Oh My Malta Autumn 2019

ISSUE 03 • AUTUMN 2019

ISSUE 03 • AUTUMN 2019

100 WAYS OF FISH There are certainly many reasons to visit Paranga: the 100 different techniques our chefs master of how to prepare your fish, the way you love it the most.

Fresh fish and shellfish arrive daily from local fishermen, creating a peak of individual interest for a memorable sunny lunch or an enticing dinner.

MALTA WASHINGTON NEW YORK LONDON PARIS DUBAI BANGKOK SINGAPORE BEIJING

For more information or to book your table, please contact malta.fnb@ihg.com or call us at +356 2137 7600.

Live the InterContinental life.

SHANGHAI SYDNEY

autumn 2019 They call it autumn or the fall, we simply call it ‘ħarifa’.

However, the Maltese summer usually drags on until October, and if you are fortunate swimming is still comfortable enough up until early November.

Nonetheless, the Maltese mark the end of Summer with the return to school in the third week of September. The first rains, which are usually torrential in nature, are welcomed, especially because September is synonymous with South winds from the Sahara, which bring moist weather.

From September until December, Maltese waters are blessed with the migration of the Lampuka, a fish which is adored by the Maltese and is still fished in the traditional method. Most restaurants will offer variations of this seafood dish throughout the season. Try it out with a Maltese wine: an Antonin Blanc, a Juel from Gozo or an Isis from Ta’Qali.

Though Malta is typically parched and brown in the Summer months, there are patches of green everywhere.

The front cover refers to the old hunting grounds of the Chevalier de Malte from the 1500s in Buskett. The 47 hectares of land are now a protected area and home to hundreds of migratory raptors.

The woodland is dominated by a Castle known as Verdala Palace built into a palace in 1586, during the reign of Hugues Loubenx de Verdalle. Yet the most curious aspect linked to this edifice is the Blue Lady.

It revolves around a beautiful young girl, the niece of a Grand Master. She was promised to a Knight, but she did not wish to marry. As punishment for her refusal, she was locked in her room. Desperate, she attempted to escape from the window, lost her footing and plummeted to her death. She now roams the Verdala Palace grounds, still in the sheer blue dress she was in when she passed.

This is Malta, a fusion of history, culture, legend and real life.

Merħba!

The travel and tourism sector is at the forefront of Malta’s economic development and constantly strives to deliver innovation in our offering.

In June, the spend by tourists in Malta increased by a staggering 10.7%. Our vision is to become the life-style destination of choice in the Mediterranean.

Expansion of routes and flight frequencies by air and by legacy carriers, the newly Malta Air (in partnership with Ryanair) and other international carriers such as Qatar Airways, are supporting the diversification of our markets.

In Europe growth was registered in traditional markets.

Spain, France and Poland are emerging as strong segments too. In addition, Malta is now seeing arrivals from the US, Japan, China, South Korea and Australia.

This reflects the Malta Tourism Authority’s promotional efforts. Significant contracts are also being closed for conferences from the USA. These efforts are being complemented by world class events in collaboration with Viacom, BBC, Cirque du Soleil and other partners such as Radio Italia.

A 5-year investment programme focusing on promenades, beaches, squares and amenities has been rolled out. This will seek to maximise benefits for tourists and locals alike.

Konrad Mizzi Minister for Tourism OH MY MALTA 5

contents Issue 03 • Autumn 2019 Oh My Malta is a B2B publication published quarterly in partnership with the Malta Tourism Authority. It promotes Malta and Gozo as a destination and treats readers to different aspects of Maltese life, culture, culinary delights and business.

Published by

family activities 25

Fun attractions for the Whole Family

29

Scientific Wonder

31

A Kid’s Dream

74

Cruise the Maltese Coastline

Publisher and Registered Editor

SAVIOUR Balzan

Coordinating Editors

AMY Micallef Decesare PHILIPPA Zammit Sales Coordinator

MARISA Schembri mschembri@mediatoday.com.mt Design

AMY Micallef Decesare PHILIPPA Zammit Photography

JAMES Bianchi Registered Address

Vjal ir-Riħan San Gwann SGN9016 Malta Email

pzammit@mediatoday.com.mt Contact Number

+356 2138 2741

after sunset 21 Top nightlife Spots 23 Dragonara Casino

history & culture 33

Trip to the Theatre

34

Jum il-Vitorja

37

Birgu Bonanza

39

Europe’s Mini Hollywood

40

Must-See Museums

42

For the Aircraft Enthusiasts

52

A trip to the Silent City

WHAT'S HAPPENING? 8-18 Events happening around Malta & Gozo

local delicacies

Maltese talent

Business & Property

56

Tasting the Town

44

Maltese Lace Experience

70

58

Where We’re Eating

66

Star Player in All Things Business

71

Your Guide to VIP Travel

61

The Culinary Cultural Revolution

The Evolution of Traditional Local Music

77

Investing in a Better Future

79

Property - A Secure Investment?

81

The Booming Market

83

Climbing the Property Ladder

85

Properties with a Mediterranean View

63

68

The Fashion Industry

The Taste of Nostalgia

go green 47 Simar Nature Reserve 50 Top Attractions 73 The Eco-Friendly Car Rental

OH MY MALTA 7

what’s on SEPTEMBER 5, 12,19,26 SEPTEMBER

Maltese Nights

The Valletta Waterfront, Floriana | 19:30 Take in the scenic Grand Harbour views and relive traditional Malta.

Enjoy Maltese nights on Thursday evenings: go back in time through the Maltese Islands’ history and experience traditional folk dancing, falconry displays, the “terramaxka” – a musical instrument, which was popular in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and Maltese games, as well as other activities. Free entrance to all events. For more information visit: www.vallettawaterfront.com

6-15 SEPTEMBER

Malta Pride Week Various locations

What better place to celebrate Pride than in Malta, the No.1 European LGBTQ travel destination? With over 15 events planned in all categories including fashion, art, film and sports, LGBTQ travellers are sure to have an amazing time. For more information on events visit gaymalta.com/ prideweekevents2019

14 SEPTEMBER

The Rite of Spring Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta | 18:00

The Piano Concerto by fellow Russian Rachmaninoff is contrastingly full of lyrical melodies. Often described as the

OH MY MALTA

greatest piano concerto ever written, the work is full of dialogue between orchestra and soloist. Conductor: Sergey Smbatyan, Piano: Alexei Volodin. Get your tickets from www. showshappening.com

5, 12,19,26 SEPTEMBER

The Bubble

The Golden Bay Headland | 14:00 A festival of change that celebrates contemporary art and music with a special focus on positive awarenessraising events. This includes workshops on sustainability, the environment, dance, sound healing, as well as other activities such as guided nature walks through the beautiful area of Għajn Tuffieħa. For a timetable of activities, more details and to buy tickets, visit http://thebubble.com.mt

Pride Week

The Bubble

Rockestra

20 - 22 SEPTEMBER

Eco Market

The Gaia Foundation, Għajn Tuffieħa The event features a market place with several ethical vendors and their Eco-friendly products and services, including local artisans and small businesses that have been approved and vetted through rigorous selection criteria. Expect to find products such as local fresh organic produce, food, snacks, beverages, ethical fashion, toys, housewares, personal care products, arts, crafts and much more! The market will also host a series of interesting talks, workshops, social gatherings, music, art and entertainment – all aimed towards raising awareness about safeguarding the precious environment.

For more information visit www. ecomarketmalta.com

21 SEPTEMBER

Traditions: Wine, Olive Oil & Honey Pjazza s-Salvatu, Ghasri, Gozo | 19:00

A joyful way to discover Gozo on a long weekend. Honey inspired goods, interactive art and craft station, music, beekeeping classes and food vendors.

OH MY MALTA

Do not miss out!

26 30 SEPTEMBER

Malta International Folk Festival Various locations

Malta, with its strategic position at the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, has always been a crossroad for exchanges of cultural diversity, also due to so many nations who have ruled over this country. This is why the island’s folklore tradition is very old, strong and widespread. The aim of this International Festival is to make sure that the different folk traditions from all over the world meet up in Malta, for a reciprocal cultural exchange and enrichment. During this festival, various folk groups, pipe bands, and flag-wavers will participate in street parades and performances.

Community Chest Fund. This rock concert has proven time and time again that it is an event not to be missed. Under the musical direction of Mro. Sigmund Mifsud and the artistic direction of Pawlu Borg Bonaci, Rockestra brings together Rockestra much loved rock songs performed by well renowned local artists. It’s a unique experience where a number of instrumental pieces performed by the Orchestra and popular songs performed live by a number of talented artists, giving the crowd an amazing experience. Get your tickets from www. mfcc.com.mt

29 SEPTEMBER

Rockestra MFCC, Ta’ Qali | 20:30

A most anticipated event, Rockestra is a rock concert organised by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, with the aim of raising funds for the Malta

Folk Festival

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WHERE ARTS BRING THE CITY TO LIFE

Sat 5 Oct 07:00pm till late Valletta

An Interactive map to help you plan ahead

festivals.mt/nottebianca

OCTOBER 4 OCTOBER

Radio Italia will be presenting a number of famous Italian singers at The Granaries in Floriana. Pictured: Mahmood

Mediterranean Stars Festival Powered by Radio Italia Live The Granaries, Floriana| 20:00

A group of famous Italian singers will be performing in Malta for the third edition of Radio Italia Live – Il Concerto, part of Mediterranean Stars Festival: Alessandra Amoroso, Gigi D’Alessio, Elisa, Emma, Francesco Gabbani, Guè Pequeno, J-Ax, Mahmood, Max Pezzali, Raf and Umberto Tozzi. All performers will be accompanied by the Mediterranean Orchestra, made up of 60 musicians directed by Maestro Bruno Santori, who is also the director of the festival.

The concert is free of charge.

5 OCTOBER

Notte Bianca Valletta

Malta’s biggest annual arts and culture festival. Notte Bianca lights up the OH MY MALTA Valletta cityscape with a spectacular celebration that is open to the public free of charge. Festivalgoers can expect to experience the very best in music,

dance, theatre, visual arts, literary events, as well as an exploration into the emerging world of new and digital arts. During Notte Bianca, Valletta’s streets and public spaces are used in innovative, creative ways thanks to a mix of roaming and site-specific projects. State palaces and museums open their doors to delight patrons with visual art exhibitions and theatre performances. Streets and piazzas are transformed into venues for open-air theatrics and concerts, while many cafes and restaurants extend their hours.

11 OCTOBER

Malta Innovation Summit

explore one of Malta’s most beautiful places by candlelight. Visitors can enjoy different experiences such as historical re-enactments and dinner by candlelight in the beautiful town square. All the streets and houses are lit up with candles, chandeliers are hung in the streets, and music ruminates throughout the winding pathways. Most of the museums and historical buildings in the area are open at a discounted price. This includes the magnificent architectural gem of Fort St. Angelo, which is a large bastioned fort located at the centre of the Grand Harbour. Visitors are encouraged to take their time to discover the area. They can do so by taking in different exhibitions by local artists, visiting a variety of musical concerts, the different historical buildings and museums, tasting a wide selection of Maltese food, and much more!

Hilton, St. Julian’s | 08::00

Bringing together top international and local innovators, thinkers and doers under one roof to network, learn and share their stories of innovation.

Attendees can expect a fun and productive day full of networking opportunities, hands-on workshops, inspiring keynotes and expert panels.

11-13 OCTOBER

Birgu by Candlelight Birgu

BirguFest is a unique opportunity to

Birgu by Candlelight OH MY MALTA

12-13 OCTOBER

Mdina Grand Prix Mdina

Winding through the scenic streets of the old, rustic town and through the beautiful countryside, the classic cars taking part vie for first prize. Alongside the race, there are also numerous cultural activities to keep visitors busy – many of whom come from overseas especially for the event.

17-20 OCTOBER

Under Milk Wood Valletta Campus Theatre, St. Christopher’s Street, Valletta | 19:30

Praised by the great Richard Burton as “a comic masterpiece”, Under Milk Wood by Wales’ most celebrated writer – Dylan Thomas, is a drama that is best described as laugh-out-loud funny yet at times also deeply poignant.

The play portrays 24 hours in the life of the many eccentric and hilarious characters who inhabit a mythical small seaside town in South Wales, where Dylan Thomas – one of the most admired and popular poets and playwrights of the 20th century – grew up and spent most of his life. Get your tickets from ticketline.com.mt

18 20 OCTOBER

Kite & Wind Festival 19 OCTOBER

Rolex Middlesea Race Grand Harbour, Valletta | 12:00

Mdina Grand Prix Għarb, Gozo | 10:00 - 19:00

Kites have a fascinating history across cultures. Used in past times as a means to send messages by troops during wars, to measure distances, as royal sports or simply to give joy to children who had only paper and bamboo sticks to make their own toys, kites have filled skies and hearts alike. Gozo will be giving visitors the chance to experience the joys of this ancient tradition. This is the right opportunity to reach out for the sky, as kites of all shapes and sizes surf on favourable winds. The festival will be led by traditional and professional kite masters.

19-30 OCTOBER

Festival Mediterranea Teatru Astra, Republic Street, Vistoria, Gozo

This festival unveils Gozo as a mosaic of Mediterranean civilisation, heritage and art. It is indeed a showpiece of a hundred things our own, an

opportunity for a break from the routine of conventional life; a chance to immerse oneself in the mellow world of Gozo’s autumn, and explore and live the cultural tradition of its 7000 years of history. Prices vary according to the type of event. For the full programme visit www.mediterranea.com.mt

26 OCTOBER

Chocolate Festival Ħamrun | 18:00 - 23:00

It is said that during the rule of Grand Master Perelos, cocoa beans were stored in Ħamrun, specifically in the area known as ‘tas-Samra’.This event will bring together traditions from the past and will blend them with innovative uses of chocolate as an ingredient for food and art. One will, therefore, have the possibility to indulge in, and buy, various chocolate treats as well as enjoy live entertainment.

The race brings together the crème de la crème of the sailing world in one place to battle it out on Malta’s seas. Witnessing this truly spectacular event deserves to be on your bucket list. Watching the sleek yachts navigate the bastions of the harbour is something to behold, and is guaranteed to be an event that you never forget.

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NOVEMBER 1 - 10 NOVEMBER

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Three Palaces Festival

6 NOVEMBER

Various Locations

A festival that attracts admirers of classical, modern, and jazz music.

This festival promises audiences an unforgettable evening steeped in music and history. A week-long festival with performances set in historically important and magnificent buildings, the Three Palaces Festival is fast becoming an important appointment in Malta’s cultural calendar.

The 7th edition of the festival will once again see the participation of artists of exceptional talent from around the world.

2 NOVEMBER

Not Just The Wall Aurora Opera House, 100, Republic Street, Victoria | 20:00-23:00

A rock Orchestral tribute to the music of Pink Floyd. Featuring CASH & BAND, special guests and the Gozo Youth Orchestra. Get your tickets

Malta Book Festival MCC, Valletta | 09:00

A festival that celebrates the wonder of books through a wide programme of family-friendly activities – including book launches and presentations, poetry and literature readings, meetings with authors, dramatisations of literary texts, conferences and seminars.

Grammy-winning artist bringing his Akoin vision for Africa to November summit. Malta A.I. & Blockchain summit are proud to announce that Akon, hip-hop superstar and one of Africa’s most renowned philanthropists, has accepted a speaker slot at the crypto and blockchain focused show in November. He will be speaking about his Akoin token and how he hopes the blockchain-based cryptocurrency can empower young entrepreneurs in Africa to strengthen the continent’s rising economies and support

The festival also offers extensive networking opportunities for professionals in the book world. For five days, publishers, book sellers and authors gather under one roof to make the most of this unique opportunity to promote and sell their books to the public.

7-8 NOVEMBER

AKON at Malta A.I. & Blockchain Summit InterContinental, St. Julian’s

Akon to speak at A.I & Blockchain Summit

Joseph Calleja and Andrea Bocelli

Rock Orchestral Tribute concert to Pink Floyd

9 NOVEMBER

Disco Fever Ft. Saturday Night Bee Gees Gianpula Main Room, Rabat | 20:00

Dance the night away when the world-renowned ‘SATURDAY NIGHT BEE GEES’ tribute band brings to life the disco fever of the 70s! The six-member band will perform their highlyacclaimed, fully live powerhouse show that transports us back to the boogie-era through the formidable songwriting talents of Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb, with classic Bee Gees songs such as Stayin’ Alive and Jive Talkin’.

There’s also a pre and post show party hosted by DJ Ian Lang. Get your tickets from ticketline.com. mt

15- 24 NOVEMBER

27 - 30 NOVEMBER

ŻiguŻajg Festival

Victori by Cirque du Soleil

Various locations

MCC, Triq l-Isptar, Valletta | 20:00

ŻiguŻajg is an annual international arts festival that puts the creative arts for children and young people at the heart of Malta’s cultural landscape. The festival showcases high-quality professional performances in various disciplines to create a programme that is an enticing mix of newly devised work and renowned international productions.

For the first time ever, Cirque du Soleil will present an exclusive and original live performance in Malta for the 40th anniversary of the Mediterranean Conference Centre in the historic city of Valletta.VITORI mobilises a cast of characters inspired by the pieces in the game of chess, the ultimate game of logic and rational thinking. Brimming with talent and torque, two teams go head to head on a huge chessboard, ready to wage a battle to the end. But when the golden King falls in love with the black Rook, he puts everything in the balance to get closer to his beloved, leaving his unsuspecting subjects in total disarray.

This inclusive and accessible festival often provides children’s first experience of live performance with cross-collaborations between public as well as private arts and cultural entities.

Joseph Calleja and Andrea Bocelli

THE THREE PALACES Realising that our “Ordinary” is actually Extraordinary!

1 - 10 November 2019 www.festivals.mt

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NIGHTLIFE IN MALTA PACEVILLE

VALLETTA

Whether it’s hip-hop tunes you’re looking for, happy hour at a bar, shots at a club, dancing till sunrise or a late-night slice of pizza, Paceville is the place for you. There are also several upscale restaurants, hotels and even a shopping complex in the area. Make your way to either Triq il-Wilġa or St. George’s Road this weekend.

No list is complete without our stunning capital, Valletta. Looking to catch a late-night movie? Valletta. Attend a theatre production or watch some live music? Valletta.

Indulge in a delicious platter and a glass (or 2 or 3) of wine? Valletta.

Look out for Republic Street, Strait Street and the Waterfront, as they’re the main entertainment hubs of the world-famous city.

BIRGU Also known as ‘Vittoriosa’, Birgu is one of the Three Cities, all built in close proximity to each other around the Grand Harbour. Spend an evening feasting by the sea, in the most relaxed of atmospheres, at one of Birgu’s various restaurants and bars.

RABAT Many think of Rabat as a quiet, sleepy town. They are generally correct, except when the weekend strikes! Make your way down to Gianpula Village and any of their 10 venues and clubs, to partake in some late-night dancing. Known for hosting big-name events and showcasing top international DJs, as well as some festivals too, this entry should definitely be topping your list.

TA’ QALI In the same vein we have Club Numero Uno in Ta’ Qali. One of the largest open-air clubs on the island, Numero Uno hosts top international (as well as local) DJs all year round. If you’re up for a night of dancing to RnB, house or even alternative rock, we recommend you book your taxi right now.

BUGIBBA One of Malta’s most popular spots is Bugibba.

Featuring countless seaside restaurants, bars, a cinema and even a handful of casinos, this northern coast town is definitely worth a visit.

At the centre of the town you can also find a buzzing piazza, which is surrounded by even more pumping restaurants and bars.

OHOH MYMY MALTA MALTA

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Holistic Experience AT DRAGONARA CASINO

The Palace was converted into a casino in 1964, and was considered one of the first strategic projects that Malta developed, to start attracting high-value tourists from Europe.

Since then, the Dragonara Casino has been entertaining patrons from all corners of the world. The Casino is operated

by Dragonara Gaming Limited, a locally owned company with an unparalleled experience in the operation of landbased gaming activities in Malta. Since taking over the Casino operation nine years ago, the company has invested more than €17,000,000 to position the casino amongst the most prestigious properties in the Southern Mediterranean, while also serving as an active custodian of a 19th Century Palace, which is an iconic landmark for the island.

The Dragonara Casino is considered to be the number 1 Casino destination in Malta for many reasons. It’s without any doubt that the Dragonara ‘as it is most commonly known’ is the most well-established casino property in Malta as well as a casino brand in itself, amongst the most popular in Southern Europe.

The Casino was the first to actively attract foreign high-roller players, the first to create a VIP suite for private gaming and the first to launch the concept of 24-hour gaming. In addition, the Dragonara Casino was the first casino worldwide to offer the Dual-Play Roulette service in conjunction with Evolution Gaming, connecting a roulette table with over a hundred other online service providers, an innovative approach that has taken off in many other land-based casinos. The Dragonara Casino was also first in creating a Poker suite within one of its terraces overlooking St.George’s Bay. The Dragonara Casino offers the gaming enthusiast an array of products and services that are truly remarkable. The

investments made throughout the years have ensured that the Casino offers the broadest range of products that are wellreceived from over 300,000 patrons who visit the Palace on a yearly basis.

In the past few years, the Dragonara service offering has been extended also as an online brand, providing a comprehensive list of online games, allowing patrons to extend their casino experience when they travel back home.

Offering an entertainment service at 360 degrees is the driving force behind every project created within the establishment.

A few years ago, the Dragonara launched an entertainment concept whereby it transformed its terrace overlooking St Julian’s Bay into a Club Lounge. The Lounge offers a great setting for an evening out, where guests can enjoy exquisite Mediterranean food, drink from a range of enticing cocktails or simply drink the night away to live music.

The future is very bright for the Dragonara as the company looks ahead with optimism. The task ahead is to sustain the leadership position in the market and to provide an entertainment destination concept that rivals the most important casino properties in Europe. The creation of an integrated resort in one of Malta’s most iconic landmarks provides the backdrop for such a proposition.

Whether you’re feeling lucky and want to hit the tables, whether you’re up for a romantic dinner on the terrace or whether you simply want to enjoy a drink or two with friends, visit the Dragonara in St. Julians – the one place that offers a holistic entertainment experience in Malta.

OHOH MYMY MALTA MALTA

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Family FUN Badger Karting

Escape Room

A fun, exciting, competitive and safe activity. The raceway has a fleet of 30 petrol powered karts that can reach speeds of up to 80km/h, which when combined with the twists and turns of the 17 different track layouts, deliver a perfect blend of thrill and adrenaline.

Whether you would like to go karting in a group or race all on your own, Badger Karting in Malta makes it all possible.

Scavenger Escape Malta is the first escape game on the island. Challenge yourself and your friends and family with brain-teasing, teambuilding adventure. Try to escape in under 60 minutes by solving puzzles and playing in a team. A great activity that offers both thrill and entertainment.

Dare to escape?

Location: Triq Duramblatt, L/O Mosta, Ta’ Qali, Mosta

Location:2A, Seaview in Court Ix - Xatt Ta’ Qui - Si Sana Tas-Sliema

Esplora

Location: Villa Bighi Triq Marina Il-Kalkara

An interactive science centre, featuring over 200 indoor and outdoor interactive science exhibits, a Planetarium theatre, hands-on workshops and engaging science shows, making science relevant to our everyday lives. Esplora seeks to cultivate a culture of scientific curiosity and imagination by igniting a passion for questioning and investigation where visitors are encouraged to explore, think and imagine. A super outing, even for adults!

National Aquarium Location: Triq it-Trunciera, San Pawl il-Baħar

Experience Malta’s underwater life spread over 20,000 square metres with 41 tanks.

Get up close with different species and be mesmerised by the jellyfish tank and the tunnel walkthrough with sharks and rays in constant motion. You’ll find a number of surprises going through the Aquarium, with several different tanks showing a landmark of the Maltese Islands.

OH MY MALTA

Shopping at The Point Location: Tigne Point, Sliema

Since opening its doors back in 2010, The Point Shopping Mall has since become Malta’s favourite shopping destination, with locals and tourists alike. Exuding a stunning five-star ambiance, the Point offers a wide variety in the latest range of fashion, beauty, health, lifestyle and food outlets, for convenience and shopping pleasure.

The shopping mall’s most unique selling point is its comprehensive mix of stores and brands, all of which are conveniently located under one roof, with a balance of offerings that cater for each and every age group.

What’s more, The Point hosts family retailers such as flagship store Debenhams and Marks and Spencer, alongside designer boutique stores including Armani Exchange, Lacoste, Guess, CK Jeans, Tommy Hilfiger, Massimo Dutti, Ted Baker and Polo Ralph lauren. More affordable, trendy fashion brands, such as New Look, River Island and Bershka are also available, together with top sportswear retailers, like Adidas and Nike.

The mall’s extensive array of food outlets, have also been handpicked specifically to appeal to a cross-section of tastes, as well as budgets.

Ample parking, with 24-hour security completes the package that is the last word in terms of comfort, service and convenience for The Point Shopping Mall’s visitors.

Esplora was declared to be an emblematic project by the EU Commission

a day of scientific wonder Family vacations are filled with precious days, creating memories to cherish with the ones we love, relaxing and unwinding from the humdrum of daily life whilst spending all-important quality time with our family and friends.

What better place to spend that time than on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Malta, soaking up the warm summer sun? Here’s an idea! Take the chance to escape that heat for a day at Esplora Interactive Science Centre in Kalkara.

Would you like to see how a shadow is captured on a wall or stand inside a human-sized bubble? How about helping your kids create a customised fireworks display or figuring out

how to move containers as a dockyard crane? At Esplora you can do all of that and so much more!

It is truly incredible that the mysteries of science are in fact all around us, just waiting to be discovered. Before your visit to Esplora, you might like to demonstrate this with a beach science experiment.

This hands-on demonstration will allow for exciting highquality interactions between you and your young ones, and enable you to teach them about the natural ocean ecosystems on our beautiful planet Earth.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA IN A BOTTLE You will need: • Large, transparent bottle • Blue food colouring • Mineral or baby oil • A beach 1. On the beach, pour sand into the bottle. (Enough to cover the bottom of the bottle when it is on its side).

2. Collect a few seashells, small pebbles or seaweed and drop them in on top of the sand.

3. Fill the bottle halfway with sea water.

4. Add 1 drop blue food colouring.

5. Pour oil on top of the water, filling bottle up to the top so no air is left inside.

6. Seal bottle with cap, turn the bottle on its side and watch all the materials settle on the bottom.

You can now rock the bottle back and forth to create ocean waves! What happens to the sand and seashells if you make large waves? What happens if the waves are more gentle?

Can you imagine how driftwood and debris get washed up on our beaches? Why is the oil and water separated? What happens to sea life and birds when there is an oil spill? If you add something that floats to the bottle, can you imagine that it is a pirate ship on the high seas in a big storm?

Have fun exploring, thinking and imagining! When you are all finished with your experiment please empty it out correctly and recycle.

For even more family fun, come and spend the day at Esplora in Kalkara, which has over 200 interactive science exhibits plus exciting shows and workshops for all ages.

Esplora is accessible by public transport and is located on the peninsula of Kalkara, in the Grand Harbour overlooking the historic cities of Valletta and Birgu.

Upcoming events: 3 September - 6 September 2019 Leonardo da Vinci 15 October - 20 October 2019 Code Week 31 October 2019 Halloween 28 November - 1 December 2019 Superheroes meets Star Wars in Science

Walking towards the PLAYMOBIL castle, you will enter the PLAYMOBIL FunPark Malta.

The PLAYMOBIL FunPark encompasses an indoor play area which is divided into two sections – A 123 baby and toddler area and the 4 + play area; as well as a Pirate Themed outdoor play area set up in a safe, friendly and stimulating environment suitable for all the family.

At the PLAYMOBIL FunPark Shop, one can find all the latest PLAYMOBIL range for toddlers, boys and girls. Toys to suit all growing personalities can be found, ensuring an experience that will keep young ones entertained for hours!

Indoor & Outdoor Play Area

Playmobil Shop

Cafeteria

ILY! RY PACKAGES FOR ALL THE FAM BENEFIT FROM OUR SPECIAL ENT information Ask your hotel concierge for ticket

ay & Sunday: 10am-6pm Opening Hours: Monday – Thursd Friday & Saturday: 10am-10pm

Playmobil FunPark Malta, HF 80, Industrial Estate, Hal Far, BBG 3000

(+356) 2224 2445

WHERE CHILDREN LEARN THROUGH ACTIVE PLAY

www.playmobilmalta.com

Malta’s Favourite Children’s Attraction If you’re searching for the perfect family day out, primarily where children learn through active play, look no further. Enjoy quality family time at Playmobil FunPark, Malta’s absolute favourite children’s attraction.

delight your children and loved ones back home. One can choose from Princess Castles to Pirate Ships, to licensed products such as Ghostbusters and Dragons to a wide range of 1.2.3 toys for children aged up to 36 months.

Kids can have buckets of fun in the indoor play area, with different themed oriented zones, including Police, Knights, Dolls Houses and many more, all of which are waiting for your children to enjoy. The indoor play area is sectioned for toddlers aged 1-3, as well as another area for those aged 4 and over. Children can take their imagination to a whole other level when they enter the outdoor Pirate Themed play area. Hop right onto the ship and Ahoy Captain! They can discover a whole new world of adventure in the Pirate tree house, or enjoy splish-splashing around in the water channel, complete with Playmobil floating boats.

The FunPark play area is all set in a safe, friendly and stimulating environment for your kids to enjoy and whilst your kids are having the time of their lives, have a seat and enjoy a snack, meal or coffee at the Playmobil cafeteria.

The FunPark also encompasses a Playmobil shop, exclusive to Malta. The shop carries the full assortment of the current Playmobil range, which will surely

Playmobil is open daily, fully-airconditioned and has a hassle-free parking zone, ready for you to take advantage of.

Opening hours: Monday - Thursday & Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00 Friday & Saturday: 10:00-22:00 Entrance fee: Adults 12+ €1.50, Kids 1-12 - €2.80 You can also enjoy Special Entry Day Packages.

DID YOU KNOW? ‘Worldwide, millions of children enjoy playing with PlAYMOBIL which always includes the world famous PLAYMOBIL figure. These are ALL “Made in Malta and exported worldwide’ Malta specialises in manufacturing the actual toy figure characters, accessories and the Playmobil 1.2.3 range Since 1974 to date, over 3 billion Playmobil figures have been produced in 5,700 variations including 1.2.3 figures OH MY MALTA

WHEN /

JANUARY JANUARY 10 -25, 2020

#VBF20

WHEN /

WHERE /

10 -25, 2020

30 CONCERTS IN 30 CONCERTS IN 16 DIFFERENT VENUES 16 DIFFERENT ACROSS MALTA VENUES WHERE /

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THE 8TH OF THE THEEDITION 8TH EDITION OF VALLETTA THE VALLETTA BAROQUE FESTIVAL WILLWILL ONCEONCE MORE BAROQUE FESTIVAL MORE FEATURE TOP-NOTCH ARTISTS, BOTHBOTH FEATURE TOP-NOTCH ARTISTS, AND ABROAD, FROMFROM MALTAMALTA AND ABROAD, PERFORMING WONDERFUL MUSIC FROM PERFORMING WONDERFUL MUSIC FROM MONTEVERDI TO BACH & BEYOND. MONTEVERDI TO BACH & BEYOND. M

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tickets for all your favorite cultural events

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#VBF20

THE VALLETTA

BAROQUE FESTIVAL

Photo by Mark Zammit Cordina

30 concerts, 16 locations | 10-25 January 2020

The 8th edition of the Valletta Baroque Festival will again feature top-notch artists from Malta and overseas, who will perform wonderful music, ranging from Monteverdi to Bach and beyond.

Just like last year, the festival will explore the beautiful baroque settings outside Valletta, such as Verdala Palace and the San Filippinu ta’ Aggira Parish Church, which will bring baroque music into the places it was specifically composed for.

While programming, each edition takes a life of its own and forms a distinct pattern, sometimes intentionally and other times, completely unintentionally. The forthcoming festival edition is predominantly secular, with various concertos all over Europe.

Artistic Director Keith Zammit Tabona highlights that especially close to his heat are the Neopolitan concertos, which inspired our own Maltese composers, who went to study with Francesco Durante in the 18th century. Due to Malta, at the time, being ruled as a sovereign principality by a semi-monastic order of chivalric aristocrats who came from the four corners of Europe, it was inevitable that the culture of the time would be deeply influenced by the rich potpourri.

This is reflected in our culture even today. However, it was Naples, the nearest and most cosmopolitan capital, ruled by a branch of Spanish Bourbons, that was our cultural alma Mater.

Connections to the royal and imperial courts of Europe at the time were a fact, and cross-fertilisation of cultures was unavoidable. This is what aptly describes the spirit of the 2020 festival. A celebration of European culture, from the music commissioned by the Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia, regent of the Spanish Netherlands, to the 20th century masterpieces that were ‘Inspired by Baroque’, a commemora-

tion of the apogee of what historian Arthur Bryant indelibly christened ‘The Age of Elegance’.

La Grande Chapelle will perform music written for Isabelle Clara Eugenia, on 22 January, at St. John’s Co-Cathedral, marking an important highlight. Some sidesteps are the Clarinet version of the Goldberg Variations, by Dimitry Askhenhazy (22 January) and the reworked versions of original and transcribed music from Bach, by Teodoro Bau and Andrea Buccarella (16 January).

The Bach concertos, by the young French and renowned Ensemble Dynastie (23 January), and the Sacred Vivaldi concert, by La Serenissima at St. Paul’s Church in Rabat (11 January) are not to be missed.

Other highlights include: -The opening concert at Teatru Manoel, with renowned orchestra Les Musiciens du Louvre and Vivica Geneaux, directed by Thibault Noally (10 January) -Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater at the Church of St Catherine in Żurrieq, by Abchordis Ensemble (18 January) -The concert dedicated to Neopolitan Cello Concertos, performed by Catherine Jones (16 January) -Ensemble Barocco di Napoli with music by Vivaldi, Handel and Pergolesi (19 January) Last but not least, the festival will close in style, with Bel canto from Naples, by Simone Kermes and Amici Veneziani, at Teatru Manoel.

Follow the festival here: facebook.com/VallettaBaroqueFestival Find the complete programme here: Vallettabaroquefestival. mt

OH MY MALTA 33

JUM IL-VITORJA Victory Day

Words by Hannah Brincat

It is popularly known that the Maltese Islands carry with them a lot of history and many traditions, which were passed down through the ages. One of the most iconic celebrations is Victory day, which is celebrated on 8 September. It commemorates the end of the Great Siege of Malta by the Ottoman Empire in 1565, the Siege of Valletta in 1800 by the French and the Siege of Malta during the Second World War by the Italian army, which ended in 1943. It also marks the withdrawal of the Royal Navy from the Maltese Islands in 1979.

cities.

The 8 September is also heavily celebrated in several villages across the island, as it commemorates the birth of The Virgin Mary within the Roman Catholic Belief.

As of last year, Heritage Malta also began organising a set of events related to Victory Day. They coordinated two masses and one commemoration, to continue to add to the already rich celebrations of the Maltese victory. The 8 September is one of the most popular feasts on the islands.

Locally, the feast is referred to as ‘il-Bambina’ and ‘il-Vittorja’. Lastly comes the famous tradition of the Maltese Regatta. The Regatta is comprised of several boat races held in Malta’s Grand Harbour.

The Maltese Regatta takes place bi-annually, once on 31 March and another time on 8 September.

It lasts for around 4-5 hours and is very heavily attended by the Maltese population. Apart from the natural competitiveness that comes with siding for a particular team, the Regatta boasts a beautiful setting of Malta’s Grand Harbour as well as the surrounding

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Apart from the traditional village feasts and the Regatta, other activities take place in Malta’s capital city, Valletta. On the 7 September, several events take place at Great Siege Square. Artistic performances and traditional music are celebrated as part of our Maltese culture and its strength shown by its perseverance over time. A parade also takes place in Valletta by the Armed Forces of Malta in salute of the Prime Minister of Malta.

Showing exactly how proud the Maltese population is to always have come out on top, irrelevant of the size of the island and the number of citizens it holds, it always managed to fight for what belonged to it.

One can only hope that such traditions will always remain so strong, for they show newer generations the pain and resilience that their ancestors endured in order to bring respect to their country and safety to the generations of the future.

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KURT CALLEJA’S HERE

A Maltese heritage birgu bonanza It is a sheer pleasure to walk around Birgu or Cittá Vittoriosa as it is also known, to discover its different facets.

Its narrow old streets and alleys are charming to say the least, with its well kept old houses, their lovely colourful doors and captivating door knockers.

right in front of the Marina. Housed within the Old Naval bakery, the museum charts 7,000 years of Malta’s maritime history. Its numerous historical artefacts are a treasure trove of exciting narratives of a people who were always in contact with the sea.

Elegance is what comes to mind as you stroll along the Grand Harbour Marina brimming with splendid boats, various restaurants and stunning views across to Valletta.

Intrigue is what Heritage Malta’s Birgu Multisite Ticket leads you to as you explore three different sites to unravel some of the rich history of one of the oldest cities on the island.

Here, you will find the largest known Roman anchor in the world, the earliest known ex-voto on the island, the largest ship model belonging to the Order of St John, the largest collection of cannons on the island, the Napoleonic figurehead of the 110 gun ship HMS Hibernia, a 1950s working marine steam engine, and a collection of more than 60 boats, just to mention a few.

The Inquisitor’s Palace is situated in the heart of Birgu.

After learning that it is one of the very few buildings of its kind to have survived the ravages of five centuries, the anti-reactionary power that was unleashed by the French Revolution, the severe bombings of World War II, and the threat of modern development, it certainly feels a privilege to be able to walk inside and discover its solemn history.

Strategically located on a hillock, at the end of the Birgu peninsula, the formidable Fort St Angelo dominates the Grand Harbour. Today, its massive grounds offer spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding harbour and villages. Yet in the past, this fortress was key in the shaping of Malta’s destiny.

Having served as the residence of the Islands’ Inquisitors, the palace is an architectural gem. Its historic reconstructions of the domestic kitchen area, the sophisticated ambience of the piano nobile, the private quarters, the austere setting of the Holy Office Tribunal, the prison complex and the torture chamber are a definite must-see.

The palace also houses the National Museum of Ethnography, with permanent displays about Malta’s religious traditions. A Tourist Information Office is also conveniently located on site.

The Malta Maritime Museum is just a few metres away,

Going back to antiquity, when it was known as the Castrum Maris (castle-by-the-sea), this stronghold underwent several changes through the centuries as it was adapted to the military requirements of the time.

It was a well known secret that whoever gained control of this Fort could effectively rule the Maltese Islands.

Dare to step inside this ancient war machine and experience what it means to be mighty.

Visit www.heritagemalta.org for more information.

OH MY MALTA 37

MALTA We can make it happen for your story

40% CASH REBATE mystory@mfc.com.mt

THE WAY TO A FILM INDUSTRY

What have been the commission’s major achievements so far?

Malta is not a newcomer within the film industry as for nearly a century, the island has attracted high-profile film productions. We have raised the Titanic, been the battleground for the soldiers of Troy, the Romans of Gladiator and The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi. We have also welcomed a diverse class of characters, including emperors, assassins, lovers, pirates and everyone in between.

Together with the Minister for Tourism, Konrad Mizzi, we have developed a national strategy for the film sector. Since January 2019, the Government of Malta has raised the cash rebate for film and TV productions to 40%, placing us at the forefront together with the rest of Europe, Canada and Australia.

For the first time in 40 years, the Government of Malta is investing heavily in the infrastructure of the Malta Film Studios, with the aim of making Malta a world class film industry.

What is being done to make Malta more visible to filmmakers?

We have a strong outreach programme, including being present at key film markets, meeting producers and visiting the prominent studios.

We also provide assistance in terms of location scouting for all productions interested in our islands.

All of this is backed by a strong consolidated marketing campaign within our target market.

What are Malta’s current selling points? And what is being done to attract more film productions?

We have a strong reputation in servicing the film industry.

A highly skilled workforce, professional crews, a stunning range of locations, the unique water tank facilities, competitive rates, and most of all, a strong reputable 40% cash rebate system. Indeed, Malta offers a significant proposition to filmmakers. We are proud of our standing track record, achieved throughout our story of filmmaking.

What makes Malta the perfect filming location?

Malta is known for its versatile filming locations, the ability to double-up for various countries, ranging from southern France, to the middle east. Our islands offer a world of opportunity.

We have a highly skilled professional workforce, stunning locations and above all, a country that is always ready to service the global film industry. We have a strong reputation in film making and we can make it happen for your story, too.

We have the drive to get things done – Malta is open for business.

OH MY MALTA 39

ATTENTION CULTURE VULTURES!

The National Museum of Archeology

Malta Maritime Museum

Housed in the 16th century Auberge de Provence, the museum holds a collection of artefacts excavated on the islands, spanning from the Neolithic period (5000 BC) to the Phoenician period (400 BC). These include tools, pottery and figures, including the famous ‘Sleeping Lady’ clay artefact.

Located in the Old Naval Bakery, the Malta Maritime Museum is the country’s largest, with an exhibit that charts over 20,000 artefacts, all of which reveal aspects of Malta’s relation with seafaring and the Mediterranean, including military canons, Roman anchors and Maltese boats.

Republic Street, Valletta 2122 1623

Vittoriosa Waterfront, Vittoriosa 2166 0052

St John’s Co-Cathedral Commissioned by the Knights of Malta between 1572 and 1577, St John’s Co-Cathedral is a lavishly decorated baroque gem, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, which also features Caravaggio’s only signed painting, The Beheading of St. John, which makes up part of the cathedral’s museum. The museum also houses collections of choral books and tapestries.

Triq San Ġwann, Valletta

National War Museum and Fort St Elmo A 16th century fortress, originally built to withstand the Ottomans has recently been restored and re-opened to the public. Numerous exhibits include displays of uniforms, weapons, vehicles and medals, including the George Cross medal, awarded to the island in 1942 for Malta’s heroism and devotion of its people during the war.

Fort St Elmo, Valletta 2123 3088

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AIRCRAFT ENTHUSIAST

Heaven

Malta was introduced to the world of aviation from a very early start. Having been a British colony for 164 years, and having served as a base for Britain’s Armed Forces for another 15, Malta’s history of aviation extends for many years.

The Malta Aviation Museum is a vast exhibition space, documenting the country’s rich history of aviation, where aircraft and aviation relics can be seen on display.

We were honoured to be guided around the museum by the director himself, Ray Polidano, who is very enthusiastic and informative about the museum and its exhibits as he strives to preserve the island’s aviation history. His passion, pride and dedication immediately shone through.

Located in the former Royal Air Force Station in Ta’ Qali, the museum consists of three large hangars, in which visitors can expect to see a variety of post war memorabilia and mementos of all types that tell the history of aviation and the people who lived and shaped it. You can also find a small cafe, chapel, memorial garden and the Air Raid Warden Hut. The Main Exhibition Hangar includes pistons and jet aircraft, helicopters and aircraft engines as well as ground equipment. There are also, Navy Jets, a Link Trainer, a scale model display, uniforms and other memorabilia in the Romney Exhibition Hangar that includes a souvenir shop.

The start of the museum was marked in the early 1990s OH MY MALTA

with the restoration of one of the stars of The Air Battle of Malta Memorial Hangar, which we would say is the Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX., a British singleseat fighter aircraft. The aircraft had been restored to ‘display’ condition by Polidano himself with the help of other volunteers, and was given the name of ‘Mary Rose’, in honour of his wife.

The same hangar also houses the Hawker Hurricane, a British single-seat fighter aircraft of the 1940s, that played a large part in Malta’s defense during the World War II, and has now been beautifully restored by the museum volunteers after its recovery from the seabed off Malta in 1995, where it had been submerged for around 60 years.

Among these show stoppers are De Havilland Tigermoth, Douglas DC3 as well as the Beechcraft 18, a De Havilland Vampire T11, a Hawker Seahawk, a Fiat G91R, a Pou Du Ciel, a Cessna Birddog, a Fairey Swordfish and more.

A trip to this museum can be rather shocking and emotional as it tells the stirring story of Malta’s defence.

Polidano explains how many of the pilots’ relatives have been travelling to Malta to visit these planes since being brought back to their former glory after having been worked on for many years.

The exhibits on display are excellent and there’s an ongoing restoration programme for old planes and aircraft awaiting restoration. Kids and adults are guaranteed a wonderful time witnessing true relics of aviation history.

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Malta Aviation Museum

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Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm – Last entry at 4:00pm SUMMER ONLY between 15th June to 30th September Sunday from 9:00am to 1:00pm – Last entry at 12 noon

Enjoying a sunset at Dwejra, Gozo. Photo by Simona Cocirta

Qualit y assured

Tel.: (+356) 21416095, (+356) 21419374 info@ f maltaavi fo@ a ationmuseum.com avi

www.maltaaviationmuseum.com

www.visitgozo.com

VISI TO R AT TR ACTION MA LTA TOURIS M AUTHORIT Y

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Lace Experience Coming from all walks of life and age groups, the lace makers range from a 6-year-old girl and her grandmother to mature women and even teenage boys.

art and as a craft, too. There are several places around the Maltese islands that offer introductory courses to lacemaking. For all those who are patient enough, that is!

Some of the lace makers belong to the International Bobbin and Needle Lace Organisation, while others have no ties and practise making lace just for the fun of it. Either way, they were brought together with the initiative of Annamaria Gatt, an avid lace maker and researcher in Maltese ecclesiastical lace vestments.

According to Annamaria, ‘motifs which are around 5 cm in diameter can take up to 3 to 4 hours to complete’ and of course, the reward is worth the hard work!

‘Bizzilla’, as it is known in Maltese, has a long tradition dating back to the period of the Knights of St. John, from the mid-16th century, when lace was made as adornment for clothing of men and women as well as for ecclesiastical use in churches and vestments.

The most recognisable design (xempju) is the classic eight-pointed cross, which captured the imagination of British Royalty and was revived in lace making in the 19th century. Queen Victoria was very fond of lace and among her collection were Maltese lace mittens.

During her reign, selected Maltese lace works were also proudly showcased in Exhibitions of Industries held in Great Britain.

While there are efforts to keep the tradition alive, the Maltese terms associated with the craft are slowly being lost. Although bizzilla still forms part of our vernacular, few people still refer to the wooden bobbins as, ‘iċ-ċumbini’ or the pillow that supports the lace as ‘it-trajbu’.

Annamaria is passionately trying to create public awareness about the spectacular Maltese lace heritage and encouraging more people to take up the rewarding practice of lace making.

Don’t miss out on experiencing this brilliant Maltese craft in action and try it out for yourself.

Annamaria says that ‘lace is not simply a women’s craft anymore; it can be made by anyone’.

The lace-makers will be at Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum in Mdina, from 10am to 1pm every Tuesday during August. The demonstration is free, however museum entry fees apply.

Today, it is produced by men, women and children and it can be an article of high fashion, a work of fine

For more information, send an email to bookings@palazzofalson.com or call 21 454 512.

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Villegaignon Street, Mdina | Tel: 2145 4512 curator@palazzofalson.com

Maltese lace fan from the collection at Palazzo Falson

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT : NAUTICA LTD TEL: +356 21345139 / 99496510 Info@nautica.com.mt www.nautica.com.mt

IS-SIMAR NATURE RESERVE Words by Victor Falzon

Is-Simar can be found at the northeast end of Wied il-Pwales, a valley almost entirely under cultivation. The wetland supports a variety of birds throughout the seasons

Being at sea level, the site is subject to flooding and though there have been attempts to drain the area for agriculture, seasonal flooding, brackish groundwater and exposure to salt-laden grigal gales, rendered it unusable.

Reverted to the wild, a dense thicket of tamarisk formed, to which an olive grove was later added. However, human activity, including trampling, hunting and sewage overflow degraded the area substantially.

In the late 1980s, Is-Simar was threatened with plans to build a theme park. Luckily, said plans were ditched and instead, restoration works began in 1992. A network of pools, canals and islands was created, trees were planted, and the area fenced was off to reduce disturbance. The site was declared a bird sanctuary and passed under the management of BirdLife Malta. Permanent bodies of water are a rarity in Malta, making the wetland and associated habitats at Is-Simar important for the rare ecosystems they harbour.

Migration stop over Is-Simar is less than 5ha in area. Despite it’s small size, the wetland supports a variety of birds throughout the seasons. Due to Malta’s position along the narrow Central Mediterranean bird migration route, most turn up in spring and autumn, though their stays are usually short.

This is evident at Is-Simar too, with birds from barn swallows to great white egrets dropping in for a snack and a rest. Wagtails and hirundines often roost in large numbers in the thick reed bed that grows at the site.

The reed beds are also important foraging and potential nesting sites for summer visitors like reed warbler and little bittern, and for year-round residents like moorhen and little grebe. Wintering birds include water rail and common coot.

Rich biodiversity Many aquatic plants grow in the pools and canals at Is-Simar, including a rare tasselweed. The pond and

lake flora provide food and shelter for rare and localised Mediterranean killifish, as well as several crustaceans, including freshwater shrimps and molluscs. The large common reed support many insects, such as green bush cricket and Italian tree cricket. Dragonflies, including blue emperor and scarlet darter, patrol the water.

The dominant tree species that grows at Is-Simar is the African tamarisk. Trees are good habitats for several beetles, bugs, moths, butterflies and other insects. These invertebrates are, in turn, an important food source for birds and other predators, including the impressive banded argiope spider. In the drier parts, reptiles like western whip occur, as well as ocellated skink and Moorish gecko.

Along the east and south side of the reserve is an olive grove, interspersed with Aleppo pine. The undergrowth supports shade-loving plants like bears’ breeches and mushrooms, including the very rare sandy stiltball. In part of the reserve, sharp rush – the plant that gave the site its name – is regenerating.

Access Facilities include a visitor centre, nature trail, information boards and bird-watching hides. Entrance is free.

Visit www.birdlife.org for more information.

We’ve been hosting conferences and events in Malta’s most coveted meeting venue since 1979.

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ocated on the periphery of the historical city of Valletta and overlooking the Grand Harbour, the Mediterranean Conference Centre is a 16th Century building formerly known as the

‘Sacra Infermeria’ of the Order of St. John. The MCC, the largest Conference Centre on the Island of Malta, boasts a total of 8 halls over an area of 7,000m2 with a capacity ranging from 15 to 1,400. No matter what the size of the event being organised – from a small presentation to a large conference, a product launch or an exhibition, a convention or even a theatrical performance – the Mediterranean Conference Centre can cater for all your requirements.

Valletta, Malta • T: +356 2559 5215 • sales@mcc.com.mt • www.mcc.com.mt

Explore il-Maqluba sinkhole Where? In the village of Qrendi, Malta Any tips? It’s a bit of a treacherous walk (or should we say hike) A sinkhole that is associated with more legends than most sites in the world, Il-Maqluba (which means the ‘upside down’) is a beautiful sight. With a surface area of 6000m2, it is a Special Area of Conservation and is composed of blue clay and globigerina limestone. The site also features a small chapel, consecrated to St Matthew, which was built on the edge of the sinkhole, and has been around since the 14th century.

Photo by James Bianchi

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Have a gander at Fungus Rock Where? San Lawrenz, Gozo Any tips? Don’t attempt to swim to the rock and get your hands on the fungus Fungus Rock is 65 metres high and 60 metres away from mainland. Completely encircled by water and located at the mouth of a beautiful bay, in Dwejra, Gozo. The name was received after a plant used as a medical cure during the time of the Knights of Malta was found to grow there. Known in these territories as Fungus Gaulitanus (Għerq is-Sinjur), the plant was found by the Maltese galleys’ commander and the rock was kept safe from any invasions.

Photo by @lukeeabela

Photo by James Bianchi

Eat a ftira at Buskett Gardens Where? Wied Il-Luq Valley, Buskett, Malta Any tips? Bring a picnic basket along

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Buskett gardens are the only woodland area in Malta and are located in the lush valley of Wied Il-Luq, south of Rabat. Originally planted by the Knights of Malta as a hunting ground, today, it holds strong ecological, historical and cultural significance.

Overlooked by Verdala Palace, built in 1586, and one of Malta’s greenest areas, with fruit-bearing trees, picnic areas and unique wildlife, it’s the perfect place to spend a quiet Sunday afternoon in nature.

Photo by @lukeeabela

Photo by @andrasbiczo

Watch the sunset at Dingli Cliffs

Snorkel at Blue Grotto

Where? Off the village of Dingli, Malta Any tips? Walk along the Cliffs at sunset

Where? Just west of Wied iż-Żurrieq, Malta Any tips? Take a boat trip around the area, and bring along a snorkel!

Located on Malta’s western coast, Dingli Cliffs stage the highest point of the Islands, at 253 metres above sea level.

Overlooking small terraced fields, the open sea and Filfla, a small, uninhabited island, the site is a must-see for everyone.

The Cliffs extend all the way from Baħrija to the Munqar area, where you will find the other wonder we mentioned; the Blue Grotto. Make sure you stop by the tiny chapel dedicated to St Mary Magdalene too, perched on the very edge.

Not to be confused with the Blue Lagoon in Comino, the Blue Grotto is a complex of seven caves along the southern coast. The site got its name in the 1950s, from a British soldier who noted its resemblance to Capri’s Grotta Azzurra. The stunning natural grotto, combined with the surrounding chain of caves, a 30m tall arch and crystal blue water, which displays all the phosphorescent colours of the submerged flora, is an extremely popular site (especially during summer) and it’s no wonder really.

Photo by @alex_esposito97

Eat pizza in Tal-Mixta cave Where? In Nadur, Gozo Any tips? It’s pretty slippery so wear shoes with a good grip

Situated to the rear of an ordinary house in Xagħra in Gozo, is Ninu’s Cave.

Discovered in 1888 by local resident Joseph Rapa while digging a well (who is the current owner’s grandfather), the cave is remarkable due to its plethora of natural stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a few helictites. One can enter the cave via a 4-metre descent down a flight of stairs, ending up in a large, magnificent chamber.

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The history of Mdina goes back more than 4000 years. It was in Mdina that the Apostle St Paul is said to have lived, after being shipwrecked on the Maltese Islands in 60 A.D. The city was founded as ‘Maleth’ around the 8th century, by Phoenician settlers, and was later renamed ‘Melite’ by the Romans.

Melite was larger than the Mdina we know today, as it was reduced in size during the Byzantine occupation of Malta. During the Arab occupation, the city adopted its present name, derived from the Arabic word ‘Medina’.

The city remained the capital until the arrival of the Knights of St John in 1530, when Birgu became the administrative centre of the island. Also known as the ‘Silent City’, Mdina offers a timeless atmosphere, countless charming narrow streets and an abundance of cultural and religious artefacts and treasures.

It served as the island’s capital from antiquity to the medieval period and today, is still confined within its own walls, with a population of around 300.

Mdina is one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled, fortified city, extraordinary in its combination of medieval and baroque architecture, which it acquired during a revival in the early 18th century.

Mdina is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Mdina Gate Also known as the Main Gate or the Vilhena Gate is the main gate into the fortified city.

Bonus: It may look familiar as the gate that represented King’s Landing Gate in the first season of Game of Thrones.

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In the medieval period, the main entrance to Mdina consisted of three gates, separated by courtyards. The outer gate was called the Prima Porta Principale and was decorated with the coat of arms of Sua Cesarea Majestati in 1527. A barbican was built to protect the gate some time after 1448, but it was demolished in 1551, as it was no longer regarded as being suitable for defence. In 1724, the gate was built in Baroque style, during the magistracy of Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena. Today, the gate is one of Mdina’s main attractions and is also listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands.

some spots in mdina that are definitely worth a visit

Cathedral of St Paul and its museum

Mdina Dungeons

A 17th century masterpiece dedicated to the conversion of St Paul, who was shipwrecked in Malta. Its prominent facade dominates the landscape of Mdina’s narrow streets.

Inside, visitors can see the beautiful works of art by Mattias Preti, including the illustration of the conversion of St Paul. The floor is covered with polychrome marble tombstones of Maltese nobles and important clergymen, while the vault is painted with scenes from the life of St Paul. Its museum, which includes a vast collection of artefacts, historical factsheets, and a remarkable coin collection, is situated just opposite in Archbishop’s square. Both the museum and the cathedral are worth a visit.

Located upon entering the main gate of Mdina, beneath Vilhena Palace. Wander around the underground passageways and chambers and scream your way through an immersive journey of the city’s dark past.

Here, a number of wax figures recreate the various types of torture that occurred when Malta was a colony under the rule of the Romans, Arabs, the Knights of Malta and even the French. Caution: some of the exhibits are a little on the gruesome side… but we know you can handle it. The Dungeons are open all day from 10:00 till 16:30, seven days a week.

The Mdina Experience

Torre dello Standardo

A 30 minute audio visual spectacular show that gives you the opportunity to relive Mdina’s 7000 years of tragedy and triumph. There’s a large screen for the clearest panoramic images and headset-based surround systems with simultaneous multi-language soundtracks to accommodate people of various nationalities. The attraction is located in a lovely medieval building, which also houses a café where you can indulge your sweet tooth. The perfect blend of entertainment and information and an excellent way to start off your day in Mdina.

The Torre dello Standardo, a watch tower forming part of the city’s fortifications, was built by the Order of St John in the 16th Century and used to communicate signals between Mdina and the rest of Malta. It was also used to accommodate volunteers and servants of the sanatorium of the British army, as well as Mdina’s police office. Today, the tourist information centre is located in the tower. It is of finer construction than other towers in Malta, having decorative Baroque elements such as mouldings, as well as escutcheons containing the coats of arms of De Vilhena and the city of Mdina.

OH MY MALTA 55

Tasting the Town Words by Philippa Zammit

Think there’s nothing more to Malta than its lovely beaches and bustling nightlife? Think again. Maltese food is known to be hearty and full of flavour and contributes to the country’s rich heritage. Amy and I decided to join a food tour around Mdina where we got to visit some of the best eateries that showcased what Malta is all about.

Immediately when we arrived, Nicky greeted us with a warm and friendly welcome. She was very passionate about history, architecture and most importantly… food!

It appeared to be only us and a small group of Americans on the tour. As we set off, it immediately felt like we were all exploring together rather than just being led around by a guide. This, for me, set an intimate vibe right from the start and it carried on throughout the whole tour.

First Stop: Pastizzi and Te fit-Tazza Our first stop happened to be located in Rabat, a two minute walk from Mdina. We headed to Crystal Palace, better known

as is-Serkin, Malta’s most famous pastizzi parlour and a somewhat institution with the locals. Pastizzi you ask? A local traditional pastry stuffed with ricotta cheese or mushy pees. These went down perfectly well with a good old ‘te fit-tazza’, a heart-warming cup o’ tea traditionally served with condensed milk in a transparent glass. We ate and drank whilst enjoying the hustle and bustle of this little bar crowded with locals, as Nicky gave us an introduction about some local culinary traditions.

Second Stop: Maltese Platter We made our way to Mdina and after taking a brief walk around the city, we headed to our next stop, The Medina Restaurant, located just off Mdina’s main cathedral square in one of the city’s silent

alleys. We were served a beautiful typical Maltese platter with a variety of local appetisers like Gozo peppered goat cheese, sun dried tomatoes, honey soft goat cheese, grilled Maltese sausage and bigilla, a dip similar to hummus but made with brown beans, garlic and parsley… all served with fresh warm Maltese bread and galletti, crispy crackers for dipping, a staple in any Maltese platter. Keeping it 100% local, I ordered an ice-cold bottle of Kinnie, a non-alcoholic carbonated beverage made with bitter oranges and produced in Malta.

Third Stop: Fried Rabbit We continued wandering the streets on foot, as of course, there was plenty to observe and discuss together with Nicky and the group of tourists who joined us. We made our way to Palazzo De Piro, a cultural centre as well as a café bistro.

Here, we were treated to one of the most traditional Maltese dishes you could ever ask for: fried rabbit cooked in red wine gravy and served with roasted potatoes, a cultural delicacy dating back to the Knights, which contributes to Malta’s rich heritage.

Our meal was accompanied with bread and a whole lot of white wine. The perfect sunset dinner overlooking a splendid view of the Maltese Islands… it doesn’t get more Maltese than this.

Fourth Stop: Mqaret To wrap up our lovely evening, we couldn’t help but indulge our sweet tooth at our final stop, The Xara Palace, with a sharing plate of mini mqaret, traditional Maltese sweets made with pastry and a filling of dates that pair extremely well with a homemade citrus liquor. Delicioso.

Exploring the area on foot means you won’t be getting too full… or maybe you will. They say the history and culture of a place is best told through its cuisine… and this food tour did just that. Tour Malta’s historic and multi-cultural capital with to discover delicious local and international food off the beaten track. For more information visit offbeatmaltafoodtrails. com

Restaurants YOU SHOULDN’T MISS

Del Borgo

This wine bar and restaurant offers a wide selection of foreign and local wines and a simple yet interesting menu with an emphasis on local produce, such as ravioli with rabbit, Maltese platters with local ġbejniet (peppered cheese), artichoke hearts, bigilla (bean dip) and sundried tomatoes, stuffed Maltese bread and much more. The idea is to revive Malta’s food heritage and present it with a modern touch.

+356 2180 3710 | St. Domnic Street, Birgu

Susurrus

The menu offers dishes from all over the world but is focused on Mediterranean and South American cuisine, offering dishes like Peruvian ceviche, mouth-watering tacos, oysters, charcoal chicken and much more. The restaurant is located on a rooftop with an urban design of plants and wood, which makes the experience more authentic. The stunning view overlooking the bay is the cherry on top.

+3567728 3342 | Corinthia St. George’s Bay, St.Julian’s

Il- Veduta

A restaurant all about quality genuine food - freshly prepared pizza, pasta and grills. As the name implies, Il-Veduta, meaning ‘the view’, is blessed with unparalleled views of two-thirds of Malta, directly overlooking the countryside and distant sea. Situated just outside the fortifications of Mdina, the restaurant is frequented by locals and is a household name among families looking for the ideal Sunday lunch.

+356 21454666 | Is-Saqqajja, Rabat

Kuya

A small doorway in Paceville leads to a pub-style eatery with a relaxed and informal atmosphere. From Thai food to Vietnamese, you can find it all. People rave about the Bang Bang Chicken, which contains tender pieces of grilled chicken with cucumber, garlic rice, and peanut and sweet chilli sauce. If you’re looking to taste the true authenticity of Asian food while in Malta, we strongly recommend a trip to Kuya.

+3562713 6517 | 2, Triq Ross, St. Julian’s

Diar il-Bniet

A small estate known for its home-cooked traditional Maltese cuisine and showcases its fresh produce within its own restaurant, providing diners with an experience of gastronomical delights. Many menu dishes are synonymous with Maltese culture. These include homemade sheep cheese ravioli with fresh tomato sauce, tuna and ricotta pies, rabbit fried in oil, wine and garlic.

+3562762 0727 | 121, Triq il-Kbira, Had-Dingli

Country Terrace

A little cottage perched on a cliff top in Mgarr that has been transformed into a restaurant with indescribable panoramic views and extraordinary cuisine. The menu includes a selection of dishes, from Continental to Mediterranean cuisine, using fresh and seasonal ingredients... A truly unique culinary celebration for all the family. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner daily from Tuesday to Sunday except Monday.

+35621550248 | Żewwieqa Street, Mġarr, Gozo

Palazzo Preca

A 16th Century palazzo in one of the bustling roads of Valletta, offering a vast menu heavy on fresh fish and seafood as well as a broad range of variety of home-made pasta dishes and fresh meat. The wine list is very extensive and includes their own house wine produced locally using grapes from a private vineyard specifically for Palazzo Preca.

+3562122 6777 | 54, Strait Street, Valletta

Panorama

With an ever-growing number of restaurants in Valletta, this is somewhere that can easily be forgotten on the outskirts of the capital city, away from the hustle and bustle. However, it shouldn’t. The view alone is worth the visit. Whether you’re after an fine glass of wine accompanied by a few bites to eat or, a full-blown elevated dining experience, Panorama deserves your attention.

+35679877980 | 267 St Ursula Street Il-Belt Valletta

Marvin Gauci

THE CULINARY CULTURAL REVOLUTION: explained Marvin Gauci – the chef and the business man. How do the two work together?

I would say they go hand in hand. Every culinary concept I would think of during my food journey always developed in the context of something with a long-term vision. Wild Thyme, Tarragon, Caviar & Bull, Dinner in the Sky and newly opened Susurrus were all culinary ideas in my mind that gradually evolved into tangible commercial projects.

The successful growth of the Caviar & Bull brand stretching as far as Budapest is clear proof of how the chef and businessman are tightly knit together in my food journey.

Do you source as much local produce as possible for each restaurant and does this have a big impact on the menu?

I do use local fresh produce. It is ultimately what distinguishes specific dishes from other continental cuisines. The taste of fresh local fruit and vegetables is so intense and offers an added value to every dish they are included in. The same goes for local meats, poultry and fish. Nevertheless, in view of the range of cuisines my restaurants specialise in, we also have to purchase imported products. The limitations in volumes offered by local produce are also an issue which often obliges us to opt for foreign products.

As Malta’s food culture grows, people are becoming more ‘food-literate’, as it were. What sort of impact has this had on the local restaurant scene?

I think the market is changing, primarily because people are travelling more. They’re being exposed to food much more; and as a result, they’re becoming more critical about it. We’ve seen a development locally: people often come here with specific orders in mind. A big percentage would have already Googled the menu, or consulted Trip Advisor and various other online platforms, to know what to expect before experimenting. Another thing is that the market itself has just exploded. In most village cores you will find new restaurants opening today, where there were hardly any before. So there’s been a big change in the market: people are exposed to food even without travelling. Social media also made a big difference.

Today, social media gives them a platform to make that sort of judgment. It’s positive, because it distinguishes between the good and the mediocre. It can be negative, however, in the sense that sometimes, the judgement on what is ‘good’ and ‘mediocre’ might be taken for the wrong reasons. But on the whole, it’s more positive than negative. The market is growing; though I think the sustainability still has to be evaluated over the next two to three years.

What should people expect when dining at either of your restaurants?

Expect the unexpected. Your senses will embark on an exciting culinary journey of tastes and flavours which come together in a unique selection of dishes.

OH MY MALTA 61

PACEVILLE

SLIEMA MOSTA QORMI AIRPORT

VALLETTA

thenostalgia taste of

Can you tell us something about the history of the brand, Maypole?

I was raised in a family of bakers. When my father got married at 35, he worked in the same industry but supplied flour to different bakeries rather than stayed on as a baker himself. I always aspired to be a baker myself.

In the 1940s, when I was 16, my dad used to supply flour to a company called Maypole, which was owned by family Saliba. The children were all professionals and when their dad died at a young age, my dad gave a helping hand by taking care of certain things at their bakery and confectionery as well as delivering their bread to Mount Carmel Hospital and other institutes.

company. I constantly encouraged my father to take over but he was sceptical about this due to his old age. I promised I’d work hard and lend a helping hand. We went ahead and acquired the business.

We were operating for 24 hours on a daily basis.

At the age of 16, I was doing almost everything by myself; during the night I worked at the bakery, in the morning I delivered the bread and during the day I delivered flour.

We were operating from my future father-in-law’s bakery in Gzira. I soon began dating his daughter in 1969 anvd eventually got married in 1973. This was when I officially took over my father’s business.

What happened next? Did you eventually take over?

My wife and I put our minds to it and now my dream had come true… I was always passionate and constantly wanted to improve my skills and develop our company further.

Twenty years later, the family decided to sell the

What was it that made you decide to expand OH MY MALTA 63

the business further?

After a few years, I attended a bakers’ fair abroad for the first time ever, where I was exposed to different things, opened my mind to new ideas and returned with a new perspective on this industry. There, I felt respected, appreciated and even prouder for having chosen this path.

Abroad, bread making is a respected profession, whereas in Malta we are perceived as workers who had accommodated people during the war.

Eventually, my wife and I had six kids. This didn’t stop her from helping me out every step of the way. We began expanding by opening several confectioneries around the island.

Ten years ago, I handed over everything to my children who have followed in my footsteps and now run the company’s day-to-day operations. They bought the factory and continued to develop it further.

When did you open your first confectionery?

In 1988 we opened our first confectionery in Victory Street, Qormi. We started experimenting and opened the second outlet in Fgura and third in Ħamrun and now have a total of 24 shops located in different towns and villages around the island. 90% of our production is distributed within our shops.

What can you tell us about the opening of Nenu The Artisan Baker in Valletta in 2012?

We had discovered an old bakery in Valletta and applied for funds from the European Union among another 90 applicants. We presented our idea and placed first.

At the restaurant, we use the stone oven, the oven that I grew up using, in which we cook everything from meat to local Maltese bread. Tourists and locals alike appreciate the fact that they can taste authentic traditional food here.

There’s also a showcase of the Maltese ftira and Maltese bread, where the historical evolution of baking is brought to life.

What is the secret to the perfect Maltese loaf?

I am not shy to say that the secret to the perfect traditional Maltese loaf is not the recipe because that is rather simple… it is the time. The production of Maltese bread is compared to a woman’s pregnancy. If a pregnancy lasts nine months, a loaf of bread needs a whole hour in the oven, not more, not less.

The recipe has refined itself due to the introduction of modern technology and professional machinery.

Whereas before we used to work with wooden machines, we now use industrial stainless steel ones that produce better quality dough. The quality of the production has been elevated to another level.

The

Evolution

of

maltese

music Words by Hannah Brincat

e

f The Maltese Islands are characterised by a very rich history.

As an island, Malta has been under the command of several different rulers throughout the years. This goes in tandem with explaining the very colourful culture attributed to the Maltese people. Passing through all these different rulers, warranted the enhancement of our cultural and folklore traditions.

One of the most prized and one of the eldest traditions in Malta is that of singing Folk Music. ‘Għana’ is Malta’s music staple, a form of Folk Music made up of a mixture of spoken word and spontaneous rhyming, which has been around since the 16th century.

‘Għana’ was mainly influenced by Malta’s geographic location and is a mixture of the Sicilian ballad and Arabic tunes.

Għana was almost in full, the music of the working class.

they decided to do so.

The Travellers are a Gozitan band, established in 2013. As a band, they told us that they have a soft-spot for the Reggae genre. Their style of Maltese song-writing and singing, started off as an experiment between contemporary music, brass and Maltese lyrics. They believe that their lyrics and music make it easier to relate to their productions.

According to the band, singing in Maltese hits close to home and reaches Maltese people with even more power. Apart from the huge following that the band has gained in Malta over the past couple of years, they’re also building a strong and solid fan base around the world.

People sang to recount stories about their own lives lived within their villages and also largely to recount stories about Maltese history. It was a means of expression and storytelling and something the public related to.

Brodu, on the other hand, was established in 2011. They started their band in memory of a friend who passed away, after which, they said they couldn’t stop making music.

Brodu’s music is mostly in Maltese with some English material along the way. The band members feel they express themselves better singing and writing in their own language and this is why they sing in Maltese.

Over the years, ‘Għana’ has remained Malta’s traditional music style. However, Maltese artists have branched out into different genres of music. Whilst doing so, some Maltese bands have kept certain aspects of Maltese tradition at the heart of their musical productions.

Both bands have reasons for singing and writing in Maltese that relate directly to the reasons people started expressing themselves in this manner in the past. As mentioned before, relatability and better expression are two of the foremost reasons for singing and song writing in Maltese.

The Travellers and Brodu are two local bands who release most of their material in Maltese. We spoke to each of these bands to get a better understanding of the reasons as to why

Appealing to the Maltese citizens in such a manner brings about the opportunity to reminisce and also to keep a tight hold on past traditions.

Brodu

The Travellers

OH MY MALTA 67 67

TALENT IN THE LOCAL fashion industry Que Design Studio Founded and led by artist and designer Enriqué Tabone, QUE focuses on the creation of ‘wearable art’ and associated accessories. The unique designs are enjoyed by many and have already been displayed in various publications, including British Vogue, fashion shows and design events all over Europe, including Malta, the Netherlands, Poland and Turkey.

Que.com.mt

Sandra De Gaetano Founder of Makeup By Sands, Sandra De Gaetano is extremely passionate. Inspired by the likes of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, her go-to look is ‘flawless but effortless’,’ though she often dabbles in the more edgy looks. Her makeup career began as merely a hobby, but her journey took off in 2014, under the tutelage of Jean Pillow. She often seeks make-up courses to stay updated, having also been to Manchester to train with awardwinning international make-up artist Karla Powell. Sandy is creative,passionate and driven towards originality and shows no signs of stopping.

Facebook.com/makeupbysands

Marco Parascandalo

James Dimech

Local designer Marco Parascandalo, who is better known as the creative director of the self-named PARASCANDALO fashion brand, skyrocketed to fame with his debut, ready to wear collection SKANDLU. Known for his unique take on streetwear, Marco pays special attention to the wearability and durability of his items.

He integrates aspects of Maltese culture, politics and environmental issues into his pieces to produce a very modern melange, the ultimate social commentary in motion. Having recently dropped his EYECONIC SS19 collection, he’s a force to be reckoned with.

An artist with a passion for ‘wearable art’, James Dimech is responsible for the design of many up-scale projects, upmarket offices and prestigous international clients and brands.

He also has a soft spot for humbler projects and presented his origami dress, made mostly from recycled and sustainable materials.

His collection The White Paper Star, took life on the cat walk, featuring origami folds, and a combination of paper cuts and weaves.

Parascandalo.net OH MY MALTA

STARIN ALLPLAYER THINGS

BUSINESS

The business of meetings, conferences and events is a big opportunity for cities and countries to brand themselves as the go-to destination for major companies and industries to showcase their talents.

Malta has become one of the major contenders for such events and unsurprisingly, InterContinental Malta is one of our island’s star players in this market.

The hotel boasts facilities, restaurants, bars and services, all of which ensure that your delegates would never need to leave the premises. A total of 6,000 square metres of conference and event space will appeal to the most demanding of event organisers. The recently renovated Arena Conference Center provides 3,600 square metres of state-of-the-art meeting and exhibition space, with an additional 1,215 square metre plenary, boasting an 8.5 metre ceiling height.

What’s more, privacy is absolutely ensured, with 24 individual meeting rooms and a self-sufficient, fully functional conference centre, built with the latest audio visual requirements in mind. Total connectivity and complimentary WiFi throughout the property are also provided.

OH MY MALTA

With lifts to take guests and delegates to their respective floors, both security and discretion are fully covered.

In addition, the stunning Highline Suites, Club InterContinental lounge, which provide world-class service, dedicated executive boardroom and highly trained staff, will ensure that even the most exacting requirements can be fulfilled.

The hotel also offers excellent dining and entertainment facilities, whether you’re looking for a formal gala dinner to set up hundreds of guests, or a glamorous sunset cocktail party on the 19th floor of SKYBEACH or SKYHIGH lounge, both with panoramic views of the St. Julian’s and Sliema area, InterContinental has got you covered.

Also offered is a variety of leisure facilities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a steam room, sauna, spa and wellness centre, a beauty salon and one of the largest health and fitness centres, Cynergi, a fully equipped gymnasium, including squash courts and a studio.

The professional teams at InterContinental Malta will ensure that your conference or event is the most successful date in your calendar.

Your guide to

VIP TRAVEL WITH LA VALETTE CLUB

Going abroad brings with it its fair share of excitement, but the hustle and bustle of the Departures hall can overwhelm even the savviest of travellers.

Enter the La Valette Lounge: an escape from the crowds and a haven for passengers looking to relax with the newspaper, or finalise some last-minute work before heading off on their next business trip.

Here are some of La Valette Club’s array of packages and services, which make VIP travel through Malta International Airport more personalised.

Test out the waters Before jetting off, ensure that the start of your trip is as stress-free as possible. Avoid the queues and slip into the La Valette Departures Lounge, which is equipped with the most lush of facilities.

Make the most of your last few minutes under the Maltese sun by heading outside to the terrace, for some fresh air and a glass of local wine. A one-time pass is just €35.

Commit to luxury travel While frequent travel can take the thrill out of the airport experience, the La Valette lounge can quickly re-instill that excitement.

The recently launched Traveller Membership, with rates starting at just €275 per person, was created with you in mind, giving you access to both the La Valette Arrivals and Departure lounges. You may also avail yourself of a complimentary left luggage service.

Wait for a special occasion Pop the champagne; it’s time to celebrate! Before you head off on your special trip, the La Valette team will ensure that you and your guests are pampered with the Special Occasions Package. Escorted by team members, you will breeze through check-in and security, and be led straight to the secluded High Altitude Lounge, where you can indulge in a selection of delicacies and chilled drinks from the premium bar. A chauffeur service will also transport you to the foot of your aircraft. For just €145 per couple, it’s a gift that keeps on giving.

Take your journey to new heights A true VIP journey starts on the ground and this is why La Valette Club offers the option to travel through the airport’s VIP Terminal, located just off the runway. Cut off from the fast-paced activity of the main terminal, the VIP Terminal allows guests to unwind whilst their luggage and travel documentation are placed in the hands of the La Valette team. A chauffeur is also on hand to whisk guests off, as soon as their aircraft is cleared for boarding.

Additional services The La Valette Club services portfolio ranges from Meet and Greet and Terminal Assistance services delivered by fully trained members of staff to a porterage service, which enables you to travel through the airport luggage-free, and a private chauffeur service to drop you off right outside your aircraft.

Learn more here: www.lavaletteclub.com OH MY MALTA 71

GOTO. DRIVE AROUND MALTA AND GOZO THE WAY IT SHOULD BE: ON YOUR TERMS.

A

GoTo Roundtrips are great for going shopping, sightseeing, heading to meetings or whenever you need a car for a longer period!

You can pay as low as €7.00 per hour for a car or €56.00 to have it for a full day (plus €0.05 per km) on the Standard Plan or Pre-Paid Tourist Package.

Pick a car pick up and bring it back to the same location Book up to 3 months in advance Pay per minute or pay per day

GET 20 MINUTES FOR FREE WITH THE PROMO CODE: OHMYMALTA20 DOWNLOAD OUR APP TO GET STARTED: GOTO.COM.MT/DOWNLOAD

SAFE & ECO-FRIENDLY CAR HIRE OPTION Looking for ways to get around while visiting the Maltese Islands? Car sharing offers you a new, environmentally friendly form of car rental for your trip, and GoTo’s new round trip makes it even easier!

Malta’s leading car sharing service, GoTo – a more ecofriendly, cost efficient, all-inclusive way to rent a car – has announced a round trip service that could help tourists, as well as locals explore the beautiful islands.

When visiting any holiday destination, have a car on hand means having the freedom to go wherever you like, whenever you like. GoTo’s One-Way service has already gained popularity, what with its affordability, accessibility and it being a hassle-free alternative to owning a car or traditional car hire, with all insurance, Valletta CVA fees, license and fuel costs included within its standard charge.

Though the One-Way service provides the perfect solution for short trips or as part of a multi-mode commute, the new round trip service allows you to drive for longer, without costing an arm and a leg. As a longer-term hire option, the service is easy to book through the GoTo mobile app, and has an alternative pricing model, which doesn’t cost the earth.

Putting you in the drivers’ seat, GoTo round trip enables you to use your booked vehicle as often as you’d like, by paying per hour, plus a small surcharge per kilometer, or per day.

No matter where your holiday takes you, whether its to the pool for a relaxing day soaking up the sun, to a restaurant to sample the local cuisine, to the seafront for an evening stroll, or for a sightseeing trip to Gozo, your car will be waiting to take you to each and every destination.

Once your trip is sadly over, GoTo round trip even helps you to avoid the usual hassle of dropping off your vehicle, unlike traditional car rentals. Simple return the car to the private parking area that you picked it up from, lock it using your smartphone and off you go! No driving in circles to find a drop-off point or waiting in line at the rental office.

Between the One-Way service and the round trip service, GoTo now has 180 vehicles available all over Malta, including both hybrid and electric vehicles. Users can download the brand new GoTo app here: goto.com.mt/ download, to quickly and easily locate the nearest cars and available parking spaces. What’s more, round trip cars may be booked up to three months in advance, so you can book your car whilst booking your flights!

Go to GoTo, for hassle-free and cost-effective personal transportation in Malta.

For more information about GoTo Car Sharing, visit www. goto.com.mt. You can download the GoTo app on Google Play and on the Apple App store.

OH MY MALTA 73

CRUISE THE MALTESE

COASTLINE

Are you looking to enjoy the stunning Maltese islands in the most natural of ways? Boatcare Trading Limited is here to help and make it happen, as they have been doing so for the past two decades.

Charter a yacht in Malta and discover the beauty of the Maltese coastline, in the most unique and exclusive of ways. Enjoy sightseeing whilst in the lap of luxury, as you cruise around the amazing islands in the most memorable way possible. You can choose to do so at your own pace, privately with your family and friends, as you discover several sites, which are only accessible by boat.

If it’s not sightseeing that you’re after but rather, a special occasion, there is nothing more romantic and memorable than cruising around Malta whilst admiring the sunset with your loved ones. Why not impress your guests and charter a yacht for an engagement party, wedding celebration, or any other event, really?

Boatcare Trading Limited is a leading Yacht Charter company, located in the heart of St Julians’ upscale Portomaso Marina.

Throughout the years in the business, they have gained the reputation of being a leading yacht charter company on the Maltese Islands, due to their reliability, the high-quality yachts that are available for charter, and the professional service they provide.

They have various yachts, to cater for anyone’s needs and budgets ranging from smaller sailing boats to catamarans, powerboats and the more luxurious super yachts, with capacities ranging from as little as 6 people to 300 people!

The boats can be chartered, both skippered or bare boat, depending on the size of the boat, as well as the licensing requirements.

Extra services, such as on-board catering, water toys and other fun activities can also be arranged according to your requirements, as they customise your day to make it the most memorable.

Visit www.boatcarelimited.com to see a list of the yachts and services available or visit their offices at Portomaso Marina.

䔀䴀䈀刀䄀䌀䔀 吀䠀䔀 䘀刀䔀䔀䐀伀䴀 伀䘀 吀䠀䔀 匀䔀䄀匀

圀圀圀⸀䈀伀䄀吀䌀䄀刀䔀䰀䤀䴀䤀吀䔀䐀⸀䌀伀䴀

BOV CARDS

YOUR CARD YOUR EXPERIENCES COM 2094

Travel with your BOV Contactless Cards and make the most out of your experience. Just tap and go – fast and easy payments for all your purchases.

More information is available from www.bov.com or contact 2131 2020.

Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c., 58, Triq San Żakkarija, Il-Belt Valletta VLT 1130 Bank of Valletta p.l.c. is a public limited company regulated by the MFSA and is licensed to carry out the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371 of the Laws of Malta).

INVESTING In A Better

FUTURE

Earning money is tough work.

Spending it is easy.

However, when years roll by, we may find ourselves looking back in dismay at all the money we had spent and never saved.

Regardless of what goals we have as individuals, be it a more comfortable future, a strong investment portfolio, funds for dependents, long-haul travel or retirement, long-term planning is crucial.

Bank of Valletta can help customers plan throughout their life journey of, based on their knowledge, investment objectives and risk tolerance. The Bank’s various channels, namely Branches, Investment Centres and Wealth Management, may all provide this special assistance.

In addition to financial products, such as loans and deposit accounts, BOV Branches offer automated advisory services on a restricted range of BOV Group investment products. Such products help customers to fire up their savings and even start up a small investment portfolio.

For customers with higher investible amounts, BOV Investments Centres provide specialised advisory services through tailored financial advice and long-term relationship management. Financial advisors provide advice on a selected range of investment products, with asset allocation models on a non-independent basis.

The service offering of BOV Wealth Management ranges from advisory services, to discretionary portfolio management, as well as other customised solutions.

Customers with high aggregate investible assets are provided with investment services, based on their financial goals, investment objectives and risk tolerance, on an

independent basis.

The Advisory service, on the other hand, is appropriate for active investors, who want to the take the final investment decision, after a Senior advisor provides them with financial advice.

The Discretionary Portfolio Management Service suits customers looking to be relieved of the day-to-day monitoring of their investment portfolio, delegating the responsibility to an authorised Portfolio Manager. The Execution-Only service suits customers who are wellversed in the stock market, with financial transactions executed on clients’ instructions.

Regardless of which channel is chosen, customers will always receive a professional service. All BOV Portfolio Managers and Financial Advisors have years of experience in the field of investment and their main target is to build long-term relationships with their customers, working with them towards achieving their financial goals.

Customers who would like to discuss financial planning, can set up an appointment on 21 3120 2020 or customercare@bov.com Value of investments may go down as well as up and may be affected by changes in currency exchange rates.

Past performance is not a guide to future performance.

Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c., 58, Triq San Żakkarija, il-Belt Valletta VLT 1130. Bank of Valletta p.l.c. is a public limited company regulated by the MFSA, licensed to carry out the business of banking and investment services in terms of the Banking and Investment Services Acts (Cap.370, 371 of the Laws of Malta).

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not just different...

But BETTER. Your Trusted Real Estate Partner Since 1967

Get in touch

2011 8000

info@belair.com.mt

Send us a Private Message on ď‚‚ Belair Property or an email to info@belair.com.mt

IS PROPERTY STILL A SECURE INVESTMENT? If this is your first time on the Island, you’ll soon find out that the country is bustling with activity and construction.

To understand the Maltese property market, one must first understand the Maltese culture.

For generations, the Maltese people have been savers, keeping funds aside for the proverbial ‘rainy day’. A country devastated by bombs, no natural resources and complete dependence on the British colonial rule instilled a drive to work hard and to securely invest in one’s future.

In the absence of any other form of secure investment, the Maltese developed a passion for property, acquiring it as an investment or security for their children.

The culture of helping one’s offspring with their first property investment is still very much alive today and as a result the home ownership rate in Malta averaged 80.31 percent from 2005 until 2018.

According to the National Statistics office, by 2017, 78.1% of households owned their own home and 76% of these households were outright owners, meaning that they either never had a mortgage on their main dwelling or have paid it in full. The latter is fundamental to answering the question as to whether property is still a secure investment in Malta.

The relatively low level of debt in the housing market plays an important role in the overall property price stability.

In addition, the country’s recent economic boom has created a demand for foreign workers, and this too has fuelled the requirement for additional investment in rental properties. Notwithstanding the steady growth in property value, owning a property may in fact be one of the best

investments available.

There is something comforting in being able to see and feel one’s investment. To be able to walk past a property and say ‘this is mine’. No other investment gives that type of satisfaction.

A good understanding and knowledge of the market is still a fundamental requirement when investing in property and this is where a trusted Estate Agent can help. If you are thinking of investing in property you need to find an agent you can trust, and more importantly, someone who clearly understands your requirements, expectations and finances.

Belair Property has been a trusted real estate partner since 1967. They have worked hard to position themselves at the forefront of this fast-growing business, building a team of professional and highly trained consultants.

Malta’s property market has grown and evolved. It’s become hectic and fast moving. Sometimes impersonal and uncompromising. The business may have changed but the fundamentals remained the same. They still believe that trust should be earned and not given and apply this principal in everything they do, not just with team members but with clients too. They believe that people are not just a number and that business is built on personal relationships.

Follow Belair’s video series on Facebook, as they introduce you to their team of sales and letting consultants who will show you why at Belair Property, they believe that they are not just different, but BETTER.

Find the video series here: facebook.com/BelairProperty OH MY MALTA 79

the

booming

property market

What are the biggest changes you’ve seen take place regarding Malta’s property market?

In the last few years, the property sector has gone through multiple phases. Between 2014 and 2016, the market experienced a huge boost, during which the Maltese began purchasing second properties and renting them out. This encouraged developers to continue buying land for development. Soon enough, the price of land was rising too.

Between 2016 and 2018, property prices exploded, with increases occurring every three months. It was made clear that if prices were continuously raised, locals would no longer be able to addord property and the sector would be therefore be completely reliant on foreign investors. This, without a shadow of a doubt, is a great risk as there would be absolutely no balance.

This year, local banks amended prior regulations affecting those looking to buy their second property.

Now, it’s entirely up to local banks to determine the longevity of the positive economical boom.

Can you kindly tell us a bit about Sensara’s business model?

Sensara Malta was built on the ideals of the Maltese civil code, meaning that it is entitled to a 1% on all parts.

Our company wanted to provide this service in the most professional way and that is why we offer the best service to all parties, with the best rates in the market. We proudly state that Sensara Malta is the first of its kind to

be structured under this model.

Rent prices have increased with some speaking of a rent crisis in Malta and the need to regulate the market. Do you agree?

During the last few years, we have seen a drastic increase in rent prices. Nevertheless, sales have still doubled. The Maltese government has since taken the initiative to create a white paper regarding rent, which was recently passed as a draft law and will be enforced as of January 2020. This law will safeguard both parties when a lease contract is created. In addition, the government will also sustainably increase the subsidy for those who are unable to afford rent.

It’s important to keep in mind that all those who are in the market should have two main interests - one in terms of their business flourishing and the other to safeguard their clients.

What do you think Malta needs to do to ensure it remains an attractive location for property investment?

The property sector employs and sustains countless companies and employees. It’s crucial to keep prices in reach of Maltese citizens, so they would be able to purchase their own properties. One should note that today, 80% of locals are home-owners. That being said, developers need to create more projects, which would then be sold for specific lifestyles to attract foreign investors.

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NEW ON THE MARKET

We have properties in Gudja, Marsascala, San Pawl, Qawra, Birkirkara, Birżebbuġa, Għargħur, Ibraġġ, Swieqi, Sta. Venera, Mġarr, Mosta, Mellieħa, Qrendi, Qormi, Żurrieq, Xgħajra.

ŻURRIEQ

XGĦAJRA

ATTARD

WE ARE FLEXIBLE TO YOUR NEEDS

FLEUR-DE-LYS

128, Triq San Bartolomew, Qormi, QRM 2184 M. 9986 0983 - E. info@tadernis.com W. www.tadernis.com

CLIMBING UP THE

PROPERTY LADDER

Having been involved in property development for the past 12 years, the Ta’ Dernis Group has established itself as one of the market leaders within the industry.

The company’s success is built on its principles of providing residences for first time buyers and for property investors with a good level of finish, at a reasonable price. One of its strengths is the completion of projects within a very tight timeframe, with the average start to completion time of a project being just 1 year.

The Group offers various properties from low budget to high-end villas in various locations all over the Maltese islands, giving better choice to its esteemed clients. On average, the Group has 20 projects in various stages of development and completion during a particular fiscal year.

The Ta’ Dernis Group consists of a management team, mainly made up of shareholders and directors, who jointly take and implement executive decisions.

Development and sales are mainly in-house, together with the overall supervision of sites, which are visited at least once daily by one of the members of the management team.

Apart from a number of administrative staff employed by the group, all other crucial service providers are subcontracted. The group is indirectly responsible for the employment of approximately 80 persons.

All sub-contractors have been sifted over time and now consist of a team of individuals who are motivated to work, since their remuneration is based on their performance. In order to ensure the highest standards of work, the group provides them with all the raw materials.

The Group provides a complete service for its clients, assisting them from the initial stages of the purchase of their home right until the contract stage. The office provides assistance during the financing stage by providing advice and all the documentation required by the local banks so that the whole process is carried out in an

expedite manner.

All this is provided during extended office hours for the convenience of the client.Once the purchase has been completed, usually in a shell form status of completion, the group also provides finishing service/s, tailor-made to the clients’ requirements.

The company is flexible during this stage, and the clients have a direct say in the finishing of their residence, with regular meetings with the company’s designers, architects and sub-contractors. Clients are directed to purchase from renowned loyal suppliers but are kept free to choose any finishing material they desire at pre-set budgeted amounts.

In the boom of the property rental market, The Group has actively strived to keep hold of a number of selected properties for eventual rental purposes.

Directly linked to this strategy and the luxury high value property market rental business, the Group is investing in a number of villas at Pender Gardens in St. Julian’s area.

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Contact us today for a detailed, no-obligation presentation on +356 2180 8895 / 9949 7518 or email us on sales@theshorelineresidence.com THESHORELINERESIDENCE.COM

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Pictured: Zeppi’s Ħarruba liqueur, which pours like syrup, with aromas of cocoa.’ Ħarruba’ translates to Carob in English and you can get yours here: hansa.com.mt

Handmade Soap

Pictured: handmade bar of soap, with the Maltese flag, proudly made by soapcafemalta.com (also suitable for vegans!)

Qagħaq ħaq tatTamal

Get your hands on the traditional Maltese sweet, a delicious almondfilled pastry, and a local favourite.

Mosaic Mug

Pictured: beautifully handcrafted mugs, sure to add some vibrancy to your home! Get it from Ċekċik, Melita Street, Valletta

Malta T-Shirt

T shirt representing Malta – home of spiky fruit, 300 days of sunshine and a different church for everyday. Get it here: souvenirsthatdontsuck.mt

OH MY MALTA 87

services

A helping hand from us

Ferries

Pharmacies

Car Rental

Cirkewwa, Malta – Mgarr, Gozo Operates daily Departure time: Approx. every 45 mins From 12:45am – 12:45am Crossing time: Approx. 25 mins

Brown’s Pharmacy +356 2124 4366 Marina Apartments, 10, Marina St, Pietà Opening hours: Monday – Saturday from 8:00am – 9:00pm

Unicar Hire Services Ltd

(note: summer schedule ends 10 November)

Cirkewwa, Malta – Blue Lagoon Operates daily Departure time: Approx. Every 45 mins From 9:00am – 5pm 3 Cities – Valletta Operates daily Departure time: Approx. every 15 mins Monday – Saturday from 6:30am – 12:00am Sundays & public holidays from 9:00am – 12:00am

Mrabat Pharmacy +356 2131 3535 5, Mrabat Street, Sliema Opening hours: Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 10:00pm, Saturday from 8:00am – 1:00pm, 4:00pm-7:00pm Milia’s Pharmacy +356 2760 0126 73, Triq il-Kottonera, Birgu Opening hours: Monday – Friday from 7:30am – 9:30pm, Saturday 7:30am-7:00pm

(note: summer schedule ends 31 October)

Sliema – Valletta Operates daily Departure time: Approx. Every 15 mins Monday – Saturday from 7:00am – 12:45am Sunday & public holidays from 9:00am – 12:45am (note: summer schedule ends 31 October)

Currency Exchange Fexserv Financial Services Ltd Alpine House, Triq In-Naxxar, San Gwann +356 2576 2576 Opening hours: Monday – Friday from 8.30am – 6:00pm, Saturday from 9:00am - 12.30pm

66A, St. George’s Road, St. Julians +356 2576 2785 Opening hours: Monday- Sunday from 9.30am – 8:00pm 61, Republic Street, Valletta +356 2576 2278 Opening hours: Monday – Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm and from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, Saturday – Sunday from 9:00am to 1:00pm

OH MY MALTA

Medical Services Mater Dei Hospital +356 2545 0000 Triq Dun Karl, Imsida Opening hours: 24/7 St. James Hospital +356 2329 1000 Triq Gorg Borg Olivier, Sliema St James Square, Zabbar Opening hours: 24/7 Floriana Health Centre +356 2124 3314 F.S. Fenech Street, Floriana Opening hours: Mon-Sun 24 hours Mosta Health Centre +356 2141 1065 Centru Civiku, Triq il-Kostituzzjoni, Mosta Opening hours: Mon-Sun 24 hours Gozo Health Centre (Victoria) + 356 2215 6820 Triq Enrico Mizzi, Victoria, Gozo Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 07:00-20:00

+356 2345 8706 9 Empire Stadium Street, Gzira www.unicarmalta.com GoTo Car Sharing Car Sharing Services Malta Ltd, Mdina Road, Zebbug, ZBG 9017, Malta

Taxi Services iGo +356 7965 2165 www.igo.mt

Ecabs

+356 2138 3838 Head Office, Triq Santu Wistin, Paceville St Julians – STJ 3180, Malta

w hicabs

+356 2137 2137 Triq l-Abate Rigord, Ta’ Xbiex

Hair Salons UZO Hair and Beauty Salon +356 7799 1001 Sir Adrian Dingli St, Sliema, SLM, Malta (1.74 mi) Sliema, Malta SLM 1904 Toni&Guy +356 2373 3420 Hilton Malta, Portomaso, St Julians Opening hours: Monday – Saturday from 9:00am – 7:00pm Marijana Hair Salon +356 9947 8564 135, St Georges Road, Paceville Opening hours: Monday – Saturday from 10:00am - 8:00pm, Sundays from 10:00am – 4:00pm

YEARS

CELEBRATING K S I C F O S R A E Y 0 9

SINCE 1929

2011 8000