First FEBRUARY 2016

FEBRUARY 2016

IRA LOSCO AND EUROVISION I BRAIN DISORDER RESEARCH I CHARLES & RON LONELINESS ON VALENTINE’S DAY I THE WONDERS OF SPAIN I ARTIST GULJA HOLLAND SCULPTOR MATTHEW PANDOLFINO I THE THOUSAND TEAM I OPERA AND COMEDY AT THE MANOEL I GLUTEN-FREE AND LACTOSE-FREE RECIPES I SCARF STYLE TIPS CLASSIC MALTESE JEWELLERY I BEAUTY I FASHION I COMPETITIONS

Photograph by Alan Carville

colour me red

Crazily, the forecast is for yet another sunny day as you read this: weather to warm the soul, whatever the day brings – and there are no complaints coming from me. I am, in fact, relieved that I don’t yet have to forage for winter clothes that were put away (somewhere) at the start of last summer: trousers in which I’m sure I’d be hopelessly hopping around the room trying to get into them and skirts that would no doubt rip apart at the seams until the baby weight has decided to vanish. Anyway – hurrah for the Maltese sun. And, yes, my photo is an oldie.

Valentine’s Day can be a strange day – full of expectations and disappointments. I remember that well enough! It’s interesting to learn however, how the feast day became so popular, before the world of marketing took it to another level. Choosing only the smallest bit of information, while avoiding the legend and theories – because you can Google that – it was made popular in 18th-century Britain, against the backdrop of Romantic literature, music and paintings, where lovers and admirers offered flowers, sweets and ‘Valentine’ cards.

It was a time when there was emphasis on intense emotion, and an appreciation of nature and individualism. However, it was way back in the 14th century that Chaucer made the link between romance and this Christian feast-day – a time when the tradition of courtly love was the norm. This popular day was, however, taken off the General Roman Calendar since not is known about the actual Saint Valentine. So, if not for the romance, this day is for him, whoever he was, but, did you know that it’s still celebrated in Malta, in Balzan? That’s what the encyclopaedia says! This island never ceases to amaze me. So maybe I’ll see you there today, at the church that apparently contains some of his relics.

Until next time, I hope you enjoy this issue, which is filled with stories of some inspirational people. And, again, thank you Colin Fitz for taking the time to co-edit with me while I am getting to grips with being a mother.

EDITOR LILY AGIUS LAGIUS@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ASSOCIATE EDITOR COLIN FITZ ADVERTISING & ADVERT PLACEMENTS CLAIRE BONDIN GAFA CGAFA@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT DESIGNER CONRAD BONDIN CBONDIN@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SEAN ELLUL PRODUCTION MANAGER ANDRE CAMILLERI ACAMILLERI@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ARTWORK COORDINATOR CHRISTINE SPITERI CMIFSUD@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT CONTRIBUTORS BIBICHE RAETH, CLAIRE BUGELLI, DINI MARTINEZ, INGRID MERCIECA, FEDERICO PELTRETTI, KEITH MARSHALL, ALBERT DELIA PUBLISHER STANDARD PUBLICATIONS, STANDARD HOUSE, BIRKIKARA HILL, ST JULIAN’S. TEL: 00356-2134-5888 PRINTER PRINT IT E-MAIL FIRST@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ONLINE WWW.INDEPENDENT.COM.MT FACEBOOK FIRSTMAGAZINE COVER DETAILS IRA LOSCO - PHOTO BY TONIO LOMBARDI FIRST IS PUBLISHED EVERY MONTH AS A COMPLIMENTARY MAGAZINE WITH THE MALTA INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY AND IS NOT TO BE SOLD SEPARATELY.

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Inside

10 FIRST WORD

Artist Ġulja Holland describes her loves and likes

12 UPCYCLING

Albert Delia interviews multimedia sculptor Matthew Pandolfino

16 TRAVEL: SPAIN

Dini Martinez experiences many different emotions in the Iberian Peninsula

20 THE THOUSAND TEAM

Keith Marshall describes a new initiative to raise funds for children in need

22 CARNIVAL GEMS

Francesca Balzan’s lecture about the relationship between Carnival and jewellery in the Malta of yesteryear

24 AVIATOR’S WIFE

This month’s fashion special was shot at in the atmospheric Malta Aviation Museum at Ta’ Qali

34 STYLE WITH BIBICHE

Fashion and style blogger Bibiche shares her scarf top tips

38 THE KAREN MILLEN COLLECTION

A look at the latest styles and fashions from this brilliant brand

40 THE DYNAMIC DUO

Popular fashion designers Charles & Ron on how it all began

41 A CONCERT FOR BRAIN RESEARCH

Mro Michael Laus and musician Carmine Lauri unite for a concert to raise funds for brain research

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46 DEAR CLAIRE

Our resident expert Claire Bugelli has some advice for those who feel unloved on St Valentine’s Day

48 THE FIRST RECIPE

Ingrid Mercieca prepares a delightful, lactose- and gluten-free feast

52 TIPICO CAREERS

Another interview with a personality from the German iGaming company based in Malta

56 A GERMAN OPERA AT THE MANOEL

The Teatru Manoel’s BOV Performing Arts Festival presents an opera by Gluck

56 SOCIAL WHIRL

Snaps from various parties and events of recent weeks

57 THE ODD COUPLE

The MADC presents a hilarious comedy starring Chris Dingli and Malcolm Galea

58 EIGHTY YEARS OF FINO

Snaps from the furniture company’s 80th anniversary party

61 LAST WORD

Malta’s sweetheart Ira Losco on her second attempt at Eurovision glory

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12 WINNERS from the JANUARY ISSUE CONGRATULATIONS!

Mary Calleja of St Julian’s won a Nina L’Eau 50ml perfume courtesy of Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Limited.

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first word Gulja Holland is a visual artist who creates paintings and mixed media artwork. Her style is vibrant, expressive and experimental and she draws inspiration from different creative fields. Her practice centres on the figurative, which provides a relatable means of expressing notions of identity, existentialism and aesthetics. Her first solo exhibition, entitled Altered Egos, will be held at the Malta Maritime Museum in April.

From the top: Gulja Holland in Paredes de Coura. Inside the studio: photo

by Lukas Schepers. One of Gulja’s paintings Dreams of a Child, oil on canvas 30 x 30 cm. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance book cover. The Algarve coast.

My favourite space in my house is my small art studio where

I spend most of my afternoons. It has the best natural lighting in the house and a nice view of our garden.

The most unforgettable place I have visited is the Algarve

Coast. Ponta da Piedade is especially stunning, with its Swiss cheese-like rock formations, caves and grottos, high rock cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

The last place I visited was Ragusa for a chilled weekend getaway with a couple of friends.

The last thing I added to my wardrobe was a gorgeous red satin jumpsuit.

The most beautiful building in the world is possibly the

Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany which is straight out of a fairy-tale.

The most spectacular city in the world is Florence where

everything is beautiful and rich: the architecture, the history, the artworks, the piazzas, the Tuscan food…

The best gift I have received recently was a

copy of Dr Seuss’ Oh, the places you’ll go. I find strange comfort in his words, even as an adult.

The last song I listened to was Life Bowie.

If I could get away for the day it would have to be to explore

a new beach or spot in the countryside.

on Mars by David

One thing I never get round to doing and would like to is learning to sew.

I would like to learn how to

surf. It’s top of my list of new things to learn.

If had no choice but to change my line of work I would be a

The book I am currently reading is Zen and the

My most luxurious habit is replacing my lost iPhone every

travel photographer. couple of months.

Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

My favourite photo is one of my brother and me playing on a beach in Brittany many years ago.

My most recent find is my house keys in the dark depths of my bag.

The websites I often browse are Ted Talks and Pinterest.

My favourite female photographer is Vivian Maier.

The rawness and poignancy she managed to capture in the seemingly mundane really moves me.

The objects I would never part with are my

My favourite perfume is Acqua di Gioia.

photographs and sketchbooks.

My favourite designer is Hussein Chalayan

because genius.

An indulgence I would never give up is chocolate, which is as

much an affliction as an indulgence.

The thing you will always find in my fridge is delicious food.

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my ma’s

he’s

a

My favourite contemporary artist is

Luc Tuymans because of his eerie unsettling works which tackle complex taboo subjects.

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W

hen I decided to interview Matthew Pandolfino for this month’s article, the idea was to get some insight into the world of a young blacksmith. The end result, however, turned out to be something completely different.

Trying to pigeonhole Matthew into a solitary category, profession, artistic style or medium is a fruitless endeavour. He is, to all intents and purposes, a multi-talented creator, capable of seeing the potential of turning almost anything into either a work of art or something completely different and certainly more useful than its individual, component parts.

upcycling Albert Delia meets Matthew Pandolfino, an artist and specialist in kinetic sculpture, who has a talent for creating beautiful and intriguing works out of all sorts of unusual, individual components. Photography by Jonathan Borg

Perhaps one way of describing ‘Pan’ – as he is affectionately known to his friends – is as a chimera of sorts, a hybrid of something like Leonardo Da Vinci and MacGyver, with a small measure of elf or pirate thrown in for good measure.

I met Pandolfino close to the centre of Zebbug and followed him and Rusty, the medium-sized puppy of the same complexion as his namesake, down the winding, mostly dirt, track out of the village to his workshop. All the way there, through my windscreen,

I could see Rusty’s head, tongue out, hanging outside the window of the old van enjoying the gentle breeze of an unusually warm Sunday afternoon in January.

The workshop is surrounded by countryside, with only the hills a short distance away adding some diversity to a seemingly unspoilt green landscape.

Rusty wastes no time in making full use of the wide, open space and quickly disappears into the foliage.

The garage is practically a curiosity or antique shop in its own right and makes use of one of the oddest yet highly structured organising methods I’ve ever come across. Brass wind instruments on one shelf, high voltage equipment on another, recovered metal work, metal light fixtures and so on and so forth.

Over a cup of coffee, with Pandolfino sitting on a steel rocking-chair made of recycled architectural features – bits of railings, balconies and a section of an I-beam – we begin our interview.

Although Pandolfino works mostly with metal, his material of choice is whatever he finds available.

Whether it is scavenged, salvaged, foraged, bartered or bought, anything could become a part of his next work.

When I ask him if he considers himself a blacksmith, he laughs and tells me he’d like to be, but is quite a long way from developing the full array of techniques needed to do justice to such a title. There are almost no real blacksmiths left locally – at least in the traditional sense – but there are, however, a lot of people who know how to work metal. Considering that when people used to go to a blacksmith to get a door made, the same craftsman would also make the lock and key, that level of expertise is practically non-existent now.

Sadly, some craftsmen are particularly territorial – afraid that if they pass on the knowledge and skills they possess, the recipient might pose a threat and eat away at their already small client base. Pandolfino recounts one story, where one of his teachers admitted that he had omitted a section of the process to his students out of fear that they’d start copying him. The ultimate result of any craftsman not passing on his trade is that of contributing to its eventual demise.

Behind me is a half-finished large iron seahorse

awaiting completion, patiently w e l d e d together from metal off-cuts full of rivet holes.

Pandolfino recalls how it was his parents who first ignited his creativity. They had a philosophy that would make most parents nowadays cringe: they figured that in order to reduce the chances of him hurting himself while creating something and using tools, they might as well teach him how to use them appropriately rather than forbid him from using them at all.

Pandolfino and his brother used to make their own toys. Whatever they saw and liked on television they replicated, not only for themselves but also for their local friends. Matthew’s formal qualifications stem from a degree in Fine Arts from Darlington College of Arts, where he specialised in kinetic sculpture, but his most important learning experiences are those his parents taught him and whatever he learnt himself.

When you make use of any medium at your disposal, you have to learn. One day you can be sewing a costume for a play and the next making a giant fibreglass cat. You never know where the creative process is going to take you – it depends to a degree on whatever you find.

One significant advantage we have nowadays is that we can learn almost anything through the internet, a source Pandolfino frequently makes use of for whatever needs to be learnt. The only downside is that you don’t get feedback on what you could have done better.

He admits that his style is certainly more visual then conceptual, as he constantly seeks to create beautiful, aesthetically pleasing things, whatever they may be. He can nowadays confidently call himself an artist.

“It’s not always easy, committing yourself to being a full-time artist. Sometimes there are rough financial patches you have to wade through, but just because you encounter one of them doesn’t mean you just stop being an artist. » 13

IT’S NOT ALWAYS EASY COMMITTING YOURSELF TO BEING A FULL-TIME ARTIST. SOMETIMES THERE ARE ROUGH FINANCIAL PATCHES YOU HAVE TO WADE THROUGH

«There have been times when I’ve had to take a job as a waiter just until I sorted out some things. The jobs I’ve taken when things got tough were always a temporary gig. Art is my profession, not the other way round. Some of the best advice I’ve ever been given is to just keep doing it.”

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This year Matthew will be embarking on his biggest project to date, Id-Dħajsa Tar-Riħ a seven square metre interactive steel sculpture paying homage to port transport, among other things. The piece is one of six selected following a public competition held by the Transport and Infrastructure Ministry, the Justice,

Culture and Local Government Ministry, Arts Council Malta and Heritage Malta. The winners were selected as the result of a vote that was open to the public.

Despite it being the most challenging project so far, Pandolfino is already concerned about how he’s possibly going to trump it with something even better after it is finished.

As we are nearing the end of our interview, I ask ‘Pan’ if there is anything in particular he would like our readers to know about. He mentions two things: the first is his giant cat on top of the public conveniences at Independence Gardens in Sliema. The cat was supposed to be a blank canvas on which other artists could draw, paint or spray, and the fact that people haven’t covered it up in colours is quite disappointing to him. So if any of you painters out there want to show off your skills, please consider a giant cat as your canvas.

The second thing is the desperate need for tools and additional work space for artists in Malta. With so many resources in schools and colleges being used only during school hours, he feels that artists should be allowed to make use of some of the equipment available at the MCAST Art and Design College during the weekends and evenings.

ACROSS SPAIN IN T

Dini Martinez experiences unbeatable highlights in culture, cuisine, beaches, nature and history on the Iberian Peninsula.

Above: Castillo de Guadamur Right: The SerranĂ­a de Ronda in Andalusiat Below: Puente Nuevo and El Tajo gorge

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Left: Museo del Prado Above: Plaza Mayor Right: The Serranía de Ronda in Andalusiat Far right: Castilla de la Mancha

N THE OFF-SEASON

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pain generally conjures up images of packed beaches, filled tapas places, chic seaside bars and maybe over-priced flamenco shows. The Costa Brava and Costa del Sol during the high-season certainly offer all of that and more. But there is also the Spain of the low season, the more authentic Spain where prices are lower, locals more available, restaurants emptier and the sun gently caressing rather than relentlessly burning.

The friendliest welcome in Madrid

Arriving in Madrid on our direct flight from Malta, many old memories come flooding back. On every visit, the Spaniards’ welcoming smiles and friendly, helpful nature make me feel at home as soon as I hit the capital.

Another welcoming feature is the fantastic tapas and menus at incredibly low prices at every corner you pass.

This time we are staying on the edge of Madrid’s only river, the Manzanares.

Whereas in my childhood this area was never even mentioned, recent redevelopment has successfully converted the riverfront into a green belt

filled with enthusiastic joggers, commuting skaters and happy kids in various playgrounds.

The Matadero, a converted slaughterhouse, adds a cultural edge with regular farmers’ markets, cutting-edge drama and musicals and dance performances of all shapes and to suit all tastes. Out of the main season, everything tends to be less crowded and thus more enjoyable.

The same applies to the better known, yet no less impressive attractions, like the famous arts museums the Prado and Reina Sofia, the world’s lushest and most turtle-friendly train station Attocha, the historic Plaza Mayor and my all-time favourite flea-market, el Rastro – to name but a few. New, family-friendly attractions I’ve only recently added to my list of favourites are churros (loosely described as a doughnut) at San Gines, the oldest chocolateria in town, and the free Maritime Museum a few blocks north of the child-friendly railway museum, which includes the first map ever drawn of the Americas over 1,000 years ago.

Heading south

On our way south we stop at a few of the castles and Manchego cheese factories of Castilla de la Mancha, many of which we barely share with another

visitor. Just south of Don Quijotes’ trail, Jaen’s endless fields of olive trees invites us for an overnight stop and stocking-up on the most delicious olive oil in one of the tiniest authentic ancient villages.

One thing to bear in mind, the further south you go, and the more out of the British tourist season you travel, the more you get a feel of the real Spain. This includes no dinner before 9:30pm at the earliest. Once you realise this, it’s no problem as long as you make sure that your kids – and maybe even the adults too – take the genuine Spanish siesta in the afternoon.

Before you hit the coast with its countless beaches and beach resorts, consider a small detour to Granada for a history and culture fix in its historically unsurpassable Alhambra, where Arab and Christian architecture merge in what is part-palace, part-fort, partWorld Heritage site. Make sure you book in advance as only a certain number of entrance tickets are sold each day. If you need some quiet and tranquillity after the tourist masses, go shopping for local handicrafts in the lofty villages of Las Alpujarras, the hippy mountains south of the Sierra Nevada and the last part of Spain to retain a strong Muslim population after the fall of Granada in 1492. » 17

Heading north

«Following a few lazy beach days anywhere between Malaga and Gibraltar, you might want to consider an excursion to the tranquil and often forgotten mountainous hinterland. Take a jumper, as temperatures can vary dramatically. National parks with hiking trails of all levels and historic villages around mediaeval plazas and traditional tapas places compete in picturesque beauty.

Our highlights included an afternoon in one of Spain’s oldest settlements, the rugged white town of Ronda, perched spectacularly above the sheer cliffs of the Tajo Gorge with unforgettable mountain views; Gibraltar’s renowned cheeky apes; a day hiking with goats in the Parque Natural Sierra de las Nieves and one of the finest Via Verdes in La Sierra – an old railway line transformed into traffic-free thoroughfares for bikers, hikers and horse-riders.

To get back to Malta, you can return to Madrid airport by long-distance bus, national rail, plane or rental car.

On your way, don’t miss out on sun-kissed Seville. No other city is as quintessentially Spanish; its everlasting energy and soulful secrets have played a pivotal role in the evolution of flamenco, bullfighting, baroque art and Mudejar architecture.

Top: Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park Left: Mudejar architecturet in Teruel Above: Seville Bottom left: Park Güell

by Gaudi in Barcelona

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If you don’t need the sun in order to have a good time, why not head north to what has long been one of Europe’s most alluring destinations? Direct flights from many of the numerous Andalusian airports such as Seville or Malaga take you directly to Barcelona.

Catalonia’s capital has a completely different feel to Madrid and in both the autumn and the spring you are better off taking an extra jacket and a few more euros.

Compared to Madrid, the people are a bit more rushed, the overall city-feel is a bit more cosmopolitan and accommodation and food are more expensive.

However, Barcelona also bursts with stimulating innovations in wholesome cuisines such as paleo, vegan and gluten-free creations, historic as well as modern and renovated sea-front pleasures and an explosion of more modern, wild arts filled by the inspirational breezes left behind by Gaudi, Miro, Dali, Picasso and the like.

Whether seated in one of the green parks or ethnic cafés in the funky university area near the Gothic Quarters, or more tapa-ed under in one of the touristy or traditional bars and bistros in the charmingly quaint historic centre near Gaudi’s famous Sagrada Familia, you have little doubt that the next great artist – from author, through designer to producer and painter – is developing his or her ideas a table or two away from yours.

If time allows, stay in the north and take a westward fling through postcard-perfect villages on the cusp of the Parque Nacional de Ordesa in Monte Perdido in Northern Aragon; Galicia’s prominent Guggenheim Museum, which turned Bilbao from a byword for industrial decay into a major European art centre by the river; or a deeper look into your soul as you travel along the legendary Camino de Santiago.

North or south, soulful or light, cuisine, culture, nature, history and more – Spain promises to never disappoint and remains one of the most affordable travel destinations in Europe, even more so in the off season. Vamonos?

Dini Martinez is a travel author, blogger, conscious mother and doula, live-aboard sailor and international yoga teacher who spent her high-school years in the late 1990s in Spain and continues to regularly visit her beloved Iberian Peninsula. Direct flights from Malta to Madrid are available all year round. Direct flights from Malta to Gerona, Seville and Valencia are only available during the high season.

BAGS BY: BRACCIALINI. TOSCA BLU. RIPANI. FRANCESCO BIASIA. LUPO. RADLEY. TULA. JEWELLERY BY: DANSK. COEUR DE LION. NOUR. SQUADRA BLU. GABY’S. STAMERRA. LOLA ROSE & TUTTI & CO.

PORTOMASO SHOPPING COMPLEX, ST. JULIAN’S. TEL: 2137 2079 WWW.PORT OMALTA.C OM

CLOSING THE CIRC

The Thousand Team is an innovative initiative that will take the concept of raising much-needed funds for the poor and destitute in Ethiopia to the next level, writes Kilimanjaro Challenge veteran Keith Marshall.

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RCLE l, writes

t’s 3 o’clock in the morning, in the middle of nowhere, and some things stay the same: 14 years of visiting Ethiopia and insomnia is still my best buddy. It’s not all bad; the silence of the night is broken only ever so often by the eerie laughter of a hyena that gives me the time and space to think – a luxury often lost in the western world.

I think back across this incredible journey and how circumstances have dealt me such amazing cards.

Meeting Fr George Grima (Dun Gorg of the Jesus in Thy Neighbour missionary movement to everyone who knows him) was a blessing: he opened the door to a whole new world. How this revealed itself from thereon still amazes me to this day. The way in which what started out as a one-off, expression-of-bravado trip to this magnificent land and turned into a life mission always brings a smile to my face, even on the darkest day.

It was never going to be easy. Dealing with a completely different culture is compelling, tedious and at times downright frustrating. But passion for one’s beliefs will often shine through and half a million euros raised through the course of nine expeditions up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and ploughed into eight projects over the last 11 years provides clear testimony.

I think about how many different people we have had the privilege of getting involved with throughout the journey – people from such different walks of life and with such different outlooks but, nevertheless, all converging into a single belief, a common credo: justice for the underprivileged. My mind doesn’t linger too much on the past – yesteryear has had its say. It’s time to tear myself away from memories and focus on the present and very near future.

We will be joined by nine members of the Kilimanjaro Challenge 9 expedition within the next few days – hardy people who took on 20,000 feet of snow, rock and mountain, and won. Still, they chose to break away from Tanzania following an arduous and physically exhausting challenge to experience the trials and tribulations of a lapsed social system and so be present for the opening of the kindergarten they worked hard for in the far-distant village of Sorsa in Ethiopia.

Collectively, it has been a massive effort; raising the €65,000 needed to finance this project was never going to be easy but from the word go, this hardy bunch locked horns with the challenge and bulldozed their

way through. Now they will savour the satisfaction of having been involved in a life-changing experience for children that otherwise would have had no chance of a fair shot.

How will they cope with things? Will the experience leave them bitter and enraged about the injustices of this world, or will it be inspirational and spur them on to greater things? Only time will tell.

The Thousand Team

The Kilimanjaro Challenge has worked well, as the results over the years will attest. But it isn’t enough – we need to up the game. Now that I have an able steed to help with the mountain expeditions, I should be in a position to free up time for our new venture: ‘The Thousand Team’.

Every member involved in the KC expeditions was asked to raise a minimum of €1,500 to be eligible to take on the challenge. But now we’re asking: why do you need to be part of a team of mountain climbers in order to pitch in financially?

We believe that there are many people out there who would look beyond this idea. The crux of the matter is contributing to something meaningful. And what could be more important than saving the lives of children?

This is what The Thousand Team is all about – the collective strength of people who care.

What we are proposing is that everyone involved in the 1,000 team pledges to collect €1,000 over the year. It could be a group thing, a straightforward €1,000 cheque or even a company effort.

Our aim is to hit the hundred-person mark and €100,000 which would then be used to finance water projects, grinding mills, kindergartens, clinics and the like in Ethiopia. All the money will be delivered to Fr George Grima, cheques endorsed to the ‘Missionary Movement Jesus in Thy Neighbour’ and receipts will be issued accordingly. All workings and costings will be made public and a full spread of photographs will be displayed on the social media group pages.

We would rather be associated with the solution than be sitting on the fence watching life pass by. What do you say? Will you join us? Be a leader – don’t wait to follow others. It’s your life, your aspirations, your inspirations and your rules.

If you are interested in being part of The Thousand Team, contact Keith Marshall via keith@keithandco.com

Main image: Inspiring vistas of the Tanzanian skyline, Kilimanjaro looming loud and proud Above left: The Charles Buddy kindergarten Above right: Success!

All 17 members of the Kilimanjaro Challenge team at Uhuru Peak Left: Fr George Grima and volunteers Right: David Schembri Far left: Celine Xuereb Below left: Michela Catania Below Mario Pullicino Below right: Matt Spiteri

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CARNIVAL GEMS .

An interesting lecture on the Qarcilla, a traditional play that used to be staged in the streets of Malta around Carnival time, and how it has a place in the history of Maltese jewellery, is being given in Valletta tomorrow, 15 February.

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he centuries-old tradition of the Qarċilla, a burlesque play held at street corners during Carnival, has in recent years been revived and is once again a source of inspiration for Maltese authors. The plot is always about a couple and their families who appear in front of a notary for the drawing up of the dowry agreement.

The script, with some preamble, is the dowry agreement itself written in verse, taking the form of a long poem. It is written in jest and is intended to be performed in front of a crowd of carnival revellers who will appreciate the bawdy lines and vulgar innuendos and will jeer and cheer accordingly.

Luckily, some of the 18th and 19th century scripts of the Qarċilla have survived in manuscript or printed form and have become an important source for the study of the popular culture of the period.

In an illustrated lecture organised by the Department of Maltese and the Department of History of Art of the University of Malta, in collaboration with Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum, jewellery historian Francesca Balzan will delve deep into the various texts of the Qarċilla and expose a treasure trove of gems and jewels that shed light on types of jewellery of Malta’s past.

Members of the public are invited to attend the lecture on this light-hearted subject, which is expected to give new insights into the history of jewellery in Malta. It will be held tomorrow, 15 February, at 6.30pm, at Dar l-Ewropa, 254 St Paul’s Street, Valletta. The lecture will be in English.

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THE

Shirt, trousers, coat and shoes from Karen Millen; Nour necklace and Chiara P bag from Porto; Bulgari sunglasses from O’hea.

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E AVIATOR PHOTOGRAPHER, STYLIST AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: FEDERICO PELTRETTI MAKE-UP AND HAIR: DIANE GALEA FROM CHEMIMART MODEL: VICTORIA ROTCHENKOVA LOCATION: MALTA AVIATION MUSEUM, TA’QALI

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Shirt, trousers and scarf from 1-2-3; shoes from Karen Millen; Tosca Blu bag, Nour bracelet, earrings and Gaby ring from Porto; Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses from O’hea.

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Vera Mont dress and jacket from Mei, Stamerra bracelet, Parure bracelet, necklace and earrings and Braccialini bag from Porto; shoes from Karen Millen; Ray Ban sunglasses from O’hea.

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Betty Barclay jeans and leather jacket from Mei; Kelly Craig scarf, Nour necklace and earrings and Ripani bag from Porto; Prada sunglasses from O’hea.

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Shirt, trousers and jeans jacket from 1-2-3; shoes from Karen Millen; Nour necklace and bracelet and Tosca Blu bag from Porto; Max&Co sunglasses from O’hea.

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Wool shirt, jeans, jacket and shoes from Karen Millen; Tosca Blu bag and Lola Rose rings from Porto; Bulgari sunglasses from O’hea.

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Dress from 1-2-3; shoes from Karen Millen, Kelly Craig fur neck piece, Nour bracelet and Braccialini bag from Porto; Jimmy Choo sunglasses from O’hea.

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OUTLETS FEATURED 1-2-3, Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian’s. Tel: 2374 5031 Mei, Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian’s. Tel: 2137 6690 Porto, Portomaso Shopping Complex, St Julian’s. Tel: 2137 2079 O’hea, 191, The Strand, Gzira.

Tel: 2131 5590 Karen Millen, Old Theatre Street, Valletta. Tel: 9989 7642

Betty Barclay skirt and jacket from Mei; shoes from Karen Millen; Kelly Craig fur collar, Tutti & Co bracelet and Chiara P bag from Porto; Max&Co sunglasses from O’hea.

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Catsuit, jacket and boots from Karen Millen; Stamera bracelet, Nour necklace, earrings, bracelet and rings, Couer de Lion rings and Ripani bag from Porto; Bio Based sunglasses from O’hea.

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SILKY SUPERPOWERS

With each new season there comes a sudden rush of excitement about the accessories that come along with it.

There are the usual suspects of course, such as hats and gloves, but here, FIRST style guru Bibiche would also like to introduce a new accessory: the silky superpower.

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t’s not exactly new, but it’s definitely powerful! In 1937, the scarf made its debut from Hermes. Since then, Hermes has produced over 2,000 silk scarves, quickly adopted by royalty and celebrities alike. Style icons such as Queen Elizabeth, Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly were all fans – and

so am I. The scarves I wear aren’t handmade though, and didn’t take a full 18 months to complete; neither do they boast 27 distinct colours. Nevertheless, they are not just scarves.

These very small pieces of fabric upgrade any look that might be seen as boring or conservative. Tie them into a bow, or use them like a tie. Hang them loose around your neck or wear them like a movie bandit – in front or on the back of your neck. Soon you will start to feel naked without one!

There are a million styles and colour options to choose from, and the fun doesn’t stop at styling the neck – oh no! When I picture myself styling using a scarf, here are just some of the endless options that I see.

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A headband

It works on any hair colour, texture or length. When using a silk scarf, use a wide, (gummy-gripped lining) plastic headband to tuck in the edges of your hair after you tie it on, in order to keep it in place.

A belt

Forget the leather belt and give your plain jeans a fresh new look by adding a printed scarf. It also works well on your good old crisp white shirt, trench or cardigan, as you can see in the picture.

THERE ARE A MILLION STYLES AND COLOUR OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM, AND THE FUN DOESN’T STOP AT STYLING THE NECK

A cuff

Stand out by wearing a scarf wrapped around your wrist. Choose bright colours if you are wearing something plain and intend to add a subtle splash of chic.

Alternatively, opt for a less bright one should you want this scarf to blend in with the rest of your outfit, yet also make a stylish statement. Try to wrap the scarf over the part of your wrist where you spray your scent.

This will help allow your scent to follow you around.

A handbag accessory

Tying a bright silk scarf around your bag is easy accessorising – an old handbag is instantly brought back to life again!

A silk scarf might not keep you warm this winter, but it definitely adds a dose of cool to any look. I encourage each and every one of you to start tying and trying.

Whether you are pressed for time or feeling a bit uninspired to get dressed up… remember your silky superpower!

Check out more silky superpower looks at www.b-biche.com

beauty banter 1.

Keeping your mind and body in check

2.

3.

4.

1. Fruitelia and Alpha Complex provide rapid renovating action on lines and wrinkles. These Yon-Ka Medi products can be a treatment at the salon or at home, offering alpha vital brightening, resurfacing and a renewing facial with fruit acids. Available from leading salons and spas. For trade enquiries contact Beauty Culture Group on 2144 0424 or 2744 0424. www.beautyculturecentre.com or info@beautysuppliesmalta.com

4. Prada Candy Florale is an exciting floral fragrance full of life and sensuality, inspired by an imaginary flower that smells like candy or a bouquet of flowers standing on the counter of an ice cream shop in Italy.

This romantic and powdery composition contains accords of limoncello sorbet, flower of peony, benzoin, musk, caramel and honey. The fragrance is available as a 30, 50 and 80ml eau de toilette. Exclusively distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd. Tel: 2133 1553

2. Valentina Poudre is about the art of dressing the skin in a natural way. For the first time, a Valentino fragrance gets into the universe of make-up and only keeps the essentials to sublimate beauty without artifact, embodying the essence of Valentino Maison femininity. Exclusively distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd. Tel: 2133 1553

competition

3. The CH Men Privé man has an irresistible charm and he knows how to make an immediate impression. It is his impeccable taste which sets him apart from the rest.

Thanks to his irresistible charm and wit, he attracts the good things in life. He is a modern man who knows when it is time for business and for pleasure. Exclusively distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd. Tel: 2133 1553

Answer the following question to WIN A VALENTINA POUDRE EAU DE PARFUM 50ML worth ¤72: IN WHICH AMERICAN CITY ARE CHARLES AND RON DISPLAYING THEIR SPRING/SUMMER 2016 COLLECTION THIS MONTH?

Send your answer, including your full name and contact details, by Friday 26 February to: First perfume competition, The Malta Indepdendent, Standard House, Birkirkara Hill, St Julian’s. Good luck!

Karen M print blou illen Floral se Karen Millen Printed boot

fashion street Head-turning style for all budgets

g you t! n takin h optio ile stocks las s li ty s h e rto: th er cent off w o P m p ro bags f rk to play! 30 o y work Radle rtably from w comfo

Karen Millen button detail wide leg trousers

Karen Mill drawstrin en Suede in black angdtote available blue

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OUTLET DIRECTORY: Karen Millen, Old Theatre Street, Valletta. Tel: 9989 7642. Porto, Portomaso Shopping Complex, St. Julian’s,. Tel: 2137 2079. MEI, Westin Dragonara Resort, St. Julian’s,. Tel: 2137 6690.

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ss

The brand new Betty & Co collection is available at Mei

The Spring 2016 Betty Barclay collection is available at Mei, where the winter sale is still on

W IS IN ST T E IL R S LO A N. LE ..

N O I T C E L L O C G N I R P S W E N

Your

westin dragonara resort, st. julians – tel: 21376690 – opening hours: mon to fri 10am - 7pm, sat 10am - 6pm

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DYNAMIC, PLAYFUL AND CONFIDENT

The highly individual fashion brand Karen Millen offers a Spring/Summer 2016 collection that embodies the idea of expressing uniqueness through personal style.

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or spring and summer 2016, Karen Millen continues to develop the idea of individuality through three diverse personalities that have their roots in Britain – just like the Londonbased atelier – but speak to women all over the world. The Karen Millen woman is universal, as is her strong but smiling sense of style.

Street style

The graphic city range encompasses the sartorial needs of our career-focused, fastpaced urbanite. Stripes give a zing of graphic polish to precise-cut shift dresses and crisp little skirts and a dynamic trim to bodyhugging dresses in clean sporty textures.

They also give a city-smart boldness to lighter, fluid pieces like the shirt-dress in bold bands of cobalt and black and a city-smartness to wraptop, full-skirted dresses in simple navy and white. This section also sees vivid colour pops of paint box brights in dresses with dippy asymmetric hems and shifts with laced seams.

Adding to the 1990s’ sporty vibe, we’ve issued neat tracksuit trousers, loose tops with peek-aboo circle cut-outs and fitted tops graphically sliced to bare shoulders.

Bohemian summer

Honing in on individualism, the Karen Millen woman can create her own look through pieces rich with personality. With a retro romantic, global traveller nod, we took our iconic leather jacket and remade it in soft tan suede with subtle rivets, reissued our popular kick-flare jeans and developed our knitwear with abstract fringing.

Underpinning this part of the collection is smooth, luxurious tailoring in chic, neutral, earthy shades – see the sand-coloured safari dress and the dropshouldered, belted jacket in creamy citrus. From the strikingly simple indigo denim jumpsuit, to the shift dress in woven raffia, and from slim ivory Capri jeans to tie-neck blouses, our Portobello-meetsworld adventuress can

indulge her passion for cool dressing up wherever she lives.

English garden

Romance is also part of the Karen Millen story this spring and summer, be it in bold or delicate form. Longer silhouettes float and are full of movement. The sense of lightness and femininity can be seen in voluminous-sleeves on vintagetype blouses that close with hooks and eyes, right through to softly-tiered peasant dresses and lingerie trims on fine pale knitwear.

Referencing English gardens and vivid tropical forests, florals bloom over billowy fabrics cut into easy dress shapes, long-pleat skirts and cool halter-neck jumpsuits. The print element culminates in flowers and stripes spliced together in one gorgeous, ankle skimming, bare-shouldered dress.

Keying into the season’s new erogenous zone, the nude shoulder is purposefully displayed with sheer lace necklines and devoré tops with hooks and eyes intended to be worn unfastened.

and cool suede boots. And as for the season’s nostalgic romance, when it comes to high summer, who can resist cork heels and raffia wedges?

Check out the collection at Karen Millen, Old Theatre Street, Valletta.

Accessories

The carefully curated range of accessories has been developed with the above themes in mind.

Aspirational, everyday working bags in ‘bucket’ or handbag form are individualised with chunky tassels, and their urban footwear counterparts are equally sleek with open-toed perforated leather shoeboots and midi-heeled suede sandals with a generous ankle cuff.

For speedy city run-arounds, we have developed the chic doubletasselled loafers. The Brompton bag – which is also city smart for day or night – has been reinterpreted this season with a flash of patent and a fine silver chain, and comes in black, cobalt, orange and zingy citruslime.

As with the brand’s womenswear, the accessories also compliment the season’s general softening-up: note our big slouchy bags in deep tan and navy suspended on chunky chain straps and our butter-soft moccasins in black, bright-blue and tan.

Fringing, another personalised element, features on our Portobello bag 39

FASHION’S DYNAMIC DUO From small runway shows in Malta in the early 1990s, to showing off their Spring/Summer collection in New York this year – and opening a boutique in Attard and a shop on Republic Street along the way – the growth of the Charles & Ron brand has been remarkable. Colin Fitz caught up with the pair for a chat about their journey so far.

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C

harles Borg was introduced to Ron Van Maarschalkerweerd on a trip to Amsterdam in 1992. They realised that they had a connection and, after travelling back and forth for a couple of months, Ron decided to move to Malta.

“Charles had been sewing clothes from a very young age and I encouraged him to take it up as a profession. That is how it all started,” explains Ron, the Dutch half of the renowned fashion duo. “I loved Malta from the first moment I got here 24 years ago and I still feel the same today. It’s an on-going love affair.”

For his part, Charles expresses his appreciation of the Netherlands. “I love spending time with my in-laws and in the beautiful countryside as well as in Amsterdam, which is an amazing city. But I must admit that after a while, wherever I go, I miss Malta,” he muses.

We move on to discussing the roots of the Charles & Ron brand.

“We grew into the art gradually and always made an effort to learn and improve. After a while we had the opportunity to work on a collection with a close friend, Joseph Fountain. This was the first-ever show we did and it set us off designing and showing two collections a year,” Ron elaborates.

“At first, our designs carried the label Beatrix. This later developed into Beatrix by Charles & Ron but once we started showing our collections internationally we changed the label to the current Charles & Ron.” The two claim to have different individual styles, possibly resulting from the fact that Ron is from northern Europe and Charles is a Mediterranean man, making for quite an interesting dichotomy.

OVER THE YEARS, THE MALTESE PEOPLE HAVE STARTED EMBRACING THEIR HERITAGE AND HAVE LEARNED NOT TAKE THEIR CULTURE FOR GRANTED “Over the years we have developed our own style which I think is a mixture of the more outgoing Mediterranean style and the more down-to-earth Northern European style. I don’t think we ever made a decision to follow a particular path in fashion, but once we met things just happened naturally,” explains Charles.

“When we started out we both really admired Gianfranco Ferré and Valentino and, later on, Alexander McQueen. The Charles & Ron style has developed over the years and was influenced mostly by our own taste and our surroundings, the Mediterranean influences, the way of life here and its style and fashion,” adds Ron. The duo cites Malta as an enormous inspiration for their work. “Over the years we’ve always enjoyed designing from a Mediterranean point of view. For us, it’s important to incorporate certain aspects of culture, architecture and tradition and show them in a different and unexpected way. From the beginning, we always incorporated these references as they define us as a brand and it’s important to embrace and appreciate your heritage,” Charles explains.

“I think that, over the years, the Maltese people have started embracing their heritage and learned not take their culture for granted. Our local symbols and cultural aspects have an international appeal.”

These Maltese influences have also seemingly been embraced internationally, with Charles & Ron’s Spring/Summer 2016 designs inspired by the Maltese luzzu being picked up by international colour company Pantone, which has included them in their Spring/Summer 2016 trend forecast.

I ask them about their international adventures and what they mean to the pair.

“It’s super exciting to travel with a collection and show it to new audiences,” Ron enthuses. “The whole process of creating a new collection is stressful but also a lot of fun. We’ve been to several fashion cities but at the moment we are concentrating on New York Fashion Week, which offers great and very satisfying experiences. This month we’ll be presenting our new Fall/Winter collection in New York and we are proud to be collaborating with the world’s best shoe designer as the models will wear Manolo Blahnik shoes for our runway show.”

We move back from the States to Malta and discuss the fledgling fashion industry here.

“The scene has expanded and improved and it’s great to see new designers starting their own business. For us, it’s also satisfying to know that we have helped to encourage these young designers to believe that there is the possibility of having your own fashion business in Malta.

“We have always worked hard to encourage people to believe in and support local creative talent. There is still a long way to go, and it’s important that we keep on educating the market by showing them that it is cool to buy from a local designer. Firstly you are supporting your own economy; secondly, you are buying something that was probably handcrafted and will last you longer and last but not least, it is most likely far more original than any mass produced item,” Charles explains.

“For us, the process of growth has always been very organic. We always took small steps at a time, and worked very hard to achieve our goals. We are very proud of our flagship store which we recently opened in Valletta and also of our boutique at the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa in Attard. Every new venture brings new challenges and responsibilities, but we love the fact that what we create is so well-received,” concludes Ron.

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Right: Violinist Carmine Lauri Below: Wilfred Kenely, RIDT Chief Executive

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hy was brain disorder research in particular chosen as the beneficiary of this concert?

This concert is being organised as part of a campaign to increase awareness about the brain and to raise funds for research in various areas of brain studies. The campaign reaches its peak in March, when it joins the international community to celebrate Brain Awareness Week between 14 and 20 March.

How widespread and how important is research in this field?

Some months ago, researchers and academics from a number of departments and faculties of the University of Malta set up the Malta Neuroscience Network. This includes scientists working in pathology, anatomy, clinical medicine, psychology, ICT, cognitive science and other areas related to brain activity. These people are conducting research in their respective area of brain study. Some of the research covers more than one area, thus cutting across multiple departments and faculties.

The brain is perhaps the most complex machine that we can find in the entire world, and scientists all over the world have always been keen to decipher how it works. Science has come a long way in this regard and today we know much more than, say, 50 years ago, but there is still a lot that we don’t know and that’s why we need to keep investing in research.»

THE FOUR SEASONS FOR BRAIN RESEARCH The Research, Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT) of the University of Malta will present a concert of Vivaldi’s famous violin concerto The Four Seasons next month, featuring internationally-acclaimed musicians, in aid of brain research. The RIDT was established in 2011 as a joint initiative between the university and the government, with the specific objective of increasing the research activity within the various departments of the university. This is achieved by raising funds for research projects in all areas of study through engagement with society – industry, civil society and individuals. FIRST spoke to RIDT chief executive Wilfred Kenely about the concert and the Trust.

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Above: Professor Mario Valentino from the University of Malta Left: Mro Michael Laus Far left: Research in motion capture systems at the Department of Systems and Control Engineering

SCIENCE AND ART HAVE ALWAYS MADE VERY GOOD BED-FELLOWS. WE BELIEVE THAT IN ORDER TO PROMOTE TOP-NOTCH SCIENCE AND RESEARCH WE SHOULD HAVE TOP-NOTCH EVENTS «Is RIDT, or the organisations with which it works, on the verge of any breakthrough in this field?

The role of the RIDT is to support this research by creating the resources for it, mainly the financial resources. The actual research is carried out in the departments of the University of Malta, which in many cases is the result of collaboration with other international research centres or universities. The main objective of the research is to understand more.

Breakthroughs happen in small steps but leading to any breakthrough is a vast amount of new knowledge that needs to be discovered.

How significant is it that top musician Carmine Lauri and a top conductor like Michael Laus have agreed to perform for this cause?

Science and art have always made very good bedfellows. We believe that in order to promote top-notch science and research we should have top-notch events and so we asked two internationally acclaimed artists – violinist Carmine Lauri and Mro Michael Laus – to support our event and are very honoured that they obliged. I would like to add that the performance will be supported by a 14-piece string ensemble that is also made up of some of the best musicians that this country can provide.

We want to give people the opportunity to enjoy a lovely evening of the beautiful music of The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi performed by some of our best talents, and at the same time contributing to our cause. I believe that it is a win-win opportunity.

Is their involvement proof that successful personalities from the artistic world are embracing the work being carried out by RIDT?

I believe that more and more people are today acknowledging the fascinating work that our scientists 44

are carrying out. And, yes, this case is another endorsement by these artists towards this work at the University of Malta by these scientists and researchers.

As I said earlier, the RIDT is a means to an end, and not an end in itself.

Are you happy with the current amount of recognition and awareness of, and support for, the RIDT that exists at the moment?

The concept of applying philanthropy and corporate social responsibility (CSR) for university research is new to Malta and, like any new concept, it was bound to take time to be accepted. The same concept is present in many other societies in Europe and the US, where universities forge strong ties with their communities. So I have to say that I am very pleased that, after only four years, we have managed to make significant inroads in promoting this concept.

Right now we have three PhD students who have benefitted from private scholarships – two in breast cancer research and the other in climate change.

Another PhD scholarship in cancer research is due to be announced shortly.

All these are the result of donations from individuals and organisations. We also have agreements with private companies who have decided to direct their CSR programmes towards research, and last year we presented a fully-equipped mobile dental clinic to the Faculty of Dental Surgery of the University. The clinic has been totally financed by the community through the RIDT. Also last year we received the support of the Malta Community Chest Fund towards bone research which was in itself a major achievement.

So, yes, I am happy, even if I know that there is much more that can be achieved.

The concert is also being endorsed and supported by various other organisations. Could you tell us which ones, and how they are lending their support?

The concert is being supported by APS Bank and by the ADRC Foundation. They have given their financial support through which we can cover all our organisational expenses, making it possible for all the proceeds to go towards our goal. We also received the support of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, which is providing the harpsichord to be used in the concert together with logistical support, for which we are very grateful.

What other special programmes is RIDT focusing on at the moment and can you share a little of what lies in store for the Trust?

The RIDT is continuously reaching out to attract more and more funding for research. We would like to reach a stage where all sectors of society – industry, NGOs and individuals – will consider supporting research when considering making a philanthropic contribution.

Similarly, we would like to see more and more companies include support for research in their CSR programmes.

There is no arguing about the fact that we, as a country, are always ready to support a good cause. The RIDT strongly believes that university research deserves to be considered as another good cause that merits our support. What lies ahead is not for the RIDT but for the whole nation. An investment in research is an investment in our future.

Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons will be performed on Easter Sunday, 27 March, at 7.30pm at St Publius Church in Floriana.

The concert features internationally acclaimed Maltese violinist Carmine Lauri under the direction of Maestro Michael Laus.

Tickets are available from St James Cavalier, Valletta or via the website: http://ticketengine.sjcav.org

DEALING WITH A DILEMMA

Dear Claire

However, nobody is perfect and you must not only accept any idiosyncrasies or peculiarities but turn them into attractive differences.

On Valentine’s Day we celebrate love in any form. Well, even if you are not attached, you are going to spend the day with the person you are most comfortable with – yourself. So you have no reason to wallow in self-pity. Pamper yourself and take the opportunity to do things you enjoy. It could be buying yourself a new outfit or booking a massage. If you would rather stay at home, then fill up a warm bath, add some oil and relax. You can then wear something comfortable, pour yourself a glass of wine and listen to some soothing music, read a book or watch a film.

If you have other friends who are single, organise an activity together. You can have a bottle party at home.

Alternatively, you can go out and have a good time.

Whether you choose to spend the day alone or in company, focus on the positives rather than moaning about not having yet found the love of your life. Being

I feel very miserable and lonely. I am the eldest of three sisters. My siblings are both happy in a stable relationship while somehow I always end up in a wrong relationship which leaves me heartbroken. I know that on Valentine’s Day, while my sisters will be celebrating their love, I will probably spend the day locked up in my room drowning my loneliness by listening to music. Why am I so unlucky when it comes to men?

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obody can ever love you more than you love yourself. Therefore, until you truly accept and are happy with YOU, neither can you love yourself but nor can anyone else. So the first important points are self-acceptance, increasing self-confidence, and ultimately

learning to love who you are. As you appreciate your self-worth and importance, it will become easier for you to transmit that to those in your company.

Whether alone or with professional help, invest time to identify all of your good qualities that make you unique and desirable. In the process, you can also pinpoint those issues which may require some adjustment and focus on addressing these in turn.

ON VALENTINE’S DAY WE CELEBRATE LOVE IN ANY FORM. EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT ATTACHED, YOU ARE GOING TO SPEND THE DAY WITH THE PERSON YOU ARE MOST COMFORTABLE WITH – YOURSELF

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single has its advantages, so enjoy them while you can.

And now to tackle another point in your letter: finding the right man is not a question of luck. If you feel as if you are always attracting men who are not ready to commit, it is quite possible that you unconsciously choose such men because you yourself have this fear. Rather than acknowledging your discomfort, you may be attracted to people who will hurt you and suffer heartbreak time and time again. This will only increase and reinforce your fear and distrust.

So what to do? Seek help and identify any blocks that are keeping you from building a meaningful relationship that will make you truly happy. Love is complex and includes several elements such as thoughts and feelings. It seldom happens at first sight, contrary to what is commonly depicted in soap operas and pop literature. It is more of a process: a succession of choices. When two people come together, they may be initially overwhelmed by passion, but this usually lasts a few months at most.

When routine settles in, it is necessary for both to continue working on the relationship to keep it alive and well.

In other words, when deciding whether to engage in a relationship, take time to get to know the person. Do not stop at appearances. Consider all aspects of the person’s character as well as how he makes you feel about yourself. Think of whether you share the same basic values, and whether you would be able to tolerate, and accept, any differences in the long term.

IF YOU HAVE OTHER FRIENDS WHO ARE SINGLE, ORGANISE AN ACTIVITY TOGETHER. YOU CAN HAVE A BOTTLE PARTY AT HOME. ALTERNATIVELY, YOU CAN GO OUT AND HAVE A GOOD TIME. WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO SPEND THE DAY ALONE OR IN COMPANY, FOCUS ON THE POSITIVES RATHER THAN MOANING ABOUT NOT HAVING YET FOUND THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE Another important consideration is how the person reacts to adversity and disagreements with you or others. A key indicator is his level of respect towards the important people in his life.

By this I mean that you should be open to love.

Don’t give up on someone simply because you do not feel immediate physical attraction. Notice the words and gestures that make your day; the attitude that makes you feel as if you are the best thing that ever happened to him. When you find the person who brings out the best in you in every sense, you will

want to spend more and more time with him. Above all, you will realise that you are able to create your very own special chemistry. So just open up your heart and mind to allow yourself to be loved for who you are.

Claire Bugelli Bounce Life Coaching Tel: 7957 9813 claire@bounce-life-coaching.com www.bounce-life-coaching.com Facebook: Bounce Life Coaching Malta 47

THE FOOD OF LOVE

Warming pulled pork stew with rice

Serves 4 Ingredients: 1kg pork cheeks with all visible fat and sinews removed; 3 tbs gluten-free flour; 2 large onions, finely chopped; 6 cloves garlic; 2 tbs sweet paprika; 2 tbs ground cumin; 600ml full-bodied red wine or beef stock; 4 tbs coconut oil To serve: A sprinkling of flat-leaf parsley, chopped; a sprinkling of roasted flaked almonds For the rice: 450ml basmati rice; 900ml water; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 2 tbs cumin seeds; 1 tbs coconut oil 48

Clean and trim the pork cheeks. Peel and finely chop the onions. Heat two tablespoons of oil in a pan and fry the onions until they are brown and caramelised, then set aside.

Dredge the pork cheeks in the flour and remove any excess. Heat two tbs of oil in the same pan and fry the pork in batches, adding more oil if required, until browned all over and well-sealed. Return the onion to the pan and slowly add the wine/stock and spices. Peel and crush the garlic and add to the pan. Bring to a simmer, cover and leave for a minimum of four hours, stirring occasionally.

Using two forks, shred the meat then leave

to simmer for a further hour. Add pepper and salt to taste. By now the sauce should be thick. Serve on basmati rice with a good sprinkling of parsley and roast almond flakes.

For the rice Heat some oil in a pan and fry the finely chopped onion and garlic until cooked through. Add the cumin seeds and stir until the flavour develops. Add the rice and fry for a minute until well amalgamated. Add pepper and salt to taste.

Add the water, cover and simmer until all the water has been absorbed. Fluff up the rice and serve with the warming stew.

First’s resident chef Ingrid Mercieca has come up with two delicious gluten-free and lactose-free recipes for February, one for a warming pork stew and the other for a scrumptious chocolate dessert. Photography by Michael Camilleri.

Chocolate heart Serves 5 100g pitted prunes 100g pitted dates 100g dried apricots 100g sultanas 100g dried cranberries 3 tbs cocoa powder 3 tbs crunchy, organic peanut butter 3 tbs warm water One packet shredded or flaked coconut

Pulse the dates with the water in a food processor until you achieve a lumpy paste. Add the peanut butter and cocoa powder and mix until well-blended. Remove from bowl and set aside.

In the same container, pulse the fruit – adding small quantities at a time – until they are well chopped and thoroughly mixed together. It is important not to throw in all the ingredients in one go as this may cause the machine to overheat. When all the fruit has been well chopped, add the coconut oil and begin adding the date mixture, one tbs at a time, until it is all well incorporated. Form into the desired shape and coat in flaked or shredded coconut.

This month’s chef, Ingrid Mercieca, offers catering services and individual orders for all occasions. You can also choose from cakes, jams and chutneys and special occasion goods like figolli for Easter and mince-pies and Christmas logs for Christmas. She can be reached via her Facebook page Gooding Real Food by Caring Hands or via e-mail on ingsol@onvol.net. Turn to the next page for some interesting facts about lactose and gluten intolerance.

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GLUTEN AND LACTOSE INTOLERENCE FACTFILE Following Ingrid Mercieca’s tantalising lactose- and gluten-free recipes on the previous pages, here are a few points to keep in mind about the two conditions.

LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

This is a condition in which people have digestive symptoms – such as bloating, diarrhea, and gas – after eating or drinking milk or milk products. These are the four types that have been identified: • Primary lactase deficiency, also called lactase non-persistence, is the most common type of lactase deficiency. In people with this condition, lactase production declines over time. This decline often begins at about age two; however, the decline may begin later.

Children who have lactase deficiency may not experience symptoms of lactose intolerance until late adolescence or adulthood.

Researchers have discovered that some people inherit genes from their parents that may cause a primary lactase deficiency.

• Secondary lactase deficiency results from injury to the small intestine.

Infection, diseases, or other problems may injure the small intestine.

Treating the underlying cause usually improves the lactose tolerance level.

• Developmental lactase deficiency may occur in infants born prematurely.

This condition usually lasts for only a short time after they are born.

• Congenital lactase deficiency is an extremely rare disorder in which the small intestine produces little or no lactase enzyme from birth. Genes inherited from parents cause this disorder.

Common symptoms of lactose intolerance include: • abdominal bloating, a feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen • abdominal pain • diarrhea • gas • nausea Symptoms occur 30 minutes to two hours after consuming milk or milk products. Symptoms range from mild to severe based on the amount of lactose the person ate or drank and the amount a person can tolerate.

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for about the same length of time or, if it is ultra-pasteurised, longer than regular milk. Lactose-free milk may have a slightly sweeter taste than regular milk.

People may find it helpful to talk with a health care provider or a registered dietitian about a dietary plan. A dietary plan can help people manage the symptoms of lactose intolerance and make sure they get enough nutrients. Parents, childcare providers and others who serve food to children with lactose intolerance should follow the dietary plan recommended by the child’s health care provider or registered dietitian.

This is an immune disease in which people can’t eat gluten because it will damage their small intestine. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley,

Lactose-free and lactose-reduced milk and milk products are available at most supermarkets and are identical nutritionally to regular milk and milk products. Manufacturers treat lactosefree milk with the lactase enzyme. This enzyme breaks down the lactose in the milk. Lactose-free milk remains fresh

which are the main ingredients in food items such as bread and pasta.

Gluten may also be used in products such as vitamin and nutrient supplements, lip balms, and some medicines. Another name for celiac disease is gluten intolerance.

Your body’s natural immune system

CELIAC DISEASE

keeps you healthy by fighting against things that can make you sick, such as bacteria and viruses. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their body’s immune system reacts to the gluten by attacking the lining of the small intestine. The immune system’s reaction to gluten damages small, fingerlike growths called villi. When the villi are damaged, the body cannot get the nutrients it needs.

Celiac disease is hereditary, meaning it runs in families. Adults and children can have celiac disease. It can cause longlasting digestive problems and keep your body from getting all the nutrition it needs. Eventually, celiac disease can cause anemia, infertility, weak and brittle bones, an itchy skin rash, and other health problems.

Symptoms of celiac disease include: • stomach pain • gas • diarrhea • extreme tiredness • change in mood • weight loss • very itchy skin rash with blisters • slowed growth Some people with celiac disease may not feel sick or have symptoms. Or if they feel sick, they don’t know celiac disease is the cause. Most people with celiac disease have one or more symptoms. Not all people with celiac disease have digestive problems. Having one or more of these symptoms does not always mean a person has celiac disease because other disorders can cause these symptoms.

The only treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet. If you avoid gluten, your small intestine will heal. If you eat gluten or use items that contain gluten, celiac disease will continue to harm your small intestine.

If you suspect that you may be a sufferer, get regular checkups so your doctor can diagnose and advise you on the issue, while dietitian can help you select gluten-free foods. You will learn how to check labels of foods and other items for gluten.

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ACHIEVING GOALS THROUGH ATTRACTING TOP TALENT Ian McLoughlin is Tipico’s Chief Operational Officer and is responsible for all the online gaming company’s Product, IT, Customer Operations, Casino, Business Analysis and Bookmakers departments. FIRST asked him about the various departments and the kind of employees his teams need, in view of Tipico Career’s Tipico’s current recruitment drive.

SUCCESSFUL EXECUTION REQUIRES THAT I WORK CLOSELY WITH MY SENIOR TEAM, THE MEMBERS OF WHICH SPAN MOST DEPARTMENTS, TO ENSURE THAT THEY WORK TOGETHER TO DELIVER SIGNIFICANT SUCCESS

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the relevant person in my senior management team.

The main challenges I face as COO are ensuring that we get the strategy right for the company as a whole and figuring out how to achieve these strategic aims by deploying the operational assets of the company correctly.

Successful execution requires that I work closely with my senior team, the members of which span most departments, to ensure that they work together to deliver significant success.

It is a tremendously exhilarating position, given the incredible growth path we have set Tipico on and the complex and fast-moving dynamics of the gambling industry. I’m passionate about what I do and very driven to ensure that Tipico remains number one.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your work?

I find it particularly satisfying when, despite all the odds, we achieve something amazing as a team.

Working through problems with the guys and girls, seeing everyone participating in making tough decisions and pushing themselves to achieve more to ultimately deliver great customer engagement and feedback gives me a huge buzz. As Tipico is growing so fast I have the privilege of working like this every day.

What do you think are the reasons for Tipico’s impressive, ongoing growth?

We have a great strategy which has delivered stellar growth over the last five years – a growth that shows no sign of slowing down. But in order to realise that growth and ensure that we have the right plans for the constant challenge in the fast-moving environment of gambling, we need the best people.

In that regard we simply cannot make any compromises when we hire. We don’t just want the best people, we need them! But it isn’t just about attracting the right people – that’s just the beginning of the process.

Everyone we hire has choices and it’s our job to make sure that we continue to invest heavily in them, challenge them and allow them every opportunity to be everything they can be. That way they chose to stay with us. The result is a very committed and talented workforce which, together, constantly pushes the business forward.

ookmakers, Product Management, Software Development, Payments, Fraud, What advantage does Malta offer your company?

Casino and Business Analysts: that’s quite There are many advantages to being in Malta: a list of departments that you have to • A great pool of young, well-educated, digitallylead. How do go about managing these savvy talent from which to attract the very best. different responsibilities?

• A strong, meaningful, regulatory framework for

One person can never be the expert in every element of such a broad portfolio. I am not and have never tried to be. I have deployed a very simple principle to lead this broad range of teams: I hire good people who are not only experts in their vertical discipline, but who can also work together as a single senior management unit. That way I can maximise my contribution – which is setting and executing ambitious, and at times highly complex, strategic goals for the company as a whole.

For a business of our size, this requires considerable expertise together with seamless crossdepartmental collaboration. The trick to making this work is never compromising on attracting and hiring the very best talent. Getting that right allows me to concentrate on (1) helping my diverse set of individual reporters build trust and respect amongst each other resulting in a strong, capable, crossfunctional team; (2) ensuring that everyone understands their role and responsibility, and (3) removing any barriers to enable the team to accomplish its task.

What are the chief challenges you face in each of the operational departments?

As you can imagine, each department has its own challenges. The day-to-day-challenges are met by

the gambling industry which is recognised as such around the world and which brings a huge legitimacy to our operations.

• An attractive setting to attract performers from overseas.

• A friendly financial environment that has helped digital businesses like Tipico thrive and, consequently, contribute to the Maltese economy.

What is the atmosphere like, working for Tipico, from your point of view?

It’s ‘enabling’ – a place to which you can come and be positively encouraged to use your skills to get amazing things done. It’s ‘fast-moving and exciting’ – we are a digital business, working in a fastchanging environment. It’s ‘collaborative’ – the whole always being greater than the sum of the individual parts. And it’s also ‘friendly and fun’, whilst being highly professional.

What do you look for in potential new recruits?

Expertise, intelligence, ambition, passion and a desire to collaborate.

What advice would you give them?

Never lose interest in learning and challenging yourself every day and never give up!

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A MESMERISING AND INTRIGUING OPERA This year’s much-anticipated Teatru Manoel BOV Performing Arts Festival will present four performances of a new production of Orphée et Eurydice in its 1859 Berlioz revision.

Eurydice and Francesca Aquilina who will play Amour. The chorus will consist of predominantly Maltese singers and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will be conducted by Philip Walsh. This production will be reimagined in the Victorian era and promises to be both moving and visually striking.

“The concept of bringing the dead back to life is one that has haunted mankind since prehistory. The mythological story of the disconsolate Orpheus bringing his beloved

Left: Hadar Halevy plays Orphee (16 & 19 March) Above: Philip Walsh conducts Orphee et Eurydice Right: Gillian Zammit plays Eurydice Below: Lucia-Cirillo plays Orphee (17 & 20 March) Bottom: Director Denise Mulholland

azione teatrale, meaning an opera about a mythological subject with choruses and dancing. It was first performed at the Burgtheater in Vienna on 5 October 1762 in the presence of Empress Maria Theresa.

Orphée et Eurydice is the first of Gluck’s ‘reform’ operas, in which he attempted to replace the abstruse plots and overly complex music of opera seria with a ‘noble simplicity’ in both the music and the drama. It is the most popular of Gluck’s works and one of the most influential on subsequent German opera.

This is the first time that this opera is being staged at Teatru Manoel. It features mezzo-sopranos Hadar Halevy and Lucia Cirillo sharing the male role of Orphée, Maltese soprano Gillian Zammit, who will play 54

Eurydice back to life has inspired artists, poets and composers to further immortalise it,” explains Teatru Manoel Artistic Director Kenneth Zammit Tabona.

“There are operas by the likes of Vinci, Rossi, Monteverdi, Offenbach and many others but none of them have the innate pathos of Gluck’s delicate interpretation. Excerpts like The Dance of the Blessed Spirits and Que fais-Je sans Eurydice? have long become standard popular fare and it is this familiarity with the opera that inspired us at the Theatre to produce

Photo by Jacob Sammut

O

rphée et Eurydice: two names that will always belong together. Two people who loved each other even beyond the shadow of death itself.

Music and dance come together in this story of loss and obsession in a new production of Orphée et Eurydice in its 1859 Berlioz revision. Composed

by Christoph Willibald Gluck, it is based on the myth of Orpheus and set to a libretto by Ranieri de’ Calzabigi.

This work belongs to the genre of

our own interpretation of this glorious transitional opera on a stage that is eminently suitable for it”, said Mr Zammit Tabona. “I can assure you that the production, in the hands of Denise Mulholland, with stage design by Pierre Portelli and costumes by Luke Azzopardi, will leave you mesmerised, charmed and intrigued.”

Performances will held on Wednesday 16, Thursday 17, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 March. Tickets can be purchased via www.teatrumanoel.com.mt, by e-mail to bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt or by calling 2124 6389. The opera will be sung in French with English subtitles and starts at 8pm. Ticket holders can attend a pre-opera talk at 7.15pm.

Above left: Robert Scicluna during rehearsals of Ben Amor Above right: Sara Portelli, Corinne Micallef-Grimaud, Lilia Gingell, Deborah McNamara, Roxana Dimech, Robert Scicluna, Marilyn Abela and Daphne Cauchi outside the theatre Left: Dancers backstage after the performance: Irene Zarb Adami, Roxana Dimech, Marilyn Abela, Robert Scicluna, Sara Portelli, Daphne Cauchi, Corinne Micallef-Grimaud and Lila Gingell

social whirl Fifty years of celebrating Spanish dance

The Spanish Dance Society (Sociedad de Baile Espaæol) the world’s largest organisation for the advancement of Spanish dance in all its forms, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a dance course attended by international students, including eight from Malta, who had achieved distinction in major examinations in Valencia.

Top: The Hon. And Mrs Roderick Galdes Above: Paul Steel, Sabrina Bellizzi, Sergio Belizzi, Julie Steel

Annual restaurant awards The Definitive(ly) Good Guide to Restaurants Awards’ annual ceremony, sponsored by HSBC, was recently held at the InterContinental Arena conference centre. Based on a popular vote, 150 restaurants made it to the list to be included in the latest 2016 edition of guide.

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Top left: Jessie Xuereb, Angelo Xuereb Top right: Samuel Agius, Maria Catani, Nina Fassbender Left: Andrew Toth, Zsuzsanna Komaromi Above: Dorianne Camilleri, Michelle Cassar

AX staff let their hair down The annual AX company staff party was held at Seashells Resort at the Suncrest in Qawra on 8 January.

Felix (Chris Dingli) with the Pigeon sisters. Photography by Sebio

THE ODD COUPLE AT TWO THEATRES

What happens when Felix Ungar, a neurotic, neat-freak news writer is thrown out by his wife, and moves in to share an apartment with his recently-divorced friend Oscar Madison? The answer is a laugh-a-minute in the MADC’s production of Neil Simon’s classic comedy The Odd Couple with Chris Dingli and Malcolm Galea in the leading roles.

D

irector Wesley Ellul says he chose this play as he believes it can reflect on the local ‘phenomena’ caused by the recent changes in our laws allowing divorce and other more recent social changes. “Neil Simon’s clever lines and insight into human nature are still fresh, heart-warming and fun today,” he maintains.

Felix and Oscar are the best of friends but can’t stand each other’s lifestyles. Oscar is a good-natured slob but his problems include careless spending, excessive gambling, and a poorly-kept house filled with spoiled food – but he seems to enjoy life, or so he thinks!

Felix, on the other hand, seems utterly incapable of enjoying anything, and only finds purpose in pointing out his own and other people's mistakes and foibles. Even when he tries to do so in a gentle and constructive way, his corrections and suggestions prove extremely annoying to those around him.

The two of them can’t live together… but can they live apart?

Book now to enjoy this bromance featuring Chris Dingli and Malcolm Galea, in a story that develops from an opening poker game to an attempt by two sisters to help Felix ‘recover’ from his recent separation trauma.

The cast also includes Colin Fitz, Joe Depasquale, Edward Caruana Galizia, Daniel Walters, Maxine Aquilina and Larissa Bonaci. The first weekend’s performance is at the Salesian Theatre, Sliema on 19, 20, and 21 February, and the second weekend’s show is at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta on 26, 27, and 28 February.

Booking for the Salesian Theatre: www.madc.com.mt, e-mail: bookings@madc.com.mt.

Tel: 7777 6232. Booking for the Manoel Theatre: www.teatrumanoel.com.mt, e-mail: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt. Tel: 2124 6389.

Malcolm Galea plays Oscar, Chris Dingli plays Felix. Photography by Sebio 57

EIGHTY YEARS OF FINE FURNITURE

One of the oldest and most reputable furniture companies in Malta, Fino, recently celebrated its 80th anniversary with a lavish reception and an awards ceremony to honour the company’s longest-serving employees.

“High levels of quality and work ethics, and respect for our workers, are among the main pillars on which Fino has built and sustained its brand for the past 80 years. Today, we can safely say that if there is a brand that assimilates all these aspects together, that brand is Fino.”

This was said by Joseph F.X. Zahra, chairman of C. Fino & Sons Ltd, during a commemorative event to celebrate the company’s 80th anniversary.

Established in 1935, C. Fino & Sons Ltd is one of the oldest and most reputable furniture houses in Malta, with a display floor of over 3,000 square metres.

Mr Zahra said that the company continued to thrive thanks to its commitment to quality, the loyalty of its workforce and the sense of enterprise that the company’s founders and directors have always shown.

Over the years, Fino earned respect through its manufacturing arm and also through its representation of some of the finest furniture and homefurnishing brands in Europe. Its business operations have expanded beyond Malta’s shores and today the company is also active in Tunisia and Qatar.

During the event, held at Villa Arrigo, the company presented awards to seven of its employees who have been with the company for over 40 years to thank them for their loyalty and service.

Production manager Joseph Farrugia, delivery coordinator Michael Borg, sales & design consultant Anthony Marcel Diacono, maintenance man Emanuel Zerafa and skilled labourers Anthony Spiteri, Joseph Sperandeo and Angelo Mangion all received awards.

They will all be travelling to Treviso for

a few days to visit the Veneta Cucine Factory.

A commemorative gift to mark the occasion was also given to all the employees. The staff also presented the directors and their spouses with a gift to mark their appreciation.

The main highlight of the event was the showing of a video highlighting the major events in the company’s history. The senior directors of the company also received portraits – the work of renowned Maltese artist Andrew Micallef – to mark this special occasion.

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Sunday, 27th March 2016 St Publius Church, Floriana at 19:30 hrs Proceeds in aid of brain research by the University of Malta Tickets: €60.00 / €30.00 / €25.00 Booking: St James Cavalier, Valletta Tel: +356 2122 3200 • h t t p: / / o w. ly / VES s k

MNN MALTA NEUROSCIENCE NETWORK

LAST WORD

Malta’s favourite female singer Ira Losco has been chosen to represent the country at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Sweden. Having nearly won the contest in 2002, Colin Fitz sat her down for a serious chat about what it feels like to be going back for another shot.

Photography by Tonio Lombardi

Hi Ira. How are you feeling now that the news that you How are preparations coming along? are the chosen one has sunk in?

We are working hard to get the best team on board, I think the initial ‘shock’, so to speak, was a reality check that yes, this had actually happened, I had won the MESC festival and in May I’m going to represent Malta again after 14 years of toying with the idea every time I was asked the question: ‘Would you ever?’

I’ve always said: “Never say never” and many factors led me to choose to participate again. Now it’s business as usual, doing the best job I possibly can along with a team of professionals. I want to leave no stone unturned and I want to enjoy it at the same time. After all, music is about enjoyment and it should be shared to give this enjoyment to others.

Considering that Eurovision is watched by millions that’s a whole lot of ‘others’ we’re talking about, but first things first – we have a job to do until mid-March – which is when Malta submits its final entry.

over and above the one that already exists. We are thinking of how we can maximise this opportunity and have a fighting chance, because let’s be honest, the strategies adopted internationally and the entire game have changed. I knew that to have a fighting chance you have to play your cards right. At the moment we are at what is called ‘the production stage’ and weighing all options.

Do you still feel it’s been the right decision for you to attempt an entry again after all these years?

Like I said, there were a lot of factors leading me to making this decision. In 2012, when Loreen won, I started to believe in the quality of Eurovision again.

Then in 2014, when I was asked to present the MESC with Gianluca, the public expressed the desire to see me back on the Eurovision stage. »

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Describe the difference between the Ira of 2002 and the Ira of 2016.

I feel I can use my experience to make this a better experience for myself and to bring more to the table. Of course, there are also psychological factors that kick in. I’m not going to lie: the thing which bothered me most in the Malta final was that I was the favourite to win and the song Chameleon was earmarked to win from the first five-second clip shown on Xarabank. That bothered me because it made it less natural as a process, and it made me over-think every interview I did. I did not like it one bit as I much prefer to be the dark horse in a race. In fact, I was nearly sure I was not going to win at one point during the voting. I don’t think I would have handled all this well in 2002, so I guess that is one of the main differences. I soldiered on.

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Have you thought about what life will be like after Eurovision 2016 if you do well and if you don’t?

I don’t like adding unwanted pressure on myself and those around me. Music is what I do: I write it, I perform it, I live it. The contest is not a representation of that, yet it is a very valid challenge.

Every artist likes to explore different fields to transmit their energy through, to live through and to learn from. For my part I am going to do my very best to use my experience and professionalism to the full. If we do well, it would be thanks to the people who voted for me and who believed in me, to the team past, present and in Stockholm, and to a lot of hard work.

If we don’t do well it won’t be for any lack of trying but because it wasn’t meant to be and there will have been better contenders. The last 10 years

I BELIEVE IN EXPLORING VARIOUS GENRES BECAUSE THEY REPRESENT DIFFERENT FACETS OF MY PERSONALITY AND DIFFERENT PERIODS IN MY LIFE

Photography by Reno Rapa

Photography by Pix by P Photography by Reno Rapa

«To be honest I was asked probably every year since I participated but it got pretty intense these last three years. The international reviews for my album The Fire, which made the Top 10 of the iTunes chart, were also very good, so I figured it was the right thing to do.

While being aware of a possible backfire, criticism, being put under a magnifying glass and not reaching expectations, I reasoned that this was also a decision between playing it safe and being courageous. Obviously, the latter is harder.

I don’t measure a good decision on the immediate outcome but on what it says about me as a person in the long term.

People will judge me either way. These last 10 years have shown us that, no matter how high the expectations might be, results could still be disappointing but this has also taught us that we should never give up.

WHILE BEING AWARE OF A POSSIBLE BACKFIRE, CRITICISM, BEING PUT UNDER A MAGNIFYING GLASS AND NOT REACHING EXPECTATIONS, I REASONED THAT THIS WAS ALSO A DECISION BETWEEN PLAYING IT SAFE AND BEING COURAGEOUS. OBVIOUSLY, THE LATTER IS HARDER have been a bit disappointing for Malta so I guess it would be year 11.

Your latest radio single incorporates a fast, contemporary pop beat. Why did you decide to explore that area of the pop genre?

I believe in exploring various genres because they represent different facets of my personality and different periods in my life. Haunted by Love is about the drive, passion and continuous struggle artists undergo while writing their songs and albums. It is about never giving up.

I’m also in touch with what’s current and allow myself enough room to bend without losing my identity. Crossing over genres like reggae, dubstep, rock, ska, drum and bass, hip-hop, break beats, electronica or even orchestral can make the pop palette more interesting.

I’m very comfortable with this track and the feedback has been very good.

What else can we expect from your new album, later this year?

Just like The Fire, the new album was written with no parameters. I like to have the leeway to do different things.

Howard Keith, my producer and cowriter, was a great driving force towards

that attitude. The album will follow where the last one left off in terms of what to expect in genre, but I might have a few other things up my sleeve…

Apart from Eurovision, are there any international appearances or projects scheduled in the near future?

Yes, there are plans for some international promotional appearances, but I can’t divulge anything yet.

We wish you the best for Eurovision and for the album’s launch. Do you have a message for our readers to conclude this interview?

I would just like to thank all the people out there: all those who have taken the time to contact me via phone, Facebook, e-mail and any other medium, to congratulate me and pass on words of encouragement. It is refreshing to feel such empathy, especially in these times when such a quality is really lacking in our society. Thank you to those of you who have reached out and who continue to support me in my projects and my music.

FIRST would like to thank Ira, Jagged House management and PBS Ltd for their assistance in producing this interview.