Sunday Circle Issue 221

www.sundaycircle.com

MAY 2013 – ISSUE NO. 221

Interview FROM THE HEART

GiAnlucA BEzzinA

By Martina Said see page 18

Margrith lÜTScHGExclusive

EMMEnEGGER On banking, her travels and meeting the richest man in the world

FEATURE

SPELLING IT OUT

Without a national policy on literacy, how bright does the future look for our students?

By Martina Said see page 26

PLUS

Strip, Pose, Click & Share: welcome to the world of teenage sexting

By Mariella Camilleri – see page 77

TR WIN AN AN A D S LI SI A TFORMFEST se C R A Y ep IP TI LE ag I e1L TOON 29 Y

By Philip Leone-Ganado Photography by Steve Muliett see page 12

37

contents

inTERViEWs

12 wOMAN AT THE TOP

Fimbank CEO Margrith Lütschg-Emmenegger speaks to Philip Leone-Ganado about banking, her travels and meeting the richest man in the world

REgULARs

4 A wORD FROM THE EDITOR 6 C bODY | 8 C STYLE | 10 C bEAUTY 123 PAPARAZZI

shopping

126 SUMMER IDEAS & ACTIVTIES 133 HI-TECH | 134 CHILL OUT 135 FOOD & DRINK 136 MOTHER’S DAY

18 FROM THE HEART

Martina Said meets Eurovision hopeful Gianluca Bezzina to catch up on his unexpected victory, his vocation and his love for music as a hobby

W eddRYings DIRECTO

SUNDAYCIRCLE.COM COMPETITIONS* 129 WiN a lifestyle chaNge

win a 12-week lifestyle change programme & a weekend break in Sicily with Stellina’s Lifestyle Changes.

113 WiN With moet aNd chaNdoN

win a bottle of Moet and an exclusive Moet matching bag. Visit sundaycircle.com to participate

119 WiN With la valette club win a La Valette Club Special Occasions package for two worth €125. Visit sundaycircle.com/eating-out to participate

* Please be sure to include your email address and mobile number in your entries.

Whenever you enter one of our competitions, your contact details will automatically be added to our mailing list to receive our promotional material and latest offers.

Kindly indicate if you do not want to receive this information.

18

MUsic & LiTERATURE

60 THE JAZZMAN

Jazz extraordinaire Sandro Zerafa speaks to Katryna Storace about life as a musician in Paris and directing the Malta Jazz festival

42 TAILORED TO SUIT

97 DESIRE LINES

44 OF HANDbAgS AND gLADRAgS

sTyLE

Ahead of Bortex’s 50th anniversary next year, Martina Said meets managing director Peter Borg

International handbag designer Sunita Mukhi talks to Martina Said about her work and being raised in Malta

sociETy

26 SPELLINg IT OUT

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Make your special day even more special with Sunday Circle’s 13-page Wedding Guide. see page 108

12

Illiteracy is a pressing problem in Malta – without a national policy on literacy, how bright does the future look for our students, asks Martina Said

cULTURE & hERiTAgE

37 SPECTACULAR, SPECTACULAR

Katryna Storace talks to actor, producer and Notte Bianca artistic director, Sean Buhagiar, about Cirku Malta

89 JEwELS, gLORIOUS JEwELS

From extravagant necklaces to staggering stones set on rings, there is nothing ordinary about the jewellery worn by the Maltese

Sex, drugs and poetry: young writer Marie Gion’s debut collection of poems explores the darker aspects of youth culture

65 bRINg ON THE SPRINg Style bloggers and best friends Claire Galea, Nicole Farrugia and Sandro Rizzo bring you their favourite looks this season

sEx & RELATionships

77 gO ON, SEXT ME

Mariella Camilleri unveils the reality of sexting, a worrying trend which is steadily on the rise among teenagers

spoRTs

83 CLIFF HANgER

Martina Said speaks to climbing superman Stevie Haston about the thrills of scaling vertiginous heights

hEALTh & BEAUTy

TEchnoLogy

32 MORE FUN IN THE SUN

Rachel Agius takes a look at the way internet users shape each other’s businesses through the power of numbers

75 FACINg THE FUTURE

51 JOIN THE CROwD poLiTics

55 LEADERS OF TOMORROw?

Philip Leone-Ganado asks: What is the point of student politics?

Skin specialist Dr Olivier Doucet discusses Lancaster’s innovative infrared technology

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

125 CERAMIC DENTISTRY

Dental and Implant surgeon Jean Paul Demajo discusses the ins and outs of artificial teeth

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.

Diamond hard Nails

MAVALA SCIENTIFIQUE

The Genuine Penetrating Nail Hardener No more splitting and flaking nails In one stroke, MAVALA SCIENTIFIQUE* seals the three layers of the nail while providing hardness and strength. *A unique formula from MAVALA Laboratories Switzerland.

Exclusively represented by C+M Marketing Ltd. Tel: 21424080/79.

A word from the editor

57.7%

The quietly confident Gianluca Bezzina, on the other hand, has had to learn to handle a fresh wave of attention and publicity since his Malta Song victory – one he is generally unaccustomed to, and which he continues to be bashful of. This month’s issue also places the spotlight upon some bright new faces leaving their mark on Malta’s cultural scene. Despite Sean Buhagiar’s longstanding involvement in the world of theatre and the arts, he has recently been appointed artistic director of Notte Bianca. The stakes, he agrees, have just got higher. Marie Gion’s first venture into self-publishing has resulted in a curiously seductive piece of literature entitled Għax id-Drogi Sbieħ. With its intriguing, first-person tales of sex, drugs and love written in stylish free verse, I dare you not to pick up a copy. And while we’re on the subject of sex and reading, we have also tried to stir up some issues that we felt needed to be addressed with the same candidness as Marie’s collection of poems: sexting and illiteracy. We hope you will find the encounters and nuances in this issue as compelling as it was for us to put it all together.

once again raNked toP AMONG MAGAzINES DISTRIbUTED wITH LOCAL NEwSPAPERS

28.2%

THANK YOU • Magazine content preference is first Product offers and Promotions followed by Lifestyle.

26.8%

www.sundaycircle.com

MAY 2013 – ISSUE NO. 221

Interview FROM THE HEART

GiAnlucA BEzzinA

By Martina Said see page 18

Margrith lÜTScHGExclusive

EMMEnEGGER On banking, her travels and meeting the richest man in the world

FEATURE

SPELLING IT OUT

Without a national policy on literacy, how bright does the future look for our students?

• The Sunday Times remains the most highly read Sunday newspaper with 67.3%.

12.7%

Sun

day

Hom Circ

le

ewo

rks

Tun e

In

Life

9.9%

12.7%

&S

tyle

Oth

er

MZK

8.5%

(Mu

Tast e

zajk

)

7.0%

• Magazines with newspapers are read primarily by a female audience. (66.2% females, 33.8% males)

By Martina Said see page 26

By Philip Leone-Ganado Photography by Steve Muliett see page 12

PLUS

Strip, Pose, Click & Share: welcome to the world of teenage sexting

By Mariella Camilleri – see page 77

T WI ANRANN A D S LI SI A TFORMFEST se C R A Y ep IP TI LE ag I e1L TOON 29 Y

May is one of those in-between months. On some days, it feels as though the summer’s come early, and everyone’s making a beeline for the beaches. Other days, the wind is cool and the sky overcast, with an occasional sprinkle of rain here or there. In different ways, it is these contrasts that have shaped this month’s issue – as has the virtue of humility. Meeting Ms Lütschg-Emmenneger and her husband, Serge, in their beautiful Naxxar home reminded us that power and status need not necessarily rule out modesty. They are an unassuming, welcoming pair, happy to share their story of love, travels and success, despite hailing from a corporate world where bureaucracy often acts as an impediment to genuine human communication.

PUBLISHER John Formosa Network Publications Ltd

FM *The Media Warehouse Survey April 2013 is published

by Informa Consultants. info@informa.com.mt | www.informa.com.mt

PUBLICATION & SALES MANAGER Renée Micallef Decesare

EDITORIAL Katryna Storace EDITOR

COMPETITION:

are you one oF The 57.7%?

If so, tell us why you read the Circle and you could be one of two readers to WIN a goody bag from Franks

Martina Said ASSISTANT EDITOR

Philip Leone-Ganado ASSISTANT EDITOR

COVER Steve Muliett PHOTOGRAPHY

ART & DESIGN

Worth over €100.

Sarah Scicluna Jessica Camilleri

The bag includes:

SALES & MARKETING

GuerlaIn MaxI-lash MasCara lanCasTer sun aGe ConTrol – sPF 30 lanCasTer sun BeauTy sPF 10

Marisa Schembri

Send in your reply by post to Circle Competition, Network Publications, Level 2, Angelica Court, Guzeppi Cali Street, Ta’ Xbiex together with your name and surname, contact number, e-mail and home address.

Or log onto sundaycircle.com to apply online. Closing date 27 May 2013.

FEATURES SALES MANAGER

Sasha Miceli Demajo SUPPLEMENTS SALES MANAGER

Jessica Borg SUPPLEMENTS SALES COORDINATOR

Martina Urso SALES ADMINISTRATOR

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

Body CAPTIVATING FEMININITy

FIRM ANd REFINEd SKIN

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

Clarins products are exclusively distributed by von Brockdorff Imports Ltd. Ask for our Clarins Loyalty Card.

dISTINCTLy GUESS

Tousled hair, crazy curves and bold, retro-cat eyeliner characterizes the glamorous Guess style. Coty Beauty is delighted to introduce a fragrance that captures the brand’s sexy showstoppers. Sensuous and exciting, Guess Girl is a fresh, easy-towear fruity floral fragrance that turns heads. It makes an entrance with a sweet burst of innocent raspberry nectar, coy melon and intriguing bergamot mist, followed by a tease of rare Brazilian paradise orchid. It finally captivates you with voluptuous vanilla and indulgent sandalwood, leaving an impression as lasting as lipstick on a pillowcase.

Exclusively represented by Vivian Corporation Ltd.

CLEAR BEAUTy

Peter Philips, Creative Director of Chanel Makeup, has developed a new style of beauty, a new vision of naturalness, free and liberating makeup. The Healthy Glow Sheer Powder comes in a range of subtle beige shades that meet the needs of all Caucasian skin: from N°30 to N°70 – five absolutely precise shades with reliable, refined and comfortable results. Enriched with the Open Air Care Complex, the Healthy Glow Sheer Powder also offers SPF 15 protection and protection against UVA rays. Chanel is distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd.

6

Sunday Circle | May 2013

Manifesto is a sensual, captivating fragrance from Yves Saint Laurent.

A bouquet of jasmine punctuated by green notes and a bold trail combining wood, vanilla, and tonka beans are the signature of this new declaration of femininity. Yves Saint Laurent Fragrances are distributed by Chemimart. Tel: 2149 2212.

dISCoVER BEAUTy’S SECRETS

Discover the Beauty Experts’ Secret Weapon. The first Decléor BB Cream provides you with all the benefits of a 24-hour moisturiser whilst naturally enhancing and complementing your skin tone. This light and refreshing 5-in-1 Cream is enriched with mineral pigments that perfect the appearance of your skin, refine its texture and correct imperfections. It is professional skincare and make-up in one.

Exclusively Represented by C+M Marketing Ltd Tel: 21424079/80.

A SCENT oF yoUTH

Nina L’Eau by Nina Ricci is a white swirl – the perfume for that moment of awakening.

It’s fresh with frosted neroli, but also has the gentle femininity of apple blossom, the voluptuousness of gardenia and the rounded notes of white musk. Nina L’Eau is the breath of youth – it is a sharp, sensual and fruity floral fragrance created by Olivier Cresp, Master Perfumer for Nina. Nina L’Eau is enclosed in a soft pink frosted glass apple with silver leaves. Available at Ta’Xbiex Perfumery Ltd Tel: 2133 1553.

STYLE CREATING CONNECTIONS

Bond with your baby with Bebe Bolas. These beautiful necklaces that originated in Mexico, emit a special and unique soft chime when you walk or move. Hanging from a meter long Solid 925 Silver Necklace, the Bebe Bola pendant is worn low on the belly, where the unborn baby is soothed by the chime. Even after birth, tiny hands make it ‘tinkle’ providing a lovely connection back to time in the womb. Spoil yourself or any new mum-to-be with a Silver Bebe Bola. Exclusively at 202 Jewellery, Valletta, Sliema, Fgura, Victoria Gozo, Le Meridien St Julians, The Palace Sliema, Seabank Resort Mellieha.

FUN COLLECTIONS

The spring/summer collection at List Roma is fresh, classy and suggestive, split up into different themes. Retro vision is characterized by Pois print, bubble pink and timeless black.

Red Hollywood – the ‘must have’ of summer – is the inspiration of freedom of colour. Metal pink delivers fluid pastel palette fabrics in the colours of gold, silver and pink. Cannes offers a combination of jeans, sequins and basics combined with vintage colours, materials and accessories and Santa Fe is the combination of black and camel with a touch of Indian prints. Visit List Roma at the Plaza Shopping Centre, Level 2 and at Daniel’s Shopping Complex, Level 2 ; Tel : 2131 0350.

WIN FREE TICKETS TO WATCH RIHANNA LIVE

Pull&Bear and Bershka are giving you the chance of a lifetime to watch Rihanna live in concert this July 2013 at the LG Arena, Birmingham, UK. All you have to do is to visit any of our outlets and with every €30 spent you will enter a competition with the chance of winning this fantastic trip, including flights to the UK, taxes, accommodation and concert tickets. Visit our Facebook page –BigBon Franchise – to know more.

Good luck! Terms and conditions apply.

8

Sunday Circle | May 2013

GLAMOROUS EVENINGWEAR

MAX&Co. is a collection created for the shadows, composed of dresses in georgette and satin, of shimmering sequined embroidery, of fancy trim with a baroque allure, of tone-on-tone jacquard motifs. Everything is light, and yet the constructions are still impeccable, a legacy of the couture world: the dresses conceal perfect bustiers, and layers of chiffon fabric sway to play a game of peek-a-boo.

Accessories are understated and clean in order to not disturb the harmony of the figure.

Exclusively at MAX&Co. High Street Sliema – Open Monday to Saturday 09.30 to 19.00hrs.

A FASHION-FILLED WEEK

This year’s Malta Fashion Week promises to be even more amazing than the two previous editions. From an open air fashion photography exhibition at Pjazza San Gorg, Valletta, to daily fashion shows at various superb locations around Malta, this is without a doubt the year’s most anticipated event with fashionistas. The week’s activities culminate at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali on Saturday 11 May for the 15th edition of the Vodafone Red Malta Fashion Awards, held in collaboration with FTV, giving Malta massive exposure with a huge audience around the world. Visit www.fashionweek.com.mt for more information.

FASHION MONTH AT BAY STREET

Bay Street is launching its very own fashion month this May. Every weekend during the month-long event, Bay Street retailers will be creating fashion displays in the Rotunda on Level 0 of their spring/summer collections, alongside a range of weekend offers and a shop & win competition to win a trip to New York. Shoppers who make their payment using the HSBC Merchant Services machine at any Bay Street outlet during May will be able to enter the shop & win competition.

Visitors will be asked to complete a voucher that will be handed out by cashiers every time a purchase is made using the HSBC Merchant Services machine. For more information call 2138 4421 or go to the Bay Street Facebook page www.facebook.com/baystreetmalta.

Receive your DOLCE & GABBANA pouch when purchasing DOLCE & GABBANA the one Desire edp 75ml.

Available from authorised outlets. Offer valid until stocks last.

Trade Enquiries VJ Salomone Marketing tel: 8007 2387

BEAUTY UNBREAKABLE NAILS

Mavala Scientifique is the first hardener on the market since 1958.

It is a penetrating treatment that bonds the three layers of the nail to make it stronger. It must not be used on the skin, only at tip of the nail in the middle. For the first month of treatment, use once every week on a clean nail, for the second month of treatment use once every two weeks and on the third month just use Scientifique once. Exclusively represented by C+M Marketing Ltd, Tel: 2142 4080/79.

LOSE THE WRINKLES

Ideal skin is no longer just a dream with LiftActiv Derm Source – the Number one Vichy Care for wrinkles and skin firmness in pharmacies. From the fourth day, skin immediately feels firmer, velvety smooth and looks radiant while from the first month, wrinkles appear reduced. LiftActiv skincare with Derm Source technology rejuvenates the skin and leaves it feeling lifted all day long. Dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic and paraben-free.

Ask your pharmacist for advice.

For information and samples email vichy@prohealth.com.mt or SMS on 7980 6836.

FAST AND EFFECTIVE TREATMENT PROTECT YOUR SKIN

Shiseido’s Sun Protection Compact Foundation SPF30 is a powder foundation that smoothes on with a lightweight feeling and a natural matte look. The powder remains fresh for hours and can be applied with a dry or moist sponge. The Sun Protection Liquid Foundation resists perspiration, water and oil to maintain a soft demi-matte look on the skin, even during outdoor activities. Colour stays true even after sun exposure and is very water resistant. It is recommended for the face and for day use. Exclusively represented by C+M Marketing Ltd Tel: 2142 4079/80.

SALON STANDARD HAIR

John Frieda introduces a new addition to the John Frieda Luxurious Volume Range – the New John Frieda Fine to Full Blow out spray.

Transform fine, flat hair into salon-caliber, natural looking volume. The Luxurious Volume Fine to Full Blow-Out Spray creates natural volume by plumping fine hair from root to tip for the body and shape of a salon-quality blow dry. Distributed by Charles deGiorgio Ltd.

10 Sunday Circle | May 2013

Guam Seaweed Mud treatment is the best-selling anticellulite product around the world. It is a convenient and highly effective way to pamper yourself at home and combat the appearance of cellulite by tightening, firming and removing excess water trapped in the fatty deposits of the skin. The treatment is fast, easy and safe, and the results are astonishing. Guam Mud Treatment is available from all leading pharmacies and beauty salons. For more information visit facebook.com/guammalta or contact Liberty Ltd on 2141 0008, email: info@libertymalta.com.

NOURISH YOUR HAIR

Dercos Nourishing & Reparative Shampoo and Conditioner is perfect for dry and damaged hair that breaks easily. Dercos ceramides work between the scales to rebuild intercellular cement and reinforce cuticle cohesion, providing a protective layer for the hair. Untangled, repaired and revitalised from root to tip, hair is soft and shiny. Products are hypoallergenic and paraben-free while the creamy foam and soft almond scent make them a pleasure to use, every time. Available in pharmacies. For more information and samples, email vichy@prohealth.com.mt or SMS on 7980 6836.

A Mother’s Day Special Aromatic Face Treatment, the beauty treatment with essential oils The Healing Energy of Essential Oils: The Essential Oils bring their energy all the way into the skin cells. They bring radiance to the complexion and instantly revitalise the skin.

Relaxing Massage: Essential oils are diffused through a relaxing massage.

The massage technique removes any tension and leaves the skin rested.

Aromatic Face Mask: The mask consist of 5 plant extracts to improve the skin’s radiance for instant results

AVAILABLE FROM ALL LEADING GUINOT SALONS To book the Aromatic Treatment at your nearest Guinot Salon, contact PHBS Ltd on 21 42 44 01/2/3 email : info@phbsmalta.com www.facebook.com/guinotmalta

COVER STORY

WOMAN AT THE TOP

FIMBANK CEO MARGRITH LÜTSCHG-EMMENEGGER’S STORY IS ONE OF SUCCESS. SHE SPEAKS TO PHILIP LEONE-GANADO ABOUT BANKING, HER TRAVELS AND MEETING THE RICHEST MAN IN THE WORLD Photography by Steve Muliett –§– Make-up by Diandra Mattei

When Margrith Lütschg-Emmenegger left her first apprenticeship in a bank aged 16, she promised herself she would never go back to banking. “It’s so boring,” she remembers thinking at the time. Today, she is President of the FIMBank Group, a fastgrowing international specialist provider of trade finance headquartered in Malta, enjoying a physical presence in many financial and trading centres and providing trade finance and banking services in over fifty countries. “You can see how well I stuck to that resolution,” she says with a smile.

“My technical knowledge, being so specialised in trade finance, has always been one of my biggest strengths,” she says. Margrith is one of the leading experts in the field of factoring and forfeiting and has worked with some of the world’s leading banks in Switzerland, London, and New York. “Hard work is always important, but so is luck, being in the right place at the right time. One huge advantage I have is that I started at the bottom and worked my way up. Experience has taught me that one of the best ways to motivate a team and produce phenomenal results in the workplace is by adopting a positive reinforcement approach. I think this is fundamental for any leader.”

Margrith was born and raised in Zurich, where she says she enjoyed a happy childhood. “Switzerland is a great country to grow up in. We lived comfortably; nothing was laid out for us without having to work for it, but we

12 Sunday Circle | May 2013

also had an opportunity to develop something.” Growing up in Switzerland did have its drawbacks, however. “The Swiss are very conservative,” says Margrith. “My father didn’t want me to have a strong education; he believed a woman’s place was at home raising a family.” That life didn’t appeal to the young Margrith, who from a tender age was always academically-driven and full of ambition to achieve something in her professional life. “In that sense I must have been quite a disappointment to him,” she says.

Margrith puts no stock in the notion that being a woman in a man’s world is some sort of challenge. “Actually, I’ve always felt it’s a huge advantage. Everyone remembers you, and you’re able to deal with people a lot more gently,” she says. “I think it’s important to embrace the fact that you’re a woman, rather than trying to behave like a man.

If you have the skills and make the effort, I think every woman has the opportunity to forge a successful career.”

Though as if to confirm that having no idea what to do with yourself at a young age doesn’t preclude a highpowered career further down the line, Margrith spent her teens and early twenties flitting between jobs. For two years, she even worked as a receptionist in Mallorca – “to enjoy the holiday life for as long as possible,” as she puts it – before ultimately settling down into a job at the massive chemical company, ICI. “That’s what sparked my interest in a serious career,” she says. “My employers gave me a lot of challenging responsibilities, and I enjoyed that.”

COVER STORY

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 13

COVER STORY

We got married in a quick ceremony at the City Hall, which I squeezed into a one-hour break from the office. I think that shows that all that matters is how good a relationship you have

14 Sunday Circle | May 2013

After leaving ICI, Margrith joined a small bank, before eventually moving on to Barclays and opening a branch in Zurich.

“That was when I started to develop a name for myself internationally,” she says. Zurich led to New York – a fifteen-year experience right in the thick of things, and one that bears particularly fond memories.

“It was in New York that I married Serge,” says Margrith, smiling. The two had met thirteen years earlier at ICI, but had never thought about marriage until Serge suddenly found himself at risk of being forced to leave the US. “Our lawyer advised us to get married, and Serge said ‘All right, why not?’ Some men get down on one knee, but that was Serge’s proposal,” she laughs. “We got married in a quick ceremony at the City Hall, which I squeezed into a one-hour break from the office. I think that shows that all that matters is how good a relationship you have. We’ve been together forty years, so clearly something’s working.”

Indeed, today Margrith admits she would love to be able to spend more time with her husband, but she insists that theirs is a relationship, fundamentally, that works.

“Serge gives me encouragement, support, even confidence,” she says. “Because I travel a lot, it’s always fresh; whenever we do spend time together it’s like we’re back on our honeymoon. So we’ve found a balance that’s personal and that suits us.”

Serge can also take part of the responsibility for the pair arriving in Malta at all. When Margrith was first approached for the task of heading FIMBank, she admits she had no idea where Malta was.

“Serge knew more than me, but that’s only because he was very interested in World War II stories,” she laughs. “We decided to have a look and we fell in love with it at once. I’ve never looked back.”

Ten years after arriving on the island, her love for her adopted country has not dimmed. “People in Malta are incredibly warm and friendly; it’s a safe place to live.

© 2012 SwarovSki aG

swarovski.com

55, kingsway Palace, republic Street, valletta, Tel: 21 236 356 69, Tower rd., Sliema, Tel: 21 337 447 oPENiNG HoUrS: MoNDaY To SaTUrDaY 9aM To 7PM

COVER STORY It’s just a shame that we don’t sell the country better.” Far from being a hindrance, Margrith believes its small size is part of what makes Malta so special. “Here you have a chance to really build something. In bigger organisations you work hard and enjoy success, but you can’t feel the fruits of your labour as much as you can here.”

And Margrith’s vision for FIMBank is nothing if not far-reaching.

“Our aim is to be the leading bank in the area of trade finance,” she says plainly. “We want to bring value to the community, and to be truly a provider of solutions, while at the same time creating value for the shareholders. I have no doubt that with a bit of time and investment, we can achieve that goal.”

Though Margrith calls Malta home, her job doesn’t allow her to sit in any one place for too long. Whether she’s attending meetings, delivering presentations, or speaking at conferences, Margrith estimates that she spends as much as six months of the year on the road. Does she ever get tired of such a transitory lifestyle? “If you love travelling and meeting new people, as I do, then there’s nothing better,” she says. “There’s always the odd day when I think: ‘Oh God, not another eight hours in a plane!’ But most of the time it’s great: being out there, meeting different people, experiencing different cultures, and just being part of this huge community.”

Most of the time it’s great: being out there, meeting different people, experiencing different cultures, and just being part of this huge community

NEWER SUMMCK STO

WESTIN DRAGONARA RESORT, St Julian’s – Tel: 2374 5031 OPENING HOURS

Mon to Fri: 10am till 7pm | Sat: 10am till 2pm facebook.com/meimalta | May 2013 000 Sunday Circle

The walls of Margrith’s home are littered with souvenirs from her travels: ornamental crosses, puppets, anything she can get her hands on. But even more treasured are the many memorable experiences she has accumulated over the years, foremost of which, she says, is a lunch three years ago with Mexican magnate Carlos Slim, who had just been announced the richest man in the world. “I found him to be the most natural, humble person I’d ever met,” says Margrith. “I was very impressed by that.”

That said, not all her experiences have been positive, and Margrith has had her share of incident, from witnessing a tsunami in Goa to being locked in her hotel room in India when a terrorist attack took place in the same building. Remarkably, though, she remains mostly unfazed. “Things happen,” she says, apparently without irony. “Nothing too serious has ever happened to me. I suppose that’s my luck again.”

Margrith shows no signs of slowing down. “I’m still enjoying every day. I love getting up in the morning and going to work and shaping things,” she says. “The bank continues to grow, and with new investment coming in we’ll have even more resources and opportunities, which in turn will benefit Malta in a huge way.

That gives me huge satisfaction. It’s busy, but in a good way.”

Your beauty isn’t superficial.

Nor is your skin care.

N EW

HydraQuench Cream When skin gets thirsty, it isn’t only on the outside.

Katafray extract and hyaluronic acid infuse the different levels of the skin to help stimulate Nature’s own internal moisturizing mechanism*. Discover new levels of long-lasting comfort and healthy dewy vitality.

Essential daily care for all skin types. HydraQuench Cream reveals your deep inner beauty. Clarins, No.1 in European luxury skin care**.

In vitro/ex vivo tests.

Source: European Forecasts.

*

**

INTERVIEW

From the

Heart

He entered tHe eurovision song contest on a wHim. But witH His relaxed manner and carefree nature, gianluca Bezzina not only claimed tHe title tHat nigHt, But tHe Hearts of many maltese Text by Martina Said -§- Photography by Nicky Scicluna

Since clinching the top spot at this year’s Eurovision song contest, 23-year-old Gianluca Bezzina’s life has changed somewhat. His days are steadily busier and he now gets stopped by unfamiliar people congratulating him and wishing him well. But his easy-going attitude and bashful nature haven’t seemed to change one bit since the night this newcomer got splashed across our TV screens. And I have no problem believing his genuine claim that winning the contest came as a total surprise.

Gianluca, who graduated from medical school last year, was a brand new contender for this year’s Eurovision contest – it was the first time he entered a

18 Sunday Circle | May 2013

competition as a soloist and won. “I never took part in something of this standard before and honestly never thought I’d win... otherwise I wouldn’t have entered,” he jokes. But Gianluca is no stranger to performing – he’s been accustomed to a watching audience since his childhood years.

As one of seven siblings, Gianluca has fond memories acting and singing in musicals organised by his eldest sister Dorothy. “There was always something going on,” he says. “Music always featured in some way or other, even if it just meant making noise and dancing to the Macarena or Coco Jumbo.”

INTERVIEW Styling by Luke Engerer Clothes: Boss Orange by District Shoes by Clarks Hair by Prive’

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 19

INTERVIEW Gianluca’s parents, who played and performed at church, enrolled him in the Malta Children’s Choir, together with his sisters Dorothy and Samaria and his brother Paul.

“I lost interest after a while and only continued singing for fun. Then, watching Dorothy participate in Sfida, I started to gain interest again.”

You wonder what people think of you, representing them. But I really just want to enjoy the Eurovision there the way I did here The first time he sang before an audience – one that was not composed solely of family and friends – was at Teatru Unplugged during his first year at Sixth Form.

He went on to perform in college soirees and Battle of the Bands, and later in bigger events such as Voices and Rockestra. Gianluca also forms part of an indie/funk band called Funk Initiative, which won the KSU singersongwriter showcase award in 2009 for their debut track titled Forget It. And today, in an unexpected turn of events, Gianluca is preparing for his biggest performance to date in Sweden. In spite of the anticipation and pressure, however, he appears relaxed and completely unfazed.

“I do feel pressure,” he assures me. “You wonder what people think of you, representing them. But I really just want to enjoy the Eurovision there the way I did here.

We have three minutes on stage, and I want to make the most them.”

And making the most of the experience is what he’s doing, having toured Armenia, Amsterdam, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and London to promote his song, Tomorrow. He recounts an uncomfortable moment while on tour in Romania – “I got a slot on a morning show – still fast asleep and I had to sing, not live, thank God. Suddenly, this resident dancer on the show came out on stage. She was barely dressed and started dancing with me seductively. I got really embarrassed – I tried to find the furthest corner of the stage and stayed put.”

There’s no mistaking that Gianluca comes across as confident on stage but he’s very shy in person. How has he taken to the surge of attention? “It was shocking at first and I couldn’t get used to speaking to so many people. The other day I went to Girgenti and came across a pilgrimage of around 40 women. When they spotted me, they came up to me to congratulate me – all telling me ‘Prosit Dott’. Now I quite enjoy spending those few minutes talking to people and getting on with it.” He pauses – “You get used to it.”

20 Sunday Circle | May 2013

MOSTA 67, CONSTITUTION STR | TEL: +356 2202 1121 • SLIEMA PJAZZA TIGNÉ, TIGNÉ | TEL: +356 2202 1101 ST JULIAN’S LEVEL 1, BAYSTREET SHOPPING MALL, ST GEORGE’S BAY | TEL: +356 2202 1111 • VALLETTA 248A REPUBLIC STR | TEL: +356 2202 1131

*Offer valid on women’s range of products only up to 12th May.

FLE X IBLE

St. George’s Square – VALLETTA The Point, Tigne – SLIEMA The Duke – VICTORIA GOZO BIRKIRKARA (Ground floor within EuroSport) Enquiries call on 23859385

MUSIC I ask whether he’s wound up in humorous situations at hospital following new-found recognition. He says passing by the labour ward at Mater Dei made for some amusing moments, as new and would-be mothers would call out to him and say “Guess what I’m naming my son?!” He’s also found it easier to engage with patients who recognise him, as it helps break the ice a little.

With a string of intense commitments for the impending performance, Gianluca has had to take some time off work.

Although right now he admits he’s enjoying the perks, he is eager to get back to what it is that he truly loves doing. “I am looking forward to getting back to routine once I return from Sweden – I’m hoping things will be a bit quieter.” Was medicine always his calling? “I wanted to be a pilot, an engineer or a priest. But the vocation of becoming a doctor was always at the back of my mind – the thought of helping others is what appealed to me most.”

During his three-month stint tending to patients at St Vincent de Paul care residence, one of the things Gianluca enjoyed most was listening to the stories of older patients. “I got to meet some really fun and sweet old people. They have a way of showing their gratitude for helping them which is very satisfying. It’s a nice feeling – it is what I hoped and thought a doctor’s job would be.”

The vocation of becoming a doctor was always at the back of my mind – the thought of helping others is what appealed to me most Would he consider putting his medical career on hold for a career in music? It seems unlikely. During his student days, Gianluca sought out music in stressful times and as a temporary escape from his books. Forming a band and performing was only an added bonus. “The professions of a doctor and performer are both very busy careers and require full-time attention. This is the first year since medical school in fact that I don’t have exams and actually found time to compete.”

That said, however, he would not turn down opportunities to sing and perform that easily. Gianluca is currently in the throes of recording his first solo EP and his managers, Boris Cezek and Dean Muscat, who co-wrote and composed the song Tomorrow, will be on the look-out for new openings for Gianluca.

Whatever happens on performance day in Sweden, Gianluca has enjoyed the ride this far. From filming the music video for Tomorrow to bonding with his band mates, the journey seems to have been nothing but positive. “The friendships I’ve made are what I think I’ll treasure most from this experience – the closeness I’ve formed with the members of my band alone is enough. We are all very relaxed,” he smiles. “That is probably why it’s so fun.”

Gianluca is also supported by PBS & Mediterranean Bank

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

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 61

SOCIETY

l p m i A A s simpl A simpl n e t enten ten seesn eesen s i h c T e Thi ss e. . Thi cce. i t a i h s hat ii sww hat iisw k i l s l t f e e e ls lik lik tfe els e f t l l i e e t o b ill eto be ill e te.. iii tera ttera te.

26 Sunday Circle | May 2013

SOCIETY

SPELLING IT OUT A recent study hAs shown thAt illiterAcy is A pressing problem in malta. Without a national policy on literacy, how bright does the future look for our students?

Text by Martina Said When education minister Evarist Bartolo recently announced that Malta ranked bleakly in an international study on child literacy, the preoccupying problem of illiteracy became somewhat more imminent. The Progress in International Literacy Study (PIRLS), involving 45 countries, ranked Malta as 35th, exposing an average reading result that is significantly lower than the international average.

The implications of such a low level of literacy are various and significant – but where does the problem stem from? And does technology have anything to do with it?

“Having less time to read with and to children is affecting their literacy, and this is a major concern that resulted from the study,” says Bartolo.

“We’re finding there are many disruptions in class at primary school level, such as visits for demonstrations. They’re not a bad thing... but we need to give classrooms back to the teachers.”

He directs me to a specific finding of the PIRLS study which he considers among the most alarming – it says the time spent reading as part of language instruction throughout a year in Malta is the lowest of all the countries taking part. But just how illiterate are our children?

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 27

SOCIETY THE THING ABOUT LITERACY There are various degrees of literacy. At a basic level, it is defined as the ability to read and write. Then, there is functional literacy, which puts learned skills into practice in everyday life, namely at work, with friends and simply to get by one’s daily routine. It is here that we are severely lacking.

Prof. Kenneth Wain, from the Education Department at the University of Malta, says functional literacy is our survival. “Our economic, political and cultural input depends on it, and without it we cannot operate. We need to ensure that at a basic level, people are applying their reading and writing skills.”

Where high levels of illiteracy exist, there is a barrier to lots of things, “a disability, if you like,” says Prof. Wain. “Literacy is a basic quality of democratic citizenship. If you don’t have it, you cannot make informed choices and cannot voice your needs. Illiteracy diminishes that voice or stops a person from having one at all.”

The importance of reading in our schools, it appears, is shrinking.

Teachers are finding less time to engage children through reading in class and children, in turn, are losing interest in “the book”. Prof.

Wain believes that while the perception of the value of reading has grown, actual reading time has declined because modern culture is predominantly visual and people are also more impatient.

“Literacy is not just a skill – it is a culture: culture of the book and culture of reading. Reading needs to be made as meaningful as possible as it can become boring and repetitive,” he adds.

BOOKS OR TABLETS? In the thick of the general election campaign earlier this year, the mention of introducing tablets into schools was met with mixed reviews. One concern opposing their introduction was that there will be no guarantee the tablets will be used for educational

28 Sunday Circle | May 2013

purposes only and could cause distractions in class. How is it that an overwhelming majority of young people are conversant with technology and gadgets, but are then illiterate?

“There is no automatic link between advancing in technology and advancing in literacy,” says Bartolo. “We are living in a postliteracy age, where the spoken and written word has been replaced by pictures, and we need to contend with that.”

The minister adds that digital literacy is important and one cannot hope to be an active citizen, a worker with employable skills, and an interactive person without a level of literacy in technology. That said, it should not replace traditional literacy foundations. “Digital literacy doesn’t happen automatically; it is important that children are read to and spoken to in the early stages of life.”

Prof. Wain agrees, adding that the impact of technology on literacy “is only relevant depending on the kind of literacy we’re talking about.” If we look at literacy as the ability to send a text message or an email, he says, it narrows our perspective of the meaning of literacy, making it somewhat basic.

“People can be satisfied with that level of literacy alone and I do not want to degrade it, but it stops communication at some point and deadens ambition,” says Prof. Wain. “The use of acronyms in sentences, for instance, has its own use, I suppose, but I don’t think illiteracy in Malta is just about that.”

IT BEGINS AT HOME Social background and upbringing play a part in a child’s interest in school and learning later on in life. Prof. Wain believes family is crucial to the learning process. When children are read to or encouraged to read, the problem is already partly solved, “which means we need to address reading at kindergarten level, otherwise it will be impossible to achieve good literacy levels later on in life.”

Valletta, Merchants Street | Tel. 22584441 Sliema, St. Anne’s Square | Tel. 22584432

SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTION

ok

Tower Road

The Plaza

Bay Street

Zachary St

Arkadia

Daniels

Sliema

Sliema

St Julian’s

Valletta

Gozo

Hamrun

21 322 638

21 315 454

21 377 010

21 227 653

22 103 319

21 233 290

Listed as Stivaletti

SOCIETY The responsibility does not fall solely on the shoulders of the education system, however. “There needs to be a partnership between school and home, where kids are encouraged to speak, think and read. All skills work together and develop together too,” he adds.

Bartolo – who agrees with this premise – adds however, that the people responsible for bettering the education system, himself included, should not put the blame on factors outside of the sphere of education. “Education should be fulfilling irrelevant of a person’s family and background,” he says.

“We need to look at the education process and ask what we are doing right and what we are not doing right for children to enter school at the age of three until the age of 16, and leave school semi-illiterate,” he continues. “Poverty should not be an excuse to justify a bad outcome. Otherwise, 21 per cent of children – the number at risk of poverty – should not even go to school.”

There needs to be a partnership between school and home, where kids are encouraged to speak, think and read THE WAY FORWARD What sort of practical solutions could be done to push through the problem? Bartolo says steps are going to start being taken to put literacy at the top of the country’s national agenda, which includes a literacy unit to create, plan and co-ordinate the implementation of a national strategy to tackle the problem of functional illiteracy head-on.

On even more practical terms, Prof. Wain says simple measures such as assisted reading will go a long way. “Every school should have a library and every classroom too, with policies for their use, times of visiting the library and a scheme for borrowing books,” says Prof. Wain. “Students at university level also need to be encouraged to set time aside for reading.”

At an advanced level, students tend to rely on short-circuit reading, relying on notes rather than books to get through exams. This, he says, does little to encourage a creative culture and resourceful crop of students. “Our students are so silent too. We need to encourage articulation of thought, get them to speak. Reading, writing and speaking cannot be separated.

A national policy needs to interweave all three of these components together.”

The importance of literacy does not only lie in its ability to improve and enrich a person’s life in terms of academic and job fulfilment. Its importance goes way beyond that, best seen in its ability to instil confidence, self-esteem and a pleasing sense of pride. “Literacy affects morale,” says Prof. Wain. “If people are told they’re stupid for not being able to read, write or apply their skills, it kills that morale. Confidence sends you places...” And “places” is precisely where we all want to go.

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 000

HEALTH

MORE FUN IN THE SUN INFRARED RAYS ARE AS HARMFUL AS THE BETTER KNOWN UVB AND UVA RAYS. SKIN SPECIALIST DR OLIVIER DOUCET DISCUSSES LANCASTER’S INNOVATIVE INFRARED TECHNOLOGY...

WHAT ARE INFRARED RAYS AND WHAT EFFECTS DO THEY HAVE ON THE SKIN, PARTICULARLY THAT OF CHILDREN? Light is composed of different rays. There are UVB and UVA rays, but also infrared rays, which have a longer wavelength and make up the largest portion of the solar spectrum. Our recent work and several international university studies have demonstrated the harmful effect of infrared radiation on skin.

Indeed, we have evidenced that UVAs and UVBs were not the only ones responsible for the premature aging of the skin. Due to their longer wavelengths, infrareds reach the deeper layers, the accumulated energy creates free radicals, DNA repair is impaired and cell death is favoured.

And mitochondrial damages are also observed.

Childhood seems to be a period in life when people are susceptible to initiation of latent harmful effects of UV manifest decades later in adulthood. It is said across scientific literature that a significant part of the total lifetime sun exposure will take place before the age of 18.

Epidemiological studies show that frequent sun exposure and sunburn in childhood set the stage of high rate of skin cancer during later life.

In addition, as children have a thinner skin than adults, and because they spend the most part of their time outside, they should be protected not only at beach or the swimming pool, but in every outdoor setting. For all these reasons, children need to be particularly protected from sun exposure even during outdoor activities.

ARE INFRARED RAYS MORE PROMINENT IN THE SUMMER MONTHS? The sun’s angle in relation to the Earth varies according to season. During the summer months, the sun is at a more direct angle. We consider from our researches that infrared protection is required whatever the location or season, but of course, IR damage can be even more harmful at higher temperatures and lower latitudes, like near the equator.

WHAT BENEFITS DOES A GOOD SUN PROTECTION PRODUCT OFFER? Lancaster understands that tan is the result of a good protection. For our customers, the new ideal tan is no longer connected with intense tan.

They are looking for a healthy and moderate tan, careful and respectful of the skin, radiant and progressive. They want to rediscover the pleasure of having a natural tan. That is why Lancaster’s new technology is based on an innovative vision of the ideal tanning. A better tan thanks to a better protection.

HOW CAN WE KEEP OUR CHILDREN’S SKIN PROTECTED THIS SUMMER? Lancaster has made sure that they can provide the very best protection for their little ones’ skin. That’s why the Sun For Kids range integrates the most high-performance UVA and UVB sunscreens, bolstered by powerful Infrared technology. Enriched with Pro-vitamin B5 (Panthenol) – an active ingredient well known in paediatrics for its soothing properties – the formulas also contain moisturizing agents such as glycerol or babassu oil. Water-resistant, anti-sand, and formulated to meet the needs of children – but also to give parents exactly what they are looking for.

ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON ANY NEW PRODUCTS THAT WILL IMPROVE THE SKIN’S PROTECTION AGAINST INFRARED RAYS IN FUTURE? As we’re exposed to the sunlight each time we’re outside and we know that UV and IR are the main causes of skin ageing, so, it would be necessary to be protected from IR, UVB and UVA even with our daily skincare to provide to the skin a complete protection. As the pioneer on IR research, of course, Lancaster is thinking about to extend its unique technology into its skincare formulas.

WHAT IS LANCASTER’S INFRARED TECHNOLOGY AND HOW DOES IT WORK? The Infrared technology works two-fold: it reflects Infrared rays and neutralizes UV and Infrared rays generated-free radicals.

HOW DOES THIS DIFFER TO OTHER SUN PROTECTION TECHNOLOGIES? Our dual approach combining three kinds of physical reflectors, together with our new powerful Antioxidant Complex, has proven to work in synergy and to be more efficient than competitors who only use either reflectors or antioxidants. So, we are the only brand to combine two super-efficient weapons with a proven synergistic action, thanks to our Infrared technology.

32 Sunday Circle | May 2013

Dr Olivier Doucet is the Vice president of Coty’s R&D in Monaco and a EUROTOX Toxicologist Expert. He has more than 80 international publications and oral communication in the field of skin toxicology and skin pharmacology and is a member of the French Toxicology Society, as well as the International Federation Society of Cosmetic Chemists.

PROMOTION

SPLASH SUMMER Colour on the

Hey girls, what are you waiting for? The sun is shining and Sally Hansen is back with a range of hot nail colour to get you into the summer spirit. And while you’re at it, show your nails some extra love with our Miracle nail care products to keep your nails looking great throughout the season.

So pick your favourite colour – or two – and dive into a colourful summer...

Get your nails ready for a fantastic summer with Sally hanSen’S outStanding range of NEW nail colour and care products...

THE FUN STARTS HERE With summer just around the corner there’s nothing that spells out fun more than bright, colourful nails. With an exciting selection of saucy, seductive colours to choose from, Sally Hansen’s nail colour products will make your summer one to remember.

Complete Salon Manicure colours your nails lovingly in a variety of snazzy colours including the latest Kook-a-mango and Jungle Gem shades, with all the benefits of a salon manicure in one sexy bottle: e BASE COAT e STRENGTHENER e GROWTH TREATMENT e COLOUR e TOP COAT e CHIP RESISTANT e GEL SHINE For a more daring palette of colours, check out Sally Hansen’s Extreme Wear Nail Colour Range and prepare to be impressed: nail colour with added shine and protection that will brighten up your day.

MIRACLE IN A BOTTLE Before you splash on the colour, don’t forget to pamper and care for your nails with Sally Hansen’s stellar Miracle nail care products. No woman is complete without Miracle Cure, a nail strengthener that gives your stronger nails, making it easier to apply colour that lasts. If fragile nails are a problem then Miracle Nail Thickener is your best solution, for thicker nails that are less prone to chipping and flaking. And if your nails just won’t grow? Don’t panic – Nailgrowth Miracle is proven to boost nail growth in just a few days so that you can enjoy all the benefits of healthy nails this season.

FREE PAMPERING SESSION Ladies! Treat your nails to a free Sally Hansen mini manicure and consultation at Franks Plaza on the following days: Tues 7th – Fri 10th May; 10:30–1:30 & 17:00–19:00 Sat 11th May; 10:30–14:00

#1 USA Nail Expert Exclusively distributed by Vivian Corporation Tel: 2132 0338 | www.viviancorp.com May 2013 | Sunday Circle 35

IL-PIAZZETTA, TOWER ROAD, SLIEMA SLM1605 – Tel: 21 338 248 - 8, ZACHARY STREET, VALLETTA VLT1131 – TEL: 21 225 342 - ARKADIA-GOZO

FURLA.COM

CULTURE

SPECTACULAR ,

SPECTACULAR Katryna Storace talKS to actor, producer and notte Bianca artiStic director, Sean Buhagiar, aBout cirKu Malta – a new concept .

Show that iS Bringing SoMe Mediterranean flavour to the traditional circuS at the next Malta artS feStival

Photography by Nicky Scicluna Location: Splendid, Valletta

Bring up the circus in any conversation these days and you’re bound to elicit mixed reactions. When the circus comes to town it is met by a wave of resistance from animal rights activists and their supporters. The circus has received lots of bad press in recent years over the captivity and mistreatment of animals, and this has done much to taint the overall reputation of this unique spectacle. Through it all, we have forgotten the childlike pleasure of going to the circus.

Enter Chris Dingli and Sean Buhagiar, the two young men behind Ċirku Malta – a new project that sets out to bring audiences back to the circus. “We want to be spectacular,” says Sean, who is producing. “We want to offer audiences something they’re not used to seeing.” Set to take place in the Ta’ Qali National Park Theatre, the first edition of Ċirku Malta, Darirari, will take place on 9, 11 and 12 July – one of the many highlights of this year’s Malta Arts Festival.

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 37

culture The Malta Circus Project was the brainchild of Chris Dingli, a professional actor, writer and producer. The Malta Arts Festival, says Sean, provides the ideal house for such a project. “The festival’s artistic director, Mario Frendo, was interested in the circus concept, so we set to work to develop it further to be inspired by the Maltese artistic scene.”

Work on Darirari is now well underway, with Chris writing the script and directing, and Sean wearing the producer’s hat. I’m most curious about how the pair have gone about finding circus performers. “We’re currently in the process of contracting some foreign performers,” says Sean. The reason for this, he elaborates, is that at the moment, it is difficult to find professional circus performers locally. “We will need foreign input at first, who will then be able to workshop the local cast and help to train our performers in the long-term,” he says. “For now, we’re trying to form a pool of interested people out of which we’ll pick the supporting cast.”

There will also be traditional circus acts with a Maltese twist – our local traditions presented in a way we’ve never seen them before, using music, digital projections and such Although the show will have foreign participation, Sean assures me that the long-term vision for Ċirku Malta is to create a brand of circus that is specific to Malta – and the Mediterranean. “Circuses around the world are very different. You will get a very different experience from a circus in Belgium to a circus in Italy, for example. Our plan is to have a circus that is particular to us.”

How will Ċirku Malta differ to tradition notions of the circus: big top, jugglers, acrobats, clowns, fire-eaters, ringmaster…? “This is not a circus in the traditional sense,” says Sean. “It’s based on the nouveau cirque concept of circus, with a special focus on the digital, multidisciplinary arts. Contemporary circus is very theatrical – it uses a lot of different art forms. There will also be traditional circus acts with a Maltese twist – our local traditions presented in a way we’ve never seen them before, using music, digital projections and such.”

More importantly, the show will not feature any animals. “We don’t agree with animals in the circus – not even domestic ones,” Sean says adamantly. “I was approached by one person to include horses in the show – but we politely declined.”

38 Sunday Circle | May 2013

BEAUTIFUL GIFTS FOR MOTHER’S DAY INCLUDING GIFT VOUCHERS

MILLA JOVOVICH MARELLA.COM SLIEMA Bisazza Street T 2258 2788

CULTURE With its new take on the much-loved elements of the circus, Ċirku Malta promises to be to be a unique and exciting enterprise. Sean is not one to shy away from enterprise, and has brought the same spirit of innovation to his role of artistic director of Notte Bianca, which he has recently been appointed to.

“The most common reaction I get is ‘you’re crazy’, but I guess I can afford to be a bit crazy,” he laughs. “I’ve always been a dreamer and this job lets you dream and work on what you believe in, and with the people you wish to work with.”

The most common reaction I get is ‘you’re crazy’, but I guess I can afford to be a bit crazy Apart from being a dreamer, however, Sean is also a doer. He has big plans for this year’s edition of Notte Bianca, for which he also has a very clear vision. “It will be a new take on Notte Bianca. We want to maintain the identity of Valletta as an open city of culture, and by culture we don’t mean the arts exclusively, but also the culture of the people,” he says enthusiastically. “The programme will be more focused, including larger-scale projects and a reinterpretation of spaces within the city.”

As the new-kid-on-the-block, what sort of challenges is he up against? “The challenges? It’s not as fun without the challenges,” he says with his characteristic optimism. “There are always challenges when you’re trying to do something new.” Facing up to the professional challenges is something that Sean takes in his stride. Leaving his work behind him at the office, on the other hand, is another matter altogether. “We tend to get too carried away by responsibilities and we forget the simple beauty of, say, going to visit nanna,” he says.

“Sometimes, the biggest challenge is to stop myself planning projects with everyone, even those closest to me.” He pauses and lets out a clownish sigh, then laughs. “I need to learn to juggle.”

The eighth edition of the Malta Arts Festival will be held between 30 June and 14 July 2013, mainly in open-air venues. This year’s programme promises to be more intriguing than ever: there’s the passion of flamenco, a cutting edge visual arts exhibition, Shakespeare’s Globe, harrowingly intimate dance-theatre, bracing brassy music and orchestral concerts... Darirari is one of this year’s two festival commissions and will be held on 9, 11 and 12 July. Listed by the UK Sunday Times Travel section on its “Top 10 opera, dance and arts festivals” taking place across Europe in 2011, the Malta Arts Festival has achieved international recognition. The Festival is a member of the European Festivals Association. Mario Frendo is the artistic director. The Malta Arts Festival is supported by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts. www.maltaartsfestival.org

40 Sunday Circle | May 2013

INTERVIEW

TAILORED TO SUIT Recognised and Respected foR fine tailoRing and quality, Bortex is fast approaching its 50th anniversary.

Martina Said MeetS Managing director Peter Borg Photography by Steve Muliett Setting foot in the Gagliardi showroom in Marsa is a bit like stepping back in time. An old Louis Vuitton luggage sits high up on a shelf, a glittering gramophone rests on a wooden tavolina. Already decked out in chic pieces for the Autumn/Winter collection of 2014, the place is embellished with vintage posters of Cortina, a town in the north of Italy. “It is the theme for our next collection,” says managing director of Bortex, Peter Borg. “Every season we add special touches to the showroom according to a theme.”

Now at the helm of the company for the last 22 years, Peter recounts how his father, Sunny Borg, set out small but made it big in the industry. “My father began manufacturing basic products such as pyjamas and jeans, until he met Hermiel Van Gils, who had a big tailoring business in the Netherlands,” he explains. “They eventually became partners and my father changed the line of products to suits and formal wear. Bortex acquired its start-up, technical know-how and skills from the Dutch.”

And “special touches” they truly are, making Gagliardi – a brand created and designed by Bortex Group – that much more attractive and desirable. The infant brand is the result of many years of work and experience in the field of formal men’s tailoring. Bortex, a company established in 1964, will in fact be marking its 50th anniversary next year.

Peter explains how the partnership went from strength to strength, with factories in Malta employing up to 800 people during the 1970s.

“We would receive the raw materials, manufacture the garments and send them off to the Netherlands. The partnership was good but it made us dependent on one single foreign company.” When the Van

42 Sunday Circle | May 2013

INTERVIEW Gils group encountered difficulties in the early eighties, Bortex suffered too. “My father swore that he would never be so dependent on any one customer ever again, and he set about creating the structures necessary for Bortex to go it alone,” says Peter. Bortex set up its own productdevelopment and pattern-making facilities, a sales and marketing team, and independent sourcing and production-planning design facilities, which would enable it to approach international retail customers directly.

The move paid dividends as Bortex began crossing paths with some big names in the industry, opening new doors and making way for bigger opportunities. Today, the group is active in three areas of business which are run separately, yet complement one another. The largest contributor is still private-label production.

“Bortex develops ranges of products specifically for a particular brand or retailer. We source all the raw materials and make up the garment with the customer’s label and assorted point-of-sale material. We do this for several upmarket brands, many of whom we are contractually bound not to disclose. Just to mention a few of the bigger

ones who do not bind us with confidentiality: Hackett, Jaeger, Charles Tyrwhitt, Austin Reed and Duchamp have all been long-standing customers,” Peter says, “and there are many more”.

The manufacturing process itself, which used to take place here in Malta until quite recently, now takes place in factories overseas: one in Tunisia – which employs just under 700 people, one in Serbia and another in China. “Shutting down the manufacturing plant in Malta and moving production overseas was a very difficult decision, but ultimately it had to be done or we would not be around today,” says Peter. The knowledge base, however, continues to be in Malta, with a team of 120 employees responsible for productdevelopment and design, sourcing, sales and marketing, production-planning and finance.

In a bid to move beyond the limits of privatelabel production, Bortex branched into licensing agreements whereby Bortex can sell branded products directly in partnership with the international brand-owners. In 1995, the company became the European licensee for the Rochas brand, and has along the years secured arrangements with other major names such as Pierre Cardin, Lanificio Flli Cerruti 1881 and Lanificio Ermenegildo Zegna.

The ultimate step in the Bortex struggle against dependence was the creation of its very own brand, Gagliardi. “Having Gagliardi means we have something to call our own. It is not just about making products, but about brand identity, creating concepts, seasonal themes and complete collections,” says Peter. The brand is steadily finding its way into department stores in the UK and Ireland, and there is great interest from many other European retailers and distributors. There is also a state-of-the-art online web store – www. gagliardi.eu – which ships Gagliardi products worldwide. “We are amazed by the reaction there has been to Gagliardi online. We have been shipping garments to customers in Australia, the United States and even parts of Asia, besides the European markets, which were originally our main target markets,” says Peter.

“We kept it commercial, and tried to make the appeal of the clothing as universal as possible,” but the style, he says, is “distinctly Mediterranean” – celebrating all good things Mediterranean: the joie de vivre, the vibrant colours and a laid-back approach to fashion that is still smart and elegant.

Bortex’s expanding retail division now includes seven outlets scattered across the Maltese islands and a number of shop-in-shop initiatives overseas.

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 43

of Handbags&

INTERVIEW

GLADRAGS

InternatIonal lUXUrY handbag desIgner sUnIta MUkhI talks to Martina said about her work, being raised in Malta and how the Maltese Luzzu inspired one of her best designs to date

44 Sunday Circle | May 2013

INTERVIEW Photography by Steve Muliett Styling by Lara-Jayne Bonnici, Mei’s own stylist Make-up by Diandra Mattei Clothes by Mei Location: Westin Dragonara Resort

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 45

INTERVIEW

J

ovial and charming, luxury handbag designer Sunita Mukhi is – put simply – quite a bit of fun. She flits around the room like a delicate creature, talking style and fashion informally with friends and colleagues. Her conversation is animated and sprinkled with the occasional Maltese phrase.

Born to Indian parents, Sunita was raised in Malta until the age of 18, after which she began to travel for work, making her more than familiar with the island’s quirks and perks.

She speaks about her experience here as if she’s never left.

Her frequent visits, perhaps, have helped rekindle fond memories – ones that have been fused into her incredibly unique work. Today, her designs are showcased in the luxurious Landmark and Dorchester Hotels in London, among other high-end locations.

One of her collections titled Evil Eye, for instance, portrays the traditional Luzzu symbol of the same name – a symbol considered to ward off evil while at sea. “The bright and vibrant colors that are the traditional colours of the Maltese Luzzu were inspirational to me to create this collection which is alive with colour.”

She recalls trips to Mellieha bay and picnics at Kennedy Grove with family and friends while growing up. “The annual carnival was also a festival to look forward to and I would eagerly watch from the family textile store in Republic Street.” Sunita went on to get married at the age of 25, which is when she upped and left the island permanently.

Sunita lived between Nigeria and London for nine years, making an annual trip to Malta to visit family, followed by an eighteen-month stint in Mumbai. She then made a permanent move to London in 2011, when her now 12-year-old daughter was of age to start senior school. It is also when her label began to gain momentum.

“I started designing while I was living in Lagos. The textures I was exposed to were beautiful and abundant while the handcraftsmanship was brilliant,” she says. “It was an incredible feeling to translate a design into an actual creation and then wear it and have people admire it and want to wear the same.”

She felt the move to London was a perfect venture for her label. “London is the home of diversity and I do not just mean the range of culture it has to offer. It is a hub for global fashion and trends,” she explains. “It is also a great source of inspiration – the rich history, the incredible architecture and people from all walks of life.”

Sunita confesses she took a liking to fashion and design from an early age, admiring her mother’s creative wisdom, choice of jewellery and accessories and impeccable sense of style.

“This, combined with exposure to my dad’s business, dealing in opulent and luxurious textiles, gave me an insight into the art of creation and how it translates into style and elegance,” she says.

“It was always inside of me but only emerged after I moved away from the family business in Malta and settled in Nigeria.”

What drew her towards designing solely handbags? “I have always been inclined to designing handbags as I feel they are part of a woman’s attire, somehow even more personal than her actual clothes, as they carry her most dear possessions.”

46 Sunday Circle | May 2013

WHERE TRUST IS A TRADITION Monday to Friday open all day 09:30 - 18:30 | Saturday 09:30 - 13:00 Naxxar Road, Iklin (next to Lija roundabout) | T. 2210 5214 | E. gaba@diamonds.com.mt | gabadiamonds.net

INTERVIEW

I have always been inclined to designing handbags as I feel they are part of a woman’s attire, somehow even more personal than her actual clothes, as they carry her most dear possessions

48 Sunday Circle | May 2013

I ask Sunita what she thinks makes her designs stand out in such a competitive industry. “Each of my bags has a story behind it – my Capsule Collection, for instance, celebrates women who have not had an easy time achieving greatness, but even in the face of daunting odds, have still managed to rise to the top.”

Sunita’s designs are also noticeable for their charming character and striking detail. She draws inspiration from different sources and feels she’s embarked on a journey of learning, having amassed invaluable knowledge in the process. “I evaluate my progress by how well received my designs are. As a designer, appreciation of my work is the ultimate success.”

One of the greatest opportunities she’s had thanks to her line of work, she adds, is that of working closely with charities dear to her. “I’ve had the honour of designing individual pieces to auction and raise money for very worthy causes and I would say that this is by far the best opportunity that has arisen from my work as it gives me a chance to give back.”

One of her creations was auctioned at the Pink Ribbon Ball to raise funds for breast cancer research. “This cause is very close to my heart as I lost my mother to breast cancer many years ago.” Having also contributed to numerous other charities, Sunita hopes to set up the SM foundation in the not-so-distant future – to help the elderly who are lonely and vulnerable in their frail old age.

Meanwhile, Sunita will continue to juggle her various demanding roles of a wife, mother and luxury handbag designer. She admits that creating a synergy between these roles can be challenging at times.

“Following the attention I was fortunate enough to receive during London Fashion Week this year, trying to fit everything in can be a bit of a struggle. Although, I would not have it any other way,” she says.

“I love my roles and what I do and my passion is the main drive behind my collections. As Harvey Mackay so aptly put it – find something you love to do and you will never work a day in your life.”

Sunita Mukhi handbags are available from Mei. www.sunitamukhi.com

VISIBLE TRANSFORMATION FROM THE 4TH DAY*** From the 1st month, action on the 4 major wrinkles of the face.**** DERM SOURCE TECHNOLOGY 10 years of research, 7 patents, 6 scientific publications.

TECHNOLOGY

JOIN THE

CROWD

Have you Heard of crowd funding? racHel agius takes a look at how internet users are shaping each other’s businesses and creative pursuits through the power of numbers The web would be nothing without its users. As it went from a primarily academic data transfer system to the ubiquitous presence it has today, anyone with an internet connection can contribute information, images and – perhaps unfortunately – opinions through this digital medium. But what about tangible products and artistic projects?

Crowd funding is, essentially, a very simple idea. New products – anything from a dramatic performance to artisanal beer – need money to go from the drawing board to the consumer.

Typically, the brains behind the product will

seek funding from investors. These are often large commercial entities that have hundreds of similar requests a week. Crowd funding replaces the few corporate investors with the “crowd” – people who are interested in the idea and eager to buy, see, listen to or read the final product. The consumer becomes the investor. The product is the incentive. And the idea is not new. In 1884, the committee in charge of constructing the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty ran out of money. Through a newspaper campaign and the contributions of 125,000 people, the necessary $100,000 was raised in six months.

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 51

TECHNOLOGY Today, several websites allow projects to make their pitch to the audience, often in the form of a video showing the conception, design process and materials needed. The creator sets a funding target, covering production and shipping costs, and a deadline. It is then up to the user to choose how much to pledge. A range of rewards, based on the pledge amount, motivate users to donate and share the project with others. Kickstarter – a crowd funding platform launched in 2009 – reports that about 44 per cent of its projects have been fully funded.

What if the creator doesn’t deliver on a successfully funded project?

Policies differ. Kickstarter relies on the creator’s good faith to refund backers, but there is no obligation to do so. Indiegogo, another platform, has two options available: funds are either kept by the creator or returned automatically to backers if the campaign deadline is reached without successful funding. Sometimes however, it’s not a product per se that users want.

Fans, of anything from TV shows to movie franchises, have an unprecedented level of access to players in the creative industry.

Directors, scriptwriters, authors and actors are just a Tweet away. And while one message may be just a drop in the ocean, if many like-minded individuals make their voices heard, the recipients of those messages are obliged to at least pay attention or come across as being dismissive or indifferent towards fans – a risky PR move.

Fans are increasingly making demands related to the creative structure of their favourite series, books and movies Fans have come to feel entitled to some form of acknowledgement from the makers of their favourite things and they are being indulged in some instances. For example, the TV show Glee recently made reference to the “angry lesbian blogger community” after repeated demands to see the relationship between two female characters evolve. (Whether the blogger community in question approved of the title they were given online sources indicate the contrary is another matter.) Placating fans, angry or otherwise, has become something artists are increasingly compelled to

52 Sunday Circle | May 2013

do, particularly if they have some kind of quota to reach – whether its viewership or financial profit. Although artistic projects are increasingly being run like businesses, with the bottom line being the bottom line and happy fans equal happy consumers, one particular question remains unanswered: how much power should the fans have?

These days, anyone with an Instagram account and a smartphone is considered a “photographer”, and anyone with some latent teenage angst and a word processer is a “writer”. Whether these are visions worth sharing is another matter altogether. As “artists”, these people feel they have the knowledge to critique and involve themselves in the creative process. There is rather a large difference between educated, constructive criticism and the petulant foot-stamping of fans that don’t get their way.

Is that what fans really want? To see their fantasies played out on screen or in text, just the way they want them?

Certainly some fan requests are not unreasonable. For example, a television show purporting to be set in modern day New York would be grossly misrepresenting the city if African American or Asian people were nowhere to be seen. This is a matter of accurate representation. However, fans are increasingly making demands related to the creative structure of their favourite series, books and movies – who should date whom, which actors should play certain parts, how a particular character ought to speak… At what point, though, does the exercise stop being artistically creative and become simply building around a fan-produced blue print?

The web has given everyone an equal voice. Most of what is being said would consider itself lucky to be called drivel (see: the majority of YouTube comments). Still, the tone and form of the dialogue speaks volumes about how people are interacting with their world, either through financial contributions or through simply banding together and speaking as one. While the former might mean that new and useful projects get a chance in the real world market, the latter can be a double-edged sword.

Connecting with art and the people who make it is an exciting and informative opportunity. Attempting to convince the artist by sheer force of numbers, on pain of lost viewers and revenue, to give in to creative direction undermines the integrity of the work, whatever it may be. After all, the most rewarding part of engaging with a creative endeavor is the satisfaction of discovery, the transmission of fears and desires through words or brushstrokes or a silent look between characters on a screen. Without the suspense of unknowing, what would be the point at all?

RiMMELLONDON.COM LiKE uS - RimmelLondonMT

NEW

LASH ACCELERATOR ENDLESS MASCARA LASHES SO LiMiTLESS, THEy DEfy LENgTH. MiCRO-fiBRES + gROW LASH COMpLEx. iNSTANT WOW: LASHES LOOK up TO 99% LONgER. up TO 127% LONgER LOOKiNg iN 30 DAyS!

KATE MOSS wears Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara shade 001, Black Trade enquiries: Vivian Corporation | Tel: 21320338 | www.viviancorp.com

ERY LASH EV

GRA BS

ERY LASH EV

GRA BS

NEVER ENDING LASHES

politics

An essentiAl tool for youth Activism or An expression of the worst politics has to offer? philip leone-Ganado asks: what is the point of student politics?

Photo by Andrew Borg Wirth

While I was a university student I was, quite predictably, a student journalist. But the reality of a small non-residential campus, as I quickly found out, is that there is usually precious little going on, and consequently not much to fill the pages of a glossy magazine. Which is why it was always a godsend when elections for the university student council (KSU) rolled around.

For a few weeks a year, the quadrangle becomes a veritable hive of activity: manifestos are distributed, proposals hotly debated, and debates organised, not to mention an often-stormy Annual General Meeting, and Election Day itself. For a would-be journalist it becomes easy to fancy yourself a young David Frost; for any student the seeming importance of this democratic process becomes all-consuming.

But from the outside the entire affair seems a bit bizarre. We hear next to nothing about KSU or student politics throughout the year, and yet the verve and bitterness with which the students approach it is sometimes startling. One is perhaps reminded of Wallace Stanley Sayre’s old adage: “academic politics are so vicious precisely because the stakes are so small.”

Or it might be tempting to look at student politics as simply a proving-ground for young politicians-intraining, padding out their CV while looking towards a career in national politics.

Certainly there is a substantial list of student politics alumni – Louis Grech, Jose Herrera, Karl Gouder, Francis Zammit Dimech, Marthese Portelli, to name a few – who have gone on to make a name for themselves in national politics.

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 55

POLITICS

Elections. Photo by Andrew Borg

by Mario de Marco in the run-up to the KSU visit us camp a g durin ja Buge as Thom , KSU President

The 1936 Students’ Representative Council, in fact, numbered among its members the future Prime Minister Giorgio Borg Olivier, as well as a young BSc student named Dominic Mintoff.

“Student politics helped me work with others who are not necessarily of the same ideas and beliefs, to monitor the small things which will ultimately affect you and other students, to share ideas and to make my voice heard,” says 23-year-old Nigel Vella, the new Labour Party head of communications, who spent seven years in the social-democrat student organisation Pulse. “Those involved in activism at a young age find it much easier to establish themselves, largely because they’ve already worked in that sort of team dynamic before.”

“You learn how to make the most of limited resources, how to maintain standards and professionalism and how to deal with bureaucracy and delays,” says newly-elected KSU president Thomas Bugeja. Thomas is a 21-year old fifth-year law student, and has already been involved in KSU for three years.

“It takes a lot of time and hard work, and people don’t really appreciate the work you do. But when you complete a project you really feel like you’ve made a difference.”

56 Sunday Circle | May 2013

KSU is fundamentally a student union, and Thomas is adamant that the university and the student body are both better off for having the student council there. “The university tends to enjoy the status quo, so we act as a catalyst and a watchdog, pushing it out of its comfort zone,” he says. “We’ve fostered a relationship that allows us to filter student issues through our know-how and direct them to the right authorities, then follow up to ensure things get done.”

When I put it to him that, in a time when student unions in Europe and the UK are taking to the streets, KSU has been quite docile, he responds that students in Malta simply have less pressing issues facing them, though he concedes that resources and the nature of the system limit its capacity to speak up. “We’re not really representative enough to speak up on policy issues,” he admits.

The exercise of the democratic process helps to make the work done by student representatives more valid, forcing them (if they want to actually win an election) to be innovative and come up with solid proposals, which ultimately benefit everyone. “Active political participation at student level is a value in itself,” says Jacques René Zammit,

Wirth

a lawyer and blogger who served as KSU president in 1998, and played a substantial role in drafting the current KSU statute.

“Politics is about disagreement, confrontation and synthesis, and I believe student politics should, and can, be a fertile ground for that.”

And yet Jacques himself has referred to the current situation as “the complete failure of a project that was (and still is) very close to my heart.” There is a sense that something is rotting at the heart. Thomas, the incoming successor, laments the lack of a healthy democratic culture: “When you lose an election you retreat to your offices until the next year. You’d hope there’d be debates and discussion throughout the year, but in student politics the winner takes all.”

Certainly Thomas would be the first to admit that competing ideologies are no longer the order of the day. Manifestos only play a small part, he says, far more important being popularity and the ability to mobilise supporters fast. “In the past, there have been groups with different ideologies who would have led to different directions for KSU, but that’s just not the case anymore. SDM and Pulse refer to themselves as Christian Democrat and Social Democrat, but that doesn’t make much of a difference.”

SB 30. This next-generation soundbar-speaker system connects directly to your flat-panel TV and delivers an astonishingly realistic 3D surround-sound experience in any size room, thanks to HARMAN Wave surround-mode technology. A 100-watt wireless subwoofer, 13 transducers and 11 amplifiers are built in, so you can enjoy immersive home theater sound without the clutter of speakers and cables.

Discover beauty that next-generation truly speakssoundbar-speaker volumes atsoundbar-speaker harmankardon.com.

SB SB 30.30.

ThisThis next-generation system connects directly system to your flat-panel connects TV anddirectly to your flat-panel TV and

delivers delivers an astonishingly an astonishingly realistic 3D surround-sound realistic 3Dexperience surround-sound in any size room, experience thanks to HARMAN in any size room, thanks to HARM Wave Wave surround-mode surround-mode technology.technology.

A 100-watt wireless A 100-watt subwoofer, 13 wireless transducers subwoofer, and 11 amplifiers 13 transducers and 11 amplifiers © 2012 Inso ternati onalyou Industriecan s,immersive Incorporated.

All righome hts reserved. are are built built in, HARMAN soin, you can enjoy enjoy immersive theater soundhome without the theater clutter ofsound speakerswithout and cables.the clutter of speakers and cab Discover Discover beauty beauty that truly that speaks truly volumes speaks at harmankardon.com. volumes at harmankardon.com.

Harman Kardon is a trademark of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the United States and/or other countries.

The “beautiful/sound” lo©go2012 is a trademark of HARMAN InternatiInternational onalIncorporated.

Industries, AllIIndustries, ncorporated.

Features, specificationsAllandrights appearance are subject to change without notice.

HARMAN International Industries, rights reserved. © 2012 HARMAN Incorporated. reserved.

Harman Kardon is a trademark HARMAN Internationalof Industries, Incorporated, registered inIndustries, the United States and/or other countries.

Harman Kardonof is a trademark HARMAN International Incorporated, registered in the United States and/or other countries.

Available from: The “beautiful/sound” logo is a trademark International Industries, Incorporated.

Features,Industries, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice. and appearance are subject to change without notice.

The “beautiful/sound” logo isof aHARMAN trademark of HARMAN International Incorporated.

Features, specifications

• Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann | Tel: 2137 2663 • Victory Street, Qormi | Tel: 2149 4804 • Bisazza Street, Sliema | Tel: 2131 8941

POLITICS

r Photo by Jean Ebeje

The values of student politics become diluted by the ‘greater cause’ of serving one party or another For Jacques, the source of the malaise is easy to identify. “Students have proven time and time again that it is easier for them to reproduce the polarisation of national PLPN politics than to think outside the box,” he says. “It’s a pity but it’s the truth. The system failed because it tried unsuccessfully to change its users’ mentality.

Instead, careerist tribalism wins hands down.”

“When student politics becomes nothing but a step in a careerist ladder and generates unquestioning yes-men, then you are in danger. The values of student politics become diluted by the ‘greater cause’ of serving one party or another.

It’s not to say that you should not have a future political career in mind but one should not prostitute one’s thinking and duties of representation in favour of the party,” he adds.

The acting out of the democratic process, with consequence, by young and politically aware students is always a good thing.

But it may be valid now to question whether student politics has been subsumed too completely by the values that dominate national partisan politics. And if that is the case, will KSU ever again produce a generation of leaders and free-thinkers? Its new president may provide a useful insight. “Student politics has turned me into a bit of a cynic,” says Thomas. “I won’t rule out entering politics one day, but I’m not so sure.”

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 81

MUSIC

Jazz extraordinaire Sandro zerafa SpeakS to katryna Storace about life aS a muSician in pariS, directing the malta Jazz feStival, and the fine line between elitiSm and Selling-out in Jazz muSic Photography by Steve Muliett -§- Location: Phoenicia Hotel, Floriana The word “jazz” is a somewhat loaded one. Despite its humble beginnings as an underground form of entertainment that took the 1920s by storm, jazz today seems to have been colonised by a class of musical savants, earning it the reputation of being elitist and over-intellectual – a far cry from its more populist origins. Many will forget that jazz started out with its finger firmly on the pulse of contemporary, turn-of-the-century life: throbbing nightclubs packed with flappers and roués moving to the rhythms created by live bands. Jazz was deviance in its most exciting form.

“Contemporary jazz reflects the social context of today,” says Sandro Zerafa, as I pick his brain on the subject of contemporary jazz. Sandro is an accomplished practitioner: a Paris-based jazz guitarist who has performed in various countries around the world and who has also collaborated with some of the greatest names in jazz today. “We cannot ignore what is happening today in the world of jazz,” – something he describes as an exciting fusion of different styles. “At the same time, we must not lose touch with tradition. It’s important to have one foot in the past and one in the future.”

What about the accusation of jazz today appealing only to a niche audience who, so-to-speak, “gets it”? “The social context has changed a lot. The jazz of the 30s, 40s and 50s simply cannot be produced today,” he reflects. “Back then, jazz was the pop music before the advent of rock.

It gradually got more complex and absorbing – and yes, nowadays, jazz has lost much of its original purpose. But even at its most intellectual, jazz always has at its heart a certain free spirit, spontaneity and rhythm.”

It is this spirit of spontaneity that captured Sandro in the first place. Having studied classical guitar from an early age, he made the gradual transition into jazz – with a couple of stopovers in the rock scene on the way. “I played in some rock bands, but jazz struck more of a chord,” he says.

60 Sunday Circle | May 2013

MUSIC

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 61

MUSIC He is also very enthusiastic about the youth participation in the local jazz scene. “I’ve noticed more young musicians taking an active interest in jazz, and this feels great.” It also bodes well for Malta’s jazz scene, which Sandro feels is still in its infancy. “There are some great local musicians who are very promising and are always looking for ways to improve.”

Moving to Paris opened many doors for Sandro, allowing him to earn a living off what he loves doing the most: music. “Paris is quite a tough city. It is big and saturated – but it is a city where a musician can make a living. As with any other city, the quality of living is not so great – living spaces are small and so far removed to what we’re used to,” he says. “But I’m quite happy because I manage to earn a living and support a family from performing and teaching music.”

There is something about jazz... there’s more contact with the audience, more spontaneity in the actual performance...

“There is something about jazz... there’s more contact with the audience, more spontaneity in the actual performance, which corresponds more with my world vision.”

Sandro has also brought this world vision to his role of artistic director of the Malta Jazz Festival – one he has occupied since 2009.

Over the years he has done much to place Malta on the world map for jazz. One of his biggest challenges, he admits, was that of drawing in audiences without sacrificing the integrity of the festival. “Jazz remains a niche art – but there are still ways of concocting a line-up where you can attract people who wouldn’t usually be interested in jazz,” he says. “The festival line-up includes

acts of wider and perhaps lesser public appeal.” In this way, the festival seeks to reach out to those who simply enjoy music in all its forms – and to those with a special understanding and interest in jazz music.

Sandro is unmoveable on this matter. “I think it’s important not to compromise. This is what is happening in jazz festivals around the world. They’re roping in acts that have nothing to do with jazz and it’s resulting in a sort of watered down jazz. I think this is the easy way out,” he insists. ”There’s so much music being produced that still has to be exposed to audiences… You have to be willing to take the risk.”

He admits that this reality was only made possible by his relocation to Paris. Is this an issue that most aspiring local musicians have to face? Sadly, yes. “In jazz, you advance by meeting and sharing experiences with new musicians and by being challenged by people who are better than you. This isn’t present in Malta, unfortunately,” he says. “I am happy to accept that there are some musicians who are happy to collaborate with the same two people over and over – but we must also understand that not everyone is happy with that. Unless a dynamic is created where young local jazz artists can collaborate with a variety of musicians from different horizons, I think there will always be brain-drain in the jazz scene.”

For Sandro, leaving was a necessary leap of faith. “Unfortunately, at this moment and at this stage of my life, I cannot do the things I’m doing in music in Malta,” he says. All things considered, however, the ties that bind are hard to break. “I do miss Malta. After all, it is the country where I spent the first 21 years of my life. Part of me is very much attracted to the rhythm of life here. I always feel like I am torn between two worlds, and one day, one of them will win...”

This year’s Malta Jazz Festival will run from Thursday 18 to Saturday 20 July in the open-air setting of Ta’ Liesse. The line-up includes the Grammy-award winning Robert Glasper Experiment and two-time Grammy award nominee Gerald Clayton with his Trio, both of whom will perform on Thursday 18. Jazz singer Gregory Porter and Grammynominated composer-pianist Vijay Iyer will perform on Friday 19 July while multi-Grammy award winner and internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Michel Camilo will be back in Malta on Saturday 20 July. Gilad Hekselman will also perform with his Quartet on the same night. The Maltese acts will include the festival’s former artistic director Charles “is-City” Gatt with his vibraphone quintet on Thursday 18, Walter Vella quartet on Friday 19 and Cusp on Saturday 20. In the days preceding and following the festival, a number of events – including masterclasses and open-air concerts – will also be held. This – “Jazz on the Fringe” – will also include the first editions of the Malta Jazz Contest and The Malta Summer Jazz Camp. The Malta Jazz Festival is supported by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts. www.maltajazzfestival.org 62 Sunday Circle | May 2013

SWEATER

22

.99€

SHOP AT MANGO.COM TIGNE, THE POINT VALLETTA, BRITTANIA CENTRE

BRING ON THE SPRING Style bloggerS and beSt friendS Claire galea, niCole farrugia and Sandro rizzo hit the high Street for a touCh of Shopping and dining, bringing you their favourite lookS thiS SeaSon...

SANDRO: mASSimO Dutti cAmel SweAteR OAkley wAyfAReR SuNglASSeS* *SuNlAB

NicOle: mASSimO Dutti leAtHeR JAcket ARmANi JeANS SpOtteD SHiRt, cAvAlli SquARe SuNglASSeS*

clAiRe: mASSimO Dutti StRipeD tOp, ARmANi JeANS lAce JAcket, mASSimO Dutti plAiteD Belt, pilgRim RiNg & BRAcelet*, micHAel kORS wAtcH*, cONveRSe metAl fRAme SuNglASSeS*

STYLE If there is anything better than summer, it’s summer arriving early. A lot of you might not agree – I know for a fact that some people absolutely adore the rain, and others prefer lower temperatures for various reasons. Claire belongs to the latter part of the population, because she’s a firm believer in the church of layering. I tend to disagree, but only to a certain extent. I am not well-equipped for quasi-zero conditions. Then again, who on our blessed island is?

Let us introduce ourselves. We are a trio of fashion lovers but, more importantly, best friends who go by the name of The Clouded Revolution. “Why the name?” you might think. “Do not ask,” we might answer. It’s a very brief but quite illogical story, and we’ll leave it at that. We met at Sixth Form, when Claire and Nicole were in their second year, and I, Sandro, was a wee little NICOLE

SANDRO

66 Sunday Circle | May 2013

bug crawling around the first-year corridors. What struck me and many other people was how stylish Claire and Nicole were, and that is how our relationship came to be. For some, it might seem like a trivial point to build a friendship on, but with a general lack of wands and rampaging trolls in wrecked bathrooms, we had to make do.

We lead quite different lives. Nicole works in marketing and Claire in architecture, while my interests lie in the realm of languages.

Fashion and, more importantly, style is what brought us together and what led us to start our long-overdue blog called The Clouded Revolution (we did warn you not to ask, didn’t we?).

CLAIRE

STYLE

CLAIRE: CAVALLI SUNGLASSES* SANDRO: OAKLEY WAYFARERS* *SUNLAB

Before that, we worked together on styling shoots for the student magazine, The Insiter, and we had some of the best moments of our lives lugging bags of clothes and accessories around while incredulous onlookers processed the sight of three young adults with seemingly bottomless bank accounts. Truth be told, we never did anything not to encourage the idea.The start of our blog meant not only sharing the fruits of our previous work with the internet, but also our personal take on fashion. We document our own outfits, in the hopes of inspiring at least one person who is trapped inside that nightmare known as “staring cluelessly at your wardrobe”.

SWATCH KOI FISH WATCH* *SUNLAB

SANDRO: HARMONT & BLAINE CHAMBRAY PATCHES SHIRT ESPRIT BLUE TROUSERS, OAKLEY WAYFARER SUNGLASSES*, SWATCH KOI FISH WATCH* NICOLE: MASSIMO DUTTI LEATHER JACKET, MASSIMO DUTTI HENLEY SHIRT, HARMONT & BLAINE PRINTED PALAZZO PANTS, CAVALLI PRINTED CATEYE SUNGLASSES*, PILGRIM STATEMENT NECKLACE*, ALDO CHAIN RING/BRACELET, ALDO SNAKESKIN WEDGES CLAIRE: CAVALLI CATEYE SUNGLASSES, MASSIMO DUTTI MAXI DRESS, MASSIMO DUTTI LEATHER JACKET, ALDO WHITE WEDGES, FOSSIL NEON BAG*, PILGRIM GEM BRACELET & RING* *SUNLAB

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 67

STYLE

Spring has come a-callin’, with the sun becoming less antisocial and the wind slowly bowing out of the scene. Claire, Nicole and I like to meet up at least once a week for lunch, which almost always turns into a photo op for our blog. This time around, we are going to show you three outfits each which can help you segue into the hotter end of the climatic spectrum.

CLAIRE: ARMANI JEANS WHITE LACE JACKET, MASSIMO DUTTI STRIPED TOP, HILfIgER DENIM SKINNY JEANS, MICHAEL KORS WHITE STRAP WATCH*, PILgRIM gEM RINg*, PILgRIM gEM BRACELET* *SUNLAB

68 Sunday Circle | May 2013

STYLE NICOLE: massImO duttI LEathEr bag, aLdO brOwN OmbrE COurt shOEs, EsprIt strIpEd skIrt, massImO duttI paIsLEy tuNIC, CavaLLI squarE suNgLassEs* *suNLab

The key to dressing for spring is lighter fabrics. Knitwear, wool, cashmere all give way to cotton, linen and silk, which also add to the visual effect in that these less cumbersome textures are better suited for the playful breezes of springtime.

So now that the number of layers is decreasing, how can you up the ante in the style department? The answer lies in colour and print, grabbing attention via brighter hues and eye-catching patterns.

Mixing prints is one great way of doing so, as Nicole demonstrates in her paisleyshirt and striped-skirt combo. If mixing patterns is too high-risk, then selecting one item in a beautiful print is the way to go. Claire’s jacket and Nicole’s palazzo pants are not only great examples of working patterns into your wardrobe but also of adding interest to any look by going for non-conventional shapes and cuts. Pairing palazzo pants with wedges can give you legs for days.

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 69

STYLE

The same applies for men. If patterns are too garish for your liking, then you can go down the colour route. A pop of red by way of stylish yet classic footwear, or a white pair of trousers in a great fit, or a shirt in multiple, subtle colours are surefire ways of making you stand out in the crowd without evoking the spirit of carnival in the process.

SANDRO: ARMANI JEANS PRINT SHIRT, MASSIMO DUTTI WHITE TROUSERS, SKAGEN GOLD WATCH*, HARMONT & BLAINE HOLD-ALL *SUNLAB

SHOES: ALDO BOAT SHOES ALDO STUDDED MINT FLATS

70 Sunday Circle | May 2013

STYLE

DELICIOUS ITALIAN CUISINE AT Fratelli la buFala

A meeting between the three of us wouldn’t be complete without wonderful food. Italian cuisine was the choice for our rendezvous this month, the culmination of which was found at Fratelli La Bufala at Tigne Point. If there’s one thing that lifts my spirits apart from clothes, it’s heavenly dishes. Pizza, pasta and fantastic desserts – it’s a pity you cannot marry food; I’d be wearing the ring with pride!

See you next month...

Love CNS x

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

ALL ITEMS AVAILABLE FROM MASSIMO DUTTI . ARMANI JEANS . ESPRIT . HILFIgER DENIM . SUNLAB . ALDO . HARMONT & BLAINE AT THE POINT, TIgNE SLIEMA

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 71

STYLE

OFF THE RAIL

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) ARMAnI JEAns bOwLER bAG - FOssIL nEOn bAG* - HILFIGER DEnIM FLORAL sHIRT - MAssIMO DuTTI sTRIpED sHIRT - ALDO sTATEMEnT nEckLAcE - HARMOnT & bLAInE wHITE TEE - cAvALLI cATEyE sunGLAssEs* - pILGRIM sTATEMEnT nEckLAcE* - HARMOnT & bLAInE pOLO sHIRT - HILFIGER DEnIM FLORAL sHORTs - EspRIT GREEn OMbRé swEATER - HILFIGER DEnIM sTRIpED sHORTs cOnvERsE METAL FRAME sunGLAssEs* - EspRIT sALMOn TEE - EspRIT FuscHIA DREss

*sunLAb

72 Sunday Circle | May 2013

Com ing Soon

SEX & RELATIONSHIPS

GO ON, SEXT ME

Sexting iS On tHe RiSe. BUt WHAt MAY SeeM LiKe A harmless game to most teenagers CoUlD haVe REAL-LIFE CONSEQUENCES, AS MARIELLA CAMILLERI FINDS OUT Strip, pose, click and share: welcome to the world of sexting – the space where teenagers as young as 13 pass on explicit images or videos of themselves through mobile phones. Despite the obvious cyber hazards – pictures could circulate rapidly or end up on social networking sites like Facebook and Ask FM – many teenagers still fall into the sexting trap.

The craze – which emerged in the UK around 2009 – is also common among local teens. According to internetsafety101.org, a site that promotes online surveillance, 24 per cent of teens aged 14 to 17 have been involved in some type of naked texting, either by mobile or other internet devices.

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 77

SEX & RELATIONSHIPS

REALITY BIT

ES

A research revealed th conducted by UK chil e following d facts about ren’s charity BeatBull • 38% of B ying has sexting: or emails. ritish teens have rece ived sexuall y explicit te • 70% of y xts o u n g p e o ple who rec the sender. eived explic it message • 25% of m s knew boyfriend o essages were from a r girlfriend and just 2%friend, 23% from a c • Of the 25 urrent from adults . were issue % who received an o d via mobil e phone. ffensive sexual image , 55%

Most teenagers don’t think about the dangers of sexting, says psychotherapist Mariella Dimech. “Many are swept into the moment, often believing that exposing themselves will lead to positive results.” Sexting is done for a variety of reasons: experimentation, manipulation, excitement a nd peer pressure, just to mention a few.

Emma*, 15, who has seen several friends succumb to sexting, thinks that the trend is on the increase. “I know many girls who have sent sexy pictures or videos to their boyfriends, without thinking of the outcome. Many times, after a break-up, the guys will post these photos on the net as a form of revenge, and all hell breaks loose.”

For boys, sexting is better than porn because the pictures belong to girls from their circle The case with sexting is highly complex. Some share pictures hoping to please someone special, others expose themselves in the hope of gaining popularity. Occasionally, teens fool around by sending explicit images to a friend, strongly believing that the picture will remain a secret between two.

To confound matters, the boys collect these images on their mobiles, as a form of sexual conquest. “For boys, sexting is better than porn because the pictures belong to girls from their circle – they trade the photos just like ordinary game cards,” says Emma. “Girls also collect these images; however, they tend to do so for blackmail purposes.”

78 Sunday Circle | May 2013

While sexting can occur in both sexes, girls seem to be more at risk. Pictures and videos vary greatly: some show girls in sexy underwear, others appear topless; the very daring appear completely nude. Lack of maturity and today’s advanced technology, says Mariella, create the perfect storm. “These pictures are snapped and posted via mobile within seconds, and the speed does not allow teens enough time to think about the consequences of their actions.” Pictures spread rapidly, because youngsters are naturally curious about nudity.

“Sexting leads to unexpected results,” she continues. “Girls who sext are commonly treated as sex objects – they also realise that instead of being admired by their friends, they begin to feel ridiculed. Sadly, when pictures go viral, extreme shame and regret take over. Fear that their pictures will be discovered by their parents also causes lots of distress.”

These days, possibly through media exposure, society has become less scrupulous towards sex and nudity; however, discovering these images is always a crushing experience for parents. Dr Jacqueline Azzopardi, a criminologist at the University of Malta with a special interest in cyber-crime, says that although adolescents might require stronger morals to survive within today’s social climate, it is irrational thinking that leads them to pose and share these images.

“Teenagers will remain fun-seeking and adventurous. If advanced technology was present in the 80s, even teens from strong catholic families would have been caught sexting. Today’s youths sit in front of a monitor, clicking away on their keyboard in the perceived safety of their home and this gives them a false sense of security,” she says.

Very often, young people are misled into believing that the law doesn’t prosecute against sexting. Criminal lawyer Daniela Mangion says that although there are currently no regulations against sexting, pornography and indecent exposure are both

SEX & RELATIONSHIPS offences punishable under the criminal code, and that sexting can fall within the parameters of these laws.

Fortunately, research suggests that there is a drop in the number of individuals who sext past the age of 18. Mariella says that once maturity kicks in, many become aware of the dangers associated with sexting, and only those with other psychological issues will go on to share these images into adulthood.

Still, certain mistakes may last a lifetime. Images that hit the net become openly available to anyone, and could hinder one’s future chances of professional and personal success. Sexting could also lead to online bullying, thus increasing the chances of depression and, in some cases, even teenage suicide.

Mariella says that new hazards call for open communication between parents and children. “Teens need to be educated about sex and online safety, before being handed a mobile phone. Parental monitoring could also decrease the chances of teens encountering material which could have a disturbing effect on their minds.”

Parents and schools need to work together to create awareness and educate youngsters against behaviour which could lead to negative – even tragic – results. Mariella says that if teens understood the dangers behind sexting, many would refrain from participating in such a precarious game. Ultimately our role as a society is to bring matters forward, and work to prevent hazards that threaten the safety of the younger generation. *Names have been changed

80 Sunday Circle | May 2013

SEXTING, MINORS AND MALTESE LAW Criminal Lawyer Daniela Mangion explains that in terms of the Maltese Criminal Code, minors under 14 years shall be exempt from criminal responsibility, for any act or omission done without mischievous discretion. However, in either case, the Police may file an application before the Court, summoning the parent or person responsible for the minor to appear before it. If the fact allegedly committed by the minor is proved, the Court may bind such parent or person responsible for the conduct of the minor, under penalty for noncompliance, of a sum of not less €11.65 and not exceeding €232.94. In addition the parent may be punished if it is proven that the act could have been avoided by diligence.

On the other hand, minors between nine and 15 who have committed an offence acting with a mischievous discretion, shall be liable on conviction to the punishments established for contraventions unless the Court deems it fit, given the particular circumstances of the case to apply the punishment laid down for the offence in question decreased by three degrees, provided that in no case may the punishment exceed four years imprisonment. In the case of minors between the age of 14 and 18 years, the punishment applicable to the offence shall be reduced by one or two degrees.

1

Hear more of everything you watch on TV

One speaker

means no clutter or extra wires.

One connection to your TV and one plug to the wall. That’s it.

One solution

NEW from Bose

that fits neatly under your TV*.

the Solo TV sound system One speaker that delivers the sound details most flat-panel TVs can’t reproduce.

You may not be hearing the world of sound trapped within your favourite TV programmes because most flat-panel TVs speakers simply can’t reproduce all that depth and detail. To solve this problem, we’ve developed the Bose Solo TV sound system to dramatically improve the audio quality of everything you watch on TV. Hear ®

the Solo TV sound system for yourself and discover how Bose can reveal the sound details that your flat-panel TV can not.

*The Bose Solo TV sound system is designed for TVs with bases that are no wider than 51 cm and no deeper than 26 cm. Most TVs up to 32” (81 cm) and many 42” (101 - 106 cm) TVs meet these requirements. ®

Visit us for a demonstration!

Doneo, Mountbatten Street, Hamrun. Tel: +356 21 230 741, Fax: +356 21 230 735. info@doneo.com.mt. www.doneo.com.mt

CLIFF

SPORTS

R E G N HA

Martina Said SpeakS to cliMbing SuperMan Stevie Haston about tHe tHrills of scaling vertiginous heights in the rough terrains of Malta and gozo Photography by Steve Muliett

From a distance, Stevie Haston is a moving yellow speck on a towering grey slab that stands majestically at Daħlet Qorrot in Gozo. Every step upwards looks miniscule, almost untraceable.

From closer proximity, however, every move is a powerful spurt of energy – a move skyward, to climb higher, with the ultimate aim of conquering that rock by getting to the top.

“You can’t get much better than this really – blue skies, greenery, flowers and sun,” says Stevie, who, at 56, ranks as the world’s number one climber of his age. “The weather is great and the rock here is beautiful, so I keep coming back.” Back to climb, that is, and back to his roots. Stevie’s first ever climb was in fact at Daħlet Qorrot. Born to a Maltese mother and Scottish father, he lived in Gozo with his grandfather as a child, sent over by his parents for constantly getting into trouble in London. They used to go fishing together, sometimes climbing over small cliffs and rocks to get to discreet locations on the island. “This is how I grew up, seeing this scenery. It was normal for me to be on cliffs.”

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 83

SPORTS The adventure was thrilling for a young Stevie. Upon returning to the UK to attend school, he became active in a variety of sporting activities, but it was climbing that captured him most. He became immersed in the sport in a technical way from the age of 14 onwards, climbing in the French Alps as early as 16. Stevie went on to climb several times in extreme locations, including spots in the US and the Himalayas.

As in many kinds of sport at a professional level, Stevie says that climbing is not just about physical strength and agility. But when it comes to focus and concentration, it is pretty much in a league if its own.

One skill that any climber must develop, for instance, is fear management. Fear of heights, that is? “The fear of heights is nonsense – the fear of falling is real,” says Stevie. “I’m not scared of heights, but I do still have a fear of things that can hurt me, which are very real fears. Managing fear is something you learn through experience.”

Experience is also what will take you from a basic climb in Gozo to the Himalayas. Simon Alden, president of the Malta Climbing Club (MCC) and a climber with over 30 years of experience, says there are lots of prestigious climbing spots scattered around Malta and Gozo, many of which were scouted and routed by Stevie himself and are of various difficulty levels.

“We look for solid rock – the higher and steeper, the better,” says Simon. “The steeper the rock, the more strength, skill and technique you need to get to the top.

Height isn’t always important – some routes are just five or six metres high, but they can still be very difficult.”

Once a rock is evaluated as good for climbing, a route is devised along that rock, which consists of a line of bolts onto which a climber hooks their rope. The rope attached to the climber’s harness is held by a “belayer”, who stands on the ground and holds the rope for security. In the eventuality that a climber slips and falls off the rock, the rope locks, leaving the climber suspended to find his feet again.

“Sports climbers fall on a regular basis,” says Simon. “There is a secure system of protection through the use of expansion or resin bolts, ensuring such falls are safe and short. In fact, there is a saying that ‘if you’re not falling, you’re not climbing hard enough’,” he laughs.

84 Sunday Circle | May 2013

SPORTS How fit do you need to be to start climbing? Fitness is paramount, they explain, as even at a basic level, a climber needs to be able to pull their own weight, be co-ordinated and flexible. But beginners can start getting fit simply by attempting easy routes. “When you move to a higher level, however, the physical and psychological aspects are huge,” says Stevie. “When you’re up there without a rope or with just a rope, the higher you climb, the less you want to continue climbing. But you push yourself to continue going higher.”

I repeat the “without a rope” part in my mind – does he really mean climbing cliffs without any form of protection? It seems so. “I have been in risky situations in the past,” says Stevie, “but climbing is as safe as the person who does it. It’s like driving – you have to be sensible. I’ve been climbing for 44 years, and so have my wife, children and grandchildren...” he trails off. Evidently, they’re all still around to tell the tales.

The health benefits of climbing are also significant, and both Simon and Stevie are interested in encouraging locals to get moving and attempt climbing.

86 Sunday Circle | May 2013

The MCC, set up by Simon in 2010 to promote and develop the sport and to attract foreign climbers to Malta, is often on the lookout for new locations and members.

“Our objective is to promote climbing both locally and overseas, and above all, have a good time while promoting safety and good practices. We feel that climbing in Malta definitely has the potential to be much bigger and more popular than scuba diving in touristic terms. “Luckily for us, soon after we set up the club we reached an agreement with Sliema Venture Scout, my old scout group, to help them complete their indoor climbing wall project. This way, our members can climb and train together and meet socially.”

Both in their 50s, Stevie and Simon are energetic and full of enthusiasm for the sport. They tell me climbing has a way of slowing down the ageing process. “You can still climb at the age of 85 if you’re up for it,” Stevie explains. “As soon as you stop doing things you get old – so the answer is to not stop at all. You’ve got to keep going.”

Visit www.maltaclimbingclub.com for more information.

DAILY VITAMINS with precious skin vitamins meets the most different demands of skin.Whether moisture or protection, detoxification or anti-aging effect – this vitamin skincare line from SANS SOUCIS has the right care for anybody.

The DAILY VITAMINS skincare line: DAILY VITAMINS MOISTURE PLUS Multi-Protection 24-h Moisture Care DAILY VITAMINS SENSITIVE DETOX Gentle 24-h Care DAILY VITAMINS ANTI AGE ANTI-OX Firming 24-h Care” 12632BCG_SS_Launch_Daily-Vitamins_Backcard_Englisch_rz.indd 1

Distribution By: Noriva Ltd | Tel: 2141 3112, 2123 7351, 2131 3909 | Email: info@noriva.com.mt | Web: www.sanssoucis.com

16.10.12 10:44

Kitchens to make your heart sing

25% discount on all Kitchens this May

Mill Street, Qormi | 2278 2000 | www.joinwell.com.mt

HERITAGE

From extravagant necklaces and cuFFs to staggering stones set on rings – there is nothing ordinary or plain about the marvellous jewellery worn by the Maltese throughout the ages Text by Martina Said -§- Photography by George Scintilla Information courtesy of Francesca Balzan / Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti A collection of 550 historic jewellery pieces gleam behind glass showcases at the Casino Maltese in Valletta. Some are small and subtle, others so large that they verge on bizarre. But each piece tells a story – one that is historically rich and part of Malta’s heritage.

Patrimonju Malti has built an enviable reputation for putting together one-of-a-kind exhibitions that shed light on an aspect of the arts or decorative arts, giving the public the chance to see all this under one roof.”

Vanity, Profanity and Worship: Jewellery from the Maltese Islands is a remarkable exhibition bringing together pieces from a variety of jewellery collectors, ranging from the 17th to 20th century. It is the collaborative effort of three years worth of research and work, offering insight into a largely unexplored area of the island’s history.

The exhibition set-up is unique, as it is divided into rooms according to a theme, each room designed in a way that is relevant to the jewellery it exhibits. It begins with a room dedicated to protective amulets, followed by devotional and secular pieces of the 17th and 18th centuries, local filigree work, the 19th century introduction of new materials and styles and lastly modern and contemporary pieces. Here’s a deeper look at some of the most historically remarkable pieces of the exhibition.

“We’ve brought out items which have never been seen in public,” says exhibition curator Francesca Balzan, an art historian who specialises in the history of jewellery in Malta. “Fondazzjoni

ARCHITECTURAL BEAUTY One of the most celebrated of the international jewellery designers was Andrew Grima, the grandson of Maltese architect Andrea Grima – whose works include the design of the Msida church.

Ring , Gold, diamond, emerald crystal, 21mm (dia.) c.1960s, London, England Andrew Grima (Private Collection, Malta)

His style revolutionised post-war British jewellery design, and he was almost immediately patronised by royalty and international celebrities. His style is characterised by free-flowing shapes and uncut stones and his hallmark touches include bars of metal soldered together, asymmetrical forms and unusual contrasts of gems and shapes drawn from nature.

The featured ring is typical of his style, constructed as it is from textured bars of gold, resembling tree bark, in an asymmetrical shape, and mounted with an uncut emerald which shows the precious gem’s natural beauty to great advantage. As though to emphasise its raw nature, a small brilliant cut diamond is put beside the emerald, creating a contrast in colour, size and cut.

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 89

HERITAGE

TALE OF A DOUBLE THEFT Necklace of St Ursula. Painted miniatures, gold, silver-gilt, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, various other gems, glass, rock crystal, enamel. Necklace: 23 x 348mm, Pendant: 32 x 16mm Gozo Cathedral Chapter Collection

It is popularly held that the necklace of the bust reliquary of St Ursula was given by Fra Eugenio Ramirez Maldonado, Governor of Gozo, to the Matrice in 1614. It is believed the necklace was stolen twice and twice recovered; the first time from the pocket of a man who had hanged himself, and the second time, around 1920, from a shop where the thief had traded it in.

The necklace consists of a series of painted miniatures each depicting a saint or holy image, and repeated on the other side of the central medallion, framed under domed

glass or crystal, in a gemmed surround interspersed with gemmed links. The close back silver-gilt setting is engraved with floral motifs. The pendant at the front, although an old element, is completely unrelated to the necklace, and is possibly Spanish dating to the 17th century.

The clasp which connects both ends together is made of a different colour of gold, and was clearly made later, possibly connected with the last plague epidemic that was raging in Gozo around 1813, localised to the village of Xagħra.

THE GOLDEN SCARAB This parure includes a bracelet, brooch and earrings and features micro-mosaic scarabs in the Egyptian revival taste, popular in the late nineteenth century. This motif also became fashionable in Malta where it was dubbed “tad-dubbiena�, probably because the Maltese likened what they saw as a winged insect to a fly.

The production of micro-mosaic panels, made up of hundreds of miniscule tesserae of glass, was a specialty of Rome. The style was in increasing demand and began

being imported from Rome and mounted in raised gold mounts decorated with classical motifs of vines and scrolling tendrils.

This parure is a rare survival in a complete or almost complete state. Of further relevance is the fact that the gold mounts of this parure were made by Francesco Meli, one of the best-known and most prolific goldsmiths in the second half of the 19th century in Malta.

Vanity, Profanity & Worship: Jewellery from the Maltese Islands is being held at the Casino Maltese, Valletta until 26 May 2013. Open every day from 10am to 6pm and until 9pm on Fridays.

Last entries are one hour before closing time. Visit www.patrimonju.org for more information.

90 Sunday Circle | May 2013

Earrings: 54 x 26mm 1874, Rome (micromosaic), Malta (gold mounts) Francesco Meli (gold mounts) (Private Collection, Malta)

dresses AvAilAble in sizes 8 to 22

57/64, Old Bakery Street, Valletta | Tel: 2123 0506 | 9926 3720 | Email: paulmusu@hotmail.com Facebook: TangoBoutiqueMalta | Website: tangoboutiquemalta.com

PROMOTION

TREASURE OF OUR SEAS Deep beneath the MeDiterranean waters lives the Magnificent noble pen shell. recent stuDies by Mepa are showing that huMan activity anD environMental changes, however, are enDangering the future of this enDeMic species

Our seabed is an exciting world where plants and creatures co-exist in a unique ecosystem. Sometimes, however, this delicate balance is upset by external factors, threatening to wipe-out or significantly decrease, some of the rare and incredible species that inhabit these underwater ecosystems. The Noble Pen Shell – or Pinna nobilis – is one such species. A marine mollusc resident to the Mediterranean seabed, the large shell is victim to anchoring, some fishing activities, marine pollution, illegal collection and damage to its natural environment.

what is the Pinna nobilis ?

Reaching an incredible average of 120 centimetres in length, the Noble Pen Shell In-nakkra tal-ħarir – is one of the largest bivalved shellfish in the world. Brown in colour, the shell is composed of two identical halves that are hinged together. The Noble Pen Shell generally inhabits the Posidonia meadows so common to the Mediterranean underwater landscape. It is a stationary shell that anchors itself to the seabed by means of silky filaments that act as roots. It is also somewhat difficult to spot, as it is usually hidden within the leaves of the Posidonia.

Mepa’s initiatives

Photo by Jose Garcia

Over the past forty years, the Pinna nobilis has been declining. The main factors for this decline may include anchoring, marine pollutants, certain fishing operations and degradation of its preferred environment, the sea grass meadows.

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 93

PROMOTION Through EU funds granted under INTERREG IIIC, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority prepared a protocol which outlined the methodology that should be used when studying Pinna nobilis populations. This protocol, which has been shared with other Mediterranean countries, enables ease of comparison between different Pinna nobilis populations that are studied.

MEDPAN PROJECT MEPA is currently implementing a project, MEDPAN North, approved under the EU MED programme in April 2010, to be implemented over a timespan of three years. MEPA has been allocated a budget of €142,000 – 15 per cent of which will be provided by MEPA as co-financing. One of the activities carried out under this project is to study and research Pinna nobilis populations in further detail. This study will also help us to gain a better understanding of the Noble Pen Shell and the factors that are threatening its existence. So far, MEPA has been active in creating and distributing promotional material to the general public, fishermen and boatmen as part of their widespread educational campaign. A quiz competition is being held on Facebook in the coming weeks and great prizes can be won.

Photo by Anna Degiorgio

FACTS & TIPS • If you see the Noble Pen Shell, don’t touch it!

• Divers and snorkellers should watch their finning and avoid kicking a Noble Pen Shell.

• It is protected through the Environment and Development Planning Act, the Bern Convention, the Barcelona Convention and the EU Habitats Directive.

• Anyone caught picking up a Noble Pen Shell – dead or alive – is liable to prosecution. It is equally important for empty shells to be left on the seabed.

• MEPA has also taken extra measures to protect the Pinna nobilis through designated Marine Protection Areas.

• Boats should avoid anchoring on Posidonia sea grass meadows.

• Fishermen should avoid setting trammel nets in areas where this species is likely to be found.

• Any illegal gathering of Pinna nobilis can be reported on 9921 0404.

94 Sunday Circle | May 2013

Photo by Jose Garcia Programme MED – MEDPAN North Cohesion Policy 2007 - 2013 Europe in the Mediterranean This project is being co-financed by the European Union European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Co-financing rate: 85% EU Funds; 15% National Funds Investing in your future

BEAT THE TIME

& WATCH RIHANNA LIVE IN CONCERT!

Visit any of our outlets and with every €30 spent, you will enter in with a chance of winning a free trip to Birmingham, UK, including flights, taxes, accommodation and tickets to watch Rihanna live in concert at the LG Arena this July.

Just visit our Facebook page - Bigbon Franchise -

after your purchase and tell us how much you know about Rihanna in the shortest possible time.

Competition kicks off on Tuesday 7th May 2013.

MEN & WOMEN

MEN & WOMEN

Sliema • Embassy, Valletta

The Point, Tigné • Valletta • Paola

Terms and conditions can be found on the Facebook competition page.

LIKE

BIGBON FRANCHISE

LITERATURE

DESIRE LINES sex, drugs and poetry: young writer marie gion’s debut collection of poems explores the darker aspects of youth culture

When a book confesses itself so candidly from its title, it becomes difficult to ignore. This is indeed the case with Marie Gion’s Għax id-Drogi Sbieħ. A selfpublished collection of confessional poems, this is the young writer’s first foray into the public sphere – and quite a bold one at that.

“My choice of title was very deliberate,” says Marie, as we discuss the book over a quiet drink on a sunny afternoon – “it was my aim to provoke.” In this, she is right: for many, the direct reference to drugs will be reason enough to pay attention to – or ignore completely – Għax id-Drogi Sbieħ.

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 97

LITERATURE

“

I wanted outsiders to understand people who live the lifestyle and who do drugs

“I wanted to depict youth culture because I think it is usually misrepresented locally – in books, in the media… I wanted to represent the other side of the story, without moralising.”

Marie’s poems offer an insider’s view into the titillating world of youth, sex and drugs, and all the emotions that surround them. From “cocktail biex tiġi stilla” and “il-hippies kontra l-grunge (u n-nies tat-techno)”, to “il-pjaċir li jagħtik biss il-ġisem” and “naqgħu fid-dnub”, Marie cuts no corners. This is no tourist-trap tour of today’s youth: Għax id-Drogi Sbieħ is the real, off-the-beaten-track, deal.

Writing, she explains, has always been something she has loved to do, ever since her childhood. She penned most of the poems in the collection in May last year, with no particular direction in mind. “I felt I had good ideas and I didn’t want them to escape 98 Sunday Circle | May 2013

me, so I’d write them down. The poems kept accumulating and suddenly, they were just there.” On a friend’s suggestion, Marie sought the professional opinion of someone who was already in the writing game – enter, Immanuel Mifsud. “He’s my favourite Maltese writer and I value his opinion above others,” Marie says.

Mifsud’s reception of Marie’s work was favourable, praising her for the freshness of her work – “‘letteratura imqarba’, he called it,” she says. “His reaction was: these poems are publishable, but you’ll never find a publisher, because poetry simply doesn’t sell,” says Marie quite casually. With this advice in hand, Marie decided to pursue the project and to self-publish her book, skipping the publishers entirely. “I used to meet Immanuel regularly, and he’d give me feedback and help me edit my work.” She put the manuscript together herself, wearing all three hats of author, editor

”

and publisher. Eventually, Marie sent the manuscript off for printing – a process she funded out of her own pocket.

Marie’s use of the first-person in the poems is perhaps their most compelling characteristic.

The poems are extremely accessible as they each tell a story using simple, straightforward language. “I think the first-person is really important, as it allows the reader to identify with the voice. This way it’s more personal and you can draw sympathy,” she says. “I wanted outsiders to understand people who live the lifestyle and who do drugs.”

The space she creates is a very intimate one – so intimate, in fact, that it is easy to believe that it is one she is all too familiar with. “You should never confuse the writer with the book,” she interjects, as if reading my thoughts. “What I write are my ideas, my opinions… but it’s not necessarily me.”

the

Media Warehouse

Volume

No. 24

ReseaRch is out

The Media Warehouse can prove to be a vital source of information for all sorts of companies, which at some point invest in marketing and advertising campaigns. It will enable you to identify which media can possibly reach your target market most effectively.

The Media Warehouse research analysis is a detailed study covering the local media, namely: TV, radio, Newspapers, and Magazines. aspects such as frequency of viewership, audience share, type of listeners , viewers, readers etc. are examined to give a clear picture of the media market. The information is especially relevant when analysed in terms of the demographics of the Maltese population allowing the user to identify any relevant segments in the market. it is ideal for all companies which venture into advertising campaigns; for advertising agencies; as well as owners of media companies.

The findings are presented in a user-friendly format whereby one can easily identify key points which are valuable to the party concerned.

46B, sebuqa street, san Gwann sGN 1731 | Tel: 21335335 | info@informa.com.mt | www.informa.com.mt

LITERATURE Whereas she is reluctant to get into any conversation relating to the book’s bearing on her personal life, Marie’s political aims are far less ambiguous. She admits that the book’s politics are very much aligned with her own, and her decision to publish the poems was partly based on her disapproval of particular issues involving censorship and drug legalisation.

“I think the possession of all drugs should be decriminalised,” she says bluntly. “When someone is caught with drugs they should be referred to the health system and not the legal system. In Portugal, for example, this is the case and it has resulted in a lower number of drug addicts. It helps people with a problem to get the help they need instead of being treated as criminals.

I think it’s ridiculous to put someone in jail because they are on heroin…”

100 Sunday Circle | May 2013

She is aware, however, that her opinion may not be a popular one. Is she concerned that this will draw unnecessary prejudice towards her work? “I don’t care – this is my middle finger to an unjust system.”

She pauses, looking thoughtful. “Don’t get me wrong – I’m not encouraging drug use through my book, because ultimately, drugs are drugs. It’s not about glamorising things… it’s about seeing them as they are.”

Focusing exclusively on the predominant theme of drugs, however, does put the reader at risk of overlooking the multiple nuances that the book has to offer. Għax id-Drogi Sbieħ is very thoughtful, sensitive and supremely poignant. Very much in line with its recurrent motif of seduction – the seduction of drugs, the seduction of sex, the seduction of youth – the book really does work a strange sort of magic. You, too, as a reader, are seduced into

the intimacy of a world that is sometimes too close for comfort.

“The book is in no way a glorification of drugs,” Marie insists. “It reaches out to people I want to reach out to, the people I am writing about, and that’s the most important thing.” And what about herself: is Għax id-Drogi Sbieħ about her? She smiles enigmatically. “No, it’s not autobiographical,” she says, and I half begin to believe that perhaps, this was her intention all along.

Għax id-Drogi Sbieħ may be bought directly from the author for Eur5.00 (contact: mariegion6@gmail.com). It is also available in Malta’s leading bookshops for Eur6.00, and may be bought online from www.sierra-books.com for Eur6.00 (free delivery).

For years we’ve made the UK’s favourite toothbrushes.

Now we’ve squeezed all our oral care expertise into our new toothpaste, Oral-B Pro-Expert. Unlike ordinary toothpaste, Oral-B Pro-Expert protects all the areas your dentist checks most.

Trade Enquiries VJ Salomone Marketing tel: 8007 2387

Trade Enquiries VJ Salomone Marketing tel: 8007 2387

Finally, a toothpaste as good as our brushes.

PROMOTION

FACING

THE FUTURE CONSULTANT PLASTIC AND AESTHETIC SURGEON RAY DEBONO DISCUSSES THE REVOLUTIONARY, NON-SURGICAL LIQUID FACELIFT

THE LIQUID FACELIFT Liquid Facelift is a technique for injecting advanced dermal fillers to lift and contour facial features.

It is a non-surgical technique and can be undertaken to accomplish any of the following:

e Gentle lift of individual or overall facial features e Reduced wrinkles, creases, line or folds e Restoration of natural, curved facial contours e A more rested look e A more youthful smile In some patients the goal of a non-surgical liquid facelift is to lift the entire face, while in others it is to lift or contour specific facial features. For example, under eye bags and dark circles can be masked by using liquid facelift techniques; eyes can be opened up and lids lifted; jowls can be lifted and diminished; natural shape can be restored to flattened cheeks or temple areas; corners of the mouth can be lifted; and bumps on the nose can be hidden.

UPPER CHEEK CONTOURING The malar area is the area of the high cheek bone below the rims of the eyes that extends out to the sides of the face. This area is a key treatment zone for many individuals who are seeking a lift in one of several aspects of the face. Over time, skeletal changes (bone loss), fat loss and collagen depletion will flatten the malar area of the cheeks. This can accentuate sagging in many areas of the face like the hollows under the eyes, the jowls and a downward turn of the lips. Volumising the malar area often leads to not only a better cheek contour but also improvement in the lower part of the face, including the jowl area and the angles of the mouth.

A liquid facelift generally involves the use of advanced dermal fillers in combination with botulinum toxin. Each of the dermal fillers has unique attributes that work in their own special way to rejuvenate specific areas of the face. In general, dermal fillers replace lost volume in the face or help the body regenerate its own collagen.

Most of the safe fillers are comprised of natural substances produced by the body. Precisely placed, the dermal fillers can be used to lift or contour any number of facial features. The botulinum toxin works in harmony with the fillers to produce more lift in specific areas.

LIP VOLUMIZING AND RESHAPING

RESULTS

Over the years, the lips and nasal philtrum (ridge area between the nose and lips) tend to flatten out and lose the youthful definition. By placing a dermal filler at the lip margins one can add definition. The volume of the lips can also be improved if required.

Results from liquid facelift procedures can range from subtle to astonishing. It is common for patients who have had liquid facelift procedures to say that they receive compliments on their appearance without others knowing that they have done anything. In some instances, the results can be so uplifting that they change an individual’s life. As with any cosmetic procedure, results vary from patient to patient.

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST? A liquid facelift will typically last one year and sometimes up to a year and a half, depending on the type of products used and the facial area treated. When botulinum toxin is used the main effects of the toxin will go after six months however the overall effect of the liquid facelift will last longer than when no toxin is used.

CAUTION The problems that can arise from liquid facelift include hard lumps under the skin or in the lips, infection and pus formation, significant differences between right and left sides, unnatural look, visible product under the skin, migration of the filler and sagging skin over the years, and various other problems. Some of these problems can arise because of a poor injection technique, while others can arise

because of the wrong choice of type of product used in a specific area. There is a lot of expertise involved and required and this is often underestimated. Before undergoing any procedure, make sure that your doctor is adequately qualified and has extensive experience in the specific procedure as some of the problems that can arise can lead to permanent deformity.

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 103

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

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

www.cutrico.com

PaInT

HOTSPOT

IT RED

1. CAROLINE FARRUGIA, GEORGIANA AGIUS & ALEXIA MULA – MARKETING

Sunday CirCle CAUGHT UP wITH THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE VoDafonE RED PROPOSITION, THAT OFFERS CLIENTS MORE FLEXIBILITY TO CALL OR SMS THEIR LOVED ONES...

4. JOSEPH AZZOPARDI – CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

“We wanted to introduce an innovative concept.

After carrying out the due research, we started contacting our internal teams whose first reaction was: ‘Again? What have you come up with this time round?’ After explaining what we had in mind, we quickly managed to rope in the different departments who were as enthusiastic as we were on introducing this new concept.”

“There’s one thing that interests us the most: offering the best customer experience around.

Honestly, when contacted by the Marketing department our first reaction was ‘Ouch more work!’ However, once we got in our customers’ shoes we quickly understood what can work and what cannot. All team members had a positive reaction and we are now offering a worry-free proposition to all.”

2. LISA VASSALLO & JOE ZARB – TECHNOLOGY

5. MARIA VELLA GALEA & MONIQUE BRINCAU – BRAND

“We are the team behind the bills our clients receive – blame us or laud us as the case may be! Joking aside, there is a detailed process to see what each and every customer would have consumed in terms of minutes of calls and SMSs per month. We are glad that our team work has resulted in a successful final product.”

“The Vodafone RED proposition is based on a group proposition. We had to follow a laborious process and tough guidelines. We had to negotiate and re-negotiate but we’re glad that even though we’re a very small operating company we managed to make our voice heard and our suggestions made the Vodafone RED campaign what it is today.”

3. CHRISTIAN BRIFFA, ELAINE MIFSUD and CLINTON AZZOPARDI – FINANCIAL PLANNING “When the RED plans were mentioned to us by the Marketing team, we freaked out and the ominous ‘Why?’ question echoed in our heads.

But after working hard on the proposition our answer was a definite ‘YES!’ Easy to understand, adaptable, value for money and customeroriented: this is who we are. This, my friends, is the Vodafone way!”

1

2

3

6. ELAINE BORG & CLAIRE MIFSUD – HUMAN RESOURCES “HR and tariffs? Not a usual combination you might say! We want to make sure that all Vodafone team members are well aware of what the Vodafone RED propositions are all about and we managed to achieve these through the innovative training methods we introduced.”

4

5 • Vodafone RED basic at €35 a month offers 2,000 minutes and 2,000 SMS to any local mobile or fixed operator plus 750MB of data.

• Vodafone RED plan at €60 a month offers 3,000 minutes and 3,000 SMS to any local mobile or fixed operator plus 1.5GB of Data • Vodafone RED premium at €99.99 with unlimited calls and SMS to any local mobile or fixed operator and 3GB of Data plus a bundle of minutes, SMS and data to be used whilst roaming.

6

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 105

INTRODUCING OUTDOOR FURNITURE & BBQS AT GREAT PRICES

OUTDOOR FURNITURE | BBQS

122, Msida Valley Road, B’Kara.

Marina Street, Pieta`.

MARITIME

A SEA OF CELEBRATION Get ready as Malta prepares to host EuropEan MaritiME Day this May: a celebration of the colourful history of europe’s seas

Would Europe be what it is today without its seas? Every year, as an opportunity to highlight the crucial role that oceans and seas play in our everyday life, the European community celebrates European Maritime Day, putting maritime sectors and activities in the spotlight to help European citizens realise the real outreach and variety of sea-related activities taking place in Europe.

This year’s European Maritime Day conference being hosted right here in Malta, focuses on sustainable coastal and maritime tourism. Getting the general public in on the act, a variety of organisations have teamed up to organise a series of public events on Sunday 19 and Monday 20 May, to show, promote and discuss the value of long standing maritime traditions in our islands.

Held at different locations around Malta and Gozo, with a special focus on Valletta, there’s something for everyone, with events aimed at families, schools, adults, tourists, and even corporate groups. The events range from the academic to the popular, artistic, sportive and maritime: guided tours of a state-of-theart research vessel at Pinto Wharf in Valletta; open days at the Malta Freeport, the Delimara Lighthouse and the St Elmo Bridge, as well as a live display of equipment and training by the AFM, Civil Protection Department and others at Boiler Wharf in Senglea.

One of the main highlights is the Life at Sea event on 19 May at the Birgu Maritime Museum. This is a day of activities including historic re-enactments, live demonstrations, guided tours, lectures on items in the reserve collections exhibited for the occasion, stalls and exhibitions.

Maritime documentaries will be screened throughout the day at St James’ Cavalier cinema in Valletta, along with presentations on jellyfish outbreaks, Malta’s hidden underwater landscapes, and more, while in Gozo, BirdLife Malta will be organising a free guided boat trip at sunset, to visit Scopoli’s Shearwater breeding colony at Ta’ Ċenċ cliffs.

On top of all this, a variety of performing artists have been engaged to create a party atmosphere in Valletta, with marching bands and folk groups making their way through the city every hour, and a stage set up at Upper Barrakka gardens featuring bands, youth orchestras and more throughout the day.

European Maritime Day 2013 19 – 20 May At various locations across Malta and Gozo Further information: www.emd2013.gov.mt emd2013pubevents@gov.mt Tel: 2220 9999 European Commission (Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries) Ministry for the Economy, Investment and Small Business Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth Ministry for Tourism May 2013 | Sunday Circle 107

Weddings

Weddings DIRECTORY Rêverie

Rêverie

LOOK YOUR BEST

Stunning dreSSeS and evening wear at rêverie

At Rêverie, we have a unique selection of elegant dresses and evening wear that will ensure that you look incredible on the special day – whether you’re the mother of the bride or a guest sharing in the celebrations. We also have a special selection of bridesmaids dresses and evening wear in store.

Rêverie, Vjal Kottoner, Fgura

2166 4092 | 7998 8181 info@reverie.com.mt

COMfORT And ELEgAnCE a variety of Shoe StyleS for the bride and flower girlS

TIME TO CELEBRATE

weddingS favourS, acceSSorieS, giftware and more…

There is perhaps nothing that speaks to the originality of you or your special day quite like that of personalised wedding favour.

Personalised favours are no longer just for the overly ambitious brides or couples with an unlimited budget. Now, anyone interested in making a bold statement at their wedding need look no further than the numerous elegant and practical options available through Kudos. Jars can be filled with jordan almonds, love hearts sweets, butterscotch and jellybeans to name a few for a colourful palette.

At Kudos we always offer the widest selection of unique and quality party favours and gifts for all of life’s special occasions.

Kudos, Vjal il-Qalbiena Mostin, Mosta 7930 0023 | info@kudos.com.mt www. kudos.com.mt 108 Sunday Circle | May 2013

Mariage, the Bridal Boutique in Zachary Street, Valletta, has just introduced a vast selection of bridal shoes in white and ivory.

Shoes are available in a variety of sizes and heels and are stylish, elegant and comfortable. A selection of shoes for holy communion and flower girls are available from Mariage.

Mariage, 39, St.Zachary Street, Valletta 2122 4799 | mariage@waldonet.net.mt

Exclusive ready made wedding gowns & accessories - Bridesmaid & flowergirl dresses - Dresses for mother of the bride & groom - Bridal Shoes

Mariage, 39, St.Zachary Street, Valletta | Tel: 2122 4799 | Email: mariage@waldonet.net.mt

Weddings

SEASONS E V E N T

C AT E R E R S

Your Event. Our Skill. The Perfect Combination We have an experienced, passionate and friendly team that are dedicated to making your event the best, from start to finish.

The Strand, Gzira, GZR 1028 T+356 20906865 sales@water.mizzi.com.mt www.seasonseventscaterers.com.mt 000 Sunday Circle | April 2012

weddings

FOR THAT IDEAL GIFT Get your wedding list, rings and other gifts from Raphael Azzopardi

Raphael Azzopardi is an exquisite outlet specialising in diamonds, wedding and engagement rings, wedding lists, and a variety of gifts. As a skilled and Antwerp-qualified gemologist with over 18 years of experience in the business, Raphael’s passion for fine jewellery and quality products is evident and outstanding.

The selection of wedding list items - be it cutlery, dinner sets or stem ware - ranges from every day basics to more luxurious pieces. From fine glass to crystal, porcelain to fine-bone china, silver-plated to silver 925 as well as stainless steel, this extraordinary range to suit all styles and budgets, makes Raphael Azzopardi the ultimate wedding list place. What’s more, the gift list is made available online and customers can make their purchase fromthe comfort of their own home. The home collection, which includes vases, leather items and a variety of decorative pieces for one’s home, is elegant and varies from the contemporary

to the more classic, both in terms of design and material.

World-renowned brands; Versace, Rosenthal, Orrefors, Kosta Boda, Egizia, Sambonet, Arzberg and others all form part of Raphael Azzopardi’s portafolio making it the ideal outlet for compiling the perfect wedding gift list. As a qualified gemologist, Raphael Azzopardi specialises in top quality, certified diamonds and jewellery that is unique and timeless.

For that perfect ring, be it an engagement or wedding ring, customers can choose from branded diamond collections to custom-designed creations. Each item is expertly crafted to complement any woman’s style and personality and all diamonds are certified and imported from Antwerp, Belgium.

The variety offered at Raphael Azzopardi is varied enough to include gifts of all kinds, for every occasion and to suit a variety of budgets making it the go-to place for your ideal purchase – for weddings and more Raphael Azzopardi, 6, Uqija Street, l-Ibrag, Swieqi 2137 3812 | info@raphaelazzopardi.com www.raphaelazzopardi.com May 2013 | Sunday Circle 111

Weddings

Wedding Flowers

by Julie lupi Julie is a creative floral designer with a driving passion for floral design and a desire to offer the bride and the groom a truly memorable occasion through a friendly and personal service with real attention to detail. Her floristry and design experience combine to create spectacular bouquets and floral arrangements designed specifically for such a special day. Special packages available at unbeatable prices.

Flowers by Julie 2137 2707 / 9982 8923 | www.flowersbyjulie.com.mt info@flowersbyjulie.com.mt

Capture Every Moment relive the memories of your wedding day for years to come

Everybody wants their wedding day to be a perfect day – it comes around so suddenly and is over in the blink of an eye. Jonathan, a freelance cameraman, editor and filming director, promises to capture the moments’ emotions and give them back to you to see later.

Jon’s artistic expression has kept him hooked to his work, striving for that perfect technique and perfect shot, which is new every time. With his filming, your wedding will be stopped in time and yours to review with family and friends for years to come.

Jon Grech, Videographer 7987 3682 | info@jongrech.com www. jongrech.com

White Weddings ...by synergix for that special touch on your wedding day Create an ambience that your family and guests would remember for years to come with a wide range of light-up furniture for weddings from Synergix. Give your wedding an ultra-modern look and choose from a selection of light up cubes acting as low tables, light up bistro tables and our latest light up bar which will add a colourful twist to your party.

Synergix also offers a range of chillout furniture. Add a cool degree of sophistication to your wedding day with White Zen – a variety of crisp white furniture to compliment your venue. Our white Bedouin seating creates a sophisticated atmosphere that combines both casual chic and elegance. Our gazebos, with long-low-white covered tables and cushioned benches, deliver an upbeat flair.

Our LED atmospheric lighting attached to the gazebos also help to create that magical effect. If seating for your guests is a concern, choose from a variety of Rattan furniture items – have your pick from our White Harmonious Rattan sofas or our Chic and Elegant Dark Rattan, complimented with low tables, white rugs & candles.

Synergix also has a range of options in flooring and décor – offering an ideal solution for your dream wedding set up.

112 Sunday Circle | May 2013

Synergix Ltd ∙ Olaf Gollcher Street Ta’ Paris B’Kara 2138 0488 / 7949 9432 / 7938 0486 info@synergixevents.com | www.synergixevents.com

weddings

A WEDDING TO REMEMBER‌ With M. Demajo Wines & Spirits

A wedding is a very special occasion during which a couple needs assurances that nothing will go wrong on that day. As we have been offering this service for twenty-five years, we guarantee a full and customized service. Special care and attention is given to every detail to make this occasion a trouble-free and memorable event.

THE BEST BRANDS As the exclusive distributors of major brands such as Smirnoff, J&B, Johnnie Walker, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Bells, Gordons, Moet & Chandon, Hennessy and an impressive portfolio of wines from all world regions, we can warrant the best quality and prices for these brands. We also offer other brands that are not distributed exclusively by our organisation, and beer and soft drinks for a complete package

A MATCH

A MATCH A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

MADE ININ HEAVEN MADE HEAVEN

We offer an exclusive service of estimating the amounts required for the function, the delivery to the venue, the reconciliation and collection of the remaining stocks. We also offer to administer the beverages during the wedding.

All stocks are on a return basis.

Our comprehensive portfolio of quality brands and most especially our personalized service makes our organization a distinct choice for all couples for a blissful event. Our vast experience and very competitive prices are also strengths we can draw on.

M. Demajo (Wines & Spirits) Limited has for many years proudly offered a dedicated, friendly and efficient wines and spirits service, fulfilling requirements for numerous wedding occasions. So, when you are planning the most memorable day of your life, you can feel confident knowing that we are just a phone call away!

M. Demajo (Wines & Spirits) Limited has for many years proudly offeredadvice. aoffered dedicated, friendly friendly and efficient M. Demajo (Wines &Call Spirits) has for many years proudly a dedicated, and efficient on 9949 Limited 7641 for a private appointment and professional wines and spirits fulfillingfulfilling requirements for numerous weddingwedding occasions.

So, whenSo, you are planning wines andservice, spirits service, requirements for numerous occasions. when you are planning All products are offered on a sale and return basis. Individual attention offered for all enquiries. the mostthe memorable day of your youlife, can you feel can confident knowingknowing that we are a phone away! most memorable day life, of your feel confident thatjust we are just acall phone call away!

Win a bottle of Moet & an exclusive Moet matching bag! Simply like the Moet & Chandon Malta Facebook page and name SEVEn alcoholic Call on 9949 7641 for7641 a private and professional advice. advice.

Call on 9949 for a appointment private appointment and professional brands that M. Demajo Wines & Spirits supplies. www.demajowinesandspirits.com All products are offered on a sale and return basis.

Individual attention offered for all enquiries.

All products are offered on aMsale and Wines-Spirits return basis. Individual attention offered for all enquiries.

Visit sundaycircle.com toDemajo participate. Â

www.demajowinesandspirits.com www.demajowinesandspirits.com M Demajo Wines-Spirits M Demajo Wines-Spirits

Visit www.demajowinesandspirits.com for more information. Email: m.farrugia@demajo.com. Tel: 2252 2958 / 2252 0000 Facebook: facebook.com/DemajoWinesandSpirits April 2012 | Sunday Circle 000

DRINK RESPONSIBLY

STAR SERVICE FROM START TO FINISH

Weddings

Dress in style LOOk yOUr beST fOr ThAT SpeciAL OccASiOn

If you are looking for an honest and personalized service, Beaver is the place to shop for that special occasion. Whether you are mother of the bride or groom, we can provide you with the right dress to suit your taste, style and personality. We are direct importers of several international renowned brands and offer exclusive garments.

At Beaver we cater from small to oversize. There is also a selection of clothes to meet everyone’s budget.

BVR – The Boutique 2, St. George’s Square, Victoria, Gozo 2155 1287 | 9984 7077 beavergozo@gmail.com

tHe PerFeCt FinGertiPs geT yOUr nAiLS dOne yOUr wAy fOr The big dAy

Last Night To Remember ceLebrATe yOUr henS nighT The hArd rOck wAy You have the rest of your married life to be good – so put the ‘sin’ back in single for one last night. Hard Rock Café’s Infamous Fridays are the perfect location for your hens night. Dance the night away with our resident DJ Massimo and party like a rock star with live DJs till late. Group menus available

Hard Rock Café 237 222 53/7 | events@hardrockcafe.com.mt www.hardrockcafe.com.mt

CArry On DAnCinG SchOLL’S new pArTy ShOe TO The reScUe

At Fingertips salon, you are guaranteed great results. Melissa Muscat has been doing nails for eight years, having won numerous medals and nail competitions which are testament to quality work that emphasizes perfection and client satisfaction.

Her services include: *Gel nail extensions *Manicure Treatments *Pedicure Treatments *Refills *Paraffin Wax Treatment *Free-hand nail art *Soak-off gel polish *Gel on natural nails

Fingertips by Melissa, 41, Stefano Erardi Street, Iklin 7907 0887 114 Sunday Circle | May 2013

Scholl introduces NEW Party Feet™ Pocket Ballerina™ flats. They fold up neatly into a woman’s handbag, ready to use at any time to provide immediate relief and comfort from the pain of high heels.

They are the must-have accessory for “when you just can’t stand to wear heels anymore”. Scholl Pocket Ballerina™ flats can be used to relieve tired feet in a variety of circumstances, including late night party emergencies, after Whether long days in highyou’re heels, during all day shopping,awhilst driving planning laViSh to work or when travelling light. wedding TO SUiT Designed for short-term wear ALL only, SchollTASTeS. Pocket Ballerina™ include padded full-length insoles for improved comfort, elastic trim for a better fit and a lightweight, re-sealable pouch.

Available from Scholl Foothealth Centres, leading Pharmacies and Supermarkets.

Trade Enquiries: Pharma-Cos Ltd. 2144 1870 | www. schollfoothealthcentre.com

Weddings

YOUR PERSONALISED WEDDING Your vision, Your stYle... Your daY

You worry about being happy and let us take care of the rest.

From catering, photography and videography, to the music, catering and venue - we have everything down to the last detail, because we know you’re special.

Contact us for a free consultation.

Katia Gatt, Wedding Planner 7761 8905 | kgatt@go.net.mt

SONGS TO REMEMBER Your Favourite sonGs on Your BiG daY

Ally, also known as Alison Ellul, studied singing and graduated in the UK. She sang with James Brown, Al di Meola, Tony Dallara and Rocky Roberts.

Ally gives vocal training and leads one of the largest choirs in Malta that annually participates in a show held at MCC. Ally is honoured when approached to perform at a couples’ wedding mass ceremony and makes sure it’s a memorable event by including songs the couples request.

Ally, Vocalist 9924 9822 | www.ally.com.mt

Touch Of Beauty For that pristine and perFect look

Sugar Sweet Delights Get Your personalised candY BuFFet Our insanely delicious candy is worth checking out, offering an incredible amount of candy all under one roof. For wedding events, Candylicious offers a vast selection of themes, colours, flavours and ideas. We thoughtfully personalise your candy buffet to make your lasting impression a sugar sweet one. Visit us from Monday to Friday between 9.00-13.30 and 16.00-19.00 and Saturday from 9.00 - 14.00. Closed on Sunday.

Candylicious, 6, St.Francis Street, San Gwann 2702 9117 / 7745 1526 candylicious_cp2@yahoo.com 116 Sunday Circle | May 2013

Local make-up artist Mateja Camilleri began her career as a beauty therapist in 2005. She went on to study make up in rome where she qualified in film, TV, fashion and corrective make up. She has also worked on several projects and fashion shows both local and international. Mateja has been nominated as best make up artist in the malta fashion awards for four consecutive years. Nowadays she works as a make up artist on local TV programmes Venere and Ilsien in-Nisa and has recently opened her salon, Mateja’s, and also specialises in Bridal make-up.

Mateja Camilleri, Make-Up Artist 2157 4748 / 99262576 www.mateja.com.mt | info@mateja.com.mt

weddings

island caterers weddings,

what dreams are made of.

Contact us on sales@islandcaterers.com.mt or call 2375 1930

www.islandcaterers.com.mt

weddings

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 000

weddings

Start Your . .. le y t S n I n o o m Honey Why wait to reach your destination to start the perfect honeymoon getaway? No matter where you’re heading, we’re there to help start your honey moon in the best way possible.

At last you can relax! The exciting wedding madness is behind you: the photographer, caterers, constant conversations and champagne has given way to the idyllic days of your honeymoon. Now is the time for just the two of you and the new life you begin together. Which is why take. your honeymoon should be the most indulgent trip you ct perfe the start to ation So why wait to reach your destin e honeymoon getaway? Start it off in style at the La Valett Club Lounge.

The La Valette Club Special Occasions Package is a purposely assembled for newly-weds like you to enjoy You smooth, effortless, unforgettable airport experience. kchec gh throu ed will be greeted by our VIP staff, whisk your in and security procedures while we take care of luggage too. The fun starts when you’re taken to your very own reserved area in the smart and sophisticated while La Valette Club VIP Lounge, and served champagne you help yourself to sumptuous snacks. While you wait to for your exclusive luxury vehicle to take you straight in time ure the aircraft, you will enjoy your pre-depart relaxed comfort, flip through the day’s newspapers or magazines and use Wi-Fi, phone or internet terminals.

No matter where you’re heading, the La Valette Club Special Occasions Package will kick off your trip of a lifetime in the best way possible. The La Valette Club al Lounge is part of the award winning Malta Internation Airport. Value Price €125 per couple.

Call 2369 6292/ 2369 6016 for more details. www.lavaletteclub.com

E CLUB WIN A LA VALETT NS PACKAGE SPECIAL OCCASIO

AGES per couple ECIAL OCCASIONS PACK SP O TW ay aw ing giv We’re m and tell us ply visit sundaycircle.co sim te ipa rtic pa To .

25 worth €1 of your dreams. scribe the VIP treatment three words that best de May 2013 | Sunday Circle 119

Weddings

The Perfect Wedding Your wedding is one of the most special and personal events of your life. At Osborne Caterers, we understand this and limit the number of weddings we style and cater to each year, giving us the time to really get to know each couple, understand their dreams and, importantly, their budget. We organize the wedding or event completely around the individual client.We are an “outside caterer” – meaning that we are not part of a restaurant or hotel, but operate independently to give you the best service possible. We specialise in weddings, corporate function catering, boutique catering, private parties, dinners, barbecues and more.

Our service is “hands on” – we can provide you with bars and waitering staff, as well as marquees, tables, chairs, linen, cutlery, crockery, décor, flower arrangements and all you may need to make your function an outstanding success! Our aim is to provide exceptional cuisine and professional, consistent and reliable service. We will gladly meet you at your function venue to plan your event. Food is prepared in our spotless and spacious kitchen maintaining the highest standards of hygiene, care and excellence throughout the preparation procedures. You are most welcome

to tour our facility at any time convenient to you. We can cater for your function at Villa Arrigo, one of Malta’s most extraordinary venues; with landscaped gardens, an air conditioned or heated Marquee, fabulous rooms, this is a setting ideal for church or civil weddings, conference dinners, seminars and any other reception.

The venue is conveniently situated within walking distance from a chapel. After the wedding ceremony, newlyweds can also host a reception, dinner or a simple get-together at the venue itself.

Villa Arrigo, San Pawl Tat-Targa 2142 3214 | info@osbornecaterers.com www.osbornecaterers.com

Weddings? There’s no place like… Paradise Be it a wedding for 20 or 500 guests, we can definitely make it a day to remember as our catering and banquet facilities are second to none. Moreover, the hotel’s professional and capable staff will assume responsibility for the details large and small to ensure that your dream wedding comes to fruition. Venues for wedding receptions include the Il-Merill Restaurant which offers an unobstructed view of the clear blue Mediterranean Sea and can

accommodate up to 1,000 people (standing). Alternatively, why not have your wedding under a Bedouin tent on our private sandy beach? There is also extensive terrace space surrounding the outdoor pools overlooking the picturesque Paradise Bay, which can accommodate small or large parties. The private sandy beach is also an interesting option for an after-wedding party. The choice of venues within the Paradise Bay Resort Hotel is endless.

Paradise Bay Resort Hotel, Marfa Road, Cirkewwa 2152 1166 | events@paradise-bay.com www.paradise-bay.com 120 Sunday Circle | May 2013

1: Larissa Cacciottolo & Sarah Scicluna 2: Patty Camilleri, Michelle Faure, Roberta Perotti & Amy Micallef Decesare 3: Tasha Engerer, Lisa Rizzo, Yana Azzopardi & Krysta Vella

4: Nigel Anastasi, Yana Azzopardi, Grazielle Camilleri & Marco Ahlgren

12: Lauran Calleja, Shanel Debattista, Valentina Buhagiar & Valentina Rossi.

• 1-2: Friends enjoying the weekly Metro vibe at Places, Paceville.

• 3-4: Launch of Yana's Jewellery shop held on 20 April.

• 5-6: The official opening of D Abela Trading Ltd. held at their premises in Gzira on 14 April.

• 7: Journalists & pilots at the launch of the BOV Airnews Malta Special held in March.

• 8-9: John Frieda seminar conducted by Maxine Desira Buttigieg held at Hotel Juliani, St Julians on 10 April.

• 10-12: Party 21 hosted a lavish reception to launch their new outlet in Sliema on 3 April. * For inclusion in Circle Paparazzi contact Marisa Schembri on marisa@networkpublications.com.mt ** For more Paparazzi photos log on to www.sundaycircle.com

10: Dorianne Catania, Alison Lauri Rodo, Lorraine Cini Del Ceppo & Cheryl Camilleri

9: Malcolm Mallia & Geraldine Zammit

5. Adrian Mizzi, Claire Vassallo, Ramon Vella, Wayne Borda & Mary Jo Attard

11: Gaby Curmi, Marisa Grima & Vikky Miggiani

8: Julienne Sciberras & Marica Magri

6: Duncan Abela, David Abela, Adriana Cutajar, Ruth Laudi &Wayne Borda

7: Sinclair Portelli, Francesca Galea, Joanne Calleja, Marica Vella, Riccardo Flask & Chris Cauchi

Children grow so quickly that before you know it they have grown into young adults. The older they grow the more difficult it will be to sustain their dreams; buying their first car, the need to place a deposit on a new home or even the need of extra cash to finance their education...

The MSV Child Savings Plan has been specifically tailored for those parents or grandparents who wish to save a regular amount over a fixed number of years.

Telephone: (+356) 2590 9000 Freephone: 8007 2220 E-Mail: info@msvlife.com Website: www.msvlife.com 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 p.l.c. and APS Bank Ltd are enrolled as Tied Insurance Intermediaries of MSV Life p.l.c.

COM 231112

For more information on the MSV Child Savings Plan contact MSV Life today on freephone 8007 2220 or contact your Tied Insurance Intermediary, your Insurance Broker or visit any branch of Bank of Valletta or APS Bank.

Registered Address: MSV Life p.l.c., Pjazza Papa Giovanni XXIII, Floriana FRN 1420, Malta.

HEALTH

CERAMIC DENTISTRY Dental anD Implant Surgeon Jean paul DemaJo DIScuSSeS the InS anD outS of artIfIcIal teeth

1

Artificial teeth may be constructed using several materials. Composite resins, precious and semi-precious metals as well as porcelain may all be used in the construction of teeth.

Frontal view pre-treatment Materials vary in strength, aesthetics, biocompatibility, durability and of course cost. These artificial teeth are conventionally made of a strong sub-structure covered by layers of porcelain.

Fifty years ago gold was the choice of material for the substructure. Teeth would be made of hard gold with a tooth-coloured resin stuck on top of it.

The price of gold rose considerably (and keeps rising) and so, semi-precious metals took over the market. These materials improved the overall aesthetics, at a cheaper price too, as the metal was covered with porcelain. This masked its dark metallic appearance almost completely. However, with time, the gums would retreat upwards and expose the metal around the tooth. This is partly due to a semi-precious metallic substructure, which leaches elements irritating the gum causing it to move away from the crown. This would leave a horrible noticeable dark line at the neck of the tooth only eliminated by replacing the crown or bridge with a new one. Although margins may be constructed entirely out of porcelain, eliminating the risk of the dark line appearing, this type of crown still does not offer the ideal natural look.

If you have an old crown or are getting your teeth fixed then zirconia is your material of choice Most of these factors cannot be entirely addressed in crowns having a metallic substructure. In the past decade a non-metallic material called zirconia was introduced. This material is white in colour and offers excellent strength and biocompatibility. It is said to be the new gold standard and the cornerstone of all aspects of cosmetic dentistry.

2

3

View of metal-free all-ceramic zirconia bridge replacing the five front teeth

Frontal view post-treatment

IMPORTANT FACTORS WHICH MUST BE ADDRESSED PRIOR TO TOOTH CONSTRUCTION:

• Shape, grooves and curvature must match up with adjacent teeth

• Any translucency: light must pass through the tooth giving that natural look

• Body colour: deep porcelain layer and surface porcelain

• Are there any uncommon features like intrinsic stains

and/or milky-white patches which must be replicated?

Zirconia may be used to construct single crowns, small and large bridges, as well as any implant-supported crowns and/or bridges.

Besides offering excellent aesthetics, the use of zirconia also eliminates the risk of any metallic allergic reactions to the body.

“How long have you been thinking of replacing those old crowns with new ones? Its time to regain your confidence with your new smile.”

Dr Jean Paul Demajo has trained in London working in private practice in Malta May 2013 | Sunday Circle 125

promotion

LET THE SUN SHIN E SUMMER OF DANCE

GO ACTIVE SUMMER SCHOOL Go Active Summer Club is one of the most popular summer clubs in Malta, where children from 3 to 14 years can benefit from various sports activities supervised by specialised qualified coaches. The environment is welcoming and comfortable and, above all, safe. Summer is for fun and children should not be stuck inside. The Go Active premises is an international standard artistic gymnastics centre, fully equipped with educational gymnastics equipment and full-sized foam pits, a full-sized rubberised indoor area for sports activities and indoor games, an outdoor area for games, a large swimming pool and a paddling pool. An Activity Day is held every week on Friday where the children will either be going out on an outing or staying in doing something fun and different! The eight-week programme will run from 8 July to 6 September. Programmes are based on two days , three days , four days and five days, with extended summer club hours.

GymStars Gymnastics Club, Church Street, Tarxien, Tel: 2166 0903 / 7716 3025 | Email: gymstarsmalta@gmail.com Web: www.gymstarsmalta.com

SUMMERTIME SAILING

As in previous years, Fairwind Sailing will be hosting Sailing Summer classes for kids. Kids will also learn to appreciate nature and use the wind as their only power source, learn how to deal with different wind and sea conditions, and grow up to be discipilned sailors. For those with a competitive edge, sail boat racing could also be taught in more advanced classes.Three-hour lessons will be held two days a week in the mornings from July till mid-September. The Sailing base is at the Portomaso Marina, St Julians. Parents can also enjoy a morning treat at Mercanti beach club. As Fairwind Sailing is integrated with the Sailing School Malta, relevant RYA sailing certificates will be issued.

Fairwind Sailing, Portomaso Marina, St Julians Tel: 7955 2222 | Email: pauldebono@onvol.net Web: www.fairwindsailing.com.mt 126 Sunday Circle | May 2013

Hip Hop, Drama, Singing, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Ballet Repertoire, Stretch & Core, Latin, Yoga, Zumba

Summer School at Brigitte Gauci Borda School of Dance will run from 8th July to 10th August on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays. The school will open its doors at 8:30am, lessons start at 9:15am & finish at 1:30pm. For girls and boys, ages 5 to 15 years. Book now to avoid disappointment! Download application form from website. Discount for bookings before 30th May 2013 Brigitte Gauci Borda School of Dance, 64,Old College Street, Sliema. Tel: 2134 1755 / 7934 1755 Email: dancebgb@gmail.com | Web: www.bgbballet.com

SAN ANTON SUMMER CLUB San Anton Summer Club has once again teamed up with Merlin Library and Stagecoach Theatre Arts School to offer children aged 18 months to 13 years a fun-packed, creative programme of activities for Summer 2013, in a countryside environment at San Anton School in L-Imselliet, L/O Mgarr. From mini-tennis and water-park fun for our young ones to snorkeling, fishing and kayaking for older participants, enroll your kids for a summer of fun from 15 July till 30 August 2013. Free goodie bag including a pair of Crocs shoes for every child.

San Anton Summer Club, L-Imselliet, L/O Mgarr Tel: 2158 1907 | Email: summerclub@sananton.edu.mt Web: www.sananton.edu.mt

promotion

Want to make sure your kids get the most of their summer holidays? here’s a fun-packed list of ideas and activities to keep your kids smiling this summer…

SUMMER ART COURSES

ALL ABOARD!

This summer, Art Academy is offering Art & Pottery Courses for children starting from 5 years upwards during the months of July, August and September. Students will receive individual attention in small groups, learn about artists and art techniques whilst enhancing creativity.

TheSummer semester starts in July until mid September with a break in mid August and classes are available mornings or evenings for once-aweek sessions. At the end of the course, students will receive attendance certificates and their artworks will be displayed in an art exhibitions.

These and other courses such as Photography, Art O’Level and Art Courses for Adults are also organised all year round.

chiswick house school summer fun club 38, Antonio Schembri Street, Kappara, San Gwann Tel: 21374 396/7 | Web: www.chs.edu.mt

art academy, 131, Constitution Street, Mosta Tel: 2143 3821 | Email: info@artacademymalta.com Web: www.artacademymalta.com

MARSA SPORTS CLUB

SUMMER SwiMMing SChOOL

We are recruiting young brave skippers between two-and-a-half and ten to join us on a marine expedition packed with adventure, discovery and exploration. All children will discover classic texts which never fail to fire the imagination, and develop creative and critical thinking. Children do come along and join in fun packed activities like fencing, taekwondo, hockey, gymnastics, water games, cookery, arts & crafts, outings and much more.

At all times you will be under the guidance of our professional teachers, instructors and helpers. Our ship leaves port on Wednesday 10th July and returns to harbour on the 6th September. Boarding time: 9:00 - 13:00.

Extra hour options are also available.

The Marsa Sports Club summer camp offers an experience with a difference where the children attending can benefit from the unique surroundings the club is renowned for. Now in its eighth year the summer camp offers themes promoting empowerment and character growth as well as an innovative programme which addresses issues specific to children aged 5 to 13. Children are supervised with a ratio of 1 : 12 and our aim is to provide a memorable and empowering experience for each child. Further details may be obtained from Ms Christine Portelli, Tel: 2123 2842/2123 3851 during normal office hours.

Marsa sports club, Aldo Moro Street, Marsa Tel: 2123 2842 | Tel: 2123 3851

In its continuous efforts to promote the education and practice of swimming, the MFA Pool Management will once again organise the Summer Swimming School which starts in July. Lessons are tailor-made for children aged from 3 to 15 years, including lessons to prepare for the Sec ‘O’ Level Exams.

The whole pool ambience, the child-to-teacher ratio, and the lesson development all lead to a better outcome, where the teaching and learning processes are enhanced by a fun-based and friendly atmosphere.

Call for more information.

Mfa pool Management, Millennium Stand, Ta’ Qali Tel: 2338 6440 | Email: swimmingpool@mfa.com.mt Web: www.mfa.com.mt May 2013 | Sunday Circle 127

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 Liqueur Shop Tel: 2155 6531 Email: info@wisto.com.mt

/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

LIFESTYLE

YOUR LIFESTYLE,

YOUR WAY

Fallen into a rut you just can’t seem to get out oF? now’s the time to turn things around! it all starts with a simple step...

Two years ago, Stellina Galea decided to turn her life around. With the help of life coach, John Xuereb, she lost fat, shaped up and saw her energy levels soar in the process. Today, she’s never looked back.

“After my personal success, I really felt I needed to share my experience with everyone,” she says. “I made it my mission to show people that it is truly possible to turn your life around.” Not a believer in diet and weight-loss fads, Stellina has now embarked on a new project on her own to offer a complete lifestyle change best suited to Maltese persons.

“From my experience of taking Maltese groups on skiing trips, I learned that the best way for the Maltese to learn is to tailor the learning experience to them: their values, food choices, pace...” With Stellina’s Lifestyle Changes, she’s adopted the same approach: with a number of specialists onboard, she aims to offer a holistic

way forward suited to each individual personally.

The team includes a nutritionist, fitness and psychological experts.

“The idea is to hold your hand through the change, and to educate you in the process, so that, even without us, you can continue to live the lifestyle you really want,” she says. The result is a change in behaviour, energy levels and the way you value your own life – the fat loss, she assures, will follow automatically.

How to get started? Stellina says she’s made it as easy as possible. Simply turn up for a free talk on the misconceptions and prejudices surrounding a healthy lifestyle. “We then take it from there. We make it easy for you, with achievable goals – so the change is not a sudden one.”

“The truth is, once you actually make the first changes, you will never want to go back.”

Stellina Lifestyle Changes, B’Kara Bypass Tel: 21421464 / 27421464 | Mob: 79421464 Email: stellina@lifestylechanges.eu | Web: www.lifestylechanges.eu

N I W A LIFESTYLE CHANGE

& A TRIP TO SICILY

WANT TO CHANG E

YOUR LIFE? Stellina’s Lifestyle Changes has partn er reader a 12-week lifestyle change AN ed up with Sunday Circle to offer ON D a weekend break E lucky in Sicily.

THE PRIZE incl udes

:

Catamaran trip Malt a–Pozzallo–Malta | All port taxes and All transfers / Excu char rsions by luxury co ach | Accomodation ges a three-star hotel on half-board basis in the Randazzo ar ea for two nights in Alcantara, Parcallar | Visiting Ortigia, Go io and Etnaland Ac le dell’ quapark | Six-cour Service of specialize se typical Sicilian d tour leader, Mario meal Spiteri.

To participate sim ply write in and tell us why you ne ed a lifestyle chan ge!

Send in your reply by post to Circle Lifestyle Competition, Network Publications, Level 2, Angelica Court, Guzeppi Cali Street, Ta’ Xbiex together with your name and surname, contact number, e-mail and home address. Or log onto sundaycircle.com to apply online. Closing date 3 June 2013.

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 129

130 Sunday Circle | May 2013

FASHION & FUN

ClarkS kidS

Clarks Kids Spring/Summer 2013 collection retains the durability and comfort that Clarks is renowned for, adding an element of style. Every style is supported with Clarks expertise, passion for designing and making shoes that deliver the best fit and lasting wear. The range includes a new summer wedge range for girls and air sandals for boys, perfect for adventures in rock pools and on the beach.

oVS

Burton

OVS is a leader in the Italian clothing market, with quality collections at competitive prices and a new interpretation of shopping based on continuous renewal. For over 37 years, OVS customers have enjoyed a shopping experience with a fair prices-to-quality ratio, with customised services and guaranteed reliability of products. OVS is no longer only a retailer, but a trendy store with a wide range of choice and surprisingly affordable prices.

Burton Menswear, The Strand, Sliema Burton Menswear, Merchants Street, Valletta

oVS, Tagliaferro Centre, High Street, Sliema oVS, Pavi Shopping Complex, Manwel Dimech Street, Qormi

ve r

t.

Burton combines accessible style with great value. We want fashion to be easy, comfortable as well as stylish, priding ourselves on great fit, fabric and detail which can be added to any contemporary wardrobe. We embrace British tailoring roots but we also understand the importance of kicking back in a great pair of jeans and a hoodie. We love a good laugh and we love our sport, but we also know the importance of "looking the business".

12

W E N

yC

on

pr es

en

irc

le

un

e

20

hi

s

ad

O En nE Tr Fr Va lid ta un tio a E t n n Su il 30 of C E nd th t E a J

Clarks, Merchants Street, Valletta (Kids and Adults) Clarks, Tower Road, Sliema (Adults only) Clarks, Pavi Shopping Complex, Manwel Dimech Street, Qormi (Adults Only) Clarks, OVS, Tagliaferro Centre, High Street, Sliema (Kids Only)

C

COmE and sEE wHErE smilEs arE madE and CElEBraTE PlaY! New Playmobil Fairies - Collect all 4 Fairy Bags! The Fairies range plus many other Playmobil Novelties and products will be filling the Playmobil FunPark shelves very soon. Visit our website or join us on Facebook and be the first to know!

Do not forget to ask about our Smiling Faces in the Making Tour.

Playmobil FunPark, HF80, Industrial Estate, Hal Far T: 2224 2445 E: funpark@playmobilmalta.com Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 10.00 - 18.00 By bus: Route no. X4 By car: Proceed to the Airport then follow the signposts

JOIN OUR FUNPARK FREE

PAGE NOW!

ACCESS AT THE PLAYMOBIL FUNPARK

www.playmobilmalta.com

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 131

CEILING LED. Suitable for indoor lighting, offifices, reception and open space areas.

Available also in suspension version.

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

Special Offer on the MSV Investment Bond. Available for Investments in Euro, Sterling and US Dollar - Increased Fund Choice with up to 40 funds to choose from - Reduced Minimum Investment Amount - Reduced Charges for more information contact MSV Life on freephone 8007 2220, visit our website at www.msvlife.com, contact any of our Tied Insurance Intermediaries or visit any branch of Bank of Valletta or APS Bank.

The value of investments may fall as well as rise and product charges may reduce the amount received on redemption. Investments should be based on the full details contained in the Key Features Document and the Policy Document, available from our offices.

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 260313/4

132 Sunday Circle | May 2013

HI-TECH

C

PRoTeCT youR haiR – Release youR sTyle!

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

Trade enquiries: miller Distributors ltd Tel: 2166 4488

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

sonneT – The Feminine ColleCTion by PaRkeR

Parker, established in the fine writing field both for technology and design, presents The Parker Sonnet range - a modern pen design with engineered reliability and smooth performance. Sonnet’s latest releases reinterpret the brand’s signature in three new styles, producing a stunning collection in a palette of metallic pink-gold tones. The range comes in Fountain Pen, Roller Ball and Ball Pen modes. The Parker range of fine writing instruments are available from abC stationers, South Street, Valletta and all leading stationers.

new RenaulT Clio – high on emoTion!

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

Come and see the new Renault Clio at auto sales ltd – Kind’s, Lija Tel: 2331 1126/131 for a test drive.

Take movie nighTs To new heighTs wiTh Full hD The Sony BDPS 1100B Blu-ray Player, with full HD graphics and Triluminoscolour, offers five times more detail than traditional DVDs. With its stylish build and Sense of Quartz design, it provides a unique viewing experience with 1080p up-scaling to near HD quality of your old DVD collection. Turn your Blu-ray Player into an entertainment hub – connect to the internet using the Ethernet port, browse the web, watch your favourite programmes with catch-up TV, stream the latest HD videos, download apps and more.

Experience the Sony Blu Ray Player BDPS 1100B at any Forestals or matrix outlet. Or buy online and get FREE delivery. www.forestals.com | Tel: 2343 6000.

The new seaT leon!

The New SEAT Leon has been completely redesigned from the chassis up. It’s a striking, and dynamic hatchback car equipped with innovative technologies and packaged in an elegant, premium body. The New SEAT Leon condenses all the strengths of the SEAT brand more than ever before.

With full LED headlamps, driving assistance systems, infotainment and drive profile function, the New SEAT Leon brings full-size class qualities into the compact segment.

Visit Continental Cars ltd | Tel: 2347 6315

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 133

PROMOTION

A tAbLEt Pc thiS MOthEr’S DAY

Mediterranean Ceramics manufactures Volcanic Stone table tops, kitchen, bath, barbecue and other specialty counter tops as well as hand made ceramic kitchenware and decor. Our products are all hand painted, produced locally and inspired by the Malta and Mediterranean life style. Custom designs or patterns also available in any shape or size to fit your needs and budget. Visit our innovative studio at Ta’ Qali Crafts Village and browse our large selection of Made in Malta products, relax at our Cafe or attend/organize a ceramic making event or class. We provide local and worldwide delivery. Additional gift shop location on the Valletta Waterfront. Available from: Mediterranean ceramics | Tel: 2010 5552

Lightweight, portable and very easy to use, they make great e-book readers and allow full access to internet, e-mail, Facebook and a whole world of apps and games. We offer a wide range of Android tablets starting at just €139 - and of course the ever popular Apple iPad range. Available at Doneo, Mountbatten Str, Hamrun, Tel: 2123 0741 Zoom, Labour Avenue, Naxxar, Tel: 2143 2745. info@doneo.com.mt, www.doneo.com.mt.

CHILL OUT Style in

MONO-bLOck SwiMMiNg POOLS The installation of a pool is the best choice you can make; a pool provides you with exercise, entertainment, health and leisure.

The installation of a Multiforma Swimming Pool will raise the value and image of your home. Why Fibreglass? The rapid development of new materials has also affected the pool sector. Traditional materials could become porous and crack, and require frequent recoating. Multiforma pools have an adequate balance of structural strength, durability and elasticity to ground movements. Aqualine has been installing these pools locally for the past eight years.

AQUALiNE, 28 Mill Street, Qormi.

Tel: 2149 3400 / 9949 7594 www.aqualine.com.mt

www.petroleamalta.com Like us on Facebook

OPEN ALL DAY

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

134 Sunday Circle | May 2013

FOOD & DRINK

C

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 Aperol-A4-keyvisual-tumbler.pdf

3

08/10/2012

SY!

16:03

TASTY DELIGHT If you are craving a treat, try a delicious Go Ahead Yoghurt Break, a mouth watering yoghurt flavour topping on a light crispy biscuit & packed with a range of delicious sultana & fruit flavored fillings, all under 76 calories per slice.

Available in Forest Fruit, Raspberry, Strawberry, Blueberry, Tropical Fruit & Red Cherry. You can also choose from a variety of Mc Vitie’s Go Ahead Slices. Available from all leading supermarkets, confectioneries & food outlets. No day is complete without Go Ahead biscuits, low in fat, healthy and delicious. Make it a Mc Vitie’s day every day.

over ice and a slice of orange

Trade enquires: Tel: 2144 1768 | Email: info@ strand.com.mt Like us on Facebook

Join us on

facebook.com/ukaperolspritz

DRINK APEROL RESPONSIBLY

Devon Vitabakes water crackers, baked with Omega 3 & 6 and a lot of love...

May 2013 | Sunday Circle 135

C

keeping up appearances

Get your nails noticed

For classic, French , decorated or tre ndsetting nails look no fu rther than Elega nt Touch.

Easy to apply, natural comfor table fit, perfect for up to seven days. Also available in the Elegant To uch range: Nail Tr eatments, Nail White Penc ils, Nail Files, Na il Clippers, Emery Boards, Tw eezers, Scissors.

Elegant Touch pr oducts are distribu ted by von Brockd

orff Imports Ltd.

Tel: 2123 2141.

Veet – tHe World’s number 1 dePilatory Products ys!

Perfect Heels in Just 3psda out the

am K+ stam Scholl Cracked heel Repair Cre worse painful cracked even or feet h roug dry of problem results are visible in and g actin fast is heels. Cracked heel e from all leading ilabl Ava 3 days! Don’t be shy, be Scholl! foothealth centres. oll Sch and ts arke erm , sup pharmacies om www.schollfoothealthcentre.c l. 2144 1870. | Te Ltd s -Co rma Pha : For Trade Enquiries

‘What Beauty Feels like’. The world leader in cosmetic depilatory products, Veet is trusted for its effective solutions. Veet markets a range of modern products that deliver beautiful, touchable smooth skin.

The Veet range includes Veet cream, Face and Body Strips, Spray Mousse, Shower Cream and Gel for Men. Veet is exclusively represented by

Charles de Giorgio Ltd Tel: 2560 0500

Scarf & Mirror

when purchasing any 2 NIVEA Women’s Face Care products. *Available in various colours. Actual Size: 180x50cm 136 Sunday Circle | May 2013

TEL: 2122 1094 www.NIVEA.com

Offer does not include Facial Wipes x7 & Face Masks. Valid until stocks last.

FREE *

BOV CARDS LOYALTY REWARDS PROGRAMME

your BOV Loyalty Points can now pay for your flights! valid for flights on any airline, to and from any destination worldwide* You can now redeem your BOV Loyalty Points against the value of airline tickets.

BOV Cards Loyalty Rewards Programme - the best value for you!

Your success is our goal.

BOV CARDS LOYALTY REWARDS PROGRAMME 2131 2020 I bov.com

* Terms and conditions apply. Valid for airline tickets booked directly with an airline and paid with a BOV participating credit card.

For further information log on to www.bov.com or call +356 2131 2020 Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c. 58, Zachary Street, Valletta VLT 1130 - Malta

www.chanel.com