Sunday Circle (July 2018)

JULY 2018 – ISSUE NO. 282

WHEN THE MIRROR LIES Eating disorders and their downward spiral

SICILIAN SLOW LANE

JULY SPECIAL FOCUS

Cannoli, crema e caffe

LUNCH WITH MARY ROSE MALLIA

HIGHER EDUCATION

BIKING CHICKS Wheeling it to work

KYLIE COLEIRO All about her loves

CONTENTS COVER STORY 08

PEOPLE

A RISING STAR Kylie Coleiro’s new single is all about love, and the singer is just surrounded by it. Anna Marie Galea finds a lovely woman behind the showgirl persona.

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ISSUES 12

THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL The issue of eating disorders is a dark one that typically creeps in during adolescence. For those plagued by the ailment, the journey to recovery is long and hard. By Mariella Camilleri.

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ENVIRONMENT

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MAKING THE CONVENTIONAL, UNCONVENTIONAL The man who sweeps all the restaurant awards and charms all his patrons is at it again, with plans a-brewing for a new restaurant in Budapest. Ramona Depares catches up with Marvin Gauci, Malta’s own celebrity chef.

THE POWERHOUSES AT THE PALAZZO The current and former curators of Palazzo Falson – Caroline Tonna and Francesca Balzan – grab a coffee with Iggy Fenech to discuss friendship, history, and the past and present of one of the brightest gems on Malta’s heritage crown.

LUNCH WITH MARY ROSE MALLIA Having now entered her sixth decade in the business and just released a new album with a probable Italian launch on the horizon, Malta’s most beloved all-rounder chats to Iggy Fenech.

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H E A LT H 38

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L U X U R Y T R AV E L

D AT I N G

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CANNOLI, CREMA E CAFFÈ Ramona Depares experiences life in the Sicilian slow lane as she discovers nature’s flavours, organic cooking and total relaxation in the south-eastern corner of the island.

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THE HIDDEN COMMANDMENT Love thine environment – this is the 11th Commandment according to multi-award-winning author Paul P. Borg, who tells Iggy Fenech the stories behind his two, action-packed novels.

BIKING CHICKS Life’s too short to be spent behind a wheel, Marie Briguglio and Michelle Attard Tonna tell Kristina Cassar Dowling, as they talk about a bicycle revolution that sees them cycling to work every morning.

THIS PUBLICATION IS BEING DISTRIBUTED AS PART OF:

AGE OF TINDER Why are people still loathe to make the ‘confession’ that they are into online dating? Victor Paul Borg shares his experiences.

TECHNOLOGY 48

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GET HYDRATED With temperatures rising and a long, hot summer in store, it’s absolutely vital to drink enough water to keep your body hydrated. Nestlé Malta nutritionist Mirko Cirolli explains why – and how – we can do exactly that.

EXTRACTION AND IMMEDIATE IMPLANT REPLACEMENT Dr Jean Paul Demajo is back with the latest news on the dental front.

SCALING THE MALTA BLOCKCHAIN SUMMIT Ivan Borg writes about the upcoming Malta Blockchain Summit that is set to open the gates for this new technology.

SPECIAL FOCUS 53

HIGHER EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT

REGULARS

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A word from the editor C Body C Style Paparazzi

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

PUBLISHER ALLIED NEWSPAPERS LTD. EXECUTIVE EDITOR Ramona Depares PUBLICATION SALES MANAGER Renée Micallef Decesare DESIGN Joseph Schembri COVER Kylie Coleiro Photography: Kris Micallef EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Mariella Camilleri, Anna Marie Galea, Victor Borg, Ramona Depares, Iggy Fenech, Kristina Cassar Dowling, Ivan Borg

Funny how racists lurk in the most unlikely of places. Like, among acquaintances – dare I say, friends, in this era when the word doesn’t carry the deep meaning it used to.

Such as Twitter or Facebook, when suddenly, unbidden, a racist post crops up to pollute one’s newsfeed. And suddenly, unbidden, the likes start swarming in from the most unlikely (or so I would have thought) quarters.

Such as when the photo of the supposed migrant wearing sunglasses and headphones showed up, being shared by a good number of my connections. A completely unverified photo, of course, that could be showing who knows what and where. Yet, it didn’t stop the army of “I’m not racist, but if he could afford a pair of headphones why shouldn’t we leave him to die at sea?”

I know, right? The sound of logic is deafening with its absence. Because, even granting that this is a genuine photo, many are missing the point that forced migration is not necessarily an issue of poverty back home, but of a life that risks getting cut short due to war/dictatorship and so forth.

Most epically, a number of members of the ‘I’m not racist, but’ brigade followed up their disbelief with: “If I were leaving a

warzone I would not stop to grab my headphones.”

Oh, you wouldn’t, would you? And pray, how many war torn countries have you had the strength of character to flee from, you unsung hero, you?

What’s that I hear? None? Oh, did you say that you live on an island that is pretty much paradise on earth when compared to these other countries? Thought so. Then you can’t really tell what you would do in similar circumstances, can you?

It’s very easy to judge from the comfort of our privileged life, isn’t it? The truth is that the majority of migrants that wash up here have enough money to pay for the dangerous trip. Such trips don’t cost peanuts, so we can safely assume that there’s nothing strange about the fact that those who buy them actually own a pair of headphones.

Ah, but there are impostors there, among the migrants, the same brigade continues. That is as may be, but we are still missing the real issue at hand, here. If even one person is at risk of dying at sea, and you have it in your power to save them, you do that and ask questions later. No ifs, no buts.

Just save the human life and ask questions later.

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COVER STORY

A rising

ST R

KYLIE COLEIRO’S NEW SINGLE IS ALL ABOUT LOVE, AND THE SINGER IS JUST SURROUNDED BY IT, FROM THE LOVE SHE GIVES TO HER RESCUED ANIMALS, HER BOYFRIEND, HER FAMILY AND – OF COURSE – HER MUSIC. ANNA MARIE GALEA FINDS A LOVELY WOMAN BEHIND THE SHOWGIRL PERSONA. I’ve had few interviewees who are as welcoming as singer Kylie Coleiro. Pretty, smiley, and extremely warm, she chats endlessly about her family, her boyfriend, the injured animals her mum takes in and most of all, her music – or, to be more precise, her undying passion for it. Here, I talk to her about the story behind her time in the business and her brand spanking new single.

So how did she originally get into the music industry? “It’s funny because my mum always wanted me to do basketball because I was so tall, but I was never really a sporty person so I didn’t take to it. Then, when I was around eight-years-old, she took me to a dinner dance where Mary Rose Mallia was singing. I was completely enchanted and, when she passed me the microphone to sing a little myself, I absolutely loved it. I took to it like a fish to water and, in fact, Mary Rose asked me where I was getting singing lessons. She was completely amazed when I told her that it was the first time I was singing.

When my mum finally took me to my first singing lesson after I begged her to, she actually insisted that the teacher tell her whether I was promising or not. Talk about blunt!

Also, everyone always thinks that I started singing after my brother Klinsmann, but I actually started before him!”

Having been in the business for a number of years, Kylie has achieved a number of milestones but, one of her most memorable is when she sang with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

“An Austrian man had heard me sing and asked me if I would be interested in singing in Vienna with the Philharmonic Orchestra. To be honest, I was more than a bit hesitant at first. I didn’t know the man and I was worried about his intentions, but I took the plunge and spent around six months going to and fro between Malta and Vienna. The audience there was enormous; I don’t think I’ve ever felt so small in my life. Ironically, I felt less selfconscious singing in front of these absolute strangers than I do in Malta. I don’t like pressure in anything I do and I never have.”

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COVER STORY

Photography Kris Micallef Stylist Malcolm Gauci Clothes Charles&Ron, Mangano Hair Celine Paris from Avantegarde using CHI Make-up Diane Nikolic

Kylie has achieved a number of milestones but, one of her most memorable is when she sang with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

JULY 2018 âˆŤ Sunday Circle

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COVER STORY

A steady presence on the music scene, Kylie has taken part in multiple events over the years and confesses that she loves performing at small gigs because she feels comfortable.

“I took part in the competition to represent Malta at the Junior Eurovision five times and the one for adults once. I enjoyed it very much, but these days I enjoy intimate gigs at small venues, because I feel that I can focus more on the music. It’s wonderful when a song you’ve worked so hard on gets recognition but at the end of the day, I’m into music because that’s what I love the most in the whole world.”

While music most definitely has her soul, her boyfriend Clint has her heart. “We met nine years ago in a hotel where I was working for the summer and for me it was love at first sight, or rather, it would have been if I was able to see him properly! I had seen him once up close and made note of the fact that he had a shaved head but there was also another guy who worked there who had the same hairstyle and since I’m near-sighted, from a distance they looked the same.

“I remember being really confused because they would never appear together, so I assumed it was the same man and was baffled at how some days he would look one way close up and others he would look different. The first time Clint spoke to me, I got so flustered that I messed up a really important order and gave him the wrong number of people

I don’t like pressure in anything I do

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COVER STORY

who were meant to attend an event. After I finally asked someone else what his name was, I added him on Facebook and we eventually started to talk. We always joke about how I was the one to pursue him.”

Endlessly supportive of her career, Clint is as happy as Kylie about her new single Love Me Down.

“Love Me Down is about loving someone from the very beginning of your existence: from the first moment you could. It’s a really summery track and I’m really excited to see what people’s reactions will be. I’m really in love with this single, and I’m hoping that other people will be too. I think we need to acknowledge that local music doesn’t get the support it deserves. I don’t understand why local singers should have to go to foreign countries and be on foreign shows just to get some recognition. There are many people here who have plenty of talent which is simply never given the platform it deserves.”

When she’s not singing or working, Kylie helps her mum raise their family of rescue cats and dogs: “My mum started taking in animals no one else wanted a few years ago. In my family, we feel extremely strongly about animal cruelty. The state that some of our animals were in before we took them in was appalling. I constantly campaign for animal rights because I know that they have no voice.

It’s up to us to speak up for them and protect them from harm. Nothing makes my blood boil more than seeing an animal being ill-treated.”

Kylie is nothing if not hopeful about the future: “My boyfriend and I bought a house together five years ago and we are in the process of decorating it. I’m really loving the whole thing, and how we are managing to work through our mutual likes and dislikes.

“Then, of course, there’s my music to look forward to. I’m really proud of the single and I can’t wait to see people’s reactions to it.

There are so many lovely people out there who have supported me throughout my career and encouraged me. When I’ve received little notes or letters of encouragement before I go out and sing, I feel so uplifted and grateful. It’s the little things which make life lovely.”

JULY 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

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HEALTH

The downward spiral The issue of eaTing disorders is a dark one ThaT Typically creeps in during adolescence. for Those plagued by The ailmenT, The journey To recovery is long and hard. by MARIELLA CAMILLERI.

it started off with a seemingly harmless comment from a family

bulimia causes sufferers to binge and purge. people who

member. he said she was on the plump side, a remark that

experience this disorder will purge not only to avoid gaining

shouldn’t have sparked off much emotion. however, nine-year-old

weight, but also to relieve themselves from the guilt associated

lisa (not her real name) took it all in. she knew she wasn’t slim and

with eating. for lisa, bingeing and purging became a way of life,

that she could be a few kilos lighter. she didn’t realise then, that

one where she could control not only her weight but also the

one comment would set off a trajectory resulting in several years of

negative emotions that had taken over her life.

emotional and physical pain. some time after that episode lisa

maintaining a low body weight was always her sole focus.

suffered the onset of anorexia and, later on, bulimia developed.

“for me it was a coping mechanism. such behaviour is a way of

anorexia and bulimia are two common eating disorders. in

controlling something – to make up for the other things i couldn’t

anorexia, the sufferer becomes extremely rigid with food intake,

control. it was a way of dealing with my unsettling emotions, a

eating very small amounts of food in order to maintain a low body

secret to keep me going, without focusing on the way i felt.”

weight. fats and sugar are avoided, keeping calories to a minimum.

This is a heart rending form of starvation.

12 Sunday Circle ∫ JULY 2018

psychiatrist anton grech, chairperson of Dar Kenn Ghal Saħħtek, a foundation that treats the severely obese and also those

HEALTH

PHOTOS FROM STOCK

That was a very scary part of my life, as I was so out of control, I’d eat everything, and in such excess

who suffer from eating disorders, explains that these conditions often present themselves in adolescence.

“Anorexia and bulimia are more prevalent in girls. However in boys, the conditions tend to be more severe. Older people can also be affected, but most cases tend to be relapsers, where stressors set off the disorder again.”

Eating disorders effect 2 per cent of the Maltese population

Ednos – Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified is the medical term for those who suffer from a mixture of bulimia and anorexia. The psychiatrist explains that psychological issues always lurk behind these conditions.

“Many of the people we treat suffer from perfectionism, where an eating disorder becomes a way of gaining control. Some girls struggle with the idea of adulthood and puberty and become

and usually start off with an unhealthy body image. The psychiatrist

anorexic to retain a childlike body. Others suffer from stress within

says that the media often promotes very slender body shape, leading

the family or within their peer group and use food to control the

young people to aspire to be as skinny as popstars and models. “This

anxiety within.”

begins with an idea to lose weight, leading sufferers to strive to

As Lisa grew older she became more obsessed with her

achieve the ‘ideal’ body. We also see these disorders in ballet dancers

figure. “Now, looking back, it was more to do with my painful

and gymnasts, or athletes who require a thin physique.

emotions. I just couldn’t handle everything that was happening in

JULY 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

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HEALTH

I couldn’t let the world see what I’d become my life, so I’d starve myself or I’d numb myself with food.” At school,

didn’t help. My performance at work suffered. I didn’t eat anything

staying focused became a difficult task. “In my anorexia days, I’d eat

and, when I ate, I would throw it back up. Every day I spent two to

just an apple a day. I was starved, but somehow I pushed through.”

three hours at the gym. Soon, I lost my job and found myself in

Eventually, she turned to bingeing and her condition

debt. My teeth were all damaged and I had to have them done,

developed into bulimia. “That was a very scary part of my life, as I

which was an added expense. I wasn’t mentally strong enough to

was so out of control, I’d eat everything, and in such excess. I felt

do anything about it. I missed family occasions and social

guilty and down about the way I looked as I had gained so much

gatherings and spent all my time alone.”

weight. I couldn’t go out and socialise. I couldn’t let the world see

The time came for Lisa to seek help. Once she entered Dar

what I’d become. I was too ashamed and angry at myself. I knew I

Kenn Għal Saħħtek she followed a multidisciplinary routine, where

wasn’t happy, but I just didn’t know how to get better.”

she received help from psychiatrists, psychologist and nutritionists

Lisa went on to live a solitary life. “It was terrifying because I

who taught her how to perceive food in a different way and thus

felt like I wanted to punish myself for letting go. I took drastic

maintain a healthy body weight. “It took strength and patience. I

measures, easing the guilt I felt through purging. My hunger pangs

learnt to manage my emotions and to eat in a healthy manner.

turned to bingeing. I would eat chocolates, savoury snacks, biscuits,

There were days where I’d take a few steps back and it would

cakes, pies, pizza and sandwiches in one sitting – only to purge

almost feel like I’d have to start recovery all over again.”

everything. It was a vicious cycle. One that left me feeling ashamed

The psychiatrist says that ,although eating disorders are

and dirty. Afterwards I always felt down and would sleep, simply to

treatable, the cycles can be hard to break and require

stop the pain.”

determination. “Parents should look out for the warning signs: an

The psychiatrist says that eating disorders are often kept

obsession with food and low calorie diets shouldn’t be taken

secret. However, anorexia is not easy to hide. “It only takes months

lightly. Weight loss should also be monitored and, when in doubt,

for sufferers to deteriorate and, unless help is sought, starvation will

one should always seek a doctor’s advice.”

lead to death, ultimately. Bulimia also has detrimental effects.

For Lisa, Dar Kenn Għal Saħħtek provided a light at the end

Vomiting causes damage to the teeth and the oesophagus and the

of the tunnel. These days she is healthy and free from both eating

potassium levels in the body become unbalanced; this increases the

disorders. “It still feels unreal sometimes, but I feel so blessed that

risk of a heart attack.”

I have been given the chance to live without worrying about food.

At the age of 23, Lisa hit rock bottom. She felt like she had nothing to live for and turned towards partying and alcohol. “It

14 Sunday Circle ∫ JULY 2018

Life is good now that I have finally come to accept myself the way that I am.”

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ENVIRONMENT

PHOTOS: MARK ZAMMIT CORDINA

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ENVIRONMENT

The hidden commandment LOVE THINE ENVIRONMENT – THIS IS THE 11TH COMMANDMENT ACCORDING TO MULTI-AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR PAUL P. BORG, WHO TELLS IGGY FENECH THE STORIES BEHIND HIS TWO, ACTION-PACKED NOVELS. At the launch of Il-Kmandament Numru Ħdax – ħobb lill-ħolqien (The 11th Commandment - Love Thy Environment), Paul P. Borg stood on a podium set up especially for the occasion in Parliament and, without hesitation, spoke out about the importance of protecting our environment. At a time when our natural heritage is continually being destroyed, his words – as heroic as they were stoic – reverberated across the room with chilling force.

Even so, that stand seemed almost out of character for Paul, whose demure and gentle nature transcends everything he does. And, as we take a seat around the same coffee table I had first interviewed him over when he launched his biography of poet Carmel Attard three years ago, it dawns on me how different Paul the man and the Paul the author are.

“Why do we decide whether we should build on virgin land based based how much it will cost and how much it will give us back?” he tells me as he plumps up a cushion and reclines into his

updating things – and without wanting to sound like a heretic – I

side of the sofa. “Why do we always look at quantifiable criteria? Why

decided to add the 11th one because I think we need it as a country.”

has everything become technical, numerical… Where is the heart in all this?”

The 11th Commandment, according to Paul, is to ‘Love Thine Environment’, with all that is in it.

While I agree with his argument, I am slightly surprised by it.

Fittingly, the hero of the story in the books is called Mosè and

Paul is an engineering designer by profession and now teaches

much like a soldier, Mosè kills for his country. Both, Paul argues, are

Physics at San Andrea. Numbers and technicalities are his thing. But

doing this in their country’s honour and in their country’s best interest.

that all changes when I scan through the titles of the 26 books he’s

“Mosè’s violence… Is it madness or is it justified?” he asks me.

published over the years, which range from detailed accounts of

“You tell me!” I reply, slightly taken aback.

Malta’s dying crafts and ethnography, to poetry, short stories and novels reflecting social problems.

For Paul the author, it’s never been about the technical side of things, but about ideals and emotions. And that can be seen in his latest two novels that encompass a lifetime of experiences, memories

“He is violent,” he continues. “Now, I hate violence and I don’t want to glorify violence, but I would like the violence to be seen in the context of someone defending our rights, the ideals of a true soldier, after all!”

The incidents that spur Mosè’s rage along the story have mostly

and built-up worry and anger over the situation Malta is currently in

been taken from Paul’s real-life experiences: A restaurant owner who

environmentally.

put his two guard dogs in a bag and beat them to death for allowing

“God gave us 10 commandments,” he says, matter-of-factly.

an intruder to get in; a litter of kittens Paul found in a skip; a legal

“And, let’s be honest, they can be difficult to follow sometimes. Yet, I

notice handed to farmers stating that fields they had lovingly worked

do not understand how none of them is explicitly about the

for generations would be taken away from them and developed.

environment and His creations. While reading the Scriptures, however, I found a lot of mentions about the natural world and since we all love

“It breaks my heart,” he tells me, his eyes almost welling up.

“Why do we need to work on the premises of ‘because the law, or

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ENVIRONMENT

the Environment and Resources Authority, or the Planning Authority,

only go through life thinking with his head. And, just before our

or the Government says so’, or because we are scared of being fined?

interview comes to an end, he proves just how far he’ll go to ensure a

“Why can’t we stop destroying things because it is the right thing to do? Why can’t we not be cruel to animals because they

brighter future for the next generation that falls under his wing.

“This is when I met Stephen Hawking at Cambridge,” he tells me

deserve our love and not our wrath? Why can’t we be kinder to one

as he pulls out a photo. “I wanted to give the children a chance to

another, the creatures that share this planet with us, the land that has

apply the theories they learnt in my class and I decided to name an

served and nourished every generation that led up to us?”

annual science and technology project after him so they could be

His frustration is palpable in each and every page of his book: “The God of Vengeance will be kind to those whose legs trembled safeguarding the innocent,” he writes at one point. “He wanted to

inspired by a man who, for all life had thrown at him, had succeeded beyond many of our wildest imaginations.

“I got in touch, he accepted and we went there to meet him! I

believe. He wanted to hope. Don’t kill. Don’t do bad unto others. But

remember I had given him one of my books and a jar of Maltese

he had no hope in the way humankind behaved,” he writes in another.

honey and, in exchange, he told me to send him one question about

Paul, in a way, is a product of his childhood, his emotions

physics which he would answer personally. I asked him about the

determined by an era in his life in which happiness was as plentiful as

expanding universe. I felt like a child again talking to him, I was so

the fields that stretched across the land. Although he is originally from

excited!”

Birkirkara, he spent all his holidays and free time with his peasant

And at that moment, Paul the author returned to being Paul the

grandparents at Selmun in the days before Santa Maria Estates

man: gentle, and kind, and excitable, and always ready for what’s next.

existed.

And it’s then that you realise just what an effect the destruction of the

“My grandparents loved nature and believed wholeheartedly in

environment has on people… With every tree that is uselessly

the importance of eco-cycles. They had one philosophy, in fact, which

chopped down, and with every piece of arable land or maquis that is

was that everything has a place and a function; use an object for its

ploughed through with a bulldozer, this man’s soul dies a bit more.

function and leave it in its place. It’s the same philosophy that the bee uses, you see? It takes what it needs, but leaves the flower intact.”

He stops for a moment to think, before he adds: “They knew the importance of the rubble walls; what do we know now? With every

This book, after all, is more a plea than a novel. As he himself tells me before he bids me farewell: “The way we’re killing our environment… It shows something about us, don’t you think?”

Vol. I and Vol. II of Il-Kmandament Numru Ħdax – Ħobb lill-

old person that dies, there are fewer people who care about where

ħolqien, published by Horizons, are now available in all leading

milk comes from, how bread is baked, how nature is to be treated.”

bookshops.

An idealist by nature, Paul has always believed that literature’s role in society was not to solve problems but to point them out as the conscience of society. Experts with nothing to lose or gain, he says, should be the ones to solve them, but as they do so, they should also be ‘less calculator and more conscience.’

Yet, Paul is not against progress and believes that we should judge ourselves the same way future generations will judge us. “Valletta was built on virgin land and no one would dispute that it has made Malta more beautiful or better-functioning. It is a monument to beauty and to man’s achievement, while also respecting the aesthetics and functions of everything around it. Do the tens of new petrol stations popping up everywhere do that?”

As he continues to talk about his book and his childhood, I remember that he is also a teacher and think about how lucky his pupils are to have someone who goes beyond the obvious; who does not

18 Sunday Circle ∫ JULY 2018

With every old person that dies, there are fewer people who care about where milk comes from, how bread is baked, how nature is to be treated

CELEBRITIES

Making the conventional, unconventional THE MAN WHO SWEEPS ALL THE RESTAURANT AWARDS AND CHARMS ALL HIS PATRONS IS AT IT AGAIN, WITH PLANS A-BREWING FOR A NEW RESTAURANT IN BUDAPEST. RAMONA DEPARES CATCHES UP WITH MARVIN GAUCI, MALTA’S OWN CELEBRITY CHEF. “I was born in a kitchen and will die in a kitchen.”

This is how Marvin Gauci, restaurateur extraordinaire and the closest thing Malta has to a celebrity chef, starts off our interview.

The previous evening I have just dined at his celebrated Buddhamann, something he insists on as he believes that you can’t write about the food concept that he has come to stand for without actually experiencing it. I have already experienced it, of course – multiple times, at Marvin’s now multiple restaurants – but I’m not one to pass up an opportunity to enjoy a real foodie evening once again.

Marvin’s is the name behind some of Malta’s top awarded restaurants. In 2017 alone, his outlets made a clean sweep at the much-coveted Definitively Good Guide Restaurant Awards, with Tarragon clinching best service, best

ambience and (top of the top) best overall restaurant. Marvin also received awards for Buddhamann, which placed fifth overall, and Caviar & Bull, which placed seventh.

And that is just on local shores. The chef also runs a restaurant in Budapest and is now on the verge of opening another. He is the mind behind Dinner In The Sky, which this summer has already launched at Manoel Island, and he was recently appointed Culinary Ambassador for Malta. Oh yeah, and Italian celebrity chef Bruno Barbieri wants to poach him for MasterChef Italia.

So that’s the list of accolades. Accolades which, in all honesty and as far as my experience has revealed, are entirely well-deserved. I have yet to have a lessthan-spectacular dinner at any of Marvin’s restaurants. However, for many, a good part of the attraction is actually Marvin himself. There’s no denying that the man is charismatic and serves up a good natter. He has the whole ‘chef patron’ thing down to a tee, somehow managing to socialise with each table while actually keeping an eye on logistics. A few weeks earlier, I had dinner at Caviar & Bull and he was not there – despite a top notch team that delivers flawless service, most diners will tell you that if Marvin’s not there, “it’s not quite the same”.

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PHOTOS: MATTHEW MIRABELLI

CELEBRITIES

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CELEBRITIES

Quite a bit of hype to live up to, but somehow he manages. So, back to the statement that was to kick off our interview.

“It was in my grandmother’s kitchen that I fell in love with food. I still remember her delicate hands, that could somehow create culinary wonders ranging from her famous ross il-forn to a really exquisite Maltese trifle. It was during that time that I developed a keen interest in food and, since then, my journey has taken me through various food experiences which have developed me into the person I am today,” he tells me.

Nanna’s famous ross il-forn was truly what shaped these encounters, the first thing that Marvin remembers cooking.

“I would say that it was not bad, but must also admit that Nanna’s support was critical,” he says with a fond smile. "Of course, my mother was equally invaluable, as she instilled in me a strong love for tasting and preparing food."

Fast forward some years and you would find Marvin at the Wild Thyme, in Xemxija, which is where I first encountered him as an enthusiastic chef. Since then, many things have changed. Extensive travel broadened his ideas and made him incorporate other food cultures in his ideas. Tarragon, Buddhamann and Caviar & Bull followed Wild Thyme, and – while the ambiance and food maybe diverse – the ethos is common to all.

“While I remained loyal to my family’s food traditions, I enhanced it with new techniques and ingredients. My work at all my restaurants is the product of my food experiences. Every outlet has, at its core, the fundamental elements of my family’s cooking methods, which are happily fused with key cultures to create a clear identity which distinguishes one from the other,” he tells me.

Which is all very well and good, but what is the real secret? We have all been to restaurants that are ‘good enough’, or ‘okay’. What does it take to make the leap from an okay dinner that you’ll forget in a couple of days, to a foodie experience that you will relish for years?

“Well, the secret lies in the level of sensitivity of the chef’s palate, I suppose. An amazing chef has a defined level of perfection and a specific ability to maximise an ingredient, and the flavour of that raw ingredient. Great chefs have a culinary instinct which lets them know when a dish has reached its perfection.”

But surely it can’t be just that, I insist. Marvin smiles and admits that personality and a different approach from the status quo both count for a lot, too.

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CELEBRITIES

“I always considered myself a rule breaker and never felt I

“The book is a combination of my family’s food traditions

could fit into a mould. I always saw food as a way to think out of the

combined with my own ideas, and other concepts I came across

box, an opportunity to turn the conventional into unconventional.

while travelling. Reading through the book and experimenting with

This, obviously, without compromising on standards.”

my recipes offers each reader a window to my life,” he tells me.

This is also the ethos he follows at Caviar & Bull in Budapest,

His other upcoming project is even more ambitious – the

the restaurant that is within the Corinthia Hotel. It’s an ethos that

opening of a second restaurant in Budapest. However, this will be a

seems to be working very well as, only a few months ago, Marvin

restaurant with a difference.

was awarded Best Chef in Budapest, while Caviar & Bull

“The new outlet is part of our goal to expand the Caviar & Bull

consistently rates as No 1 restaurant on TripAdviser. What was this

brand beyond our shores. Following our success in Budapest we felt

experience like?

the Hungarian market offered us further expansion potential. So, the

“The award crowns an impressive year, during which Caviar &

idea is to remain loyal to the Caviar & Bull food concept, with slight

Bull developed into one of the top restaurants in the Hungarian

tweaks in line with the food trends of the new market,” he tells me

capital city. It is a memorable moment in my career, which I couldn’t

somewhat cryptically.

have achieved without the support of my family, all team members of Caviar & Bull, the Corinthia Group and all those who believed in me.”

And now, the latest ventures – first, a cookery book that will

No matter how much I press him, the reply is that all will be revealed in good time. As for retirement, the mere word brings on a guffaw. More new projects is more like it. Oh, and this while also

be published later on this year and that seeks to tell Marvin’s story

somehow finding time to enjoy time with his stunning wife and

through a carefully-selected set of recipes that paint a culinary

four children. Looks like it’s going to be a packed 2018 for this

journey.

chef.

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TRAVEL

Sicily is the go-to destination for most of us when in need of a quick

itinerary for our last day. I was reassured that the catamaran was

break. Yet, somehow, few of us manage to go beyond the obvious

super stable and I’d barely realise that we were moving and, what

sightseeing and shopping points to discover the more hidden

do you know, they weren’t lying.

attributes. Think tranquil resorts, a wealth of organic produce,

The second reason for picking a ferry crossing was just as

medieval architecture and some seriously fancy restaurants.

practical – mobility, as you need to a car to explore the region

Because, yes, there is more to this charming island that the ever-

properly. Initially, the idea of driving was a source of some concern

popular Catania markets and the cobbled streets in Taormina.

but, happily, in this region traffic is light and getting into towns like

My mission on this trip? Experiencing a rather sophisticated stay that involved a lot of amazing food and wine, while staying somewhere that didn’t come with throngs of tourists and their

Modica and Ragusa is simple, with clearly marked parking areas, so we encountered zero problems.

The third reason for picking a ferry crossing was more

splashing children. There is a time and place for both, but this trip

subjective – it is infinitely more comfortable and picturesque than a

was not going to be one of them.

flight. You get the sunrise, the sunset, the vista, the ability to go out

The first decision was whether to fly or take the Virtu Ferries catamaran (http://www.virtuferries.com/). The latter takes

on deck to smoke (if you’re foolish enough to do that to your body)... you get this gist.

approximately one and a half hours, and I opted for it for multiple

But back to our Pozzallo docking. Should we first find our

reasons. The ferry timings are perfect for those who want to get a

hotel, or should we stop for breakfast? We decided not to be so

full weekend of fun – we arrived in Pozzallo on Friday at about

Maltese about filling our tummies and to first find the resort where

8.15am, just in time for breakfast. The plan was to take the 9.30pm

we were staying – the Cambiocavallo Unesco-Area & Resort

ferry back on Sunday, which meant that we could still plan a full

(http://www.cambiocavallo.it/), a four-star property a mere 10-

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TRAVEL

RAMONA DEPARES EXPERIENCES LIFE IN THE SICILIAN SLOW LANE AS SHE DISCOVERS NATURE’S FLAVOURS, ORGANIC COOKING AND TOTAL RELAXATION IN THE SOUTH-EASTERN CORNER OF THE ISLAND.

Cannoli, crema e caffè minute drive away from the port of Pozzallo. Surprisingly, the area is

invited to join the other guests who were still having breakfast. So

extremely quiet, even though the resort is conveniently placed on

we did, sitting outside in the shade, surrounded by chirping birds,

the main thoroughfare that leads to Modica. As soon as you walk

emerald green lizards and honest-to-goodness bees. We’d barely

through the main gate, you are magically transported into a mass of

docked and Sicily was already giving us a slice of heaven.

greenery, with fields extending beyond the resort itself and creating

We must have taken a good hour and a half just taking it all in,

a gorgeous landscape. The Cambiocavallo blends beautifully with

together with freshly-made ricotta cannoli, croissants, typical

its natural environment, with an olive grove and palm trees, rose

cheeses and some fortifying espresso.

bushes and chirping birds surrounding the main building and the

Eventually, we figured we should get off our butts. The

pool area. Everywhere, there’s natural stone and wood – including

Cambiocavallo is perfect for those who only want to laze around by

within the rooms themselves – and it’s immediately clear that the

the pool, but we were trying to achieve a bit more. So off we drove

design was created by someone who is very aware of the

to Modica to have lunch at the Michelin-starred Accursio

importance of natural elements. Later, I was to discover that the

(http://www.accursioristorante.it/), headed by the wonderful

owners of the resort are celebrated architects in Italy and, suddenly,

Accursio Craparo. The chef patron is known in culinary circles as the

it all made sense. For someone hailing from an island that managed

Chef of the Two Sicilies, with his cuisine uniting the two extremities

to kill off hundreds of trees in the past year, this was extremely

of the island through the use of seasonal produce and traditional

refreshing.

dishes that are given a modern-day twist. Eating at the Accursio

But back to our tummies. It was 9.30AM, too early to check-

was a bit like eating a fresh slice of Sicily, as we were soon to find

in. Not a problem for Ignazio Occhipinti, who manages the

out thanks to our eight-course degustation menu. Yup, that’s eight

Cambiocavallo: our luggage was quickly taken care of and we were

courses and you will not regret a single one of them as, from the

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TRAVEL

The pool area at Cambiocavallo UNESCO-Area & Resort.

Accursio Craparo

Primi at Locanda del Colonnello.

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Breakfast at the resort.

TRAVEL

initial amouse bouche to the final dessert, you will find your tastebuds continuously surprised and seduced. This is the restaurant for those who enjoy tasting the unexpected, as Accursio heads a team of chefs whose specialty seems to be thinking out of the box. Such as with the Pappa al Pomodoro, where the traditional Tuscan tomato and bread concoction is turned on its head, served cold and with prawn. And the result is amazing. Or the Bassa Marea, a dish with chickpeas, prawns, mussels, monkfish and clams artfully arranged to look like an ocean reef. Or even dessert – one, a fluffy cloud of candyfloss that hid a coy cannolo; and the other, a rather worrying egg presented on my plate. My face must have been a picture. I asked for dessert, dammit, not a boiled egg. Only, it turned out to be a reconstructed crema, filled with a kind of fruit based mixture that tasted like happiness. I left the Accursio not only with my tastebuds singing, but also amazed at how seemingly obvious dishes can be turned into something special under creative hands.

Late afternoon was spent taking in the sights – and the Chocolate Museum – in Modica. The town is nothing short of stunning, divided into Modica Bassa and Alta, the Alta part with buildings rising dramatically out of the valley into the sky. No dangers of over-development here, and the medieval aesthetic has been maintained, so that just walking around this Unesco Heritage site is a pleasure in itself. Very imposing is the baroque church of San Pietro and the Castle of the Counts of Modica.

A couple of espresso shots later and we were ready to make the 15 minute drive back to the Cambiocavallo, for a very well-deserved sunning and snoozing session by the pool. We were shown to our room – all eight rooms at the resort come with a terrace that leads directly to the pool, and there are also two suites. The best part of our room was definitely the shaded terrace area, complete with recliner and benches, which were going to turn out to be very useful that evening after we’d had our swim and snooze. Initially, the plan was to dine at the Cambiocavallo itself – given the fact that it’s a boutique resort, you need to let them know in the morning and, judging by what I had seen, the chef here also follows a from-field-to-table philosophy, with produce gathered from nearby farmers and fishermen. Sadly, lunch left us too full for dinner, so we did the next best thing, buying some typical regional cheeses, bread and olive oil from nearby and supplementing this with a Locanda del Colonnello

bottle of white from the resort’s cellar. Enjoyed in the breeze, from our terrace, with the owls hooting, it was pure bliss.

The next day dawned with purpose – that of another lazy breakfast, featuring more freshly-baked Sicilian treats – and an outing to Singola Ristorante Naturale (http://singola.tumblr.com/), a vegan restaurant the reputation of which is stellar.

I’m no vegan, but I’m not averse to enjoying dishes created purely out of the bounty of agriculture. Singola focuses on the use of genuine flavours and dressings; an added bonus is dining outside, in the company of some very friendly cats.

Creativity is the name of the game so, for

The Bassa Marea at L'Accursio.

starters, we enjoyed a platter – Medulle –

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TRAVEL

that combined a variety of salads with some gorgeous dressings and the pezzo forte, a reinterpretation of the Maki, a very pleasing concoction that replaces fish with shredded carrot. A delicate arancina with lemon ricotta (the only non-vegan ingredient, clearly stated) and, for mains, a vegan lasagna and fettuccini with mushrooms. Everything at Singola is made in-house, using 0km produce as they like to put it. This includes the olive oil, made using a combination of local olives and also the pasta itself, made with Sicilian flour, produced from local wheat. This gives every dish a very distinctive flavour. Closing dinner was a vegan tiramisu, with apricot custard and strawberry, and vegan ice-cream. An experience that shattered all my misconceptions that vegan food is drab or not tempting.

Sunday dawned with a new foodie goal – the Locanda del

Getting there

Colonnello (www.locandadelcolonnello.it), up in Modica Alta. The

Virtu Ferries operate daily trips between Malta and

drive to Modica Alta from the Cambiocavallo is gorgeous – you

Pozzallo and Pozzallo and Catania. Coach transfers

approach the lower side of town via a gentle descent, and suddenly

between Pozzallo and Catania are possible, and check

you see Modica Alta rising out of the valley right ahead of you, for all

out their site for regular special offers.

the world as though you’re in some movie. Up, up, up we drove

(http://www.virtuferries.com/)

through narrow, winding roads flanked by stunning medieval architecture and a rather imposing St George’s Cathedral, until at the

Where to stay

very top we parked pretty much outside the quaint alleyway leading

The 4-star Cambiocavallo Unesco-Area & Resort is a

to the Locanda del Colonnello. A couple of photo ops later (selfie

boutique hotel located in the countryside, just 4 km from

time!) we walked into the super-hip restaurant, Bob Dylan softly

the beaches, a short drive away from Modica, Noto,

playing in the background and some really intriguing art capturing

Scicli and Ibla. It is also a 10-minute drive away from the

our attention. But chef Francesco Mineo was soon to show us that

ferry in Pozzallo. (http://www.cambiocavallo.it/)

the Locanda del Colonnello has a lot more going for it than good art, good music and good vibes. Things kicked off with a basket of homemade bread and Sicilian olive oil. Tempting, but I’d been down this road before. Pacing is key when dining at a restaurant like the Locanda del Colonnello, famed for using only the best ingredients from the territory, making the most of its connections with local producers in order to create dishes with flavours that are both full and subtle. A contradiction in terms, I hear you say? Mysteriously, no.

I’m not sure how Chef Francesco and his team manage it, but manage it they do. With every single dish that was served, we could taste the individual ingredients, not one overpowering the other, creating an explosion of flavours with every bite. Mackarel with gazpacho and wasabi? You’d think with such strong ingredients each would be fighting against the other, but no. The linguine with cuttlefish, hazelnut and mint were of an exquisite, fragrant lightness; the longfin tuna combined with the eggplant (prepared in a very particular manner, leading to a yummy smoky taste) was amazing; gnocchi with ricotta, lemon and Ragusano cheese... so satisfying.

Every dish is an ode to the ingredients, proferring nature’s bounty in its best version. The test of any meal, for me, is its ending. My lemon cream, strawberry and crunchy almond concoction was superb, as were the following mini-cannoli and chocolates. It is well-nigh impossible to leave this place without a smile on your face.

And there you have it – a weekend in Sicily with nary a shopping centre or flea market in sight. Nothing but amazing food that makes the most of nature’s bounty, and a tranquil, stunning accommodation. Sicily, alla prossima.

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ARTS

The powerhouses at the Palazzo THE CURRENT AND FORMER CURATORS OF PALAZZO FALSON – CAROLINE TONNA AND FRANCESCA BALZAN – GRAB A COFFEE WITH IGGY FENECH TO DISCUSS FRIENDSHIP, HISTORY, AND THE PAST AND PRESENT OF ONE OF THE BRIGHTEST GEMS ON MALTA’S HERITAGE CROWN. It’s a sunny Friday morning and I’m making my way through Mdina’s

Francesca and Caroline’s chemistry is very obvious even as we

medieval roads. Funnily enough, though, while I know both

chat away about the past and seemingly inconsequential things.

Francesca and Caroline well, I’m still feeling a bit anxious… The

And that comes as no surprise. After all, they have worked together

history-loving geek in me still gets star struck on every encounter!

many times, including volunteering on heritage-related projects, and

Francesca is one of Malta’s leading jewellery historians, the author of Jewellery in Malta: Treasures from the Island of the Knights

lecturing at the University of Malta.

“It’s not easy to get recognition within these fields, you know,”

(1530-1798) and curated some of the island’s landmark jewellery

Caroline tells me. “The History of Art department is more geared

exhibitions including the 2013 Vanity, Profanity and Worship –

towards pushing students to research architecture, sculpture and

Jewellery from the Maltese Islands to name just one. She’s recently

painting… The finer arts, if you will. But Francesca broke the mould

helped out with the coordination of the Picasso and Miró: The Flesh

by looking at the decorative arts, which we both see on par with fine

& The Spirit exhibition on behalf of Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti

art as they involve talent and craftsmanship.”

(FPM), too, and, of course, has been the curator of Palazzo Falson for the past 11 years.

Caroline, meanwhile, has been the Lace and Costume Curator at Casa Rocca Piccola since 2011; is the co-producer of TVM’s

This belief in each other’s work and their similar vision when it comes to heritage has proven invaluable over these past six months, during which they have worked together on the handover.

As Francesca leaves her post as the curator of Palazzo Falson

MaltArti; was on the board of the Arts Council Malta for four years;

to take up the role of senior executive at FPM, Caroline has to take

and was the editor of Malta’s first fashion magazine, Elegance, which

on all the roles that come with being the curator here – ranging from

ran between 1983 and 1996. She recently completed her Masters in

actual curatorial work to PR and greeting dignitaries to ensuring the

History of Art, focusing on 19th century dress history in Malta and,

historic home’s continued growth. And it’s no easy transition either,

now, she’s taken over the reins of the historic house.

as Francesca has been here since before the historic house opened

They are powerhouses in the industry they work in, but they have never been orthodox in their approach to history, curatorship or work in general. They are the rebels whose vision worked out.

So as we sit down to start our interview, I have a million questions to ask them, but it doesn’t all go as planned.

“Sorry, let me just take this,” Francesca tells me as her phone rings mid-ordering a cappuccino.

to the public in May 2007.

“It’s like my baby,” Francesca reminisces. “But I’m not moving away entirely and will still be part of FPM, which is in charge of running the Palazzo.

“Thankfully, we were given a good amount of time to work together, which has meant that the museum and its staff – whom I love tremendously – didn’t get a jolt with a sudden change in

“Of course, go ahead!” I reply as Caroline’s phone also rings.

curatorship. Caroline’s work ethic has been incredibly helpful

They hurriedly have their conversations before they put away

psychologically, though, and I genuinely believe it’s fate that the

their phones and start chatting.

“This is so exciting! I’m so happy we’re all here,” Francesca tells

baton is being passed on to her.”

“Although, I have to admit that when I was approached by

Caroline and me. “Car, I still remember when we first met, you were

Michael Lowell, the CEO of FPM, I was both pleased and shocked,”

wearing an orange dress held together with a curb chain, which was

Caroline interjects. “Francesca, to me, equals Palazzo Falson; she’s in

popularised in the 18th and 19th century.”

every stone and artefact to be found here!”

“I remember that dress!” Caroline exclaims.

“I guess, in a way, that dress was symbolic of our relationship.

Bringing our interest in jewellery and fashion together!”

30 Sunday Circle ∫ JULY 2018

Caroline’s sentiment is shared by many, particularly as the former home of Captain Olof Frederick Gollcher OBE (1889-1962) houses one of the most important collections of historical objects

ARTS

PHOTOS: CHRIS SANT FOURNIER

They are powerhouses in the industry they work in, but they have never been orthodox in their approach

JULY 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

31

ARTS

and objets d’art on the island, and includes silver, furniture, costumes, jewellery, maps, books, tools, crockery, dinnerware, watches, religious artefacts, rugs and textiles. That is notwithstanding the Palazzo itself, a stunning medieval building that has many historicallyimportant architectural features. And Francesca has been one of the main driving forces behind it becoming one of the best-loved museums on the Islands.

“It’s a magnificent collection because it’s an insight into our history and also because it appeals to everyone, no matter their interest,” says Francesca.

“The 10-hour watch, for example, is a record of timekeeping from the French Revolution, when the day was divided into 10 hours made up of 100 minutes, which were in turn made up of 100 seconds each.”

The collection also includes Capt. Gollcher’s diary from World

know more about particular objects than we do. A few years back,

War II, gossipy letters about people in Malta at a time when the

we even had a woman who had emigrated decades before come

country was divided between supporters of the British Colonialists

through our door to tell us she used to work here as a maid. It was

and the Italian Factions. Other documents reveal striking information

incredible to be able to take her round and take notes of what

about places that weren’t as well travelled by Westerners as they are

certain things meant to Capt. Gollcher and what happened in the

now, including Japan and South America, which Capt. Gollcher

rooms we see on a day-to-day basis,” Francesca adds.

visited during his lifetime.

“Each object tells a story, which is why the way things are

What’s made Palazzo Falson so beloved by the people who visit it, however, is that it is not static. And I don’t just mean that they

displayed has to tell a story,” Caroline continues. “This is important

have specific exhibitions and workshops and lectures for adults and

not just for the people who visit, but also for the historical records

children – which they do – but because it is open to the public for

we need to leave for the next generation.”

more than just visiting. Small civil weddings take place here, as do

“In fact, we often get people walking through the door who

intimate gatherings, meaning that the Palazzo still plays an active part in people’s lives.

“I believe the recipe is there and the ingredients are good so, as my father used to say, don’t change a good thing,” Caroline answers when I ask her what she’s planning on doing differently. “Of course, we can add on to it, and the museum has the potential to be used for many other activities. But it’s not about reinventing the wheel, just about growing its legacy.”

“As from my end, all I have to say is that it’s nice to have somebody who can bring new input and a new lease of life to this gem… Caroline has a teenager on her hands, and I do believe she will make us all proud!” Francesca concludes.

What the future holds for Palazzo Falson is yet to be seen, of course, but it does look bright. And that’s also part of the beauty of the Palazzo, because no matter how old it is, there’s always a new chapter ahead of it. As for Caroline and Francesca? Well, no doubt you’ll be hearing about them soon with regards to some other major undertaking! www.palazzofalson.com

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PEOPLE

PHOTOS: MATTHEW MIRABELLI. SHOT ON LOCATION AT RISTORANTE LA VELA.

34 Sunday Circle ∫ JULY 2018

PEOPLE

LUNCH WITH

Mary Rose Mallia HAVING NOW ENTERED HER SIXTH DECADE IN THE BUSINESS AND JUST RELEASED A NEW ALBUM WITH A PROBABLE ITALIAN LAUNCH ON THE HORIZON, MALTA’S MOST BELOVED ALL-ROUNDER CHATS TO IGGY FENECH ABOUT THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OVER A LEISURELY LUNCH AT RISTORANTE LA VELA. Mary Rose Mallia is an icon, yet a lot of people know her by

It may seem crazy that, 51 years after Mary Rose’s career

different names. Like ‘Lieni’ from her time on Simpatiċi, or ‘is-

first began, she still has a loyal army of fans, including Maltese

Saħħara ta’ Wied Għafrid’ from her song in the musical Taħt

millennials, people from Japan, the States, Canda, Australia…

Tlett Saltniet… A song which, according to veteran radio DJ

But that boils down to her choices over the years, including

Enzo Gusman, remains the most asked for song in Maltese on

the fact that she has never shied away from a challenge or

the radio.

been afraid to let her over-the-top personality shine through.

If you’re from Germany, though, then you may even

Mary Rose is adamant that her career was only possible

know her as Mary Charles, who sang the 1985-hit Blue Summer

thanks to her father, Philip, who was an amateur village actor

Lies, or even as Pasta Mama from the musical La Piazza, which

himself. In fact, it was her father who went on to fund the

toured Western Germany for a year and four months. So good

creation of the Għanjiet minn Malta (Songs from Malta) LP.

was Mary Rose in La Piazza, that no one could find an

The album, now a classic of the Maltese canon, included the

understudy for her. It was hell for Mary Rose, who couldn’t

much-loved Festa (commonly known as ‘Bandalori’), Rajt

take a night off, but it did bring her enough opportunities to

Raġel, and Fuq il-Pont ta’ Wied Rummiena, written by

be able to fashion a 16-year career in the country.

Friġġieri.

Indeed, Mary Rose’s career in the entertainment business

Although her career has always taken precedence, there

is so varied and so lasting, that she has almost become a

is one thing that she has never put second – her family. In fact,

canvas onto which different people from different generations

on the eve of releasing Blue Summer Lies in the UK, she had to

and nationalities have placed their own idea of who Mary Rose

fly to Malta to visit her father, who was, by then, on his

Mallia actually is.

deathbed. He passed the morning after she arrived, and her

To me – at least before I had lunch with her at Ristorante La Vela, just off the Marina Gardens in Pietà – she was the voice behind some of the best songs to come out of Malta, the

dream to enter the UK market with her record never materialised.

Many years later, after her mother, Helen, died, Mary Rose

baroness in the 10 part-series Vaganza f’Ħal Bla Ras on TVM,

took on the role of mother to her three younger brothers, Joe,

and a gay icon who makes many of my friends go ‘yaasss’ at

Philip and Lino. The siblings are still incredibly close.

the mere sight of a picture of her cardboard cutout on Facebook.

“I sang at a gay party recently… Lollipop,” she tells me. “I

“The only thing I would love to have done differently is to have had children,” she reminisces. “I love children… But I am an aunt to three nieces, and that satisfies me. And, let’s be

was so surprised people were excited to see me on stage! The

honest, had I had my own children, I probably wouldn’t have

crowd was so young! It was so much fun!”

been able to do what I have done.”

JULY 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

35

PEOPLE

As our starters are replaced by our mains – fresh grilled tuna for Mary Rose (who is coeliac and lactose intolerant) and pasta for me – the lovely Matthew Mirabelli, our photographer, arrives. A natural at being in front of the camera by now, Mary Rose simply shifts in her seat and continues as though nothing were happening, as photos of her are taken.

Holding her wine glass, putting on and off her sunglasses, and giving us various poses, she has both Matthew and I in fits mere moments after the shoot begins – and she laughs along with us as she recounts stories of past shoots. It’s this indomitable spirit – full of life and joie de vivre – that has made Mary Rose not only one of Malta’s most loved entertainers, but also one of the most respected in the industry, looked up to even by Malta’s youngest divas.

“Always be positive, even when the ship is sinking,” she replies, when I ask her about life advice. “At the very last moment, you can still be saved. As for your career, it’s never too late to do what you love… I’d have never imagined I’d be doing an album at 65!”

But here we are, just two months after the launch of her self-titled album, Maryrose Mallia, produced and mostly written by Michele Centonza, based on stories told to him by Mary Rose.

Released under Crisler Music, Mary Rose now joins Mia Martini and Riccardo Fogli, whose music is also distributed by the record label.

“Each song on the album is about, or dedicated to, someone. Wings of a Dove and The Room (written by Paul Abela and Charles Flores) are dedicated to my father, Forever Young and The Music in Me are about me, while Crystal Child (written by Domenic Galea and Ray Mahoney) is about my great nephew, who was conceived after years of trying.” Meanwhile, the album as a whole is dedicated to her father.

Maryrose Mallia also includes Share the Love, a song sung with Renato, Mary Rose’s first love and best friend forever, and Crystal Child, which has also been

36 Sunday Circle ∫ JULY 2018

“It may seem crazy that, 51 years aer Mary Rose’s career first began, she still has a loyal army of fans, including Maltese millennials”

released in Maltese and in Italian as part of an EP being sold in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation.

“And have you heard me rapping in Fly Away?” she asks, grinning. “I wasn’t sure at first but, then again, I will always consider something which challenges me… It’s not that stimulating for me doing something I’ve already done.”

And she definitely puts her money where her mouth is, as each of the nine songs on Maryrose Mallia also exists in Italian and there’s a chance the album will be released for the Italian market at some point this year. This won’t be Mary Rose’s first brush with Italian music, though, as she has toured the Italian peninsula with Edoardo Vianello for three months before, and she was also on the verge of taking part in Sanremo before the festival abolished its tradition of having a foreigner sing the same song as their Italian counterparts.

The more we speak, the more incredible things I come to discover and it’s amazing how she continues to veer her career, decade after decade. But, maybe, the most surprising is the fact that for all the operettas, musicals, dramas and songs she’s done, she’s never actually studied voice or acting: A fact made even more incredible when you keep in mind that Songs from Malta was recorded in a single day, and continues to be one of her most popular.

“My mind has always been focused on my career,” she tells me as we tuck into dessert and sip on more Prosecco. She then puts down her fork and goes: “It’s probably why I never found the right guy in my life, you know?

“But, whatever happens, I will always remember the advice my dad gave me when I won the first festival I ever took part in: ‘Mer, always keep your feet firmly on the ground.’

Because, at the end of the day, that’s all that matters… At the end of the day, I’m happy my talent brings joy to many people,” she concludes.

After we sip the last of the espresso, we make our way out of the restaurant and all eyes turn to Mary Rose: some because they recognise her and others because they’re wondering why everyone around them is looking at this lady in black. And Mary Rose, always the gracious person, smiles, nods and continues about her day, being fabulous.

Distribution by: Noriva Ltd - Tel: 2141 3112 / 2131 3909 / 2123 7351 Email: info@noriva.com.mt Web: www.noriva.com.mt facebook.com/NorivaLtd Trainer & Beauty Therapist: Angele Bugeja - 9932 0275

CIRCLE PROMOTION

WITH TEMPERATURES RISING THROUGHOUT THE LONG, HOT SUMMER, IT’S ABSOLUTELY VITAL TO DRINK ENOUGH WATER TO KEEP YOUR BODY HYDRATED. NESTLÉ MALTA DIETITIAN MIRKO CIROLLI EXPLAINS WHY – AND HOW – WE CAN DO EXACTLY THAT.

Get hydrated We all know the age-old adage that ‘water is life’. In fact, put

How much water should I drink?

simply, water is essential for life because it makes up an incredible

On average, the recommended amount of water needed

65-to70 per cent of our body.

“Water has so many functions,” explains Nestlé Malta

everyday is 950-1,550ml for children and 1,600-2,000ml for adults.

That said, this all depends on how active you are, as well as how hot

dietitian Mirko Cirolli. “As the main chemical constituent in our

and humid it is. If you want to know if you’re drinking enough water,

blood, it also transports nutrients around our body, removes

take a look at the colour of your urine – which should be a light

waste products through our urine, and is the main constituent of

straw or pale yellow colour. If it’s darker than that, then you

our muscle mass. Beyond that, water also regulates our body’s

probably need to drink more.

temperature by encouraging us to sweat when we are hot. Thus, drinking enough is crucial if we want to maintain good health so as to prevent constipation, kidney stones and urinary tract infections.”

Should I encourage my children to drink more water?

Absolutely! While adults have mechanisms to regulate the water in their body, children’s mechanisms aren’t quite as developed yet, which means you will need to keep an eye on

Should I drink more water?

them. Meanwhile, really little children may not be able to

Well, the important thing here is to drink enough water –

communicate how thirsty they are, and could be feeling very

because if you don’t, you could become dehydrated. This could make you feel thirstier and give you a dry, sticky mouth (a condition

thirsty.

With that in mind, it is important to keep an eye on how

known as xerostomia), but could also lead you to experience

much your children are drinking – especially as evidence suggests

symptoms like fatigue, poor concentration, headache or light-

that children who drink more water do perform better in attention

headedness.

and memory tests.

38 Sunday Circle ∫ JULY 2018

CIRCLE PROMOTION

By drinking Nestlé Vera water, you’re contributing to your health as well as the planet’s health. Nestlé has taken a commitment to ensuring their factories are ‘zero impact’ on nature and have ‘positive impact’ on the growth of its territories. The Castrocielo plant, for example, is a true ‘smart factory’ thanks to the use of energy coming exclusively from renewable sources, the use of LED lights and heat recovery and retention systems, the CO2 emission level it is zero. Nestlé Vera is also committed to enhancing the excellence of the territories in which it is hosted, to stimulate growth and create opportunities for people. It supports the excavation and restoration of artefacts found at the important archaeological site of the Roman age of Aquinum, conducted by the University of Salento in collaboration with the Municipality of Castrocielo, to allow the stable opening to the public.

Beyond that, all Nestlé Vera bottles are made of PET – a 100 per cent recyclable material.

I am looking after someone elderly. Should they drink more water, or less?

Elderly people are actually more vulnerable to dehydration so,

advice, TDS should always be less than 1,000mg/L – but cannot be too low as that would give it a flat and insipid taste.

Next up, the pH value of a water source is a measure of its

yes, it is important they drink more. As they get older, some people

acidity or alkalinity. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7.0 being

also worry about incontinence or have difficulties accessing drinks, so

neutral. Water with a low pH is said to be acidic, and water with a high

their fluid intake could go down. However, evidence suggests that

pH is basic, or alkaline. Acidic water can cause problems for human

elderly people should drink more because being dehydrated could

consumption, so it’s important to check that your water has a well

lead to accidental falls, the altered elimination of drugs, and urine tract

specified pH level. Finally, the World Health Organisation suggests

infections. As a result, regular drinks should be encouraged.

that nitrate in drinking water should be less than 3 mg/L. High nitrate concentrations have been linked to a number of concerns, including

There are so many types of drinking water on the market

the ‘baby blues syndrome’, while, in other cases, high nitrates may

today… what should I bear in mind when choosing the best brand

combine to dietary protein forming a carcinogenic substance called

to drink?

nitrosamine, which seems to be linked to different types of cancer.

It’s true – choosing the right water can be confusing. But

So, all-in-all, is it vital to consider choosing the right water for

there are three key things you should look for on labels if you want

you and your family, based on it having the adequate amount of

to know which water brand to buy – the total dissolve solids (TDS),

minerals, optimal pH levels, and low levels of nitrates. Be sure to

the pH content, and the nitrate content. Put simply, TDS refers to

read the product labels when choosing the water you drink, and to

any minerals, salts, and metals dissolved in the water, and comprises

make an educated choice.

of inorganic salts (principally calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates). Without medical

Nestlé Vera is available from all leading supermarkets, groceries and confectioneries.

JULY 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

39

INITIATIVES

Biking chicks LIFE’S TOO SHORT TO BE SPENT BEHIND A WHEEL, MARIE BRIGUGLIO AND MICHELLE ATTARD TONNA TELL KRISTINA CASSAR DOWLING, AS THEY TALK ABOUT A BICYCLE REVOLUTION THAT SEES THEM CYCLING TO WORK EVERY MORNING. We’ve burned the bras, we’ve marched the

sheer shock and anticipation on my face. Little did

streets, we ran for presidency. But, this isn’t a

I know that these tenacious women spent less

feminist cry, this isn’t even environmental. Meet

time commuting to work than the regular Joe

Marie Briguglio and Michelle Attard Tonna, two

would on a daily basis. A drive from Għargħur to

determined women who are simply trying to

Msida could take up to 40 minutes during peak

make a change that can help us fix one of the

hours, while a voyage from Żabbar to Msida could

biggest problems on our island. Traffic.

eat about an hour of your day unless you wake up

As I waited for Marie and Michelle to arrive

at the crack of dawn and camp out in your car for

at our agreed upon destination, I wondered how

a good portion of your morning. Take that wasted

we would recognise each other as we’d never met

time and divide it by half as these brilliant cyclists

prior to this. We planned to meet at the University

get to work, on time and in ship-shape order

Quad, a common meeting ground for students

within 20 and 30 minutes. Did we forget

but also a pass-through for lecturers. Both Marie

something? Ah, yes. Parking, Malta’s other tragic

and Michelle are lecturers at the University of

situation.

Malta (UM), so meeting on campus seemed to be

These biker chicks avoid the hassle of

more convenient for the two. Needless to say, the

parking; saving yet another 10 - 20 minutes of

lecturers were instantly recognisable as they

hair-pulling, frustration and sometimes a few

briskly peddled their way through Quad looking

instances of foul-mouthery. They explained that

for me as I was for them. As we made our way to

their commute to work has changed from the

a vacant bench, one with ample space around it

mundane gas-break-gas-break routine to an eye-

to stow the bikes while we chatted, both Michelle

opening, spirit-widening experience that takes

and Marie jumped off their bikes, removed their

them back to their childhood. Marie even went as

helmets and took a seat - as though it was the

far to link their peddle-sessions to the Netflix

most normal and natural thing to do when

sensation Stranger Things, “you’ve got wheels

meeting someone for the first time. And it was. Or

again”, she claimed, referring to the fact that

rather; it should be.

you’re once again free to wander through the

Michelle and Marie peddle their way from

streets, off the beaten track and into the side-

Żabbar and Għargħur respectively to their place

alleys that nobody would think to use with a car –

of work, the UM in Msida. Upon hearing this, my

mostly because they can’t scurry between the

first and most obvious question was: “how long

rubble walls that create these picturesque

does that take?” – probably shouting this out with

passages.

40 Sunday Circle ∫ JULY 2018

INITIATIVES

PHOTOS: MATTHEW MIRABELLI

YoUr DaIlY ExErCiSe NeVeR NeEdS To Be ScHeDuLeD InTo YoUr BuSy LiFeStYlE

JULY 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

41

INITIATIVES

Michelle and Marie then continued to highlight the perks of changing your lifestyle by hanging up your car keys and giving your old bike that well-deserved service. The first pro on the list is time; there’s so much time saved in the day when you “get up and go” firmly gripping a handlebar as opposed to a rigid steering wheel.

Even though the reasons for their change were not due to environmental concern, the fact is that you are most-definitely lessening your carbon footprint. Think about all the fuel and exhaust you can reduce, not to mention the financial implications a car poses on our budget. The most striking fact that I learned from our conversation is that 33 new cars find their way to our roads on a daily basis – that’s just insane and, if taking your bike to the streets is the solution, then I think it’s high-time we consider it.

Another great benefit from adopting the bicycle route is that your daily exercise never needs to be scheduled into your busy lifestyle. You can’t afford to get lazy and put your health on the back-burner, even if it’s just for one day, when your livelihood depends on it. The positivity drawn up from exercise and nature also steer your mental wellbeing in the right direction. Although time, the environment and our health are great factors to get you back on your bike, there’s one last thing we forgot to mention - it’s fun.

Driving down the same routes, day-in-day-out helps Marie and Michelle build connections with people, linking them with the rural folk who have kept to their roots and ensure our traditions thrive.

They also serve as inspirational muses for those in the cities who most probably use their cars to head to work every day. This encouragement is so positive in our society.

Both cyclists found their inspiration through an NGO that promotes taking your life into your own hands and encourages the transition from four to two wheels, even though it may be a feat attempted against the odds. Michelle is, in fact, the president of Bicycle Advocacy Group, a haven for like-minded cyclists who share routes, vent about their frustrations and encourage one another to keep their principles strong. If you’re a cyclist looking for some camaraderie, or if you’ve been moved to give this a shot, your support need to be shown to the NGO with a clear goal in mind.

For more information look up Bicycle Advocacy Group Malta on Facebook.

RELATIONSHIPS

Age of

Tinder IT’S BEEN AROUND FOR A WHILE, AND MORE AND MORE MALTESE HAVE STARTED USING IT. SO WHY ARE PEOPLE STILL LOATHE TO MAKE THE ‘CONFESSION’ THAT THEY ARE INTO ONLINE DATING? VICTOR PAUL BORG SHARES HIS EXPERIENCES. I met a highly-qualified psychologist on the

So on that evening I ended up sitting

dating app Tinder, an encounter that made

across the table from the psychologist in a

both of us feel rather smug with giddy

touristy eatery in Bugibba, a place chosen

vindication, this sense of encountering

in a sense of haste and geographical

someone given to constant research and

convenience. In many ways she was typical

intellectual analysis. I could hear the

of the women I got to know on Tinder.

excitement in her outbreaks of

Middle-aged (she was forty-four), post

garrulousness and see it in her springy gait.

marital breakdown, an unsuccessful

“You do meet interesting people on Tinder,” she said at one point.

You meet people of the same ilk,

marriage followed by a relationship that had also ended badly and untimely. Now living alone, life more hectic than before

that’s what has propelled Tinder to

(no division of labour at home) – long

unparalleled popularity. For as the trade

hours at work (including part-time after-

industry news source Business of Apps put

hours job), house chores, very little time for

it: “Tinder has become a cultural

socialising – a woman lost in a decaying

phenomenon.” The app is available in 196

and beleaguered wilderness when it comes

countries and 40 languages, and it has

to romance.

been estimated to be worth billions. It

“They have all got plenty of baggage

clocks 800 million swipes and 10 million

at our age,” a friend who gave up on Tinder

matches every day. Tinder has become the

told me. “You feel a sense of excitement, a

Facebook of dating.

sense of being in the chase once more in

In Malta it’s not the most popular dating app, but it’s the app that’s favoured

your middle age, but it’s short-lived.”

All of the six women I encountered on

by the worldlier, more cultured seekers of

Tinder and set up rendezvous with

had a common interest in the areas of

romance. And the reason you meet people

certainly had baggage – so do I. All of them

social work and community psychology.

of the same ilk – culturally, intellectually,

were emotionally spent after unsuccessful

But it was a strain talking to her about

socially – is because Tinder is pegged to

marriages, all of them lived alone or with a

personal life, if only because of my child-

Facebook, and it brings up prospective

child, and all of them somehow lonely –

centredness these days – childless singles

matches culled from friends, and friends of

that’s why they were on Tinder, holding out

in middle-age tend to be whimsical, much

friends, of Facebook. This makes it part of

in hope, dimmed but not yet out. One was

given to individualistic fancies.

another social phenomenon of social media

a social worker in her late 30s, director of

– the echo chamber dynamic – and

an organisation (being sparse on details to

post-secondary school lecturer in her late

prospective matches are drawn from circles

protect her identity, this being Malta), the

50s. She was outspoken, someone who

of circles of friends.

only one who hadn’t borne children. We

projected a persona that was provocative

44 Sunday Circle ∫ JULY 2018

Someone I got to know better was a

RELATIONSHIPS

Perhaps we still prefer to look up to the stars when it comes to matchmaking

and risqué, but that was just bluster – she

someone who could commit and settle in,

And it was the same with a 36-year-old

badly wanted a companion, a tonic to her

my approach was more exploratory and

midwife, we talked about our children, both

loneliness. She regretted leaving her

untethered.

the same age – hers a boy and mine a girl.

husband, for she was left, after the initial

Another woman I met was an

I also met an eastern European

euphoria of warfare, with nothing but

accountant, she had a nine-year-old son

woman who had a 10-year-old son and lived

ruination – lonely life, estrangement from

and she talked about the court battle with

in Sliema. She was a businesswoman, she

children, unable to find the companion that

her former husband. It was fascinating

ran some kind of chauffeur services in select

she badly yearned for. I met her twice, first

listening to the story of her failed marriage

European cities – Malta was just a base for

drinking in a bar in Valletta, then she sent

in a way, and sobering listening to the

her. She didn’t seem to have any Maltese

me a message in which she said that we

bitter, lengthy, useless court battle for

friends, or to have developed any roots in

sought different things: she wanted

custody. We didn’t talk about much else.

the community. I thought that her

JULY 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

45

RELATIONSHIPS

existence – rootless, a kind of drifter who had only chanced upon Malta after her marriage to an Italian had failed (she wanted to stay in the Mediterranean, but not in Italy, and Malta appealed to her because it was in the Mediterranean and English was widely spoken) – a woman with compatriot friends and a son who mostly spent her time in Sliema. In her messages she always talked about taking her son to ‘the park’, the waterfront ‘park’ in Gzira – a grand name for what is a small, miserable public garden of sorts (‘park’ evokes the expansive green spaces in wetter, larger countries).

“I am interested in you because you are a journalist,” she told me once. “I never met a journalist before.”

All the women I met, and myself too, are part of the demographic that “face a thin market for potential partners” according to American sociologists Michael J. Rosenfeld and Reuben J. Thomas who conducted a study that was published in American Sociological Review. Most people

Sociologists found that the ratio of couples who meet online now equals the ratio who meet in bars, restaurants and other public places

in my age-group are taken, tied up in extant marriages, or in longish

now equals the ratio who meet in bars,

online dating takes out much of the

partnerships. And among those of us who

restaurants and other public places. The two

mystique. After all, we are attracted to

have tumbled out of a broken marriage, a

sociologists also researched the quality and

people for a range of complex reasons and

significant percentage is happy to go slow,

longevity of relationships formed through

signals, and apps like Tinder reduce that

wary that the peacefulness and aloneness

online or offline encounters, and they found

complexity to what can be expressed in

(not loneliness) at home (after the trauma

no difference between the two. They wrote:

pictures and algorithmic matchmaking

of the breakup) can be threatened by a

“Romantic relationships originally formed

probabilities among circles of circles of

new partner. I am one of those for whom a

online are no different in quality than any

online friends. It’s this superficiality – what

new partner can feel like an intrusion; I am

other relationships, and relationships

can be expressed in a picture, so much

rather content wallowing in my reveries,

originally formed online are no more fragile

reliance on the aesthetic – that feeds the

content with having a large bed to myself.

than relationships formed offline during a

impression of Tinder as an app for

similar period.”

pickups. It makes dating base and sordid

Internet dating is actually most relevant to my demographic, especially

Still, even as online dating grows in

somehow.

because of the barrenness in the field of

popularity, those who partake remain

romance for middle-aged heterosexuals.

sheepish, at least in Malta. That may be

qualified psychologist told me when I met

This is one of the findings of Rosenfeld and

because of the perception that apps like

her. “A friend got me on the app, so this is a

Thomas, who write: “The power of Internet

Tinder are the haunt of those looking for

kind of experiment.”

search is especially important in identifying

easy, surreptitious pickups, which is

It’s a rueful refrain I heard from all of

potential partners for individuals who face

manifestly fallacious. It’s also partly

my Tinder dates. Perhaps we still prefer to

a thin dating market. Gays, lesbians, and

because of the lingering assumption that

look up to the stars when it comes to

middle-aged heterosexuals all face thin

resorting to online dating is for those

matchmaking, prefer even to read the

dating markets, and these are the groups

unable to find partners in real life. And,

horoscope than sign up to Tinder. But in

that are most likely to rely on the Internet

more significantly, we don’t like to admit

seeking the magic in romantic encounter

to find their partners.”

that we are searching for someone, and

(we like to cling to the notion of ‘love at first

much less openly advertise our availability

sight’), we tend to forget that meeting

(which is implicit in online dating).

someone has always been rather random,

In the study – Searching for a Mate:

The Rise of the Internet as a Social Intermediary – the two sociologists found

We cherish the fantasy that meeting

that the ratio of couples who meet online

someone is magical, auspicious even, and

46 Sunday Circle ∫ JULY 2018

“I am new to Tinder,” the highly-

and Tinder has only just increased the kinesis and frequency of that randomness.

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Eman Pulis

SCALING THE

Malta Blockchain Summit IVAN BORG WRITES ABOUT THE UPCOMING MALTA BLOCKCHAIN SUMMIT THAT IS SET TO OPEN THE GATES FOR THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY.

48 Sunday Circle ∫ JULY 2018

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Eman Pulis has always been a start-up idealist. He started SiGMA,

social coding event that will bring talented developers to Malta. It’s

now a global marquee event in iGaming, from the cosy confines of

becoming increasingly important to lure the best talent to our

his bedroom. Now, he’s trying to do the same for Malta’s fledgling

fledgling ‘Blockchain Island’, and the availability of developers is a

blockchain scene, equipped with all the lessons he picked up on

major factor. “We’re investing very heavily in our Hackathon,” Eman

his SiGMA journey. The Malta Blockchain Summit has taken shape

explains. “We’re aware that attracting talented developers to Malta

very rapidly, and is set for its debut edition from November 1 and 2

is a key requirement, and we’re actively trying to do our part.”

this year.

Another lesson that Eman is keen to see transposed into the

You’d forgive Eman a measure of complacency after the

Malta Blockchain Summit is an absolute commitment to impartiality

breakaway success of his last few years, but it’s only whetted his

and fairness in how he conducts his business. By not playing

appetite. He’s a man marked by a state of perpetual curiosity and

favourites, and by steadfastly resisting the urge to hog the limelight

learning, a personal trait that’s served him well – he admittedly

at his collaborators’ expense, Eman has convinced the major players

didn’t know anything about the gaming industry before he got into

of the gaming community to trust him with their brand.

the game and credits his early partner, Dennis Dyhr-Hansen, for his role in speeding up his education.

As his penchant for facilitating the success of others allowed him to achieve success for himself, he’s also managed to attract a

As SiGMA kept growing at a breakneck pace, a concerted

killer row of blockchain-savvy savants to the Malta Blockchain

effort was being made by the Maltese government to identify and

Summit. Take the most fleeting of cursory looks at the announced

attract the ‘next big thing’ in tech to our shores. Blockchain and

speakers on the show’s online portal, and you’ll see some of the

Distributed Ledger Technology both carry significant promise. They

best and brightest minds on the blockchain and DLT scene. The

stand to bring wholesale change to a variety of industries, bringing an unprecedented level of decentralisation to the way business is conducted. As bonkers as it might outwardly seem for a national government, technically a central authority, to embrace a disruptive technology that promises decentralisation, there’s no putting off the future. The statements of intent made by high-ranking members of government were met with a commitment to the legislative process necessary to make Malta a pioneer in blockchain and DLT, an effort that has recently come to fruition.

“I’m not going to pretend I invented the

showcase event seems to have acquired the

The inaugural edition will feature a vibrant ‘hackathon’ – a social coding event that will bring talented developers to Malta

blockchain, or take credit for bringing it to

critical mass necessary, and seems set to come out of the blocks with aplomb.

“We’re using a formula that’s now been proven successful. If we can promote the Maltese blockchain scene even half as effectively as we’ve championed its iGaming sector, we’ll be in pretty good shape”. Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat will be delivering the keynote address during the event, and the event is expected to be the quintessential talking shop – the ideal environment for deal-making handshakes.

Another jewel in the crown of the Malta Blockchain Summit will be its ICO Pitch. ICOs are an innovative way to raise capital while

Malta,” Eman tells me. “The government has taken the lead on

retaining a measure of control over one’s enterprise. They’re

making Malta the leading jurisdiction in Blockchain and DLT. For my

currently considered very risky, as the sheer newness of the method

part, I’m looking to shine a light on this very important new

means that it can be hard to separate the wheat from the ICO chaff.

technology with the Malta Blockchain Summit. It’s very heartening

The Malta Blockchain Summit’s ICO Pitch will see a number of

to see the powers-that-be take the lead on this. Launching the

innovative ICOs meet the discerning eye of some of the most

Malta Blockchain Summit is a huge leap for us. Hosting this type of

sophisticated observers extant. They will receive on-the-fly feedback

event in Malta, which has shown such a tangible commitment to the

and invaluable mentorship from an all-star panel – all in all, the ICO

development of the industry, lessens some of the risk. We know that

Pitch will be an education for participants and onlookers alike.

we’re tapping into something that has real potential.”

In the process of launching the Malta Blockchain Summit, he’s

“Blockchain and DLT have arrived,” Eman claims. “Malta is well positioned as a primary and pioneering jurisdiction, and this is the

not ignoring the hard-won experience he’s accrued. He’s been very

best time to get on board with this technological revolution. There’s

vocal about the need to approach the tech industry holistically, and

no better place to do it than with us, at the Malta Blockchain

believes that if a business ecosystem is healthy everyone stands to

Summit”. The headlines seem to give credence to Eman’s thoughts.

profit. His recent success is down to fully embracing, and even

Binance, a leading crypto exchange, announced its launch of an

relishing, his role as a facilitator. Eman actively seeks to be part of

operational base in Malta in late March, and similar announcements

the tide that lifts all boats, almost as a point of pride.

have been coming in parallel to the national legislative efforts.

In practice, this translates into very deliberate initiatives that

The Malta Blockchain Summit, with Eman Pulis at the helm,

will be woven in as part of the Malta Blockchain Summit. For

promises for its part to be yet another Maltese success story within

instance, the inaugural edition will feature a vibrant ‘hackathon’ – a

the larger success of a wider thriving tech ecosystem.

JULY 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

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CIRCLE PROMOTION

PASSION FOR

SUCCESS LIDL SUPERMARKETS ARE MARKING 10 YEARS OF SUCCESS IN MALTA, AND A NUMBER OF AWESOME CELEBRATIONS ARE ONGOING. REGIONAL DIRECTOR MARK FARRUGIA SHARES SOME OF THE SECRETS OF THIS SUCCESS AND LOOKS ON TO AN EVEN BRIGHTER FUTURE. When Mark Farrugia joined Lidl Malta in 2013, little did he know that

and we continuously aim to provide outstanding quality products at

this would be the start of an exciting career. After an initial training

the best possible value for money.

stint in Italy, Mark took over the Sales Department of Lidl Malta as

We truly believe in efficient decision making implemented

Sales & Operations Executive and now, at 37 years of age, he is the

through simple working practices. We are fair to everyone who works

newly-appointed Regional Director for the brand.

for us and believe that our staff are the main reason for the success

Assuming the role as of June, Mark’s appointment marks the first time that Lidl Malta was afforded its own Regional Director and this is a clear sign of the growing importance the Lidl group is

Lidl Malta enjoys.

On the staff side, we consistently offer a work environment which promotes praise, recognition and constructive feedback.

extending to their local operations.

This year, the discount chain is celebrating its 10 year anniversary since opening its doors on the Maltese islands. Here, Mark gives an

What makes Lidl different from other supermarkets?

We are a discount supermarket focusing predominantly on our

overview of the past as well as a glimpse into the company’s future

own label brands, that proffer excellent quality at very convenient

operations here.

prices.

Our clients understand that our brands are of extremely high

What is the ethos that drives Lidl?

quality, and come with substantial savings. We continuously work on

The company is driven by a simple ethos – “Passion for

improving our range of products and layout in stores to suit our

Success”. First and foremost, we are passionate about our customers,

customers’ needs. Focus is not only directed to our brands, but also to providing a mix of other well known branded items we feel the Maltese consumer considers staple. The thinking is to always improve our offering and to become a one-stop-shop for Maltese consumers.

For example, we introduced our in-house bakeries in all our stores which was very much appreciated; more recently we launched our bio, gluten free and vegan ranges to meet new customer needs.

How have you seen the brand grow in Malta?

The brand has grown steadily both internationally and locally.

On an international level, Lidl is now present in 30 countries, with the difficult US market being the latest entry.

Today, Lidl operates more than 10,500 stores employing more than 260,000 people worldwide, a huge family of which we are very proud to form part of.

50 Sunday Circle ∫ JULY 2018

CIRCLE PROMOTION

For our clients, we have organised a huge competition during the month of May. We gave away €100 vouchers daily to clients through daily draws and at the end of the competition, one lucky client will be given an incredible prize equivalent to 10 full years of Over the last 10 years, Lidl Malta has also grown steadily.

Opening its doors in 2008 with just three stores and 50 employees,

free shopping at Lidl.

For our employees, we also held a number of internal

today we have seven stores in Malta and one store in Gozo. The Lidl

competitions and activities. However the one worth mentioning most

Malta family has grown to more than 320 employees, all of which

was the Family Day organised on June 3, where all our employees and

have been and continue to be instrumental in the success of this

their families were invited and treated to a day of activities at the

operation.

stunning Limestone Heritage in Siggiewi. Truly an event and day to remember.

What makes the brand so successful with Maltese consumers?

It is a mix of things that has made Lidl so successful in Malta.

We have also been extremely active through our CSR efforts. All the stores will be carrying out separate CSR events in their respective

First of all, as already intimated, there is the loyalty of our employees.

localities. As a company, Lidl Malta was once again the main sponsor

They are well-trained and motivated, and they are key to our success.

of the Puttinu Cares Football & Volleyball Marathon and we will also

The mix of food and non-food items has definitely been one of the

be one of the primary sponsors for the Presidents’ Solidarity Fun Run

company’s major strengths. Our customers consistently look out for

in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund.

our non-food items and are always eager to discover the promotion items that are released every Monday and Thursday.

Our weekly food offers are also extremely sought after. The fact

What is next for Lidl?

As Lidl Malta, we are continuously looking to expand our

that every week one can find a different range of food products has

operation, this will allow us to keep on offering a better service to

proved extremely popular. To mention a few, Italiamo, Vitasia, Deluxe,

existing and new localities. We continue to work on our assortment of

Favorina and own brands that have been extremely well accepted by

products to better our offering and meet customers’ needs. We

our customers.

continue to focus on the well-being of our employees. This company truly believes in nurturing and helping its employees to strive towards

Will you be having any special celebrations or offers to mark the occasion?

We decided to celebrate our 10 year anniversary with a number

further developing their careers. It offers many opportunities to grow both locally and on an international level. And to you reading this, if you have what it takes come join our team, we are constantly looking

of activities for our clients and our employees. As a socially

for passionate people with an ambition to move up the career ladder. I

responsible company, we also want to give something back to the

can assure you that the coming years look bright for Lidl and the Lidl

society in which we operate.

Malta team!

JULY 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

51

SUPPLEMENT

SPECIAL FOCUS

HigHer education With competition for good job openings increasingly fierce and standards going higher and higher, having the right training and qualifications is a must. and not only that – reaching a certain level is no longer enough; one must exceed the bar if one wants to shine and to stand apart from scores of other applicants, or to beat that particular rival for the next promotion. this is why it is so important to keep on top of the latest programmes, courses and qualifications. thankfully, nowadays the opportunities to do so are multiple and, this month, Sunday circle brings together a list of some of Malta’s top higher education institutions – and some foreign ones too! and, if you already have a job and you’re worried about finding the time for this commitment, worry not. Most of these institutions cater specifically for those who are already in employment and offer the most flexible of options. good luck!

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HIGHER EDUCATION

CHOOSE YOUR CAREER The Ministry for Education and Employment will be opening its doors for the ‘I Choose - Nagħżel il-Karriera Tiegħi’ event for the fourth year. I Choose will be held for two consecutive Saturdays, starting on July 21 between 9AM and 3PM and on July 28 from 9AM to 7PM. This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain knowledge about the different paths available after compulsory education. The event is primarily aimed at Year 10 (Form 4), Year 11 (Form 5), and post-secondary students, who will be taking crucial career decisions in the near future, but is open for anyone else interested in getting information about different types of choices leading to various careers.

The students will also be offered the opportunity to seek one to one guidance from the career guidance practitioners who will be available throughout the event. The programme also includes the possibility for both students and parents to attend different talks which will be delivered by professionals in various related fields. All major post-secondary institutions will be there as well as number of employers.

Do not miss out on this opportunity. Call on 99914356 for assistance or more information.

Scholarship fund for high achievers

Saint Martin’s Institute of Higher Education graduates Wilbert Tabone and Andrea Schembri after their graduation ceremony in London.

Have you ruled out reading for a world-renowned degree because of the expense?

Saint Martin’s Institute of Higher Education (SMI) has just made it easier with a €3,000 partial scholarship for each eligible student to read for a degree conferred by the University of London. The Institute has earmarked a scholarship fund of €120,000 applicable to 40 students benefitting from such funds towards their studies over the three years.

Students aged 16 or over with four ordinary levels including Mathematics and English may join the programmes in Business, Computing, Finance or Management. Over

To qualify for the scholarship students need to show grades 1

1,000 students have become University of London graduates since

or 2 in any six ordinary level subjects at SEC including Mathematics

SMI started offering these programmes in the year 2000.

and English or possess an awarded Matriculation Certificate with a

All students are eligible for the stipends and grants under the Malta Government Undergraduate Scheme and 70% of fees paid

minimum of 80 points including Mathematics at grade B. Reading for a first-class qualification has never been so

may be recouped through the GetQualified income tax rebate

much accessible but act fast - apply and register before the 31st

scheme. In partnership with Bank of Valletta the Institute also

July to qualify for the scholarship funding. Check out

offers the SMIFlexiPay™ package allowing payment of tuition fees

www.stmartins.edu or call on +356 2123 5451 or email on

at just €100 a month.

infodesk@stmartins.edu for an appointment.

JULY 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

55

HIGHER EDUCATION

Developing organisations through coaching and mentoring All leaders need a proven mentor to guide them through the pitfalls

performance. So much so that 90 per cent of organisations surveyed

that life might throw at them. With managers nowadays under

have used or are using business coaching, while 95 per cent of

constant pressure to do more with less, there is a strong focus on

learning and development managers said that coaching has delivered

team and individual performance and use of internal rather than

tangible benefits to their business.

external resources. Coaching is a useful way of developing individuals’ skills and abilities which leads to a boost in work performance.

By investing in a coaching and mentoring qualification such as ILM’s, companies and individuals can gain a range of benefits. These

The implementation of coaching and mentoring in the

include a solid understanding of the ethics, skills and knowledge

workplace is a great contribution to the overall development of both

required for effective coaching, improved performance and higher

the organisation and its people. Through coaching and mentoring,

productivity, active support from managers for the development of

organisations are creating workplace environments where people are

others, a coaching and mentoring culture, and company-wide goal

empowered to make vital decisions with confidence, thus improving

alignment.

management performance, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills.

In fact, as evident in a research study carried out by the Institute

If you are interested in getting to know more about Academy of Business Leaders’ coaching and mentoring training opportunities,

of Leadership and Management (ILM) in the UK, coaching is gradually

visit our website www.businessleaders.edu.mt or contact us on

becoming an essential development tool for driving organisational

info@businessleaders.edu.mt

Standing out from the crowd in the digital world

The digital revolution has taken everything and everyone by storm this last decade, dramatically turning the tables on the way business and marketing is done in the business arena. New developments in technology and communications have literally forced businesses to re-think their marketing strategies.

This shift from traditional analogue methods to digital has equally stirred waves in the employment sphere calling for an arsenal upgrade of the skills and tools marketers so dearly possess to generate buzz and blaze trails in the world of marketing and branding. The rise in digital channels require modern marketers to possess agility and a good understanding of how to navigate through the digital world.

Modern marketers can help their brands rise above the noise by possessing a good set of digital skills and that is why many marketers are choosing to keep their professional development continuous and continuously develop their knowledge of digital. But why? A professional qualification in digital marketing gives professionals the knowledge, skills and understanding required to take a strategic approach on digital marketing.

By understanding how to improve the entire digital experience and optimise all channels, marketing professionals are able to gain enough insights to be able to make informed strategic decisions and keep their minds at rest that they will keep meeting the increasing demands that are expected of them at every stage of their career.

If you are interested in getting to know more about Academy of Business Leaders’ digital marketing training opportunities visit our website www.businessleaders.edu.mt or contact us on info@businessleaders.edu.mt.

JULY 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

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HIGHER EDUCATION

Bridging the skills gap: Introducing paid accounting apprenticeships The Academy of Business Leaders is helping to plug the skills gap

accounting firms. Students will be provided with an intensive,

and set new standards for employers seeking to recruit exceptional

academically-demanding programme that enables them to develop

accounting talent in the finance industry by offering an alternative

purposefully and refine their own accounting and finance techniques

route – the Accelerated ACCA Work Study Programme – which is

and encourage them to practice the application of such tools.

based on the apprenticeship model of education. At the Academy,

“Our approach is to support the students longterm through

we know that in the demanding world of accounting, qualifications

their educational journey instead of offering singular modules. It is

are not enough so we have built this programme to instil experience

important that in all the delivery of our programmes we are in touch

and skill in our students. This qualification is currently the only one

with industry. We offer flexibility and work exposure, making sure

of its kind locally; thanks to the qualification’s blended work-study

that our lecturers are all leaders within their fields,” Katrina Grech,

approach, individuals get to get their study and accounting career

Director of Operations, Business Leaders Malta, said.

going at the same time and leap ahead on their journey to becoming

If you want to learn more about our accelerated accounting

chartered certified finance professionals. Individuals will study and

work study opportunity visit www.businessleaders.edu.mt or

train for free, and earn a salary working within some of Malta’s finest

contact info@businessleaders.edu.mt.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Study with Global College Malta to become a leader of tomorrow 2018 marked Global College Malta’s fifth anniversary … five years of development, hard work, and growth. We have worked intensely to help students develop – to enhance their professional skills, register their personal achievements, and broaden their career paths and options.

Global College has worked hard to deliver quality education, provide an environment enabling students to study despite their busy lifestyles, and to offer students a range of both British and European accredited management courses to choose from. Lastly, Global College has grown – our student population has reached

individual career and academic guidance and to advise students in

approximately 300 students, 89 per cent of whom are local

choosing optimal paths to reaching their personal goals…and this

professionals seeking to enhance their skills in an ever changing

service is only a phone call away. Contact GCM (on 2180 1252) to set

business world. We have had the pleasure over these five years to

an appointment, and you will find that at Global College Malta you

help mould individuals into more effective leaders and managers,

are more than just a face in the crowd! So be in touch and see if we

leaving Global College with the capabilities leading to business and

can help you become a leader of tomorrow.

professional success.

This October, Global College will again be opening its doors to

Global College Malta is a Higher Educational Institution offering Undergraduate (MQF Level 6) and Postgraduate degrees

students and professionals choosing to invest in their future. At GCM

(MQF Level 7). To get in touch call on 2180 1252 or send an email to

you can meet professionals who are at your disposal to offer

enquiries@gcmalta.com/

HIGHER EDUCATION

Calling all ambitious professionals GET YOUR MBA AT THE LONDON SCHOOL OF COMMERCE MALTA The part-time Master of Business Administration Global is a flexible, weekendbased programme. Our MBA is aimed at ambitious professionals seeking an effective way of furthering their careers.

Benefits include: • UK degree awarded by the University of Bedfordshire.

• 18 month programme run on a modular basis.

• International and Local faculty with professionals from a wide range of disciplines.

• Extremely competitive course fees.

• 100 per cent assignment based assessment.

• Modern, fully-equipped central campus.

• Access to over 70,000 online study materials.

• Approved by the Get Qualify scheme.

With our programme, you will: • Enhance your knowledge, skills and capabilities in managing global businesses.

• Learn from internationally experienced faculty and global managers in your class.

• Reflect and practice your leadership and management capabilities.

• Accelerate your professional career through innovation and entrepreneurship development.

• Embrace different learning experiences by engaging with students from other cultural backgrounds.

• Connect with LSC global alumni networks through a global platform.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Focusing on your success IDEA LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE HELPS MAKE EDUCATION ACCESSIBLE TO ALL. In today’s world, a high level of education is essential in order to forge ahead with that career you have always dreamed of. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated or out of reach – at all. This is true even if you think that your student days are already behind you, and if you are already in full-time employment.

This is where IDEA Leadership and Management Institute (ILMI) comes in. Set up in 2005, the Institute is registered with the National Commission for Further and Higher Education and offers accredited programmes at Level 5 (Higher National Diploma) and Level 7 (Master Degrees) as well as a range of other one-off accredited programmes at different levels. ILMI also offers a range of off-the-shelf and bespoke training programmes.

With the needs of the industry at the forefront when it comes to planning these courses, among the accredited programmes offered by ILMI there are

• M.Sc in Governance* – targeting directors,

five MQF Level 7 Master of Science

governors and organisations’ stakeholders, this

programmes:

programme offers an insight into modern day

• M.Sc in Healthcare and Management –

and future governance, principles, practices and

Targeting nurses, midwives, ward

issues and is designed to provide a sound

managers, nursing managers,

understanding of governance and leadership

clinic/department managers and other

from corporate, investor and stakeholder

allied professions, this course prepares

perspectives. The programme provides

students for higher leadership and

exposure to ethical and practical issues, with

management roles in the healthcare

students being given the opportunity to reflect

industry. It integrates a thorough

critically on and appraise the utility of

grounding in advanced business management and healthcare theory, and practice with an understanding of the structure and operation of healthcare systems.

• M.Sc in Hospitality Management and Leadership – Perfect for hospitality professionals with supervisory and/or middle management experience, this course prepares students for higher

management and leadership.

The Institute also offers the following courses: • Foundation Diploma MQF Level 4 Management Programme – this programme improves students’ potential to be self-employed, opening the door to higher levels of education specialising in management, business and HR areas.

• Higher Diplomas MQF Level 5 in Business Management – targeting

management in the hospitality sector by integrating a thorough

modern professionals, this programme provides participants with

grounding in advanced business management theory and

advanced management skills and knowledge needed to become a

hospitality practice.

successful manager. The practical nature of this programme

• M.Sc in Management* – Perfect for management professionals with supervisory and/or middle management experience, this course

ensures students are ready to occupy a vital management role.

• Higher Diplomas MQF Level 5 in Human Resource Development

provides students with modern and useful management concepts

and Management – this programme offers a structured educational

through a combination of core compulsory subjects before

opportunity to students who are actively involved in Human

selecting four from a pool of elective modules.

Resource Management or those entering the HR profession,

• M.Sc in Blockchain for Financial Applications* – This course targets Fintech professionals as it prepares students to become

helping them secure solid foundations in HRDM upon which they can build a rewarding career in HR.

competent in the field of Cryptocurrency. Graduates benefit from diverse experiences, combining courses in finance, management

* M.Sc in Management, M.Sc in Governance and M.Sc in Blockchain

and information technology to provide an overall analysis of

in Financial Services are awaiting accreditation from the National

cryptocurrency systems and applications.

Commission for Further and Higher Education.

62 Sunday Circle ∫ JULY 2018

HIGHER EDUCATION

Fulfilling students’ potential WITH A STERLING TRACK RECORD THAT SPANS DECADES AND A TEAM OF TOP EDUCATORS HIGHLYQUALIFIED IN THE LATEST METHODS, ST EDWARD’S COLLEGE IS GEARED TOWARDS HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE FULFIL THEIR POTENTIAL. THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA IS ONE WAY THE COLLEGE OPENS THE BEST INTERNATIONAL DOORS. A key decision for parents of students heading into the Sixth form is

motivation that has led the school community to develop its current

which route their child should take. While A-levels are by far the most

ethos of striving to create exemplary citizens placing strong emphasis

popular option in the UK and Malta, the most widespread alternative,

on character formation, genuine intercultural understanding and

at both UK and other schools abroad, is the International

leadership skills which will assist them to contribute to the well-being

Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.

of our society.

IB develops independent learners with the capacity, skills and

It was therefore a natural progression for St Edward’s College to

training for today’s workplace or university. IB students are well

adopt the International Baccalaureate (IB) as its Sixth Form

prepared to take on the responsibility for their future learning or

pedagogical programme; since it was felt that the IB philosophy

employment as ‘taking ownership of one’s own learning’ is central to

reflects and entails the very values that are embodied in the

the IB philosophy.

Edwardian ethos. The IB (established in the 1960s) is a system of

St Edward’s College is an established educational institution

teaching and learning that looks at the learner not as an exam

that is grounded in tradition but always has an eye on the future. Over

candidate but as a whole person. The programme is designed to

the decades the school has created a learning environment that is

motivate young people to grow into their best possible selves by

inducive towards creating young people who can fulfil their potential

developing a number of qualities and character traits that can allow

and contribute towards the wellbeing of society. It has been this

them to face the challenges of the 21st century.

64 Sunday Circle ∫ JULY 2018

HIGHER EDUCATION

Testimonials: YAHIA DEGHAILI – just graduated the IB course and will be pursuing a course in Medicine My time during the IB programme will always be some of the best years of my life. The programme utilises a variety of tools and assignments to not only excel academically but also mature the student in other aspects which other programmes do not address. I can confidently say now that the IB course was a great preparation for life beyond Sixth Form.

In my opinion, the benefit that St Edward’s provided me as an IB school is the great sense of IB learners are expected and will eventually grow to be; inquirers,

community, the ability to study with people from all over

knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring,

the world and the dedication which the teachers and all

risk-takers, balanced and reflective. These qualities encompass within

staff members provided the students throughout the two

them what are considered to be the fundamental skills of the 21st century;

years.

creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving,

All of these factors combined were crucial to

communication and collaboration. As also mentioned by entrepreneurs

prepare me, not only to enter the medicine course which I

and policy makers, these are the transferable skills that are sought after

am currently in preparation for, but for the rest of my life.

by universities, businesses and employers when recruiting or promoting individuals within their ranks.

At St Edward’s there is a constant drive towards achieving these

MERT GULEN – studying Business Economics with Accounting at UCLA, USA

goals and to encourage our learners to flourish in a holistic manner, we

I chose to study the IB at St Edward’s College

want them to be better persons. As part of the IB programme students

because I knew how subjects such as Business &

are expected to participate in CAS (Creativity, Action and Service)

Management, Economics, and Computer Science are all

activities, this allows them to learn new skills and to also contribute to

based on what is going on in the world today and that

society. As a school we therefore organise a number of activities or

what I learned in those subjects could be applied in real

collaborations to help our students in fulfilling this course requirement.

time. Today, as a budding entrepreneur, I can trace my

During the two-year programme learners participate in community work,

businessman origins to when I was an IB student,

clean-ups, cultural visits, cultural trips, public speaking courses and even

because it was the IB that provided me with the proper

first aid courses. Over the years our learners have also participated in

skills and know-how needed to achieve a competitive

international public speaking courses organised by ESU, Euroscola and

advantage and be an active person in a globalised world.

SAMUN (Model United Nations). Through the CAS component, the IB programme is helping in creating tomorrow’s leaders and innovators.

What distinguishes the IB Diploma Programme from other study

LUKE BONELLO GHIO – studying Bachelor of Laws at University of Malta

programmes is the emphasis on continuous assessment in all subjects.

A fantastic feature of the IB Programme is CAS. It

Every subject within the programme has an internal or continuous

made me truly aware of social matters and community

assessment component which learners work on and prepare throughout

affairs, something that most teenagers don’t really ever

the two-year programme with the support and guidance of their tutors.

think about. I have now adopted the principles of CAS

This quality of the programme implies that learners are given the

and try to apply and follow them as much as possible. It

possibility of showing their knowledge and understanding in a non-exam

is because of this aspect of the course that today I am

setting and that this has strong weighting in their final

involved in a university organisation, a part of charitable

results. Thus after following the IB diploma programme

organisations and take an active role in civil society.

learners are already knowledgeable in research skills, academic writing, citing and referencing and the ability

GIULIA NICOSIA – studying Bachelor of

to build logical and researched work. This means that

Communications and Theatre Studies at University of

our learners are already fully prepared for the

Malta

necessities and requirements of university work and university assignments.

The IB Programme helped me develop critical skills and it was during my IB studies that I acquired a successful method of studies, which I have applied

For further information, contact the Admissions

throughout my Bachelor degree. Furthermore, it has

office on admissions@stedwards.edu.mt,

taught me academic writing skills and, most importantly,

tel: +356 2788 1199 or visit www.stedwards.edu.mt

the reference system.

JULY 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

65

HIGHER EDUCATION

A message from MCAST prinCipal PROF. JOACHIM JAMES CALLEJA explains HoW tHe voCational College Continues to groW From strengtH to strengtH. Over the past 17 years, MCAST has grown into a vocational college of high calibre. When I first joined MCAST in 2001, the student population was only 900; today it is close to 7000. Full-time and part-time staff members are close to 1000. We offer 195 full-time vocational education and training (VET) courses in six institutes within three interlinked colleges. We will be offering over 20 new courses in the next academic year, laying the ground for more specialised skills in at least ten key sectors in Malta including ICT, engineering, and care services. We will also be introducing courses in Blockchain technology.

MCAST has laid the ground for higher vocational education and training in Malta through the university college and the growing number of bachelor’s and master’s degrees. At the same time, MCAST will ensure that Malta will continue to have a skilled work force at two important levels of employment: technicians as well specialized professionals. Our work-based learning programmes including apprenticeships offer our students the crucial opportunity of developing their technical competences through real work experience thus facilitating their transition into the labour market.

Making MCAST your first choice is a step towards developing a meaningful career. Our structures cater for a wide variety of learning experiences that lead to employability. On the doorstep of the 4th industrial revolution, Vocational and Professional Education and Training is Malta’s future. And MCAST is here to deliver that future.

Diploma in Business management Are you looking for a professional qualification that will help in your career?

Do you want a qualification that leads directly to a university course? successful organisations, whether large or small are well managed. the development of management skills within an organisation is an essential part of continued business growth. the Diploma in Business management that Future Focus is offering: •

is a qualification that is taught to around 50,000 students by 500 colleges in more than 80 countries worldwide;

•

is internationally recognised for university entry by more than 80 universities worldwide;

•

is a flexible professional qualification that will help you find a job or obtain a promotion;

•

is valued by employers across a wide range of industries and areas;

•

Has flexible approach that fits in with your work and family life.

Call us for more info. Course starting shortly.

Early booking is strongly recommended.

All our courses are included in the Get Qualified scheme whereby applicants have the option to claim back up to 70% of the course fees in the form of a tax credit

8, triq l-imhazen, Floriana. tel: 2122 5884/2122 1371 Fax: 2123 5883 Website: www.futurefocus.com.mt e-mail: info@futurefocus.com.mt

Future Focus is licensed as a Further and Higher education Centre by nCFHe license number 2006/tC

HIGHER EDUCATION

An American-Style Education in the Heart of the Mediterranean The American University of Malta (AUM)

global view and an entrepreneurial mind-

facilitates the entry of students from

set.”

around the world into a challenging and

A private, American-style liberal arts

multifaceted academic environment, so

university dedicated to higher education

that they might emerge ready to assume

and research, AUM has launched seven

the mantle of critical thinkers, ethically

undergraduate programs and one

responsible global citizens, and ultimately

postgraduate program. These include

leaders in their fields.

accounting, graphic design and animation,

AUM places a high premium on

Chinese language and culture, and more.

time residents of Malta still stand to benefit

innovation, strives continuously to enhance

We’re pleased to announce that work on

from a reduction of up to 50 percent (in

the quality of its teaching and research,

our flagship campus is fast nearing

certain cases even more) in tuition fees

and encourages public service on the part

completion, enabling us to welcome a

upon enrolment. If you’re interested in

of its faculty and students. AUM president

greater number of students. This academic

enrolling at the American University of

Dr Lewis Walker puts it thus: “My vision for

year, we’re offering scholarship

Malta, apply today or get in touch for more

the American University Of Malta is to be

opportunities to EU as well as international

information! Our administrative staff will be

recognized as an innovative student-

students. Maltese and EU students who do

more than happy to assist you.

centred university, producing leaders with a

not qualify for scholarships but are long-

www.aum.edu.mt

HIGHER EDUCATION

Two decades of delivering distance learning programmes in Malta The University of Leicester School of Business is a global academy for leaders, innovators and change-makers. Building on over a century of delivering business education, the school is internationally renowned for courses in accounting, finance, management, human resources, marketing and economics. The University has almost 20 years’ experience in delivering high-quality flexible distance learning courses locally. Represented exclusively by FHRD, the University provides Diploma, Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate programmes to a thriving base of candidates hailing from all walks of life. FHRD was one of the first providers in Malta offering academic distance learning programmes, with the first intake of Maltese students in the year 2000.

The degrees offered have been developed specifically for professionals who have to juggle work and life commitments. The tried and tested programmes enable one to study in his or her own time and space, without having to leave employment. This also means that one can apply new knowledge and insights at their place of work. The programmes have been developed to give students the freedom to study on desktop, tablet or mobile, within a structured and supportive environment.

To learn more about the University of Leicester programmes and join the almost 2,000 Maltese Alumni, email dl@fhrd.org, visit www.fhrd.org or call on 2131 3550.

A SUCCESS STORY STC Higher Education offers state-of-the-art training facilities and curricula to hundreds of students in partnership with world leaders such as Middlesex University, NCC Education, Cisco and Microsoft.

This enables participants to obtain internationally accredited qualifications by studying locally.

We offer business and computing degree pathways, that provide our students with a hands-on approach and prepares them to be employable. And, of course, all this is done in a modern environment using cutting-edge technology - all of our study rooms include high-powered internet access, on-site tech support,

Education. Our tutors, in fact, are all industry professionals that have

whiteboards and projectors.

a passion to teach and that are willing to share and pass on their

Our programme of studies focuses on both the theoretical and practical part, in this manner we provide our students with the right

personal experiences to our students.

The aim behind STC Higher Education is to provide a positive

mind-set and aptitude to be employable. STC Higher Education is

student experience and to empower students to become proactive,

committed to quality and professionalism in higher education, and

lifelong learners in order to achieve their full potential in

we do not only look at the academic aspects of our students but

society. Our success stories are many, and proven – you too can be

also pride ourselves in taking a personal interest in our students.

one of them.

Our staff and tutors are always ready to assist our students in attaining the best from their experience with STC Higher

For further information, contact us on 2145 3200, or by email on info@stcmalta.com or visit www.stcmalta.com

JULY 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

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HIGHER EDUCATION

Improve your chances MISCO is offering formal qualifications to all those professionals who want to invest in lifelong learning opportunities. Accredited training programmes range from qualifications offered by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).

In 2017 MISCO started offering its very own homegrown qualifications. These level 5 award qualifications also reflect the experience that MISCO has, over time, developed in this field and also its experience in a number of areas and fields related to management, HR and talent development in Malta. If you are interested in getting to know about MISCO’s training opportunities for improved self-development visit our website www.miscomalta.com or contact us on training@miscomalta.com

BOV Club is Here to when joining BOV Club or

customercare@bov.com, call us on 2131

renewing their membership. Among

2020 or send us a Private Message on our

the key benefits included in the

BOV Club Facebook Page. Full details

Package, there is a free BOV

regarding the Package are available on

Cashlink VISA Electron card as well

bov.com or by contacting the Bank’s

as a BOV VISA Classic or BOV

Customer Service Centre on 2131 2020.

Mastercard with a credit limit of

Bank of Valletta p.l.c. is a public

Intended as a stepping stone for students

EUR500, whose fee is waived for the first

limited company regulated by the MFSA

progressing from secondary to tertiary

year. We have also included other ancillary

and is licensed to carry out the business of

level of education, the BOV Club Package

services that simplify the management of

banking and investment services in terms of

encapsulates the basic banking solutions

one’s banking requirements, such as free

the Banking Act (Cap.371 of the Laws of

one would require, along with a suite of

SMS notifications and the BOV Mobile

Malta) and the Investment Services Act

welcome offers that students are entitled

service. Interested? Then, drop us a line on

(Cap.370 of the Laws of Malta).

Would you like to study or work abroad?

Thanks to Erasmus+ Mobility Project for higher education students and staff, this doesn’t have to remain a dream.

Students can benefit from a study period abroad at a partner higher education institution or even a work placement programme in an enterprise or relevant workplace. Staff can also benefit from this project by experiencing teaching periods or training periods abroad. For more information about eligibility and applications contact EUPA on 2558 6130.

JULY 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

73

Aligning the gaming and digital sector education to industry’s needs and requirements

European Gaming Institute of Malta • MCAST Main Campus, Triq Kordin, Paola PLA 9032 T: +356 2398 7143 • E: egim@mcast.edu.mt • W: www.egim.com.mt

HIGHER EDUCATION

Accredited progammes in the remote gaming The European Gaming Institute of Malta (EGIM) is a joint venture between the MGA and MCAST which has the objective of developing training and accredited

EGIM curriculum launch by GamingMalta at MCAST July 2018

educational programmes for the remote gaming industry.

EGIM aims to offer the best possible mix of parttime courses (in collaboration with the iGaming Academy), full time

The MGA together with the GamingMalta foundation will be

diplomas and masters programmes for potential candidates coming

supporting EGIM for the development of its educational

from non-related gaming industries to familiarise themselves with

programmes pertaining to the remote gaming industry but will also

an area of choice within the gaming industry to achieve adequate

be enabling the transfer of the industry’s knowledge to MCAST. The

knowledge and skills.

curricula will further the educational development in areas relevant

EGIM’s objective is to understand the skill requirements of the industry (current and future) and most importantly, forecast and

to this sector in today’s digital economy.

Find out more about the MCAST Diploma in igaming at

prepare for the upcoming skill sets needed to build and create

EGIM.com.mt or visit the MCAST Students House till August 3

educational courses based on future technology and product trends.

between 8.30am and 1.30pm.

A high value diploma for working professionals Malta Business School is currently accepting applications for its ninth intake for the UK accredited part-time Diploma and full-time Extended Diploma in management, at MQF Level 5, starting in October.

This diploma is designed for you if you are working in a business environment with several responsibilities and looking at enhancing your career progression. We are passionate about learning and will guide you to enhance your skills, gather a holistic understanding of business and management, and become proficient in analysing information relevant for you. Furthermore you will be able to put into

demanding schedules, making it easier to balance your studies with

practice what you learn immediately in your work setting.

your other commitments.

The duration of our classic diploma programme is one academic year. All classes are tutor-led and held twice a week from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at our central location in Birkirkara. After

As a student you will be able to benefit from several discounts and offers plus flexible payment plans.

Malta Business School is a recognised higher education

successfully completing our Diploma in Management you can

institution offering academic programmes and customised

continue your studies with us by following the Extended Diploma in

corporate training. For more information about this diploma or

Management. We understand that as adult learners you lead busy

other programmes from Malta Business School contact Chaienne

lives and need to give priority to your responsibilities, so we have

Wellman on info@mbs.edu.mt or 21311326. All enquiries are handled

designed flexible learning arrangements that will fit around your

in the strictest confidence.

JULY 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

75

HIGHER EDUCATION

Investing in your future on your own terms We recognise that you are a very busy

comprehensive framework to your studies

Henley-approved tutors and

professional with little time to spare. The

with the opportunity to build upon your

administrators to help you. Your learning

Henley MBA is therefore specifically

expertise and work on an applied business

journey will enable you to explore and

designed in such a way that you can link

assignment for each module. Each module

critically analyse ideas, and thus gather

information together and understand what

includes a class-based weekend workshop

recognition as a leader.

works for you. The Henley Flexible

where you will have the opportunity to

Executive MBA programme is spread over

share information and experiences with

MBA is a life-changing experience that

two and a half years and includes 10 core

like-minded professionals, continuous

provides new outlooks that will shape your

study modules which deliver a

online support, and a team of local

decisions throughout your career. The

Many students say that the Henley

Henley MBA will empower you with the confidence to take strategic decisions, whether for yourself or for your company, and equip you with the right knowledge to re-invent your future.

We are lucky to have a local campus of one of the highest-ranked, triple accredited, business schools in the world, and you can be a part of it.

For more information please contact Christine Caruana on info@henleymalta.com or 21311326. All enquiries are handled in the strictest confidence.

HIGHER EDUCATION

A dedicated programme PRESTIGIOUS OPPORTUNITIES FOR ST MARTIN’S COLLEGE SIXTH FORM STUDENTS St Martin’s College Sixth Form provides a

Examination results have been

programme of extra-curricular activities,

full-time sixth form programme of

consistently excellent, providing students

experiences and knowledge. The College

prestigious academic opportunities,

with numerous undergraduate opportunities.

promotes enriching educational and cultural

combined with excellent individual care,

The high success rate is due to the small

exchange programmes. Their students

personal development programmes and a

groups that allow teachers to provide all

visited Finland, England, Estonia, Croatia,

very interesting range of wider educational

students with individual attention and

Romania and St Petersburg, Russia, and

activities. It represents an excellent choice

mentoring. Teaching staff are specialists in

regularly welcome visiting students from

that will shape and influence a young

their subjects and are fully dedicated to

countries such as Denmark, Finland and

person’s preparations for continuing higher

supporting, guiding and encouraging each

Spain. A visit to the European Parliament as

education, future employment and adult life.

student to realise their potential and

part of the Euroscola programme takes

ambitions. Teachers participate in a regular

place annually.

The College offers a wide range of academic courses that prepare students to

programme of professional development as

successfully sit for Advanced and

well as an ongoing process of peer

St Martin’s College Sixth Form, visit

Intermediate subjects, according to a

observation.

www.smc.edu.mt or our Facebook page -

personalised programme that suits their individual aspirations.

The College is a vibrant young adult community and there is a wide-ranging

For more information about

St Martin's College Sixth Form, or call 2734 5170/2134 5146.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Working towards an even brighter future THE UNIVERSITY OF MALTA’S LEGACY IS JUST THE BEGINNING, GODFREY BALDACCHINO AND PIERRE CASSAR TELL IGGY FENECH. The modern university is one of the greatest remnants from the Middle Ages and one which, today, shapes every sphere of our lives.

Yet its role in society is set to become even more important, particularly as machines take over even more manual jobs and human resources are channeled towards more creative and more technicallychallenging jobs.

“Society’s changing as we speak,” explains the Pro-Rector for International Development & Quality Assurance, Professor Godfrey Baldacchino. “From the way we interact to the way we learn, things are evolving quickly and it is our job as a university not to just adapt to the new realities, but also to pre-empt what society will need in the future.”

The new programme of study for UM reflects that. With Malta

“We’re not just sitting down and waiting for people to come to us, either,” says Pierre Cassar, the Director of Communications.

likely to become a pioneer in the area of distributed ledger

“Currently, for example, we are focusing on various international

technology (DLT) – the umbrella term under which blockchain falls –

markets with representatives in each country promoting both Malta

the university will be running its first specific modules on the subject

and UM.”

come this October, and its first full-fledged course in the area by

This is ensuring that UM continues to become a learning centre

February 2019. UM is also setting up an autonomous centre for DLT in

of excellence in the Mediterranean region, while also expanding its

the coming months, which will focus specifically on the application of

horizons.

this new technology in professional fields.

“Moreover, dozens of people are arriving to work here in Malta

For this reason, UM is a promoter of exchanges, receiving about 400 Erasmus students per year and also sending several Maltese

on an almost daily basis so even the very physiognomy of our society

students to European universities. It also currently has almost 1,000

is changing,” Godfrey continues. “These people are not only future

international students studying full time on campus and around

members of Maltese society but also potential future students of UM.”

another 200 for internships, placements and work experience.

This, as the Pro-Rector explains, is leading to an even more

By building bridges with other countries, cultures and

diversified and multicultural campus. Last year, in fact, UM clocked

institutions, UM is opening new routes its students could take to

students from 92 different countries. But, on top of third-country

further their studies and employability. One of the most noteworthy is

nationals (those outside of Malta and the EEA) being a vital source of

the collaborative international degrees done in conjunction with a

income for the university, this is also helping to change the dynamic

number of universities in the USA, which give learners the chance to

of the university itself by continually providing new ideas,

not just research subjects like Conflict Resolution and Sustainable

perspectives and initiatives which, when combined with those of

Environmental Management , but also the opportunity to earn two

native or EEA students, can be invaluable.

postgraduate degrees simultaneously.

80 Sunday Circle ∫ JULY 2018

HIGHER EDUCATION

tangible and direct link between those living in the inner harbor areas and the University itself.

“We have also been investing more resources and energy into our website and social media platforms, particularly as the younger generations and the international students who may be interested in studying here see and interact with the world differently to the way their forebears did just 10 or 15 years ago.”

With this came also a new corporate logo which, for the first time in many generations, united all of UM’s faculties, institutions and schools under the same banner. A marketing exercise more than anything else, this will not just make it easier for UM to showcase its varied portfolio but also make it more recognisable.

“But all this is only the beginning,” Godfrey tells me. “We are now experiencing the first changes in the classroom in 200 years, and the ways of teaching are changing drastically. This is why we are looking at online education, and working around a future in which not all our students or lecturers need to be physically on campus for the learning process to go on.”

The potential for this is huge, especially when considering how much broader UM’s clientele could become, and how it could change the life of future Gozitan students.

“It’s too early to determine whether that is really the future of education or not, but it is definitely changing what students expect from their university and how we have to do things. Some of our This changing landscape has spurred many other alterations to

lecturers, for example, have already started uploading recordings of

how the university goes about its educational, cultural and social

their lectures to a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) platform that

agendas. Indeed, the current Rector, Professor Alfred J Vella’s

students can use whenever they want. This, of course, is something

strategic plan makes all this incredibly clear.

being experienced and experimented with globally, so only time can

Among the 60 items to be found within it, there are proposals

tell what the final result will be.”

to build an accommodation unit directly in the Msida Campus, which

Ultimately, what UM is doing is creating the right environment

will create a better symbiosis between students of different

for Malta to give its citizens the professionals with knowledge and

nationalities and the local community and the University. Another one,

expertise it needs to continue moving forward as a society. Without

which has already been enacted, saw the founding of a Doctoral

this institution, after all, a lot of what we take for granted – from

School, where those reading for a PhD in any subject can come

finding doctors at Mater Dei to policymakers to change our laws, and

together to share interests, concerns and methodology. While hugely

from journalists to getting legal aid – would not be possible.

beneficial to local PhD students, it also gives foreign ones a good base to work hand-in-hand with others while here.

Yet, as both Godfrey and Pierre conclude, citizens also need to support UM, particularly by donating towards the research its

“As we move forward, our university is working harder to

academics and researchers are conducting, which is breaking new

become not just an educational centre but also a research one, too,”

ground in various spheres including in medicine, quantum physics,

Pierre adds. “We can’t just provide professional training, particularly as

archaeology and history of art.

our role within society is to enhance and create knowledge, and then to disseminate it.”

With over hundreds of courses offered at UM, the team that runs it has a lot on its hands, but it’s still working on strengthening the relationship between the University as an institution and the general

“And, just in the pipeline, is also the idea of changing the business model for PhD students: from asking them to pay a fee to study here to paying them for their studies and research,” Godfrey adds.

So, with so much planned, there are many changes set to take

Maltese public. Over the past few years, the University has taken

place – not just at the university but also within our society. But I

knowledge and expertise directly to the people.

guess that is to be expected from a university that has a 400-year

Among the dozens of projects within this remit are the Mobile Dental Unit funded through the Research, Innovation and

legacy as a centre of excellence.

UM is still accepting late applications for most of its courses for

Development Trust (RIDT) of UM, which travels across the islands

the next academic year. For more information please visit

offering free dental check-ups to schools and homes for the elderly;

https://www.um.edu.mt/courses/keywords or contact us on

the Mobile Legal Unit, which gives free legal advice on a variety of

info@um.edu.mt To donate towards research at UM, please visit

matters; and the Cottonera Resource Centre, which provides a

www.ridt.org

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HIGHER EDUCATION

EXCEPTIONAL TRAINING International School of Beauty offers exceptional training in Beauty Therapy. All the tutors are internationally qualified and run the programmes with enthusiasm, dedication and constant guidance, giving students the individual attention they require.

Students are examined by a foreign examiner, who travels from CIBTAC (Confederation of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology).

Lessons are held in a professional and well-equipped set-up; every classroom is air-conditioned and students are trained to the highest competence, with many eventually offered jobs in Malta and overseas in renowned salons and spas.

All courses are accredited by NCHFE (National Commission for Higher and Further Education) and

The following short courses are offered on a regular basis: Microblading / Indian Head Massage / Threading / Classic and Russian Volume Lash Extensions.

The International School of Beauty Therapy, run by School Principal Sharon Warrington, ensures that each

comply with the European Qualification Framework

student is given thorough individual attention

(MQF/EQF Level 3/4). The school offers Level 2

throughout the year. Our highly qualified students are

Diploma in Beauty Therapy Services, Level 3 in Facial Electrical Treatments, Diploma in Holistic Body Massage and Body Slimming Techniques, Reflexology, Fashion & Photographic Make-up, as well as Media &

continuously requested by renowned Spas in Malta and Gozo.

For further information contact Sharon Warrington

Special Effects Make-up; Electrical Epilation and Laser / Light

on 79459032 or email

Treatment courses also form part of the school curriculum.

sharon@beautysuppliesmalta.com

PAPA RAZZI

Jo Caruana and Sarah Woods

Adrain Attard, Alexandra Bajada and Matthew Cuomo

Ginetta Gueli, Miriana Menta, Giulia Sangaletti and Simona Miteva

Carina Camilleri and Melanie Faure

Ray Vella, Philip Tabone, Simon Gatt Baldacchino, Philip Farrugia, Peter Diacono, Nazzareno Vella, Edmund Gatt Baldacchino, Edward Licari, John Attard and Jimmy Gatt

• 1-3 Marnisi Organic Wine: Marsovin recently announced that Marnisi has become the first premium Maltese wine to be awarded the official seal of ‘Organic Wine’. This was announced by CEO Jeremy Cassar at a tasting event.

• 4-6 Launch of The Summer Kitchen menu at Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa – Executive chef Stefan Hogan recently launched the Summer Kitchen new menu at a tasting event for the press, with a wine list curated by P. Cutajar.

• 7-8 BDI, part of Hudson Group, has extended its contract to represent NIKE in 30 African countries until 2023 and to extend its current warehouse facilities in Malta. This was announced during an event at Hugo’s Infinity.

• 9-12 June marked the launch of the Hilton’s latest seasonal restaurant, The Catch by Merkanti, which offers a large selection of fresh fish expertly prepared from our local shores. The restaurant’s fixed a la carte menu provides plenty of alternatives guaranteed to satisfy even the most selective palates.

• 13-15 New additions to Pendergardens - Guests gathered to celebrate and enjoy the launch of two fabulous outlets Optika Opticians and U&Co eatery and café - recently opened at the retail podium of Pendergardens.

1

4

7

10

13

2

Keith Abela, Stephen La Rosa, Robert Pace and Kurt Mifsud from Mediterranean Culinary Academy

Chef Stefan Hogan and Jo Caruana

Wouter Van Olm, Alfie Borg and Sean Harris

Chris Pace, Keeley Bajada, Samantha and Chris Psaila

Sandro Vella, Ron Scerri, Mark Camilleri, Dolores Gatt Baldacchino and Simon Gatt Baldacchino

5

8

11

14

3

Ramona Depares, Marsovin CEO Jeremy Cassar and Jamie Genovese

Maria Moller, Line Young Peteri, Ramona Depares, Johnathan Cilia, Tim Diacono and Anna Maria Galea

9

Alexia & Keith Demicoli, Melanie Faure, Chef Eddie Sharkey, Clare Agius, Paul Sparling and Tony Griffin

Maria Shebets and Mira Varakina

6

12

15

Simon Gatt Baldacchino, Josianne Gatt Baldacchino, Carmen Gatt Baldacchino, Dolores Gatt Baldacchino and Edmund Gatt Baldacchino

JULY 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

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?????

PAPA RAZZI

FRANKS 125 Anniversary Event The night of the 23rd June at Bighi Kalkara, was a night for champagne, red carpet, gala attire, and a melodious blues/swing band continuously playing in the background. Guests started arriving by 8pm, making their way through the long tunnel leading onto the large open terrace. The tunnel was transformed into a Franks Time Line exhibition, starting from the 1890's up till the present day. The atmosphere was truly magical making it a night to remember.

Frances Camilleri, Alistair Fenech, Claire Falzon and Steve Compagno

Caroline Arding, Anabel Muscat, Clarissa Galea, Donnalise Bonnano, Maria Spiteri, Angelique Attard and Magdalena Juul-Nielson

Margaret Debono, Paula Borg, Isabella Halliday, Ruth Faella and Marcette Fabri

Steves&co Team

Franks Team

1

4

7

10

Chris Attard, Lourde Attard, Caroline Paris and Kurt Paris

2

5

Monique Mizzi, Stefania Demicoli, Erika Gatt, Paula Borg, Jessica Inglott, Graziella Minto, Claire Falzon, Charmaine Cini and Esmeralda Law

Lauro Abela, Claire Abela, Andrew Abela and Marthese Abela

Vanessa Camilleri and Ingrid Attard

13

Swing Nuages

8

11

3

Duncan Calleja, Marcette Fabri, Lara Cassar and Andrew Abela

6

Marcette Fabri, Caroline Arding, Brian Fenech, Gary Mifsud, Monique Mizzi, Alex Cutajar, Angelique Attard, Karen Ellul and Ingrid Attard

9

Ron Van Maarschalkerweerd Borg, Kurt Paris, Sarah Zerafa, Caroline Paris and Charles Van Maarschalkerweerd Borg

Yvonne Hogan, Kenneth Cauchi, Tamara Webb, Lindsey Zammit and Jessica Inglott

12

14 JULY 2018 âˆŤ Sunday Circle

87

HEALTH

ExTrACTIon And ImmEdIATE ImplAnT rEplACEmEnT

Before treatment

Up until the introduction of dental implants,

Then pre-fabricated titanium abutments

a single tooth replacement was usually

were introduced allowing a conventional

performed with a removable denture

crown to be cemented onto it. Then came

wedged in between adjacent teeth or a

the revolution of maximising aesthetics

dental bridge attached to one or two

and eliminating any metal in the crown

adjacent teeth. nowadays, most single

allowing room for an all-ceramic crown

teeth are replaced with dental implants. A

made from zirconia. This metal-free

dental implant is the insertion of a screw or

zirconia framework allows the firing of

fixture into the bone site of the missing

porcelain onto it maximising the

tooth. Following three to six months of

aesthetics especially in the anterior area.

healing, the top part of the implant is

The main advantages of all-ceramic

A CASE STUDY

exposed and a tooth/crown is attached

crowns include superior aesthetics with

A young woman presents with a

onto it. This is the basic manner of

no metal edge, high biocompatibility and

broken tooth and a failed root canal

completing an implant-retained crown.

the ability to perform these in single day

treatment exhibiting recurrent

visits.

swellings and exudate. The tooth

Today, the choices on materials and the manner of which the job is completed my vary considerably. Here are a few

After treatment

was extracted, the socket cleaned SURROUNDING BONE

and disinfected and an implant was

options, which must be weighed out and

The implant must be inserted into an

selected to obtain the best aesthetic and

area with sound and sufficient bone. If the

augmentation was also placed in the

functional result.

area does not have enough bone then a

socket to aid with the final aesthet-

bone graft must be performed to allow

ics of the gum tissue. A temporary

complete coverage of the implant at

fixed acrylic-resin crown was also at-

THE IMPLANT The majority of implants are made of

immediately inserted. A minor bone

insertion and forever after its completion.

tached onto the implant to further

high-grade titanium. These implants are

There are many bone grafting materials

help the gingiva maintain its contour.

extensively researched and carry excellent

available to buy; cow bone, human bone

In this manner the patient also bene-

success rates. These are also metal-free

and other inorganic bone substitutes. This

fits from a fixed tooth as a tempo-

implants made out of zirconium. These so-

has become the norm for most of the

rary solution. Four months after the

called biological implants have many

aesthetic cases.

extraction and implant insertion, the

advantages including: • Hypoallergenic • High biocompatibility

temporary crown was replaced with GINGIVAL TISSUE more often than not the bone and

an all-ceramic highly aesthetic crown. This sequence of treatment is

• one-stage surgery

surrounding gum in the site of a missing

not always possible but when it is,

• Excellent aesthetics

tooth is to some degree resorbed. This

the aesthetics of the final product is

• Corrosion resistance

results in an obvious drop in the gum level

highly dependent on it.

• Holistic friendly

and/or width of the ridge. replacing a

• Strong and comfortable

tooth would result in either a long-looking

Implants also come in various sizes,

crown or a crown with spaces in between

shapes and forms so the right implant must

the other adjacent teeth. This creates poor

be chosen for the right place.

aesthetics and discomfort on eating, as spaces are obvious food traps. The bone

THE CROWN Implant crowns are also available in

and gum grafts restore the implant site to normality allowing for a firm anchorage

different materials. The material of choice

and a tight gingival cuff synonymous with

was once porcelain fired onto cast gold.

good hygiene.

88 Sunday Circle ∫ JULY 2018

Ask you dentist!

Content and clinical cases provided by Dr Jean Paul Demajo, Dental and Implant Surgeon.