Sunday Circle (February 2019)

FEBRUARY 2019 – ISSUE NO. 288

NOT VICTIMS, BUT SURVIVORS Leaving domestic abuse in the past

VAMPIRE BLOODLUST HITS OUR STAGES ALEX MANCHÉ Cardiac surgeon and pianist

Fully-interactive digital edition.

Download TOM Mag from Apple Store or Google Play.

SARAH ZERAFA Staying on top of the game

CONTENTS COVER STORY 10

TAKE A CHANCE An exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at Chanel’s latest campaign.

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WHEN DREAMS COME TRUE Following her most successful year to date, model and influencer Sarah Zerafa chats to Iggy Fenech about her childhood, her rise to fame, the controversies, and her future plans.

ART 30

T H E AT R E

HOW ABSTRACT CAN YOU GO? Maureen Saguna catches up with artist James Vella Clark ahead of his upcoming exhibition.

PEOPLE 36

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HUMOUR 44

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WHEN BUFFY MEETS TWILIGHT Just in time for Valentine’s season comes a play that promises to deliver sex, bloodlust and hot vampires. Anabel Attard interviews Stephen Oliver, who will be bringing to the Maltese stage an original script

by Unifaun Theatre – The Acrobat.

And, in true Unifaun fashion, controversy is guaranteed.

SHAKESPEARE, AS WE LIKE IT Polly March leads a young and enthusiastic cast into what sounds like an intriguing take on the Bard’s classic, Two Gentlemen of Verona.

Interview by Anna-Marie Galea.

THE PIANO PLAYING HEART SURGEON Alex Manché is known as one of the island’s top cardiac surgeons but he also makes time for his other passion: playing the piano. Ahead of his performance in the upcoming Folly, Fantasy and Feeling fundraiser later this month, he chats to Anabel Attard about how he effortlessly blends medicine and music.

30 RECIPES 50

ENVIRONMENT

6 WAYS THE MALTESE DO VALENTINE’S Steve Hili charters the hilarious ways that us Islanders do love.

ISSUES 46

NOT VICTIMS, BUT SURVIVORS Maureen Saguna meets up with some of the brave women at SOAR, a service led by those who went through domestic violence and who are now helping others rebuild their lives.

54 54

STYLE 22

THROUGH HER EYES For blogger Dorianne Mamo every day brings new challenges and adventures with it, but they’re certainly easier to manoeuvre when seeing clearly with her sighted glasses from O’Hea Opticians. Iggy Fenech finds out more.

THIS PUBLICATION IS BEING DISTRIBUTED AS PART OF:

LET’S MAKE MARMALADE! By Pippa Mattei. Photos by Rachel Zammit Cutajar

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SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS – THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX The Cliffs Interpretation Centre in Dingli brings together culture, ecology, lifestyle and history to foster an ethos of sustainability.

REGULARS 02 04

A word from the editor C Body

Send your letters to: Ramona Depares, executive editor, Sunday Circle, Allied Newspapers Ltd, Mrieħel, or email: ramona.depares@timesofmalta.com. The executive editor reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and where space is limited. For advertising enquiries email: renee.mdecesare@timesofmalta.com or call: 9947 7193. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole, or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Opinions expressed in the Sunday Circle are not necessarily those of the editor-in-chief or publisher. All reasonable care is taken to ensure truth and accuracy, but the editor-in-chief and publisher cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions in articles, advertising, photographs or illustrations. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome, but cannot be returned without a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The editor-in-chief is not responsible for material submitted for consideration.

A WORD FROM

the editor

So 2019 kicked off for me with a rather unsavoury tooth extraction.

I carried on like a spoilt brat for a couple of days, telling

Unsavoury, because I let it get bad enough to make it a pain for my

anyone who would listen that I missed ‘real food’. And then I

poor dentist to do his job, of course. Is there anyone who actually

chanced upon an online news item – because even when drama

does those routine check-ups, without waiting for Armageddon to

strikes, my nerd instincts still win out – explaining how the world’s

hit? Happily, my dentist is rather amazing at what he does and the

26 richest people now own the same wealth as the poorest half of

procedure was carried out with the least drama possible (ahem).

humanity. And I was gobsmacked by just how spoilt and

The aftermath, however, was a different kettle of fish.

unappreciative I had become. I’m going to go out on a limb here,

I emerged from the clinic ready to take on the world, smugly

and posit that the majority of us view the smallest disruption to our

laughing off warnings about “some possible pain and the need to

life, the most temporary and meaningless ‘deprivations’ as

rest”. And I went straight to the office, wondering what sort of

catastrophic. I know I do.

wusses need to take the day off because of a mere tooth

Then this Oxfam report comes along to shame us all. None of us count themselves among the 26th richest of the world (if you do

extraction.

This feeling that I was about to conquer the world lasted

and you’re reading this, do drop me a note, etc etc) – but the

precisely until the anaesthetic wore off, an hour and a half later, by

likelihood is that none of us count ourselves as being part of the

which time I was ready to die, kill someone, or preferably both. I

poorest half of humanity, either.

scuttled away from the office and spent the entire afternoon and

In short, we have it good. So does it cost so much, to share

evening not-quite-sleeping, not-quite-doing-anything and generally

what we have with others who don’t have it? We’re known to be

just feeling sorry for myself.

generous with our money, especially when there’s a TV camera to

The feeling persisted until the next day, when the pain was

document this generosity. It costs even less effort to be nice to

still making itself felt and when – tragedy – I couldn’t eat real food.

those who are guests in our own country after having escaped a

I mean, there were all these leftover panettoni staring me squarely

bad situation in their own home. To donate just a little bit of what

in the eye, as if to ask what the hell I was waiting for. Pizza cravings

we have to those who need it more than we do.

also took over. You can see why my January diet is invariably a

It’s certainly not going to break the bank, and it might mend a few lives.

massive fail, incidentally.

INFLUENCER SARAH ZERAFA EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW ON TOM MAG!

PHOTO: MATTHEW B. SPITERI

Sunday Circle is back with extra content, extra interactivity and extra fun thanks to the new edition of our digital version, available for free via TOM Mag. This month, top influencer Sarah Zerafa gives us an exclusive video interview where she discusses the trials and tribulations of staying on top of the digital game.

There are also some fabulous competitions with prizes that are guaranteed to give a great start to your new year. Taking part is so easy, you don’t even need to send emails or use snail mail – just a click on the right button and you’re in with the chance to win. You know what you have to do, head over to TOM Mag App right now.

Meantime, if you are still unsure how to get to all the fabulous content, the TOM Mag digital app is available both through the Apple Store and Google Play. So, if you have not yet done so, simply download the TOM Mag App and click on the February MAG edition of Sunday Circle. Enjoy! And if you’re social media freaks like us, follow us on Instagram by looking up @SundayCircleMag, and on Facebook!

TOM

PUBLISHER Allied Newspapers Ltd.

PUBLICATION SALES MANAGER Renée Micallef Decesare

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Ramona Depares

COVER Sarah Zerafa - Dress by Luke Azzopardi; Earrings by Breil; ring by Fossil; Bracelet by Ted Baker. Shot at Belvedere Tower, Lija.

Photography: Matthew B. Spiteri

DESIGN Joseph Schembri ASSISTANT EDITOR Iggy Fenech

2 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Iggy Fenech, Ramona Depares, Pippa Mattei, Rachel Zammit Cutajar, Kristina Cassar Dowling, Maureen Saguna, Anna Marie Galea and Anabel Attard

178, MARINA STREET, PIETÀ | ST ANNE STREET, FLORIANA TEL: 2010 3715, 2010 2949 WWW.VICTORAZZOPARDI.COM

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1. OUT OF THIS WORLD 1

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4 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate is enriched with squalene, evening primrose oil, Omega-6 fatty acids and various essential oils to moisturise dehydrated skin. The formula penetrates the skin surface and is designed to work overnight to leave skin hydrated, supple and soft. Kiehl’s products are available from 39 Melita Street, Valletta.

4

NEWS

Could you be one of our winners?

HEAD TO THE FEBRUARY EDITION OF SUNDAY CIRCLE DIGITAL TO FIND OUT! With the TOM Mag app reaching

print version does, as well as

over 8,000 downloads since

extended articles, exclusive

hitting the web last October, the

videos and lots of extra

digital version of Sunday Circle

photos… Oh, and interviews

has been going from strength-

with our eight lucky winners,

to-strength. Indeed, we received

too!

over 2,000 entries for our eight

But don’t worry if you

competitions running between

didn’t win or haven’t tried your

November and December.

luck yet… There’s more to be

These numbers are

won in the current and future editions of Sunday Circle

amazing – as Malta’s first fullyinteractive digital magazine, this

€1000 from Victor Azzopardi Jewellers

digital. To enter, simply

was an experiment that excited

download the TOM Mag app

and terrified us in equal measures.

continue publishing online, but has also

through the App Store or Google Play

Nevertheless, your consistent support

reminded us of why we love what we do!

straight to your phone or tablet!

throughout these past five digital issues hasn’t just given us the courage to

The new digital edition is now out, and it features all the wonderful things this

CIRCLE VALENTINE’S COMPETITION

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FEBRUARY 2019 ∫ Sunday Circle

7

NAXXAR | VALLETTA | SLIEMA

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CELEBRITIES

When dreams come true FOLLOWING HER MOST SUCCESSFUL YEAR TO DATE, MODEL AND INFLUENCER SARAH ZERAFA CHATS TO IGGY FENECH ABOUT HER CHILDHOOD, HER RISE TO FAME, THE CONTROVERSIES, AND HER FUTURE PLANS. As we get ready to start our shoot, the little pockets of sunshine making their way through the cloudy sky disappear. We all clutch at our jackets trying to keep warm but there is no such comfort for Sarah as she puts on one sheer dress after another and braves the elements in the pursuit of a good shot.

At one point, the model and influencer is so cold her teeth start chattering. But the moment someone points a camera lens at her, her body contorts into a pose, her head tilts upwards, her eyes grow rounder, and her lips form a perfect pout.

See, for Sarah, being in front of the camera is like being on stage: nothing matters but the performance at hand. Indeed, the transformation from girl-next-door to model is so instantaneous and dramatic that it almost feels like a fight-or-flight situation – and the reason why becomes clear as we start talking about her childhood.

“I got bullied a lot,” the 23-year-old reveals. “It was a really difficult time for me, but I found solace in watching modelling shows like America’s Next Top Model. So, in the years that followed, I used to borrow my mother’s camera and dresses, go up to the roof, and try out of different poses… Any pictures I liked, I edited (rather badly, I must say) and posted them on Hi5 [a social media platform that pre-dated Facebook].

“I used to take it so seriously,” she laughs, “I used to pin the dresses back, set the timer on the camera, shift position to get the best lighting… It must have looked really funny, but I absolutely loved it and was convinced that, one day, I’d be able to do it full time; although my mother at the time kept insisting I should focus on my studies.”

Capturing photos, it seems, was an escape for Sarah back then. Yet little did she know that all that excitement and commitment would see her on a billboard at age 13, and become an international influencer with over a 150,000 followers and a reach of millions less than a decade later.

Those 10 years were quite a roller coaster ride for the young star.

In 2015, she won TVM’s Venere, which opened the doorway for her into the fashion scene. Just a few months later, however, disaster struck when

10 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

For Sarah, being in front of the camera is like being on stage: nothing matters but the performance at hand

CELEBRITIES

Tuxedo jumpsuit by camilleriparismode Atelier Bracelet by Breil; Earrings by Armani

Photography Matthew B Spiteri Jewellery Sunlab Make-up Jennifer the Make-Up Artist Hair Marielle Calleja for Privè Nails Maria Ferrando Shot on location The Belvedere Tower in Ħal-Lija, which, as Mayor Magda Magri Naudi explained, is set to be restored by the Malta Tourism Authority and the Lija Local Council after the Planning Authority gave permission for the works to go ahead.

FEBRUARY 2019 ∫ Sunday Circle

11

CELEBRITIES

Dress by Luke Azzopardi Bracelet by Breil

Sarah was in an accident involving a dog. Such was the degree of damage that she had to undergo a three-hour reconstructive surgery on her lip.

The story at the time made the rounds as a Facebook post by Sarah explaining her silence was picked up by the media. Going viral within a few hours, fame and notoriety followed, along with cyberbullying, threats and eye-rolls.

“It was at this point that my mother told me that she would do anything in her power to help make my dream come true.” Four years on, Josette is Sarah’s official Instagram photographer, juggling her full-time job as a nurse at Hospice Malta with Sarah’s demanding schedule as a full-time model and influencer.

Needless to say, it was also at this time when Sarah recorded her now infamous Time to Eat commercial, which has spawned countless GIFs and memes, as well as the ‘Hungry and fancying take away?’ catchphrase that’s even been used in pantos.

Trousers and crop top

by CHARLES&RON Earrings by Armani; bangle by Skagen; bracelet by Fossil; watch by Armani Exchange

12 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

CELEBRITIES

“I didn’t even know I was going to speak during the advert!”

It was during this time that Sarah met one of her closest

she recounts. “I got the lines on the day, and I just did it. I knew it

friends, Dawn, who now helps her create her How To Style

was going to be on Facebook but I assumed you know, maybe a

videos – one-minuters that show Sarah styling an item of

few times. Then, a year after filming it, it was popping up again

clothing in various ways. So successful have these videos been

every 10 minutes on YouTube, Facebook, Netflix… I was so annoyed

that by the fourth one American Style, which has over eight

by it that I blocked it but, before I knew it, I had people asking me

million followers on Instagram, started sharing them.

if I was hungry while walking down the road. It’s hilarious and the

“I didn’t – and still don’t – have a huge budget for these

memes are gold! Oh, and I know I don’t have the best English

videos, so I use my living room as the set. They’re actually a lot

accent out there… Sorry about that!”

more work than one would imagine: to create four one-minute-

Accent or no accent, this rise to popularity has opened many

long videos takes over eight hours of work. All this is made

doors for Sarah. Just last year, she presented Miss Universe

slightly harder by the fact that I have a normal-sized wardrobe,

alongside Ben Camille – in a way, a nice ending to the supposed-

so finding ‘new’ stuff to use for each video can be quite

feud the latter’s reality show, Benjamin, had spurred over

difficult!”

comments that Sarah is too short to do runway modelling.

“I also continued my studies,” she says proudly. “I graduated

The work has definitely been worth it, though, as these videos have proved pivotal to her Instagram account reaching

from MCAST in Creative Media Productions. Our modules were

100,000 followers last November. And, as has become tradition

based on what happens in front of and behind the camera, and

with anything involving Sarah, the news spread like wildfire with

that knowledge has proven to be incredibly important for my

articles on various local websites and even a related sketch on

career so far.”

Xarabank.

Two-piece dress by Jason Grech Earrings by Fossil; watch by Skagen

“I was at the influencers’ table alongside big Instagram names like Maja Malnar, Hotfit Golan, Zara Martin and Lucy Mecklenburgh” FEBRUARY 2019 ∫ Sunday Circle

13

CELEBRITIES

“I know this won’t last forever”

Dress by Elisabetta Franchi Earrings, watch and necklace (also used as headpiece) by Armani; Rings by Ted Baker

“It was incredible,” she tells me as we talk about this milestone. “I never thought I’d manage it! What’s even stranger is that I thought that the number of new followers would slow down after reaching the 100k-mark but it’s actually growing faster!”

As Sarah – who last year also became the first winner of the

partied together with her and Simona Ventura, while DJ Gianluca Vacchi played. I thought I was dreaming!”

Yet the world of influencers isn’t all glitz and glamour. As her brand grows bigger, she always keeps in mind that what she has today may not be there tomorrow: “I know this won’t last forever,”

Fashion Influencer of the Year Award at the Malta Fashion Awards –

she tells me, “but the experience and knowledge will still prove

states herself, when it comes to Instagram, the trick is to be patient

useful not just for myself but to the next generation of influencers,

and consistent. “Followers like to have an idea of what they can

too. I hope that I will be able to pass this on, help them gain a

expect and when,” she tells me.

footing in the industry, and assure them that, with dedication, this

Talking about her style of photography, she says: “I like to

can be a full-time job for them too – and not just in fashion, but

give each photo a different storyline, so I do a lot of driving around

also food, technology, business… Instagram, when used properly,

trying to find the perfect spot. Then, I match the outfit with

can be an amazing gateway to reaching your goals.”

whatever it is I’m promoting or the message I want to pass on, and add props to give it more life, be it newspapers, flowers, or other random things!”

Her photos – taken using an iPhone 8 Plus – have certainly

‘And what would you tell potential future students of yours about the bullying?’ I ask.

“That while I know that it’s not always possible to ignore it, you can’t let it get to you. I’ve been called a thousand names and

caught the attention of many, including Italian designer Elisabetta

some of them did hurt. But, at the end of the day, I wake up and I

Franchi who, last December, invited her to attend her 20th

go to work just like everyone else… But I would also tell them that

anniversary party in Milan over Instagram.

they’ll find many people who will appreciate what they do, and

“I screamed and booked the tickets. I didn’t even check if I

nothing will make them happier than someone telling them that

could or not,” she says. “It was an amazing experience. Elisabetta

they love a certain photo or a certain look. That’s what influencers

was kind enough to gift me a dress for the occasion, and I was at

work so hard for, and what makes it all worth it!”

the influencers’ table alongside big Instagram names like Maja Malnar, Hotfit Golan, Zara Martin and Lucy Mecklenburgh. We also

14 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

Follow Sarah’s journey on Instagram - @sosazerafa.

THEATRE

When Buffy meets Twilight JUST IN TIME FOR VALENTINE’S SEASON COMES A PLAY THAT PROMISES TO DELIVER SEX, BLOODLUST AND HOT VAMPIRES. ANABEL ATTARD INTERVIEWS STEPHEN OLIVER, WHO WILL BE BRINGING TO THE MALTESE STAGE AN ORIGINAL SCRIPT BY UNIFAUN THEATRE – THE ACROBAT. AND, IN TRUE UNIFAUN FASHION, CONTROVERSY IS GUARANTEED.

PHOTOS: JACOB SAMMUT

Stephen Oliver has become a name synonymous with theatre in

Now, Stephen is taking on one of the biggest challenges that

Maltese. But his journey didn’t begin here – far from it. On the

any theatre director will ever face – bringing a new work to the

contrary, until just five years ago, Steven was living in the UK,

stage. That work is The Acrobat, a play adapted by well-known

where he enjoyed a fruitful career as an international actor and

theatre producer and playwright Adrian Buckle, and based on the

director.

novel by Agnes Moon.

Then, eager to try something new, Stephen upped sticks and

“It is always exciting for a director to work on new plays,”

chose Malta as a possible destination to get some sun – while also

Stephen begins. “And, Adrian was actually the first person to give

still dabbling the theatre – at the suggestion of Masquerade

me that opportunity here in Malta, with his play Unintended.

Theatre producer Anthony Bezzina. Stephen couldn’t have known

“When it comes to this piece, I accepted to direct it because I

then how successful he would be, with a jam-packed list of theatre

particularly enjoyed how both the book and the play explore trust

credits to his name in a very short space of time, including

between two diametrically opposite characters. The piece is full of

directing Amadeus, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and for

humour but is, intrinsically, a love story between a vampire and a

Unifaun, Metamorphosis and Unintended.

mortal being.”

FEBRUARY 2019 ∫ Sunday Circle

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THEATRE

Expect a dungeon-like set and lots of blood

20 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

THEATRE

Yes, you read that right – the vampire genre is coming to Malta.

The piece follows Liam – a petty villain who, in order to keep his ‘boss’ happy, attempts to rob a house and steal a very precious icon – a dagger. “In doing so, he is caught by the owner, the strange Vincent, who keeps him prisoner, initially against Liam’s wishes,” Stephen explains, when I ask him to talk me through the story. “During the play we discover how Liam, despite his bravado, is a damaged young man, and the relationship between Vincent and Liam develops, with Vincent falling in love with Liam after having lost his previous mortal lover, William. Add to this a rival vampire group and

cast professional international actors for the roles that

occult hunters intent on tracking Vincent down, and

need to be interpreted as such. I am so pleased to be

the scene is set for this comic love story.”

working with Marco from Switzerland, who plays

It sounds truly fascinating and fans of the

Vincent, and Cody from the USA who plays Liam, and

vampire genre are sure to love this locally-adapted

they are required to fulfill these script requirements.

version of Moon’s tale – not to mention the dungeon-

Working with them, along with the Maltese cast

like set designed by Romualdo Moretti, and the

members, is turning out to be an absolute joy.”

soundtrack that uses the music by the iconic band

So, what should audiences expected from all

Depeche Mode. “Oh, and there’s lots of blood,”

this I wonder? “Well, if you’re into Twilight, Buffy the

Stephen points out.

Vampire Slayer and other media of that genre then

Some theatre fans will doubtlessly be

you will love The Acrobat,” Stephen promises. “It is an

wondering whether this play fits into the

adult play but, despite this, is a love story between to

‘controversial’ genre that Adrian’s productions so

diverse people who both find it hard to trust others. I

often do. But Stephen doesn’t think so. “I don’t see

have no doubt people will enjoy it.”

Adrian’s work as controversial,” he says. “It’s quite the

As for what this prolific director is planning to

opposite, in fact. I think Adrian, unlike many

do next, Stephen will be taking a break… But not for

producers, is prepared to take risks in theatre – he is

long, as he’ll quickly dive into directing the MADC’s

one of the few in Malta who does. And, beyond that,

upcoming annual Shakespeare production, The

Adrian is a playwright who allows the director to

Tempest, in San Anton Gardens, and then climb back

develop the script from the page to the stage, and

onto the stage to appear in Certified Male at the Sir

attends all rehearsals in order for that dialogue

Temi Zammit Hall before undertaking the baddie in

between us to evolve. I like that.”

MADC’s Aladdin at Christmas. “There’s no rest for the

That said, things aren’t completely controversyfree. The play does contain nudity and some sexual scenes, as well as violence, and Stephen knew he was

wicked is there?” Stephen adds with his trademark smile.

Unifaun Theatre Productions’ staging of The

going to have to find actors that were prepared to

Acrobat will be staged at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta

shed their inhibitions on stage. “I am aware of the

on February 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 at 8 pm.

difficulties for some Maltese actors in this respect,

Tickets are available online. Suitable for audiences

especially as most of them have other jobs, it was

aged 18+.

clear most would be somewhat reluctant to undertake the requirements of the play. So, with this in mind, we

www.kreattivita.org

FEBRUARY 2019 ∫ Sunday Circle

21

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Photography Bernard Polidano Glasses O’Hea Opticians Make-up Natasha Polidano Hair products milk_shake Malta Nails Beauty Inc by Sue Caruana

22 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Through Her Eyes FOR BLOGGER DORIANNE MAMO EVERY DAY BRINGS NEW CHALLENGES AND ADVENTURES WITH IT, BUT THEY’RE CERTAINLY EASIER TO MANOEUVRE WHEN SEEING CLEARLY WITH HER SIGHTED GLASSES FROM O’HEA OPTICIANS. HERE IGGY FENECH CHATS TO HER TO FIND OUT MORE. There are two things you’ll rarely catch Dorianne of Ask Dorianne-

about fashion, emotions, and life challenges seemingly to myself.

fame without: a big smile and a pair of sighted glasses. Indeed, for

Then, one day, I decided to go public and some people reached out

the blogger who has been steadily growing in popularity over the

to say that they felt they could relate to what I had written or to tell

past seven years, glasses are a big part of her identity… But it

me that they liked how I had combined clothes to create an outfit.

hasn’t always been that way.

“At 16, when I was told I needed glasses, I felt like I was being

“Fashion has always been a passion of mine, but it didn’t mean I was comfortable and confident enough to post photos or to

punished,” she reveals. “For years, I avoided wearing them at all

give others fashion tips and advice. But, over the years, I have

costs, yet little did I know I was actually damaging my eyes by

learnt that you have to let go of your fears and simply do things,

doing so.

even if you’re unsure or scared.

“But, once I had no alternative, I agreed to getting a pair that

“In all honesty, I believe that regret is worse than failure. Plus,

reflected my personality and style. Within a few days, they became

what’s the worst that could happen when you do something that

a part of my image.”

turns out is not for you? You can learn something new, tick the

Such has Dorianne’s love for glasses grown that, nowadays, she feels naked without them. She wears them during the day,

been-there-done-that box, and move on.”

That was a lesson Dorianne learnt as she chartered her way

when she’s working with a team of people to secure EU funds for

across the blogging world and fashion scene, particularly when

the University of Malta, and at night, when she’s relaxing or

she attended Milan Fashion Week for the first time a couple of

attending the next fabulous event in her busy social calendar.

years ago. Talking about her experience, she explains how

From fashion weeks both in Malta and abroad to TV interviews, Dorianne treats her glasses as an integral part of what

‘terrified’ she was. “‘Would I really be allowed to go into the shows?’, ‘Would it

she wears: Depending on the outfit she’s meticulously put together,

be okay to show up in that outfit?’ My mind was racing before I got

she will choose which one from her collection to wear.

to Milan but, in the end, I managed to see some pretty spectacular

Some of these glasses have seen her blossom both as a

catwalks, including those for Missoni, Trussardi and even get into a

person and as a blogger. Yet, as her style evolves and she takes on

Dolce & Gabbana after-party at the designers’ stunning Martini Bar

evermore demanding roles – Dorianne was appointed vice-

in the heart of Milan. And, while some may not see this as an

president of the Malta Chamber of Fashion just last year – her

accomplishment, to me – at least at the time – it was, because I had

glasses remain a signature of hers.

conquered my fear.”

“It may seem obvious, but seeing the world clearly makes a

This realisation led Dorianne to her next big step in life;

huge difference, especially when you’re not used to seeing it that

something which she thought she’d never be able to go through

way because your vision’s blurred. Details get sharper; colours,

with because of the emotional turmoil it would spell for her.

brighter.”

As she explains how things have changed since she first hit

“When I was approached to form part of a team of people for TVM’s Il-Proġett to help raise funds and volunteer for an orphanage

the scene, it becomes obvious that having crystal-clear vision is

in Munugode, India, I was somewhat scared… Not because I didn’t

important – both literally and figuratively.

want to help out – I really wanted to – but because I get too

“When I first started blogging, I wrote simply to express myself and never shared what I had come up with. I would talk

emotional and attached. I felt that if I had to see all that had been explained and shown to me in real life, my heart would break.”

“It may seem obvious, but seeing the world clearly makes a huge difference, especially when you’re not used to seeing it that way because your vision’s blurred.”

FEBRUARY 2019 ∫ Sunday Circle

23

CIRCLE PROMOTION

But she decided to push herself, and the experience surprised her beyond her wildest dreams: Being away from her day-to-day life and knowing she was doing something that benefitted these children made her feel calmer than she’d ever had before. Meanwhile, living with these orphans and seeing their joy reminded her just how much she – and we – take for granted as we go about our materialismcentered lives.

“I feel like I received much more than I gave; and I try to live the lessons I learnt there in my everyday life,” she continues.

Now, with Il-Proġett kicking off this April and her Sunday copresenting role on TVM’s 90 Minuta, Dorianne’s schedule is back to being packed, but she’s still working on worrying less and giving herself time to think and breathe – a lesson we could probably all make use of.

“I like keeping myself occupied, but I don’t like having an overcomplicated life. So, in the end, it’s about finding a balance and ensuring that there is a time for everything that is important to me, be it work, relaxation, family-time or fashion.”

As someone who’s seen Dorianne’s evolution over the years, it’s clear that even in her 30s, she feels confident enough to embrace change and to count her blessings… Including the confidence the right pair of glasses can give her! www.oheaopticians.com www.askdorianne.com

24 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

“I believe that regret is worse than failure.”

CIRCLE PROMOTION

26 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Business with a

HEART

AS VODAFONE MALTA CELEBRATES WINNING THE EQUALITY AWARD AT THE 2018 NATIONAL WORKER OF THE YEAR AWARDS, ITS CEO, SONIA HERNANDEZ, EXPLAINS WHAT THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY IS DOING DIFFERENTLY.

company as a platform to let young women experiment with technology, so that they can better decide about their future careers.”

One of these initiatives was ‘Code Like a Girl’, two free, four-day coding workshops for girls aged between 14 and 18, which had the aim of getting young women interested in taking up a career in the lucrative business that is so far dominated by men.

The company also put more focus on events like Women’s Week, with numerous forums (Women in Technology, Women in Finance are just two examples), which are aimed at raising awareness and shattering glass ceilings.

As we enter the home of Spanish-born Sonia Hernandez, it becomes

To ensure this, Vodafone also has one of the best policies to

clear that she, her husband Miguel, and her children, Diego and

get women back to work after their maternity leave or after they’ve

Sandra, have settled down incredibly well since moving to Malta.

raised a family. Entitled ‘ReConnect’, the policy is designed to attract

“While I have to admit that Malta had never been on my radar, I

talented women who are struggling to make the professional

instantly felt at home,” says Sonia, who speaks five languages and

connections needed to renter the workforce or to refresh the skills

has so far worked in Germany, Brazil, Italy, Spain and Luxembourg.

required.

“I guess the Mediterranean culture is natural to us,” she

In addition, Vodafone has revolutionised maternity leave by

continues, “not to mention that the weather and the culture are a big

offering 17 weeks of fully-paid leave – an extra three weeks over and

plus to anyone living here.”

above their statutory entitlement. Upon return from maternity,

But the family doesn’t just like Malta for the weather. As she

working mums are able to spend the next six months working a 30-

explains, making friends and securing networking opportunities here

hour week while maintaining full salary and benefits applicable for 40

is much easier here, and she finds Malta’s progressive and dynamic

hours. This, they hope, will continue closing the gender gap.

agenda very heartening.

“It certainly helps with Vodafone’s new purpose ‘to connect Malta for a better future’ and the three new strategic pillars we’re working on when it comes to people,” she explains. “These are to connect society digitally, to help protect the planet and Malta’s environment through technology, and, last but not least, for everyone to feel included regardless of race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender or disability.”

Vodafone Malta, with Sonia at its helm since last June, has certainly been putting its money where its mouth is.

For starters, the local branch of the global telecommunications giant has almost equal numbers in male and female employees, and

“If there is no clear guidance at the top that increasing diversity and inclusion is better for company performance, then we are not going to be successful.”

their executive board is made up of 60% women: “Our global CEO has a clear target to close the gender gap and make inclusion for all

The company, however, realised that it didn’t want to leave men

a clear priority. If there is no clear guidance at the top that increasing

behind. So it celebrated Men’s Day in November, during which

diversity and inclusion is better for company performance, then we

employees could practise self-defense and talk about mental health.

are not going to be successful.”

Then, the company went a step further and extended paternity leave

Vodafone Malta doesn’t just want numbers, however… It wants to encourage women to get into the race and go for managerial roles, and there have been many initiatives set up to help with this.

“One of the bigger challenges is getting enough girls to opt for

from the statutory entitlement of one day at the birth of a child to two weeks.

“We have to lead by example but, to do that, we must first understand our limitations as people. For that reason, we also looked

STEM [science, technology, engineering and maths] careers,” she

at unconscious bias and trained our managers to be aware of how we

explains. “Telecommunication companies suffer from not having a big

may be treating coworkers or customers unfairly without even

enough pool of women so, as Vodafone, we want to offer up our

realising it.”

FEBRUARY 2019 ∫ Sunday Circle

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CIRCLE PROMOTION

One of the main focus points of this was a culture of openness

an app with FITA that will give patrons access to additional

and happiness at the office and outlets. Indeed, not only has

information about restaurants and facilities. This will include

Vodafone sponsored Malta Pride for the past two years, but it’s also

information about wheelchair-accessibility and availability of menus

launched its own, internal coming-out guide to help employees feel

in brail, among others. Called ‘Spot’, Vodafone is expected to roll out

empowered enough to come out to their coworkers should they wish

the app in the upcoming months.

to, and others know what the correct way to react to the news is.

“To me, it’s very obvious that you can only be your best self

“All this makes the Equality Award very fair for Vodafone Malta,” Sonia smiles, “but while it was an incredible moment, we don’t

when you feel accepted and appreciated for who you are. I am the

do it for the awards, we do it because we believe it is only fair that all

way I am and that has helped me throughout my career. I want

the people who come in contact with or work within Vodafone

others to be like that, too… After all, I don’t employ a person because

should be treated fairly and equally.”

of their name or where they come from, but because of the talent they have and it’s my role to help my people grow as professionals.”

Sonia and her team, however, are also looking outwards, by changing the experience customers have at Vodafone outlets and when using Vodafone in general. On top of ensuring all its branches

Indeed, in our interview with Sonia, it becomes clear that she has a strong, zero-tolerance policy when it comes to lack of respect or people not being treated fairly, with the gender gap issue being a lot more personal than for most.

“When I was studying electrical engineering in Madrid back in

are wheelchair accessible, the company has teamed up with the Deaf

1995, we were but a handful of women in class. Then I graduated in

People Association Malta to train at least one person per outlet in

Germany in 1996 and I was the only woman there. I’m a confident

basic sign language, and with the Commission for the Rights of

and strong woman, and this didn’t intimidate me, but it was still very

Persons with Disability to organise training on disability etiquette and

shocking.

how to welcome customers with disabilities. The training also

“I hope that all we’re doing will continue to prove beneficial to

extended to call centres, so as to be able to deliver the best

our employees and customers, and that it will help them believe

experience to people even when not interacting face-to-face.

that there are people and companies out there that care,” she

Now, the Vodafone Malta Foundation, which works on the

concludes.

concept that mobile communications technologies can address some of the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges, is working on

“To me, it’s very obvious that you can only be your best self when you feel accepted and appreciated for who you are.”

28 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

www.vodafone.com.mt

ART

When James Vella Clark attended his first art lesson at

love with the work of the great abstract expressionists

the age of six, he didn’t like it. “I cried a lot. Everyone

of the 1950s, especially that of Kline, Rothko and de

was older than me, and, to a six-year-old, the place felt

Kooning.

dark, damp and smelt of very old paper”, he says.

Today, he is exhibiting a selection of his works

Upon his return to Malta, he started experimenting with large abstract canvases while still

from the past 10 years at Palazzo de la Salle, the very

working on urban and rural landscapes. Inevitably, his

same building where he studied the basics of art

landscapes started becoming more abstract: “My

throughout his childhood.

landscapes kept evolving in parallel with the larger

Later, as a teenager, James started attending lessons at Alfred Camilleri’s house, who happened to live in the same village. Under Camilleri’s tuition, he moved on from pencil drawings of his surroundings to

abstract works and I felt more comfortable testing the boundaries of how abstract my landscapes could go.”

As it turns out, they could go very abstract indeed. Some of his latest landscapes resemble

more advanced concepts like perspective, form and

patchwork blankets in pastel colours, not unlike our own

space.

fields, except that the colours used are not those we

“He basically equipped me with the very basics

usually find in nature. When you look closer, however,

and I will remain indebted to him,” the artist says of

you can spot specific elements which he includes

Camilleri. At that time, pencil was his preferred medium.

repeatedly. The one that caught my eye is the palm tree,

In fact, he admits having avoided paint for many years

which has become somewhat of a trademark of his.

because he was afraid of it. “The turn-around happened

“The palm tree is not a chance addition,” he

in the late 1990s, when I went to a few classes with

explains. “It is a very sturdy tree, capable of

Harry Alden. That’s where I discovered colour!” Formal

withstanding the harshest conditions...It is

lessons, however, were not James’s cup of tea and, after

representative of the strength of the human nature, as

his classes with Alden, he continued reading about the

fragile as it might be, there is always strength within.”

lives and work of other artists on his own while working

Still, I couldn’t help but ask him how much further he

on his craft.

thought he could pare back his paintings.

He kept working on his paintings, with his

Would his landscapes reach the level of

landscapes becoming more popular than his other

abstraction that those of Barnett Newman did, where

work. His early 30s were a turbulent time for James, and

blocks of colour are only interrupted by a thin line or

art was his way of dealing with his issues. “It was a

two? “It is interesting that you mention Barnett

personal crisis mainly with myself. A lot of negativity, a

Newman. His work also inspired me a lot especially as I

lot of personal questions, many of them left

worked on my larger abstract works,” he replied.

unanswered.” Then, in 2008, the year he moved to his

“I think that in my quest to keep developing my

beloved Valletta, his style started changing. That same

abstract idiom, I will be looking more towards exploring

year, he exhibited in New York and, while there, he fell in

the ‘spiritual’ elements, especially in my larger works...

30 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

ART

How abstract can you go?

AGED SIX, HE SPENT HIS FIRST FEW ART LESSONS CRYING. NOW, SOME DECADES LATER, HE IS GETTING READY FOR CONVERGENCE, A MAJOR EXHIBITION THAT WILL SHOWCASE HIS ART WORKS FROM THE PAST 10 YEARS. MAUREEN SAGUNA INTERVIEWS ARTIST JAMES VELLA CLARK.

FEBRUARY 2019 ∫ Sunday Circle

31

ART

I felt more comfortable testing the boundaries of how abstract my landscapes could go

I do view large abstract works as spiritual in that the viewer can let himself be absorbed in them and feel part of something bigger.”

What about those who just don’t understand abstract art? His reply is that “you do not have to be an expert – it either speaks to you or

retained their trademark church domes, steeples

it doesn’t. It either stirs something in

and other symbolic details but his use of colour and

you or it leaves you flat.”

paint has evolved, reflecting a more confident

He goes on to explain that

person who is at peace with himself. Now, he feels

many of these works are composed

very thankful, something he also credits his three

of layers of different shades and

children for. Apart from his artistic work and a

intensities which he views as a

family, a big part of his day is taken up by his day

reflection of the layers of experiences, mistakes and aspirations in our

job. When I ask him about his spare time, he jokes that he has none

own lives. One cannot see the layers in isolation, but as a whole, the

of that, but then adds that he runs. “I think a lot when I run and, if I

same way a person is not defined by a single experience, but by the

don’t run, I’m not okay to paint. When I paint and I’m happy with

sum of all that they have lived through.

what I do, I feel an urge to run. It’s a bit of a chicken and egg

I asked him how the viewers could tell which experiences or emotions he refers to in his work, but, although he jots down his

situation.”

The more I spoke to James, the more I could see that

thoughts while he is painting and some of these are included in the

Convergence is a sort of diary of the past decade of his life and not

exhibition catalogues, James believes that he shouldn’t have to

just a showcase for his style’s evolution. In my opinion, it clearly

explain in words that which he is already saying in paint.

illustrates the artist’s growth from a troubled young man to one who

Today, James’ paintings look completely different to the ones he painted 10 years ago. His landscapes and townscapes have still

knows that his art is the only part of him that will outlive him. And he has finally made peace with that.

FRAGRANCE

Take your Chance CHANEL UNVEILS A NEW INTERPRETATION OF THE CHANCE EAU TENDRE FRAGRANCE WITH A STUNNING CAMPAIGN. SUNDAY CIRCLE BRINGS YOU AN EXCLUSIVE BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK. In 2002, Chanel launched Chance, a floral fragrance with a joyful character. A surprising bottle, full of curves.

Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum is a floral-fruity fragrance that is even more intense and enveloping.

Created by perfumer Olivier Polge in cooperation with the Chanel Laboratory of Fragrance Creation and Development, it expresses a radiant and confident femininity with a feeling of absolute tenderness.

Now, the new year brings with it a reinterpretation of this fragrance as an Eau de Parfum – more intense, more enveloping, this version expresses a radiant and confident femininity.

This floral equation is draped in just the right dose of smooth and creamy white musk notes to create a clean, cottony effect.

Immediately illuminated by the tangy whirl of the grapefruit-

The result of their collaboration is

quince accord, Chance Eau

what Goude refers to as a bref métrage

Tendre Eau de Parfum brings a

or brief film: a short danced and filmed

feeling of absolute tenderness.

act depicting a reality that is athletic

Delicate and profoundly poetic,

and yet graphic, sensual and stylized. A

this new composition evokes a

frenzied whirlwind of dancers and

woman whose joy and inner glow

choristers perform coordinated movements

gives her instant charm.

and choreographed reactions that convey the

For the launch of this

spirit of the fragrance in the slightest gesture.

reinterpretation. Chanel is revealing a new advertising campaign. Continuing his longstanding collaboration with the House since 1990, Jean-Paul Goude has poured all of his creativity and allegorical talent into the campaign.

Moving on from playing games, Goude opted to portray

Its floral heart accentuates the fullness of exotic jasmine absolute, enriched with an essence of rose that shines a soft light at the centre of the composition.

“Chance is a way of being,” said Gabrielle Chanel, who believed in her lucky star as much as she cultivated it. With

another theatre of chance: the audition. For this campaign, Goude

confidence and determination, Mademoiselle seized this chance

teamed with self-taught choreographer Ryan Heffington who

throughout her whole life. Attentive to all the signs that marked

shares his love of mixing genres and cultures, and with musician

her path, a woman who loved chance encounters and the

Sam Spiegel who also wavers between classical culture and hip

unexpected, she smiled at fortune and fortune smiled on her in

hop. It was a perfect fit: “they are both perfectly in tune with me,

return.

taking a somewhat naive and spontaneous approach to the film that is similar to mine.”

And still today, chance according to Chanel is no random matter. It’s a state of mind.

FEBRUARY 2019 ∫ Sunday Circle

33

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Bringing Back Valletta’s Magic Charm, appeal, warmth, life... Until a few years ago, these words

deserves, not only to stand above other localities in Malta but also

were used with a sense of nostalgia when related to Valletta, which

to hold its own when compared to other capital cities.

had entered a vicious cycle whereby the dilapidation was causing

To do this, Valletta’s prestige, history and unique character

many businesses and residents to move out and leaving an

needed to be allowed to flourish, and four main projects stand out

increasing number of abandoned properties in its wake.

in this aim.

Then, in the nick of time, a regenerating initiative was

The first is the extension and modernisation of the St John’s

undertaken by various stakeholders, and their vision, courage and

Co-Cathedral Museum, which will finally allow nearly all of the

determination managed to start turning things around.

priceless artefacts to be displayed adequately, including the world’s

Today, when walking through the city streets, you can feel that there is a renewed sense of pride; an expectation that the city

largest set of Gobelin tapestries.

Then, there was the move of the Fine Arts Museum from

is fast becoming a place where to live again and where culture,

Admiralty House in South Street to the Auberge d’Italie. Now

gastronomy, art, entertainment and hospitality converge to turn

known as MUŻA, it seeks to promote greater participation by the

Valletta into a destination.

In line with the Government’s strategy for Valletta, the Planning Authority (PA) has been a major key player in this project,

community through a story-based narrative of displays and related objects.

Thirdly, there was the revival of Strait Street. Its finely-built

as it has continuously promoted and supported the outstanding

and elegant dwellings, which had previously been the residences of

universal value of the City of Valletta based on integrity,

Knights of the Order and of Maltese notables, were given a new

authenticity, management and protection.

lease of life. Meanwhile, the year-round nightlife is attracting locals

PERMITTING The PA had a duty to ensure that the right planning permissions would be approved to help give Valletta the recognition it

34 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

and visitors alike, while serving as a financial injection to ensure its survival.

Finally, there is the Valletta Design Cluster, which will see the Old Abattoir (Il-Biċċerija) – one of Valletta’s earliest buildings –

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Moreover, to ensure that Valletta’s streets and areas would once again come to life, the PA also permitted a large number of boutique hotels in the city, bringing in further investment while giving abandoned buildings and palazzos a new lease of life.

BEAUTIFYING Valletta has always had a lot to offer, but there was a time when the city felt like it was decaying. While the regenerative projects mentioned above were among the many that helped the city’s stellar revival, an uplift of its streets and surroundings was vital.

The project that has, arguably, had the biggest impact on those visiting Valletta was the embellishment project of Triton Square, which saw the pedestrianisation of the whole area and the formalisation of the multitude of services that operated from there.

This was further complemented by the paving and landscaping of the Valletta Ditch, which can be seen from the bridge that connects Triton Square to City Gate. being turned into a community space for cultural and creative

The regeneration and conservation of the covered market (is-

practices. Expected to be completed by the end of this year, the

Suq l-Antik tal-Belt) also formed part of the PA’s over-all plan to do

venue will include an exhibition space, a conference room, co-

justice to Valletta’s history and architecture. And, today, it attracts

working spaces, and spaces for artists in residence, among others.

numerous visitors and patrons through the services it offers in the

INVESTING

heart of the capital.

Once again, the PA worked on ensuring that Valletta’s

Of course, Valletta does not exist in a bubble: it is not just

inhabitants enjoy the rewards of living in a UNESCO World

somewhere people go for culture, or shopping, or entertainment.

Heritage Site. Indeed, on top of the restoration of a number of

The city is home to thousands and bettering their lives was one of

shopfronts along Ta’ Liesse Hill, which in years gone-by was one of

the top priorities.

Valletta’s busiest commercial spots, the PA also gave the green

One way the PA helped with this, while also preserving Valletta’s aesthetics, was through the Marsamxett Balcony Grant

light for a further two projects that resulted in a much needed facelift to a number of dilapidated buildings.

Scheme 2018. A collaboration with the Parliamentary Secretary for

The first of these included restoration works on the façade of

EU funds and Social Dialogue, the €2 million balcony grant scheme

three adjacent large houses covering a stretch of over 30 meters in

for Marsamxett residents aimed to alleviate the financial cost of

Strait Street. The other saw restoration works being carried out on

restoring and maintaining traditional balconies, especially those

the 18 meter-long facade of the five storey-high Kerreja Building in

made out of timber, in order to encourage their continued use.

St Paul’s Street.

Valletta residents could also apply for the €10 million

Through these projects, as well as others, Valletta has started

Irrestawra Darek scheme. In 2018, however, the funds weren’t only

its ascent back to its former glory, and the PA is proud and

available for residents of Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs) – of

honoured to have been part of its journey.

which all Valletta residents are – but also to registered voluntary organisations whose properties can be found within UCAs.

www.pa.org.mt

FEBRUARY 2019 ∫ Sunday Circle

35

PEOPLE

The piano playing heart surgeon ALEX MANCHÉ IS KNOWN AS ONE OF THE ISLAND’S TOP CARDIAC SURGEONS BUT HE ALSO MAKES TIME FOR HIS OTHER PASSION: PLAYING THE PIANO. AHEAD OF HIS PERFORMANCE IN THE UPCOMING FOLLY, FANTASY AND FEELING FUNDRAISER LATER THIS MONTH, HE CHATS TO ANABEL ATTARD ABOUT HOW HE EFFORTLESSLY BLENDS MEDICINE AND MUSIC. Alex Manché is a master of his craft. As a

enough as he was too taken up with

consultant cardio-thoracic surgeon, he is

other duties.

generally to be found carrying out

“When I left abruptly for England

operations like valve replacements and

in 1977 I was piano-less for most of the

bypass grafts. But, as if that wasn’t

18 years I spent there and this dealt a

enough, he is also a fantastic pianist,

heavy blow to the dexterity I had

with a passion for music that dates back

achieved in childhood,” he explains.

to his childhood.

“After that it was just playing for fun.

“When I was three years old my parents went to England and I was lucky enough to live with my grandparents for almost a year,” he recalls. “Nannu Bertie was an accomplished pianist and musician, and he boasted his own chamber orchestra that met twice a week and delighted all the residents around Dingli Circus with their lovely music. I was instantly besotted. Nannu taught me the rudiments of piano playing and coached me until my early teenage years. My father, who sported a rich baritone voice, then encouraged me to explore contemporary music, much to Nannu’s chagrin!”

Today, Alex says he may well have considered a career in music – instead of medicine – but adds that it wasn’t an option back then… largely because he never practised his scales or arpeggios

36 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

Now I look forward to practicing piano more when I eventually give up surgery.”

PEOPLE

Alex Manché

piano and playing to my wife can recharge us for the week ahead. This musical interaction is the loveliest conversation a couple can experience.

“I also meet up with friends twice a A bit like the piano, medicine came naturally to Alex. He comes from a medical family, so a career in it was always his destiny. “Things got serious when Dr

say that it has certainly delivered on the

week to play jazz and popular music.

exhilaration front!”

These sessions provide an opportunity to

Nevertheless, music has never quite

share the joy of music and have a drink or

stopped playing a pivotal role – and Alex

two to wash away our boredom and

Kildare was screened on TV in the early

even operates to music, be it classical,

anxieties.”

60s,” he quips. “My eventual training and

opera, film music or jazz. “Music can

career in England and the US brought me

certainly take the edge off the inevitable

watching this fantastic piano-playing heart

into the realm of cardiothoracic surgery –

stress during long hours of terror and

surgeon in action will have the opportunity

then an exciting new field and the dream

concentration,” he continues. “At the end

to do so, when he performs as part of

of every young aspiring surgeon. I have to

of a stressful week, sitting down at the

Folly, Fantasy and Feeling – an event at the

And now those interested in

FEBRUARY 2019 ∫ Sunday Circle

37

PEOPLE

Alex Manché, Nicholas de Piro and event organiser Lucy Paterson

Salesians Theatre on February 27 in aid of the Save Valletta Skyline appeal.

“Last year I happened to be hosting a surgical colleague from Spain and took him to see Marquis Nicholas De Piro’s gorgeous palazzo, Casa Rocca Piccola. It was then that Nicholas asked me to try out his piano and, the next thing I knew, I was participating in a poetry evening that he was organising!”

That was this year’s prequel – and it turned out to be a hugely popular event,

“Cardiac surgery has certainly delivered on the exhilaration front! I regularly play music during my surgeries”

with an audience that loved every moment

And Alex is sure that this year’s event will be no different – combining Nicholas’ well-known tongue-in-cheek humour with a few surprise additions. “Look out for some serious overseas vocal talent, with me struggling at the piano to keep up,” the surgeon grins.

“I have to admit that – with surgery taking centre stage – my piano practice time is very limited, so I am hoping the notes will come out in the correct sequence on the night! I entreat the audience for compassion and

of Nicholas’ poetry, Alex’s piano-playing,

sentimental and grave. I must say that the

and the fabulous entertainment from the

performers put on a very entertaining

rest of those taking part.

soiree with interpretations that were, at

understanding.”

Folly, Fantasy & Feeling will be

times, downright hilarious and, at others,

performed for one night only at the Teatru

poetry and the show so much!” Alex

deeply touching. I am totally in favour of

Salesjan, Sliema from 6.30pm until 9pm,

smiles. “It was fun to set the music to the

funding-raising for a good cause,

on Wednesday 27 February 2019. Patrons

mood of each piece – which ranged from

especially when the experience is also so

are entitled to free parking. Tickets are

the cheeky and frivolous right down to the

uplifting.”

available from the Teatru Manoel website.

“I never imaged I would relish the

38 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

CIRCLE PROMOTION

For the Love of Animals: Celebrating 70 Years of Borg Cardona Co. Ltd. AUTHORED BY MALCOLM J. NAUDI TO MARK THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF BORG CARDONA CO. LTD, ‘FOR THE LOVE OF ANIMALS’ CHRONICLES THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE IN MALTA AFTER WORLD WAR II, THE GROWTH OF THE PET SECTOR, AND THE FLOURISHING OF A NUMBER OF PET ASSOCIATIONS.

The story of Borg Cardona Co. Ltd. starts in the 1950s, when

Maurice’s son – was recovering from an operation to repair the

Maurice Borg Cardona, who was a captain in the army, was injured.

damage to the ligaments and cartilage in his legs. His children, it

Placed at a government farm, the experience would see him

transpires, were looking for a way to keep their restless father

borrowing the then-princely sum of Lm100 to start a company that

occupied.

would help revolutionise various industries in Malta.

Don’t believe us? Well, on top of introducing tropical fish to

What finally emerged from five face-to-face interviews with author Malcolm J. Naudi and research in The Times of Malta

the Islands, Borg Cardona Co. Ltd. made

archives, is a story of a company that is

Malta self-sufficient when it comes to

the embodiment of a family passion for

poultry and eggs, and, of course, started

the local agricultural, horticultural and pet

the pet food and accessories business.

sectors; the story of a company that has

More importantly, however, it has

played a crucial role in shaping the

consistently given many pet associations

markets it forms a part of.

the push needed to continue their work

With all that in mind – as well as a

and the financial support to ensure it

foreword by Dr Roberto A. Balbo, Chief

remained viable.

Veterinary Officer for Malta – For the Love

Borg Cardona Co. Ltd. has indeed

of Animals will definitely make for a fun and

evolved countless times over the past 70

interesting read for anyone from pet lovers

years, yet the welfare and care of animals

to history buffs. And, with the proceeds

has always remained its top priority; and

from both the hardback and paperback

it’s that that makes the title of their 70th

versions going to a charity that is to build a

anniversary book, For the Love of Animals,

shelter for horses, there’s no excuse for not

so appropriate.

getting your hands on one.

Rather ironically, however, this book, which was launched at company’s annual

For the Love of Animals is available

Christmas Party last year, is also the result

from Borg Cardona Pet shop in Balzan.

of an injury. In fact, the idea for it came

For more information, contact us on

about when Stanley Borg Cardona –

sales@borgcardona.com.mt

FEBRUARY 2019 ∫ Sunday Circle

39

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Malta’s Environment in Numbers THE ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCES AUTHORITY RELEASED ITS FIRST STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT REPORT LAST NOVEMBER, OUTLINING WHERE MALTA’S ENVIRONMENT STANDS IN EVERYTHING FROM AMBIENT AIR TO MARINE LIFE. HERE, NOELLE DEBONO TELLS US MORE ABOUT THIS LANDMARK STUDY. It’s November 2018, and the Environment

Ambient Air, while it takes stock of our

“With our growing population, we require

and Resources Authority (ERA) is gearing

resources such as waste, land and the

more infrastructure, and more living and

up for their biggest conference to date.

coast.

recreational spaces. We also produce

The occasion? The launch of the latest

The full report is available online but

more waste and create more traffic

State of the Environment report (SoER) –

due to its sheer magnitude and technical

congestion, generating more impact on

the first since ERA was founded in 2016,

detail, printed 100-page summary report is

the environment.”

and covering the longest span of years

also available. This provides useful insights

since the first study of its kind back in

on the environment we live in and depend

with experts to determine how Malta could

1998.

on.

improve the situation. The public will be

“The report is a stocktake of Malta’s environment; a periodical snapshot that helps decision-makers understand what’s

But, of course, the most important part of such a report is its findings.

The biggest, most pressing and, in

To counteract this, ERA is working

roped in on discussing these solutions throughout the whole process. The challenge is to find low impact solutions

worked, what hasn’t, and what still needs

many ways, most obvious driving force we

that sustain the needs arising from a high

to be worked on,” says Noelle, who is a

face according to the 2018 SoER is the

population density. Indeed, people’s

senior officer within the National Affairs

increasing population of Malta. The island,

contribution to a better environment is the

Unit at ERA.

according to the 2011 Census, has 1,325

focus of the SoER 2018, with the tagline

persons per square kilometre – the

‘My Environment, My Turn’ being its

that deal with horizontal aspects such as

average across the European Union (EU) is

branding.

the Drivers of the environment, the Policy

of 116.

The report consists of nine chapters

that was in effect during the period under

“People – including ourselves, of

Maltese people, it turns out, also produce more municipal solid waste than

review, and other broad aspects such as

course – put pressures on the

the EU average: 624 kilos per capita per

Environmental Health and Climate Change.

environment. This is normal anywhere in

year as opposed to 481 kilos. This,

The report also focuses on the state of our

the world but, the more people you have,

however, also needs to be taken within a

Biodiversity, Marine and Fresh Waters, and

the more challenging it is,” Noelle explains.

context.

40 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

CIRCLE PROMOTION

report was conducted. Nature and industrial

conducted by ERA, in collaboration with

consumables and food, we dispose of

permitting have also been enhanced since

other entities like the National Statistics

more packaging than, say, if we had to use

then, with such activities being assessed by

Office, Water Services Corporation, the

things produced locally,” Noelle continues.

ERA to see what their implications on the

Energy & Water Agency, and the

“We also have to take into consideration

environment would be and, if approved,

Environmental Health Directorate, to name

that not everything is within our control or

that conformity to the law is ensured.

a few.

“Because we import so much of our

can be changed. Air quality-issues, for

“On top of this, we experienced an

“Now, we have started working on a

example, while they are affected by traffic

increase in waste management

National Strategy for the Environment,

congestion, can also be partly a result of

infrastructure to treat waste before it’s

which will be Malta’s forward-looking

our geographical location, with dust being

exported, and a Waste Management Plan

document covering 2020 to 2050. In the

brought here naturally from the Sahara

2014-2020 was published to ensure

next few weeks, we will be publishing our

desert.

continued waste management efforts. We

intent to develop a vision – a first step that

also found that there was a very

should see ERA publishing the strategy by

better use of our resources, whether its

significant reduction in sulphur dioxide in

next year. In fact, we’d like to take this

water or land. In fact, one of the things

the air now that sulphur-heavy fuels have

opportunity to urge the public to get

that are pointed out in the report is the

been phased out. Indeed, overall, Malta’s

involved and submit their vision and ideas

importance of maximising the efficient use

air quality mostly respects EU limit values

for a better environment every Maltese

of land and other natural resources.”

– although it doesn’t mean our job is

citizen,” Noelle concludes.

Noelle adds.

done,” says Noelle.

“Nevertheless, we need to make

“Walking whenever we can and using

One of the most welcome results of

To find out more on the SOER 2018,

public transport would also greatly lower

the report showed that there was a 98%

please visit https://era.org.mt/en/Pages

the localised impact from traffic on air;

increase in environmental expenditure by

/State-of-the-Environment-Report.aspx

and purchasing products which come with

the government from the 2008 level.

little or no packaging – particularly fruit

Something ERA notes through its report is

and vegetables – are all positive steps

the considerable advancement in making

towards a better environment.”

Malta’s economy greener.

The report also showed that Malta

“SoER 2018 looked at the state of

was doing incredibly well in some areas.

Malta’s environment over seven years

Marine Protected Areas now cover 11 times

[between 2009 and 2015] and follows in

the size of Malta and 93% of all bathing

the footsteps of the four reports that had

Hexagon House, Spencer Hill,

waters are of excellent quality. 40% of

been previously published,” continues

Marsa, MRS 1441

species and 43% of habitats had a positive

Noelle. “The report is obviously

Tel: (+356) 2292 3500

conservation value, and are better

scientifically-based with extensive

Email: info@era.org.mt

protected than they were when the 2008

qualitative and quantitative research

Website: era.org.mt

FEBRUARY 2019 ∫ Sunday Circle

41

THEATRE

Shakespeare, as we like it POLLY MARCH LEADS A YOUNG AND ENTHUSIASTIC CAST INTO WHAT SOUNDS LIKE AN INTRIGUING TAKE ON THE BARD’S CLASSIC, TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA. INTERVIEW BY ANNA-MARIE GALEA. There are few people who have lived as many stage lives as Polly

Of course, while many diehard fans will love this updated

March; not only has she treaded the boards playing everything

version of the Bard’s work, there will no doubt be others who will

from good old Queen Victoria to a parrot, but she has also lent her

question whether or not Shakespeare can still be considered to be

voice to radio. Here, she tells me about her great love of directing

relevant after so many centuries. While some may find this

William Shakespeare’s plays and how her version of Two Gentlemen

challenge daunting, March is more than ready to take up her

of Verona is set to break the mould and redefine audiences’

director’s chair: “Pretty much everything Shakespeare ever wrote

expectations.

will have some relevance to our lives today. He wrote of the human

When speaking about how she chose this particular play to

condition and that has not changed. We love, hate, feel envy and

direct, Polly speaks both passionately as well as enthusiastically

jealousy, we are sometimes morally compromised in the choices we

about what it was that drew her in: “I suppose I have a soft spot for

make. He may have written mostly about kings and queens, but

this particular play which was one of Shakespeare’s first, if not his

they are subject to the same frailties that any man or woman is and

very first. At this point in time, he hadn’t quite got the hang of

nothing has changed. Shakespeare always offers something that

having 20 people on stage and making them all count. I am

has the ability to speak to us.”

working with a very young cast, many of whom have never played

While she is driven by her joy of mining the text for meaning

in anything by Shakespeare and, as it is a comedy, the language is

and the universal truths that Shakespeare conveys, she confesses

not as dense and complex as in later plays. I really feel like

that putting up the performance has not been without its

Shakespeare laid the groundwork for some of his later great plays

challenges.

in this one.”

“This has been a year-long project. I have never worked on a project for as long as this, however, this company of 18 young

We’re even going to have jive lessons for the audience in the interval Renowned for her ability to take a fresh approach to the text and wow audiences in the process, March chose to go down a new route in her version of Two Gentlemen of Verona, one which she hopes will breathe new life into the much-loved play.

“I love looking at things with fresh eyes. When I directed the same play for the MADC exactly 10 years ago, it was the first time this particular piece had been performed here. I was really keen to give actresses a chance to play strong roles and I reset the era of the original story to the 1980s, when the New Romantic movement was at its strongest,” she says.

During this wave, fashion was androgynous and men wore makeup and glitter and gorgeous, peacocky clothes: Boy George, Adam Ant and Marilyn were just splendid.

It really fitted with having cross gender casting because, at the time, it was hard to tell boys from girls because of the fashion and make up. This time, I have set it in the 1950s so you can expect to see lots of puffy frocks and petticoats, pedal pushers, headscarves, Brylcreem, and of course, lots of rock and roll.

Everyone is learning to jive and loving it! We’re even going to have jive lessons for the audience in the interval!”

42 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

people aged from 14 to 21 have many other things on their plate and they have taken on tackling a text which is new to them, by a playwright that they are slightly familiar with from school and probably hated! What a challenge for them!”

THEATRE

Having opted for a Shakespeare play and having the company in place, Polly’s role was not only to direct, but to create forms of mentoring for the cast. De-constructing the text and even learning the joys of iambic pentameter.

“Another challenge was the space. Teatru Salesjan is a delightful theatre and a pleasure to work in, but I have had the whole auditorium cleared and the audience will be seated around three sides. The arena is huge and has brought its own challenges to the rehearsals. It’s really intimate, so the young people have to learn to trust themselves and to be totally truthful, and not to ‘act’.”

Passionate as ever, it’s hard not to believe Polly when she says that she wishes she could do no other work except Shakespeare, and probably wouldn’t if she weren’t so worried her beloved cats would starve. It’s this same love that she hopes to convey to the audience.

“If there’s something I would like the audience to take away, it’s for them not to be frightened of Bill the Bard! You don’t need a PhD to understand it; he was no academic, he was a working playwright and actor. Don’t be put off at the thought of having to sit through reams of rhyming couplets without understanding a word. Actors who know what they are about (and these young people are getting there in spite of their youth) will transmit their Polly March

individual stories to you.”

And there’s more fun to be had with what sounds like a

The challenge for her, she adds, was to find ways of making the text comprehensible.

“If they understand what they are saying, the audience will too. So we did table work for months. Literally, sitting around a

highly-interactive theatre piece –from singing along to the great 50s numbers, to enjoying a jiving lesson in the interval, and maybe getting to help take Crab the dog for a walk. Oh, and watch out for the Vespa!

table and de-constructing the text, learning to use the metre and discovering the huge pleasure that is to be found when at last they

Two Gentlemen of Verona runs on February 22, 23 and 24 at

know what Shakespeare is telling them and what they have to

the Salesians Theatre, Sliema. Tickets are available online.

transmit to the audience.”

www.tsmalta.com

FEBRUARY 2019 ∫ Sunday Circle

43

HUMOUR

6 types of Maltese Valentines STEVE HILI GETS DOWN WITH ALL THE WAYS US ISLANDERS DO LOVE. Of course, everyone, the world over

It is February and, with the whole world

but grunts and deep guttural breaths. In

getting caught up in the madness of

likes dining out, but the Maltese Food

the process, turning office meetings into a

Valentine’s, it is a well-known fact that

Lover does it better than most. Forget

very strange experience.

nobody does love quite like the Maltese.

flowers, jewellery or snuggling up to watch

The Horn Dogs spend the weeks

a romantic movie, the Food Lover cannot

leading up to the big day scouring

most romantic person in the world. But, as

comprehend any other way to declare their

websites that sell adult toys, comparing

the big day approaches, I usually get

undying passion for their loved one.

lingerie prices and getting up to speed

I’ll be the first to admit, I am not the

Because romance in Malta is second

swept up in the vicious cycle of trying to

to only one other love. The love of carbs.

think of a creative Valentine’s gift that won’t obliterate my bank account (and

with the Kama Sutra. You see, for them, Valentine’s day means getting hot and heavy. They need to be prepared, and they

being a professional comedian, my bank

5. The Horn Dog

account is very easily obliterated) before falling back onto roses and chocolates.

But as a Malteser, I’ll admit, I am the

As soon as the Horn Dogs realises

will be.

Every detail is taken care of. Music,

that it is February, all they can hear in their

movies, comfy sofa, contraception. Forget

head is weird 1970s porn music. And then,

global warming this is what is really going

exception. The Maltese do Valentine’s like a

as the 14th approaches, their speech

to melt the ice-caps.

boss. Whether it is calling up a radio

becomes less and less comprehensible,

station to dedicate Xemx to their hubby,

until it finally descends into nothing else

ordering a meat-feast pizza to

Now, if only they could get a date.

4. Hipster Love

be home delivered and eaten

A recent addition to the

with the wife in the bath, or

Maltese landscape is the hipster

buying your lover enough

lover. Eschewing the Maltese

helium-filled balloons to carry a

traditions of being romantic, they

small child through the

do things their own way (or at least

stratosphere, the Maltese have

the way their favourite influencer

turned the act of expressing love

has suggested).

into an art form.

These are the bright young

And so, for all you love-

things who want books of poetry

struck love-birds out there, I give

instead of roses. They don’t want

you the six types of Maltese

chocolate oranges, they want

Valentine’s.

smashed avocados. They don’t want to go for a romantic drive, they

6. The Food Lover

want to go for an urban cycle. And

We all know that in Malta,

of course, they don’t want to

every celebration is an excuse

celebrate with champagne. They

for food. Be it Christmas, the

want to be mysterious and impulsive

festa, or the new skeda on TVM,

with fat-free-soy-frappuccinos.

we have to celebrate by eating.

People might not understand

And Valentine’s day is up there

them, but that is just because

with the best celebrations of all.

Maltese-Hipster-Lovers play be their

I mean, what is the point of a

own rules and measure romance in a

relationship if you cannot

different way.

celebrate it with a seven-course meal?

44 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

Steve Hili

You know, through Instagram likes.

HUMOUR

Love is... buying your lover enough helium-filled balloons to carry a small child through the stratosphere.

3. Young Love

friend told me that he won over his new

people celebrated Valentine’s day

lady by playing her a Jennifer Rush song

EVERYDAY, surely there would be a major

angst and Cardi B lyrics all come together

and giving her a Catch. Let’s be honest,

rose and chocolate shortage in Malta

in perfect unison to make it seem like

what woman could resist?

throughout the year, right? Boq.

Ah, Teenage love. When hormones,

nobody has ever felt anything as intense,

The truth is, some Maltese people

pure, or as beautiful as that which one

have never left the decade. And this

Maltese teenager is feeling for another

includes people who were born after it had

right here, right now.

finished. And so, when Valentine’s day

Bonus: If you are single, embrace technology.

Despite the Maltese downsides.

Yes, it has only been six weeks since

comes around, these totally rad dudes and

If this Valentine’s day is the first one

that first kiss during the New Year’s Party,

dudettes only have one way of celebrating.

after a break up, or if you going through a

but this is the real deal. It has to be. And

A VHS copy of The Breakfast Club and a

bit of a barren patch, seeing the rest of the

so, to celebrate their first Valentine’s day

ticket to a Reflex party.

country winning at Valentine’s can be a bit

together they go all out. Taking loans from their parents (that they will never pay back) they buy the biggest, most extravagant soft toys they can find. Good

tough. But don’t despair, there is plenty

1. Every day is Valentine’s day There seems to me to be a section of

more Maltese fish in the sea, and Valentine’s day is when they all come to the surface looking to get a nibble (I might be

job this is going to last forever and they

Maltese society who just refuse point-blank

pushing this fish metaphor a bit much). Get

won’t see that teddy bear being put out

to partake in Valentines shenanigans. Are

your Tinder on and start swiping till you get

with the rubbish in a few weeks’ time.

they kill-joys? Anti-Capitalist protesters

cramp in your fingers.

upset at how commercialized it has all

2. The 80s lover The 1980s were a very special decade for Malta and pop culture from that era

Yes ,of course you are going to find

become? Or just too busy watching the

your relatives on there. This is tiny Malta

Europa League?

after all, but that is no excuse not to give it

The excuse that is most often heard is

a bash.

seems to have wedged itself firmly into the

that these people don’t need a special day

Maltese psyche, with no intention of leaving

to celebrate their love. Everyday is

just ignore them. No it is not rude. No

If you do come across any cousins,

anytime soon. Nowhere is this more evident

Valentine’s day for them. A noble

matter what your nanna says.

than when it comes to love. Only last year a

statement indeed. Although if all of these

Happy Lovin’!

FEBRUARY 2019 ∫ Sunday Circle

45

ISSUES

46 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

ISSUES

Not victims, but survivors MAUREEN SAGUNA MEETS UP WITH SOME OF THE BRAVE WOMEN AT SOAR, A SERVICE LED

BY THOSE WHO WENT THROUGH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND WHO ARE NOW HELPING OTHERS REBUILD THEIR LIVES.

Until recently, whenever I thought of domestic abuse, I would picture a bruised woman, cowering in terror as her domineering partner threatened to beat her up. While that is certainly the case for many women who are still trapped in an abusive relationship, the ones I recently met at SOAR could not have been more different from the image I had in my head.

“We do not want to be seen as victims, but as survivors.” Those were some of first words that Elaine Compagno, the coordinator of SOAR, told me when we met on the NGO’s sixth anniversary, and this sense of pride and positivity was echoed by the other members I met later. SOAR is a service offered

by St Jeanne Antide Foundation, led by survivors of domestic violence, which helps others rebuild their lives, while advocating against their revictimisation by our legal system.

I started by asking the most common question people ask of victims of domestic violence: why don’t they just leave their partner? Leaving the person who regularly beats you up or continuously insults you might seem like an obvious solution to most, but there are various reasons why a person might remain in an abusive relationship. The most common one is a fear of being hurt or killed. This fear seems to be well-grounded seeing as almost all femicides are committed by a current or ex-partner, and they all happen when the woman is leaving the relationship or just after she has left. Christina, one of the women referred to SOAR, was at lethal risk and her only option was to quickly leave the home she shared with her abusive partner while he was at work. “The only similar scenario is when you must leave your home quickly to escape a fire,” Elaine said.

It turns out that this is just the tip of a seemingly endless iceberg. When a woman leaves an abusive relationship in a rush, she can seek refuge at one of the few shelters available, but these only offer temporary accommodation. Eventually, she will need to find a place which she can afford to rent, which

“My child went to live with her abuser, and remains with him to this day” SARA FEBRUARY 2019 ∫ Sunday Circle

47

ISSUES

is no mean task with the current rise in rental prices. On top of that, many survivors have no money to speak of, having come out of relationships where their abusers didn’t allow them to work or have their own money. When I asked them about getting help from family or friends, the majority replied that they had received little to no support from the people in their lives and were left to their own devices.

Some people had even tried to dissuade the victims from taking action or were reluctant to get involved. This happens especially in cases when there are no bruises to show for the violence being inflicted upon the victim. “Here in Malta, we tend to see domestic abuse as a private matter between a couple,” Elaine explained.

Finding employment and accommodation are not the biggest challenges some of the survivors face, either. Many of the women helped by SOAR complain about a lack of empathy shown by some of the first responders.

When Romina ran away from her husband, who was about to beat her up again, she was literally running for her life. She had no time to put shoes on and, grabbing her two young children, drove straight to the police station to seek help. Unfortunately, her husband had friends working there

The truth is that domestic violence offenders face very minimal consequences for their actions

consequences for their actions and it all starts from the early years. Shrugging off boys’ bad behaviour by saying that “boys will be boys” only strengthens the idea that they cannot help themselves and that we should close an eye to any mischief. We also need to empower women, who are still culturally conditioned to accept sexual and financial violence. Finally, they strongly believe in dispelling myths and stereotypes

and, instead of supporting her, they

about gender roles. A patriarchal mentality

discouraged her from filing a report. One

is more likely to produce men who think

of them even threatened her with legal

they can get away with anything and

action for not having put her children in

new cases and withhold consent on

women who are victimised by them. Elaine

their car seats while escaping.

matters relating to their children. Karen

added that “Malta is already heading in the

suffers from PTSD and her recovery is

right direction with the introduction of new

disjunction between the different courts in

made harder by the unpredictability of her

laws based on the Istanbul Convention, but

our country. Sara’s ex-husband, who was

ex’s behaviour. He is banned by the courts

a lot still needs to be done”.

reported to the Family Court by

from approaching or contacting Karen or

psychologists and lawyers as being

their children, so opening new court

Apart from teaching our children that we

controlling and possessive, was eventually

appeals, cases and police reports against

are all responsible for our own actions, we

awarded sole custody of their teenage

her is his way of maintaining control.

should also support those who have been

There also seems to be a complete

daughter. The Court refused to recognise

So, what do the survivors themselves

Meanwhile, we can all do our part.

or are victims of domestic violence, be it

any other case relating to Sara’s abuser,

want us to know? To start with, they want

physical, psychological, emotional or

even though they provided ample proof

women who might still be in an abusive

financial. A shoulder to cry on, an ear to

that he was manipulative and dangerous.

relationship to know that it is possible to

listen and letting them know that their

“My child went to live with her abuser, and

start living again and be happy, and that

feelings are valid are good ways to start.

remains with him to this day.”

SOAR is there to help them. Secondly, they

Finally, refer to SOAR any survivors you

want the focus to shift from the victims to

know who might need help starting afresh.

strategy used by perpetrators to continue

the perpetrators. The truth is that domestic

It might be the most important step they

exerting control over their victim is to open

violence offenders face very minimal

take in their journey to a new life.

Speaking of the law, a common

48 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Help the Strays BORG CARDONA & CO. LTD, IMPORTERS OF THE RENOWNED ROYAL CANIN BRAND OF DOG AND CAT FOOD, HAS LAUNCHED A PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVE AIMED AT HELPING STRAY DOGS AND CATS. Between February and April 2019, Borg Cardona & Co. Ltd has

“Through Royal Canin, which we have represented in Malta and

pledged to donate 5c for each kilogram of Royal Canin dog and cat

Gozo for over 30 years, we want to show that we are leaders in

food purchased in Malta and Gozo. The money will be donated to a

supporting even stray dogs and cats,” says Nigel Borg Cardona, the

number of animal sanctuaries and to registered feeders of strays.

Director of Borg Cardona & Co. Ltd.

The aim of the initiative is to provide food for dogs and cats in

“Thanks to the volume of business of Royal Canin in Malta and

need in order to improve their health and provide them with healthy

Gozo, this small donation per bag can make a big difference. I am

alternatives; to improve their quality of life; and to create greater

confident that this money will truly benefit strays, and that the

awareness in the community on animal well-being.

community will be made more aware of how many of these animals

As a consumer of the world-famous Royal Canin brand you will continue paying the same price as you normally would. The only

need to be looked after, having been abandoned by their owners.”

So, go on, give your pet the best and help those in need!

thing you need to keep an eye out for is the sticker displaying the logo of The Royal Canin Malta Charity Campaign.

www.borg-cardona.com

FEBRUARY 2019 ∫ Sunday Circle

49

FOOD

PHOTOS: RACHEL ZAMMIT CUTAJAR

Let ’s make

marmalade!

BY PIPPA MATTEI

Citrus fruit grows abundantly at this time of year. Oranges of all

into Dundee harbour in Scotland. The cargo of Seville oranges was

kinds, tangerines and lemons fill local market stalls and hang off

sold cheaply to merchant James Keiller, whose wife turned it into

the backs of vegetable trucks.

a preserve and created England’s favourite breakfast food.

Malta’s citrus industry dates back as far as 870, when Malta

Seville oranges grow well in Malta and homemade

was under Arab rule, and later, during the reign of The Knights of

marmalade is easy enough to make. My two aunts Jane and Cella

St John, Malta became particularly renowned for the superior

made marmalade every year. I still find their recipe for the Seville

quality of its citrus fruits which were exported to other European

orange marmalade the best as it is much less bitter than some

countries.

other marmalade recipes.

Among the citrus grown in Malta, Seville oranges thrive. Also

Although traditional marmalade is made with Seville

known as bitter oranges, they aren’t meant for eating fresh as

oranges, you can make it with any citrus fruits. The garden of my

their flesh is bitter. However, their high pectin content makes them

late mother’s Zejtun home is full of old citrus trees that bear

an ideal candidate for preserves and are generally used to make

plenty of fruit. As we can’t eat them all we preserve as many as we

orange marmalade. Paddington Bear’s favourite sandwich filler

can, in marmalades (orange or tangerine) or limoncello (which I

goes back to the 1700s, when a damaged ship from Spain sailed

also make with tangerines for a mandarincello).

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FOOD

Seville orange marmalade

It is important to use freshly picked fruit. If you can pick the fruit yourself, try and make the marmalade that day or the day after at the latest. Besides all the ingredients you will need a large pot, a mouli-legume (sometimes called a passérapid) or colander, a piece of muslin and string, some empty jam jars, a little brandy, waxed discs (or greaseproof paper), some pretty cotton material and matching ribbon and labels. This recipe makes approx. 10 jars of marmalade.

INGREDIENTS

• Meanwhile sterilize the

2.4kg sugar

empty jam jars by washing

14 Seville oranges

them in hot water, and then

2 lemons

put them in a VERY slow

3 litres water

oven till dry and warm.

Keep them there till your

METHOD

marmalade is ready.

• In a very large pot, boil

• Fill the warm jars with

oranges and lemons in the

the marmalade (with the

measured water until very

help of a medium sized

soft.

jug). While still hot, put waxed discs (or circles with

• When cool, take the fruit out of the water, leaving

greaseproof paper) into a

the water in the pot, and

cup with some brandy and

cut the fruit into quarters.

place the discs on top of the marmalade in each jar.

• Scoop out the pith and pips and put them into a mouli-legumes,

• Put the pot onto a low flame and warm

or into a normal large colander, placed

the mixture adding the sugar when

over a large bowl.

warm and stir constantly until the sugar

• Chop all the skins finely and set aside.

• Press the pulp and pith through the

melts.

• Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, and

mouli or colander collecting the thick

leave to boil like this for some time

juice in the bowl below.

(approx. 45 mins) stirring now and

• Put this and the shredded skins into the pot with the water.

• Do not throw away the dry pith and pips left behind in the mouli or colander,

This will prevent mould from forming on the top of the marmalade.

• Either seal with the lids while hot or allow to get cold (do not close them when ‘warm’) and when you are sure the marmalade has set.

• Cut some circles out of pretty material

again and removing the scum that may

to top your jars. Tie with matching

rise to the top. Keep an eye on it as it

ribbon, label with their date of making,

has a tendency to boil over.

and leave in a cool place till needed.

• To test when the marmalade has set,

but gather them and tie them into a

put a little onto a very cold saucer (put

NOTE: The marmalade will set according to

square of muslin that you secure with

it in the freezer beforehand), and push

how much natural pectin is in the fruit. If

string and tie onto the handle of your

the marmalade with your finger. If it

your marmalade has not set, don’t panic.

pot so that the ‘bundle’ hangs down

crinkles and gels it is ready. You might

Boil up the marmalade again and add a

into the mixture in the pot. This helps

have to test it several times till you are

sachet of pectin. This will alter the flavour a

add pectin to your mixture which makes

sure it is ready. Try not to miss gelling

little, so see if you can make do without

the marmalade set.

point as you can over boil it.

before resorting to packaged pectin.

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51

FOOD

Tangerine marmalade The previous owner of our house, Michael

fruits and put this in a small basin with

Radcliffe, left some beautiful citrus trees in

the pips and 250ml water.

the garden and he also left a recipe for his

• Shred the tangerine peel very finely.

tangerine marmalade that I still use to this

• Remove the rind from the extra lemon

very day.

with a potato peeler and shred this also.

• Put the pith from this lemon into the

Makes approx 5 jars

• Remove the bag of pips, pressing it well

remaining water in a large basin and

6 lemons

leave overnight.

• The next day put the pips and membranes through a mouli-legumes (also called a passé-rapid) and press

• Cut the tangerines and 5 lemons in half and squeeze out all the juice.

• Remove centre membranes from both

52 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

in the juice mixture.

membranes.

• Put the fruit juices, shredded peel and

METHOD

the handle of the pot and hang the bag • Boil steadily for 1 hour.

18 tangerines

1.2kg sugar

through the moulie.

• Tie the muslin bag with the pips onto

small basin with the other pips and

INGREDIENTS

2.75 litres water

(discard 250ml of this) into a large pot.

• Add the juices that you have pressed

out the juice which you set aside.

• Gather the dry pips and put them into a muslin square tied into a bag. Set aside.

• Put the contents of the larger bowl

against the inside of the pot to release any liquid and the pectin.

• Warm the measured sugar in a bowl (in the oven) and add it to the liquid in the pot.

• Dissolve slowly and then boil rapidly until this sets when tested (see previous recipe).

• Skim well and pour into warm sterilized jars.

Celebrate local produce with Pippa Mattei Love local ingredients? Get more of Pippa’s recipes in her cookbooks 25 Years in a Maltese Kitchen (also translated into Maltese) and the Gourmand awardwinning Pippa’s Festa. All three books are available at all leading bookstores or online from www.mirandabooks.com with free delivery to Malta and Gozo addresses.

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Sustainability Matters – thinking outside the box THE MAJESTIC DINGLI CLIFFS OFFER AN INDULGING STIMULATION FOR ALL THE SENSES, WITH A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT YOU CAN OBSERVE, HEAR, FEEL AND SMELL, AND LOCAL PRODUCE YOU CAN SAVOUR. SO VISIT THE CLIFFS INTERPRETATION CENTRE AND EXPERIENCE THE UNIQUE BLEND OF ECOLOGY, HISTORY, CULTURE AND PRODUCE PUT TOGETHER THROUGH THE CENTRE’S COMMITMENT TO UPHOLD THE ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF SUSTAINABILITY.

Recreational and informative eco-walks in Summer

THE CLIFFS Interpretation Centre

54 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019

Interactive audiovisual and hands-on presentation

CIRCLE PROMOTION

The idea behind THE CLIFFS Interpretation Centre originated from a local family with several direct links to Dingli’s history and traditions. Once, the central village

Increasing environmental awareness to young visitors and schools

bar and bakery owned by the late Louis Muscat doubled as a gathering place where those who couldn’t read would go to hear stories narrated from books. La Pinta Ltd. follows in those footsteps, making it one of the first companies to offer a combination of innovative methods of information dissemination and local food products.

THE CLIFFS has sought to address the lack of services along Dingli Cliffs while keeping in line with the EU’s Habitats and Birds Directive.

Sustainable Practices The concept of sustainable development emerged in the context of the growing global awareness on the threats to ecology. The CLIFFS Interpretation Centre has found a balance between the economic, environmental and social sides of the business to make it and its work sustainable.

• ECONOMIC – THE CLIFFS runs as a self-sufficient and financially-viable entity without requiring external funding. Autonomy is maintained by earning income from gastronomy, whereby part of the generated profit is used to offer free environmental education including eco-walks, public facilities and services, including the only public convenience along

Centre’s primary roles is that of developing and

the stretch of cliffs. La Pinta Ltd brought economic

implementing activities with the participation of all

input to local development by creating jobs, and

stakeholders. In fact, it cooperates with said

favouring the vitality and viability of farmers and

stakeholders and land users, like the Dingli Local

producers.

Council and national authorities, among others.

• ENVIRONMENT – During the planning phases,

Exploring archaeological cart ruts during the free eco-walks

facilities at source. Yet, more than that, one of the

Then, there is the selection of jams and

Malta’s climatic features (wind, temperature,

delicatessen, which are a reminder of past uses of

humidity, and so on) were taken into consideration,

local produce. The culinary experience at THE CLIFFS

and the end result is that the building conserves

highlights the use of seasonal flora in the making of

energy and water. Moreover, the Centre is located on

hearty meals, amalgamating the historical and

the site of the 1960s TACAN structure thus becoming

cultural traditions retained by locals while also

incorporated within the committed area without

preserving cultural heritage. The habit of using wild

taking any ‘new’ land.

edible plants in cooking is still alive in Dingli, though it

THE CLIFFS has also recognised that education

is slowly fading away, therefore recording and

(and not imposition) is the key to ensuring current

preserving such knowledge is fundamental. And, with

and future environmental awareness. On top of all

around 1,100 different species of wild plants dotting

this, the free eco-walks promote tourist flows during

the Maltese countryside – among which are borage,

the off-peak months, when the countryside is at its

wild asparagus, nettle, wild fennel and caper – the

lushest, with the innovative visitor experience linked

Centre strives to find innovate ways of infusing wild

to quality tourism. All tours start with an engaging

and semi-wild edibles into its gastronomical practices.

audio-visual featuring THE CLIFFS Trail and a

Non-governmental organisations are important

handson explanation about seasonal local produce.

entities, which have been actively involved in

Here, visitors can also explore the trail in an

highlighting environmental issues. At local levels, most

accompanied walk with one of our local personnel.

NGOs are nationally-based and not directly involved in

• SOCIAL – The majority of the Centre’s employees live in Dingli. This has provided previously non-existent

the decision-making process. Nevertheless, local people are primary stakeholders because they have a

FEBRUARY 2019 ∫ Sunday Circle

55

CIRCLE PROMOTION

THE CLIFFS Local produce and revival of past traditions

Prestigious Recognition in Several Awards La Pinta Ltd is honoured to have received five awards in 2018 for its innovative concept: • First Prize in ‘Educational Programmes and Media’ of the Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards in recognition of companies employing sustainability operations within the tourism sector around the world.

• European Bronze Award in the ‘Environmental Improvement and Sustainable Development’ category of the Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice 2018. This award

The use of wild edible plants in local gastronomy

honours best environmental practices at an international level. particular sense of belonging to the environment and are actively committed to making a positive difference. Hence, while

• First Prize in ‘Contributions by Cultural and Creative Industries’ by the European Cultural Tourism Network Sustainable Cultural Tourism Destination 2018.

• Diploma of Recognition in the 2018 Anders Wall Award for creating a positive rural environment.

• Third Prize in the Sustainable Enterprise Award by the Ministry

THE CLIFFS Interpretation

for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses, which

Centre complements the

rewards significant

work being done by

contributions to the

environmental NGOs, the principles of the Centre are different since

sustainable development in

it operates as a self-sufficient entity.

the Maltese Islands.

As a local stakeholder, La Pinta Ltd has aimed to instil a sense of environmental awareness to all visitors. Through THE CLIFFS Interpretation Centre, it has managed to bring together various land users and stakeholders. Ultimately, the benefit to the environment and the community outweighs the financial value.

Indeed, small enterprises such as the Centre are not only a source of local employment, but also provide consumers with services that aid in long-term sustainability. By thinking outside the box, the Centre will continue striving to educate people about their surroundings, while making visitors aware of what the environment is made of and why we need to respect it. Through this holistic project, we have learnt that change, although not easily implemented, is possible.

The Centre and staff would like to thank the Dingli Local Council, other organisations, authorities, entities and individuals for their belief and support to create such a self-sufficient project.

THE CLIFFS Interpretation Centre, Triq Panoramika, Dingli Cliffs, Dingli, Tel: 7964 2380, Email: discoverdinglicliffs@gmail.com, Web: www.thecliffs.com.mt

56 Sunday Circle ∫ FEBRUARY 2019