fairly different.

The southern harbour area of Malta has, for many years, put up with a reputation that is far less than desirable. Strong social stigmas continue to plague the cities and their residents, leaving them somewhat outcast. But an anthropological-artistic study, titled Din Mhix Tazza, has for the past year been working on giving a voice to the people there – specifically to the women of Bormla – with the aim of connecting them in their domestic and urban environment.

Nathalie, a researcher and Masters student in sociology, spoke to 23 different women, ranging from ages 18 to 70. “The idea was to get to know a small number of women from Bormla and the objects that are dear to them,” she says. “The objects form a big part of their

32 Sunday Circle | June 2013

The women, she tells me, talked fervently about the significance of the house they grew up in and about returning to the city following a stint away from Bormla. They opened up about the prominent role of their grandmothers in their lives and the pain that followed her death. They discussed the importance of the kitchen in the house and the sacredness of the Immaculate Conception, an icon or statue of which occupies a special place in practically every Bormla household.

“It was interesting to discover that as teenagers, the women weren’t aware of being different because they spent most of their time here and went to school here too. Then once they moved on to post-secondary education or job interviews, they realised that people looked down on them.”

Nathalie recounts the experience of one woman who felt humiliated during a job interview – “when the interviewer looked at her CV and noticed she’s from Bormla, his attitude towards her changed immediately.

She felt insulted and even though she didn’t get the job, she would have refused it if she did.”

The general prejudices that surround the people of Bormla include low levels of education, unemployment, social cases, teenage pregnancies and social class

I meet the workforce behind the study – composed of Virginia Monteforte, Sara Falconi, Clare Azzopardi and Natalie Grima – and two of the participants to better understand its scope and outcome.

CHRISTINE (LEFT) & JOYCE (RIGHT)

lives and are generally everyday things that we overlook, but which are significant.”

But they also brought to light their desire to help shatter stigmas that have plagued them and their city for years. “Many aspects make the women of Bormla unique. And yet, many of these women are mothers, working mothers and single mothers, trying to take care of their kids and of their own mothers. Their lives aren’t very different to the lives of most other women,” says Nathalie.

Christine, a 24-year-old speech therapist who has lived there her entire life, agrees that as a young girl, she wasn’t the least bit affected by her “origins”. But things started to change once she grew older, as she began to realise that people reacted oddly when she told them where she’s from. That said, however, she has always carried herself with confidence and been proud of her roots.

The general prejudices that surround the people of Bormla include low levels of education, unemployment, social cases, teenage pregnancies and social class. “Many people have a wrong impression of this city,” says Christine. “That people here are constantly getting involved in fights, have no character and no emotions.

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SOCIETY

nathalie grima (left) & elisa von brockdorff (right)

There are people here with problems, but it isn’t fair to put everyone in the same basket.”

A similar sentiment is echoed by Joyce, a holistic therapist by profession, who gained interest in relocating from Zurrieq to Bormla after meeting her partner who hails from the city. She explains how friends and family reacted negatively when she told them she was dating a man from Bormla and, further still, was looking to settle for a place in the area. “‘Why Bormla of all places?’ they’d ask me. But why not? My partner didn’t want to live here because of the stigmas that surround this city,” says Joyce. “People think all Bormliżi are ill-tempered, rude and outspoken people. But no one mentions their loyalty, kindness and friendliness.”

Joyce explains how her job has put her in close contact with the plight of many locals, and has listened to people talk about feeling hurt when others judge the city harshly. “As a holistic therapist, I’ve met various clients from here, including children, with social problems. I am not originally from Bormla, so I couldn’t relate to their pain, but I took on this project as an opportunity to speak out and help the community.”

In light of the negative aura that surrounds the city, Nathalie tells me the women do not deny that there is a concentration of social problems – they are aware of it. But they go 34 Sunday Circle | June 2013

on to say that such problems are not to be linked solely to the people who were born and bred there, reinforcing a “divide” that exists between them and outsiders.

“They attribute a number of social problems to people who came to live here from other areas on the island because rent is cheap, bringing in a flood of social problems to the city. They have frequently brought up this divide – if it really is a divide – between people who always lived here and those who came from the outside,” Nathalie explains.

Despite the ill-repute they’ve had to live with, Nathalie says the women here have managed to accomplish a lot. “Young and older women have studied and gone out to work even after raising a family. They use the internet, do research, create Facebook pages such as Friends of Cottonera – these are all positive things,” she explains. “They are trying to break out of the stereotypes that surround them. The difficulty lies in how they choose to do that.”

Following months of hard work and research, the project will culminate with the launch of artistic installations curated by Raphael Vella and inspired by the narratives of the women, together with the launching of a book designed by artist Pierre Portelli.

Participating artists include Elisa Von Brockdorf, Darren Tanti and Emanuel

Bonnici, all young and up-and-coming, who will bring a fresh perspective to a city riddled with controversy.

Photographer Elisa Von Brockdorff was particularly intrigued by the way the project focused on the “the objects” in women’s lives.

“These women are like any other women in the world,” she says, and this is why she has adopted what she calls a universal approach to her instal lation. “The whole project is about people’s associations with objects and memories created by the objects, which is something anyone can relate to. I chose to use many small jars and inside each one is a small figure of a man or woman. The idea is that, although everyone is different, we are all similar.” And this, perhaps, is the biggest virtue of Din Mhix Tazza: it is in holding up a mirror to our differences that we might begin to notice the affinities between us.

Follow the narratives oF these women From Bormla and those oF the others involved on dinmhixtazza.wordpress.com. the exhiBition launch will take place on June 21 at 7.30 at kappella tas-sokkors, triq . l-inkurunazzJoni, Bormla. the proJect was . . co-Financed By malta arts Fund, agenziJa

zghazagh, good causes Fund, Bormla local council, valletta 18, national museum oF archaeology archives and heritage malta.

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GOZO

BENEATH THE AZURE WINDOW DWEJRA’S LANDSCAPE IS ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC ON THE MALTESE ISLANDS. BUT JUST BELOW ITS GLISTENING WATERS LIES A UNIQUE WORLD NOW BROUGHT TO LIFE BY THE PANACEA ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTRE, AS KATRYNA STORACE DISCOVERS Photo by Alan Deidun t is a popular piece of trivia that over 70 per cent of the earth is covered in water.

Seas and oceans are home to millions of species of marine plants and creatures, all living in precariously balanced ecosystems.

Overfishing, exploitation of marine resources, oil and gas extraction, pollution, and other human activity, however, have for many years threatened the future of our waters. The Mediterranean is no exception.

36 Sunday Circle | June 2013

Because we live on an island – and quite a small one at that – us Maltese cannot be indifferent to the waters that surround us. They are our source of fun, living, and identity, and with that comes a responsibility: to care for and respect our seas to ensure their continued existence.

This is the main aim of the recently opened PANACEA environmental education centre at Dwejra.

With its incredible rock formations and unique inland sea, the Dwejra area is equally spectacular below the water.

This makes it a popular location with

divers, who flock to Dwejra to explore the numerous underwater caves and underwater scenery it has to offer. Thanks to the value of its marine environment, Dwejra is in fact one of five Marine Protected Areas designated in the coastal waters of the Maltese Islands.

Situated a mere few metres from Dwejra’s inland sea, the PANACEA environmental education centre acts as the perfect accompaniment to a site of such natural complexity and interest. “The main benefit of the PANACEA project is that we now have a Marine Protected Area which finally has

GOZO its own centre on location where anyone – divers, tourists, swimmers, children – can learn about what makes Dwejra’s underwater landscape so special,” says Alan Deidun, a marine biologist and project manager for the PANACEA project.

The project shares its vision with five partners: Provincia di Siracusa, Provincia di Palermo, Comune di Lampdusa/ Linosa, San Lawrenz local council and the University of Malta (IOC-MOC).

Out of the five, Dwejra’s is the first centre to materialise – the other four Sicilian partners are expected to set up similar environmental education centres around their own unique Marine Protected Areas.

The San Lawrenz local council has played an important role in the realisation of the centre, which had been in the pipeline since 2006, and which finally opened its doors in March of this year. The council has been assisted by the University of Malta. “The University’s input was mostly technical. I myself compiled all the information for the centre, which required a lot of research and checking before it was finalised. We have also contributed in terms of the photography, interactive material and videos,” says Alan.

A visit to the centre is a great way to get informed about the vast and varied underwater world of the Dwejra area. It opens up onto a world that is colourful and interactive, with lots of photography, information boards, and 3D models, or dioramas, recreating specific underwater ecosystems. There is also a screening room currently airing a wonderfully filmed documentary by Alan, Shaun Arrigo and Pedja Miletic.

“This is the first Marine Protected Area to have a visitor centre in Malta,” Alan points out. Internationally, he adds, it is the norm – MPAs are usually accompanied by a visitor centre as well as offices of those who procure it. Their importance cannot be underestimated. Marine Protected Areas are vital to the flourishing of biodiversity that is often under threat by human activity.

By protecting particular areas, species are given the opportunity to regenerate or breed safely. They’re also good news for the tourism industry – especially, in the case of Dwejra, when it comes to diving.

A few months since it opened its doors, the general feedback in relation to the centre has been positive. “The biggest challenge was not getting open,” says Alan, “but keeping it open.”

June 2013 | Sunday Circle 37

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GOZO Despite having received EU funding, which has helped the project become a reality, there are still many problems that Alan and the local council continue to face. “Dwejra itself is a protected area, and so, any development takes a lot of time,” says Alan. What’s more, Dwejra has no direct electricity supply, and all the power required to keep the centre running is being provided by a generator – which is precarious, at best. On its part, MEPA has agreed, albeit verbally, to cover the generator costs, which amount to about €15,000 each year.

I really hope that this concept is taken further and developed in other areas. I’d really like to see, for example, a visitor centre dedicated solely to fishing But the biggest issue, Alan points out, is that the centre needs qualified guides to be able to interact with visitors and make it fully-functioning. “The long-term plan is to employ qualified guides to man the centre,” says Alan. “For the council to do so, however, it needs to generate some funds – and this can only be done if a bylaw is passed. But there is a long bureaucratic process involved, so these things take time.” For the time being, the centre is being run by Carmen and Annie from the San Lawrenz local council, who volunteer their time to open the centre every day and man it until this issue is cleared up. “The agreement between MEPA and the local council needs to be formalised to start the bylaw process to allow the council to generate revenue for qualified guides to man the centre. This takes weeks, but we’re hoping this will happen before summer comes into full force,” adds Alan.

In the meanwhile, Alan and his team are working hard on promoting the centre and the PANACEA project, participating in a number of national events and creating printed educational material to be distributed in schools and internationally. Despite the numerous obstacles, Alan remains upbeat about the accomplishments of the centre.

“I really hope that this concept is taken further and developed in other areas. I’d really like to see, for example, a visitor centre dedicated solely to fishing,” he says. Such initiatives are vital to preserving the wonders that lie just below the surface of our all-consuming waters.

The PANACeA ProjeCT is suPPorTed by The eu iTAliA-MAlTA ProgrAMMe. For More iNForMATioN visiT www.panaceaproject.net June 2013 | Sunday Circle 000

GOODIE BAG

DONATE &WIN This month’s charity is the Richmond Foundation – a leading non-governmental, non-profit making organisation that provides community services for persons with mental health difficulties. Visit richmond.org.mt for more info.

AS PART OF A NEW INITIATIVE, SUNDAY CIRCLE IS GIVING YOU THE CHANCE TO WIN A FABULOUS GOODIE BAG & ITS FANTASTIC CONTENTS EACH MONTH WHILE HELPING OUT A DIFFERENT CHARITY...

WIN A GOODIE BAG & GIVE TO CHARITY* How? Choose one of these two options to participate and you could win yourself a stylish bag packed with fabulous treats. Each entry must be a minimum of €2 (1 entry) and a maximum of €10 (5 entries) 1. Send a cheque of €2 or more made out to Richmond Foundation, with your name, surname, home address, email and mobile number to Goodie Bag Competition, Sunday Circle, Network Publications, Level 2, Angelica Court, Triq Giuzeppe Cali, Ta’ Xbiex.

2. Apply online by visiting sundaycircle.com and submitting your bank details and the amount you wish to donate.

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June 2013 | Sunday Circle 41

ART

42 Sunday Circle | June 2013

ART

HOUSE OF

BLITZ Tucked away in a quieT sTreeT in ValleTTa is an old uninhabiTed Townhouse – paTienTly waiTing To make iTs grand enTrance as a newly resTored arT space Text by Martina Said -§- Photography by Nicky Scicluna

D

own the narrow end of Valletta’s St Lucy Street is Blitz.

With its bright red door and copper knobs, house number 68 stands inconspicuously between the other mammoth houses typical of Valletta architecture that line the road.

The name is aptly reminiscent of days gone by in the city. The house dates back a few hundred years, and, by the looks of it, has stood the test of time. In spite of its close proximity to the entertainment hub that was Strait Street, Blitz was altogether removed from the very heart of the activity the area was known for.

t

Its plain and unassuming exterior belies the magnificence just beyond the doorstep: a step inside this house is like a step back in time. High beamed ceilings make every room appear incredibly grand, but the pastel walls and patterned tiles beneath my feet are a reminder that this house is as marvellously Maltese as it gets.

June 2013 | Sunday Circle 43

ART

I

want it to be more than that.

It is open to ideas – it is a place just waiting for things to happen...

Alexandra Pace, a photographer by profession, has been for the last few years gradually and steadily bringing the house back on its feet.

For 30 years, it stood unoccupied and today, she hopes to reinvent the place and return it to its former glory – but with a twist.

“The house belonged to my grandparents and remained closed for a long time until around five years ago, when it operated briefly as a gallery under a different set-up. After a year and a half, it went dormant again,” says Alexandra. Today, she hopes to make the opening somewhat more permanent and make it available to artists as a space, rather than just a gallery.

As one of the oldest townhouses in St Lucy Street with four floors and an astonishing 13 rooms, the house is still in remarkable shape. “In spite of its age and the length of time it spent vacated, it is structurally sound and was impeccably kept for many years,” she says.

For this, she was grateful. Only the top floor and roof needed serious attention, a result of exposure to the elements. Although the rest of the house was in relatively good shape, there was still plenty of restoration work to be done. All the while, Alexandra wanted to retain the original feel of the house. “I matched the wall paint to the original colour and wanted to retain as much of the feel and intimacy of the house as possible.”

44 Sunday Circle | June 2013

Does it feel strange, knowing that her family heritage home will soon be open to the public? Quite the contrary, in fact, as Alexandra is eager to share the experience of the house with other artists and the public. “It doesn’t feel like an invasion because I don’t have many memories of it being a personal space,” she says. Alexandra’s grandparents moved out of the house when she was still a toddler, leaving her with very few and distant memories of any visits there during her childhood. She does, however, have an emotional attachment to the place, as it still forms part of her family’s history.

“I might be saying this because I’m on the inside, but you do get a feeling of intimacy walking in here.” Such “intimacy”, in fact, is what she feels will draw people in. There are many galleries, in Malta and abroad that use the same formula – white walls and a parquet floor, which can be very stark and impersonal.”

While there is nothing wrong with such a formula, it is one that she wishes to avoid. “I like that every room is different in colour and flooring – there is no pattern to this house. And I would like for this to reflect on how there is no strict pattern for what can be done inside the space. It is a space that welcomes the diversity of highcalibre projects,” she says. “This is what I aspire for it to be.”

COVER STORY So what makes the space different from a gallery? “I never wanted to call it a gallery because people automatically associate the term ‘gallery’ with paintings and pictures, and I want it to be more than that. It is open to ideas – it is a place just waiting for things to happen,” she says.

The house is still at an experimental stage and will open on a project-to-project basis. But prospects are already appearing on the horizon. The first project Blitz will be hosting is an exhibition of photographs by Alexandra herself, supported by the Malta Arts Fund, titled Tampered Evidence.

Four instalments will explore the themes of time, repetition and dreams, each separate but with strong connections – “which is a lot like the house, with many floors and rooms that are distinct and yet linked together. The photographs, the house, the project – they are many parts that make up a whole.”

A self-taught professional photographer, Alexandra has been in the business for 13 years. Despite her involvement in the commercial aspect of photography, an exhibition of this kind is one that is truly up her street. “For the past year or so I’ve been putting more weight on my artistic practice, which is why I dropped quite a few commitments in Malta to pursue a Masters in the UK at Central St Martin’s. It has helped me focus better on the artistic practice of photography.”

I ask Alexandra how she thinks Blitz will stand out to aspiring artists as a place to demonstrate their work. “Places like this are what we need more of – the regeneration of unused spaces in Valletta,” she says.

“Any artist who chooses to use the house will basically contribute to such a cause.” The fact that it offers a personal set-up, despite its grandeur, is another appealing factor, “as it allows for a relationship to be made between the space itself and the artist.”

Located just a step off Old Bakery Street and parallel to the Manoel Theatre, Alexandra says the house’s location is central, but just about misses the more popular streets of Valletta. “It is less likely people just happen to pass by and walk in, but with the right publicity and effort I do believe it has the potential to get people coming here out of their own will, ones who are genuinely interested in seeing what’s going on.”

Westin Dragonara resort St. JulianS

Westin Dragonara resort St. JulianS

Tel: 2374 5031 OPENING HOURS Mon - Fri 9:30am – 1:30pm 4:00pm – 7:00pm Sat: 10am – 2pm

And potential there is indeed. You can almost picture people walking from room to room, admiring photographs hung on the coloured walls or sitting in one of the larger rooms intently watching a play or a gig. I, for one, can imagine this place coming to life with people in it – the way it must have been brimming with life back in the day when a family called it their home.

Tampered Evidence, an exhibition of photographs by Alexandra Pace, is open from 23 June until 20 July 2013. Supported by the Malta Arts Fund.

If you’re looking for the opportunity to get hands-on experience in running an arts space, Blitz is currently offering an internship programme open to anyone aged over 18 and currently residing in Malta. Previous experience is not a must. Interested applicants should submit their CV with a cover letter to contact@thisisblitz. com by 7 June 2013. For more info, visit thisisblitz.com.

www.1-2-3.fr www.1-2-3.fr

June 2013 | Sunday Circle 000

pROMOTION

THE

What is the smirnoff experience & What does it represent?

The Smirnoff Experience is a concept which was born oversees and which has travelled the globe since its inception. From South Africa to Scotland, America to India, Holland to Israel, crowds have been swept away by Smirnoff Experience events. Ever since its launch in Malta in August 2010, each one has been a resounding success drawing select crowds and making each night a memorable experience. Our patrons never go away disappointed since we are constantly varying these events – we have organised Christmas Eve bashes, a boat party, Halloween parties, rock nights and more.

Smirnoff Experience is the definition of quality – quality spirits, quality artists, quality venues and of course a quality crowd.

5 1

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3 6 What is it about the smirnoff exp erience that pulls croWds?

4 46 Sunday Circle | June 2013

The uniqueness and attraction of Smi rnoff evenings boil down to the quality of the people we attract. Attendance to the Smirnoff Experience is limited and select – it’s the party ever yone wants to get into. Given the quality performances we’ve put up and the high-quality wine s, spirits and champagnes that are served, they can’ t really be blamed.

In addition to this, each Smirnoff Exp erience comes with its own unique twist. Various them ed events add special touches to each party, wowing crow ds and placing the evening in a league of its own. From sax performances, percussion jam sessions to live band s, the Smirnoff Experience is anything but the sam e old stor y.

ound The globe . ar TS en ev e bl Ta eT rg SponSible for unfo& matthEw mIcElI DEmajo re iS ce en ri pe ex ff o n The Smir GRaham BENcINI S R n ever E A IS H N a T G R r o e l T a T c e lo b e b L eAr WiL

Y promise THAT THis

What about the venues? hoW many venues have been used this year & hoW did they add to the smirnoff experience?

We try and vary the venues as much as possible, always keeping in mind the theme of the particular event.

In previous years we used Qbar at the Valletta Waterfront, Buskett Roadhouse in Rabat and Places Club in Paceville. We also organized a boat party on the Fernandes last July, which took us to Comino by night.

This year we decided to go with Ryan’s in St Julian’s and Madliena Cottage so far. Each venue ties in with each event. For example, we started off these events at Qbar because we felt it was ideal for live bands, so we started our Live Gig Events there which turned out to be a huge success. This year, we again wanted a Qbar type of venue and we felt that both Ryan’s and Madliena Cottage fitted the bill. At our last event, we introduced the concept of a Smirnoff Experience Pose Wall whereby our patrons posed against a unique back drop and red carpet – the photos taken will be presented at next year’s Diageo International Partners’ Awards Conference in Prague as part of the Smirnoff Activities in the Eastern European market.

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What is there in store for the upcoming editions?

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Over the next few months we will be introducing new concepts to our events – concepts which are surely going to further highlight the definition of quality offered by the Smirnoff Experience. We have great ideas in mind which we have yet to divulge, so we suggest that all our regular and loyal patrons look out for our next event, probably taking place on the last Friday of June.

People can stay in tune with our events by visiting our page on Facebook which can be found by searching for “Mainstream Events” – the brand name under which we operate all our events.

11

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12 9 Follow our facebook page by searching for Smirnoff Malta

Follow our facebook page by searching for Mainstream Events

1 Rebekah Borg, Diandra Muscat, Simon Borg 2 Nicole Radmilli. Malcolm Soler, Michelle Cassar, Julia Bugeja 3 Jeremy Camilleri, Graham Bencini, Matthew Miceli Demajo, Julian Azzopardi, Adrian Micallef 4 Philippa Farrugia Randon, Joanna Barbaro Sant, Yanika Mattei, Marita Cutajar Jagals, Davina Preca 5 Sandrina Degabriele 6 Nathalie Sammut, Simone Azzopardi, Elisa Farrugia & Lucienne Galea 7 Krista Pace, Simona Camilleri, Krysta Soler, Chantal Ganado 8 Jackie Grech, Michelle Muscat, Lino Grech, Nicky Casolani 9 Smirnoff Experience – Qbar (Valletta Waterfront) 10 Smirnoff Experience – Places (Paceville) 11 Alison Muscat, Luisa Busietta, Lara Zarb Mizzi 12 Sarah Sullivan, Lara Azzopardi, Jeanette Busuttil, Niki Ciantar, Jessica Galea, Justine Dinagli, Becky Licari, Laura Gasan June 2013 | Sunday Circle 47

ADAPTATION

Whoever said ThaT iT’s fashion blasphemy To Wear The same ouTfiT TWice on The same day? our favouriTe fashion bloggers break The rules To shoW us hoW such shape-shifTing feaTs can be pulled off, in sTyle

STYLE Nicole: MaNgaNo T-shirT wiTh leaTher shoulder paNels guess sequiNNed skirT sTivaleTTi heels saNdro: guess chiNos Mexx polo shirT Mexx shawl-collar sweaTer (worN over shoulders) sTivaleTTi dockers BoaT shoes

I

t’s amazing how much can happen in one month. Since our last appearance, we had the pleasure of attending Malta Fashion Week (where we sat through our first ever fashion shows) and we’ve redesigned our blog (www. cloudedrevolution.com) with a brand new layout, which we’re extremely proud of. The weather’s been mental too, but it’s kept us on our fashion feet.

Seeing as most adults try to balance their professional and social life – something we had to become quick masters of during Fashion Week – it’s not always possible to go home and change into more appropriate and cleaner clothes. Sometimes you need to think ahead and sort your outfits out without strapping your wardrobe on to the roof of your car. So we took it upon ourselves to share some of our own personal solutions to this conundrum by pitting ourselves in different scenarios at the wonderful Bay Street Shopping Complex in St Julian’s.

At least once in our lives, friends and acquaintances from different social circles unconsciously decide to organise their

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respective events on the same blinking day, and so, after a period of social drought made evident by the blank pages of our agendas, we find ourselves trying to scribble names and venues into the tightest corners of the calendar slot. Older, more sensible people would ask us why we couldn’t just give some of the occasions a pass, but in a world where FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is the order of the day, it is unthinkable to even entertain the idea of refusing an invitation.

Then come the logistics. Where am I going to change? Into what? And when? Will I have time? Remember: deodorant, shoes, perfume, make-up, bag… anything else? Everything is usually sorted the night before – said no one ever. What actually happens is you wake up in the morning, look at yourself in the mirror, think, “great!” and then realise you still have to throw everything into your bags and car and take off. How can you minimalise the hassle of thinking about your outfits while still guaranteeing compliments on your get-up?

STYLE

June 2013 | Sunday Circle 51

STYLE

Sandro: Shirt, blazer, tie, tie bar, trouSerS, ShoeS, pocket Square all by GaGliardi at bortex claire: ManGano dreSS, worn aS waiStcoat ManGano top GueSS JeanS Stivaletti wedGeS nicole: Mexx SleeveleSS blouSe ManGano Floral trouSerS Mexx Shopper baG Stivaletti heeled SandalS

COFFEE BREAK AT PASCUCCI 52 Sunday Circle | June 2013

STYLE

Claire mexx NeoN trim blouse & skirt

You will notice that we are wearing one recurring item: a leather-shoulder t-shirt; a blouse and floral trousers on Nicole; a neon-trim blouse and a dress worn as a waistcoat (i.e. double the wear!) on Claire; and a navy blazer, sweater and salmon chinos on Sandro. The notion of dressing a piece of clothing up or down is important in getting the most out of what you already own, and if you can repurpose your own clothes in a way that people won’t even notice you’re wearing the same thing twice in the same day, then you know you‘ve done it right.

Claire: mexx NeoN trim blouse mexx miNt trousers stivaletti slippers guess suNglasses NiCole: maNgaNo t-shirt with leather shoulder paNels guess Floral jeaNs stivaletti slippers stivaletti haNdbag saNdro: mexx shirt mexx shawl-Collar sweater guess trousers stivaletti doCkers boat shoes

GRABBING A DELICIOUS BITE AT HARD ROCK CAFé MALTA IN BAY STREET 53 June May 2013 | Sunday Circle 000

STYLE

AT MANGANO CAFé

Sandro: Blazer By GaGliardi at Bortex manGano denim veSt GueSS t-Shirt GueSS ChinoS

Claire: manGano dreSS, worn aS waiStCoat GueSS dreSS manGano Belt

Imagine you need to transition from lunch to a night out. The tendency is that the hemlines get shorter and, although we do not necessarily believe that this should always be the case – standing out by revealing less has more impact than reaching out for your fraying bodycon – Nicole and Claire have both gone for trousers for lunch at Hard Rock Café. The amazing food, together with the longevity of the restaurant since its opening in Malta, are testament to its quality. Later on in the day, the girls opted for showier skirts, with Claire going for colour and pattern and Nicole opting for nude-coloured sequins. They chose to keep their tops as the common element because of that one detail that can either elevate a standard outfit in the morning, like a blouse with a touch of neon or a t-shirt with leather panels, or complement an eye-catching piece in the evening, like the skirts.

As for the men, the shawl-collar sweater can be either businesscasual when paired with muted chinos and a shirt, or straightout relaxed when draped over the shoulders and teamed with a polo shirt and colourful chinos, the latter being a major trend for summer. You can find these practically everywhere.

You may also find yourself with plans that are further apart in the social-style spectrum, for instance, coffee in the morning at

Pascucci right before work, which would later segue into late afternoon or evening cocktails. Same idea, different approach: take one item and switch up the rest. Nicole kept the same outfit – a white blouse and floral trousers – and covered it up for an edgier and more modern look with a leather waistcoat with chiffon tails. Claire is sporting a waistcoat (which is actually a dress – there’s another idea for you) with jeans and a simple top for morning, which she cinched with a belt and wore over a dress for cocktails. And finally, for men who think suits serve only as workwear, you can rework a navy suit by opting for a shirt and tie for the office and a t-shirt and coloured chinos, with a denim vest as an extra layer, for drinks with your guaranteed-tobe-impressed friends.

Special thanks go out to Philip Galea, marketing executive at the Bay Street Shopping Complex, for his patience and time and to our photographer Yentl Spiteri for hanging out with and taking photos of us. Merci! Until next time! Love,

CNS x

Follow Claire, NiCole aNd SaNdro oN www.CloudedrevolutioN.Com & www.FaCebook.Com/theCloudedrevolutioN

all itemS availaBle From manGano . GaGliardi at Bortex . GueSS . Stivaletti . mexx at Bay Street ShoPPinG ComPlex

54 Sunday Circle | June 2013

niCole: manGano leather waiStCoat mexx Shirt manGano Floral trouSerS mexx ClutCh BaG

THE NEW SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTIONS 2013

Earrings, Ref 4TSP, €148; Necklace, Ref 9TSP, €89 Bracelet, Ref 0TSP, €315; Ring, Ref 4TSP, €198

THE LARGEST JEWELLERY SELECTION ON THE ISLAND Open All Day 09:30am - 7:00pm | Saturdays 09:30am - 01:00pm | Naxxar Road, Iklin (next to Lija roundabout) | T. 2210 5201 | www.gabagioielli.com

STYLE

OFF THE RAIL [from left to right]

Blazer – mcNeal (Bortex), Bow tie (Bortex), greeN Belt (Bortex), white shorts (maNgaNo), taN Brogues – gagliardi (Bortex), light Blue dotted shirt (mexx), greeN chiNos (guess), Blue shorts (guess), Blue desert Boots (mexx), greeN checked shirt (mexx)

56 Sunday Circle | June 2013

Trade Enquiries VJ Salomone Marketing tel: 8007 2387

DANGEROUSLY SOPHISTICATED

NEW OCEAN ROYALE

© 2013 Danjaq, LLC and EON Productions Limited. All rights reserved. “James Bond”, and related James Bond Trademarks © 1962-2013 Danjaq, LLC and United Artists Corporation.

All Rights Reserved. “James Bond”, and related James Bond Trademarks are trademarks of Danjaq, LLC, licensed by EON Productions Limited

MEN

Promotion

MADE FOR MEN From shoes and stylish wear, to toP-oF-the-range gadgets and boys toys, our made For men guide brings you our Favourite items made esPecially For the guys…

SUNDAY CIRCLE MEN

aRManI jEans Armani Jeans is a bridge-line collection of denim-related clothing created in 1981 by Giorgio Armani. Relaxed, active and stylish, the Armani Jeans Men Summer collection caters for the independent spirit. Emporio Armani underwear for men and women also available now.

Armani Jeans The Point, Tigne

TOMMY HILFIGER “Quality, precision fit, and sophistication are all hallmark attributes of our men’s collections,” Hilfiger says. “For the collection, Surf Shack, we blended our classic, American style with key surfing elements like chambray shirts, board shorts, and tees, and added modern accents for a youthful, preppy look’’.

Tommy Hilfiger, Baystreet, St Julians Tommy Hilfiger, Republic street, Valletta Hilfiger Denim, The Point, Tigne Tommy Hilfiger, Arkadia, Gozo

MassIMO DUTTI A dad is a special kind of man – one who deserves to feel special and to look great on any day, not only on Father’s Day. Massimo Dutti’s latest collections assert the character of every man and bring out the best of his qualities with sartorial detail, the casual yet elegant touches and a sophistication that respects tradition. Neutral tones are still in, giving way to a very enriching tandem of colours such as grey with pink, green with mauve together with navy blue, creating an exquisite collection.

Massimo Dutti, The Point in Tignè Tel: 2388 9600 Web: www.massimodutti.com 000 58 Sunday Circle | June 2013

MEN

promotion

MANGANO Style is at the heart of our creative work. We anticipate new trends and personalise them using our imagination on our clothes, bags, shoes and also in our shops. We draw inspiration from all over the world, injecting exotic atmosphere to make every customer feel special. With the most dedicated and professional hands, our clothes are 90 per cent made in Italy – which is where quality comes in. High profile celebrities are choosing the label Mangano such as Veline on Striscia La Notizia, footballers, Benedetta Parodi, Guendalina and presenters such as Barbara D’Urso, photographed wearing Mangano for covers such as Vogue.

Mangano, Level 2, Bay Street Tel: 2099 7099

huGO BOSS

COST BORG Cost Borg is focused on providing exclusive menswear through a number of exquisite brands, namely Ermenegildo Zegna and Galvanni, that exude both style and class.

Cost Borg Co Ltd, 250 Republic Str., Valletta Tel: 2123 7363

The menswear collection of the BOSS core brand stands for clean, perfect looks with a strong focus on fine fabrics and intelligent details. It offers a rich array of elegant “modern classics” for business, leisure and special events – in premium quality and precision fits.

Inspired by the man who is at home in the world’s cosmopolitan centres, the BOSS Black collection for Summer 2013 is headlined “Metropolises of the World.” The silhouette is easy with elegant linen suits and two-button styles in luxury blends.

BOSS Store Malta 2, Ross street, St Julians & Malta International Airport, Departures Lounge Tel: 2202 1000 59 June 2013 | Sunday Circle 000

Promotion

MEN

TIMbERlanD Earthkeepers® Heritage Boat Shoe is now made with 42 per cent Green Rubber™ outsoles and Anti-Fatigue foot beds for extra comfort. The classic designs help you tread lighter for €110.

The faded look of our Oxford Stripe Polo shirt makes it perfect for casual warm-weather wear. Pair with your favorite Timberland® cargo shorts and sandals and hit the beach, or wear with jeans and boots for classic style.

Timberland Bisazza Street, Sliema

DISTRICT

MEXX

District is the new multi-brand store that houses four top brands: BOSS Orange, French Connection, Calvin Klein Jeans and G-star.

These four brands are renowned for quality and distinctive style.

The more playful attitude to life stands out in BOSS Orange, a contemporary brand that offers urban casual-wear, while G-star is the denim brand par excellence: ‘Luxury denim for the street’.

Distinctiveness is what defines French Connection while Calvin Klein Jeans is renowned for modernity and rule-making innovation.

Travel all the way from the lazy laidback weekends to the hot days of summer holidays in casual clothes from the Mexx Summer 2013 Casual Men’s Wear Collection. Get in the holiday mood with a great summer collection which captures the fun and the sun of a Pacific Island holiday. Brilliantly bright colours dominate the colour palette – parrot red, vibrant lemon and Pacific turquoise. Multi-colour checks, washed solids, new faded horizontal stripes and tropical flowers add style and pizzazz to shirts. Cotton-linen and coloured chinos, washed checks, denim and solid colour shorts complete the vacation look.

District Pjazza Tigne, The Point

Mexx Baystreet, Mosta, Pjazza Tigne, Valletta

60 Sunday Circle | June 2013

MEN

promotion

PIAGGIO Only those who have made history can imagine the future. Since 1946, Vespa has been established as a unique case of style and technology, meeting the demand for freedom of entire generations and pointing the way for the world where individual mobility is concerned. For 66 years, Vespa has incessantly renewed its myth, always evolving its unique concept of form-function.

Piaggio Service Centre Malta Valley Road, B’Kara Tel: 2552 4022 | Find us on Facebook

CHALLENGER At Challenger Fitness Centres, we believe in striking the ideal work-life balance. This is why our wellequipped gyms are tailored to accommodate our clients. With early opening hours and late night closing hours, we make it easier for you to fit a workout session into a busy work schedule. We offer a wide range of free weight and resistance machines, large cardio areas with a wide variety of calorieburning machines, sauna, solarium, squash court, indoor pool, massages, free programme training, free eating plans, protein shakes/bars, meal replacements and a wealth of other benefits and features. You can also benefit from our corporate discounts, so all you need to focus on is yourself and getting into shape.

Challenger Fitness Centres are located in Paceville, Qormi, Cottonera (sports complex) and Valletta.

Change your life through fitness: join a Challenger Fitness Gym today.

Challenger Fitness Centres Tel: 2149 7265 | Email: challengermalta@hotmail.com Web: www.challengermalta.com

AudI Sporty, versatile and progressive – Audi presents the new A3 Sportback. The compact five-door model with the spacious luggage compartment breaks new ground in terms of vehicle weight thanks to ultra lightweight construction technology.

The engines are powerful and efficient. The infotainment and driver assistance systems available in the new A3 Sportback set new standards in the premium compact segment. The new A3 Sportback is available for test drive at Continental Cars Ltd and starts from €26,990 for the 1.2TFSI 105bhp Manual.

Continental Cars Tel: 2347 6360 | Fax: 2347 6341

June 2013 | Sunday Circle 61

Promotion

MEN

SchOLL BOSLEY PRO Bosley Professional Strength is partnered with Bosley Inc., the most recognized hair restoration brand in the world, to provide the most comprehensive in-salon programmes for thinning hair.

Bosley professional strength is Bosley Doctor Recommended and delivers advanced thickening hair-care treatments and styling products. The formulas are vegan, sulfate-free, paraben-free and phthalate-free and contain no additional sodium chloride.

Thicker fuller-looking hair – it’s all we do.

Beauty Essentials Ltd Office 1, Lyons range, Bisazza Street, Sliema Tel: 9952 7554 | Email: beautyessentialsltd@gmail.com

As with the previous Spring/Summer collection, Scholl provides a range of boat shoes, smart shoes and sandals, dedicated to men who seek comfort and practicality in a shoe. Colour, freshness and ease are combined as a unique feature in the new Spring/Summer collection. Following the latest fashion trends, the collection reaches the goal of being up-to-date and respectful of every need. Earthy warm colours such as beige, brown and mocha are available in different styles for various occasions. Visit the Scholl Foothealth Centres in Sliema, Valletta, Mosta, Fgura, Suffolk Valletta and Abela’s Health and Beauty Centre Gozo.

Trade Enquiries: Pharma-Cos Ltd Tel: 2144 1870

FUDGE Fudge, which has been imported to Malta for more than 15 years, continues to prove itself as the number one brand with younger generations for styling products and crazy colours. Construct your hair with innovative products for curls, waves, texture and volume and care for your hair with a range of shampoos, conditioners and treatments. Fudge courses are starting soon – call below for more details.

Fudge D Abela Trading, 56, Sliema Road, Gzira Tel: 2733 3212 / 2731 5789 / 9949 8770 Web: www.dabelatrading.com / www.fudge.com

62 Sunday Circle | June 2013

something

for everyone...

THIS FATHER’S DAY AT GOZO’S MALL OF FAME!

SEND YOUR DAD TO SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT IN THE UK! Would your dad like to experience the thrill of driving a Super Car? Then Shop at The Duke from the 1st to the 16th June, spend €20 or more and you could get the chance to win a Thrilling Silverstone Circuit voucher! Flight & accommodation included.

Get him geared up to drive 2 Supercars: choose from a Ferrari 360, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Formula Silverstone Single-Seater, Lotus Evora and many more.

Terms & conditions apply

WIN A THRILLING SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT VOUCHER!

REPUBLIC STREET, VICTORIA, GOZO – TEL: 2155 8000

www.thedukegozo.com

THEDUKESHOPPINGMALL

Beautiful TEETH

HEALTH

Worried a filling Will ruin your smile? dental and implant surgeon Jean paul demaJo offers some tips on aesthetic fillings Amalgam fillings or, in layman terms, silver fillings, have been around for over 100years. GV Black put his theories into practice by testing the ideal composition of amalgam, the ideal tooth preparation, as well as its placement into tooth cavities replacing the loss of tooth tissue due to tooth caries. It is no wonder that he is still regarded as the father of operative and modern dentistry.

FACTS ABOUT AMALGAM FILLINGS:

Amalgam filling

Ceramic filling

Hundreds of studies have been conducted to test the safety of amalgam. Here are some of the scientific conclusions: • “There is no scientific evidence to connect the development of MS or other neurological diseases with dental fillings containing mercury.” — National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

• “According to the best available scientific evidence there is no relationship between silver dental fillings and Alzheimer’s.”

— Alzheimer’s Association.

• “There is no scientific evidence of any measurable clinical toxic effects (of dental amalgam).” — American Academy of Pediatrics.

• There are no current recommendations on the part of US federal agencies to prevent dentists from placing amalgam fillings where indicated because studies have consistently failed to document mercury toxicity associated with amalgam fillings. Except for the unusual cases of allergic reaction, there are no data supporting any recommendations to remove fillings.

• 20 Signs and Symptoms of Mercury Exposure from Amalgam Fillings (from the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology).

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

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• Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals, consisting of liquid mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper.

Approximately 50 per cent of dental amalgam is elemental mercury by weight.

• Amalgam is one of the best, cheapest and strongest filling materials with the longest duration.

• They have the poorest aesthetics of all restorative materials.

• If you are allergic to any of the metals in dental amalgam, you should not get amalgam fillings. You can discuss other treatment options with your dentist.

In spite of all these studies and findings Amalgam fillings definitely remain a controversial subject still creating doubt and uncertainty on the minds of many.

In 2008, the FDA admitted that dental amalgam can cause health problems.

Norway, Denmark and Sweden have ended the use of mercury fillings and many dental schools no longer teach mercury placement. Germany, Canada, and California require mercury toxicity warnings to be given to pregnant women.

Your dentist can discuss treatment options based on the location of cavities in your mouth and the amount of lost tooth substance to replace.

ALTERNATIVES TO DENTAL AMALGAM:

• Composite Resin Fillings: getting stronger over the years but may be less durable than amalgams.

• Glass and Plastic Ionomer Fillings: limited use for small fillings.

• Gold Foil Fillings: very good but poor aesthetics and very expensive.

• Porcelain Fillings: strong, aesthetic and offer good long-term durability, cheaper than gold.

With an ever growing aesthetic and health conscious patient to deal with, the ideal restoration is obviously a durable, aesthetic and strong one. Ask your dentist!

culture

the Malta Jazz Festival has been the MaJor Jazz event in the Maltese islands since 1990. experience soMe oF the best local and international artists – including graMMy award winners – in the historical backdrop oF the grand harbour...

THURSDAY 18 TO SATURDAY 20 JULY • GRAND HARBOUR, TA’ LIESSE VALLETTA • WWW.MALTAJAZZFESTIVAL.ORG

THU 18 JULY CHARLES GATT VIBRAPHONE QUINTET CHARLES ‘CITY’ GATT (vibraphone), CLAUDIO ANGELERI (piano), RINO CIRINNÀ (tenor sax), MÁTYÁS SZANDAI (bass), KARL JANNUSKA (drums) “CITY” served as musical director of the Malta Jazz Festival for 15 years. He studied at Boston’s Berklee College of Music. He has recorded Ritual Meditations, a solo album of percussion music composed by Charles Camilleri. Gatt has also performed and given master classes abroad.

GERALD CLAYTON TRIO & LOGAN RICHARDSON GERALD CLAYTON (piano), JOE SANDERS (bass), JUSTIN BROWN (drums), LOGAN RICHARDSON (alto sax) Gerald Clayton is a two-time Grammy award nominee. His dynamic and award-winning sound has been praised by the Jazz Times and Los Angeles Times. The New York Times has saluted his “Oscar-Peterson like style” and “huge, authoritative presence”, and he was recently voted first place for “Rising Star – Pianist” in Down Beat Magazine’s 2010 Critics Poll.

ROBERT GLASPER EXPERIMENT ROBERT GLASPER (piano, Fender Rhodes), CASEY BENJAMIN (sax, vocoder), DERRICK HODGE (electric bass), MARK COLENBURG (drums) Fresh from his Grammy award victory, keyboardist Robert Glasper boldly stakes out new musical territory, drawing from jazz, hip hop, R&B, and rock, transcending any notion of genre.

FRI 19 JULY WALTER VELLA QUARTET WALTER VELLA (tenor sax), ROMAIN PILON (guitar), MÁTYÁS SZANDAI (bass), JOE MICALLEF (drums) Saxophonist and flutist Walter Vella has been active in the jazz scene since the 1980s, performing with most of Malta’s foremost jazz musicians. He has performed in various countries in Europe, the US, Canada and Asia, both leading his own band and as a session musician.

June 2013 | Sunday Circle 65

culture

VIJAY IYER TRIO VIJAY IYER (piano), STEPHAN CRUMP (bass), TYSHAWN SOREY (drums) Voted the 2010 Musician of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association, and named one of the “50 Most Influential Global Indians” by GQ India, Iyer has released 16 albums as a leader. The Vijay Iyer Trio won the 2010 Echo Award for best international ensemble and the 2012 Downbeat Critics Poll for jazz group of the year.

GREGORY PORTER GREGORY PORTER (vocals), YOSUKE SATOH (saxophone), CHIP CRAWFORD (piano), AARON JAMES (bass), EMANUEL HARROLD (drums) With a voice that can caress or confront, embrace or exhort, Grammy nominee Gregory Porter exhibits an incredible degree of vocal mastery. A frequent guest performer with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Porter also maintains a residency at Smoke Jazz in New York, leading his own band and as a session musician.

SAT 20 JULY CUSP JES PSAILA (guitar), ALAN PORTELLI (bass), LUKE BRIFFA (drums) Active since January 2011, Cusp is a contemporary Jazz trio playing original compositions and jazz standards with original arrangements. The trio has been attracting interest lately by creating its own timbre and moving away from the more traditional sounds

GILAD HEKSELMAN QUARTET GILAD HEKSELMAN (guitar), BEN WENDEL (tenor sax), JOE MARTIN (bass), JEFF BALLARD (drums) Gilad Hekselman has been developing a reputation as one of the most promising guitarists in New York since his arrival in 2004. In only a few years this native Israeli has shared the stage with some of the greatest artists in the New York jazz scene, has played all the major jazz clubs in New York and most major jazz festivals including Montreux and San Francisco.

MICHEL CAMILO TRIO MICHEL CAMILO (piano), LINCOLN GOINES (bass), CLIFF ALMOND (drums) His 18 recordings to date have been recognised with a Grammy award, an Emmy award, two Latin Grammy awards, two Grammy award nominations and two Premios de la Música (Spain). He has recorded in solo, duo, trio, sextet, big band and with symphony orchestras, as well as film soundtracks.

In the run-up to the main event, various Jazz concerts around the Island, free masterclasses and the first edition of the Malta Jazz Contest are being organised. Look out for Jazz on the Fringe. For more information, visit www.maltajazzfesival.org 66 Sunday Circle | June 2013

The Malta Jazz Festival is supported by The Malta Council for Culture and The Arts with the help of MSV Life, Cyberpass, Switch, the Phoenicia Hotel and Marsovin. A special thanks goes also to Malta International Airport, Malta Tourism Authority, Parliamentary Secretariat for Culture and Local Government, Maltese Embassy in France and Valletta Local Council. www.maltajazzfestival.org

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HERITAGE

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Altar painting of Siggiewi parish church representing the Miracle of St Nicholas of Bari

THE MASTER TRIUMPHANT This year may well be The year of maTTia PreTi. buT 400 years since his birTh, There are sTill new works being discovered and aTTribuTed To The baroque masTer, says arT hisTorian keiTh sciberras Photography by Joe P. Borg / ReCoop Malta has had its fair share of artistic celebrities – none, perhaps, as infamous as Caravaggio.

This year marks the 400th anniversary since the birth of another Italian Baroque master who left his mark on our tiny island – the knight from Taverna, Mattia Preti.

“Mattia Preti, who resided for nearly four decades in Malta, was one of the foremost exponents of the Italian Baroque,” says Prof.

Keith Sciberras, Head of the Department of History of Art at the University of Malta.

“His manner brings together those words that are usually used to describe the Baroque, namely: movement, theatricality, freshness, spontaneity, monumentality and virtuosity.”

The vault of St John’s Co-Cathedral is considered Preti’s masterpiece in Malta, but he was also attributed numerous altar paintings, laterals and private pictures.

A lot of work has been undertaken in the past decades to attribute and catalogue the works of Preti around the world. A major contribution to the field is Prof. Sciberras’s book, The Triumphant Manner, which includes complete catalogue of his paintings in Malta and which analytically discusses the artist’s entire oeuvre.

“This is the fruit of 20 years of research, but it also picks up on the work carried out by other scholars during previous years.”

Prof. Sciberras is also involved in co-curating, together with Vittorio Sgarbi, a major show on the artist, entitled Tra Caravaggio e Luca Giordano: Il Cavalier Calabrese Mattia Preti that opened at the Regia La Venaria in Turin in mid-May. This show, he explains, brings together 50 major works by Preti and other masters of the seicento, including Caravaggio, Ribera, Guercino and Giovanni Lanfranco. It

sees the participation of numerous museums, galleries, institutions and private collectors, and has contributions by 20 leading scholars in the field of Italian Baroque art. The exhibition showcases Mattia Preti as a major personality of the Italian Baroque and traces his style from its Caravaggesque beginnings to the triumphant manner of his maturity.

“I was responsible for drafting the exhibition concept and for the choice of works,” Prof.

Sciberras explains. “The selection of works is conditioned by a happy mix of famous pictures and pictures which have recently been discovered and never shown beforehand.” This, he says, is what makes the research on Preti so exciting and dynamic. A number of new pictures have been discovered over the recent months and the surge in interest has made it possible to bring most of them together in one venue.

June 2013 | Sunday Circle 69

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HERITAGE New works have also surfaced in Malta following the publication of The Triumphant Manner last December. One may here name a painting representing a Hercules and Prometheus dating back to circa 1670. The painting, which is currently being restored to its former glory, can be compared with a pair of paintings also representing Hercules that are today in the Fine Arts Museum of Consenza. “This picture, especially in the rendition of Hercules, shows Preti as an outstanding master of the brush, especially in the fresh and spontaneous way in which he handles pigments,” says Prof. Sciberras.

The Preti year has also brought an increased awareness on the need to conserve, restore and properly present the works of the master. “I have been personally involved in the restoration and study of a number of paintings from private collections, including, for example, The Poet Philosopher, The Baptism of Christ and The Bishop Saint,” says art historian Keith Sciberras. These were restored at ReCoop, a restoration and conservation co-operative of which Prof. Sciberras is one of the directors. The recently discovered Hercules and Prometheus is also currently being restored at ReCoop. “The Foundation of St John’s Co-Cathedral,” Prof. Sciberras explains, “has undertaken the restoration of the large lunette of the Triumph of the Order. This work was assigned to an Italian firm, while Heritage Malta undertook the restoration of the paintings in its collection in preparation for the Mattia Preti: Faith and Humanity exhibition currently on show at the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta.”

Conservationist Paul Muscat cleaning the Miracle of St Nicholas of Bari

I have been personally involved in the restoration and study of a number of paintings from private collections

The Poet Philosopher

The anniversary celebrations surrounding Preti have done much by way of bringing this incredible artist’s oeuvre under the spotlight and, as a result, giving his work the attention it truly merits.

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT In the wake of the recent horsemeat scandal, many consumers have been left cheated. how much do we know about the orIgIns of our food? and, after all thIs, can we trust It? Text by Martina Said When you pick up a pack of burgers at the supermarket that is said to be made of beef – 100 per cent beef – you generally don’t question it. Why should you? The packaging looks trustworthy, the ingredients, or at least the ones you understand, seem credible and the manufacturer wouldn’t possibly want to tarnish their reputation, right? Apparently, though, not quite. A number of food scandals have surfaced that have had consumers wondering what really goes in our food.

Following a round of food tests last November in Ireland and the UK for the presence of DNA from species other than those declared on the packet, a series of unsettling findings emerged. A beef lasagne

by Findus was found to contain up to 100 per cent horsemeat. A range of spaghetti Bolognese ready meals by Tesco contained more than 60 per cent horsemeat. Other beef products by Waitrose were found to contain traces of pork.

June 2013 | Sunday Circle 73

FOOD

Why should we unknowingly consume products that we would otherwise not have contemplated eating out of our own choice?

Contamination of food products also emerged in Malta. To date, 38 food samples mainly burgers and sausages, have been sent for DNA analysis by the Directorate of Environmental Health. Of these, six resulted in containing a meat product that was not declared. Nine samples are still pending. Although only one local product contained a small quantity of horsemeat DNA depsite the producers insistence that the minced beef was imported, there has also been evidence of pork and chicken contamination.

Most companies, foreign or local, were quick to comfort consumers saying that such discoveries had minimal, if any, negative effects on our health. While that alone is hardly reassuring, it also clearly demonstrates that they missed the fundamental point – why should we be eating horsemeat or pork when we asked and paid for beef?

Why should we unknowingly consume products that we would otherwise not have contemplated eating out of our own choice?

John Attard Kingswell, Director of the Environmental Health Directorate, says scandals such as the horsemeat one arise when a product is not declared. “There is a distinction between unsafe and misleading; just because it is misleading it doesn’t mean it is unsafe,” he says. “If someone fails to label a product with the real ingredients, then customers get suspicious of why it was done. This is where traceability comes into play – where did the product come from?”

Food tests started being carried out in Malta after a Europewide alarm was sounded on the undeclared use of products in manufacturing. In line with orders issued by the EU, the 74 Sunday Circle | June 2013

Directorate, together with veterinary services, selected and sampled a range of products from the Maltese market.

“We found pork and chicken in beef burgers, but from the investigations we’ve made, there was nothing to indicate that the undeclared chicken and pork was illegally slaughtered,” says Mr Attard Kingswell. “I cannot comment on individual cases because the findings are still in court but it is reasonable to say that producers find it convenient to use chicken and pork because it is possibly cheaper than beef.”

In light of such scandals, it is not merely the thought of unconsciously eating a product you would never dream of putting past your lips: it also the basic fact that you’ve been fooled. How much do consumers really know about what they eat? Rather, how much can they know? Mr Attard Kingswell says consumers, in this respect, are limited, and must rely on and have confidence in the brands and products they choose to buy. He adds that the food chain from the stable to the table is complex, which is why traceability infrastructures are in place, leading all the way back to the farm where cattle are bred.

“Every food operator in that chain needs to keep evidence for his own due diligence about where the meat product was purchased from and who it is being supplied to. This is enforced by law,” he adds. “But there are always going to be people who abuse the system, rogue traders that consumers are not aware of – so they must rely on the product label.”

FOOD Dr Anna McElhatton, an expert in food science at the University of Malta, says the chain of trust is ultimately a chain of information and it is in the best interests of manufacturers to label their products well and be able to trace the origin of their supply.

“It is important both from a moral perspective, for the safety of its own consumers, and from a selfish perspective, in a bid to retain its market share and continue to deliver good products.

It is a win-win situation this way. Traceability is great and should be encouraged and lauded,” she says.

The implications of mislabelling any products, not just meat, stretch beyond the issue of deception – Dr McElhatton says fears arise when an adulterant found in food can be a serious allergen, such as nuts. “Contamination is simply bad – people have the right to know what they are eating.”

Besides the economic benefits of using a cheaper meat supply, why else do producers label their products wrongly? “I’d say it is done for marketing purposes,” says Dr McElhatton. For instance, a product claims on its packaging to contain 20 per cent of a nutrient when in actual fact it contains 12 per cent. “This way, producers push their product as a health food, when in reality the composition is no different from your normal food, which is cheaper.”

This begs the question: is contamination or mislabelling intentional? “I would find it hard to believe that producers would contaminate intentionally; they cannot afford such scandals,” she says. Or, at least, not all of them would. Food safety experts overseas have suggested different types of contamination. Where only trace levels show up, it is possibly due to processing equipment being inadequately cleaned or as a result of protein additives used to bulk out the meat. When DNA of another animal is found above trace levels, however, it is a deceitful substitution – it is fraud.

After such scandals, should consumers still trust suppliers?

“People will undoubtedly question more,” says Dr McElhatton.

“Food is something we are intimately associated with on a daily basis. When a doctor gives a prescription for medicine, patients ask questions about why we need medicine and what for. We should do the same with food.” Mr Attard Kingswell agrees, adding that as a result of such scandals, it is not only consumers who suffer, but the industry itself. So was the case with the BSE scandal, or mad cow disease, which translated into CreutzfeldtJakob disease in humans. “For a long time, people didn’t want to buy beef from the UK and consumers lost confidence. While this is undesirable because only a few manufacturers were doing wrong, you cannot blame the consumer. Consumers are the most important part of the whole food chain.”

The food industry is complex. Now more than ever, it is coming across as a series of extremely long and fragmented chains that leaves consumers in the dark about many things. Mr Attard Kingswell says discussions at EU level are seeking to implement new laws on the labelling of products, such as the origin of a meat product and where the animal was slaughtered.

“In fact, it is being referred to as ‘food information’, because it does not only address labelling. This way, consumers can make an informed choice.” And, in the end, product labels are what we must rely on and trust in order to make the best possible choice – so here’s hoping that, at the very least, they are truthful.

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June 2013 | Sunday Circle 000

Beauty

Slimmer& TRIMMER Raymond deBono, a Consultant PlastiC ReConstRuCtive and aesthetiC suRgeon, digs into the CuRRent asPeCts of fat Removal teChniques

Liposuction, or body contouring surgery, removes unwanted deposits of excess fat in specific parts of the body to improve appearances and smooth out irregular or distorted body shapes. It is useful for various areas of the body including chin, neck, cheeks, upper arms, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, and ankle areas.

People might opt for fat removal techniques for a variety of reasons: namely, for cosmetic reasons, to improve shape and general body harmony; to remove undesirable fatty bulges or irregularities that cannot be removed by diet or exercise; or to correct deformities and defects after laser lipolysis.

Liposuction should not be used to replace diet or exercise, and is strongly contra-indicated in obesity. Liposuction is also contra-indicated in patients with a history of heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, and lung problems.

Current fat removal techniques include liposuction, ultra sound assisted liposuction, laser lipolysis, cryolipolysis and mesotherapy. Modern liposuction techniques provide a more uniform fat removal and predictable result compared to older liposuction techniques.

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Points of caution Fortunately, significant complications after liposuction surgery are infrequent and is usually performed without experiencing any major problems. Some of the complications that may be encountered include hematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin that may require removal), infection, numbness in the skin, possible need for additional corrective procedures and a risk of surface contour irregularities.

76 Sunday Circle | June 2013

Before undergoing any form of body contouring procedure it is very important to ensure that it is performed by a fully qualified surgeon as damage to underlying structures such as blood vessels can be fatal.

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Ivan Bartolo receiving Top Entrepreneur Award from Charles Borg

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Sandra Zammit received Best Female Entrepreneur award from Denis Zammit Cutajar

Guests during the Awards Gala Dinner

CIRCLE EVENTS

Mark J Galea receiving the Best Entrepreneurial Spirit Award from John Formosa

Eman Pulis, Gunther Micallef Decesare, Jessica Bianco & Eric Bartoli

BOV ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Malta’s top entrepreneurs were awarded during the 2013 BOV Top Entrepreneur Awards Gala Dinner held at The Westin Resort Ball Room on May 10th. This extravagant evening, organized by Circle Events, saw the overall winner being Ivan Bartolo, who was awarded the accolade of Top Entrepreneur of the Year. * For inclusion in Circle Paparazzi contact Marisa Schembri on marisa@networkpublications.com.mt ** For more Paparazzi photos log on to www.sundaycircle.com

Ian Zammit answering a question during the Awards Gala Dinner

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Rachael Calafato, Anna Carter,Sandra Calafato,Jean Critien, Maria Zammit,Ann Marie Gauci Maistre, Danielle Calafato

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1: Liliana Bartolo, Katia Mifsud & Vanessa Mifsud 2: Bernardette Fenech Close, Giselle Camilleri & Renee Micallef Decesare 3: Yvonne Desira Buttigieg, Mariella Erdogan, Giselle Camilleri & Bernice Micallef

4: Alistair, Tony Zammit, Simon Borg, Michael Hersey, Michael Scerri, Antoine Baldacchino, Martin J Bonnici, Charles Vassallo, Annabelle, Mary Lou Tonna, Simon Tonna, Angeles Maria Sanches

5: Julia Ciappara & Sasha Miceli Demajo

• 1: The official launch of Shimmer boutique, Hamrun on 13 May.

6: Sarah Portelli, Hezron Micallef & Jean Paul Testa

• 2-3: Max & Co opening party of the new flagship store in Sliema on 8 May. • 4: The team behind this year's Simon's Pub Music Marathon held at the end of April.

• 5: Coca-Cola launched personalised Coca-Cola bottles at the Hotel Excelsior on 14 May. • 6: P. Cutajar together with OSI Europe Foodworks GmbH hosted a successful food service workshop hosted by Oliver Bertermann from Foodworks at ITS, Pembroke Suite Restuarant.

• 7: Francois Malan, director of Simonsig Wines & Antoinette Malan were guests of honour of a wine and dine event hosted by Attard & Co. at the Radisson Blu Resort, Golden Sands.

• 8-9: Guests enjoy a glass of prosecco during the Spring/Summer 2013 MaxMara collection.

• 10: McDonald's Malta launched their new restuarant in Tigne' Sliema on 18 May. • 11-13: Launch of 1 2 3 Boutique at Westin Dragonara Resort St Julians held in May. * For inclusion in Circle Paparazzi contact Marisa Schembri on marisa@networkpublications.com.mt ** For more Paparazzi photos log on to www.sundaycircle.com

7: Abraham Said, Pierre Pellegrini Petit,Francois Malan, John Bugeja & Paul Mintoff

12: Mariella Bonnici, Cynthia Houghton & Ina Cini

13: Karen-Lee Naudi, Lara-Jayne Bonnici, Peter Nanning, Lisa-Ann Mallia Milanes, Denise Borg Cardona, Celia La Rosa & Danijela Vasovic

Rachelle Spiteri & Rosanna Muscat

10: Melo Hili & Khamzat Khasbulatov

8: Carina Camilleri & Francesca Grech

9: Francesca Grech, Liz Sant Fournier & Mariella Zarb

LIFESTYLE

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PLEASURES From wine and whisky to handmade cigars and superior tea blends, INDULGE YOURSELF AT ThE WINE BOUTIqUE AT FRANkS Text by Martina Said –§– Photography by Nicky Scicluna

It is an intimate space, impeccablystocked with a very vast selection of refined quality products. Rows upon rows of local and foreign wines are presented with care and precision, as is the selection of rum and whisky bottles. Tin containers filled with Fortnum & Mason teas or biscuits add pops of colour and class to The Wine Boutique. And, in line with the ethos of Franks, a part of which this Boutique forms, value products are provided with an equally great service.

I’m greeted by Andrew Abela, manager of The Wine Boutique, who tells me that almost all the items on display are found exclusively at the Boutique. Andrew – a graduate in philosophy and anthropology – wanted to ensure that every beverage or food item at the Boutique stood out in its own right. He is of the belief that products which are mass produced lack that something special: “They are without a soul,” he says.

“I studied globalisation in depth and learned that you cannot attribute mass-made products to anything; they could have been made anywhere in the world. Other products are unique – 84 Sunday Circle | June 2013

certain wines, whiskies, rums, cigars and glassware are a reflection of where they come from and are a product of their place and time.”

The process of choosing the right products for customers is not a straightforward one. Andrew travels to many wineries and distilleries in different locations to taste the wine or whisky and meet the producer whenever possible. “The producer’s philosophy towards the product he makes is very important to me,” says Andrew. “When choosing a wine for the boutique, I look out for what the producer’s intentions are – whether he produces wine that stands the test of time or wine that is produced to make a quick buck.”

This does not only apply to wine – same goes for single-malt whiskies and cigars. For instance, each individual cigar, all of which are kept in a temperature-regulated room at the Boutique, is handmade. “One by one, the leaves are individually selected and rolled, a fact you can notice in the way one cigar is slightly different to another. People pour their heart and soul into growing, maturing and rolling the leaves and such attention to detail is what we look out for.”

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The range of products at the Boutique does not stop at beverages.

There are different types of genuine Italian pasta from Naples, tea biscuits from Britain, as well as a selection of Maltese traditional delicacies. How do Maltese products fare alongside such a selection of foreign items? “Both local food and wine products do well at the Boutique. The quality of Maltese products has improved dramatically in recent years – from Savina and San Niklaw to Marsovin, among others, I would say local and foreign products are equal in quality,” says Andrew.

The thought behind the Boutique goes beyond the mere fact of selling top quality products. Andrew explains that it is also intended to draw men and women alike to the popular perfumery.

“Often, men who come in here feel shy because most products are for women. This part of Franks is now also catering for men’s needs.” Various “gentlemen’s gifts” include whisky flasks, tieholders, silver-plated coasters and cigar holders.

The Boutique has gone a step further in setting up The Wine Club, intended predominantly to make great wine more accessible to people. Andrew explains how, to his amusement, he’s discovered that many people are “intimidated” by wine. “People read a paragraph describing the wine that might sound complex or mention a particular flavour or ingredient that they don’t taste, and feel intimidated by it. We want to break down those barriers. The club is not educational but rather intended for clients to get familiar with different kinds of wines and to not be afraid to try new things.”

The well-trained staff at the Boutique continues to tend to customers with care and attention. It is clear they have a genuine interest in their work, which Andrew trusts customers can notice and appreciate. “I hope people can experience the joy of these products as I do – they are, ultimately, intended to make consumers happy.” If his broad smile is anything to go by, it is not hard to believe.

To become a member of the wine club, send an email to aabela@franks.com.mt requesting membership, at a charge of €25 a year. A wine tasting event is organised on the last Friday of every month. The Wine Boutique is found in The Plaza, Level 2 (inside Franks), Sliema and Cornerstone complex, Constitution street, Mosta.

WIN

WITH THE WINE BOUTIQUE AND SUNDAY CIRCLE

PRIZE 1:

Win a Father’s Day treat which includes a Fortnum & Mason Hamper worth €200. This will include a selection of teas, jams, biscuits, wine & pasta. Send us a story about ‘The craziest thing your father has ever done for you’. Closing date is 14th June.

PRIZE 2:

Win a free wine tasting & food pairing of our exclusive Organic wines from New Zealand for 2 people at Tempt Asian,The Palace Hotel on Friday, 28th of June. Readers are required to send in their ‘Best wine Experience’. Closing date is 21st June.

Submit your entries either by post to Network Publications with your name, home address and number or online by logging on to sundaycircle.com.

June 2013 | Sunday Circle 87

At Bose we

DON’T call

this a TV.

Bose VideoWave II entertainment system.

High-definition picture. Home cinema sound. No visible speakers. ®

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While HD flatscreen TVs deliver on the picture, the sound all too often leaves something to be desired. The only way to really immerse yourself in the thunderous roar of an F1 race, or catch the telltale snap of a twig in the latest thriller, is to install a separate home cinema sound system. Until now.

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Before you buy another television, be sure to experience the Bose VideoWave II wsystem. ®

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film

TALKING FILMS From Cannes to Berlinale, Film Commissioner Peter Busuttil talks to katryna storaCe aBout how training initiatives, FinanCial inCentives and good networking is helPing to PlaCe malta on the maP oF the international Film industry Photography by Nicky Scicluna

For most of us who have grown up watching films since our earliest childhood, the idea of exploring an actual film set holds a lasting aura of magic. So when I am packed off in a little red van, together with Film Commissioner Peter Busuttil and our photographer, Nicky, for a tour of Fort Ricasoli one blustery morning, the child in me cannot help but feel a little star-struck.

The van is driven by Charlo, a resident at Corradino Correctional facility who, during the daytime, carries out work on the desolate grounds of Fort Ricasoli.

He is working with the Commission as part of their integration and skill learning programme.

Having left behind a career in local television, Peter has been involved in the Malta Film Commission these past five years. So far, he says, despite the challenges, he is extremely enthusiastic with the enormous potential of the industry. “I want to work to make this industry as professional as an indigenous film industry can possibly be,” he says, as we alight from the van to look around the premises. “It’s not simply about making films locally, but also, training people to be equipped to enter the industry so that when international film productions come to Malta, they will find the people they need to work for them.”

In a recent press release, the Malta Film Commission said that 2013 promises to be a fruitful year in terms of the local film industry. Over the past few months, several local and overseas productions have been shot in Malta, with a number lined up for the near future.

International productions filmed so far include the Russian production of Angels & Demons and new BBC drama The Whale.

“We’ve increased the Malta Film Fund and have seen a record number of applications and projects being awarded,” says Peter. “These include projects such as Simshar, Bews il-Baħar, The Maltese Fighter, Tuna Can Philosophy and Flutter. The idea is to create better cohesion between the different parties and institutions involved and, as a result, to make the film industry better on all fronts.”

“At the moment, we are handling around 60 enquiries, which we have to nurture,” he adds. Future productions for 2013 also include a Canadian-Maltese production on the life of St Paul, a Danish feature film The Holiday and Destroyer – a British feature starring Paul Bettany and Matthew Goode, set during the Falklands war.

Up and coming productions for this year will include three more Malta Film Fund productions SHAB, Four Boxes and 12 Frames.

I want to work to make this industry as professional as an indigenous film industry can possibly be

June 2013 | Sunday Circle 89

Masthead With so much activity and interest, Peter feels that investing in the right areas is crucial to give Malta a competitive edge.

“We really need to prioritise that we need to give a service – it’s a fickle industry and we have a lot of competitors.” The Commission, he says, has worked hard on creating training courses for not only below the line, but also above the line categories, in areas such as scriptwriting, producing and directing, with the help of EU funds.

“From July, interested persons will be able to apply for accredited courses within the industry.”

Despite the harsh competition that Malta faces – in recent years other countries, such as Mexico, Spain and the Dominican Republic have built film tanks and sound stages, for example – Peter believes that the islands have a number of strong selling points. “The fact that we are bilingual, for instance, really helps. Some production companies, I know for a fact, like to work with a crew that speaks English because it makes communication much easier.” Distance is also never an issue. “In Malta you can recreate a number of different scenes and landscapes within a few, closely positioned locations. It’s also not that difficult to gain access from authorities, unlike other countries.”

It is the country’s unique situation, Peter feels, that gives Malta an edge that can be exploited in terms of the industry.

“We’re trying to promote Malta with the ‘one location fits all’ tagline. I think it says a lot about the way we look at the industry. Malta is one location that accommodates a number of different needs, types of films…”

Financial incentives are also helping to draw traffic from the industry to Malta. “Through a partnership between the Film Commission and the Government of Malta, we encourage production companies to spend their money in Malta and, depending on how much they spend, they are reimbursed with a percentage of the original spending. We help these companies to maximise their rebate in a way that creates an economical turnaround for all those involved,” says Peter.

To boost Malta’s image, Peter has taken a more active role in the marketing of the Malta Film Commission abroad.

He has just returned from a trip to Cannes, which involved over 40 meetings with various producers to promote Malta as an attractive film location.

I definitely try to watch more films and make it a point to look at the end credits with more intent. I look out for location uses, who did what, the various roles – I’ve become like a film detective.

000 Sunday Circle | June 2013

masthead While in Cannes, Peter also attended a boardmeeting for the European Film Commision Network of which he is a director. The Cannes Film Festival is perhaps one of the most prominent events on the industry’s calendar, attracting a host of celebrities, filmmakers and journalists who flock to the classy French Riviera town for this prestigious celebration of the art of filmmaking once every year.

“The Cannes Film Festival is a major networking opportunity for those in the film industry who go there to initiate contacts and seal deals,” says Peter. “This year, we’ve succeeded in securing a place at the Plage Orange, a prime location in Cannes, where I met established producers to encourage them to bring their production to Malta.”

Has his involvement in the film industry changed the way he looks at films these days? “Yes and no,” he says, and laughs.

“I definitely try to watch more films and make it a point to look at the end credits with more intent. I look out for location uses, who did what, the various roles – I’ve become like a film detective.”

In spite of the various challenges, Peter’s outlook on the film industry remains positive. “Whatever you do, there’s always room for improvement. One thing we mustn’t do – we mustn’t curb people’s enthusiasm,” he says. “I have these means and I have to figure out how I am going to use them and go beyond them. It’s like football,” he says, waxing philosophical as we climb back into the van.

When he’s not working at the Commission, Peter is also involved with Birkirkara FC, who clinched the premier league title the day before our interview. Evidently still on upbeat from the night before, Peter adds: “really – football is like every other area in life.” And perhaps, in the end, it’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.

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

June 2013 | Sunday Circle 000

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HEALTH

DIFFICULTY

BREATHING Although AsthmA cAn be A threAtening condition, with the correct treatment symptoms can be kept under control Text by Mariella Camilleri

Triggered off by environmental factors and seasonal changes, asthma remains on the rise, causing chronic discomfort to the lives it touches. It is estimated that 15 per cent of the Maltese population suffers from the condition, one which often strikes in the childhood years.

Asthma can have a detrimental effect on one’s lifestyle – living with wheezing and shortness of breath, leaves those affected feeling generally fatigued. To confound matters once an attack strikes there is no turning back – without instant treatment symptoms can spiral out of control.

In everyday life, escaping an attack is a challenge, since allergens are found everywhere. Pollen, dust mites, feather pillows, cat hairs, fumes and general pollution, are just some factors that leave asthmatics gasping for air. Respiratory specialist, Brendan Caruana Montaldo, explains that although several elements have been linked to asthma, the exact cause remains unknown.

“Asthmatics, sensitive to common allergens such as house dust mites, cat dander, cockroach droppings and pollen, will often have attacks triggered off by these causes; however, many attacks are triggered by viral infection.”

June 2013 | Sunday Circle 93

hEALTh Asthma causes the airways of the lungs to become hypersensitive, which leads to inflammation and subsequent narrowing of the wind pipe, resulting in a cough, wheezing and shortness of breath. The condition has a genetic element, and is more common in children of parents who smoke.

Asthma in babies can be terrifying, says 39-year-old Sarah, who watched her son battle with asthma since his early months. “I could always tell when an attack was about to strike. Mat would start panting – almost gasping for air.

He would also be very irritable. As he grew older the attacks increased, particularly when he developed a cold.”

Until last year, picnics in the countryside were avoided; being surrounded by pollen would cause an irritating cough that would last for hours. Many nights Sarah would check on Mat to ensure that he was breathing properly. “My husband and I worried extensively, especially on occasions when we had to rush him to hospital for treatment. Luckily, the attacks have lessened and over the years the condition has improved greatly.”

The specialist explains that although many parents worry about the symptoms, the condition tends to cause most fatalities in the adult age group.

“Asthma is usually chronic, however more than 50 per cent of children will outgrow their condition if it is treated appropriately in the early stages. “ Because asthma and chest infections may appear similar, asthmatics are often prescribed antibiotics which have no effect on the allergic conditions.

“The most effective asthma treatment for adults and children is inhaled corticosteroids. Other treatments include bronchodilators, oral tablets and a monthly subcutaneous injection. During an emergency, bronchodilators, oral and intravenous steroids help to relieve the symptoms,” says Dr Caruana Montaldo.

The right management is essential: untreated asthma may lead to stunted growth, time away from school and an inability to perform sports. Since exertion may trigger off an attack, parents may discourage asthmatic children from taking part in sporting 94 Sunday Circle | June 2013

activities. However, the specialist says that with the correct treatment sport can nevertheless form part of the child’s life.

LIVING WITH ASTHMA

National water polo player, James Spiteri Stains, is an asthmatic since childhood.

He says that regular treatment has allowed him to play sport at a professional level. “My mother, a fellow sufferer, taught me how to cope when an attack strikes. I use preventative medicine, and I never leave home without my inhaler, as breathlessness can hinder my performance during training and games. “

1,143 deaths

For James, living in a smoke free environment is essential – the smell instantly triggers off an attack.

“Although on certain days coping with asthma is hard, being on the move and being active helps me to cope better particularly because exercise promotes a feeling of wellbeing. “ The specialist says that exercise also prevents obesity, a factor that increases the severity of asthma attacks. Dealing with chronic asthma requires a tailored lifestyle, one that helps reduce the frequency of attacks. While most children learn how to cope with symptoms before reaching adulthood, those affected in later years often find the condition more challenging.

Theresa, 56, was very confused when she first began to experience breathlessness, soon after her menopause. “I had never experienced any respiratory problems until that point. These days the smell of perfume, detergents and fumes instantly triggers off an attack and the tightness in my chest becomes unbearable, the dry irritating cough lasts for weeks and can be very bothersome.”

She adds that forming part of the Malta Asthma Society has helped her to cope better. “It’s good to be informed about the latest treatment and management, and to discuss symptoms with other asthmatics.”

Dr Caruana Montaldo adds that the condition will only spiral out of control if it is neglected. “The outlook towards asthma is good: treatment has come far and with proper management most sufferers can lead normal lives” – and with that, asthma sufferers can breathe a sure sigh of relief.

THERE WERE

from asthma in the UK

in

2010

(16 of these were children aged 14 and under) Source: Asthma.org.uk

ASTHMA

is the most common LONG-TERM MEDICAL

CONDITION

&

effects one in 11 children

in the

UK

50%

of Fgura residents suffer from

respiratory diseases & allergies

25%

suffer from asthma Source: The Respiratory Health Survey of Fgura and Zejtun, 2001

The prevalence of

asthma in MALTA is currently the

HIGHEST in the MEDITERRANEAN 3rd HIGHEST in EUROPE HIGHEST 25 in theWORLD Source: Eurostat Statistics Database

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

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

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PROPERTY

VALUE TO THE

MaX In keeping with the company’s approach to professionalism and innovative ideas, RE/MAX Malta has taken a new step forward that sets it apart – the recently launched Exclusive Added Value Listings.

With the launch of their latest service, re/MaX Malta continues to pave the way ahead for property selling in Malta

provides a comprehensive evaluation of the home, prepares a comparative market analysis and implements a marketing strategy – all of which has already proven to be a winning formula.

Owner and Regional director of RE/MAX Malta Jeff Buttigieg says this approach is a first for Malta and a truly innovative way of selling property. “The most unique selling point of this new service is that we can sell homes within a short space of time. As of May 15, the average time it took to sell a property was 55 days.”

“We give home owners the professional exposure they need in order to help them sell their property – we provide a study of the area their house is located in, show them listing prices and sold prices of other houses there at the moment and give them the information they need to know how to sell,” says Jeff. “It is a holistic approach that has been done internationally, but is a first for Malta.”

The Exclusive Added Value Listing provides for home owners to sell their property within a minimum amount of time and at the top end of market value. When signing up for this service, which is free to the home owner, RE/MAX Malta

For each property signed up to the Exclusive Added Value Listing programme, a website is created providing all the information a potential buyer might need, together with an individual brochure, Facebook (80,000 combined fans) exposure and a

myriad of other marketing tools. A value worth on average of €3,500 is spent on the marketing efforts of each property. The home owner is also consulted on how to prepare the home before a viewing, making the process easier and smoother for sellers.

Jeff explains how the real estate sector is currently experiencing a ‘buyer’s market’ climate. A client looking for a property in, for instance, Attard can see numerous places at one go, although the ones that sell are obviously the ones that stand out and are priced correctly in the market range. “Our role here is to bridge the gap between the home owner and the buyer, getting more properties to stand out by providing sellers with professional staging, and even 3D designs in the case of shell or run-down places that will help them sell their place. However, we are selective about what properties we add to the Exclusive Added Value Listing – to ensure we only offer the quality places to clients.”

Another plus point about the Exclusive Added Value Listing is that agents only show the property to people who are seriously interested in the town and at the price range. “When the property is Exclusive, home owners do not have to worry about anyone to-ing and fro-ing through their property. We ensure that only qualified customers view the property and thus we minimize unessessary visits into a seller’s house making it more professional and less stressful.”

The service has been thoroughly researched and developed with care. Jeff says how, through trial and error, RE/MAX Malta has managed to hone the Exclusive Added Value Listing service to as near perfect as it could possibly be. He hopes, and foresees, that the formula will continue to pay off and enjoy success.

Visit http://blog.remax-malta.com/articles/sellingproperty-in-malta/ for tips on how to sell your home. Subscribe to this section of our blog and you may win a free complimentary interior design consultancy worth €200.00 June 2013 | Sunday Circle 97

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

MSV Life p.l.c. is authorised by the Malta Financial Services Authority to carry on long term business under the Insurance Business Act, 1998. Bank of Valletta and APS Bank are enrolled as Tied Insurance Intermediaries of MSV Life p.l.c. COM 231112

Untitled-17 1

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98 Sunday Circle | June 2013

HI-TECH

C

TOYOTA YARIS

In designing the new generation Toyota Yaris, Toyota has produced a look that is bolder, sharper and more dynamic, while remaining true to the principle of “compact outside, spacious inside” that has characterized this best-selling model. Also for the first time in its segment, Yaris comes with Touch & Go technology, which consists of a 6.1” multimedia system which allows complete connectivity with your iPod, mobile phones etc, allows you to browse the internet; provides full map satellite navigation, and also has a rear-view parking camera.

Test Drive the New Generation Yaris by visiting the Toyota Showroom, Zebbug | Tel: 2269 4000

BARBECOOk IMpULS 3.0 WEBER BARBEQUES Introducing Weber BBQs at Forestals! Weber is about a belief in cooking delicious food outdoors and having fun, creating happy memories for you, your family and your friends. All Weber products are built to the highest specifications using premium grade materials and components. In fact Weber are so confident in their products they offer long-term warranties on all their barbecues!

MADE FOR YOUR COMFORT with side burner to warm up delicious sauces.

EASY TO LIGHT starting your Barbecook with a simple twisting movement.

CLEAN IN NO TIME scratch resistant grids that can be easily scrubbed clean without damaging them.

Enquires gDL Trading & Services Ltd. | Tel: 2122 5321 The full range can be viewed at The Warehouse, Hamrun Bypass | Tel: 2144 5246

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

For more info visit Forestals.com or call on 2343 6000.

A1 ADMIRED. DESIgnED TO BE ADMIRED. The A1 Admired is created specifically to channel Audi’s natural instinct for outstanding design and adds further visual sophistication. Key features include a full S-Line exterior, high gloss black grille, iconic black roof or black contrast lines, the distinctive Xenon with LED lights and upgraded alloy wheels that are guaranteed to make a statement on the road. The A1 Admired is also complete with factory fitted Bluetooth, parking sensors and internal styling details.

The A1 admired is available in 3 doors or 5 door Sportback and in 1.2TFSI or 1.6TDI and starts at a special price of €26,000 for the 1.2TFSI 3 Door.

Vsiti Continental Cars Ltd. | Tel: 2347 6315

OPEN WEEK from 3rd June – 7th June 2013 Opening Hours 9.30-7.00 Petrolea, Valley Road, Msida, Tel: 2123 4501/ 2144 5728 Email: showroom@petroleamalta.com

SPECIAL OFFERS ongoing all week 7th June – Live cooking station www.petroleamalta.com Like us on Facebook June 2013 | Sunday Circle 99

&Beauty

d e ss i k n u

GIVE yOuR kIDS a hEaLThy SMILE … with Colgate

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VEnuS & OLay MOISTuRE baRS InCREDIbLE SMOOThnESS Of 5 bLaDES anD hELPS RETaIn SkIn’S MOISTuRE* You love the feeling of soft, smooth skin, but shaving can sometimes make your skin dull and dry. Only the new Venus & Olay razor combines Venus’ best shaving technology and Olay’s skin expertise all in one. Olay Moisture Bars help lock-in moisture to your skin for less dryness*, and with every smoothing stroke, Venus’ 5 blades shave you close. Just wet the razor to activate the built-in Olay Moisture Bars, releasing a light lather that contains Olay skin conditioners.

Distributed by VJ Salomone Marketing Tel: 8007 2387 *less dryness vs. Breeze over time.

Free NiveA cAr SuNShAde

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La ROChE-POSay. a bETTER LIfE fOR SEnSITIVE SkIn. Anthelios XL 50+ sunscreens from La Roche-Posay offer clinically proven protection against both UVB and UVA rays, are hypoallergenic, paraben free and tolerance tested on sensitive skins. The full range ensures a product suited for everyone also catering for children’s fragile skin. La Roche-Posay now launches ANTHELIOS XL 50+ Dry-Touch Gel-cream. A new, rapidly absorbed sunscreen giving an instant matt finish. Posthelios Hydrating After-sun melt-in gel restores moisture and nourishes sun exposed, dried out skin providing soothing properties for long-lasting comfort.

Email: larocheposay@prohealth.com.mt | Visit La Roche-Posay

S/Gel 25 0ml

Children of varying ages have different needs for dental hygiene. Colgate Junior cover these necessities with specific products for each age, developed with the help of paediatric dentists. Colgate Junior help protect kids’ teeth against cavities and bad breath and come in fun and tasty flavours to encourage your young ones to brush regularly… at least twice a day. Colgate toothpaste and toothbrushes, the best start for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Distributed by von brockdorff Imports Ltd | Tel: 2123 2141

Ideal for your perfect holiday in the sun. The Cabana range has been specially chosen to provide the perfect tanning solution for you and your family while providing all the protection you need. With vibrant, fruity fragrances in a variety of sun protection factors ranging up to SPF50, there is a product suitable for everyone. The Dry Oil products have a refreshing tropical coconut summer fragrance. The range offers a wide variety of options from smooth lotions to soothing Aloe Vera gel to desirable dry oils.

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100 Sunday Circle | June 2013

*offer excluding NiveA MeN hair Gels, Shower Gels and deo products. valid until stocks last.

June 2013 | Sunday Circle 101

FOOD & DRINK

JACOB’S CREEK FARSONS Lovers of good affordable Sauvignon Blanc are going to love the newly launched Jacob’s Creek Sauvignon Blanc on the local market. Just in time for the summer season.

A light to medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc with tropical flavours of passionfruit and guava, with a fresh, crisp citrus finish. Enhanced by the fresh natural acidity which provides vibrancy and length.

Perfect to be drunk on its own or paired with canapés, grilled chicken or fish.

Available from all leading Supermarkets & Food Outlets Trade Enquiries: 2122 5321

Tasty and light

It is not necessary to be a chef to prepare delicious meals. Just use Hopla Light cream. It is so light, though very rich in taste. Creamy and smooth, Hopla light is superior in flavour and goes well with any dish

102 Sunday Circle | June 2013

SY!

Devon Cereal Biscuits with Cranberries are a high fibre biscuit.

Full of oats (28%) and with Cranberry nuggets Devon’s cereal biscuits are an ideal start to the day.

Visit: www.cbiscuits.com

FOOD & DRINK

C

celebrates its

150 th anniversary

Perrier is imported, marketed and distributed by Farsons Beverage Imports Company Limited (FBIC), a member of the Farsons Group.

Perrier has always inspired artists who, just like the brand, are nonconformist, pioneering and quirky. One of them, Andy Warhol, created over 40 works of the very iconic Perrier bottle. For its 150th anniversary, Perrier reunites with this legendary artist and presents its new pop art limited edition developed under license with the charitable The Andy Warhol Foundation in New York. Perrier is a mineral sparkling water with unrivalled fizz that has never taken itself too seriously but knows just the right combination of creativity, elegance and the avant-garde. Rare are those iconic brands, and even rarer are those whose image embodies so much humour, daring, and that little touch of zaniness. In this special edition, Perrier has dressed its bottles in the Pop Art style and shows off its eccentricity, at the height of its creativity.

Inspired by Andy Warhol’s colour and style, colourful backgrounds and paint effects wind their way over the rounded Perrier bottles and cans.

The Andy Warhol special edition packaging is available in most stores, supermarkets, restaurants and bars.

June 2013 | Sunday Circle 103

C

promotion

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE APEROL

Aperol, bright orange in colour with a unique bitter-sweet taste deriving from a secret recipe that has remained unchanged since its creation.

Aperol is a playful and flirtatious brand full of italian lifestyle that can be enjoyed from the aperitivo moment to evenings out in the piazza. Sunny and vibrant, Aperol’s zesty orange taste is exquisitely italian but with an international flair.

Aperol is the main ingredient for the famous Aperol Spritz; 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and 1 part soda over ice and a slice of orange. Go on share the love with Aperol Spritz.

CINZANO PROSECCO

the Cinzano range includes both sweet and dry sparkling wines, each with its own unique characteristic. the common denominator amongst all the wines is the experience Cinzano has matured in 250 years of Charmat method wine making. prosecco Cinzano is a dry and aromatic sparkling wine, from the best vine-growing areas of the colline trevigiane. it is a young sparkling wine, with a vivacious froth and subtle but persistent perlage.

HAvANA CLUB RUM

Grown in this fertile land and unique climate that is Cuba, sugarcane is paired with the passion of its maestros roneros (master blenders) to create Havana Club, one of the finest rums in the world. the Havana Club range allows to create an endless variety of deliciously refreshing cocktails. mojito, Daiquiri and pinaColada are among the most famous classics. moJito, 5cl Havana Club 3anos, ½ Lime 2 teaspoons sugar, 10 mint leaves, ice & Splash of perrier

ABSOLUT MANGO

NEW Absolut mango has a pronounced and genuine character of ripened mango, is made from natural ingredients and does not contain any added sugar or sweetener.

5cl Absolut Mango, 10cl Cranberry Juice 5cl Mango Juice, 1 Slice Mango & Ice

MALIBU CANS

malibu, the Caribbean rum, is launching the perfect summer drink, available in 3 mouth-watering flavours, malibu & Pineapple, malibu & Cranberry and malibu & Cola. perfect for any summer occasion, these exciting 250ml slim line cans are a great way to drink malibu this season. Why not invite all your friends round for a BBQ and serve over ice, take them to a festival so you can all enjoy them while watching your favourite bands, or pack some up in an ice cooler and head to the park for a picnic with the girls.

These products are marketed and distributed by Farsons Beverage Imports Co. Ltd. The Brewery, Mdina Road, Mriehel. BKR3000. Trade Enquiry 2381 4400

104 Sunday Circle | June 2013

li

e for youn gh tanc ep

MSV Fast Track Life Protection Plans immediate life protection for young healthy lives

• • • • • • •

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Applicable to persons aged 18 to 40.

Maximum sum insured of €150,000.

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Single or Joint life.

Policy issued at time of application.

Talk to us now for more details For more information on the MSV Fast Track Protection 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. COM230513

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