www.sundaycircle.com
Interview
MANUEL CAUCHI
OCTOBER 2013 – ISSUE NO. 226
Feature
A HELPING HAND A look into the world of Learning Support Assistants See page 69
The veteran actor on a life lived on stage and screen See page 45
Priscilla Exclusive
GRISCTI
The artist on her distinctive works of art, the successes of her solo exhibitions – and the incessant attraction towards her birthplace See page 14
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BAG E I D GOODONAcTauEse & a goodge 75 to
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45
CONTENTS REGULARS
6 A WORD FROM THE EDITORS | 8 C BODY 10 C FASHION | 12 C STYLE
SHOPPING
82 COURSES & EDUCATION 115 FASHION | 116 HI-TECH 118 FOOD & DRINK | 120 KIDS
COMPETITIONS* 75 WIN A GOODIE BAG Support the Ladybird Foundation and WIN yourself a stylish goodie bag. Visit sundaycircle.com to participate
8 WIN ELIZABETH ARDEN UNTOLD FRAGRANCE
WINNERS’ BOX
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14
STYLE INTERVIEWS
14 PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST
Artist Priscilla Ainhoa Griscti speaks to Martina Said about her curious works of art, her successful solo exhibitions – and her incessant attraction towards her birthplace
23 INTO THE LOOP
Six months after her election to parliament, Deborah Schembri talks to Philip Leone-Ganado about civil rights, campaigning for change, and adapting to life on the inside
TEENS
28 MINDS IN MOTION
Teenage years are the beginning of a quest towards freedom and independence. And for parents raising teens, those years are a journey too, says Mariella Camilleri
LITERATURE
35 BRINGING THE STORM
Controversial author Guzè Stagno is back with a new novel and, he tells Philip Leone-Ganado, this time he’s trained his sights on Brussels
THEATRE
45 THE PLAY’S THE THING
Veteran actor Manuel Cauchi talks to Philip Leone-Ganado about Maltese theatre, learning from children, and how, through acting, he’s still searching for something
SOCIETY
52 LET THEM COME
Is unchecked immigration going to lead to the death of Maltese culture? How many is too many? Philip Leone-Ganado investigates
76 MOUNTAIN MEN Nathalie Vella, winner of the August Goodie Bag pictured with Renee Micallef Decesare
For these five young men, climbing Europe’s highest mountain was no easy feat – but, Martina Said finds out, fulfilling a cause close to their hearts made it all worthwhile
61 AUTUMN DREAMS
Stylists Claire, Nicole and Sandro – better known as the Clouded Revolution – highlight three Autumn/Winter trends that will help you put the ‘fun’ back in ‘fundamental’
EDUCATION
69 A HELPING HAND
With the first day jitters behind us, Malta’s children are getting down to the important business of learning. But what happens when learning doesn’t come easy, asks Rachel Agius
HERITAGE
88 HOME-GROWN TALES
San Niklaw Estate, a winery located deep in the heart of Zejtun, is as inconspicuous as it is wonderful. Martina Said meets John Cauchi, the paediatric surgeon who runs it
SPORT
93 SPORT SIBLINGS
Martina Said meets Matthew and Martina Camilleri, sibling four years apart who, despite their differences, share a single, strong passion for rugby.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
42 BEAUTY MEETS BUSINESS
Owner of Mayfair Laser Clinic, Audrey Aquilina, speaks about the industry of laser hair removal in Malta
57 NEXT-GEN NUTRITION
Internationally-renowned personal trainer Tom Oliver on his newlylaunched, and uniquely effective, food supplement – the Omega 3 MOPL
101 MINDFUL OBSESSION
Hands scrubbed raw. Flickering lights. Cracks in the pavement. How accurate are our ideas about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? Rachel Agius finds out what it’s like to live with OCD
106 SLENDER SILHOUETTES
Consultant plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon Raymond Debono discusses undesirable results after fat removal surgery
108 IMPLANTS; A SUCCESSFUL PRACTICE Dental and implant surgeon Dr Jean Paul Demajo on the facts, risks and benefits of dental implants
SEND YOUR LETTERS TO: The editors, Sunday Circle, Network Publications Ltd, Level 2, Angelica Court, Guzeppi Cali Street, Ta’ Xbiex, XBX 1425, or email: philip@ networkpublications.com.mt. The editors reserve the right to edit letters for clarity and where space is limited. For advertising enquiries email: renee@networkpublications.com. mt or call: 2131 6326/7/8. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole, or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Opinions expressed in the Sunday Circle are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers. All reasonable care is taken to ensure truth and accuracy, but the editor and publishers cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions in articles, advertising, photographs or illustrations. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome, but cannot be returned without a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The editor is not responsible for material submitted for consideration. The Sunday Circle is printed by Progress Press and distributed free with The Sunday Times every month.
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A WORD FROM
THE EDITORS With the hot summer days all but a memory, our thoughts this month have taken on a decidedly artistic bent. In our cover story, we meet the exciting young visual artist Priscilla Ainhoa Griscti. The Spanish-born Priscilla gives us an insight into her quirky and surreal artistic style, and the way she combines her Maltese heritage with Spanish flair. We also meet with Ġużè Stagno, whose provocative new novel is bound to create waves in the coming months, as well as Manuel Cauchi, one of Malta’s leading actors. With parliament reconvening after the summer recess, we catch up with Dr Deborah Schembri – best-known for her role in the divorce campaign, but now one of the newest crop of parliamentarians – and take an in-depth look at one of the summer’s most heated political issues: immigration. For students and parents, of course, the end of summer also means a reluctant return to school (or a relieved one). So in one of two features on children and parenting, we ask what support awaits those students who need that little extra help; in the other, we try to unravel what makes the elusive teenage mind tick – and what that means for teens’ parents. With that, we leave you to your reading, and hope you find the stories within these pages entertaining, enlightening, and perhaps even inspiring.
PUBLISHER John Formosa Network Publications Ltd www.sundaycircle.com
OCTOBER 2013 – ISSUE NO. 226
Interview
MANUEL CAUCHI
Feature
A HELPING HAND A look into the world of Learning Support Assistants See page 69
The veteran actor on a life lived on stage and screen
The artist on her distinctive works of art, the successes of her solo exhibitions – and the incessant attraction towards her birthplace See page 14
COVER PERSONALITY Priscilla Ainhoa Griscti
COVER PHOTO Steve Muliett PHOTOGRAPHY
WESTIN DRAGONARA RESORT, St Julian’s – Tel: 2374 5031 OPENING HOURS
10:00am - 6.00pm daily and 10:00am - 2:00pm on Saturday facebook.com/meimalta
Chantal Busuttil Using Shiseido MAKE-UP
EDITORIAL Martina Said CO-EDITORS
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Philip Leone-Ganado
See page 45
Priscilla
PUBLICATION & SALES MANAGER
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ART & DESIGN Sarah Scicluna Jessica Camilleri GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
SALES & MARKETING Marisa Schembri FEATURES SALES MANAGER
Sasha Miceli Demajo SUPPLEMENTS SALES MANAGER
Jessica Borg SUPPLEMENTS SALES COORDINATOR
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2. inspiring sCents
CH Eau de Parfum Sublime, the latest fragrance by Carolina Herrera, has been inspired by the ideal of a sophisticated and sensual woman; one who is fun, cheerful and charming, but with a hint of mystery. It is a modern fragrance with a touch of vintage. Patchouli and rose are the most characteristic ingredients of these vintage accords and are contrasted with fresh bergamot and sweet passionflower. The composition is completed with orchid and leather, for a remarkable harmonious combination of original floral and fruity accords. Exclusively distributed by Ta’Xbiex Perfumery Limited. Tel: 2133 1553.
3. Dawn to Dusk fragranCes
The scents of orange blossom and rose honey are what make the signature of the Elie Saab perfumes, with every version of the perfume depicting a period of daylight. The debut Eau de Parfum (2011), reflects the sparkling light of midday. The soft light of early morning is captured by the Eau de Toilette (2012), while the magic moment of dusk is introduced with the new version: Eau de Parfum Intense, an ultra sensual and feminine composition that brings the evening to life. Elie Saab is exclusively represented by C+M Marketing Ltd. Tel: 2142 4079.
4. say yes
A perfume is not only a fragrance: it’s an experience, an emotion, a wonderful trip. This fragrance is a tribute to pure and modern femininity, a mix of strength, elegance and freedom. Chic, intense and soft at the same time. Sì, the new fragrance by Giorgio Armani, lingers on the skin and enchants the senses. Armani Fragrances are distributed by Chemimart. Tel: 21492212.
5. lashes get graphiC
The New Graphic Expression Collection from Clarins includes Be Long Mascara. This innovative product with its ultra easy-to-use eyeliner and a new lash enhancing formula makes even the skimpiest lashes longer, stronger and larger than life. With Clarins Graphic Expression Collection, make-up has never offered so many benefits. Available from the Clarins Beauty Centre, Ta’ Xbiex, Tel: 21339256, 21338404 and Clarins authorised outlets. Clarins products are exclusively distributed by von Brockdorff Imports Ltd.
6. untolD stories
Feminine, sophisticated, luxurious, modern and sensual. There is an untold story behind every modern woman who is thriving in her life’s journey. Whether it’s dreams she has yet to share, secrets she has yet to reveal, or ambitions she has yet to declare, there are countless facets to every woman. While some of these facets are apparent on the surface, others remain hidden, only to be discovered over time. Intoxicating, romantic, undeniably feminine, evoking a magnetic sensuality and her mysterious aura, Untold, the signature fragrance by Elizabeth Arden presents the unforgettable essence of her presence. Sunday Circle readers will have a chance to win this alluring fragrance via our online competition. Exclusively distributed by C+M Marketing Ltd. Tel: 2142 4080/79.
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Sunday Circle | October 2013
Distributed by by X-Treme Co. Co. Ltd Ltd Distributed by X-Treme Distributed Co. X-Treme Ltd
fashiOn Best Of BOth wOrlds
In the first campaign since his appointment as Artistic Director of DIESEL, Nicola Formichetti is collaborating with a group of extraordinary dancers to celebrate the new Jogg Jeans collection, emphasizing movement, comfort and style and show that you can do anything in these jeans. The focus is on shape, emphasizing the extremes - pushing the human body to the limits of shape and form. Jogg Jeans puts the durability of Diesel denim into motion. A cutting edge crossbreed between jeans and activewear, crafted in a unique fabric that weaves together the style of denim with the versatility of jersey, it’s the original hybrid jean. You now have the freedom to move like never before. Diesel - Valletta, Merchant Street; Diesel - Sliema, Annunciation Street.
style and eleGanCe
Whether block heels, cap toes, or rhinestone appliqués, decoration on the heels or ankle tie-straps: this autumn’s shoes are refreshingly multifaceted. Ladies’ shoe specialists Gabor is again offering a lot of highlights in its current Autumn/Winter collection. Whether it’s high tops, pumps, ballerina shoes or boots, we have the right style for everyone. Available from all Scholl Foothealth Centres, Abela’s Health & Beauty Centre (Gozo), Suffolk (Valletta) and Jeanine (Tower Road, Sliema).
One year On
style at sea
HUGO BOSS and its local retail partner VF Group of Companies officially announce the participation of skipper Alex Thomson in the upcoming edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race. The Alex Thomson Racing 60-foot long monohull racing yacht “HUGO BOSS Imoca 60” will be sailing out of the Valletta Grand Harbour this October 19 at 11:00 hrs. Alex Thomson has both strengthened the perceived association between HUGO BOSS and sailing and promoted the company’s core brand BOSS and the underlying brand spirit of modernity, elegance and confidence. BOSS Stores are located in St. Julians and at the Departures Lounge of the Malta International Airport. HUGO BOSS is proudly represented by VF Group of Companies.
a new ClassiC
British actor Robert Pattinson replaces Jude Law as the face of Dior Homme, the best-selling fragrance by Dior. Modern, simple and well-dressed, Dior Homme 2013 cologne for men revolves from enlivening accords of citrus fruits, florals and musk, using raw materials of Calabrian bergamot, Italian grapefruit blossom and sensual musk to come up with an olfactory simplicity that you can never go wrong with. Dior is distributed by X-Treme Co.Ltd
fearless GeOmetry
From fearless graphics to fantasy forests, the Autumn/Winter 2013 Womenswear collection from Mexx brings distinctive style with attitude to the winter wardrobe. Beautiful berry tones such as Blazing Peony and Opulent Berry gleam in contrast with Dark Persian and Light Fir Green. Hold your head up high with the Legion of Pride collection, inspired by baroque and military styles, featuring jacquards, baroque relief fabrics, and heavy knits. Mexx at Baystreet, Pjazza Tigne (Tigne Point), Mosta and Valletta. 10 Sunday Circle | October 2013
A year after the official launch of Italian fashion brand Luisa Spagnoli in Malta, the Sterling Group returned on board the Costa Favolosa, berthed inside the Grand Harbour to celebrate the brand’s first anniversary on the island. Tickets for this event, which was again hosted in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund, sold out within the first two days, raising over €10,000 in aid of the MCCF, and heralded the launch of the new Autumn and Winter collections, which this year draw a lot of inspiration from Russian and Balkan influences. The collection relfects an elegance and luxury reminiscent of the Baroque but with a Seventies touch. Luisa Spagnoli, Pjazza Tigne, Tigne Point, Sliema, Tel: 2133 3311.
STYLE URBAN STUNNER
Captur is the new urban crossover from Renault. Its flowing lines highlight its distinctive proportions, while its large wheels, generous ground clearance, wide tracks and steeply raked, forward-set windscreen form a unique blend of MPV, SUV and hatchback, conceived and made a reality by Renault. Renault Captur lends itself perfectly to an extensive personalisation programme, too, which will appeal to a particularly broad spectrum of tastes and desires. Ingenious and practical innovations are core values of Renault’s stylish new crossover – and Renault Captur is a proud standard-bearer for Renault’s new design identity. Auto Sales Ltd., Mosta Road, Lija. Tel: 2143 3601/2/3, email: info@autosales.com.mt.
LASTING IMPRESSIONS
The new Opel ADAM, available at Cars International, is ready to start making an impression on our roads. Opel’s chic, urban small car and champion of individualization will turn heads in our cities just as it did at its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show. Its modern, bold and colorful look ensures this, as does its almost unlimited potential for customization that makes virtually each and every ADAM unique. A funky three-door hatchback, it is perfect for urban environments, while its driving dynamics also shine outside the city thanks to chassis and steering settings that focus on fun and agility. Cars International, Mdina Road, Qormi.
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Introducing the Galaxy Gear and Galaxy Note 3 by Samsung. Pre-order your device now and benefit from our special launch offer. Galaxy Gear at €299 comes with Hands-Free send & receive calls and Smart Connection real time device synchronization. Galaxy Note 3 at €729 includes Air Command 5 innovative functions, S Pen for simplified use and multiscreen which opens 2 applications simultaneously. Sound Machine Birkirkara – Paola – Mosta – Qormi. Official Agents for Samsung.
BOLD IMPRESSIONS
The all new Nissan Micra has just arrived in Malta – with a new bold exterior and interior look that is bursting with new technology, the Micra starts from just €11,350. It comes well equipped with power steering, remote central locking, air conditioning, front power windows, Radio CD with 4 speakers, 6 airbags, and much more. For more information or to book your test drive today, visit the Nissan Motor Sales showroom located on Antonio Bosio street, Msida. Call: 2133 4196/9946 3750 or visit www.nissan.com.mt.
SLEEK AND SPORTY
Starting from €15,995, the new Toyota Auris has a dynamic, sporty and sleek exterior that creates a powerful road presence. Toyota’s new ‘Keen Look’ styling at the front of the car sweeps back from the badge to merge into the headlights. And the LED daytime running lights are set low and wide to give real status. Exceptional comfort also comes as standard. The blue-white illumination produces a cool, calm look and complements the soft touch materials used throughout the interior. The sophisticated Hybrid Synergy Drive model delivers a remarkable combination of responsiveness, low fuel consumption and reduced emissions. For more information please visit the Toyota showroom in Mdina Road Zebbug – Like us on Toyota Malta Facebook page. 12 Sunday Circle | October 2013
178, Marina street, pietĂ seafront st anne street, fLoriana i teL: 2010 3715, 2010 2949 i www.victorazzopardi.coM
AETERNITAS collection
MASTHEAD
14 Sunday Circle | October 2013
cover story
W
hen Priscilla Ainhoa Griscti was a mere seven years of age, she was struck by her first bout of what she soon discovered was inspiration. She describes it as a strange first experience – she began drawing a horse with a single line and completed the picture without lifting her hand off the paper. “It is the earliest memory I have where I realised art is my passion, one of those moments were something took over me. I let go of everything and let it flow.” She has continued exploring her passion ever since – all the while growing and evolving into the artist she is today. “It is a constant learning process and the more works you see of other artists, the more you realise how much there is to learn.” Priscilla has just returned from a trip to the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, where works of artists such as Goya, El Greco and Velázquez proved to be a great source of inspiration. The visit was also pertinent to her, however, because it took her back to her birthplace.
Throughout her academic years, art occupied a central place in Priscilla’s studies. She graduated with a Masters degree in 2010 in art history from the University of Malta, although she says she considers herself to be largely self-taught. “I learned and took in what I thought would help me from my studies, but ultimately I do believe that the best teachers and critics are the old masters and yourself. I see making art as a spiritual process – when I’m looking at an artwork I’ve made I question how much soul it has. No one else will tell you.”
portrait of an artist Artist PriscillA AinhoA Griscti on her curious works of Art, her successful solo exhibitions – And the incessAnt AttrAction she hArbours towArds her birthPlAce W ords by M artina s aid -§- P hotograPhy by s teve M uliett M ake uP by C hantal b usuttil using s hiseido
Born in Oropesa del Mar in Castellón, to Maltese parents, Priscilla spent the first year of her life in Spain, before returning to Malta with her family at a very tender age. She is quick to assure me, however, that in spite of the brevity of her stay, the impact Spanish culture had on her is immense. “It’s strange but I’ve always felt that the biggest part of me is there, in Spain. My second name, Ainhoa, comes from the Basque region, and I use that as my signature for artworks because I feel a strong connection to my birthplace.” How is it that one year left such a lasting impact? She smiles, as if to acknowledge she was expecting such a question. “It is true that when you’re young you have a heightened sensitivity to things around you, because everything is new and you’re curious. An artist is very sensitive to their surroundings, and I’ve come and gone to Spain many times because of the strong connection I have there; it is my second home.”
She’s been influenced and inspired by a variety of things throughout the course of her life – from people she met and travel experiences to strange and fascinating objects her father brought home as an antiques dealer. Her artistic style, which she describes as a “paradox”, is also the result of years of experimentation. “The style I use for one artwork depends a lot on my mood: the art in me is expressionist, aggressive and violent at times. I simply get a feeling and get the urge to transport it onto paper and that act can be quite physical. But other times when I’m calm and tranquil I am more decisive and linear with my work,” she says.
October 2013 | Sunday Circle 15
cover story I notice many of her works are self-portraits and she explains that often, the act of making a self-portrait is subconscious. “I don’t really think when I’m painting and I don’t intend them to be self-portraits; perhaps the final result is an extension of myself and so ends up as a selfportrait.” She also doesn’t give much thought to the medium, although she’s dabbled with oil, pastels and ink among others. “My preference is still pencil and paper – however, the medium shouldn’t be a barrier and it doesn’t restrict me. It is the inspiration that drives the medium and urges an artist to grab whatever they have at hand to transfer their thoughts onto paper.” This year, at 27 years of age, Priscilla held her third solo exhibition at the Cathedral Museum in Mdina, titled ‘Dans le Rêve’. After completing her Masters degree, Priscilla committed herself to becoming a full-time artist and has spent every day since practicing and perfecting her craft. “Being an artist isn’t about waiting for inspiration to come and hit you; it is a struggle, but after six or seven drawings, one will look right and for five years, I was creating something every single day. My third solo exhibition was the result of this process.” A total of 80 artworks were displayed at the Cathedral Museum, exploring dream worlds through abstract works, expressionist works and design, and organised in such a way that the viewer was taken on a journey – “starting with the figurative and linear works that move into the abstract, breaking down materialism and simplifying. In simplifying you realise you don’t need to be too loud to draw people in. It is actually more profound when discreet.” 16 Sunday Circle | October 2013
Being an artist isn’t about waiting for inspiration to come and hit you; it is a struggle, but after six or seven drawings, one will look right
cover story Her first solo exhibition, called ‘Hidden Illusions’ which she hosted at the age of 18, followed by her second solo exhibition titled ‘Anima del Circo’, exposed Priscilla to a fascinating world, introducing her to a variety of prominent international art collectors and enthusiasts. “The response I got was great. I sold my first work to a German client from Berlin who owned paintings by Dali and Picasso and was interested enough to buy one of my paintings. That was very encouraging.” I ask Priscilla to recount an experience she considers to be most memorable from her career so far. On a professional level, exhibiting at Art Paris in 2011, at the Grand Palais des Champs-Elysées, takes the top spot. “I won the Saatchi online competition, which gave me the opportunity to exhibit eight works in Paris. It was a contemporary fair filled with modern artworks and knowing that suddenly you’re on an international level with other artists is great.” On a more personal note, however, she was touched by the comments of a viewer at her 2008 exhibition. “I was told there was someone who wanted to meet me. A man I had never met before approached me and, simply by looking at my work, understood my personal story. I was in shock and awed at the same time. It was brilliant.” Priscilla’s quirky and surreal style is distinguishable and intriguing. It is, in part, a result of her sense of curiosity towards life, her interest in people and her appeal to anything mysterious. She admits being quizzical about our existence, a philosophical approach, if you will, often offers great sources of inspiration. And although such questions are often impossible to answer, art gives her hints, ideas of what the answers could be. “It is self-discovery.” www.ainhoart.com
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INTERVIEW
INTO THE LOOP HoW do you Top THE dIVoRcE REfERENdum? SIx moNTHS afTER HER ElEcTIoN To paRlIamENT, dEboRaH ScHEmbRI TalkS To pHIlIp lEoNE-GaNado abouT cIVIl RIGHTS, campaIGNING foR cHaNGE – aNd adapTING To lIfE oN THE INSIdE P hotograPhy
by
S teve M uliett
October 2013 | Sunday Circle 23
INTERVIEW
T
he corridors of power are empty on this late summer afternoon. Apart from a few tourists lazily taking in the sights, the halls and passages of the Grandmaster’s Palace are eerily quiet. Still, here where laws are made and policies drafted, the sense of grandeur is palpable. For most of us, this is as close as we get: on the outside, looking in. But Deborah Schembri, whom I’m here to meet, has just found herself thrust right into the thick of it. Is that not just a bit daunting? “I’d be lying if I said it was,” she says with an apologetic smile, as if she knows her answer doesn’t make for a great narrative. “I knew that I was here because the people wanted me to be here, and that there was a job I needed to do, so I instantly felt at home.”
For a woman who prided herself on always doing things her own way, the trade-off is living life within the party line. But Schembri insists that adapting has not been as grating as one would imagine. “You need stability in the country, so a democratic party needs to pull the same rope,” she says. “You have to work internally: lobby, try and make others see your point, or perhaps become open to theirs.” She contrasts her new method of working with her work during the divorce referendum, where, as chairman, although there was plenty of dialogue, she enjoyed the final word. “Now there’s a leader and a party structure, and I need to respect that, but as long as I have my say, I don’t find it difficult.”
Schembri, of course, burst onto the public scene only two years ago, as the head of the successful campaign to introduce divorce legislation, following which she contested this year’s general elections on the Labour Party ticket, and was duly elected. Today, she chairs parliament’s Social Affairs Committee and sits on the Family Committee and the Committee for Legislation, as well as forming part of the parliamentary delegation to the Council of Europe.
When you’re campaigning as a private citizen, you think you have little power. But what matters is how you use it, what your goal is, and how many people you’ll affect
It has been a whirlwind couple of years, but Schembri is relishing her new position. In her role on the legislation committee, for example, she is involved in fine-tuning legislation before its final reading in parliament. “That’s the side of things I really love,” she says, and I can hear the genuine excitement in her voice. “As a politician you have the capacity to really change things.” How does changing things from the inside, I wonder, compare to her work in previous years, changing things (as it were) from the outside? “When you’re campaigning as a private citizen, you think you have little power. But what matters is how you use it, what your goal is, and how many people you’ll affect. If you have positivity on all three counts, you’ll have people behind you, and you can make a change.” But ultimately, she says, she still depended on politicians, and had no direct say in how things were done. “Now when I want things to happen, the first thing I do is start lobbying, rather than campaigning on a grand scale. But I can do things quicker: I can promote a certain type of legislation; I can talk to other parliamentarians and make them see things that citizens may not have the capacity to bring to the attention of lawmakers.”
24 Sunday Circle | October 2013
Has there been a moment in these first six months where she found herself out of step with the decisions of her party? Given her personal interest in civil rights, I ask about the government’s controversial stand on immigration. “The decision which caused all uproar was taken out of context,” Schembri insists. “The government never said we were using pushbacks; it said we were keeping all options open.” I put it to her that, if returning migrants to Libya would have violated fundamental human rights, keeping the option open is no less morally reprehensible. “These are not clearcut moral issues,” she counters. “But now that the ECHR has taken its decision, it should no longer be an option going forward. The problem is that a lot of people are sentimental about it, not legal or logical. Government has to be political: in order to put pressure on our European counterparts, we needed to take a credible stand.”
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INTERVIEW
When asked, on the other hand, where the government has succeeded in these early days, her answer is less equivocal. “Equality,” she says, pointing to the change in marriage legislation for transgender individuals, as well as the upcoming civil unions bill. On civil unions, in fact, Schembri herself would have gone further. “If it were up to me, it would be marriage. If you want to marry your partner, why should you not be able to? But we came out of a campaign and there were certain promises. Sometimes you have to go up step by step. If you try to get everything at once you might get nothing.” It’s tempting to see this as something of a mellowing, but Schembri is quick to point out that the four-year separation period included in the divorce legislation represented a similar compromise. “Let’s take what we can get now, and improve on that later when people are ready,” she says. From changes to power of attorney and care orders to domestic violence and the 26 Sunday Circle | October 2013
recognition of divorces granted by foreign registries, there is no shortage of issues that the MP wants to tackle, and all stem from a similar commitment. “I’m a people person, not a numbers person,” she says. “I don’t really care about financial matters, if I have to be honest. I’m interested in things that change people’s lives for the better.” Which is where her newest campaign comes in: cyberbullying. “Certain problems are problems of our time,” she explains. “Before, the bully was in the school-yard, but when you went home you were free of him. Today, bullying stays with you and can actually be worse when you’re alone. You can’t live without computers or mobiles, so what do you do?” Moreover, cyberharassment is not just limited to children. “It can affect anyone who’s vulnerable: there are people suffering on the workplace, or as an extension of domestic violence.” The problem with existing laws, Schembri believes, is that they’re not
effective and immediate enough to deal with the speed of online exchanges: what use is removing an incriminating picture or blog post three months after it has been uploaded? “Cyberbullying should have stricter sentences because the reach has increased dramatically, and so the effect on the victim has too,” she says. “Today, if you’re employing someone you’ll Google him first – so cyberbullying also affects his job and his whole life.” The Anti-Cyber Harassment Alliance – the face of the campaign – is currently in the process of meeting with a range of interested parties, collecting ideas and proposals to pass on to the Prime Minister. “I hope to have the law adapted and changed by the first few months of next year,” Schembri tells me. This, then, must be that capacity she speaks of to bring about change faster and more effectively. The divorce campaign may soon be a distant memory, but Deborah Schembri’s work, you feel, is only just beginning.
teens
MINDS IN MOTION Teenage years are The beginning of a quesT Towards freedom and independence – a journey of self-discovery. and for parenTs raising Teens, Those years are a journey Too W ords 28 Sunday Circle | October 2013
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aising a teen can be an arduous experience – nothing prepares you for the apprehension that lies ahead, when you let go of those precious hands and watch your child venture into the world alone. As parents it is our duty to fret and warn teenagers to keep away from trouble, and hope that they will emerge from the adolescent phase unscathed. During the fearless teenage years, every risky situation is a call for a thrilling adventure – drugs and other delinquent behaviour aren’t the only matters that keep parents on their toes. The phrases “look before you cross the road and make sure your mobile is switched on”, have become the mantra I chant, each time my son reaches for the front door. To confound matters, today’s adolescents don’t need to leave the house to encounter trouble; cyber bullying, ‘sexting’ and other online threats can all take place within one’s home, placing young people in vulnerable situations. Although the list of hazards is endless, teens remain unaware of the anxiety experienced by parents, says psychotherapist Mariella Dimech. “Typically most teens are preoccupied with personal issues – many experience an egocentric phase and parental worries rarely cross their mind.” During a workshop held at St Michael Foundation, a co-ed independent school, Ms Dimech and fellow psychotherapist Dr Anna Grech had the chance to work with students and discover what it’s like to be a young teenager in today’s world.
teens
Do I fIt In? It is impossible to feel happy without good friends, says 14 year-old Amy*. “Getting together with girls my age is fun because we get to talk about boys, clothes and other interesting stuff. Meeting boys is also exciting because we get to talk and laugh about different things. Having friends I can trust is important because I can turn to them when something is on my mind.” Tim*, who also formed part of the workshop, says that belonging to a good circle of friends is essential. “To feel comfortable you need friends who share your views. Hanging out with an older crowd or teens who are daring can lead to uncomfortable situations because you will be expected to follow the crowd.” One doesn’t need to mix with daring teens to feel under pressure, says Ms Dimech. “Forming part of a group of kids who are smart academically, or ones who excel at sport can still result in peer pressure for teenagers who don’t shine in these areas – having naturally good social skills helps young people to integrate better amongst their peers.”
Do I look gooD enough? Essentially teenagers begin to form an impression of the ideal image – many will aspire to look attractive, and to possess skills that will be admired by their peers. Amy says that boys are expected to excel at sports, whilst girls must be slim and pretty to be popular.
Within teams, students created diagrams showing how body parts relate to their emotions, their doubts and their aspirations, shedding light on the challenges faced by adolescents. According to Dr Grech, friendships, relationships, exams and peer pressure are only some of the issues that concern teenagers. “During adolescence, young people experience several emotions and building self- awareness helps teens to discover ways to feel fulfilled.”
October 2013 | Sunday Circle 31
teens
Worry less, support more Although most parents remember what it was like to be a teenager, times have changed. The digital era, internet and advanced technology, have created a collection of issues, which were not present years ago. Dr Grech explains that the internet in particular doesn’t allow teens time away from each other. “Today’s teenagers are constantly in contact, whether they are relaxing or studying, their friends are only a click away, this increases the chances of clashes and conflict.” Tim says that when it comes to the net, cyberbullying is the worst evil that teens may encounter. “There is nothing worse than being teased or taunted online – people often join in, and those being bullied end up feeling ridiculed and alone.” The psychotherapists explain that rather than worry, parents need to equip their children with the right skills to handle these situations. “Adolescents should be encouraged to seek loyal friends who will stand by their side – bullies tend to target individuals who stand alone, so being surrounded by friends who will support each other is very important for teenagers.”
“Some of my friends refuse to go to the beach with boys, they fear that they might be ridiculed in front of the crowd because of the way they look, and this can lead to awkward situations.” Ms Dimech explains that while teenagers begin to experience their own physical transformation, their own aspirations will be influenced by society and the media. “Parents also have an ideal image of how their teen should be, and this may lead to disagreements. Although many dread conflict, this process is vital in the psychological development of a teenager’s life because it helps one to discover who he is and what he aspires to be in life.” Ms Dimech goes on to say that problems tend to arise when one’s ideal image is very dissimilar to one’s real self; this may lead to lack of confidence, low self- esteem and a feeling of inferiority when one is in the company of peers. Should these issues remain unaddressed during adolescence, problems may be experienced during adulthood.
Communication and good support at home are vital. Many teens believe that certain worries like drug addiction and bad company can be unfounded. Tim says that although some teens may seem reckless, there are still young people who opt to have fun in a sensible way. “Having understanding parents helps, curfews need to be realistic, nobody wants to return home when the fun is getting started.” Always aim to find a compromise, says Ms Dimech. “Teenagers enjoy bargaining with parents – allowing free time with friends in exchange for good work is healthy because it motivates children to do well. Support and dialogue matter – teens will be more eager to trust you if they believe that you’ll be there through rain or shine.” As nostalgia for long gone childhood days sets in, parents can look ahead towards a relationship with their teenage children where stronger bonds may be formed. While it’s normal to fret, keeping things in perspective and staying positive is essential. Although it’s our duty as parents to guide teens onto the right path, we must also encourage them to enjoy the freedom and excitement that adolescence has to offer. *Names have been changed
September 2013 2013 000 32 Sunday Circle | October
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LITERATURE
BRINGING THE STORM GUZÈ STAGNO’S FIRST BOOK IS OFTEN CREDITED WITH SHAKING UP THE MALTESE LITERARY ESTABLISHMENT. NOW, WITH THE PUBLICATION OF HIS NEWEST NOVEL, HE’S TRAINED HIS SIGHTS ON THE EUROPEAN CAPITAL W ords
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“It wouldn’t be a Ġużè Stagno interview without those two words cropping up, would it?” The two words, which I’ve just obligingly uttered, are enfant terrible, and Stagno is quick to point out that he never chose them for himself. “It’s just something people said about me because I used naughty words and posed for photographs with a cigarette dangling from my mouth at a time when local writers were still having their pictures taken like San Domenico Savio,” he says. “It takes so little to be an enfant terrible in a place like Malta.” Still, he’s happy to point out, for example, that his new novel – What Happens in Brussels Stays in Brussels – contains what he believes to be the longest sex scene in Maltese literature. “But it’s not gratuitous at all,” he insists. “If people think it’s gratuitous, they’ve missed the whole point: that scene is actually the focal point of the novel.” Stagno is one of the new wave of Maltese authors to whom little is off-limits, and for whom the quest for social realism means no sugarcoating and, inescapably, a healthy dose of obscenity. He has written three October 2013 | Sunday Circle 35
LITERATURE
It was one thing I hated about Maltese literature: all these novels set in fictional villages like Ħal Kaprat teeming with sidrija-wearing people called Sidor or women named Rożann, and with not one reference to the wider context
novels to date – Inbid ta’ Kuljum, Xemx Wisq Sabiha, and Ramon u ż-Żerbinotti – each of which made waves in one way or another, and two of which went on to win prizes at the National Book Awards – “back when the Book Awards still meant something,” as he brazenly puts it. As its title implies, his new novel is set in Brussels, where Stagno himself now lives and works. Many of the book’s incidents are based on Stagno’s actual experiences on a whirlwind tour of the European Parliament organised by a Maltese MEP – from a group of Gozitan canvassers getting stuck in a hotel lift to an abominable Italian dinner in a Brussels trattoria. “On a most superficial level, the book is about a Maltese journalist who goes to Brussels to interview an MEP, and his experiences there,” he explains. “On a deeper level it’s about betrayal, both personal and political.” Set in December 2011, in the turbulent waning days of the Gonzi administration, the world that the novel inhabits is vibrantly realised and instantly familiar: fictional MEP Charlo Pulis dines with Louis Grech and has his height mocked on Daphne Caruana Galiza’s blog; characters quote local band Brikkuni and reference Inspector Victor Gallo, a character from a Maltese novel.
36 Sunday Circle | October 2013
“It’s always been a conscious choice, ever since my first novel,” says Stagno of the way reality and fiction intermingle. “It was one thing I hated about Maltese literature: all these novels set in fictional villages like Ħal Kaprat teeming with sidrija-wearing people called Sidor or women named Rożann, and with not one reference to the wider context. Novels set in the 1960s and not one mention of the Beatles, for example. There’s little doubt we’re an insular people, but that insular?” What Happens in Brussels is comical in tone, with a biting satire that cuts to the heart of Malta’s relationship with the European Union, as the implications of European membership start to imprint themselves on our national psyche. The author’s sights are trained on two distinct classes of Maltese people: those making a lucrative living off the opportunities membership has opened up – and the euro-sceptic vanguard, fundamentally at odds with the cosmopolitan mentality that Brussels embodies. Here, the difference between the two is clearly demarcated along lines of social class: his portrayal of the working class, from outlook to speech patterns and mannerisms, feels true-to-life, but it is far from sympathetic.
LITERATURE It is not surprising then, to find that Stagno believes the class divide is – and has always been – one of the defining issues in Maltese society. “Where I grew up there was only one class: the working class,” he says. “Marsaxlokk in the 1970s and the 1980s was a very homogeneous place, class-wise.” As for himself, he stops short of calling his background underprivileged, but he admits that in an intellectual sense, he had a harder time making something of his life than if he had come from a more cultured household, with more than just a copy of the New Standard Encyclopaedia on the bookshelf. “When I started meeting young people from the Maltese middle class, they were always poo-pooing the idea of a class divide. ‘We all have jobs. Doesn’t that make us working class too?’ they used to argue — which is ridiculous. Why did they go to St Edward’s while I was sent to Marsaxlokk Primary? Why did they have ballet or fencing classes while I had to make do with the village banda?”
Where I grew up there was only one class: the working class, Marsaxlokk in the 1970s and the 1980s was a very homogeneous place, class-wise So is there a sense of bitterness to his writing? “I don’t know,” he responds. “Was Juann Mamo a social reformer trying to right society’s wrongs; or was he simply making fun of the ‘ignorant’?” The reference is an apt one. Mamo’s classic novel Ulied in-Nanna Venuti fl-Amerka is something of a forerunner to Stagno’s, as well as an acknowledged influence, and the question to be asked here is probably a similar one. Ultimately, Stagno’s own assessment is a positive one. “I’m not bitter about the Maltese, much less about Malta. All things considered, it’s a great country and the 38 Sunday Circle | October 2013
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LITERATURE
More and more books get translated into English and other languages, authors win the occasional international prize, and then what? Nothing... we simply do not matter in the greater scheme of things
standard of living one of the highest in Europe – whatever politicians might say. What I hate about Malta is the ‘system’, in the broadest sense of the word. In a country where getting a decent job is dependant on one’s appearance on a political billboard, joining the EU was the greatest things that could have happened to the people of my generation.” When it comes to Maltese literature, and his place within it, Stagno doesn’t pull any punches. “I’m not too crazy about contemporary Maltese literature, to be honest. Most of it is very well-written, but impossibly boring,” he says. He argues that stagnation is setting in, and that more local writers should write in English, cutting the middleman, or translator, out of the equation. “More and more books get translated into English and other languages, authors win the occasional international prize, and then what? Nothing. We’re still not hitting Waterstone’s top ten list, we’re still not gracing the pages of the Observer’s review section, and we simply do not matter in the greater scheme of things. The local kakkademiċi will take umbrage at such statements but it’s true, isn’t it? Maltese literature is going nowhere fast. Despite the fact that we have such brilliant writers.” As for his own novels? “They’re all flawed in one way or another, but they’re always a good read,” says the author. “They’re a good chuckle, and most of the characters I create are quite memorable, from ‘skidmark boy’ Ramon Buttigieg all the way back to the unnamed protagonist of Inbid ta’ Kuljum. Unfortunately they still don’t get the credit they deserve. Because unless you set out to write the Great Maltese Novel, you’re not going to get much recognition. Then again, it took them 60 years to cannonise Mamo...”
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Audrey admits the business side of her work is a new experience, albeit one she is relishing as it gives her the opportunity to do one of the things she loves most: meeting people. “Perhaps it is something I got through my experience of working with people but I am truly enjoying business management. I like to be close to my clients and understand their needs – we are a family, not just a business.”
“I started out in this industry when it was still in its early stages, first in beauty therapy and I later moved into aesthetic treatments. I worked with Estetika for many years, until I decided to branch out alone two years ago and get involved in the business side of things too,” says Audrey. “I made the decision to open a clinic that focuses exclusively on laser hair removal, with the main mission being a great service to clients that is effective and affordable.”
Following years of experience in the field, Audrey hopes to succeed in putting hair and skin type recognition into practice in Malta. “I obtained a diploma in laser hair removal under the NHS in the UK as it is important to specialise in the field. However, people here have a tendency of thinking that you are not good or qualified enough if you are not a doctor,” she says, suggesting such assumptions are mistaken, and should be corrected.
42 Sunday Circle | October 2013
promotion Since moving to larger premises this year, Audrey has been able to expand her budding business. Five laser aestheticians offer a variety of laser treatments, using GentleLase premium treatments by Candela, including hair removal and pigmentation. Hair removal treatments work by delivering light energy to the hair to damage the root, causing it to become smaller or destroying it altogether. It is most effective on strong, dark hair and conditions that may affect the success of treatment include the colour of the skin – the darker it is, the more treatments needed – and hormonal problems. “Laser will only work on growing and mature hairs, and repeated treatments will be needed in order to treat hairs in successive growth phases.” On average, a minimum of four to six sessions is needed on any area, and some areas that have more cycles than others, such as the face, require more treatments. “Laser treatment improves the texture and reduces the volume of hair, and so has become a relief for men and women of different ages.” Laser treatment is also effective for pigmentation – which are dark lesions on the skin resulting from abnormally concentrated amounts of melanin in one area. While most brown marks will fade with treatment, some may require additional treatment to keep pigmentation at bay. Since starting out in this industry, Audrey has seen the use of laser treatment boom. “I am proud to say I was part of the start of the aesthetic industry in Malta. It has come a long way and one of the best things about it is that treatment is now so much more affordable. It is no longer only available to people with a substantial income,” she says. “From a business perspective, it is a growing market, and being in a Mediterranean climate we are a lot more conscious about hair as it is stronger and darker.” In the most recent addition to their list of services, Mayfair clinic is now also providing nutritional advice, complete with a tailored package prepared by a qualified professional. Clients are monitored and helped to achieve the best results possible through guidance and support. After a successful number of years in the business, Audrey today juggles her working life with motherhood. She admits it is nothing short of a challenge, but one that couldn’t possibly be more rewarding. “I laugh at myself each morning - I’ve worked so hard all my life, but this has been the hardest task yet. That said, however, I have the best of both worlds,” she says, suggesting that work priorities are now balanced out by other equally rewarding priorities. “I hope to expand the business in future, but I also believe in consolidating what I have before starting new things as it is important to care for your clients. I will not rule anything out though – never say never.” Obtain a Mayfair Laser Privilege Card for just € 399, offering full annual laser treatments. Call for a Complimentary Laser Consultation & Test Patch to learn more about hair removal and Mayfair Offers. For a Mayfair Laser Membership Card, please call for further information and prices. Mayfair Clinic by Audrey, Regent Place, 2 Tumas Fenech Street, B’kara. Landline: 2749 2799 - Mobile: 7714 2934 Email: mayfairlaserclinic@gmail.com Website: www.mayfairlaserclinic.com October 2013 | Sunday Circle 43
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THEATRE
THE PLAY’S THE THING FROM SMALL STAGES TO MASSIVE FILM PRODUCTIONS, THERE’S LITTLE THAT VETERAN ACTOR MANUEL CAUCHI HAS NOT ACCOMPLISHED. HERE, HE TALKS TO PHILIP LEONE-GANADO ABOUT MALTESE THEATRE, LEARNING FROM CHILDREN — AND HOW, THROUGH ACTING, HE’S STILL SEARCHING FOR SOMETHING P hotograPhy
by
J acob S ammut October 2013 | Sunday Circle 45
THEATRE
You may be a big fish in a small pond, but isn’t it better to try the ocean before deciding whether you can swim or sink ?
I
t’s been over forty years since Manuel Cauchi first stepped onto the stage, but for all his experience, the theatre has not yet lost its ability to surprise him. “I look at every role I do as getting closer to myself,” he says. “Acting is about digging into yourself to find new experiences and facets to life: some of the things you find you might have known of, but others surprise you. So the more theatre I do, the closer I get to who I might be. I still don’t know. I believe I’ll never know.” Manuel is one of Malta’s most established actors, with an innumerable list of credits in theatre, television, and film. When I catch up with him, he is deep in rehearsal for his latest role: playing Mr Paravicini in Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap at the Manoel Theatre. He can’t tell me too much about his character, he says, as the cast is under strict instructions to preserve the ending of the classic play, which has run uninterrupted for 60 years on London’s West End, and is being staged for the first time in Malta. “Paravicini’s quite a mysterious one,” he says at last. “Everyone’s asking who he is and where he’s come from, and nobody gets an answer.” With his deep, sonerous voice, and a face that projects gravitas at every turn, Manuel has got used to playing baddies (his words) though he’s quick to point out that in his younger days he was more often cast in romantic leads. It was as Bassanio in The Merchant of Venice, in fact, that he got his 46 Sunday Circle | October 2013
first taste of the stage. “When MTADA [the now-defunct Manoel Theatre Academy for Dramatic Arts] first opened, I went along to see if they had any courses in stage design, which is what I was most interested in,” he says. “But they didn’t have anything, so that was that. Then one day I got a call out of the blue, and the person who was running the school told me he had a role for me to try. He had vision. He knew there was something I could potentially give.” Since then, he has studied drama abroad, taught children, toured in villages, served as producer for four different theatre companies, and performed countless different roles. He has also witnessed tremendous changes in the local theatre scene. “When we started, it was just Francis Ebejer on the one hand, and the teatrin and all that on the other. Today there are so many different people trying out different things: I believe there’s space for every kind of theatre”. Manuel points to the greater opportunities
that young people have to further their art, and the changing mentalities that mean a life dedicated to the arts is no longer such a devastating proposition. But his advice to young actors comes ungarnished. “Pack your bags, leave this country. Period. Once you’ve got experience, you can come back and contribute, as much as I believe I did, but we’re limited here, and we have to admit it. You may be a big fish in a small pond, but isn’t it better to try the ocean before deciding whether you can swim or sink?” Apart from his work in theatre, Manuel has also played numerous roles in film and television productions, perhaps most notably as Theophilius of Alexandria alongside Rachel Weisz in Alejandro Amenábar’s historical epic, Agora. The scale of the productions, he admits, took some getting used to. In his first few roles, in fact, Manuel wasn’t even given an entire script, just the page or two that contained his part. But that changed as he moved to more prominent
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THEATRE parts, where he also had the opportunity to discuss his character and performance with the director. Again, he found the difference to theatre striking. “Theatre directors have their own vision: they’re the ultimate source of anything they want to create,” he explains. “In cinema you’re expected to give a lot more. You walk on set and you’re given a complete picture of what they have in mind , but you’re expected to contribute to that.” Film work has also given him his fair share of interesting experiences. For his role in Agora, for example, Manuel was expected to ride a horse bareback and without stirrups, which required him to practice twice a week for three months in preparation. “Then came the costume fit, and the costume was about twenty yards long, all hanging down,” he laughs. “You could hardly see the horse, let alone a saddle. So in the end they put a saddle in anyway.” Another time, in a scene where an angry mob rips down a three-storey high statue, Manuel was thrown headlong from a flight of stairs, after an extra miscalculated his route and crashed right into him. “I was on the floor while this massive statue was crashing down,” he remembers. “The worst part is that they couldn’t even use the footage because there’s me falling over. It was too expensive to rebuild the set, so they had to cut the whole scene.”
the chance to work with him early in their careers. “I realise that sometimes young actors feel intimidated working with me,” says Manuel, “so if I have the opportunity to help someone out, I do my best. I think everyone should do that: if you’re working in a team you need to be one family.” It is a mentality that ties in with his day job, where for 35 years he has taught drama to young children. “The children are a constant reminder of what we should be striving for,” he says. “We’re always trying to recapture what society has snatched from us: being spontaneous, being open. Isn’t that what theatre is all about? Kids do it instinctively.” Unfortunately, he believes, our education system doesn’t provide children with enough of an opportunity to express themselves. “They’re told to sit down and listen. But if you sit down with them and ask them what they feel about something, all of a sudden you have a vast encyclopaedia of fresh ideas coming out.”
“Film is where the money is,” says Manuel frankly. “Both have their advantages. The camera can give you things the stage can’t: a silent close-up, the twitch of an eye or the corner of your mouth; that would all be lost in the theatre. But working for the camera is like having a quick shower; theatre is like having a long, hot bath.”
Finally, I ask, which are the roles that stick in his memory? “They all do,” he answers with his usual simplicity. “I always try to have fun and make it part of me, and they all leave something which is dear to me.” There are, however, roles which are meatier than others, he admits, and foremost of these is King Lear, which he took on some ten years ago. “Lear is a class of its own. I remember after wrapping up, I felt like I’d lost something. Afterwards, people approached me with new roles and I said: no, I’m still trying to come to terms with this one.” In his constant quest to discover something new, Manuel says he’d like to return to it one day, when he’s the right age. “I was too young when I took it on. There’s much more I can give.”
Despite his reputation and his long career, Manuel retains an accessibility and humility that means he has also become something of a mentor for young actors – many of whom relish
Manuel Cauchi will be appearing in the MADC production of The Mousetrap between 18-20 and 25-27 October at the Manoel Theatre
48 Sunday Circle | October 2013
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FEATURE
LET THEM COME to the Is unchecked ImmIgratIon goIng to lead too many? death of maltese culture? how many Is PhIlIP leone-ganado InvestIgates
52 Sunday Circle | October 2013
FEATURE
the uptake will be greater even outside traditional immigrant communities. This, in many ways, is the fear: they don’t want to become like us, the argument goes, they want us to become like them.
O
f the more level-headed arguments against immigration, one goes as follows: immigrants have a culture fundamentally different to ours; if we allow the flow of immigration to continue apace, Maltese culture will be eradicated. It’s a dangerously commonplace line of reasoning: a 2009 study found that 25.3 per cent of Maltese people are concerned that Malta is being “invaded”, and the term dominates the more virulent anti-immigration rhetoric. It plays into one of the most entrenched aspects of the Maltese national identity: the sense of an island people standing alone against foreign invasion, repelling Ottoman imperialism in 1565, and holding Nazism at bay in the 20th century. So is immigration really the siege of our time? The numbers always underpin this discussion, usually in the context of Malta’s small size and population: a single one of ‘them’ must necessarily have a greater effect here than anywhere else because there are so few of ‘us’ to begin with. When the Prime Minister claims that the numbers are “unsustainable”, what is usually referenced is the fact that over 17,000 irregular migrants have reached our shores in the last decade. Less commonly mentioned is the fact that only about 5,000 actually remain in Malta. But if we’re talking culture, then by definition irregular migration cannot have a greater or lesser effect than regular migration. So perhaps more relevant still is that according to recent UN data, 8 per cent of Malta’s population in 2013 was made up of immigrants, a figure which places us as low as 116th out of 265 listed countries and dependent territories. The UAE, with 83.7 per cent, or Qatar with 73.8 per cent, might worry that sheer volume is forcing the native culture into retreat, but it’s evident that Malta is nowhere near that reality. This is not to deny that immigration will lead to a change in the make-up of Maltese society. Race, of course, is a prime example: black Maltese people, almost unheard-of until recently, are set to become an ever-greater part of our social fabric. Religion too: it is not unreasonable to suggest that with greater exposure to religions other than Catholicism,
In the Netherlands, the government has embarked on a program called “inburgering” (literally “citizenmaking”), in which potential immigrants cannot become citizens until they can speak Dutch and have passed courses in Dutch culture and social mores. Meanwhile, those aspiring to British citizenship need to first take a test that asks them questions on Stonehenge, Admiral Nelson, the Olympics, the House of Commons, and more. But what value would a similar test have in propagating ‘Malteseness’ when only 60 per cent of Maltese people – according to a recent MaltaToday survey – can name the year of independence, and less than half the year when we became a republic? So what does it mean to be Maltese? How long would you need to live in Malta to become Maltese? The dictionary defines culture as “the ideas, customs, skills, arts, etc. of a people or group, that are transferred, communicated, or passed along to succeeding generations.” Ideas are crucial here: the way we think of ourselves and traits that define us; the way we sort the world into those who are like us and those who are not. According to the MaltaToday survey, 68.2 per cent of Maltese people consider the Maltese language as the defining element of their national identity, followed by food and (excluding the rather amorphous ‘culture’) religion. So would learning Maltese be enough to make somebody, as it were, as Maltese as pastizzi? And conversely, does them not learning Maltese threaten Maltese? More pertinently, does it threaten Maltese any more, for example, than the very real fact that globalisation is making English the more useful and practical of our two official languages?
This, in many ways, is The fear: They dOn’T wanT TO becOme like us, The argumenT gOes, They wanT us TO becOme like Them
October 2013 | Sunday Circle 53
FEATURE
New iNterNatioNal chaiNs aNd braNds reach our shores faster thaN aNy boatloads of immigraNts
It feels like worrying about the effect immigration is having on our culture is a bit like fighting the waves while the tide rolls inexorably inwards. New international chains and brands reach our shores faster than any boatloads of immigrants. Our entertainment diet has always been largely British and Italian; now you can’t go a day without somebody asking you about the latest episode of Breaking Bad or Game of Thrones. Our language has adapted to English like all languages tend to eventually. The idea that we’re moving towards a global culture is nothing new, of course. Mark Pagel, author of the book Wired for Culture, argues that it is both the natural endgame to humanity’s social evolution, and a necessary response to the challenges it faces today. “The seemingly unstoppable and ever accelerating cultural homogenization around the world brought about by travel, the internet and social networking, although often decried, is probably a good thing even if it means the loss of cultural diversity,” he writes. “It increases our sense of togetherness via the sense of a shared culture. In fact, breaking down of cultural barriers – unfashionable as this can sound – is probably one of the few things that societies can do to increase harmony among ever more heterogeneous peoples.” We clearly need new cultural signifiers for our national identity. In something of a manifesto on national identity, published in The Guardian, history professor Bernard Porter writes: “Britain is not defined by her history, but is ever developing, in response to internal
54 Sunday Circle | October 2013
dynamics and global pressures, including movements of population. To become British is to identify with this complex and changing identity. To become a good citizen will involve embracing the best and most liberal features of it, and rejecting the worst.” It’s a vision that would not be out of place in Malta – still, ultimately, a young country struggling to define itself at a crossroads of roots and aspirations. But that would mean opening ourselves up to the idea of Maltese culture evolving as well to accommodate the ideas and complexities of other cultures. A hard sell, but why not? Our history is built on waves of immigrants. Most came here as conquerors, and settled or mixed with the people they found waiting for them. That we can trace our lineage back in unbroken line to the Neolithic temple builders is a self-aggrandising fantasy, which ignores the role that so many different cultures and civilisations have had in creating the Malta we live in today. “When a nation is no longer willing or capable of defending its culture as morally desirable, it wanes,” writes Amit Ghate in Forbes. “Accordingly, the rearguard calls to shut down immigration in order to ‘preserve’ our culture suggest not only a blithe acceptance of economic stagnation, but also a wanton intellectual bankruptcy. That’s a disease which no culture can survive.” In other words, of course immigration leads to change. But if we believe in the value of Maltese culture, then we must believe it will thrive in the face of that change. To do otherwise says more about us than it is does about them.
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by
Tom Oliver is no stranger to health and fitness. A former professional rugby player, he is the founder of Tom Oliver Personal Training, a London-based company that has quickly established itself as a leading provider of luxury personal training. At its helm, Tom has also developed an international reputation himself, working as the exclusive and preferred personal trainer for global brands like Harrods and Edmiston Yachts, and high net-worth clients that include the royal families of Qatar and Dubai. Now, he is launching a new dimension to his work with the establishment of Tom Oliver Nutrition, a range of premium next-generation food supplements – and at Holland & Barrett shops across Malta, the first of these products has just hit the shelves: the Omega 3 MOPL food supplement. “It’s like nothing else on the market,” says Tom. Indeed, the supplement is formulated using
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herring caviar oil, and is the first to combine MOPL – a rich source of two essential fatty acids: DHA and EPA Omega-3 phospholipids – with Choline. While the latter is responsible for maintaining normal liver function and homocysteine metabolism, Omega-3 contributes to cardiovascular health, brain health and cognitive function, vision, and skin health. “Many of our cell membranes, including those in the brain and retina, are made up of Omega-3 phospholipids,” Tom explains. “When you take normal fish oils they need to be converted to phospholipids in the liver before they can be absorbed and utilised in the body’s cells, but our supplement is already in phospholipid form, so the whole process is accelerated.” Tom offers the example of brain function. The human brain is approximately 60% fat, and as cells degenerate over time, those fats need to be replenished. October 2013 | Sunday Circle 57
PROMOTION
“We’ve worked with a group of mothers in South London whose children had ADHD,” he says. “In one case teachers reported an improvement in just two weeks.” The supplement has also shown positive results in tackling skin conditions – the supermodel Cara Delevingne offered her endorsement after it helped her combat psoriasis – and weight management, with Tom suggesting it could help users lose up to 8 pounds in 2 weeks. “One sheikh I worked with lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks,” he says, “as well as clearing up bowel problems he suffered from and easing arthritis in his left hand.” Moreover, the Omega 3 MOPL supplement has the unique distinction of being the only sustainable and environmentally friendly product of its kind. While recent years have seen krill oil supplements hitting the shelves, recent studies have raised questions as to the effect of krill fishing on the environment, and prominent marine biologists and environmental groups have expressed concern about the harvesting of krill concentrations near the feeding grounds of whales and other marine mammals in Arctic waters. In contrast, the herring caviar oil from which the Omega 3 MOPL supplement is formulated comes from Marine Stewardship Council-certified Norwegian fisheries, and as the extraction takes place after harvesting and filleting, the process entails no additional carbon footprint whatsoever. 58 Sunday Circle | October 2013
One sheikh I worked with lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks, as well as clearing up bowel problems he suffered from and easing arthritis in his left hand A lot of thought has been put into making the supplement as easy to use as possible: just one of the smaller-than-average capsules needs to be taken every day, and the capsules come in a two-month supply, the same period that cells take to regenerate. “We’ve also managed to eliminate the fishy burps you tend to get with fish oil supplements,” says Tom, “which is something that used to bother a lot of people, even with flavoured capsules.” The Omega 3 MOPL supplement will be officially launched on October 8th in London, but it has already appeared at top-end retailers in locations such as Knightsbridge, Chelsea and Belgravia – and it’s proved a bestseller at 13 out of the 15 stores that currently stock it. “I think everyone should be interested in a product like this,” says Tom. “The evolution of the human diet has got very messy in the last century; we’re no longer getting the correct nutrition we need. If you want to give yourself and your kids the best possible start, this is something you should be considering.” The Omega 3 MOPL supplement is available at Holland & Barrett outlets across Malta www.tomolivernutrition.com
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STYLE
Autumn Dreams
STYLISTS CLAIRE, NICOLE AND SANDRO – BETTER KNOWN AS THE CLOUDED REVOLUTION – HIGHLIGHT THREE AUTUMN/WINTER TRENDS THAT WILL HELP YOU PUT THE “FUN” BACK IN “FUNDAMENTAL” P hotograPhy
by
M atthew S Piteri October 2013 | Sunday Circle 61
STYLE
I
’ve had various epiphanies in the last month:
1) The entertainment industry and the world of fashion are based on a common principle: people get bored. 2) Fashion, in its broadest sense, is all around us. 3) In the words of Ned Stark: “Winter is coming.”
[ BLUSH TONES & MONOCHROMES ] SANDRO: KNITTED JUMPER & TROUSERS - MASSIMO DUTTI LOAFERS - ALDO NECKLACE - SCOTCH & SODA AT JUNCTION NICOLE: SUNGLASSES - MAX & CO
I know the third realisation is no stroke of genius. However, the weather’s been as unpredictable as a game of poker. In any case, be it rain or shine, the global wheels of fashion are turning, as the very temperamental machine they run slowly gears into autumn mode. Magazines and shops are hailing in the colder seasons, presenting us with the must-haves, the dos and don’ts, the hots and nots, and the seasonal splurges of Fall/Winter 2013-14. So what in the name of Karl Lagerfeld have the three aforementioned revelations got to do with this month’s feature? Let’s start with boredom. Boredom is the impetus behind the creative masterpieces of
62 Sunday Circle | October 2013
the sartorial industry, because people’s favourite sport nowadays is jumping on bandwagons. In the last century alone we’ve seen hemlines grow shorter, jeans get tighter and styles become more extravagant. And literally anything can inspire the garments we choose to wear, from candyfloss to kilts to Disney films and more. We really do hope we don’t have to explain number three. We have chosen to tackle punk, business wear with a twist and blush tones because they offer the best balance between stepping out of your comfort zone and maintaining a degree of propriety. Undoubtedly, you might feel that the punk trend is anything but appropriate, but the secrets to incorporating any trend into your wardrobe are interpretation and inspiration. You are not going to a fancy dress party, after all, so never take anything that is proclaimed as en vogue too literally. We start off with workwear, which in itself is not a trend and is, in essence, invariable. The lesson here is that business clothing
STYLE
[ WORKWEAR ] (BELOW) CLAIRE: TOP, TROUSERS - MAX & CO SANDALS & JEWELLERY - ALDO WATCH - STYLIST’S OWN NICOLE: DRESS - MASSIMO DUTTI BAG & SUNGLASSES - ALDO SCARF - SAZ MIFSUD* WATCH - STYLIST’S OWN
can be bold and brazen without being brash. If you think navy blue, grey and black (although very strong colours this season) are your only option, think again. You can follow Dorothy down the yellow brick road in red heels, thus giving new life to a standard wrap dress (clicking them together is optional.) Another great idea is to pull on some plaid trousers, which at first may sound jarring but, as seen on Claire, can add a great dose of interest into an otherwise run-of-the-mill get-up. In other words, the brief is to let your outfit express your style – not loudly but assertively, which you might think is nothing short of impossible in a men’s burgundy suit. Just pare it down with understated basics, like a subtly-striped or white shirt and blue tasselled loafers, classy and stylish alternatives to your average oxford shoe. Speaking of average, Fall/Winter is all about rising above the norm in plaids and leather. That’s right: punk is back, in a less anarchic form. We’re talking about Highland tartans and lumberjack ginghams, together with the iconic biker jacket in its many iterations and black ankle boots in sleek silhouettes or embellished varieties. It is admittedly difficult to pull off the trend without guidance. October 2013 | Sunday Circle 63
STYLE
[ PUNK ] NICOLE: JACKETS & JEANS - MAISON SCOTCH AT JUNCTION T-SHIRT - MASSIMO DUTTI BOOTS - MAX & CO JEWELLERY & CLUTCH - ALDO SCARF (INSIDE CLUTCH) - SAZ MIFSUD* SANDRO: T-SHIRT, SHIRT, JACKET, JEANS, BRACELETS & NECKLACE - SCOTCH & SODA AT JUNCTION BOOTS - ALDO CLAIRE: TOP & JEANS - MAISON SCOTCH AT JUNCTION SHOES - MAX & CO BAG, WATCH & JEWELLERY - ALDO
[ WORKWEAR ] SANDRO: SUIT, SHIRT, BELT, BRACELET - SCOTCH & SODA AT JUNCTION LOAFERS - ALDO SCARF, AS POCKET SQUARE - SAZ MIFSUD* see first page for full outfit
Once again, never be too literal: a pair of plaid trousers is great, on its own, with a plain turtleneck to inject a hint of mod à la Beatlemania fan girl (which trumps any other boy band fan base in terms of style). Experiment with rougher fabrics, like Claire’s green top, and don’t be afraid to buckle up your (green!) boots and stomp the ground in a bomber jacket that packs a punch, as rocked by Nicole. On the other end of the spectrum, we’ve got blush tones, ruled by the ubiquitous pink, in a cotton candy hue that would drive most ‘serious’ people away but, when coupled with greys and sharper cuts, can evoke a soft but impactful aura. Our male readership can relax: pink is not in sight, but do go for pastel shades and mixed, speckled
fabrics which add an extra dimension to your garments, like the fisherman jumper worn by Sandro. If you’re feeling daring, go a step further and build a monochrome palette that asserts your fashion credentials. Special thanks go out to the Wignacourt Museum & Café Wignacourt in Rabat for letting us roam around the corridors of its iconic gallery and providing us with great food in a very relaxing and serene atmosphere, and to the photographer, Matthew Spiteri, who was very patient with our feeble attempts at modelling. Until next time: be bold, be brave but don’t go berserk!
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64 Sunday Circle | October 2013
STYLE
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October 2013 | Sunday Circle 65
STYLE
OFF THE RAIL
(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) COAT: LIST ROMA, SCARF: SAZ MIFSUD* TROUSERS: MASSIMO DUTTI, TOP: LIST ROMA, PRINTED DRESS: MAX & CO, BLAZER: MASSIMO DUTTI, QUILTED JACKET: SCOTCH & SODA, SCARF: SAZ MIFSUD*, BOOTS: ALDO *(WWW.SAZMIFSUD.COM)
66 Sunday Circle | October 2013
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EDUCATION
A HELPING HAND WITH THE FIRST DAY JITTERS BEHIND US, MALTA’S CHILDREN ARE GETTING DOWN TO THE IMPORTANT BUSINESS OF LEARNING. BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN LEARNING DOES NOT COME EASY? RACHEL AGIUS LOOKS INTO THE WORLD OF LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANTS So much happens at school: we make our first friends, experience intellectual curiosity, betrayal, loyalty and ambition for the first time and, crucially, we learn. Things like maths, languages, sciences and arts are introduced and can be the spark that triggers a lifelong interest in particular topics. For some children however, the road to learning is not smooth. Behavioural, cognitive, physical, language
and learning delays or disorders, or any combination of these, can be a real obstacle when it comes to learning in a classroom. This is where learning support assistants (or LSAs) come in. They provide support, in tandem with the class teacher, by way of alternative teaching methods and targeted materials designed to help students better understand what is going on in class.
October 2013 | Sunday Circle 69
EDUCATION
George Borg, director of the Student Services department, sets the record straight. “It is only in cases where a child has severe difficulties that the LSA works exclusively with that child. An LSA, as per the job description, assists all the children in a class who need it.” A child’s need for an LSA is determined by a close review of his or her ‘statement of needs’ – information about the child’s strengths and weaknesses, drawn up by professionals who test and diagnose the child. All applications for support are evaluated by a Statement Moderating Panel to determine what services the child would benefit from. A ‘statement of needs’ is not necessary for a child to receive support from the class LSA – anyone who could benefit from the support has access to it. “Many people have the wrong impression of what an LSA does or should do,” explains Mervin Vella, service manager for special 70 Sunday Circle | October 2013
“
Essentially an LSA’s goal is to help the child achieve “independence, even if it is only an iota of independence education and resources centres. “They are responsible for making the information given by the teacher more accessible to the children who, for whatever reason, find difficulty understanding it.”
sums it up neatly. “Essentially an LSA’s goal is to help the child achieve independence, even if it is only an iota of independence. Such skills have immensely positive implications for the child’s future.”
An LSA’s training involves learning how to create resources to enhance learning and how to adapt those resources to achieve different educational goals. Learning support assistants receive compulsory training from the Directorate for Educational Services, preparing them for employment as supply LSAs. Once complete, this gives them the opportunity to further their studies either with the Directorate or with the University of Malta.
Gina* has been an LSA for over a decade and wholeheartedly agrees. The children she has worked with become like family and she guides them and pushes them to succeed much as she would her own children. “Once they leave school, the children cannot be dependent on anyone,” she explains. “I want to prepare them for the real world.” In fact, it is not just academic support that is offered by LSAs. “A relationship develops between the LSA and the child. We offer psychological and social support too, listening to their problems and, where necessary, helping them develop life skills.”
“It is important to distinguish between a teacher’s role and that of an LSA. The former is trained in pedagogy while the latter is trained in support.” Marthese Cini, the service manager for inclusive education,
Gina stresses the importance of having a good relationship with the class teacher.
EDUCATION MASTHEAD
“Working with the teacher helps me to understand what information is the most important, so any support given is focused and accurate.” A careful balance between remaining professional and becoming someone the child can trust, almost as a friend, needs to be maintained. And just as children might be anxious about making friends in a new class, so too does an LSA. “One of the biggest challenges is to be accepted by the class as a ‘member of the team’; an adult who is not a teacher but is still there to help,” Gina says. And the moments that make it all worth it? “All of the children I’ve worked with have gone on to pass their O-Levels, even when teachers, their parents and even they themselves were not optimistic,” she says, beaming with pride.
It’s difficult to watch the kids move on and grow up - after a while they become family - but part of our job is to show them how to be self-sufficient Hitting those targets is Sharon’s* favourite part of the job too. “When the children go on to pass standard tests, it is very rewarding,” she says. There are challenges, however. “Some parents do not seem to understand how important it is to be consistent with a child,” she says, “If the learning support doesn’t continue at home, we are fighting a losing battle.” She also laments some teachers’ attitudes towards LSAs and points out that just because one or more children are receiving attention from an LSA, it does not mean that they are no longer part of the class. Having spent eight years in the profession, Sharon articulates the catch-22 that LSAs face. “It’s difficult to watch the kids move on and grow up – after a while they become family – but part of our job is to show them how to be self-sufficient. It can be sad to realise that they do not need you anymore but it also means you’ve done your job,” she says. Doing well at school can be very rewarding for students and now those goals which seemed so far out of reach for some are, with the help of LSAs, becoming less distant. It is important to remember however that these dedicated men and women are not miracle workers and cannot work alone – they are part of a team that includes parents, teachers, health and mental health professionals and the child him or herself. Good communication is vital and with realistic objectives agreed to by all concerned, LSAs can make all the difference and help to even the scores. *Names have been changed
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Mountain Men
SOCIETY
Climbing EuropE’s highEst mountain was no Easy fEat, say thE fivE young mEn who EmbarkEd on thE toughEst advEnturE of thEir livEs – but fulfilling a CausE ClosE to thEir hEarts madE it all worthwhilE... W ords
by
M artina s aid
76 Sunday Circle | October 2013
The team crossing the glacier, to get Capanna Giovanni Gnifetti
There is nothing particularly extraordinary about young men embarking on extreme adventures in search of a thrill – it is, pretty much, what most healthy twenty-somethings would do if they had the chance. This group of young thrill-seekers, however, is somewhat different. What started off as a joke soon became a fulfilled dream for five close friends, and what could have turned out to be an immeasurably dangerous expedition turned out to be a success. Meet Gabriel Felice, 24, and Shan Francois Hussein, 20, both aircraft maintenance technicians with Air Malta; Timmy Borg, a 27-year old system administrator, Sean Cutajar, a 23-year old research analyst and Steve Galea, a 24-year personal financial planner. They are an energetic bunch, clearly close friends judging by the way they taunt and joke with each other. And, in the midst of breast cancer awareness month, they are eager to share the story of their mission to conquer Mont Blanc in order to raise awareness for breast cancer. “I had been meaning to do something for charity for a long time,” says Gabriel. “Shan and I started discussing the possibilities of an adventure and we agreed to do it in aid of breast cancer since a close member of my family suffered from it a few years ago.
SOCIETY The team making their way down the valley, after a night at Refugio Regina Margherita at almost 4,600m
From left to right – Robert Gatt, Steve Ross Galea, Raphael Fenech Adami, Dr Gregory Attard, Sharon Zahra, Sean Cutajar, Timothy Borg & Gabriel Felice
October 2013 | Sunday Circle 77
SOCIETY Other members of the group were also affected by cancer in different ways. That is how it began.” He says roping in the rest of the team didn’t require much effort and convincing: “Once Shan and I agreed, we called up Sean, who said yes in a heartbeat; Steve and Timmy too. It was a rather quick decision.”
normally do hours of walking with around 15 kilograms on our backs,” says Steve.
The choice of adventure, however, was no easy feat. “To tell you the truth, we didn’t give it much thought. I knew Mont Blanc was the highest mountain in Europe and that’s just about it – I thought: what the hell, it couldn’t be that bad.” What follows is a brief sarcastic laugh – “little did I know. It was difficult... very difficult.” Steve and Timmy agree - “Gabe and Shan wanted a crazy adventure holiday – climbing Europe’s highest mountain was as crazy as it could get,” says Steve.
On August 22, together with Dr Gregory Attard – a seasoned mountaineer who mentored the group from start to finish – experienced climber Raphael Fenech Adami, Robert Gatt and Sharon Zahra, the team set out on the adventure of a lifetime, although what they endured during eight days of climbing, was a lot harder than they anticipated. “The first day was a huge shock – we were in an area called Monte Rosa and it was supposed to be an easy trek but we missed one of the lifts we were supposed to take to get to our first refuge. We had no visibility, very bad weather and were caught in a snowstorm – we just wanted to get home. The refuge was a stone’s throw away to our left but in a panic, we took a right and arrived at the hut six hours late at 9pm.”
Ahead of their demanding and ambitious adventure, the team underwent rigorous training and preparation in spite of their different work schedules. Timmy explains they met up at least once a week for fivehour hikes throughout the summer, besides swimming, running, cycling, gym, TRX suspension training and any other exercise that helped their preparation. “The long treks took a lot of getting used to – we don’t
“I remember thinking to myself – what the hell have I got myself into,” says Timmy. “This was only 2 hours into the climb.” In due course, the team arrived at Capanna Giovanni Gnifetti hut, built at an altitude of 3,647 metres, which is where they slept for the first few nights. What followed was an intense crash course to familiarise them with the equipment and, most importantly, with the weather conditions,
78 Sunday Circle | October 2013
before moving upwards towards Refugio Regina Margherita, perched at the peak of the mountain at 4,554 metres. It is en route to this peak that one member of the team began suffering from altitude sickness, leading to pulmonary oedema. “I started running out of breath on our way to Margherita hut,” says Shan. “I had a sleepless night, couldn’t stop coughing and feeling sick, but the following day I had to continue climbing. It’s hard to explain the feeling – similar to the way you’d feel after a 100 metre sprint, short of breath, but for nine hours. At a certain point, I simply couldn’t breathe – possibly the worst moment of my life. I was treated by Dr Greg who gave me medication to slow down the process of acclimatisation and as soon as we started making our way further down, I started feeling better.” Shan’s experience affected the rest of the team. “When we found out he would not be able to join us for the rest of the climb, it was a blow to our morale. There were moments when I wondered if I could make it,” says Steve. Despite being one member short, however, they continued on. After six days of training, trekking and climbing, the team began their seven-hour ascent to the summit of Mont Blanc.
P hoto
by
N icky S cicluNa
SOCIETY They made it to the top of what is considered to be the toughest route up Europe’s highest mountain: the relief, they say, was huge. “Reaching the summit was without a doubt the best part of the adventure,” says Sean as the rest nod in agreement. “But then the worst part is when you remember you have to go back down.” The challenges the group encountered were tough and treacherous – Steve recounts what he considers to be the most dangerous part: “We had to cross over a 5-metre ledge were on one side there was flat rock without grip, and on the other side, well, there was nothing. To make matters worse, the ground was soft snow and after seeing our guide almost slip, it was my turn.” Only one week before they were scheduled to leave the island, news broke out of two Italian climbers who perished on the mountain. “We walked under the exact same serac that fell on those climbers,” says Gabriel. “We were petrified, but in a way, it is also the beauty of it, of going into something without knowing what it is, with your friends. And the fact that we did it for charity gave the whole experience a meaningful scope.” Although their adventure came and went, all five of them hope to continue what they started with future projects that continue to raise awareness on breast cancer. They also hope to find a sponsor that will help carry the financial burden when organising fundraising events. “We are working at raising money till this day. It is a continuous process,” they say, “and we won’t stop yet.” Their determination is solid, their courage admirable and through their campaign, they hope to inspire other people to follow suit or, at the very least, to make a difference, just as they are doing.
Crossing the glacier to get to Capanna Giovanni Gnifetti, on their way down from Piramide Vincent
80 Sunday Circle | October 2013
All proceeds will go to Europa Donna and Action for Breast Cancer. People wishing to donate could use the following accounts: Steve R Galea: 085 131985 050 - HSBC – Gabriel Felice: 40020409560 - BOV Visit and like their page www.facebook.com/makeapinkdifference
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For 2014, iDevelopment is designing longer courses in a variety of subject areas. For details of upcoming events, as well as information on the various credit systems available contact iDEVELOPMENT T: 99579345 W: www.idevelopment.com.mt E: info@idevelopment.com.mt October 2013 | Sunday Circle 85
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86 Sunday Circle | October 2013
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HERITAGE
Home-grown
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San niklaw EStatE, a winEry locatEd on tHE oUtSkirtS of ZEjtUn, iS aS inconSpicUoUS aS it iS wondErfUl. Martina Said MEEtS tHE paEdiatric SUrgEon, joHn caUcHi, wHo rUnS it P hotograPhy
I
t isn’t long after setting foot inside the marvellous yet unobtrusive grounds of San Niklaw Estate in Zejtun that I begin to feel somewhat cut off from the world. After driving through a series of winding roads in sticky September weather in order to get there, the feeling is more than welcome. I am greeted by John Cauchi, a paediatric surgeon by profession and avid wine enthusiast, who forms part of the family that owns the estate as well as the neighbouring chapel of San Niklaw. “You made it,” he says, poking fun at my distressed phone calls asking for directions. As the closing gates shut out noises from the outside world, he proceeds to show me around the Estate. Four hectares of land are home to 500 olive trees and six vineyards – no minor undertaking, he admits.
88 Sunday Circle | October 2013
by
S teve M uliett
“When we began rehabilitating the property and my two brothers and I decided to carry out this venture, we all agreed to either do it the proper way or not at all, all the while keeping it small, unique and top quality,” says John. “We also kept it small in order to lay down the proper infrastructure for wine and olive oil production, which was quite the task.” He explains his family has long harboured a love for quality, home-grown produce, particularly wine and olive oil. While the idea to set up their own production plants had been lingering in their minds since 2000, it wasn’t until five years later that they began executing the plan. “My brothers and I all do different things, each one is in a different profession, but we share this common interest of making wine and olive oil. I used to simply enjoy making wine as a hobby; and then this thing mushroomed into a business.”
HERITAGE
October 2013 | Sunday Circle 89
HERITAGE
As we proceed through the vineyard where Vermentino grapes grow – the only white wine produced at San Niklaw Estate – John explains the intricacies behind choosing the right ground in which to plant vines. “We decide what grape to plant on the basis of the terroir available at San Niklaw – which means the climate and soil specifications that vary from place to place. For instance, we have a vineyard on sloped ground that is exposed to Xlokk winds, so we needed a strong and hardy grape planted there.” Will grapes not be good enough for wine-making if conditions are not ideal? “The same grapes could be planted elsewhere, but you won’t necessarily get the same result.” He adds that maintaining the fields involves quite a bit of work – the vines and trees are irrigated on a weekly basis to avoid dehydration, pruning is done in January to rejuvenate the plant for its next round of vegetation and the fields are kept as clean as possible, all of which is done manually. “One of the most important things is cleanliness – the fields, the fermenting tanks... everything. I won’t say the place is as clean as an operating theatre, but almost. Perhaps it comes from my experience of high-sterility environments,” he jokes. Walking towards the production hub on the estate, away from the unforgiving sun, John explains the process the wine must undergo. Grapes are harvested at the end of August, although this could differ by a week or so, depending on whether they are mature enough yet or not. “Maturity is determined by the 90 Sunday Circle | October 2013
condition of the grape and the sugar content. For instance in July, the grape begins to change colour as the sugar content increases and we cover the vines as they become interesting to the birds,” he says. “Nature is quite remarkable.” The olives, meanwhile, are harvested between September and October – picked by hand and cold-extracted on the grounds. Four wines are produced at San Niklaw estates – one white and three red. We walk to the tank room, where the fermentation process takes place in temperaturecontrolled tanks. “The wine is stored in the tanks – when the reds are ready we transfer them into the cellar, into oak barrels where they stay to age. Each barrel lasts a maximum of four years, although you get the most goodness from oak in the first three years. The white stays up here in the tanks.” John says the reds are tested from the barrel, or barrique, and when they decide it has stayed long enough, they prepare to bottle it. We continue down into the cellar – the woody scent he describes is immediately noticeable, as is the difference in temperature and humidity. “We’ve left some wines to age for a year down here. The whole process in fact can take a few years – from picking the grapes to bottling the wine,” he says. “We get blasts of activity, but ageing the wine is nature’s work and we intervene as little as possible. We take whatever the fields give us and let nature take its course; like custodians of the wine, babysitting it until it ends up on the table.”
With an annual production of 10,000 bottles, John says the small amount is intended to keep the product excellent and exclusive. They are also selective about where to distribute, targeting specialised wine shops and selective restaurants. “A lot of passion goes into making this wine, to the point that it breaks my heart a little every time I see it leave the winery. I’ve developed a huge affinity for these products.” I ask John how the business fits alongside his other demanding job. “I’ve got two passions: paediatric surgery and this. Here at the vineyards, I forget the world, it de-stresses me. I’m in nature and love seeing the result of a product that I am passionate about. This is the reason why I wanted to be a surgeon too – to see results of your craft is very satisfying,” he says. “In different ways, they are both art forms... and I love them both.” Outside the tank room, just before the stairs to the cellar, is an old-looking wooden makeshift bar decked with wine glasses, plates and baskets. The wine enthusiast opens a bottle of refreshing Vermentino ‘Neptunus’ and pours a glass. “Making white wine in our climate is a challenge. I’m very proud of this,” says John, while swirling the wine in the glass. He goes on to accompany the wine with a side plate of San Niklaw olive oil and a wicker basket filled with galletti – and a taste of both products is testament to the soul that goes into making them, a true labour of love.
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SPORT
Meet Matthew and Martina CaMilleri – siblings four years aPart who, desPite their differenCes, share one, strong Passion for rugby W ords
by
M artina s aid -§- P hotograPhy
by
s teve
Muliett
October 2013 | Sunday Circle 93
O SPORT
n first impression, it appears siblings Matthew and Martina Camilleri share very few similarities. In fact, they couldn’t appear more different – on the outset, at least. Martina – a 17 yearold sixth form student – is calm, soft-spoken and composed, and she speaks with a sense of maturity that seems beyond her years. Her older brother Matthew, 21 years old and close to completing a degree in physiotherapy, is a fast talker and speaks feverishly about things he’s passionate about, sports in particular. At the mere mention of rugby, however – a sport favoured by them both – there is no question that they are indeed related. They each tell me how sport has played an active role in their lives since childhood. “I’ve been into sports all my life, but I was too rough for any other sport and I felt many were not physical enough for me,” says Matthew. “I started playing rugby 10 years ago and haven’t looked back since – I started out with a youth team but as soon as I was big enough to play with the adult team, I got transferred.” Martina experimented with different sporting activities too, although watching her brother develop and grow within the Stompers club – which they both play for – sparked and fuelled her interest in rugby. “Until recently, there wasn’t a girls’ team with the club, but I joined as soon as it was set up. I’ve now been playing for a year. Rugby isn’t a sport you learn at school – had it been an option I would have started earlier.” Having both tried and tested different sports over the years, I ask them why rugby took the top spot. Without the least hesitation, they agree the sense of kinship that develops between team members is incomparable to any other sport. “I’ve always put a lot of commitment and time into sports, I wanted to get involved in something that gives me return, and rugby does. A camaraderie forms between team players and you
94 Sunday Circle | October 2013
continually push yourself harder, both physically and mentally. No other sport has given me back as much as rugby has.” Martina nods in agreement, adding that every individual depends on their teammates. “It is a family on and off the pitch – you need your team members from start to finish during a game and there is no place for rivalry. There is a strong bond between players that grows over time.” I suppose most people privileged with a brother or sister can attest that no sibling relationship is complete without a generous dose of tiffs, quarrels and arguments, often sparked by the pettiest of things. I ask the two if their sibling relationship affects them in any way, given that they play for the same club – such as sibling rivalry, perhaps? “I’ve always looked up to my brother, seeing him train so hard and his transition from the youth team to the national team,” says Martina. “It’s actually encouraged me to push harder and he doesn’t mind –” she trails off as Matthew interrupts: “When she started I wasn’t keen to be honest, but now I’m ok with it. I was more concerned about her getting hurt.” She smiles and waves her hand dismissively, although she agrees with him. “We did clash about that at first, also the fact that I was joining the same club was a little weird, but then again it would have been silly if I joined another club.” Do they ever cross paths on the pitch? “Men and women don’t play against each other but
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SPORT we do sometimes train and practice together during pre-season, when sessions involve both the men’s and women’s teams. As one club, the two teams often do things together.” I ask whether people’s impressions of the sport being rough and dangerous are justified. Matthew says people tend to associate rugby with American football, “which looks very rough but is different to rugby. Rugby is disciplined – it is a contact sport, which means it is rough, but the rules are there to ensure a level of safety.” Is there an added level of danger for girls? “Girls play against other girls, so you’re up against players who are similar to you in strength. Then it also depends how you approach a game – you can smash into someone, which could be dangerous, or you can run around them instead,” says Martina. “To be honest, I thought it would be worse.” I ask her to elaborate – “I did get hurt until I got used to it, I got concussed once too, but you’re playing against people not robots – they can get hurt too.” She says if she doesn’t wake up feeling sore after a game or training session, she didn’t work hard enough. “Pain is in the mind to a certain extent so you really do have to push the limit.” Matthew agrees, adding that skill and strategy form part of the game, and every player must use their strengths to their advantage. “We recently played against Holland and the players are huge, each one was no less than six feet and 100 kilos. So we had to study our opponent and balance our technique with their build. In that sense, it is like any other sport.”
You need to invest a lot of time, as plaYing on the field is something You strive for. i cannot imagine someone training rugbY and wanting to sit on the bench while watching their teammates plaY Martina explains how, at the beginning, people would react strangely when she said she plays rugby. “Straight away, people think you’re a tomboy, but in reality it’s just another sport. I’m used to it now and it doesn’t bother me – you need to break the mould, do the sport for yourself and ignore what people say about it.” As training sessions are turned up a few notches in preparation for pre-season, I ask how much effort goes into training for this sport. Matthew explains it all depends on how much one wants to put into it, although between training in a gym, at club level and at national level, he’s committed for a minimum of four to five days a week. Martina, who trains at club level, agrees that one’s level of commitment depends on how much you really long to be on the pitch. 96 Sunday Circle | October 2013
“You need to invest a lot of time, as playing on the field is something you strive for,” they explain. “I cannot imagine someone training rugby and wanting to sit on the bench while watching their teammates play. You want to train hard for the team and you want to play.” The investment, however, seems worth it. The future looks bright for the two enthusiasts and there is nothing they enjoy more than the feeling of satisfaction when scoring before a cheering crowd, the adrenaline rush that comes with it and the subsequent celebration with their team mates and club members. “It’s been a good year for us,” says Matthew. “We were unbeaten as a club and it’s a great feeling. The hard work pays off. Not to mention the nights out together afterwards – those are fun too.”
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BUILDING A BANK If you happen to be In the St. JulIan’S area, It’S dIffIcult to mISS the new State-of-the-art mercury tower, head offIce of global trade fInance SpecIalISt fImbank plc. executIve vIce preSIdent SIlvIo mIfSud and fIrSt vIce preSIdent JaSon ZammIt tell uS more
FIMBank’s origins go back to when it obtained its banking licence in 1994, with operations starting in 1995. The bank, which is a trade finance specialist, expanded steadily and today employs more than 400 people worldwide, including 185 at its Malta head office. Nowadays, it provides a comprehensive range of trade finance and banking services. Locally, the bank is also well known for its innovative online savings solution, Easisave. Having been previously housed at the Plaza Commercial Centre in Sliema, Silvio says, “the bank’s growth and prospects for a further increase in headcount meant that we needed to have a longer term vision and build a bespoke building that would serve as the international head office for the FIMBank Group.” Jason explains how the development project began in 2009, with various sites being considered. However, the appointed task force’s preference fell on St. Julian’s. “St. Julian’s is the island’s premier business district and it made perfect sense for the bank’s head 98 Sunday Circle | October 2013
office to be located here,” says Jason. He makes it clear that this choice is not just about prestige but really and truly a longer term vision. “FIMBank is the anchor tenant at The Exchange Financial & Business Centre, and Mercury Tower, which already contributes to the upgrading of the surrounding area, is the first phase of the project set to transform Paceville in the coming years.” The Exchange project will include state-of-the-art office space and mixed retail and leisure outlets, all fronting a large public piazza and benefiting from vertical transportation to a large underground car-park. Accessibility was also a very important consideration and the building’s convenient location allows immediate access to the major north-south and east-west traffic arterial roads. Turning the conversation to the design of the building, Silvio explains that the objectives listed in the bank’s vision for the project included the construction of a prominent landmark which would be future-proof.
PROMOTION
The new head office represents a strong statement that FIMBank is today firmly rooted in Malta “Eventually, this broad brief was whittled down to three specific objectives – flexibility, functionality and sustainability,” he says. Strong emphasis was placed on creating a workplace which would support the culture and aspirations of the Group, and how the building would need to provide employees with a flexible and pleasant working environment. This would take into account and facilitate the way business is done at the bank, taking into consideration the fact that FIMBank has an international network of offices in 11 financial centres across five different continents and 8 different time zones. Silvio mentions the various materials used to clad the different elevations and underlines his satisfaction at finally seeing the exterior closure coming together during the few weeks before the building’s official inauguration. “Each elevation of Mercury Tower is different and designed to respond to the individual orientation of each facade,” he explains. “The terracottaclad North Elevation is particularly striking, featuring a set of 22 coordinated but irregularly placed, windows. The South Facade features a high performance glass curtain-walling, which apart from giving the building a modern architectural appearance reduces heat gains and the requirement of artificial lighting, and hence safeguards the health and wellbeing of the building’s occupants. It improves thermal comfort, reduces glare and provides significant energy savings.” “Environmental considerations were always high on our agenda,” Jason adds. “In keeping with the bank’s community values the building needed to incorporate the latest environmentally-friendly features, including the efficient use of energy and water in order to minimise our environmental impact and reduce our carbon footprint.” The property is equipped with superior ventilation systems, intelligent lighting controls, building management systems and high performance insulation materials, while the selected glazed curtain-walling reduces the requirement of artificial lighting. “Water is precious, particularly in Malta, and we decided to make a significant investment in rain harvesting, opting for a reservoir with a capacity of nearly half a million litres beneath Mercury Tower.” The interior is equally impressive: different areas were subject to specific design specifications, and the end result is remarkable. Upon entering the bank’s main lobby you immediately notice the clever mix of sleek and luxurious materials including timber, stainless steel and marble, which creates a subtle contrast of colours. “The intention was to reflect the company’s corporate identity, and to communicate a subliminal message of confidence and trust to all those who enter the building,” says Jason. The new head office represents a strong statement that FIMBank is today firmly rooted in Malta. These are exciting times at FIMBank, as demonstrated by the fact that two Middle Eastern banks, both forming part of giant conglomerate KIPCO Group, recently acquired a controlling stake in the Group and are set to invest a further $160 million in additional capital. The bank’s mission of becoming a global force in trade in finance is set to become a reality... just like its new head office. 99 October July 2013 | Sunday Circle 39
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HEALTH
MINDFUL OBSESSION HANDS SCRUBBED RAW. FLICKERING LIGHTS. CRACKS IN THE PAVEMENT. SOMETHING OUT OF PLACE.THESE ARE THE IMAGES ASSOCIATED WITH OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER. BUT HOW ACCURATE ARE THESE REPRESENTATIONS? RACHEL AGIUS FINDS OUT WHAT IT’S LIKE TO LIVE WITH OCD
October 2013 | Sunday Circle 101
HEALTH
I
t’s not uncommon to hear some declare that they are ‘totally OCD’ about something. Perhaps they need a perfectly organised desk to work or simply cannot abide by the idea of putting clothes away unfolded. The term OCD seems to have trickled into common parlance and is considered interchangeable with words like ‘neat’, ‘particular’ or even ‘fussy’. In the media, OCD sufferers are most often portrayed as ‘clean freaks’, repetitively washing their hands and belongings in the belief that they are never clean enough. In fact, OCD presents in different ways, excessive cleanliness being just one. The National Institute of Mental Health in the U.S. defines OCD as being made up of two parts. The obsessive aspect involves repetitive, inescapable thoughts that can include concerns about dirt, germs, strangers, the safety of loved ones; anything really. These thoughts often trigger uncomfortable feelings like fear, disgust or doubt, making the person anxious. The anxiety caused by these thoughts is briefly abated by the rituals often associated with the condition and are, as the name indicates, compulsive acts. Sufferers are often aware of the illogicality of their repetitive thoughts but cannot control them, only temporarily relieve them by performing their ritual actions. There are several categories of OCD and Dr. Edward Curmi, clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, talks us through some of them. The ‘clean freaks’ we most often consider the archetypical OCD sufferer are what Dr Curmi calls ‘washers’. “Such individuals have a big fear of getting contaminated by germs, dirt, viruses and so on. They spend a significant amount of time cleaning and washing in the hope of reducing their anxiety”. Another expression of OCD centres on order and pattern. “Such people spend an incredible amount of time arranging things in a certain order,” Dr. Curmi says. “They are likely to get extremely distressed if someone breaks or changes their pattern”. Again, it is not hard to understand the importance some people place on having things organised. We all know that one person who complains 102 Sunday Circle | October 2013
when their things are left out of place. For someone with this sort of OCD however, the overwhelming anxiety of disorder causes great discomfort. “There are the ‘checkers’. Such persons are terrified of acting imperfectly and causing a disaster. They will go through great lengths to check doors, locks, switches and anything they feel could possibly hold them responsible for catastrophe,” he explains. Representation of OCD sufferers in the media sometimes includes or at least alludes to this type and perhaps it is the one most easy to empathise with. How many times have you left the house and doubted whether you’ve turned off the stove? For a person with OCD, the anxiety of such uncertainty would be crippling.
There are the ‘checkers’ – such persons are terrified of acting imperfectly and causing a disaster
Another type of OCD is almost the complete opposite of this and has recently become more visible in part thanks to the voyeuristic streak of television audiences that drives the premise of shows like ‘Hoarders’. Such programs transport the viewer into the cluttered, chaotic and often filthy homes of those who cannot seem to part with anything, no matter how useless. While those at home gape in disbelief at the sheer volume of seemingly worthless trash, what we could be watching is in fact a manifestation of OCD. “Such people usually clutter their homes with useless ‘junk’. More often than not they are terrified about throwing away something and one day regretting it,” says Dr Curmi, revealing a somewhat unsettling facet to such television shows – the people on them are not just ‘a little weird’ or stubborn, they may need professional help. Professional help of another sort is sought by sufferers of the moral type of OCD. “Such persons are often very scrupulous and tend to obsess about morals and religious issues. They often seek reassurance through prayer and an obsessive need to confess even more than once a day.” The most enigmatic category of OCD is the ‘pure’ type. “Such people have horrible thoughts about causing terrible things to others. They often make use of praying, counting, repeating certain words or numbers as a remedy,”
HEALTH
When such rituals start creating serious problems in your everyday life and affect your work colleagues, friends and relationships, it might be wise to seek help The lack of a logical connection between cause and the resulting coping mechanism is what makes this type so baffling. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a neurobiological disorder that can present symptoms as early as 12 years old but is more likely to emerge in the late teens. It may not be immediately obvious how excessive cleaning or an obsession with order can negatively impact a sufferer’s life. Everyone has their own rituals, their own special way of doing things. “The problem with such rituals is if they start to take over your life. When such rituals start creating serious problems in your everyday life and affect your work colleagues, friends and relationships, it might be wise to seek help,” explains Dr Curmi. 104 Sunday Circle | October 2013
That help, he feels, should employ an eclectic approach, targeting the problem from different fronts. “Research clearly shows that Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is definitely one of the most effective treatments. Having a psychiatrist and psychologist collaborate together is, more often than not, the right way forward.” Despite the offhand comments that have permeated our language and its stereotypical representation in the media, OCD is a real affliction which affects about 2.5 per cent of the population. And while the obsessive ritual actions carried out may be difficult to understand, so too is the accompanying anxiety which, as Dr Curmi points out, is the emotion that sufferers of all categories of OCD share.
Mental illness has always been surrounded by an air of mystery, suspicion and even fear. A little understanding goes a long way and the same holds for sufferers of obsessivecompulsive disorder. While their rituals may seem bizarre, it is worth remembering that what we consider ‘normal behavior’ is littered with actions that are rather familiar to someone with OCD. Dottor Edward Curmi is a registered Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist. He is the author of the book, ‘Common Sense: a better understanding of emotional well being’ which can be found from any Agenda Book Shop and with all proceeds going towards Richmond Foundation.
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Slender
beauty
SilhouetteS Consultant plastiC reConstruCtive and aesthetiC surgeon raymond debono disCusses undesirable results after fat removal surgery
Fat-removing body contouring surgery is a specialised and technicallydemanding plastic surgery operation. There is a lot more science, detail and professional skill involved than one may think. Complications after surgery can be very serious and permanent, and can lead to lifetime deformities and psychological suffering. Unfortunately, some adverts you may come across portray and promise simple and straight forward outcomes, but the following complications after laser fat removal can occur: 1. Skin burns and scarring 2. Surface contour defects including depressions and bumps 3. Lumpiness and hardness in the fat under the skin as a result of dead fat that becomes hard and solid 4. Unsightly body silhouette or contour defects Once the unsatisfactory result from the first surgery happens, the patient is in a compromised situation, as the reparative secondary revision surgery usually requires more intensive invasive surgery that requires advanced surgical skills to perform. In the unlikely situation that an attempt at reparative surgery is done by an unqualified professional, more harm and irreparable damage can be done.
Why Would you get a poor result after fat removal surgery? 1. Poor assessment and technique secondary to inadequate medical expertise by a professional that is not suitably qualified to perform cosmetic surgery 2. Overzealous fat removal in some areas and not in others 3. Using too much laser heat close to the skin leading to burns and scarring 4. Fat melted by the laser heat collects in some areas to produce lumps 5. True bad luck is very rare if expertise is adequate CorreCtive surgery Corrective surgery would involve thorough assessment of the defects, and planning by a fully qualified plastic surgeon that is very well-versed in revision surgery. Generally scars or ‘dents’ may need to be released under general anaesthesia, and the areas fat grafted and surrounding fat redistributed. For fat grafting, other areas of the body are used as donor sites and the fat is used to rebuild the damaged areas. In almost every case, more than one stage is required to correct the defects: sometimes even up to 6 operations may be required to achieve a satisfactory repair.
ConClusion Prevention of problems is the best option. Before deciding to go ahead with a body contouring procedure make sure that you gather as much information as you can about the subject and get advice from you family doctor and beautician as they would have met and seen many people who would have already undergone surgery. Do not rely only on the recommendation of one person who happens to be satisfied. It is unethical for a doctor to request a non-refundable deposit from you prior to booking a procedure. Make sure you are aware of all your options for choice of surgeon and do your homework properly. If you view before and after photos (from the web or shown by the doctor) do realise that they can be retouched digitally or “airbrushed” – do not rely solely on them. You may also wish to look up the Medical Register of the Medical Council to learn more. https://ehealth.gov.mt.
Raymond DeBono is a Consultant Plastic, Aesthetic and Rhinoplasty Surgeon in Private Practice in Malta. He has extensive experience in cosmetic surgery and corrective secondary surgery in the UK. 106 Sunday Circle | October 2013
LEARN TO LOVE YOURSELF IT'S TIME TO ADDRESS YOUR STRESS... LET US HELP YOU GET RID OF THE ANXIETY THAT CAN SABOTAGE YOUR BODY, MIND & SOUL...
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HEALTH
Implants:
A successful
PRACTICE 1
Dental anD Implant Surgeon Dr Jean paul DemaJo on the factS of Dental ImplantS dental implants have been used for over fifty years. in the early days, nails would be hammered into the jaw providing a form of retention to dentures. today’s implants offer far more than that. they have been carefully studied and tested, and shapes and forms of implants have evolved into the 97 per cent successful story of a titanium implant osseo-integrated (fused) to bone. factS On dental implantS •
implants fuse to the jaw-bone through a process called osseointegration. this biotechnology was discovered through orthopaedic surgery
Missing single-tooth (Pre-treatment)
•
Some of the oldest first generation implants have survived for over 40 years
1
•
conventional implants require 3 to 6 months healing prior to loading of teeth
•
Some implants make use of a special implant surface allowing for quicker healing and immediate loading of teeth
•
there is nothing better than your healthy tooth. however when this is missing implants may offer a great replacement. implants carry a 97 per cent success rate and a 3 per cent failure rate
•
implants are not suited for everyone – patient selection is key for good results.
Implant-retained crown(Post-treatment)
not every patient is a good candidate for implant treatment. a consultation prior to implant treatment planning may reveal certain social, medical and dental factors which may alter the surgeon’s judgement into whether he or she should obtain implant treatment.
high-riSk patientS • moderate to heavy smokers: smoking reduces the blood supply to all sites within the body including the mouth. this reduces the nutrients as well as the efficiency of the immune response raising the risk of infection
• patients suffering from chronic gum disease: periodontal disease is to teeth as peri-implantitis is to implants
• patients suffering from type 1 diabetes: these patients suffer from increased risk of infection
• patients having undergone cancer therapy: cancer treatment reduces bone strength and vascularity raising the risk of bone necrosis (bone decomposition) around implants. the same goes for patients making use of daily medication following the cure of their cancer
• patients with poor oral hygiene: high levels of plaque and calculus harbour bacteria capable of causing an inflammatory response around the implant resulting in bone loss around the implant. this causes loss of implant support and eventual mobility of the implant leading to failure
• patients who grind their teeth: high occlusal or masticatory loads are transmitted to both the teeth, natural or implanted and the underlying bone. these excessive loads may not only break any implant-related components of the implanted teeth but also cause circumferential bone loss of the implant.
SucceSSful implantS and their maintenance
term success lies with the patient’s understanding of their commitment to dental implants; everyday care and routine professional examination. ask your dentist if you are a good candidate. if you are, then you’ll benefit enormously!
the key to successful implant treatment starts off with choosing the right patient. healthy motivated patients are an excellent start. Oral hygiene must also be very good, including brushing, flossing and the use of low concentration medicated mouthwash is a must. Smoking cessation goes hand in hand with good long-term implant survival as implant success decreases up to 80 per cent in smokers. implants should be placed by experienced qualified clinicians and routine dental check-ups twice yearly are crucial in maintaining good oral health, carried out by the implantologist and hygienist. placing implants is a highly delicate process requiring skill and clinical experience. no matter how well the implants have healed, their long108 Sunday Circle | October 2013
Dr Jean Paul Demajo has trained in London and works in private practice in Malta.
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member of
1. Bernadette Bonnici Kind & Mr & Mrs Stephen Psaila
4. Priscilla Camilleri, Petra Altenberger, Richard Soler, John Mamo, Giovanni Mugliett & Carina Vassallo
2. Ivan Grech, Ivan Grech, Gunther & Renee Micallef Decesare
5. Maria Cauchi, Rachelle Tabone & Christina Galea
Circle Paparazzi
• 1-2: Auto Sales Ltd celebrates the launch of the Renault Captur at the Bayview Pool Deck, Westin Hotel, St Julians on Sep 6 • 3: Launch of the new Local Legendary Burger at Hard Rock Café, Valletta Waterfront on Sep 2 • 4: Guests drinking Havana Club at the 2nd Anniversary of Medasia in August. • 5: Island Hotel Groups and Jugs Malta hosted the yearly industry party called Hot Rocks 2013 at Limestone Heritage, Siggiewi in September. • 6: Golden Harvest 50th Anniversary reception held at Villa Arrigo in September. • 7-8: A Luisa Spagnoli Fashion Show aboard Costa Favolosa launches the new Fall Winter 2013-2014 collections and raises €11,200 in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund. • 9-10: Inauguration of FIMBank's new head office in St. Julians on Sep 6. • 11: JP Advertising managing director, Chris Bianco hosted clients and friends to drinks to launch JPA re-brand at the newly refurbished offices in Ta' Xbiex on Sep 19. • 12: Civil Wedding between Amir & Jana Sadeh held at the Saluting Battery on July 13 • 13: Wedding between Patrick Parnis & Josephine Vassallo held at Villa Bologna on June 8. * For inclusion in Circle Paparazzi contact Marisa Schembri on marisa@networkpublications.com.mt ** For more Paparazzi photos log on to www.sundaycircle.com
12. Amy Zammit, Amir & Jana Sadeh & George Zammit
11. Kenneth Micallef, Kenneth Farrugia & Chris Bianco
6. Karl Pace, Debbie Borg, Joseph & Romina Grech
7. Denise Bonello Fenech, Romina Grech Fenech, Alessandro Marrossa, Margaret Abela, Capt. Guilio Valestra, Hadar Halevi De Vito, & Martin Degiorgio
13. Paul Mark Parnis, Patrick & Josephine Parnis, & Susan Bonnici
10. Rita & Noel Galea
3. Chris Farrugia Potter, Odessa Farrugia, Adolf Vella & Redeemer Mifsud
8. Alfred Fenech & Margaret Abela
9. Jason and Sharon Zammit
Markus Behmann & Evgenii Vorontcov from EXANTE
Joanna Camenzuli & Evan Calleja from JATCO
Charles Azzopardi & Vanessa Borg
circle events
BOV BOAT SHOW 2013 Boilers’ Wharf, with its nautical history and front-row seats to the spectacular Grand Harbour vista, was the location of this year’s BOV Valletta Boat Show organized by Circle Events. Between the 26th and 29th September, exhibitors rubbed shoulders with enthusiasts in the shadows of vessels great and small. The buzzing crowd had the opportunity to admire the beautiful range of power boats, yachts, catamarans and more in the most anticipated boating event of the year.
John Formosa addressing the crowd at the BOV Boat Show alongside Charles Borg & Gavin Gulia
Christine & Arthur Podesta
Gerard & Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, Karl Engerer & Marisa Schembri
Anita Lipene & Kristina Arbociute
Th e Ta Or t i Li 20 too gin m 13 B al ite / ot J& d 20 tle B Ed 14 s iti on
DARE TO BE COLOURFUL DARE TO BE COLOURFUL
www.demajowinesandspirits.com
www.facebook.com/JBMalta
FASHION
C
Marella So many souls for so many styles that interact in a single collection, eclectic, versatile, amazing, like every woman. The silhouettes, materials and colours are updated every season to keep apace with trends, while maintaining a classy, feminine style. The wide range of options available offers customers the chance to create head-to-toe looks that give a fresh, creative twist to any woman’s wardrobe. Marella, Bisazza Street, Sliema Tel: 2258 2788
Visit the shop and take a look for yourself, or click on: 57/64, Old Bakery Street, Valletta Tel: 2123 0506 | 9926 3720 Email: paulmusu@hotmail.com TangoBoutiqueMalta Website: tangoboutiquemalta.com
oVs
Dorothy Perkins
The Fall/Winter 2013/14 collection at OVS is a bold, graphic mix with sexy attitude, in decisive, metropolitan patterns. Blacks and whites are the shades for interchangeable items: from the sharp waistcoat to the crepe bomber, worn with fluid kitten bow blouses and three different lengths of trousers. The on-trend man this Fall/Winter 2013/14 will have a wardrobe to mix and match, with hassle-free, interchangeable items. Even the most formal of blazers gets a more relaxed look over ultra-fine sweaters. OVS, Tagliaferro Centre, High Street, Sliema. Tel: 2258 2777 OVS, Pavi Shopping Complex, Manwel Dimech Street, Qormi, Tel: 2258 2778
The average Dorothy Perkins customer is in her early thirties and she’s likely to be a busy mum or working woman. She loves fashion and takes a close interest in new trends, but often doesn’t feel able to carry off some of the latest looks. She’s not always confident about her body, and doesn’t always know what suits her, so Dorothy Perkins gives her fashion inspiration and advice. Quality, fit and price are all important to her. DP, The Strand, Sliema. Tel: 2134 3642 DP, Merchants Street, Valletta. Tel: 2122 7726 Tel: 2258 2788
Bice Boutique, is organizing a preview defile’ of the latest Autumn/Winter ladies collections on Thursday 10th October at the Intercontinental Hotel St. Julians at 19:30pm.
This will showcase elegant, refined clothes paying tribute to the splendor of ‘Haute Couture’ in the choice of fabrics, the recognizable sophisticated, timeless elegance and the meticulous eye for detail.
om
Old Treasury Str, Valletta | Tel: 2123 9885 | Email: bicemalta@gmail.c
October 2013 | Sunday Circle 115
life insurance isn’t for the people who die IT’S FOR THE PEOPLE YOU LEAVE BEHIND You want your loved ones to have lives filled with happiness, comfort and opportunities, and you work very hard to make that happen. What would happen to your family’s quality of life if you were suddenly gone and no longer able to provide for them?
Contact Us
on 8007 2220 or visit our website at 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. COM 290812
Visit our showroom during the month of October and November and view our selected sale items, each with an individual coloured price tag marked with a matching discount as per below.
Ponsomby Street, Mosta MST 4032 T. 2143 2571, 2143 6186, 2143 2951 E. info@vct.com.mt W. www.vct.com.mt Showroom Opening Hours. Mon to Fri: 08.00 - 18.00 Thur: 08.00 - 20.00 Sat: 09.00 - 12.30
116 Sunday Circle | October 2013
HIGH-TECH
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PROMOBILE CAR WASH Welcome to Promobile Car Wash, a mobile car wash company offering you premium car wash services in Malta. Get your car washed within minutes any place you want, without visiting a faraway car wash centre and having to take time off work. Call us and we will send our mobile car valet unit that is fully equipped to wash your car inside out, giving it a thorough brand new look. Booking No: 7988 0317 | All online bookings or Facebook comments are confirmed within minutes. Standard wash (interior and exterior detailing) euro 20 Deluxe Wash (standard wash + soft shell wax application protection) euro 35 Complete Valet ( All interior is washed, sterilized and complete detailing) euro 55 Service times from Monday – Saturday 8-5pm PROMOBILE CAR WASH
MIELE NEW GENERATION OVENS
WWW.PROMOBILECARWASH.COM facebook.com/promobilecarwash
WIRELESS COMFORT The first wireless headphones from Bose. The AE2w Bluetooth® headphones deliver crisp, clear sound with a comfortable, around-ear fit. Watch the latest films or listen to your favourite music on your iPad or other Bluetooth® devices without the hassle of wires. You can even switch to calls on your smartphone with the push of a button. Simultaneously connect to two devices and easily switch between media and calls. So go ahead and do what you need to do around the home or office; there are no wires to hold you back.
Forestals announce the latest generation ovens from Miele, featuring the exclusive M Touch display – a high-resolution TFT display, reminiscent of smart phones and tablet PCs. The menu is browsed by swiping or scrolling with the tip of a finger. Other features include Sensor Tronic, 76 litre capacity, 12 modes, over 100 automatic programs and PerfectClean finish. All Miele appliances are covered by a 5 Year Warranty.
See the entire range at the Forestals showroom in Mriehel or Victoria, Gozo. Or visit www.forestals.com/miele. Tel: 2343 6000
Available at €249 from Doneo, Mountbatten Street, Hamrun. Tel. 2123 0741, info@doneo.com.mt www.doneo.com.mt
PETROlEA SHOWROOM Valley Road Msida
Get cosy this winter with one of our house-warming solutions
oPeN ALL DAY
Tel: 2123 4501 Email: showroom@petroleamalta.com Like us on Facebook
GeMCo LtD.
Msida Valley Road, Msida Tel: 2148 8919 E: sales@gemco.com.mt Visit us on facebook October 2013 | Sunday Circle 117
FOOD & DRINK SAN MICHEL FRUITWAVES
Golden Harvest FrencH sliced loaF - marks 50 years in tHe BakinG!
San Michel Fruitwaves is a range of light and refreshing flavoured water available in a variety of fruity flavours: strawberry, orange, lemon & lime, peach and apple. Fruitwaves are low in calories, contain no artificial colours or sweeteners and are rich in vitamin B.
San Michel Fruitwaves: Choose your taste! Malta’s beloved Golden Harvest French Sliced Loaf wrapped in wax paper turned 50! To celebrate this landmark birthday, Golden Harvest has released a new look for its iconic French Sliced Loaf. Using the same traditional family recipe, we ensure that, whilst the packaging has changed, our loaf has not, giving you fresh bread full of goodness, everyday. Fresh or toasted, the loaf is the perfect choice for you and your family to enjoy, at any time of day.
www.goldenharvest.com.mt
118 Sunday Circle | October 2013
TROPICANA Try out the new refreshing and delicious apple blends with an exciting twist. A 200ml glass of delicious Tropicana apple blends is:- One of your recommended five a day - A good source of vitamin C - Naturally sodium and fat free GoHealthyMT
FOOD & DRINK
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October 2013 | Sunday Circle 119
kids feature
GIVe Them A BreAk - senD Them To ArT Lessons. ART will teach children to see and interpret the world from a different perspective. They will see that not everything is based on rules and correct answers but it can be a feeling, an interpretation, an idea. As their work unfolds they can explore the various effects they create. ART can make vivid the emotion that neither words nor numbers can express. They can learn to say what they cannot say in other forms.
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Children of varying ages have different needs for dental hygiene. Colgate Junior covers these necessities with specific products for each age, developed with the help of paediatric dentists. Colgate Junior helps protect kids’ teeth against cavities and bad breath and come in fun and tasty flavours to encourage your young ones to brush regularly… at least twice a day. Colgate toothpaste and toothbrushes, the best start for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
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O EN NE T FR til en le t R nd at i of o AN EE Oc n o to be f t C E r
Art lessons for all ages are given at the Vee Gee Bee Art shops. Call on 2138 5584 / 2122 4585, email on vgbart@vgb.com.mt or visit www.vgb.com.mt for more details.
GIVe your kIDs A heALThy smILe … with Colgate
COME AND SEE WHERE SMILES ARE MADE AND CELEBRATE PLAY! The Brand-New world of PLAYMOBIL Dragons is now available at the Playmobil FunPark. See them in store today, join in the fun and enjoy a nice snack at the FunPark Cafeteria at Family Friendly Prices. You can also view our products and prices on our website and on our Facebook page. 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
120 Sunday Circle | October 2013
JOIN OUR FUNPARK FREE
PAGE NOW!
ACCESS AT THE PLAYMOBIL FUNPARK
www.playmobilmalta.com
Trade Enquiries: Red October Co. Ltd. | Tel: 2147 0400 | Email: carlosc@redoct.net The Liquer Shop, Gozo: Tel: 2155 6531 | Email: info@wisto.com.mt
IWC INGENIEUR. ENGINEERED FOR PERFORMERS.
Ingenieur Automatic AMG Black Series Ceramic. Ref. 3225: Winners have made it to the top at least once. Real champions are there for ever. The case and other components in the Ingenieur Auto matic AMG Black Series are made of black zirconium oxide, a high-performance ceramic used in motor sport, among other things, for brake discs. The see-through sapphire glass back reveals one of the most robust drives ever manufactured by IWC: the 80110-calibre
movement with integrated shock absorber. After all, a champion can’t afford to show any sign of weakness. i wc . e n g i n e e r e d fo r m e n .
Mechanical movement, Pellaton automatic winding, 44-hour power reserve when fully wound, Integrated shockabsorption system, Date display with crown-activated rapid advance, Central hacking seconds, Screw-in crown, Sapphire glass, flat, anti-reflective coating on both sides, See-through sapphire-glass back, Water-resistant 12 bar, Case height 14.5 mm, Diameter 46 mm