Bahrain This Month - September 2020

TECHNOLOGY - ENTERTAINMENT - TRAVEL

Since 1997

September 2020 | Vol. 24

| Issue 9 | BD2 / SR20

YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

DINING SPECIAL

PEOPLE

It’s On Wheels’ Husain Khalil on starting Bahrain’s food truck industry

A taste of Bahrain’s food truck and Al Fresco dining scene

The July Project on their soothing music

We review Marriott’s new restaurant Crossroads Bahrain

MOTORING

The Ultimate Used Car Buying Guide

WTM Pictures Worth a Thousand Words with Bahraini Photographer- Sawsan Taher Playful Patterns in Fashion Beauty Must-Haves

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Arts

Culture

Clubs

Sports

Interviews

Lifestyle

Dining

Nightlife

Digital Edition

Are you at risk for Too much cholesterol in your blood increases your risk.

Heart Disease?

Physical activity boosts your risk even if you have no other risk factors.

Get tested to learn your total cholesterol, good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides.

Aim for 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.

High blood pressure greatly increases your risk.

Diabetes puts you at increased risk of heart disease.

Get tested. Reduce your sodium intake. Stay active.

Maintain a healthy weight.

You can lower your risk by keeping your blood glucose close to the recommended target numbers.

Smokers are up to 6 times more likely to suffer heart attacks.

The higher your Body Mass Index (BMI), the higher your risk for heart disease.

Don’t smoke and, if you do, quit.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Don't wait. Check your Heart Health today!

Special heart checkup package BD 20 - Consultation with Cardiologist - ECG + 2D echo - Tests for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and Troponin I Sources: American Heart Association National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

17812222 www.bsh.com.bh

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Advance reservations required. Gatherings available for up to 20 guests. Š 2020 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

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THE TEAM Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton

Bahrain This Month September 2020

Editor Farah Baig Contributors Behnaz Sanjana, Dick Potter, Pria Masson Tanwar Ouiam Charkani El Hassani Razan Al Arabi, Danny Sokov, Bill Grieve, Hasan Ahmad Editorial Consultant Ahdeya Ahmed

Welcome to our September digital edition. We hope all our readers are staying safe while the region recovers from and adapts to the changes presented by the current pandemic.

Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Hatem Monem

The Kingdom has remained resilient in battling the coronavirus, but it’s important for each of us to continue to do our part in preventing the spread. That being said, we are looking forward to taking a step towards normality with the gradual reopening of dining venues. According to recent reports, Bahrain aims to allow the recommencement of outdoor dining on September 3rd, followed by remaining outlets being reopened by September 24th. As a prelude to these events, we set our sights on Bahrain’s food and beverage industry to bring you this exciting Dining issue.

Webmaster Nishad Eapen Photography Editor Muna Yousef Staff Photographer Subeesh Kumar N S Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa

One of the most interesting developments in Bahrain’s food scene is the ever-growing popularity of food trucks. So, we sat down with the man that started it all, Husain Khalil of “It’s On Wheels” for our main interview this month. Our team has even put together a list of some of the most fascinating food trucks that will get your taste-buds moving.

For our food review this month, we had the pleasure of digging into a feast at Crossroads Bahrain – a wonderful new restaurant by Marriott Executive Apartments Juffair. For a breath of fresh air, we’ve even got a feature on some of our top Al Fresco dining venues in the Kingdom, because we’re serious when we say that we’re ‘Your Guide to a Great Way of Life’.

Corporate Affairs Director Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Group (Hilal Direct Services) Media Sales ANURADHA MANHAS anuradha@redhousemarketing.com

Our other interviewees this month were the creative musicians behind The July Project who have done a great job of soothing their listeners’ emotions with some ambient music during these unprecedented times.

TATUM TURNER tatum@redhousemarketing.com DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director Lini Reghunath Digital Marketing & Social Media Executive Farah Baig Art & Animation Director Hatem Monem Videography Danny Sokov

In our Motoring section, Dick Potter delved into the most talked about motoring articles in 2019. On the other hand, Sangeeth Mullassery did some digging and extensive research to help you figure out what to look for (red flags too) when buying a used car.

Our Woman This Month segment is a feast for the eyes this month as we were served a visual treat and insight into the life of Bahraini photographer, Sawsan Taher. She took us on a journey through some of her most spell-binding photographs taken on her travels to some of the world’s remote regions. For fashion and beauty, you can draw inspiration from our features that show you some of the most exciting musthaves this month.

Printing Press Union Press, Bahrain Published monthly by

We’re sure you’ll enjoy this issue, and hope you remember to follow us on our official social media accounts while doing so! Hopefully, Bahrain will be even more open when we write to you this time next month.

RED HOUSE MARKETING P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: (+973) 17 813-777, Fax: (+973) 17 813-700 Email: info@redhousemarketing.com www.bahrainthismonth.com © Copyright Reserved 2005-2020 The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. and must not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Red House Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission.

• Views expressed in this magazine by journalists and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month.

Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001 ISBN 1 899 348 09 3

1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24

COVER Cover Picture:

Dining

George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman

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September 2020 5

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11

CONTENTS ISSUE 277

8

SEPTEMBER

14

28

Cover Story

14

We delve into Bahrain’s food truck and al fresco dining scene.

INTERVIEWS

8 11

22

Dining Special

Exploring the Elements We speak to the musical minds behind The July Project.

Taking Life by the Wheel The pioneering Husain Khalil on igniting the food truck industry in Bahrain

MOTORING

44

49

WOMAN THIS MONTH CONTENTS

Fashion

44

Exploring the latest that the brands have to offer

Beauty

Lifestyle

48

Dining Delights

The latest Skincare and Makeup products

54

Easy steps to Happy, Healthy Skin

49

www.bahrainthismonth.com bahrainthismonth www.bahrainthismonth.com

22 24

The most talked about motoring news in 2019 with Dick Potter

Motoring Bites The Ultimate Used-Car Buying Guide We answer your most pressing questions to help you make the right decision

Light, Cool and Refreshing Recipes

Interview

46

54

21

My Life in Cars

Sawsan Taher takes us on a journey through her photography

COMMERCE

28 30

Business Bites Where Money Can Grow Pria Masson Tanwar tells us how to make sound investments

bhthismonth September 2020 7

interview

G N I R O L P X E S T N E M E L E E H T

, f ar tists e rise o the h t r o f the way ly ry genre , paving just about eve unds of The Juu y it iv t a e o f n r s o h c f s g is r o V a hub listene r-relaxin mes & ng beensicians. As avidacross the eve n Rodrique Ja lo s a h a in n te d m u usic - Ry tumbled f Bahra gdom o bounty of tale e BTM team s behind the m in K e h o h T offer, t mic du k. rs and a sculpto f music has to with the dyna akes them tic p o m world . We caught u told us what Project n Pillai, who Salvacio

C

ould you tell our readers a bit about yourselves?

The two of us were born and raised in the Kingdom of Bahrain and have been playing and performing music across the island for about ten years or so. Our friendship dates all the way back to high school and has led to exciting memories created over several cups of great coffee and now the birth of The July Project.

8 September 2020

What can you tell our readers about ‘The July Project’? What’s the story behind you getting started?

Having music rooted within us from our earliest childhood memory, we somehow found a common ground of what style of music we wanted to produce - apart from all the other various bands and projects we were already involved with. Hence, The July Project was born, out of the need for making original music. This is more of

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interview a passion project than anything else, where we explore sounds, genres, and elements that we otherwise wouldn›t experiment within any of our other projects.

What is the significance of the name ‘The July Project’?

Actually, it’s quite simple, just two friends that got together in July and decided to jam without any intentions. Coincidently, we created our first track ‘Waves’ unknowingly which blossomed into the idea of making an EP (Extended Play record); and to not overthink of our name ‘The July Project’ was formed.

Where can people find your tracks?

We have just released our debut EP titled ‘Elements’ which is a concept album. It is now available on most popular streaming platforms including Spotify, Anghami, Apple Music, SoundCloud and Bandcamp under the name The July Project.

How would you describe the music you produce? What inspires it?

We haven’t really fit ourselves within a specific genre. We are, however, influenced by a lot of genres, ranging from the ethereal/cinematic sounds of post-rock to the majestic orchestral arrangements and spaces that are created by the renowned Hans Zimmer, to the ambient and lush sounds that nature itself provides.

However, we’re not limited to just these soundscapes, as we are always exploring new music and genres, and finding inspiration in anything that sounds good to our ears.

Your music seems to invoke emotion and be quite ambient. Is there a deeper meaning to the music you produce?

People may perceive music differently, it’s a subjective topic. But to us, ‘Elements’ is about taking our audiences through a journey using music to tell a story through a meander of emotions, all the while being rooted to the energies that nature provides.

How is the feedback you’ve received from listeners so far?

We’ve been really overwhelmed with all the support and appreciation. There is a lot of positive feedback for our music and we are also thankful to receive constructive criticism from our fellow musicians.

We really didn’t put much thought into it. It was limiting, yes, but on the bright side, there’s been a major rise in the creative field locally and internationally. Given the lack of our ability to perform live, many artists had to embrace and adapt to their environment to be able to tap into their ability to produce more original content during these times. It is challenging, yet it can be very fruitful in the end.

We are currently living through unprecedented times which prevent musicians from making use of the added benefit of performing at a venue. How have you overcome this challenge when launching during these times?

Any plans of performing at venues once things go back to normal?

Yes! Definitely, with our individual projects or bands.

What’s next for ‘The July Project’?

Quite simply- make more music and keep making music!

To get in touch with The July Project, email thejulyp@gmail.com or follow them on Instagram, using the handle @thejulyproject_.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

September 2020 9

bystander

Lulu Hypermarket, Dana Mall Phase 2 Expansion

Lulu Hypermarket held an opening event for the second phase of their expansion at Dana Mall with an emphasis on fresh food including fruits and vegetables, and a larger seafood section.

The new section covers an area of 1456 sqm is part of the flagship store’s new look expansion that will see its space increase by 40%.

The new section’s highlight includes a special service where customers can buy fresh fish at the seafood counter and have it prepared and cooked to their preference by Lulu’s expert chefs while they shop. They can choose a marinade to go with the type of fish selected and also the method of cooking – baked, steamed, grilled or cooked in a spicy gravy.

The next phase of the expansion will include the upgrading of the electronics and fashion sections.

WEAR A FACE MASK

WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN

CLEANING HANDS WITH ANTISEPTIC

AVOID CONTACT WITH SICK PEOPLE bahrainthismonth

10 September 2020

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E F I L G TAKIN L E E H W E H T Y B

interview

Food has a way of making the heart sing, so it’s no surprise that we’re always searching for the next best thing when it comes to digging up the best grub across Bahrain. That being said, it’s hard not to notice the ever-growing food truck industry in the Kingdom. BTM caught up with the man that started it all, one eyecatching food truck at a time

– Husain Khalil.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

September 2020 11

interview

Could you tell us about your business - It’s On Wheels?

The name says it all. You want to start your business, so why not on wheels? Anything on wheels is a mobile business, from customized trucks to kiosks, and other solutions which can be used indoors or outdoors. To date, we’ve created unique solutions for trucks, trailers and more while helping young entrepreneurs to start their business, guiding them to finish their papers with Tamkeen and get any required support. We started in early 2017 and now also import and export mobile trucks across the GCC and shall soon reach a global level.

What led to the idea of starting this concept in Bahrain?

The idea popped up when I travelled to London, Thailand, Philippines and Taiwan. I saw that mobile business food trucks and kiosks are very active in these countries. In fact, they have so much of a response that they have even organized regular events specifically for these businesses, sometimes weekly or monthly. During this time, these businesses are extremely active and people gather on street corners and other specific areas, in a bustling atmosphere with all kinds of exciting food, products, services and more!

By 2016 I thought to myself, “Why we don’t have this in Bahrain?” and thought about how I could buy or import or even try to build one in Bahrain. In March of 2017, there was an announcement in the newspaper that the government is studying the industry in order to start the commercial registration for these trucks. So, that was my opportunity and the rest is history.

having a mobile truck or food truck present.

Soon, in the near future, there will be specific allocated areas in each governorate to have this concept all year round, similar to Last Exit in Dubai.

On a side note, there is a proposal being studied by the government to open over twenty activities other than food for the mobile trucks, for instance mobile offices, tailors, beauty salons, clinics and more.

Hopefully it gets approved and will significantly contribute to our GDP. What are the different kinds of food trucks a person can get?

There are many types and models like the concession trailer in different sizes, with the smallest starting from 2.4m x 2m, which is an ideal beginner’s truck for those who want to start and test their product in the market to see how they can improve their business.

Then you have the Mini Van which is a cargo van and the six-wheeler which are converted into food trucks. Last but not least is the big Bus (Chevrolet, TATA etc.) which are 8 to 12 meters long and can facilitate some dine-in as well.

That being said, we always advise our clients to start small, plan and dream big so in two years they can either start another truck or a

restaurant and use the truck for events and outdoor catering.

What are the challenges of building a food truck and how long does it take?

There are many challenges when creating a food truck. No two food trucks are the same; they might look alike from the outside, yet the setup and the standards differ according to the activity or what will be served from the truck.

For instance, a burger truck will be considerably different from one which serves coffee, or the equipment in the trucks might vary in size and shape. It also depends on the work flow of the client and so on and so forth.

After all designs and details are agreed upon it takes between 4 to 6 weeks to deliver a truck and start operating.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I believe I haven’t achieved enough until I see more mobile businesses and allocated areas in Bahrain for this segment. However, my greatest achievement to date in this field is that I was able to change the food and beverage industry, create a whole new segment and commercialize it so it has a GDP input of more than a quarter million to Bahrain’s economy and growing.

How has your idea changed or developed the Food and Beverage industry in Bahrain?

Today we have over 240 trucks on road, with numbers increasing, in Bahrain. It’s turned into a big player for SMEs and is adding more than 300,000 BD to our GDP. You can also see that many of the present and established companies have purchased trucks and are fully operating in the country. There is also no event or activity that happens in the Kingdom that takes place without 12 September 2020

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interview

What would you consider the most memorable project you’ve worked on to date?

The most memorable project is the Ministry of Interior bus; I consider it an honor that I was able to get a project of this magnitude. It was a lot to work on, restoring and transforming it into a top of the line bus which took over 3 months to accomplish as it was made to meet global standards. They now have a truck of their own which caters and will represent the ministry in many events to come.

What would be your advice for anyone wanting to run or start a food truck?

My best advice is: please be innovative, do not copy or imitate. The trend of coffee, burgers, fries and sweets will eventually die out, so try to create and invent new concepts, there are millions of possible concepts! Also be patient and do not give up on your trucks; it takes time to create a name and brand for yourself in the market and then have a constant revenue. So, stop thinking about getting quick gains followed by eventually closing down.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

As a young entrepreneur, do you have any advice for those wanting to start a business?

Around 5 years ago, when I was still an employee, I came across a poem by Charles Bukowski entitled ‘No Leaders, Please’. It changed my life. It told me to invent, then reinvent myself.

So, I sincerely request that young entrepreneurs stop being afraid and stop depending on what works. Don’t do things because you’re afraid. Face your fears, take the risk, never doubt yourself and always believe in your idea.

And a message for the young ones who do not like being criticised: please do not take negativity to heart, learn and improve, believe in yourself, have a vision, find good people and take action!

No Leaders, Please

by Charles Bukowski

invent yourself and then reinvent yourself, don't swim in the same slough. invent yourself and then reinvent yourself and stay out of the clutches of mediocrity. invent yourself and then reinvent yourself, change your tone and shape so often that they can never categorize you. reinvigorate yourself and accept what is but only on the terms that you have invented and reinvented. be self-taught. and reinvent your life because you must; it is your life and its history and the present belong only to you.

September 2020 13

dining feature

GOOD FOOD go!

on the

Bahrain This Month tells you about 5 of our favourite food trucks that you absolutely need to try.

Senor Churros

Dessert in any shape, size or form is a big, giant ‘YES’ for us. However, one thing we’re really glad has made its way to Bahrain is the deliciously warm, crunchy yet soft delight that is churros! Senor Churros now has a food truck in Sanad on Estiqlal Avenue -which is quickly becoming a hub for food trucks in the Kingdom.

They serve their classic churros in different sizes to be dipped or stuffed with a variety of mouth-watering sauces including salted caramel, kinder, pistachio and Nutella. There’s nothing quite like a warm churro dipped in Nutella to fix a bad day, mend a broken heart or just put you in a good mood.

Check out @sr.churros­_bh on Instagram for more information.

StrEat

Establlished in 2018 by two Bahraini women: Aysha Buali and Mariam Habib, StrEat offers a range of mouth-watering food truck favourites including burgers, sliders, brisket, hot dogs and loaded fries. If you plan on popping by you definitely need to give the succulent Knockout a try.

It’s loaded with brisket that has been steadily slow cooked for 4 hours, served with cheese, StrEat sauce and jalapenos on toast.

To visit StrEat, be sure to check out their Instagram regularly for location updates.

Check out @streat.bh on Instagram for more information.

14 September 2020

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dining feature

Dutch Chips

Who doesn’t love a good plate of fries? Well, now with Dutch Chips, you can enjoy a cone of classic Dutch Street fries from 5 pm to midnight daily. The food truck, located on Estiqlal Avenue, serves up fries in different sizes loaded up with a range of delicious sauces and toppings.

For your sauces you can choose the classic: ketchup or mayo, or get creative with flavourful sauces like garlic aioli, smoky BBQ, creamy French, honey mustard and Belgian peppers. If you need the thrill of a spicy sauce, you can opt for the Dutch Hot, or the even spicier Dynamite Explosion. Top your cone of fries with toppings including cheddar cheese, jalapenos, olives, crunchy nachos, blazing Cheetos, Chips Oman of chili flakes. It’s important that you remember they do not take orders in advance to keep things fresh.

Check out @dutchips.bh on Instagram for more information.

The Fruit Guys

One unique food truck that has popped onto Bahrain’s food scene is The Fruit Guys! It’s the perfect stop if you want to end things on a sweet, yet healthy note. They serve a variety of freshly chopped fruit including mango, watermelon, sweet melon, pineapple, pomegranate and more in a range of sizes. They also serve a couple of desserts including mini pancakes topped with chocolate or can top off any of your fruit selections with some decadent

chocolate sauce. One of the most interesting things that they offer is their fruit bouquets, which could include chocolate-dipped strawberries, or literal fruit cakes which are the perfect alternative to your standard birthday cakes. If you do opt for a fruit bouquet or fruit cake, remember to place your order early in the day or the previous day.

Check out @thefruitguysbh on Instagram for more information.

Umai Tori

This unique food truck, located in Sanad, has quickly become the talk of the town with people lining up in their cars to give it a try.

What makes Umai Tori so unique? The brainchild of Mohamed Ahmed Alkowari serves a variety of Japanese and Asian inspired softserves which are a spinoff from his frequent travels. We were delighted to give one of their signature flavours -Hokaido Milk aside from their Aomori Apple and Tomita Lavender a try. Other interesting flavours include the Yoshino Sakura and Enoshima Sea Salt. With a range of flavours that are in rotation (day to day), you’re sure to head back for another unique explosion of flavour.

Check out @umaitoribh on Instagram for more information. www.bahrainthismonth.com

September 2020 15

dining feature

DINING OUT… LITERALLY! As venues around the Kingdom open up to the public, here are a few places where you can dine al fresco and finally enjoy a meal with friends or family outdoors again.

As restaurants and eating spaces are just getting back up on their feet amidst the pandemic, keep in mind they have strict health and safety guidelines to follow to ensure your well-being. Whether it’s a romantic meal for two or a group of up to 20, pre-booking is a must so you can enjoy your meal in comfort and safety.

Rediscover Magnifique alfresco dining experiences and Dîner Sous Les Étoiles at Tapas and Fiamma restaurants at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. Tuck into your favourite gastronomic indulgences once again with the return of Seafood Under the Stars at Fiamma Restaurant every Thursday and Friday from 7pm to 11pm and a BBQ Under the Stars at Tapas Bar and Restaurant. Ladies can also treat themselves to a 50% off on food and beverage at the ladies night from 7pm to 12.30am.

Call 17 636-363.

The Ritz Carlton Bahrain’s venues all offer al fresco dining alongside their indoor set up. You can catch a Mexican fiesta brunch at Cantina Kahlo’s patio, or simply relax under a shaded gazebo at La Plage and have a fusion of Arabic and Mediterranean as you soak in the beach vibes. Thai lounge offers an inviting outdoor experience, for you to feast on refreshing Thai food and drinks as you overlook the Arabian sea. If it gets a little nippy, warm your taste buds with some of Nirvana’s authentic Indian cuisine. Seating will be available on the La Med Terrace overlooking the pool. Satisfy your sweet cravings at the Gourmet Lounge with breakfast and afternoon tea set menus.

Call 17 586-499.

Plan your romantic meal for two on the secluded beach of Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, which boastfully sits on an island of its own within the city. As the shimmering Manama skyline adorns your evening, your private butler will present five indulgent courses under the stars, designed to tempt and delight.

Bay View restaurant offers its signature dishes, traditional mezze selections, light bites, fresh salads and a delicious selection of meat and fish for takeaway and home delivery. Two and three-course set menus are also available alongside a selection of seasonal pastries, home-made scones, finger sandwiches and cakes to accompany an afternoon tea session, or celebrate a special moment. Opening times are from 11am to 12am.

The modern American steakhouse CUT by Wolfgang Puck impresses with superb meats and dining out at the terrace with magnificent views. Opening times are from 12pm to 11pm.

Call 32 300-081 or email diningreservations.bahrain@fourseasons.com.

16 September 2020

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dining feature Coco’s in Adliya offers some new flavours upon reopening. The Thailao, is sautéed rice spiced with mild red chilli, lemon grass and oriental herbs served with your choice of fillet, white fish or prawns and wrapped in a banana leaf. For prawn lovers, the Java Prawns has a rich fragrant sauce infused with a hint of coconut, chilli and herbs served with jasmine rice and topped with onion salsa. You can also choose from an assortment of beef, prawn or chicken tacos topped with a bunch of fresh herbs and sauces.

Call 17 716-512.

Masso, a family-friendly Italian restaurant serves up Italian, European and Mediterranean dishes, with a lovely sit-out. The menu has some new additions with a revamped pasta section with Spinach Ricotta Ravioli, Shrimps by H, slowly braised and smoked Short rib Croquettes, breaded in charcoal bread and served up with a decadent black truffle mayonnaise. Round off your meal with the newly crafted vanilla cheesecake with raspberry coulis.

Call 33 280-280.

Nothing beats the outdoor serenity at Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain! The Al Hadiqa Pool and Beach is the perfect setting to catch a bite prepared by some talented chefs and with the right company, your meal would be complete.

Call 77 707-070.

Lanterns Lounge & Restaurant takes you on a gastronomic journey with its cuisines boasting of Indian and Intercontinental cuisines. There’s surely something to soothe everyone’s taste buds at one of their venues – Amwaj, Budaiya, Adliya, Riffa. However, if you’re looking for that breezy outdoor setting you can find this at either the Amwaj or Adliya branch.

Call 17 250-999.

The Orangery Tea Room & Patisserie has reopened both its venues - The Palace Boutique Hotel in Adliya and The Avenues mall offer a lovely outdoor garden setting to have breakfast, lunch or a casual mid-day catch-up with friends and family.

Call 17 369-696.

Shakespeare & Co. is accepting reservations for two or more guests at its chic Victorian setting. The outdoors at The Avenues mall faces out on to the waters overlooking Bahrain Bay. The restaurant serves up an eclectic menu and French patisseries and breakfast every day.

Call 17 443-360. www.bahrainthismonth.com

September 2020 17

bystander

Crossroads Bahrain pre-opening at Marriott Executive Apartments Juffair

Crossroads Bahrain held a pre-opening event, attended by members of the media, at Marriott Executive Apartments in Juffair. During the event, the restaurant’s culinary team introduced the attendees to the venue’s exciting menu which included a range of Middle Eastern appetisers, international main courses and delectable desserts. The attendees were also given a tour of the restaurant.

18 September 2020

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review

A Culinary Adventure at Crossroads Bahrain!

Bahrain This Month’s Farah Baig digs in at Marriott Executive Apartments new restaurant.

The world has gone through huge changes in 2020 with its effects being felt in just about every aspect of our lives. One of the things we missed the most, however, was the ability to dine out at a beautiful location, with great company and tuck into some delicious grub! So, we were naturally excited when Marriott Executive Apartments, Juffair announced the launch of their beautiful new restaurant – Crossroads Bahrain.

From the moment you step in you’ll notice the warm, yet vibrant interiors and are greeted by their friendly team. The restaurant follows all the necessary guidelines to ensure social distancing and the safety of its patrons. So, with our peace of mind intact, we got ready to dig into the wide range of cuisines tastefully put together by their creative culinary team, headed by Chef Akram Ahmed. The menu offers a wide range of familiar yet classic British, European and Middle Eastern dishes alongside some very welcome vegan and vegetarian options.

For our starters we opted for the Caramelised Onion Hummus and Crossroads Mezza which came loaded with Middle Eastern favourites including falafel, muhammara, hummus, moussaka, nojoumia and vine leaves. The Caramelised Onion Hummus is beautifully presented with peaks of toasted pita bread carefully adorning the plate. The hummus is bursting with flavour, complimented beautifully by the sweetness of the onions and crunch of the pita bread. We carefully sampled every bit of the mezza platter which proved to be the perfect start to an exciting meal. We accompanied our starters with a healthy serving of Strawberry and Date Salad.

For our mains, we were given the pleasure of sampling a wide range of dishes including the Chicken Milanese, Fish and Chips, Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie, Crossroads Burger, Vegan Burger, Crossroads Hangover Pizza and Crossroads Pasta. It was undoubtedly a feast, but what really caught our eye was the Crossroads Burger – an Angus beef patty, topped with fresh veggies, cheddar cheese and (drum roll please) a crispy bun filled with cheese! We watched in awe as Chef Akram carefully sawed away at it, revealing a glorious stream of cheese which flowed onto the burger. The patty is complimented well by the crunch of the bun and creamy cheese.

What surprised us next was the Vegan Burger, which was delightfully fulfilling and full of flavour. It’s made with a Beyond Meat burger, topped with vegan sauce and fresh veggies. The Fish and Chips stayed true to classic British cuisines with a generous serving of fried fish, mushy peas, malt vinegar and steak fries. To add to the refreshing British favourites, we quite enjoyed the creamy goodness of the Vegetarian Shepherd’s pie which was filled with fresh veggies, tomato sauce and perfectly cooked mashed potatoes.

To end our culinary adventure on a high note, we were served three slices of cake: Old-fashioned Chocolate Cake, Russian Honey Cake and Blueberry Cheesecake.

The Russian Honey Cake is without a fragment of doubt a must-have at Crossroads; it’s brimming with the natural flavour of honey, beautifully paired with the cool, rich butter between every layer.

After a true feast for the eyes and palette, we left Crossroads Bahrain with a smile and will to return! www.bahrainthismonth.com

September 2020 19

dining Head over to Cantina Kahlo at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain for a Mexican Brunch fiesta exclusively available for private group bookings with a maximum of 20 persons. This culinary journey will take you from Manama to Mexico every Friday and Saturday accompanied by your all-time favourites such as tacos, antojitos, ceviches and other authentic, street-inspired fare alongside premium grilled meats, fresh seafood and decadent desserts. The impressive special beverage list is as vibrant and bold as the décor itself, alongside live entertainment and the relaxing view of the verdant garden.

Call 17 586-499.

Gallery 21 Restaurant and Lounge is back with its weekly Friday brunch. A special unlimited set menu is just what you need for a hearty weekend indulgence. Brunch runs from 12pm to 3pm and is priced at BD19.5 for standard and BD27.9 for premium. Prior Booking required for a minimum of 6 persons and maximum of 20 persons for 3 hours per reservation.

Call 17 711-600 / 32 234-664.

E R HE REAT

W

THE G

D O FO S AT I

Bambudha is a firm favourite on the island and takes its inspiration from a few Asian cuisines including Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Indonesian and Malaysian. The venue’s One Bowl Wonder is the ultimate comfort food and the noodle station dishes out handcrafted noodles in rich broths.

The venue opens for dine-out on the patio by September 6.

Call 17 100-188.

Da Rosa by Fraser Diplomatic has a lunch offer for healthy eaters. Some of the variety on the menu includes local Sea Bass with Thai Coconut Vegetables, Shrimp Quinoa and Endive Salad; and Fresh Salmon Ceviche in a Citrus Sauce. The menu also lists out the calories you will consume with each meal. Priced at just BD5 net per guest, the full meal includes a soup, plus salad or a healthy main or keto main, plus beverages.

Call 16 161-840 / 36 794-963.

20 September 2020

n arcity sot c s a t ju no r tainlyy likely to ebethe e c s i ar ve r ood Goodsfland and inser, but heereat food! the i nd the cor t some gr aroues to go ge plac

You simply can’t get enough of David’s Stir Fry Crazy! This popular venue remains sold on all its dishes that the chefs keep churning out. Dine-in reservations are for 10 to 20 people maximum with two slots available for dinner from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and 9pm to 12 midnight. Lunch reservations are from 12 noon to 3pm.

Call Adliya: 17 540-188 / Riffa: 17 760-780.

Hong Kong Restaurant in Adliya sports its usual classic dishes of Chinese, seafood and vegetarian prepared by Chef Ling.

Orders are for take-away and free delivery and the venue is open for dine-in with pre-booking for 2 or more.

Call 17 728-700.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

motoring

MY LIFE IN CARS Dick Potter gives us the gist on used cars, driving laws, and cars that last.

was 2019.

“The car industries continue to foray ahead in 2019, providing us with updates as to how major changes in the form of electrification and automation reshape the automotive landscape”. Yes, you read that date right – it

Well, what on earth am I going to scribe about for 2020? As you can imagine, “driving experts” are in the front seat of all this automotive updating and whatnot for us. I considered it my duty therefore to separate the automotive wheat from the chaff, so you don’t have to!

So, here it is, the most prominent articles engaged with in 2019, in no particular order.

As expatriates and locals alike, many of us go to the used car market for our vehicle selection.

Undoubtedly, we always want to know which vehicle, from which brand, will be the most reliable and last the longest on the least amount of money and energy - not exactly rocket science is it? But here is the bad news on this front. Experts trawling through data from 2019 urge us to consider the previous owner. In other words - experts claim the best used cars are not created by factories, they’re actually created by owners through diligent, proper maintenance and care over the years.

Buying a used car comes with various and sometimes certain risks. The more you know about them, then obviously, the less likely you are to end up with a pile of trouble. Luckily, you don’t need to be an actual mechanic to nab a keeper set of wheels. The professionals to the rescue again then! Their top tip is to assume www.bahrainthismonth.com

your used car will require some mechanical attention as soon as you purchase it, and budget accordingly.

Next up in the expert’s survey: Driving laws.

Now they are universal right? Moreover, they’re in place to keep people operating vehicles and those around them safe and comfortable. The definition of “safe and comfortable,” however, may differ in terms of the country in which you reside.

Apparently, in Thailand, law states drivers of any gender must be wearing a shirt while behind the wheel. Hmmm, I’m quite certain I have never in my life packed a shirt to travel to and within Thailand. Perhaps they mean a “T-shirt”? Meanwhile, if you’re travelling around Spain, anyone requiring corrective lenses must have a backup pair with them in the vehicle.

Moving on, as we drivers increasingly “swerve” towards a more consumerist society, materialistic loyalty to “things” are becoming rarer. I thought, then, you might like to see the results of a survey analysing ‘cars most likely to stay in your garage for 15 years or-gasp-longer.

For starters, the top motors you would most likely remain loyal to are all Japanese manufactured.

Essentially then, Toyotas hold the top ten places.

Honda, Subaru and Acura

bringing up the rear end, so to speak. The car most likely to be kept in your driveway/garage for a decade-and-a-half, according to my sources? Drum roll… it’s the Toyota Highlander.

2019 also bid a sad farewell to a select few car models cars and they were mostly sedans.

The Ford Taurus was evidently hauled off to retirement pastures. So too-apparently- was the Toyota Prius C, the BMW 6 Series and, sadly, even the Volkswagen Beetle. I confess I was not especially aware of the iconic Beetles demise! Only one SUV-the Ford Flex- was on the list of vehicles that was not expected to make it to 2020.

Given how this year continues to pan out-it will be interesting indeed to see what motoring snippets the “driving experts” will wheel out for us in their 2020 updates?

Safe driving all.

September 2020 21

motoring news

DIGITAL INNOVATION In 2019, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class facelift was introduced to the region with a new front design, new colours and upholstery choices, as well as an extended range of safety and assistance systems. Mercedes-Benz has further enhanced the model with the integration of the intuitive and self-learning MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system in the V-Class, available now in showrooms in the region.

“We are excited to introduce the sophisticated MBUX multimedia system to our V-Class models. Digitalisation and connectivity are important components of our product strategy. By integrating the MBUX multimedia system familiar to Mercedes-Benz cars, the V-Class becomes even more compelling”, said Acting General Manager and Head of Sales of Mercedes-Benz Vans Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Serkan Sarikaya.

In the V-Class, available in the MENA region, there are two baseline MBUX systems to choose from. MBUX Entry is equipped with a 7-inch display and touchpad and MBUX Mid adds the navigation system. Customers can specify individually desired functions to enhance the MBUX multimedia system, such as a larger 10.25-inch display, smartphone integration package and Burmester® surround sound system.

DOUBLEPODIUM FINISH Aston Martin Racing fought back from adversity in a fiercely-contested Total 6 Hours of Spa – Round 6 of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) – to record a hugely competitive doublepodium in Belgium and maintain its convincing lead in the GT Manufacturers’ and GTE Pro Drivers’ standings.

Despite two torrential rain showers, one of which forced the race to begin behind the Safety Car, three further Safety Car periods, two punctures and several critical strategic calls to manage an ever-changing race, the #95 Aston Martin Vantage GTE driven by Danish duo Nicki Thiim and Marco Sørensen raced through to second place – finishing just 5.6s behind the GTE Pro leader.

Behind them, in third position were their team-mates Maxime Martin (BEL) and Alex Lynn (GB), who came within seven minutes of fuel’s-worth of winning the Belgian race for the second year in succession.

TAKING CENTER STAGE This November, INFINITI Motor Company will raise the curtain on the all-new QX55, heralding the brand’s return to the luxury crossover coupe segment it created almost two decades ago.

With a roofline and visual elements inspired by the iconic INFINITI FX, the QX55’s design will fuse the stance and versatility of a premium midsize crossover with the sleek profile of a sports coupe. The QX55 will also feature innovative technologies designed to empower, engage and connect luxury customers.

The all-new QX55 will be revealed via social media on November 11, 2020 at 5:55 PM PST. The 2022 QX55 will arrive in showrooms across North America in the spring of 2021 and will be available in other regions thereafter. Its debut signifies the first in a wave of new products coming from the INFINITI brand over the next few years.

22 September 2020

Aston Martin now leads the GT Manufacturers’ Championship by 29 points with 219, while Thiim and Sørensen hold a 19-point lead in the Drivers’ standings. The result also means that an Aston Martin Vantage GTE has finished on the podium 15 times out of 24 attempts, while least one works Aston Martin Racing crew has stood on the podium at every race this season.

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION Genesis has received four 2020 Red Dot Awards within the Interface, Retail and Spatial Communication design sub-categories.

Genesis took home a win in Interface & User Experience Design for its ‘Copper Design’ Infotainment System featured on the all-new G80 and GV80. Genesis also won in the Retail Design – Showroom category for its brand experience center, Genesis Studio Hanam. Opened in 2016, Genesis Studio Hanam is designed as an open space devoid of purchase pressure and successfully hosts special exhibitions, new model presentations and concept car debuts.

Additional awards were received for special exhibitions presented at Genesis Studio Hanam for the G90 and the Mint Concept within Red Dot Awards’ ‘Spatial Communication - Light installations (The G90) and Event Design (The Mint Concept)’ category. www.bahrainthismonth.com

motoring news

AN ELECTRIC LAUNCH! Hyundai Motor Company has announced the launch of its new IONIQ brand dedicated to battery electric vehicles, opening a new chapter for the brand in the era of electrified mobility.

Under the IONIQ brand, Hyundai Motor will leverage its manufacturing know-how in EVs to introduce three new dedicated models over the next four years with more innovative models to follow. The creation of IONIQ brand is in response to fast-growing market demand and accelerates Hyundai’s plan to lead the global EV market.

Hyundai will combine its current EV capabilities – such as ultra-fast charging,

spacious interior, and battery-supplied power – with future innovations that combine design, technologies and services to integrate in-car and out-of-car experiences for a seamless journey.

The first model under the IONIQ brand will be the IONIQ 5 midsize CUV that will launch in early 2021. In 2022, Hyundai will introduce IONIQ 6 sedan, which is based on the company’s latest concept EV ‘Prophecy’, unveiled in March; followed by

IONIQ 7, a large SUV in early 2024. Prophecy’s iconic exterior design is characterized by its aerodynamic silhouette of perfect proportions.

BRINGING PEACE OF MIND Nissan has announced the regional launch of its new 5 Year Nissan Warranty available for new cars across the brand’s retail line-up. The new warranty option provides consumers with coverage for 5 years and a minimum of 300,000 kms.

As an upgrade from the existing warranty of 3 years or 100,000 kms, the 5 Year Nissan Warranty will be available as a standard on all new retail vehicles purchased from authorized Nissan dealers in the region.

Additionally, customers who bought MY20 vehicles previously can visit their local Nissan dealer to avail the new warranty.

The new 5 Year Nissan Warranty is the latest in Nissan’s aftersales offering, with the aim to protect customer investments and deliver a more relaxed ownership experience. Customers can also avail of warranty support across the region – an ideal option for those travelling across countries by road.

With a comprehensive breakdown coverage against electrical, mechanical, and other malfunctions, the 5 Year Nissan Warranty ensures the use of genuine parts by Nissan-trained technicians for all repairs. Combined with the warranty transferability, this helps boost car resale value to provide for maximum returns when investing in Nissan vehicles, while reducing the total cost of ownership.

A SUPER TRANSFORMATION

With the new Trofeo collection, Ghibli and Quattroporte are transformed into Maserati super-sedans taking them to the top of the brand’s range. They will boast the same distinguishing features, but in a superlative new expression with the power to hit 326 kilometres an hour: the fastest factory-issued Maserati sedans ever. They represent the modern fulfilment of the brand’s racing promise, which in the 1960’s came up with the concept of a sporty luxury sedan model.

Animated by a 580 horsepower V8 engine, they will speed along on 21-inch wheels, the largest sizes within this range, and will sport carbon-fibre inserts.

The hood of the Ghibli, already considered one of the most beautiful sedans ever, will boast two supplementary air vents. The lateral air vents, on the other hand, are bordered in red and wield the Trofeo name. The interiors are to be wrapped in full-grain Pieno Fiore natural leather and, just like the exteriors, will boast 100% carbon-fibre inserts.

The Italian flag will embellish the central pillar and, for their official launch, the Quattroporte model will be green, white Levante and red Ghibli representing that they are made in Italy. Furthermore, Levante Trofeo, has been restyled with new rear lights, a new infotainment system and new design features. www.bahrainthismonth.com

September 2020 23

interview

THE

ULTIMATE USED-CAR BUYING GUIDE

By Sangeeth Mullassery

Every buying tip explained and every car-dealer trick exposed.

Times are exceptionally tough, and now more than ever there›s a bargain to be had on the used car market. So this is as good a time as any to publish my findings of a year-long investigation.

After hearing countless horror stories from friends and clients, I decided to find out how deep the rabbit-hole goes. Here are some quick buying tips: 1. Don’t buy a car in winter: When the weather is cool out, even the biggest lemon will run and drive. Give it a few heat cycles and increasing temperatures, and you›ll start to notice issue after issue beginning to pop up. It could start off with the little things like broken window regulators (the plastic guides fail as it gets hot out), failing electronics such as instrument clusters and radiator fans - up to bigger things like

24 September 2020

gearboxes. Besides, prices for used cars are always cheaper during summer months since demand is low.

2. Ask for detailed photos, videos and information: One of the best things you can do prior to investing your time and effort to go out and see a car, is to ask the seller to send you detailed, current photos of the car.

The interior, exterior, engine bay, trunk,

wheels and body panels are what you’re looking for. These days, most genuine sellers will have these readily available on hand to send to potential buyers. If the seller refuses by saying “come have a look at it in person”, doesn’t respond, sends “ten feet away” photos or beauty shots of the car like it’s supposed to be in a magazine ad, just save yourself the time and the hassle.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

interview 2. Get a price index online - even if those prices are from the US market: Get a ball-park estimate of what the car you›re going to be buying is worth in the global market. The final figure may vary a few points but in general those values are a great yardstick to go by.

Simply Google (insert car make and model here) followed by the word «price» or «value» and you›ll be able to see the going rate for that specific car.

3. Test-drive multiple variants of the same car that you intend to buy: If you›ve never really driven the car you›re considering, look up a few and test drive those back to back, preferably on the same day. This will give you excellent insight into how a good example runs and drives versus a poorly maintained or wreckedand-repaired one. If the car you’re planning to buy is significantly newer than the car you’re currently driving, I highly recommend going to the dealership and test driving a new one. You will be surprised at how better a car that’s just three years newer drives. Use that as a “Noise, Vibration and Harshness” benchmark when test driving the potential used car that you’re about to buy.

4. Zero-in on a specific make, model and type of vehicle: This is something that I keep repeating to those who come to me for advice on buying a used car; select a specific make and model that’s within your budget and have another similar car from a different brand as a back-up. For example, if your budget is BD4000 and you need a reliable daily driver, you ought to be looking at a Toyota Camry or a Honda Accord. That›s it. Let’s expand on the same example with BD4000 as the hypothetical budget; if you didn›t have a specific car in mind, pretty much every single make and model out there is a potential buy. Does that make a BMW 5 series a great deal because it has low miles and is a newer model? No it doesn›t - especially if your budget can›t cash those monthly repair bills. Stick to looking for that Camry.

Department and the local dealership: Prior to physically viewing the car, always use the VIN and the license plate number to get the car›s history through Bahrain.bh or the traffic services app.

5. Ask the seller questions outright: Are you a car dealer? Send me a photo of the ownership card. When did you buy the car? Why are you selling it? Has it had any accidents? Make a mental note of the seller›s responses and cross-check the car›s history. If the seller was dubious, you’ve now added ammunition to your negotiation arsenal, or are able to walk away from the deal.

6. Run a VIN check through the Traffic www.bahrainthismonth.com

September 2020 25

interview

7. Try to meet the seller at their claimed place of residence: Honest sellers don›t need to disguise their true identity - this isn›t a drug deal.

8. Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): If you›re buying from a used car showroom, ask to have the car taken in for an independent inspection to the distributor or a garage that specializes in that specific make of vehicle. Remember that the dealership service center has technicians that see these cars day in and day out. The report that they provide will tell you what’s wrong with the car physically, as well as mechanically and electronically. You can use those repair estimates as a sharp negotiation tool provided that the repairs and the damages aren’t significant. Also, never agree to conduct a PPI at a garage that the seller recommends, because chances are that the seller (especially if it is a used car showroom) has some sort of deal worked out where the report that you’d receive won’t be entirely accurate.

9. Avoid inspecting a potential buy at night: This is a no-brainer, but a lot of people tend to do this very thing. Darkness hides un-even panel gaps, mismatched paint and a host of other damages. Always look at a potential car in broad daylight.

26 September 2020

www.bahrainthismonth.com

interview 10. Always take a friend along - preferably someone who knows a little bit about cars: A friend can spot things that you miss. A knowledgeable friend (or a car consultant) can even give you a verbal seal of approval which takes the guess work (and stress) out of the process. An extra pair of eyes is always the way to go.

11. Never carry cash: Once the deal is made, tell the seller that you›ll go to the bank to get

the money. This offers you two strategic advantages - it allows you a breather for the deal to settle in (and for you to change your mind), and it also prevents any untoward incidents like losing the money or worst case getting robbed.

12. Don›t be shy to ask for a longer test drive: The test drive is the most crucial part of the entire car buying process (and this applies to both new and used). On the test drive, make

13. Never borrow more than you can afford: My advice is that if you don’t have good credit, save up till you do. If you can swing it, always pay cash outright. Never agree to sub-prime or predatory lenders who don’t title the car jointly. Always keep in

sure that the radio is switched off, the airconditioning blower speed is set to low, and that the seller (or your buddy) are staying quiet, thereby allowing you to focus on driving the car, listening for odd noises and paying attention to how the car runs. If you aren’t satisfied with the length of your test drive, or if the seller has a “route” marked out that he keeps guiding you through, make sure you state that you need more time behind the wheel.

mind that the purchase price is the cheapest part of any car; the maintenance, fuel costs, insurance and repairs are the true costs of keeping any car on the road, so make sure that you always do your research before you sign on the dotted line.

Better still, you can always email me on Sangeeth@brakemycar.com with all your car-related queries or follow me on Instagram, @sangeeth911.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

September 2020 27

business bites

AN EXCITING COLLABORATION Eagle Hills has announced the formation of a joint venture with Emaar Entertainment to bring Marassi Aquarium and Underwater Zoo to Marassi Galleria, an upcoming shopping mall located at the heart of the Marassi Al Bahrain Development. The joint venture agreement was signed by Eagle Hills CEO, Low Ping, and Emaar Properties PJSC Managing Director, Ahmad Al Matrooshi.

As the first attraction of its kind, the new addition will span across 26,900 sq ft and will also be home to a state-of-the-art aquarium with the capacity to hold 360,000 litres of water and over 200 species of fish. Operated by Emaar Entertainment, Marassi Aquarium and Underwater Zoo will feature an ultramodern design and a 20-foot-long digital tunnel with multiple interactive digital exhibits.

The aquarium will be comprised of 4 different ecological zones; the ‘Rainforest, the ‘Ocean Trench’, the ‘Jellyfish’ (Boom Room) and the ‘Reef Zone’, which includes ‘Lab of the Future’. These are in addition to fifty other thrilling exhibits with hundreds of animals which will make the Aquarium comparable to other world class aquariums across the globe.

A SIGN OF THE TIMES Air Arabia (PJSC), announced its financial and operational results for the first half of this year ending June 30, 2020 as the global aviation industry continues to battle the impact of COVID-19.

The airline registered a net loss of AED 169 million for the first half ending June 30, 2020, a direct result of second quarter performance being heavily impacted by COVID-19 and the subsequent cancellation of scheduled flight operations. The company’s turnover for the first six months of 2020 registered AED 1.021 billion, a drop of 53 per cent compared to AED 2.173 billion in the corresponding period last year. Air Arabia served a total 2.48 million passengers from all its four hubs in the first half of 2020, a drop of 57 per cent compared to first half of 2019.

The first half 2020 results were largely driven by the second quarter that witnessed the most severe impact of COVID-19 on airlines operation.

Regular flight schedule was affected by airport closures and suspension of flights. Operations during the second quarter relied by large on repatriation, charter, and cargo flights.

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS In collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain, INJAZ Bahrain delivered twenty high-end laptops to students who had difficulties accessing INJAZ Bahrain’s digital programs and online schooling. The initiative which aims to tackle the lack of resources some students may face, took place on July 5.

In addition to launching its series of digital programs in response to Covid19 in Bahrain, INJAZ Bahrain took the initiative to survey its students to understand the effectiveness of its new digital programs and address any difficulties and concerns. The results of the survey showed that many students faced challenges accessing our series of online programs and online schooling due to the lack of essential resources, such as, laptops and desktops. In response, a grant was given by the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain to support impacted students and enhance their digital learning experiences.

The online programs, delivered by INJAZ Bahrain aim to educate students on workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, while at home.

INJAZ Bahrain has been able to reach more than 5,000 students through its online programs.

28 September 2020

www.bahrainthismonth.com

business bites

AN OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE Lenovo Group has announced that the group revenue in the first quarter of US$13.3 billion is up almost 7% year-on-year (up 10% year-on-year excluding currency impact).

Pre-tax income grew 38% compared to the same quarter a year earlier, to US$332 million, while net income also increased by 31% year-on-year to US$213 million. Basic earnings per share for the first quarter were 1.80 US cents or 13.95 HK cents.

Lenovo’s Intelligent Devices Group (IDG) continues to lead the company’s strong performance. The PC and Smart Devices Group (PCSD), one of the two IDG business units, grew revenue by double digits year-on-year to US$10.6 billion. Pre-tax income reached US$670 million, up nearly 28% year-on-year, while industry-leading profitability improved by almost 1 point to a new record of 6.3%. The PC market significantly outperformed the industry forecast of a market decline, with Lenovo retaining its #1 leadership position in the worldwide PC Devices market (PC and Tablets). Similarly, there was strong year-on-year growth (45%) in Consumer business revenue worldwide. Driven by these successes, revenue grew 30% in EMEA and 18% in China.

TRANSFORMING TRANSACTION BANKING The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has entered a partnership agreement with Infosys Finacle, part of EdgeVerve Systems, a whollyowned subsidiary of Infosys (NYSE: INFY), to adopt the Finacle Cash Management Suite, which will allow the Bank to digitally transform its transaction banking business.

The adoption of the suite will allow the bank to offer a comprehensive range of services to corporate customers, while providing them with access to a range of digital cash management services, such as selfservice mode and the ability to streamline payments. This new development will also enable NBB to manage customer preferences and entitlements more effectively across channels.

“The front-to-back integrated cash management solution from Infosys Finacle will help deliver a world-class banking experience to our corporate and institutional customers, thereby driving the growth of our transaction banking business even further,” said NBB Corporate and Institutional Investment Banking, Hisham Al Kurdi.

The new update will further streamline corporate customer payments, help manage liquidity and minimise financial risks.

TECHNOLOGY IS THE FUTURE BENEFIT has collaborated with ThinkSmart for a special project, Forsati, which aims to build future IT leaders of Bahrain. The initiative is in partnership with Microsoft, and aims to empower top Bahraini graduates with sought-after skills, preparing them for in-demand jobs.

Selected Bahraini graduates joining #TeamBENEFIT will be undergoing Microsoft’s job-role training and professional certifications, aligned with the industry and technical roles and requirements. Students will also be provided with career coaching and mentoring, ultimately improving their employability chances for emerging jobs such as Fintech Analyst, AI Engineers, Data Scientist, Software Developers and Solution Architect.

“BENEFIT is pleased to support such an important initiative, in line with our mission to provide innovative solutions and encourage young Bahraini talents. We are confident in this initiative that will support the community as a whole, leading to sustainability and economic development for the Kingdom of Bahrain, in line with Team Bahrain’s initiatives,” said BENEFIT Chief Executive, Abdulwahed AlJanahi.

Through this initiative, BENEFIT is leading the way for Bahrain’s economic and community development, by preparing Bahraini youth for key positions in all sectors.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

September 2020 29

commerce

WHERE CAN MONEY GROW? FINANCIAL EXPERT PRIA MASSON TANWAR TALKS OF FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS

T

he concept of money has always been relative even during the barter system - a dance between how much to give and how much to receive in return. The concept of risk and return has the same idea at its roots. We risk our money each time we interact with it.

When we buy something, we risk the realized return of what we buy. If we have money as cash, we do risk inflation which will mean the

real value of that money has fallen.

Investments and making your money grow, is therefore, a dance between the same risk and return.

is difficult to figure out where to put any excess money and how to rebalance existing investments to effectively safeguard the hardearned money.

At a time of a pandemic, safety has come to the forefront. Physical safety, emotional safety, and safety of wealth. However, with so many unknown parameters that drive wealth value, it

With that in mind, let us delve into some options of what you can do for financial investments, three popular investment avenues and my view on the way forward for them.

De-globalization could be here to stay – park your money where you have residential and legal stability Savings accounts and fixed or term deposits are among the safest places for your money. However, world over, deposit rates are at almost all-time lows and it does not appear to be something that will change soon. Couple this with the trend towards “domestic safeguarding” that seems to have taken over most countries and irrespective of where you live, your money is probably safest where your passport belongs. As disturbing as this sounds, a certain amount of your savings, need to be as de-risked as possible and a savings account or term deposit in your home country meets that end

Country Interest Rate Currency/Tenor NBK Kuwait 1.25% KWD 1 Year Habib Metro Pakistan 6.25% PKR 1 Year State Bank of India India 6.10% INR 1 Year National Bank of BahrainBahrain 2.50% USD 1 Year Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia 1.75% SAR 6 months HSBC Oman 1.6% to 1.8% USD 1 Year Maybank Phillipines 1.75% Peso 1 Year Rakbank UAE 1.50% USD 1 Year European Region Eurozone approx 1%-1.2% EUR 1 year United Trust Bank United Kingdom 1.16% GBP 1 year Bank of America America 0.05% USD 1 Year Source: Banking Websites

30 September 2020

www.bahrainthismonth.com

commerce When uncertainty strikes – knowledge is safety Equity markets have always been a bit of on a specific stock exchange. This saves a confusing space, but rarely has this you having to invest in a specific stock confusion been more evident than it is and tracking it. Also investigate the now. With uncertainty all around, all major concept of ETFs (Exchange Traded economic parameters at low levels and Funds) which is like a mutual fund for continuous news of companies in distress, stock markets overall. So, if you invest the rise in the major stock markets is a bit in the S&P 500 ETF, you are invested of a head-scratcher. On an average since into the performance of the S&P 500 the post-pandemic low point (March 24th, index as a whole. Not into any 2020), key global indices have risen by individual stocks but into the entire 30%. One of the reasons could be the fact index. These two avenues are safer than that there are limited options for individual stocks in most cases. reasonable returns elsewhere. The Sometime, stocks are also relatively safe questions then are, will these markets when you invest with knowledge of a keep rising, and, should an average person specific sector or company. So, if you also join this investment rally? No one understand technology, and invest in an has definite answers, but like all things upcoming tech stock, that is a safe bet. Or related to money, it is a play between risk in current times, if you understand and reward, so hedge your risks and settle vaccine and want to back a vaccine for moderate rewards. manufacturer that would be a relatively One option is to investigate high safe bet too. As a caveat, safety is in performing mutual funds. Mutual funds relation to other equity investments. allow you exposure to a basket of stocks Equities as a class, are high risk.

US - S&P US (DJIA) Europe 600 France (CAC40) Germany (DAX) UK (FTSE100) Japan (Nikkei 225) MSCI EM China (SSE Composite) India (NIFTY) Data As of 16th August 2020

Real Estate, Yield and Liquidity – Find that balance Real estate has always been a preferred option assets – that means assets that give a as a long-term investment. You own the asset, reasonable rental yield based on sounds hopefully the market grows and meanwhile, contracts. Real estate is still a good avenue but you get some rent. Currently, the lack of if you are not currently invested, waiting for liquidity related to real estate assets offsets the near term till the uncertainties play out the apparent benefits – especially, if you have that may be a safer option. a loan attached to that. With office trends Uncertainty often makes people want to have changing, companies in distress and of course predictability and to plan more prudently. This employees in distress as well, the uncertainty drive towards higher yields can give a false of the real estate market makes is a risky sense of security. The key lies in moderation. proposition. To hedge that, invest in yielding Balance your investments across risk-reward www.bahrainthismonth.com

Return Since 24 Mar 39% 36% 23% 19% 33% 14% 30% 38% 26% 44%

matrices and be patient – quick money is usually risky money- and that is more in the area of a poker game. For now, play from a place of knowledge, play smart and temper expectations.

Pria is a strategy consultant and advisor. You can follow Pria on Instagram @money_cues or know more about her professional experience at http://www.i2d-consulting.com.

September 2020 31

gadgets

GADGETS

BTM brings you the latest gadgets to push your technological buttons.

GRILL- CLEANING ROBOT One of the most annoying summer chores is cleaning the grill after a barbecue. Sometimes it seems like no matter what type of brush you use, clean-up takes more elbow grease and time than you want to devote. But what if you could get a robot to do it? The Grillbot is a charming, automatic grill-cleaner that does a better job, and in half the time.

Available at: www.amazon.com

CYGNET T GOSTICK Featuring a universal yet secure L-shaped cradle for your smartphone or GoPro camera, the GoStick lets you comfortably trigger your shutter button with the remote control that neatly attaches to the stick, or hide it in your hand for professional style shots. The collapsible tripod enables hands-free photos anytime, anyplace.

Available at: www.amazon.com

SOLAR BEACH TOTE A solar-powered bag to charge your gadgets will definitely come in handy no matter where you are under the sun. The Solar Beach Tote features a high-tech flexible solar panel that generates 6.3 watts of power to charge a mobile phone, MP3 player, digital camera, or any other small electronic device on the go.

Available at: www.amazon.com

WILD PLANET › S AQUA LIGHT MASK The Aqua Light Mask from Wild Planet features built-in dual lights to see underwater at night. It’s also waterproof down to 35 feet, and the adjustable straps will fit both adults and children alike.

Available at: www.amazon.com

32 September 2020

www.bahrainthismonth.com

gadgets

INSECT ZAPPER Much more convenient than covering yourself in mosquito spray and lighting citronella candles, this sleek-looking, mushroom-shaped insect zapper will do the trick. It glows like a nightlight, but is less noisy than the traditional humming insect lights.

Available at: www.menkind.co.uk

POPDRIVE Not only does the Popdrive store up to 1GB of your important data and music, it also opens drinks! Attach it to a belt buckle or your car keys, and you›ll never go thirsty during those summer parties.

Available at: www.amazon.com

PORTABLE ICEMAKER One of the most tiresome chores associated with outdoor parties is the ice run: someone has to run to the store to buy bags of ice, which only end up sweating and melting in the summer heat. This portable icemaker eliminates that frustration: it makes ice cubes in two sizes, and creates a batch in just six minutes.

IGRILL 2 BLUETOOTH BBQ THERMOMETER There’s no more need for old-fashioned pop-up thermometers in your grilled chops, or worse, guessing when your meat is done (and hoping it’s not overcooked). The iGrill 2 comes complete with all the bells and whistles: multiple prongs for gauging different meat temperatures at once and Bluetooth smartphone compatibility for checking on your steaks from across the yard.

Available at: www.menkind.co.uk

Available at: www.amazon.com

OUTDOOR PIZZA OVEN Instead of scratching your head trying to balance the barbecue outside and the pizzas in your standard kitchen oven inside, check out this portable outdoor pizza oven. It cooks pizzas in 15 minutes or less and allows you to take a break from hamburgers and hot dogs.

Available at: www.menkind.co.uk www.bahrainthismonth.com

September 2020 33

games

GAMES

EA Sports

UFC 4

WHAT IS IT?

Like its predecessor, UFC 4 is a fighting game based on the mixed martial arts promotion Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The game features a career mode, which has been designed to be an ‘onboarding experience’ to teach the player the basics of five MMA disciplines which include boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and jiujitsu.

The goal of the career mode, which allows players to create their own custom fighter, is to become the GOAT (which stands for ‘Greatest Of All Time’).

GAMEPLAY

After laying down a clunky but promising foundation with their first UFC game in 2014, EA has done a respectable job of iterating and improving on each new entry over the last six years. That tradition continues in EA Sports UFC 4. It focuses on making its many complex systems a little less intimidating for newcomers without ever taking away from the depth of its multi-layered combat, thanks to a new grapple assist system and a much improved career mode that does a better job of teaching the basics of the many facets of mixed martial arts. Some of the larger ambitions of career mode fall a bit flat and the ground game still feels like it could use some work, but all things considered, UFC 4 is a win for MMA fans.

GRAPHICS

While UFC 4 still looks pretty good, it’s a little disappointing to see that so little has changed in the game’s looks over the last six years. While there are a few new animations added into the mix, these are largely the same takedowns, slams and strikes that we’ve seen before. There’s a little bit more face deformation this time around during slow-mo replays, but knockouts are still lacking a certain magic.

FALL GUYS: ULTIMATE KNOCKOUT

Best described as Takeshi’s Castle: The Game, Fall Guys is taking the gaming world by storm. It’s a massively multiplayer party game with up to 60 players online in a free-for-all struggle through round after round of escalating chaos until one victor remains! It’s largely uncomplicated; most of the mini-games require running forward and jumping at the right time, but it’s seriously addictive especially when played with friends.

34 September 2020

VERDICT:

The most detailed take on the octagon yet.

RATING:

A TOTAL WAR SAGA: TROY

Like its predecessors, Total War Saga: Troy is a turn-based strategy game with real-time tactics elements. The game is set in the Bronze Age, during the Trojan War, though its scope also covers the surrounding Aegean civilisation. Real-time battles take place in large sandboxes and players can command the infantry and hero units as well as mystical beasts as they battle opponent forces. There are a total of eight heroes representing the two factions (the Trojans and the Achaeans), and each hero has two unique abilities that can be used during battles.

PGA TOUR 2K21

Tee off with the inaugural 2K Games PGA Tour golf game!

PGA Tour 2K21 features 15 licensed PGA Tour courses.

Players can also trick out their own greens and fairways with thousands of custom options in the Course Designer. www.bahrainthismonth.com

websites

websites www.color.adobe.com/create/color-wheel

www.boredpanda.com

www.downforeveryoneorjustme.com

www.oddee.com

Adobe Kuler is an online colour wheel generator for designers and artists alike. You can use this website to create and explore different colour combinations that you would deem to be fit for your next graphical project, or just to browse the full spectrum for new shades.

‘Is it down for everyone or just me?’ is a really useful website for those whose internet is regularly playing up. Do you often find yourself wondering if the problem is with your network or if the website is really down?

Going to this site and entering the URL of the website you think might be broken will be able to confirm or deny which end is causing the lack of access.

Your local search engine for restaurants and hotels in Bahrain

Bored Panda is the place you want to be when you want to discover interesting and visually appealing content. It›s a blog that publishes regular updates on the coolest finds in travel, photography, illustration, animals, DIY, technology, design and all sorts of other great categories.

You can also create an account to vote posts up or down.

Love weird stuff? Then check out Oddee, one of the web›s largest and most popular platforms featuring the craziest, strangest and most bizarre content you probably won›t find anywhere else. Posts feature photographs and videos in a range of categories including art, signs, places, objects, ads, science, medicine, home design, names, people, gifts, stories, tech and more.

Restaurants

Hotels

40m

Entertainment

65m

Cafés

20m

Serviced Apartments 35m

www.thebhrg.com

Featuring: Apps / Updates & Blogs / Promos & Deals / Events / Menus / Videos / Photos / Answer Reviews & Chats / Listings / Digital Campaign

The Bahrain Hotel & Restaurant Guide 2019 @bahrainhotelandrestaurantguide

www.bahrainthismonth.com

25m

@thebhrg

September 2020 35

APPS REVIEW BTM BRINGS YOU THE LOW-DOWN ON THE LATEST AND GREATEST APPS ON THE MARKET.

1Password Workouts++ Workouts++ features three different sections that you can switch between on-the-fly: Configure, Workouts and Stats. Changing the view that you’re in is easy and intuitive, and the app features a nice use of bright colours so that users can easily tell each type of workout apart from each other, as well as see stats clearly.

Because the design is purposely minimal, the app is fast and responsive.

Remembering a unique password for every app and service you use is a nearly impossible task. 1Password›s mobile app syncs with the desktop app to help keep your accounts safe by creating and storing a different secure password for all the services you use. All you have to remember is one password.

Namoo – Wonders of Plant Life In essence, Namoo is a beautifullydesigned app that helps young students explore the basics of plant physiology through magnificent interactive graphics and descriptive text. The detail is fantastic, the illustrations are lush and the interactivity will mean kids won’t be bored by walls of text and diagrams. In each corner of the screen is an illustration of a different part of a plant: flower, leaf, root, and trunk; and this acts as a visual menu for navigating to the meat of the app.

Waze The navigation app lets users connect with fellow motorists in the area and get realtime updates on traffic and road conditions.

For instance, if a user reports jam at a certain intersection or road due to some reason, other users also get a notification about this. While Google Maps suggests the route with shortest travel time, Waze is a bit more specific and interactive.

36 September 2020

www.bahrainthismonth.com

music

All We Are

Providence Set to propulsive grooves and glittering guitar and synth riffs, All We Are offer up songs of seduction and romance replete with blasts of bright sonic colour to counter the world’s ills. Harking back to the R&B-infused dream pop of their first album, Providence is a similarly lush affair sung in soulful falsetto while the rhythm section drives the train forward. The entire set feels a little too stuck in its fixed gear of mid-tempo soft pop and funk, without the songs to really distinguish itself nor the dramatic peaks and valleys to make it feel like more of a journey.

Rumer

Biffy Clyro

A Celebration of Endings Verdict:

Another feather in the cap for Britain’s best rockers.

What’s the story?

It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact moment that Biffy Clyro became the best band in Britain. It may have been as early as 2007, the point at which the juddering first act of the album Puzzle heralded arrival of a new sheriff in domestic major label rock. Or maybe it was three years later, when singer Matt Cardle scored a number one hit with a highly polished version of Many Of Horror that showed, at least to those who weren’t paying attention, that the Ayrshire trio’s music is a supple and transformable creation suitable for many a varied occasion. 9th studio album A Celebration of Endings continues their journey into superstardom, and it might be their best effort yet.

Worth a listen?

A Celebration of Endings delivers on its impossible promise in ways that are towering and relentless. The rhythm section of twin brothers Ben and James Johnston – drums and bass respectively – seems telepathic. The arrangements are painstaking and inventive, even by the standards to which the musicians have long adhered. The stadium-sized melodies that rise as if from nowhere, resplendent and bejewelled with broken glass, provide proof where none is needed that no band has made a more stable home on the turbulent fault-line that divides mainstream and alternative music. Biffy Clyro have delivered an album of restless invention, substance and style that arrives like a spray of water on the arid expanse of this saddest of summers.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Nashville Tears Rumer applies her deeply moving vocal style to the music of beloved country songwriter Hugh Prestwood. A collaboration with Canadian producer Fred Mollin, the album is a fitting addition to the singer’s catalogue, with songs that tap Prestwood’s deep well of poetic, everyday sadness. The album also harks back to the grandiose analogue studio productions of the ‘70s as Mollin frames Rumer in delicate string, pedal steel and organ arrangements,

Gloria Estefan

Brazil305 Driving samba and carnival rhythms meet brazenly funky horns amid calland-response vocals and chants to carry the rhythms onto the streets. Estefan has outdone herself on Brazil305: by rerecording her hits, she illustrates the Brazil/ Cuba/Africa argument, while welcoming fans along for the ride. She bridges these cultures in an inspiring, polished programme that explores new sounds and contexts, while reasserting the eminently translatable appeal and transcendent power of her own music.

September 2020 37

film & tv

s w o h TV S

OZ (1997 – 2003)

YO U S M L I F T S E THE 10 BLY HAVEN’TnSy ESoEkNov

By Dan P R O BA B

Crime / Drama / Thriller

Seasons: 6 JK Simmons, Lee Tergesen, Ernie Hudson

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Before Orange is the New Black, before Prison Break, before HBO’s hugely successful run of shows such as Breaking Bad and The Wire – first came Oz. The first one-hour drama series produced on HBO without any censorship, this prison drama crested the wave that would change the landscape of television forever. Set in the Oswald State Correctional Facility, we follow the daily lives of a varying cast of inmates, of all creeds and convictions, each with their own agendas and struggles to survive the cutthroat environment. Some of the best writing and performances ever put to screen, this classic gem has fallen by the wayside in recent years but undoubtedly deserves a revival, if not even a continuation.

THE VENTURE BROTHERS (2003 – Present) Animation / Comedy / Action

Seasons: 7 Christopher McCulloch, Doc Hammer, James Urbaniak

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Starting as a biting satire of the old Johnny Quest cartoons, this show has grown to be one of the most bizarre yet genius commentaries on all those great classic superhero and mystery-solving spy shows, from Scooby Doo to DC Comics. We follow the adventures of now-adult Rusty Venture (the son of a famous spy-hero) and his two sons as they blunder their way through wacky adventures, rivaled by their equally inept arch-foe, the super villain Monarch, and a gallery of ridiculous rogues. The plot progression and character growth over the seasons is phenomenal and definitely worth the investment for fans of the aforementioned cartoon classics, as well as modern satirical hits such as Archer, Family Guy and South Park.

WATCHMEN (2019) Action / Drama / Fantasy

Seasons: 1 Regina King, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jeremy Irons

CHANNEL ZERO (2016 – 2018) Horror / Fantasy / Drama

Seasons: 4 Brandon Scott, Marina StevensonKerr, Paul Schneider

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If there was ever a perfect successor to a hugely successful media monster, one should look no further than this on-screen sequel to the fabled comic by genius wizard Alan Moore. Picking up 34 years after the original graphic novel storyline (slightly different to the 2008 film), the landscape of this alternate America has been plagued by immense racism, and vigilantism has been outlawed, save for the masked police force keeping citizens in check.

With many questions hanging in the air throughout the season, such as “where is Dr. Manhattan?”, the huge payoff the last 2 episodes alone is one of the most worthwhile journeys in television.

For fans of psychological horror, this anthology series took the unique route in adapting modern internet-based horror stories called creepypastas. Each 6-episode season takes on a particular popular storyline and expands upon it in unexpected and disturbing ways, with the 3rd season “Butcher’s Block” being exceptionally twisted. A definite slow-burner in some cases, however the pay-off is always worth it, and the revelations in each storyline easily rival that of any popular work within the genre.

Fans of American Horror Story are bound to truly appreciate this minimal gem.

38 September 2020

www.bahrainthismonth.com

film & tv

THE LEGEND OF KORRA (2012 – 2014)

RESCUE ME (2004 – 2011)

Seasons: 4 Janet Varney, JK Simmons, Dee Bradley Baker

Seasons: 7 Denis Leary, John Scurti, Michael Lombardi

Animation / Action / Adventure

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Following the storyline of Avatar: The Last Airbender (the good one, not the M. Night Shyamalan atrocity) we jump 70 years into the future, following the death of Aang and the birth of a new all-powerful Avatar in the eponymous protagonist. In a world greatly changed by the wars and politics of the previous installments, Korra embarks on a spiritual journey of her own across the 4 nations, uniting the elemental benders and facing unexpected foes that sometimes come from much closer to home than she expects. A perfect sequel to the original franchise and aimed at a much more mature audience, it’s as heartwarming as it is epic.

THE BOLD TYPE (2017 – present) Drama / Comedy

Seasons: 4 Katie Stevens, Aisha Dee, Meghan Fahy

-----------------------------

Inspired by the life of “Cosmopolitan” editor-in-chief Joanna Coles, this light-hearted yet deeply insightful show delves into the lives of 3 millennial women living in New York and working for the women’s magazine “Scarlett”. Touching on highly relevant themes, namely from a modern woman’s perspective, and inclusive of characters from all walks of life – this show has been a consistent optimistic highlight and a wonderful source of socio-political education, especially in the recent political climate.

THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE

Drama / Comedy

----------------------------

Possibly the greatest unsung hero in television history, this dramatically hectic and darkly hilarious show comes right from the depths of the twisted mind of comedian Denis Leary. Set in post 9/11 New York, we follow the daily lives of a group of FDNY Firefighters who were present at Ground Zero, as they manoeuvre their chaotic daily lives, relationships and the hardships of the noble job they so bravely take on. The dialogue is razor sharp, the characters are exceptionally deep, and the storylines are sometimes so absurdly ridiculous that they just couldn’t NOT be true. A solid 10/10 from the opening monologue to the closing shot of the New York skyline, it’s inconceivable to even think that this show has never been considered as one of the greatest of all time.

ELECTRIC DREAMS (2017) Sci-Fi / Horror / Drama Seasons: 1 Steve Buscemi, Geraldine Chaplin, Brian Cranston

---------------------------

Also based on the works of Phillip K. Dick, this anthology series brings some of his more obscure short stories to life over the span of 10 film-worthy stand-alone episodes, each of which focuses on a different aspect of society, psychology, politics and technology. Futuristic dystopias, space tourism, alternate realities, Lovecraftian bodysnatchers, AI gone wild – all these classic elements saturate the bizarre worlds of one of Sci-Fi’s greatest pioneers, while backed up by stellar casts and masterful visual direction. For lovers of Black Mirror, this one is a must.

HANNIBAL (2013 – 2015)

(2015 – 2019)

Crime / Drama / Horror Seasons: 3

Seasons: 4 Alexa Davalos, Rufus Sewell

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Drama / Sci-Fi / Thriller

------------------------------

Based on the novel by Phillip K. Dick, this dystopian thriller is set in an alternate reality where the axis powers end up winning the war, America is conquered and split in two halves – the Nazi East and the Japanese West. We center on protagonist Juliana Crane (Davalos) as she uncovers a vast conspiracy with the discovery of a film reel, which shows the outcome of the war that we know in our reality, and follow her on a mind-bending trip across America to discover the truth of the films creator, as well as what it all means for the reality in which they live. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Mads Mikkelsen, Hugh Dancy, Lawrence Fishburne

Possibly the best show of the mid 2010s, this sleeper was cut down in its prime and cancelled after a strange yet no-less intriguing 3rd season. Covering stories and themes from the classic Thomas Harris novels, this reimagining of the Hannibal Lecter storyline was perfectly cast, flawlessly written and sublimely executed, with some of the best twists and revelations a murder mystery TV show could possibly offer. The eternal conflicting dance between Mads Mikkelsen’s Hannibal and Hugh Dancy’s Will Graham will forever be one of televisions greatest love-hate bromances, and with Netflix now potentially picking up the show for a revival, one truly wonders what could happen next. Fingers crossed for “Silence of the Lambs”.

September 2020 39

tv releases

FANCY SOME CHILL-TIME AT HOME? Check out the latest TV series to hit your screens.

Rogue Trip

Natural Born Killers

One of the most controversial movies of all time, Natural Born Killers sees Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis play two lovers bonded by their traumatic childhood experiences. They go on to become murderers who are glorified by the media.

Dark (Season 3)

Dark is set in a German town in present day where the disappearance of two young children exposes the double lives and fractured relationships among four families. This final series of eight episodes sees the story take on a supernatural twist that ties back to the same town in 1986. The series is created by award-winning showrunners Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese.

40 September 2020

The Weekend

When a down on her luck comedian›s (Sasheer Zamata) vacation plans are interrupted by her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend showing up, old feelings resurface and shenanigans ensue!

The Old Guard

Led by a warrior named Andy (Charlize Theron), a covert group of tight-knit mercenaries with a mysterious inability to die have fought to protect the mortal world for centuries. But when the team is recruited to take on an emergency mission and their extraordinary abilities are suddenly exposed, it›s up to Andy and Nile (Kiki Layne), the newest soldier to join their ranks, to help the group eliminate the threat of those who seek to replicate and monetise their power by any means necessary.

Rogue Trip is a travel guide to all the places the average tourist is least likely to venture – the roguish nations, territories and regions often misunderstood and frequently overlooked, but each possessing a unique power to surprise, amaze and inspire. Led by ABC correspondent Bob Woodruff and his 28-year-old son, Mack Woodruff, the two will take viewers on a journey full of riveting insight through a collection of adventures that expose the grit and glamour of travel.

Hamilton An unforgettable cinematic stage performance, the filmed version of the original Broadway production of Hamilton combines the best elements of live theatre, film and streaming to bring the cultural phenomenon to homes around the world for a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The film features Lin-Manuel Miranda, Phillipa Soo, Leslie Odom Jr., Daveed Diggs and the rest of the Broadway original cast of Hamilton.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

WHAT’S

green TURN UP THE LIGHTS

Vortex’s Rechargeable Crank Flashlight

Instead of changing batteries each time your flashlight runs out of energy, try this flashlight from Vortex. It runs on a rechargeable battery that’s hand-cranked, saving multiple batteries per year from entering landfills.

what's green

We take a look at some of the best eco-friendly products to support a green lifestyle!

BACK TO BASICS

LEAFWARE COMPOSTABLE CUTLERY One of the biggest injustices to plague the Earth in this day and time is the widespread use of single-use plastic. Plastic cutlery is almost always used once and thrown away to forever exist in the environment before it breaks into micro-plastics.

You can reduce or eliminate this waste by using Leafware compostable forks, spoons, knives and tasters which break down in a way that’s responsible.

Leafware’s Compostable Cutlery is available on www.leafware.com .

Check it out on www.amazon.com.

BEING E - CO FRIENDLY STARTS HERE

THE IAMECO LAPTOP Did you know that the electronics industry produces tonnes of waste every year? One of the most sustainable changes we can make towards leaving behind a better planet is being mindful of our electronics and understanding their sources. That’s where the iameco laptop comes in. Focusing on creating the first truly environmentally-friendly laptop, the company delved into what it was made from and how it was made to reduce energy consumption, encourage re-use and eliminate waste.

The goals in developing the laptop were to achieve a decrease of at least 30% in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, at least 70% of overall re-use and recycling of waste and a reduction of at least 75% of fresh water utilisation.

Find it on www.iameco.com.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

September 2020 41

YOUR BEST SOURCE FOR BEAUTY AND FASHION www.womanthismonth.com

Bahrain Edition

September 2020 | Issue 210

BEAUTY

HAPPY, HEALTHY SKIN OUR FAVOURITE BEAUTY RELEASES

PARENTING

BOOKS TO THE RESCUE WITH OUIAM

BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | LOCAL ISSUES

FASHION

PLAYFUL PATTERNS

PEOPLE

SAWSAN TAHER

THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

LIFESTYLE

DELIGHTFUL DINING DECOR

HEALTHY RECIPES

www.womanthismonth.com

Coach

Ferragamo

FASHION | trend

PATTERNS

44

September 2020

Longchamp

Tory Burch

Tory Burch

really delivered reet fashion houses -st gh hi e th d an , to share with us veral we can’t wait fore winter is upon It won’t be long be on their runways. While there are se patterns. There’s plenty of fun s nt prints e kaleidoscope of some sultry trend ally stood out is th shirts and more adorned with vibra re at th em th of e s, ke a page irt Ta ? sk you, on nt s, ra se es vib dr ’s trend with a dress that e or red. blu , to be had with this ued colours. Want to turn heads in ge ades of oran subd dresses donning sh atic pieces. Meanwhile g in nn in bright or more stu in s ok cci’s look bo monochrom out of Coach or Gu p served looks with their stunning lours. Pull on a red looks in fall co am ilo ch ta ng t, Lo ar d sm an eir th Bally ique look. th un wi ly m tru lis a na r professio Tory Burch fo by ks loo e es Ferragamo oozed th e suave suit lik patterned coat or

Coach

L U F Y A L P Y L T C E PERF

www.womanthismonth.com

Ingie

Bally

Gucci

FASHION | trend

FASHION PRO TIP!

www.womanthismonth.com

Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo

When having fun with your patterns this season, remember you can even extend the trend to your accessories. A couple of our favourites comes from Salvatore Ferragamo, so it’s safe to say these sky-high heels are on our wishlist.

September 2020

45

BEAUTY | news THE MYSTERY OF AMOUAGE’S ROSE INCENSE Amouage is bringing another passion-fueled creation to perfume devotees worldwide. Rose Incense, which was previously available exclusively at Selfridges (UK), is now on the shelves at select Amouage boutiques around the world as well as on www.amouage.com. Inspired by the dramatic storytelling of Citizen Kane’s unsolved ‘Rosebud’ mystery, the fragrance skillfully combines soft rose and powerful incense to echo life’s most vivid and celebrated experiences.

Rose Incense is distinctively floral and unmistakably woody with unique and contemporary elements. With Rose at its heart along with Myrrh and Frankincense at its base, the fragrance evokes a complicated tale of epic proportion. The fresh, clean and citrusy undertones of its top note Elemi, bring the fragrance together with serenity. Available in 50ml Eau De Parfum, Rose Incense is housed in compact and contemporary luxurious livery inspired by the shape of a small book.

Available in Bahrain for BD 92.

Funky fresh

Whether it’s skincare, makeup or a fresh fragrance that puts a skip in your step, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favourite products this month.

REJUVENATE YOUR SKIN WITH NIP+FAB UK-based indie beauty and skincare brand, NIP+FAB introduces new products to its popular Salicylic Fix range.

The 14 products are supercharged with Hero ingredients and light-weight formulas for a more rejuvenated, healthy and vibrant skin. A favorite amongst dermatologists and industry experts, Salicylic Acid is a must-have skincare ingredient to tackle break-out and blemish-prone skin.

Replenish, hydrate and renew the skin with Salicylic Fix range that dissolves impurities, removes dead skin cells and detoxifies leaving it vibrant and revitalized.

Powered by blemish-fighting salicylic acid, sebumreducing lotus flower and the hydration hero, hyaluronic acid, this range offers a natural and effective exfoliation that lifts away dirt and locks in hydration.

The range includes a gel cleanser, tonic, serum, cleansing pads for day and night, clay mask, spot rescue patches, moisturizer and blemish lotion.

46

September 2020

FLAWLESS WITH CHARLOTTE TILBURY’S BRONZER Charlotte Tilbury announces two new matte magic beauty secrets, to give that Flawless summer feeling! The collection includes a refillable Airbrush Bronzer and The Air-Brush.

The Airbrush Bronzer comes in four shades of dreamy bronze, natural-matte tones in Fair, Medium, Tan and Deep, for every skin tone – and infused with Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate, smooth and enhance your skin while you wear!

For magic application, you can check out the revolutionary Kabuki-style retractable bronzer brush, The Air-Brush - the ultimate beauty tool! This fineart inspired bronzing brush has been hand-crafted to glide over the skin for an airbrushed, sun-kissed finish on the go! www.womanthismonth.com

BEAUTY | news BEE-LIEVE IN YOUTHFUL SKIN WITH GUERLAIN From its many studies on how bee products repair skin, to its incredibly packaged, sensorial, amber-coloured expert formulas, Guerlain’s Abeille Royale skincare line has been loved by many for 10 years. Abeille Royale demonstrates one beautiful fact: that luxury, efficiency and sustainability can all go hand in hand.

For 10 years, Guerlain Research has focused on the exceptional repairing properties of honey and the science behind the skin repair mechanisms that help combat the principle signs of ageing wrinkles and skin sagging.

Complete with a beautiful honey scent and colour, each Abeille Royale skincare product offers an exclusive skincare experience.

All complete with inimitable formulas whose uncompromising effectiveness results from Guerlain Research’s expert level s of knowledge in their own way, each product improves the look of the skin from first application. The range includes the Youth Watery Oil, Double R Repair and Renew Serum and a Fortifying Lotion.

SULTRY LIPS ALL DAY WITH FENTY BEAUTY Rihanna has done it again with Fenty Beauty’s latest release The Pro Kiss’r Luscious Lip Balm. It’s back in three new, sheer shades for a subtle tint of color with a big boost of moisture!

This creamy moisture-lock lip balm features a plush doe-foot applicator that smooths, softens, and preps your pout for instantly luscious, kiss-worthy lips.

These three, lip-enhancing shades flatter all skin tones - Cocoa Drizzle (sheer chocolate), Latte Lips (sheer neutral pink), and Pinch Me (sheer pink). Unlike most lip balms, they’re made with rich yet non-greasy shea and mango seed butters, this lip balm soothes and nourishes while making lips instantly softer, smoother, and ready for lipstick application with a light peachvanilla scent you just can’t get enough of.

Available in Bahrain for BD 8.5.

CARTIER Cartier’s latest line of fragrances is as divine as living high jewellery. This is how the Cartier perfumer, Mathilde Laurent, has created the first trio of Les Épures de Parfum.

The collection is aimed at men and women who are searching for a fragrance that is simple rather than sophisticated. The collection consists of A Pur Muguet, a Pur Kinkan, a Pur Magnolia: three ultra-realistic, striking and vibrant olfactory pieces. With Les Épures de Parfum, Cartier is celebrating the original resonance and beauty of living nature with each fragrance capturing the trues essence of magnolia, citrus and lily, respectively.

www.womanthismonth.com

September 2020

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LIFESTYLE | food

LIGHT, COOL AND REFRESHING! This month Laetitia & Theresa of Live and Taste share their delicious recipes for refreshing rosemary summer drinks and healthy oatmeal cookies. They’re the perfect pick me up for the end of summer, don’t you think? Give them a try and let us know what you think on our socials.

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Healthy Oatmeal Cookies (the best recipe ever)

A delicious healthy and easy recipe for the whole family! There are no funny ingredients and it turns out perfect every single time.

MAKES 8 cookies INGREDIENTS 2 normal size bananas 1 1/2 cups oat flakes 1/2 cup tahini paste 2 Tbsp maple syrup (optional) 2-3 Tbsp organic dark chocolate chips INSTRUCTIONS • Preheat oven to 175C (fan).

• Line a baking tray with baking paper. Set aside.

• Take a large bowl and mash the 2 bananas with a fork until very smooth.

• Add oat flakes and tahini paste.

• Add maple syrup if desired (optional).

• Mix well the whole batter with a fork until combined.

• Scoop out the batter with an ice cream scoop maker and place each dough balls evenly on your prepared baking paper.

• Flatten each dough balls with a spoon and sprinkle the chocolate chips on top (press slightly).

• Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15-18 minutes until golden brown.

• Take them out, let them cool down and enjoy!

Rosemary Summer drinks

A so-refreshing drink with a rosemary twist! - MAKES 2 big glasses INGREDIENTS 1 heaped cup melon (orange) 1 heaped cup pineapple (hard center removed) 3 ice cubes 1/3 rosemary sprig (leaves only, woody stem removed) or 1 to 2 drops pf rosemary essential oil 250 ml sparkling water To decorate: extra ice cubes, 2 rosemary sprigs INSTRUCTIONS • Cut melon and pineapple into pieces.

Add 1 heaped cup of each into your high-speed blender.

• Add 3 ice cubes.

• Add rosemary leaves (1/3 of a sprig) or 1 to 2 drops of rosemary essential oil.

Blend altogether for 45 to 60 seconds.

• Add sparkling water into your blender and blend for 1to 3 seconds.

• Fill 2 glasses with ice cubes.

• Pour gently your juice, decorate and enjoy! *tbsp: tablespoon / tsp: teaspoon For more healthy recipes, visit www.liveandtaste.com or follow @live.and.taste on Instagram or Facebook.

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PEOPLE | interview

THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

It is said that ‘Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder,’ but few can epitomise this saying as well as renowned Bahraini photographer, Sawsan Taher. Being enchanted by the world of photography and human emotions, Ms. Taher has travelled around the world – to the high mountains, secluded tribal villages and spaces in between to capture beautiful images of her awe-inspiring subjects. Woman This Month’s Farah Baig caught up with her to find out where her love for photography stems from, her most memorable photography experience and more.

Y

our pictures have quite the story to tell, but could you start by telling our readers a bit about yourself?

Sawsan Taher

I hold a Master’s degree in General Management and work as an IT Specialist at Shaikha Hessa Girls’ School. However, I am an avid photographer and have loved photography since I was a child. I pursued professional photography in 2012 and now hold the title of Excellence FIAP Gold (EFIAP/G) from the International Federation of Photographic Art, and Crown 2 title from the Global Photographic Union (GPU).

I have also participated in several local and international exhibitions and have been a member of the Bahrain Photography Club since 2014. I have been competing since 2013, with my first participation in an international competition being back in December 2014, having since won numerous awards and accolades. I’ve also held a solo photo exhibition entitled ‘Incredible India’ at the Indian Embassy complex in Bahrain on July 14, 2018. My photos have also been awarded and exhibited in many countries around the world.

That’s a wonderful journey so far, but what got you interested in photography in the first place?

www.womanthismonth.com

I grew up in a family that loves cameras and documenting moments and occasions as they are lived. My mother was keen on having a camera ready with the film inside to take pictures at any given moment. It was she who encouraged me and helped me use a camera.

When I was twelve, I borrowed her camera for the first time to photograph my friends at school and, since then, the camera has never left my side.

Aside from being inspired by my mother, my fondness for watching documentaries since my early childhood had a great impact on my future, as everything related to the human race has a great impact on directing my photographic lens. I bought a DSLR camera at the end of 2011, and began working hard to become a professional photographer.

You have visited several places around the world for your photography. Could you tell us a little bit about these experiences?

I have been traveling to capture people’s lives and meet some hidden tribes in remote areas like the Lower Omo Valley in Ethiopia. I’ve visited India a few times, starting with a visit to Leh and Turtuk in the Ladakh District in the Himalayas, located above the altitude of 10,000 September 2020

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PEOPLE | interview feet in India. On another journey to India, I visited the Land of Maharajas, Rajasthan, and other areas like Varanasi and Agra. Finally, I visited Rangdum, an isolated region of the Suru Valley of Ladakh, India to meet the Tibetan Buddhist people who live there and also visited Kargil district to meet Muslim communities there.

Another interesting trip was one to South Korea to learn more about their contemporary culture which developed and was inspired by the traditional culture of Korea, while another notable adventure was a trip to Kyrgyzstan - one of the several routes for the Silk Road through the Tianshan and the Pamir-Altai Mountains.

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www.womanthismonth.com

PEOPLE | interview Sawsan’s Photography Trips to date 2013- Oman 2014- Oman 2015- Ethiopia Lower Omo Valley 2015- India (Ladakh & Turtuk) 2016- South Korea 2016- India (Rajasthan, Varanasi, Agra & en route villages) 2017-Saudi Arabia (Taif) 2017- Kyrgyzstan 2018- Liwa Abu Dhabi, UAE 2018- India (Kargil & Rangdum) 2019- Saudi Arabia (Qatif) Incredible! Is there a specific place you wish to visit and photograph?

Photography is my passion and I love adventure and exploration; therefore, I hope I get the opportunity to travel to different countries and be able to reach some of the remote areas and learn more about the people and their cultures. My dream is to visit Somalia and Yemen, mainly Socotra and Sana’a, among other areas I was planning to visit in 2020.

These trips sadly got canceled due to the outbreak of COVID-19 around the world.

www.womanthismonth.com

How would you describe your photographs?

I capture moments as I see them and love to show people’s emotions in their environment.

I seek spontaneous and honest feelings as I believe that every image has a story and a message to tell. We live in a small world and have to understand and respect things that are different and unfamiliar to us as it not necessary that they are then mistakes or flaws. We can learn from different people and cultures in accordance with our religion, customs and traditions. Humanity is the image with which I want to reach the world away

from religious or ethnic fanaticism. I hope I can speak to people’s heart to inform and educate them with my photography.

Your photography seems to be largely based on capturing human emotion, but what would you consider your favourite subjects?

I like Street, People, Portrait, Travel and Macro photography. Photographing people's lives is closest to my heart, as I get to talk to them before I take a photo. I am often affected by people and their lives, there is so much to learn from them.

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PEOPLE | interview

Which is the most memorable photography experience you have had?

I have lived through some unforgettable moments during some of my trips, but the one that touched my heart and soul the most is the time I met a Mursi tribe woman in 2015 when I visited the Omo Valley in Ethiopia.

When I visited the Musri tribe, who are known to be the most aggressive people in the Lower Omo Valley, I walked around to understand their lifestyle. I saw a little boy standing near a hut, made mostly from mud and branches, with a curious smile. When I approached the little boy, he ran into the hut, so I peeked from what supposed to be a door and saw a woman breastfeeding her child. The woman glanced at me and looked so incredibly exhausted she broke my heart.

With a smile and sign language I asked if I could enter the hut and she nodded in

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September 2020

agreement. I literally had to crawl on my knees to enter the hut which was likely less than 2x2 meters with a small window; I stood looking at everything in that little place that they called ‘home’. There was animal skin on the floor, some branches for making fire, a big bowl with milk and flies all around it, a pot for cooking and some remaining sorghum. In one of the corners, there was a bottle which I assumed was water since the water they drink is usually mixed with mud. There was also a calf, which I later found out stayed in the hut, especially at night, for protection.

down looking at this woman who chose to live an impossibly difficult life and couldn't stop myself from crying. I guess she probably thought I was a crazy person, sitting there in her house, looking at everything and crying. I still don't know if I empathise or envy the simplicity of their life. As time was running out, I had to pull myself together to take some shots and again I used basic sign language to make her understand I would need her to cover up so I could take a photo.

They live naked and proud and usually get offended if they are asked to cover up.

The place smelled so bad I could not catch a breath, and couldn’t help by wonder “How on earth do they live like that?”. I was overwhelmed with different feelings; I sat

www.womanthismonth.com

PEOPLE | interview Are you involved with any photography groups or associations in Bahrain or around the world? Tell us about the role you play.

I am a member in Bahrain photography club since 2014 and by end of 2018 I became a member in the club board of directors.

Internationally, am a member in the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP), and member in the Global Photographic Union (GPU) You mentioned your solo exhibition which was held at the Indian embassy. Has your work ever been showcased in any other exhibitions? Tell us about this experience.

Since 2013, my photos were awarded and exhibited over thirty times in many countries around the world. Here are just some of them:

2013- World Heritage campaign coordinated by UNESCO, Bahrain 2016- Hayat Team Photography Exhibition, Oman 2016- FIAP 33 Biennial Exhibition, Seoul Korea.

2016- The Second International Exhibition for females Photographers holders of FIAP distinction, Oman 2016- One India and thousand faces, Amaken Team with Adasa Club photography, Egypt 2016- FIAP AUSPICES 20th, Kyoto, Japan 2017- Oman Forum for GCC Female Photographers- Photographic Society of Oman 2017- Xposure International Photography, Story in Red, Sharjah, UAE 2017- Manama Capital of Arab women 2018- FIAP 34th Biennial Exhibition, South Africa.

2019- Nights Photographic 8th, Morocco 2019- World Photography Day 2019 Exhibition, India 2020- Mosques around the World, Jeddah Gallery, Saudi Arabia 2020- Inspired by Muharraq Virtual Exhibition, Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities

What is your greatest dream when it comes to your photography?

By the grace of Allah, I have achieved some of my photography dreams to date, and I ask Allah for success in whatever comes my way.

www.womanthismonth.com

September 2020

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BEAUTY | tips

in k S y h lt a e H y p p Ha

Look Effortlessly Luscious with these 7 Tips!

Protecting your skin and getting that healthy glow can be tricky especially after a harsh summer and winter just around the corner. The constant change in temperatures, exposure to dust and UV rays can cause damage and make your skin lackluster. Fret not, though, because we have the best skincare solutions which will have you looking good all year round.

ADOPT A BEDSIDE SKINCARE REGIMEN

Too often we forget or avoid putting on a protective night cream or having a night skincare routine altogether just because we want to hit the sack quick. To make matters worse, we might even leave our makeup on overnight. It’s important to remember that a proper routine at night could be the key to having glowing skin. A night care routine allows your skin to rejuvenate and breathe. One of our pro-tips is to leave your skincare items on your bedside, possibly placing them in a pouch. This could include a night moisturizer, a lip balm and essential oils. This would be convenient enough for you to work on your skincare routine even after you’ve crawled into bed.

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September 2020

ADD SKIN SAVERS TO YOUR DIET

Adding almonds, which is a good source of Vitamin E, to your breakfast could improve your complexion considerably. They also contain Omega 3s and reduce inflammation, which in turn prevents blotches and fine lines while promoting elasticity. Other skin saving foods include salmon, tuna and mixed berries.

Remember to also hydrate and drink plenty of water during the rest of the day to plump and moisture your skin from the inside out.

www.womanthismonth.com

BEAUTY | tips

CLEAR UP YOUR PORES AND DEAD SKIN REGULARLY

Bubbling clay masks have been all the rage lately and it’s for a good reason. These masks are said to draw out dirt and excess oils from deep within your pores.

Alternatively, you can occasionally steam your skin to release toxins and use a toner to gently clean your skin.

To get rid of dead skin on your lips, face and neck, use a gently exfoliator.

This will prevent flakiness and the buildup of dull, lifeless skin.

LOAD UP ON VITAMIN C

A detox can do wonders for your skin and one of the easiest ways of doing this is by consuming citrus fruit.

Lemon supports your liver and kidneys and there’s a clear connection between healthy organs and healthy skin. Other foods that are rich in vitamin c are grapefruit, oranges, papaya and bell peppers.

GO BARE

The best way to get your skin in its best shape is to wear less makeup or none at all. This will allow your skin to breathe and prevent the clogging of pores. We know it’s not always easy to go for a completely bare face, but you could opt for just the essentials on days when you don’t feel the need to apply a full face of makeup. Our essentials are mascara, a dab of concealer and a protective lipbalm with SPF.

MASSAGE IN YOUR MOISTURIZER

One of the best things that you can do for your skin is regularly massage it. We’re not talking about a quick 10 seconds of aggressively rubbing in creams and lotions, but rather giving your skin a gently massage in soothing circular motions and with just a gentle pressure. This simple trick will improve your blood circulation and keep your skin glowing.

GET SOME REST

“You look tired.” We’ve all heard it, and frankly while it can be frustrating at times it is often the truth. A look of sleep can result in puffiness and eyebags while preventing your skin from repairing and rejuvenating itself. Make sure you get seven to eight hours of sleep and you’re sure to get rid of puffiness and unde- eye bags.

Sleep offers your skin a solution that no magic potion can!

www.womanthismonth.com

September 2020

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LIFESTYLE | home

DINING DELIGHTS

Whether it’s a cosy family meal, or a dinner party that leaves your guests wondering how you do it all, the dining area is the cynosure of all eyes when the main meal is served. Classic, contemporary, or bohemian; there’s an endless range of furniture, essentials and décor to spruce up the dining area from drab to dazzling. And then all you need to do after whipping up your best in the kitchen is sit back and let your tableware do the talking.

Sitting Pretty Lighting Chain IKEA

Come Unarmed Dining Chair Home Centre

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Septmeber 2020

Dress the Sill Accessories H&M Home www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | home Table for Six Dining Set Home Box

Pour Me One Glass Dispenser namshi.com

Floral Fancies Service Crockery Zara Home

Tickled Pink Dinnerware Set Images D’Orient, Details Bahrain

Mexican Muse Spoon Rest amazon.com

Laced To Love Table Cloth Zara Home

Drink Up Variety of Glasses Home Centre

Utility Value Sideboard Home Box

Into the Blue Bowls IKEA www.womanthismonth.com

September 2020

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parenting

T

Books to the Rescue

By Ouiam Charkani El Hassani

his summer has probably been your longest ever, especially if you haven’t left your house, except for those very few and very precious trips to the supermarket. Your summer plans were probably all ruined, because of you know who (Thank you, Corona!) and you are probably wishing you lived on a tropical island, instead of an island in the middle of the desert. It would have been all easy and doable, except you have a little rascal, who is running around exhausting every ounce of patience you have, opening every drawer there is, making gigantic forts in your living room -not that you are expecting to host anyone right now.

After a good 6 months of depleting your creativity looking for ways to entertain that wild child, you are now battling boredom with nothing but a fragile prayer to the almighty, to get you out of your misery and bring bedtime a tad earlier.

Well your prayer may have been answered today! Nothing says goodbye to boredom, like a good book, not for you though, but for that wild child of yours.

Other than fighting boredom, books will give your kids’ brain a gentle wake-up call after this very long break. There has been chitchats in the kids’ psychology world, that kids’ brains are suffering greatly from what they have been experiencing lately, from quarantine, to social-distancing and online learning. So, sneaking in some reading material could be the best thing you do for your child right now.

(yours, not your child’s). Such a beautiful read. The story of a girl who develops a beautiful relationship, with the animals of the barn, and then you start watching their friendship unfold.

Here are some of the best chapter books, that could add so much value to your days.

These books are suitable for kids aged from 6-9 years old.

The Mouse and The Motorcycle, by Beverly Cleary: Another interesting series, filled with exciting adventures of a very particular mouse, while he takes us on his journey of self-discovery and courage.

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll: Obviously we can’t talk about literature without mentioning Lewis Carroll. Everyone knows the story thanks to Disneyland, but reading Alice’s adventures in the book, takes you to another world -literally! The book is pure joy, you and your child will enjoy it greatly. You can either have it on paper, on kindle, or just get it as an audiobook.

Adventures with Waffle, by Maria Parr: This book is perfect as a summer read, as it talks about beautiful Danish summers, and the adventures of a young boy and his friend.

So much to enjoy once you dive in.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum: This wonderful book is a must read.

Beautiful language full of new and enticing words. There are plenty of lessons in the book to learn too, from the real meaning of courage, and kindness, to the true meaning of friendship.

Charlotte’s Web, by E. B. White: I must warn you, there might be tears involved

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July 2020

The Geronimo Stilton series, by the Italian author Elizabetta Dami: Very funny and witty. A wise mouse and his entertaining adventures, takes you all over Mouse city.

Dog Diaries, by Steven Butlerand & James Patterson: I must say this is the funniest book ever! You will hear your child giggle throughout your reading sessions. A very funny dog living his best dog life.

The clumsies series, by Sorrel Anderson: These series are just what you need to brighten up your days. A very rich and funny read about a group of friends and their silly adventures.

Enjoy these books and stay safe! www.womanthismonth.com

last word

In Her Shoes

This month, we delve into the world of Premier Motors HR and Marketing Admin, Pamela Belle Casimiro.

What did you aspire to be when you were a little girl?

Do you have a hidden talent?

Yes, and I kept it hidden!

I aspired to be a good chef.

What inspires you?

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

My boss has inspired me to be the woman I am today in my career. I am constantly striving to multi-task efficiently as it makes me feel more productive and makes me go beyond any limitations I think I might have.

Never stop learning and always think of the bright side.

What are three things you never leave the house without?

Cellphone Face Mask Hand Sanitizer

Cats or dogs?

Dogs. In fact, I have 7 dogs in Philippines www.womanthismonth.com

Pamela What is the last book you read?

What is your dream holiday destination?

I always wanted to go to Maldives.

I haven’t read any books again since my college days before taking my final exams.

What would your life be incomplete without?

My life is incomplete without god, my family, friends and my husband to be.

Septamber 2020

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