Sunday Circle (June 2018)

JUNE 2018 – ISSUE NO. 281

TWO’S COMPANY THREE’S A BLAST? A NEW AGE IN GOZO Spirituality on the sister island

A FUN FESTA

Tribali back on stage

EMPTY NESTS A parent’s pain

ANDREW HOGG Playing, looking, sounding suave

CONTENTS COVER STORY 10

SPORT

Best foot forward Every inch the suave gentleman wearing HUGO BOSS, Andrew Hogg tells Anna Marie Galea how football has moulded his life and what he sees himself doing in the future.

26

Gymnasts turned athletes The leap from gymnastics to long jumps and pole vaulting didn’t turn out to be such a big one for top-level athletes Peppijna Dalli and Claire Azzopardi. They share their story with Francesca Imm.

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R E L AT I O N S H I P S LIFESTYLES 16

two’s company, three’s a…

Blast? Is monogamy a given for love, in today’s climate? And, with over 2,000 divorces granted over the period of six years in Malta, is forever a myth?

Two young people share their views about sex and relationships in the 21st century with Sunday Circle.

FA S H I O N

36

a new aGe in Gozo Victor Paul Borg discovers a growing community of New Age types who have settled on the sister island to offer a holistic living experience, even as Gozitans look upon them with a mixture of amusement and suspicion.

67

enaBlinG siBlinGs Living with a sibling with a disability is a challenge that often goes unappreciated, but Aġenzija Sapport have recently introduced a support programme to help siblings cope with a difficult reality. Johnathan Cilia finds out more. the varyinG costs of dental treatment Dental and implant surgeon Jean Paul Demajo brings us the latest news from the dentistry front.

GOOD CAUSES MUSIC 46

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the experience of a lifetime New friendships, good deeds, great fun and a great way to achieve independence – this is how young people who took part in a EUPA volunteering programme describe the experience.

58

H E A LT H 50

when they fly the nest Despite not being an actual clinical condition, the so-called Empty Nest Syndrome can lead to very real feelings of loss and loneliness. Anna Marie Galea speaks to parents and professionals to find out more.

PEOPLE 35

68 20

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hey, trendsetter One of the most respected and experienced fashion bloggers on the local circuits, Caroline Paris’s innate sense of style has won her thousands of followers on social media. Interview by Ramona Depares. c&r take on the Ċittadella Picturesque Gozo turns out to be the perfect springboard to launch the Charles & Ron Spring/Summer 2018 With Love x x collection.

THIS PUBLICATION IS BEING DISTRIBUTED AS PART OF:

Back to their roots Trippy audiovisuals, eclectic, feelgood music and a unique vibe – it can only mean one thing. Tribali are back with one of their massive signature concerts, this time to celebrate the launch of the fourth album Raba’. Ramona Depares catches up with Peter Paul, Antoine and Eliza to hear all about it.

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the veuve clicquot life Anna Marie Galea talks bubbles and history with Veuve Clicquot’s new brand ambassador, Ted Lelekas. the life and soul of a man Consolidating your life into an autobiography is no easy feat, particularly if, like Peter Calamatta, you’ve woken up each day of it with the intent of bettering yourself. Iggy Fenech gets the inside story.

REGULARS 04 06 08 71

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.

Let it be known, that I’m not the most

lot less frustrated humans. And it pretty

patient of people. I’m not the sort of person

much costs nothing, time-wise, while giving

who will smile beatifically when someone is

you a lowkey, feelgood factor when the

wasting time faffing around to find their

other driver raises their hand to you in

carpark ticket, blocking the exit. So, you

grateful salute.

might say, I’m not the best of people to get

attempt to squeeze their car into the most

seems to have permanently afflicted the

ridiculous tight spaces, many times at the

island.

cost of blocking the road, as long as they

Yet, impatient soul and all, I still find

A WORD FROM

the editor

myself shocked by the lack of respect for human life that I constantly see on our roads.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Ramona Depares PUBLICATION SALES MANAGER Renée Micallef Decesare DESIGN Joseph Schembri COVER Andrew Hogg, on location at the Ta' Qali National Stadium, wearing HUGO BOSS. Photography: Alexandra Pace EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Johnathan Cilia, Anna Marie Galea, Victor Borg, Ramona Depares, Iggy Fenech

don’t have to ‘let someone go ahead of them’. Very logical. Not. If only these were the biggest sins, it

It seems as though many drivers nowadays

wouldn’t even be so bad. Sure, it’s rude

are not so much impatient, as they are

behaviour that will cause some eye-rolling

simply ruthless, not to put too fine a point on

but eh well, live with that we must.

it. Trying to get out of the small town where I PUBLISHER ALLIED NEWSPAPERS LTD.

But no. Too many drivers I see will just

all high and mighty about road rage that

But, there’s even worse. Those who

live onto the main thoroughfare in the

will accelerate, or actively veer onto, a bike

morning is fraught with peril for drivers and

or a motorbike. If you are one of these sorry

cars. During rush hour, when I have right of

excuses for a human being, allow me to

way and there is an uninterrupted stream of

remind you that if you do crash into said

cars all trying to get onto the main road, I

bike, you also crash directly into a human

tend to follow the ‘allow at least one person

being.

through’ principle.

Some of you will know what I am

With such distasteful road practices, is it any wonder that the rate of fatal or near-fatal

talking about, because you follow this

accidents keeps on increasing? Let’s all try be

civilised principle yourselves. If every car that

nicer, it really costs nothing. And with that, I

has right of way allows one other car to get

trust that you will enjoy this edition of Sunday

through, there would be a lot less unmoving

Circle and a most relaxing Sunday, preferably

traffic jams on the roads, not to mention a

sans rude drivers to get you het up.

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Exclusively represented by C+M Marketing Ltd. Tel: 2142 4079

STYLE Alberta Ferretti gown with hexagonal motif

Jimmy Choo gold pumps

Jimmy Choo clutch bag

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Dolce&Gabbana leather dress shoes

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COVER STORY

Best foot forward ATHLETIC, AND EVERY INCH THE SUAVE GENTLEMAN WEARING HUGO BOSS, ANDREW HOGG BOTH LOOKS AND SOUNDS THE PART OF THE SUCCESSFUL ATHLETE AND HIS CAREER PROVES IT. BETWEEN TAKING PHOTOS AND RUSHING FROM ONE LOCATION TO THE NEXT, HE TELLS ANNA MARIE GALEA HOW FOOTBALL HAS MOULDED HIS LIFE AND WHAT HE SEES HIMSELF DOING IN THE FUTURE. Having played professionally as a goalkeeper both locally as well as abroad, the charming Andrew Hogg’s career has gone from strength to strength since he started playing at the age of five.

“I started playing football when I was about five or six years of age. I was not born in Malta, but we moved back here when I was quite young. When I started school, I had to pick a sport and I suppose I was naturally drawn to football.

“But it was only when I turned 12 or 13 that I started to think about making a living from it. Much to the disappointment of my parents, school was never a top priority for me when I was young and I would spend my days daydreaming about football.”

Speaking about what led him to become a goalkeeper, Andrew states that his ‘falling’ into the role happened organically.

“From my own experience, and from what I’ve heard others say, playing in the position of goalkeeper is something innate. It is something you’re born into. The best part of my job is the satisfaction I feel when I walk off the field knowing that I’ve made some fantastic saves. The rush that you get is the same as if you were scoring a goal. On the other hand, you have to be willing to get hit a lot! Italian goalkeeper Buffon once said that goalkeepers are primarily masochists because they take pride in getting hit and that’s one of the truest things I’ve probably ever heard about what I do.”

When he’s not on the pitch, Andrew is either spending time with his long-term partner, Sabrina, and his two daughters Georgie and Alice, or attending psychology lectures at university.

“I’ve been with Sabrina for seven years and I couldn’t ask for a better partner. She had come to live with me in Greece when I played there and has always supported me. My day

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COVER STORY

Photography Alexandra Pace Styling HUGO BOSS Wardrobe BOSS Menswear Spring/Summer 2018 Hair Dean Gera Make-up Melanie Gregory

Being a professional footballer is not without its lonely moments

JUNE 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

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COVER STORY

usually starts at seven in the morning, when Sabrina and I get the girls ready for school. After that. Sabrina will go to her salon in Rabat and, I’ll either have a training session or lectures at university.

“Although football has always been my main priority, a couple of years ago I did go through a period of soul-searching, where I started to think seriously about what I would do when I eventually stopped playing. I didn’t sleep properly for a long time trying to decide what I wanted to spend my life after football doing and, eventually, I decided to enrol in the Psychology course at university with a view to becoming a Sports Psychologist. I know first-hand what it means to be far away from home, feeling homesick and alone. Being a professional footballer is not without its lonely moments. I look forward to helping young athletes to develop mentally and give them the support and reassurance that I myself receive. The unfriendliness that competition can bring can be very damaging. It takes time to build confidence.”

While in the past, confidence may have been something of an issue to Andrew, he states that he has grown more comfortable with himself with the passage of time.

“I remember modelling in my early 20s, and thinking that it was just not for me because I just didn’t feel at ease. As you get older and surer of yourself, everything just gets easier because you know yourself better. I also take myself a lot less seriously, which means I approach events like today’s in a more relaxed way. I credit my sport psychologist Adele Muscat with helping to keep me consistent both here and in my years abroad. If it wasn’t for consistency, I wouldn’t have managed to make the impact that I did.”

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COVER STORY

A stickler for perfection and precision, it’s little wonder that Andrew truly feels at home in HUGO BOSS, which has a history of supporting some of the world’s most prestigious football clubs: Germany, A.S. Roma, Real Madrid FC, FC Bayern, Paris Saint Germain and Liverpool to name a few.

The fact that BOSS tailoring integrates comfort with impeccable style, whatever the occasion, is in keeping with Andrew’s own lifestyle as someone who has a full life on and off the pitch.

“I’ve played all over the world and my passion for it hasn’t faded. I suppose the secret to my success is how highly motivated I’ve always been to achieve what I set out for. The passion, precision and dynamism that underpin the BOSS brand are very much in keeping with the way I live my own life. I’m looking forward to new challenges. Life is short and we should do what makes us happy and do it well.”

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Buffon once said that goalkeepers are primarily masochists because they take pride in getting hit and that’s one of the truest things I’ve probably ever heard about what I do

RELATIONSHIPS

Two’s company, three’s a…blast?

IS MONOGAMY A GIVEN FOR LOVE, IN TODAY’S CLIMATE? AND, WITH OVER 2,000 DIVORCES GRANTED OVER THE PERIOD OF SIX YEARS IN MALTA, IS FOREVER A MYTH? TWO YOUNG PEOPLE SHARE THEIR VIEWS ABOUT SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS IN THE 21ST CENTURY WITH SUNDAY CIRCLE. In a poem entitled Annus Mirabilis (Latin for

emotion and sometimes love cannot let

Wonderful Year), the English poet Philip

itself be defined by gender, or genitals, or

Larkin stated that sexual intercourse in

even numbers.

Britain had begun in 1963. He was, of

“I think the concept of monogamy is

course, referring to the sexual revolution of

a strange one because, in reality, it is

the 1960s, but sex in Britain and elsewhere

unrealistic to expect one person to fulfil all

had started a long time before. That, after

your needs at all stages of your growth,”

all, can be seen in everything from the Turin

says a 32-year-old woman we spoke to,

Papyrus depicting ancient Egyptians in

who is currently in a monogamous

quite intricate sexual positions, to the erotic

relationship due to the request of her

art discovered in the brothels of Pompeii

partner.

and Herculaneum.

Yet, although sex has become less of

Could it be that we are simply putting too much pressure on our partners? That

a taboo and different sexual preferences

we ask for too much from our significant

have been given names, the acceptable

others? We expect them to be great

form of a relationship between two people

listeners, to make us orgasm, to love our

has remained largely unchanged for

flaws, to compliment us, to get along with

centuries… Somehow, while the concepts

our families, to know our favourite colour,

of sex before marriage, having multiple

to help us grow emotionally, to make us

partners, and even dabbling in light

feel like they are our home. That is not easy,

sadomasochism are all – to various

but it is the standard.

degrees – acceptable, there seems to be

“I believe that, many times, people

In a way, all this is the result of marriage, a contract that in past eras was

only one way of actually loving someone:

leave relationships because they feel that

meant to bring two families together, to

by being monogamous and fully-

the other person isn’t able to meet their

give a man someone to look after him and

committed.

idea of what they want in a partner, but the

a woman security. Love, if it ever came, was

truth is we need different things at different

a bonus not a given. But, over the years,

love? After all, what is being said is that you

times,” she continues. “If it were up to me,

and with changing attitudes, love became

cannot love someone romantically without

in fact, monogamy probably wouldn’t exist.

the goal yet, sometimes, love is not enough

wanting to have sex with them; that all

The idea of someone out there being a

to make us happy in a committed

open relationships constitute cheating; and

perfect fit to us puts a lot of pressure on

relationship.

that you can’t love two people at the same

relationships. In an ideal world, you’d have

time… But not everyone loves like that:

different partners who would be able to

between being ‘in love’ and ‘loving’,” says a

Sometimes love is not a permanent

fulfil different roles with ease.”

35-year-old man we interviewed, who is

But does that limit our experience of

16 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

“I make a profound distinction

RELATIONSHIPS

attraction and love are very often the result

Forever is a long time to be with just one person and hope that they'll stay exactly the same

of an emotional connection; of a fascination

the result of an emotional attachment, rather

monogamous or to let someone’s sex

of sorts. I have been deeply in love with both

than an uncontrollable primordial instinct.

determine their potential as a lover, does

women and men. Being a romantic by

What attracts me are the qualities of the

that mean they are not in love, or that they

nature, I tend to experience sexual desire as

person, the brain and, ultimately, the ability

are loving in their own way?

currently single. “I’ve always believed that, while being in love, or infatuated, is a transitory feeling, loving is something far deeper and infinitely more rational. Love is a decision; love is a choice we make freely.

We choose to stay, we choose to give, we choose to accept. Every morning, every day.

“In my case and experience, however,

to provide the companionship and complicity I seek, not their sexual orientation, gender or the shape of their genitals.”

Love, when it comes, hits us all in different ways. How and why we love someone is the result of a lot of different factors, including nature, nurture and the lessons life has taught us. So, when someone doesn’t choose to be

JUNE 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

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RELATIONSHIPS

all this reminds us of one of the most scandalous lines in the writings of the Middle ages, in a letter the French nun and scholar, héloïse wrote to her lover, the philosopher Peter abelard: “The name of wife may seem more sacred or more binding, but sweeter for me will always be the word friend, or, if you will permit me, that of concubine or whore.” see, some people’s idea of love can be different to the general idea of what love should be or to the Disneyfied happy ending. What makes one person happy may not be the same as what makes another.

Our two interviewees are a perfect example of that.

“Despite leading an unconventional romantic life, i do believe that monogamy, fidelity and life-long commitment are possible,” the man TV series You, Me, Her focuses on a polyamorous relationship.

continues. “Once one accepts that loving is indeed a choice and not a mere feeling, that choice can be made freely every single day. i do, however, believe that the insistence on promoting an increasingly

I think the concept of monogamy is a strange one because, in reality, it is unrealistic to expect one person to fulfil all your needs at all stages of your growth

traditional, heteronormative approach to relationships which may not, in fact, be traditional or heterosexual is ideologically-driven and potentially reductive within the context of queer culture and a more liberal approach to relationships in their very varied forms would be beneficial.”

“There is also a lot of pressure for people to find someone, marry, settle down and have children and so, even people who might be inclined not to be monogamous, end up conforming to avoid displeasure from their friends, family and society at large,” the woman adds. “i think that many people don’t really know what they want and when they stumble upon someone who fulfils at least some of their criteria, they call it love and settle down.

“Many people end up feeling trapped in situations thanks to their own insecurities and worries about their future. a number of people also aren’t objective or rational when it comes to picking a partner, and just focus on the emotional or sexual aspect and once that fades or changes, they realise that they don’t really fit with the other person. it’s almost impossible to pledge that you will be in love with one person forever because you only know how you feel now. Forever is a long time to be with just one person and hope that they’ll stay exactly the same.” so, what’s our verdict? That’s hard to say, but we do hope this has given you something to think about.

Web series Unicorn land tackles unconventional relationships.

NOTE: The interviewees were kept anonymous in order for them to truly open up about the subject. The author chose to remain anonymous to further protect the interviewees.

The harsh realiTies although having multiple partners remains very much a minority choice, it is an option that is gaining traction with the younger generation. Openminded.com, a website that offers a safe environment for online dating in the context of open relationships, boasts over 150,000 members. in the Us, as of 2016, studies found that one in five americans had participated in an open relationship. however, it’s not all fun and games. David Barash, a professor of psychology at the University of Washington and co-author of The Myth of Monogamy, warned in an interview to Men’s Health that “there are a lot of minefields to overcome” in these kind of relationships. and, he adds, unless both partners to the relationship genuinely want to introduce the open element, it is a recipe for disaster: “it could generate substantial jealousy, and evoke lack of confidence in one’s self and in the relationship.”

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PERSONALITIES

hey, trendsetter ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED AND EXPERIENCED FASHION BLOGGERS ON THE LOCAL CIRCUIT, CAROLINE PARIS’S INNATE SENSE OF STYLE HAS WON HER ALMOST 27,000 FOLLOWERS ON FACEBOOK. INTERVIEW BY RAMONA DEPARES

When and how did your interest in fashion start?

As a child, I was always interested in dressing up my dolls in different clothes, and myself in pretty dresses too! But, I guess you can say it began with a bang when I was around 13 to 14 years of age.

It was my first trip to London and I was utterly fascinated by all the stores and the merchandise available. All I wanted to do was go shopping; I thought sightseeing was a waste of time, as it detracted from potential shopping experiences. I was also already thrilled at the thought of ‘sale finds’ – I’ve always been a sucker for a good bargain.

How do you describe your style?

I’m not too sure I have one, I like to experiment and try different out things in different ways. This means that my style can totally morph from one day to the next. Two consistent facts are that I always try to adapt styles to suit my shape, and that I love colour. I rarely, if ever, wear all-black. It also depends on where I’m going; I dress differently to go to an event than I do on a general day.

Would you say you follow fashion trends, or do you create your own?

I think we always follow fashion trends, it’s practically impossible to be completely detached, as information is literally all around us – in store, in magazines, on social media... I don’t copy trends blindly though, I work them into a look that takes into account my shape, height, complexion and, as a result, it becomes my own.

You’re just back from coordinating yet another successful Malta Fashion Week. What was the experience like, this year?

I coordinate Media and PR for the event and, every year it gets bigger and better. Organisation in general, has improved tremendously over the years,* and this year it felt very smooth. The audience seemed extremely keen and there were constant social media posts.

You are one of the most respected and veteran fashion bloggers in Malta. When did you launch your blog?

I launched it in 2011; this was around the same time that I started working officially as a stylist. My original plan was to simply write fashion articles tied to fashion shoots that I would have styled.

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PERSONALITIES

Photography Kurt Paris Clothes Charles&Ron Hair Penelope @ Toni&Guy Make-up Sandy de Gaetano

JUNE 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

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PERSONALITIES

However, with something like a blog, content is largely influenced by how the scene evolves, and personal blogging and outfit showcasing continued to increase in popularity. As a result, and from feedback received, my blog became a lot more personal than was originally intended.

How have you seen the Maltese fashion scene evolve?

I believe it has evolved in a very positive manner. Local designers are selling more than they used to, which means people are starting to appreciate the ‘made in Malta’ brand.

Many people are also starting to experiment, style-wise. This gives me great pleasure, even if they don’t always get it right. Sometimes it can take a while to understand what works for you, but if you never try anything new your style can never evolve.

This is important for everyone to keep in mind; we are often quick to criticise and mock, but we should always try to give constructive criticism rather than passing comments that could be offensive.

What are people’s reactions to your blog and your work as stylist?

Since I’ve been around for a while, it feels as though people accept my presence and I don’t get as many challenging / ‘hate’ comments. That’s a good thing; while it is possible to block these out, it’s never a fun thing to receive them.

On the whole, I feel people have reacted positively over the years. There were some great friends who gave me wonderful opportunities, perhaps even when I didn’t yet deserve them. There were others who tried to put me down, quite a few of them actually. However, this helped me challenge myself to grow both in my creativity and in my work ethics.

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PERSONALITIES

What are the biggest challenges in maintaining it?

Time. Many people think that it is all about taking a pretty photo, but a lot more goes into it – outfit planning, location planning, online promotion, responding to comments and questions, writing articles, meetings... It is quite the time drain.

It’s also a 24 on 7 operation; it’s hard to detach completely and it feels like there’s always something to do and learn. This can affect your personal life and relationships, too.

In my case the question of time is made so much harder because fashion is not my only career. I’m a tecchie with a 13-year career in the industry. In the last year, after 12 years of software development, I’ve moved into the role of a technical Product Owner at Betsson.

This has been an extremely rewarding change, but it brought with it lots of challenges, including regular travel and a certain amount of responsibility.

You are also a regular at international Fashion Weeks. What do you get from the experiences?

I liken fashion week abroad to undergoing a short course. It is a full-on, complete immersion into the world; speaking to designers, seeing new collections, learning about new techniques and trends. It is also a chance to meet people from around the world and compare your world with theirs.

Current favourite designer?

I have many, it is a bit hard to pick one – Gucci, Miu Miu, Self-portrait, Balenciaga... all current favourites that I find hard to resist. www.facebook.com/carolinestyling/ Instagram: @carolinestyling

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SPORT

Gymnasts turned athletes The leap from gymnasTics To long jumps and pole vaulTing didn’T Turn ouT To be such a big one for Top-level aThleTes CLAIRE AZZOPARDI and PEPPIJNA DALLI. They share Their sTory wiTh FRANCESCA IMM. one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do in

claire’s start in gymnastics was completely

life is reinvent yourself. The same applies to elite-

different, her mother was the one who had loved

level sport, where a competitor’s longevity is often

the sport and she wanted her to try it out. The 18-

tied to a willingness to adapt. however, peppijna

year-old’s love for the sport developed more

dalli and claire azzopardi have pulled off an

gradually. “at first it was just for fun,” claire

unlikely feat. having succeeded in gymnastics, they

explains. “you know, when you’re three you just go

switched to a completely different sport – track and

there and enjoy the lessons. as i started growing

field athletics – and managed to make an impact

up, i began to love it”. both claire and peppijna

quickly and emphatically.

speak of the gradual increase in training throughout

both girls got their start in gymnastics at the early age of three. peppijna’s mum was a gymnastics coach, but she never pushed her

their exciting gymnastics careers, and the associated uptick in the physical toll involved. both girls fondly remember the 2015 small

daughter into it, encouraging her to try different

nations’ games in iceland. They were projected to

activities like football, piano and ballet. for

finish third in the team competition, but pulled

peppijna, now 20, nothing quite fit like gymnastics,

through to take the silver. “we couldn’t look at first,

as she “just needed more adrenaline in her life”. The

and then when our name stayed there we started

parachutes and tunnels at her gymnastics sessions

crying, the coaches were crying”, peppijna recalls.

definitely brought that to her as a three-year old. “i

“it was amazing, because you work for it so much”,

was born into that world...” she says, with a smile on

adds claire. “we went abroad five times just to

her face.

qualify for the games.”

26 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

Peppijna Dalli

SPORT

They were projected to finish third in the team competition, but pulled through to take the silver

Claire Azzopardi PHOTOS: MATTHEW MIRABELLI

JUNE 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

27

SPORT

Beyond the great result, both girls clearly cherish the sense of

pole vault. “I think I had reached my peak because I competed in

camaraderie that comes with competing with teammates at such a

the World Championships, and then it was really hard to qualify for

high level. Both say they their teammates felt like family, something

the Olympics”, she explains. “I was starting to get older, and my

that added to the confidence they had during competition. When I

joints started to hurt. At the Championships I came in fifth or sixth

ask about what motivated their move to athletics, the girls spoke

on vaults, and you have to be top three to qualify in each apparatus,

about achieving goals and reaching peaks.

and maybe top 25 all around. So it was really far away, obviously.”

Claire’s aim in her gymnastics career was always the Small

Peppijna wasn’t quite done with competition though, and with

Nations’ Games, citing the spotlight the competition offers Maltese

some encouragement from a Malta Olympic Committee official, she

athletes. When this goal-driven young woman achieved that goal,

eventually decided to cross over to athletics. She chose the pole

she started to look at all the strain she had put herself through. “I

vault because it appealed to her inner three-year-old, but wasn’t

was getting tired. My body, injuries to go with all the training... and

immediately sure of her decision, so she kept up gymnastics for a

even mentally,” Claire explains. “It’s such a tough sport. Though I still

while. “As soon as I got used to it, I told myself I had to make a

wanted to practice sport but not on that tough level mentally”. She

choice because it’s hard to keep up two competitive sports, and I

actually got her introduction to athletics at the Small Nations

switched completely.”

Games, when she met both girls’ eventual coach for the long jump

Obviously, there are physical challenges associated with

and triple jump, Jivko Jetchev. “He saw us competing and said: ‘You

changing to a different sport, and at such a high level. While she now

have to come to athletics after gymnastics!’”, Claire recalls.

has shorter sessions, Claire finds athletics training has a higher

For Peppijna, the Olympic dream was the ultimate goal.

intensity than does gymnastics. “I woke up with sore muscles for a

Unfortunately, she didn’t get to achieve it in gymnastics, and

whole two months!” she exclaims. Both girls comment on how they

eventually decided to transition to athletics – more specifically, the

are given more leeway with injuries than they had in gymnastics. In

28 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

SPORT fact, they sometimes need to fight the instinct to push through pain, honed and necessary in gymnastics but actually foolhardy in athletics.

Another change they experienced in crossing over to athletics

The girls recognised that there were things that they have sacrificed in order to achieve the athletic careers that they have today. However, they expressed gratitude for the qualities that they

is the simple fact that they have fewer people around, especially in

gained and the experiences that they’ve had as athletes. Both girls

Peppijna’s case. She is essentially alone in her event locally, as there

say they didn’t have an end-point in sight. Having acquired

aren’t any other women practising pole vault at her sort of level.

exceptional ability to focus in training, along with hatful of experience

“It’s so lonely, you have no idea,” says Peppijna. Although she was

in pressure situations from gymnastics, they’ve established

used to training alone, having lived in Poland for seven years, she

themselves as crossover stars to watch closely in the future.

still finds it affects her. Claire thought she was going to have an issue with the relative lack of company at the top. However she found that once she started, there were more people in the event than she thought – although her colleagues mostly come with an age gap.

I’m curious where the girls see their competitive careers going, having already achieved so much. “I’ll definitely to keep on training, stay happy and healthy,” says Peppijna. “Obviously, to qualify for the Olympic Games is again every athlete’s dream”.

She’s already competed at the Games for the Small States of Europe in San Marino in 2017, where she recorded her personal best of 3.5m in the pole vault – a national record.

Claire’s aim is to go to the Commonwealth Games to compete in the long jump and triple jump. She has a personal best of 5.84m for the long jump and 11.82m for the triple jump, which actually ties the junior national record. Both have their eyes set on Liechtenstein this year for the Championship of the Small States of Europe (CSSE). They calmly and confidently talk about their chances in this competition, which is approaching fast.

30 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

STYLE

PHOTOS: BERNARD POLIDANO

32 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

STYLE

C&R take on the Ċittadella

A three-day cultural event, Gozo Alive, that brought together arts, music and fashion, turned out to be the perfect springboard to launch the Charles & Ron Spring/Summer 2018 With Love x x collection.

Models graced the impressive steps of the recentlyrestored Ċitadella, in Victoria, with the cathedral’s façade coming alive with projections showing the two designers’ latest graphic print designs.

Visuals were created by Mad About Video, while models’ make-up was done by Jean Zammit and Alexia Vella, using Inglot.

The collections showcased 30 C&R looks, offering a unique mix of history, architecture and fashion in one of Gozo’s most beautiful settings. The crowd hailed Charles & Ron as they joined the models on the Cathedral stairs for the finale of the spectacular show at a packed cathedral square.

JUNE ∫ Sunday Circle

33

CIRCLE PROMOTION

The Veuve Clicquot life ANNA MARIE GALEA TALKS BUBBLES AND HISTORY WITH VEUVE CLICQUOT’S NEW BRAND AMBASSADOR, TED LELEKAS. Gabrielle Chanel reportedly once stated: “I only drink champagne on two occasions: when I’m in love and when I’m not.”

For me, there are few things more wonderful than Ted Lelekas

digging deeper into a subject I love while having a couple of glasses of it, and I was able to do just that at the 2018 Cawnpore Cup at the Marsa Polo Club. I was also very lucky to have

was widowed at around the age of 27 and she took this small winery

the opportunity to talk to Moët Hennessey's brand ambassador for

that her husband left her and turned it into the amazing powerhouse

Central and Southern Europe, Mr. Ted Lelekas. Ted is also the Vice

it is today. She completely revolutionised the wine sector in a time

President of the Fédération Internationale des Journalistes et

where a woman had no autonomy.

Ecrivains des Vins et Spiritueux (FIJEV) for almost three years and

“If she hadn’t existed, we certainly wouldn’t be drinking

has an over twelve year career in writing for various wine centred

champagne as it is today. She had the courage and the strength of

publications.

mind to go against early nineteenth century expectations and the

So, what’s the best thing about being brand ambassador for

results have been phenomenal. It’s no accident that history

such an illustrious brand? “Apart from the rich heritage the brand

considers her to be one of the very first business women and, in fact,

comes with, I feel that I am very fortunate to work in a job which has

Veuve Clicquot sponsors the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman

me travelling around fifteen countries. I enjoy the frequent travelling

Award which has honoured more than 300 women in 27 countries

because, although it is intense and frequent, it never gets boring.”

since it was created.”

Passionate as ever,

Of course, one can’t speak

Ted feels that the success of

about Veuve Clicquot without

the brand is down to two

talking about its distinctive taste:

main factors: the fantastic

“I am particularly interested in

product itself and its

pairing wines with foods for the

powerful backstory. The

ultimate culinary experience. The

story behind Veuve Clicquot

wonderful thing about Veuve

itself is nothing if not

Clicquot is how gastronomic it is.

amazing. Madame Clicquot

Whether you pair it with sushi or something as simple as eggs, it tastes amazing and fits beautifully.”

So what does he envision for the future of Veuve Clicquot?

“We are already at first position in the US and second in the rest of the world, so what I would like is for the younger generation to appreciate the brand’s heritage and inimitable taste. I would like the next generation to experience the beauty and the art of living the Veuve Clicquot life.”

JUNE 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

35

LIFESTYLES

A new age in Gozo VICTOR PAUL BORG DISCOVERS A GROWING COMMUNITY OF NEW AGE TYPES WHO HAVE SETTLED ON THE SISTER ISLAND TO OFFER A HOLISTIC LIVING EXPERIENCE, EVEN AS GOZITANS LOOK UPON THEM WITH A MIXTURE OF AMUSEMENT AND SUSPICION.

Lucy Lee-Alliston conducts a workshop in an underground cave.

36 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

LIFESTYLES

It took the 38-year-old Englishwoman Lucy Lee-Alliston three dreams, three years, and two thousand kilometres to find the realm that had been revealed successively in her dreams: a cave in Gozo’s Xagħra where she could induct an awakening in her clients. In the reawakening of sorts, named Nine D Clearing, Lucy leads the mostly foreign clients through “a meditative state to connect to the ninth dimension, which has very bright high energy that enables the clearing to take place on a soul collective”. The ‘soul collective’ is coinage for the next stage of human evolution, Lucy said, as she explained to me in detail the thinking behind the reawakening.

“It’s about we, not I, as humanity moves through evolution we will realise that the ‘we’ would come to the fore and the ‘I’ would drop,” she told me. “So, a lot of what we carry is in the soul and we have to connect in soul groups – family, community, and so on – in ever widening circles.”

I visited Lee-Alliston in her underground cave in the grounds of the farmhouse in which she lives, auspiciously situated 300 metres east of Ġgantija Temples. “This farmhouse wasn’t on the market, it was a mess, but we managed to get the owner to rent it out to us,” Lucy recounted. “It was one of those moments of life synchronicities, nothing happens by chance. That was three years ago.”

Lucy is one of a growing community of New Age types who have settled in Gozo to offer a disparate array of experiences in mysticism, alternative healings, holistic living, and reawakening. The commonest services in mysticism – yoga and meditation – are now ubiquitous in Gozo, but there is so much else besides that this paragraph would become a litany of arcane terms if I had to attempt to list them here. The gurus (or service providers) are virtually all foreigners, and so are the clients – a mixture of well-to-do expats looking for meaningfulness in middle-age or beyond, as well as a growing number of visitors who travel to Gozo specifically for retreats.

“Most of my customers are women from north and northwest Europe,” told me another woman, Dorota Los, a 35-year-old Polish woman who set up shop one year ago.

Dorota organises one-week retreats for small groups of up to six participants, which stay at her own rented townhouse. The retreats involve yoga, meditation, mindfulness, hiking, and a programme at the Dream of Horses Farm for equineassisted therapy. She also offers weekend programmes for visitors who live in Malta.

JUNE 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

37

LIFESTYLES

It’s a kind of intensive detox for overworked, high-income urbane types who seek esoteric remedies from stressed lives She originally came to Gozo three years ago to finish a course in a type of Hawaiian massage called lomi lomi. “Something stirred inside me when I was in Gozo,” Los told me. “It was this huge energy in Gozo, which I felt when I went back home. I couldn’t resist not coming back. So I just came back. I didn’t have a job, I simply had trust in Gozo.”

She gravitated towards the community of New Agers, landing a job at Amchara Health Retreat, an outpost of a parent operation in the UK. Retreats at Amchara involve fasting on mostly organic liquid foods (soups, smoothies, juices), yoga, meditation, hiking, infrared sauna, emotional wellbeing screening, stress response monitoring, the assistance of a naturopath and daily talks or food demonstrations. It’s a kind of intensive, holistic detox for overworked, high-income urbane types who seek esoteric remedies from stressed lives and bad eating habits.

Not far from Amchara, in Għarb, Lotus Tal-Qalb is a hub for Gozo’s New Age community, run by a handful of English retirees on a voluntary basis. “We started off as a couple of like-minded people who came together to talk about esoteric spiritual matters,” said Caroline Vasey, one of the volunteers. “We found this farmhouse four years ago – we have two

spine), singing bowls therapy, sound therapy, angel card readings,

healing rooms, space for meditation and a larger space for

tarot reader, yoga, aerial yoga, qigong, tai chi, meditation. There are

workshops. There are ley lines and water running under this house,

also workshops in things such as intuitive arts, mediumship,

and that accounts for the nice energy everyone who walks in feels.

archetype, lucid dreaming, permaculture (Vasey points out that all

You feel safe and uninhibited here.”

the therapists and instructors are “certified and insured”.) A small

The 77-year-old Caroline talks of Gozo calling her back eight years ago, and she points out that French ta’ L-Għarb had a house up the road, “where he was visited by psychics”. We were talking in

bookshelf completes the mix. The clientele or visitors are predominantly expats and holidaymakers.

“The locals are gradually becoming aware that we are not

a hall-like room infused with the aroma of burning incense; all the

dealing in black magic!” Caroline said jokingly. “ Seriously, we would

other three volunteers were present.

like more Gozitans to become involved. This is something for the

Talks are held every Monday, and the healing rooms are available for therapists to use commercially, in return for a donation.

spiritually aware, not the religiously aware.”

The preponderance of foreigners in Gozo’s New Age circles is

The range of therapies on offer includes the obscure: holistic

striking. Most Gozitans, who remain sceptic of these supposed

massage, reiki, pranic healing, acupuncture, Indian head massage,

esoteric wisdoms, view these New Agers dropping in on Gozo with

reflexology, touch-for-health kinesiology, dorn (rebalancing the

a mixture of amusement and suspicion.

38 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

LIFESTYLES

Victor Muscat at his Dream of Horses Farm.

Yet, another place that has become something of a magnet

Luka, who is Polish, worked as a psychotherapist in London

for these seekers is the Dream of Horses Farm. The farm in Ramla

before he visited Gozo and became a convert, and moved over

Valley is the lifelong project of Victor Muscat, the proprietor who is

last year. Many of his clients suffer from borderline personality

fondly given the epithet ‘horse whisperer’ by volunteers at the farm.

disorder, and he inducts them into mindfulness, something that

Foreign farmhand volunteers have become a regular fixture at the

engenders greater self-awareness and healing by being in the

farm; some spend long stints running into many months on a kind

present.

of rural retreat.

The farm remains a work-in-progress: Victor has spent years

“Horses, like meditation, teach you to be in the present,” Hadrych explained. “The programme with horses is an extension

building up a herd of horses by rescuing some of the horses (from

of some participants’ psychological therapy. For those who suffer

abuse, neglect, or untimely death), buying many of the rest, and now

from borderline personality disorder, which arises out of traumatic

by breeding. “I am still building up a herd,” Victor told me. “It’s

relationships in their childhood and interferes with their ability to

essential to have horses with different characters, so that I can match

have healthy relationships, interacting with horses helps them

particular horses with particular clients according to temperament.”

learn how to form healthy relationships.”

Victor is talking about what’s known as equine-assisted

In a wider way, the farm itself is a venue for an invigorating

therapy, an alternative form of psychological therapy that makes

rural outing. Aside from the 37 horses, there are a range of other

use of horses. One of the psychotherapists who have taken up the

animals – goats, geese, turkeys, hens, ducks – and there is

practice is Luka Hadrych, who now organises therapy for his foreign

something to do at the farm all day long. Goat’s milk goes to

clients at the farm. He explained: “We say that horses are like

make the famous Gozo cheeselets; learning to make fresh cheese

mirrors to our psychology because, if I come to a horse with a

from milk is something else people can do at the farm.

certain type of thinking the horse will reveal it to me. For example, I

“Goats are better than cows, because you only need to breed

might not know what’s wrong with my relationships, and the horse

a goat once and it will give you milk for many years,” Victor told me

would show it to me during our interactions.”

as I joined him hand-milking the goats. “By contrast, you need to

40 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

get a cow lactating every year. One goat will yield enough milk for a family.”

Schools in Gozo are beginning to take their students for outings at the farm, where Victor’s enthusiasm for, and wisdom about, rural living rubs off on the children.

Yet, it’s his way with horses that’s impressive. A soft-spoken man of 50 with a small stature and a bashful smile, he possesses some of the intuitiveness of horses – the sensitivity, perceptiveness, gracefulness and responsiveness of horses – that’s what gives him a sense for communicating with horses. He bonds with all his horses individually; he understands each horse’s character and eccentricities.

The epithet of a horse whisperer is not an exaggeration.

Yoga and meditation in the paddock among the horses have also become normal. It may make an unlikely sight – the horses stepping sensitively around the participants sprawled on mats, stretching in yogic contortions or prostrated still in flighty meditation – but it’s becoming a quintessentially Gozitan scene. https://www.facebook.com/LivingLightlee https://www.pachamama-studio.com/ http://www.dreamsofhorsesfarm.com/ https://lotus-tal-qalb.weebly.com/

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Building stronger communities COMMUNITY PROJECTS FORM A SUBSTANTIAL PART OF THE PLANNING AUTHORITY’S RESPONSIBILITIES. THIS MONTH, WE TAKE A LOOK AT HOW THE AUTHORITY IS INVESTING IN A NUMBER OF URBAN PROJECTS AND SCHEMES THAT ARE PROVING TO BE HIGHLY POPULAR WITH THE PUBLIC. The Development Planning Fund was set

public garden in Żabbar and the

up in January 2017 when the Authority

refurbishment of Pjazza Kappillan Muscat

consolidated all its existing funds including

in Ħamrun. This year, the Authority has

the Urban Improvement Fund (UIF) and

already agreed to fund over €950,000 for

the Commuters Parking Payment Scheme

projects in the localities of Valletta,

(CPPS). The monies are partly collected

Mellieħa, Msida and Safi. In Valletta, the

from on-street parking fees and made

project which will be carried out in three

available for projects to be carried out

phases will include paving works in over 11

within the community. The Fund is also

streets. In the locality of Safi works will

topped up with a percentage from each

include the upgrading of the playing field

planning application submitted through

area in Ġnien 13 t’April. One of the projects

the regularisation process. The latter

in Msida will be a new parking and traffic

provides property owners with a ‘one-time

management system in Triq Oscar Żammit

needs located within Urban Conservation

opportunity’ to regularise existing

and Triq J Borg. Over the past weeks, the

Areas (UCAs). The scheme, as last year,

unsanctionable non-conformant

Authority has also taken the decision that

was also open for privately owned

developments located entirely within the

a local council cannot have an

residential properties located within UCAs

development boundaries. The new fund

accumulated sum of more than €5 million

and Grade 1 and Grade 2 scheduled

has widened its scope and therefore is

in the DPF allocated for that given locality.

residential buildings. The €10 million grant

giving greater flexibility to what projects

Any additional funds will be distributed to

scheme, up by a further €2 million from

qualify for funding. Additionally, the Fund

other local councils at the Authority’s

last year, will assist in the regeneration of

is not restricted to local councils alone but

discretion.

Malta’s village core areas whilst promote

government entities, NGOs and the private sector.

Last year alone, the Authority

investment in the restoration, conservation

Irrestawra Darek

approved funding for 16 projects within 14

Irrestawra Darek grant scheme, the

localities. The total contracted sum

Authority once again received an

amounted to over €1.2 million. Some of the

overwhelming response.

projects included the embellishment of the

and maintenance of Malta’s built heritage.

On launching the second edition of the

This year the scheme included an

Sebbaħ il-Lokal The Planning Authority launched a new €2.5 million initiative, Sebbaħ il-Lokal, which will serve as an incentive for a

public staircase in Triq San Tumas, Marsa,

allocation of funds specifically for

number of Local Councils to propose and

upgrading of Ġnien l-Istazzjon in

properties of registered voluntary

implement projects which will ‘green’ or

Birkirkara, refurbishment of restrooms in a

organisations and persons with special

enhance public open spaces within their

42 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

CIRCLE PROMOTION

FX Ebejer Garden in Swieqi

Public Garden in Għajnsielem

locality. This initiative is open to those

New playing area in Għargħur

The Green Transport Fund will be

local councils which as at the end of

open to all (including ministries,

December 2017, had less than €100,000

departments, local councils, NGO’s, private

allocated towards their locality within the

sector and private individuals) on a

Development Planning Fund (DPF). Those

competitive basis with the Planning

local councils which qualify for this

Authority then selecting the best projects

initiative may benefit up €50,000 if they

for funding. Proposals would need to

identify green initiatives or public open

tangibly show a reduction in traffic and

space enhancement projects. The Sebbaħ

parking related impacts.

Embellishment of Pjazza Alexandra, Qormi

il-Lokal initiative is open for a two-year period. The local councils which are eligible for these funds include Balzan, Cospicua, Dingli, Għargħur, Gudja, Kalkara,

Spotlight on some of the top projects FX Ebejer Garden in Triq is-Swieqi:

of San Girgor, known as Ġnien San Girgor.

It lies adjacent to a number of social and

Kirkop, Lija, Mdina, Mġarr, Mqabba, Mtarfa,

Project consisted in the upgrading of an

community facilities that mainly cater for

Pembroke, Qrendi, Safi, Santa Luċija,

existing garden to include facilities in the

the eastern side of Żejtun and close to the

Senglea, Siġġiewi, Tarxien, Vittoriosa, and

form of equipment which simulated game

Żejtun Old People’s home. The running

Xgħajra in Malta. In Gozo, the localities

like exercises. Other interventions included

track was upgraded, as was the children’s

include Fontana, Għarb, Għasri, Kerċem,

security lighting and other garden

play area, intended to complement the

Qala, San Lawrenz and Sannat.

furniture.

adjacent child care centre.

Green Transport Fund A national Green Transport Fund has

Refurbishment of an open space in

Birkirkara – This project consisted in

Għargħur: A playground area in Ġnien ta’

the embellishment and creation of a new

Żagħruna, Triq Mattia Preti was completely

garden adjacent to the watercourse. The

recently been set up by the Planning

refurbished. New playing equipment and

area was previously barely accessible and

Authority. Its purpose is to support capital

removal of unsuitable structures were

was dilapidated. The project now injects a

projects that will improve the land

included as part of the works. This was an

new urban open space in the middle of

transportation situation in Malta and Gozo.

open site which was converted to a

highly densely populated areas. The site

The monies for this fund will be generated

playing field to mainly serve the nearby

lies close to the Church of St Anthony,

from part of the revised fees that

housing estate.

which has a number of social facilities.

developers will have to pay should they

Żejtun – A Running Track

Considerable land modelling had to be

not provide car parking spaces within their

surrounding football pitch and children’s

undertaken together with hard and soft

development.

play area at a site near the historic Chapel

landscaping.

JUNE 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

43

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

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A beauty experience Conveniently situated at the entrance of Debenhams top floor at The Point Shopping Mall, The Beauty Club is the first service-driven, counter concept in Malta. An extension of the already existent fragrance aisles and Mac Cosmetics, The Beauty Club offers five main luxury beauty brands (apart from the fragrances, of course). These are Shiseido, Clarins, Clinique, Estee Lauder and Tom Ford.

The Beauty Club offers its customers the opportunity to have unique and personalised beauty experiences with trained beauty consultants. The Beauty Club consultants work on a customer over sales basis where customers are handed samples to try out rather than being pressured to buy.

Visit Debenhams at The Point Shopping Mall and be part of the

Exclusive socialising

ultimate beauty experience! Stay updated with the latest news from The

U&Co Social Café recently opened its doors in the new

Beauty Club by following them on Facebook Page – The Beauty Club –

and prestigious Pendergardens Retail Podium in the

Malta or contact their beauty consultants on 2247 2082.

heart of St Julians and is the perfect venue for relaxing or socialising at any time of the day.

Open from 7AM until late, guests can enjoy and feel connected with the outside world with the complimentary Wi-Fi. Car Parking is complimentary for guests while dining at U&Co Social Café.

The venue has a feeling of openness with a spacious mezzanine level and outside seating. The upper level can be used for small meetings, celebrations and perfect for viewing the upcoming World Cup. For more information visit the U&Co Social Café website: www.enjoyuandco.com or call for a reservation on 2138 8128.

The finishing touch Exclusively available at Debenhams at The Point, the Dune shoes and bags range for both men and women has everything you’ll ever need to take you from ontrend office worker to chic wedding guest. Dune shoes and bags incorporate stylish and fashionable designs that blend beautiful materials and detail with in-house design to create the distinctive Dune signature, season after season. With an exceptional array of styles, the Dune brand is sophisticated and stylish, aspirational and unique and there really is something for everyone and for every occasion. Dune provides the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. Coming in a variety of colours and styles, you’ll never be caught out of the fashion loop with these prime quality & luxurious looking shoes and bags.

JUNE 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

45

CIRCLE PROMOTION

The

EXPERIENCE of a lifeTime NEW FRIENDSHIPS, GOOD DEEDS, GREAT FUN AND A GREAT WAY TO ACHIEVE INDEPENDENCE – THIS IS HOW YOUNG PEOPLE WHO TOOK PART IN AN ERASMUS+ VOLUNTEERING PROGRAMME DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE. are you looking for the experience of a

Interested? All you need to do is

with 30 kids between the ages of four and

lifetime, where you can learn about

send an e-mail to eupa@gov.mt or call on

five years, and i discovered that none of

european values and different cultures while

2558 6130.

them spoke english! however, this

acquiring new skills? Then, if you are aged between 18 and 30 volunteering opportunities managed by the european Union Programmes agency (eUPa) just might be the perfect solution for you.

Seventeen year olds can also apply in order to take part as soon as they turn 18.

Volunteering is possible from a short

challenge turned out to be quite fun – it

TOM GATT

pushed my creativity to overcome this language barrier.

What attracted your interest about the programme? i enjoy meeting new people from all over europe. most of the people i met through the experience were much more

SEPHORA SANT What attracted your interest about the programme?

period of two months up to 12 months,

independent than i was. By the time they

i wanted to spend some time living

during which participants are given the

were 18, most of them were already living

abroad away from the comforts of home,

opportunity to contribute to the daily work

on campuses away from their family.

be immersed in new cultures, lifestyles and

of organisations and bring community

Becoming more self-sufficient was one of

ways of life. i was a volunteer in Setubal,

benefits.

the main reasons why it was attractive. of

Portugal, in 2017 and i stayed for nine

course, the programme also enables you to

months.

Skills acquired during this experience are recorded through Youthpass, a

help others and carry out tasks which are

certificate, which can be presented when

unrelated to one’s daily life.

applying for employment.

Registrations are accepted on the PaSS portal https://europa.eu/youth/ solidarity_en, which is a hub that enables

Where, and when did you volunteer? i volunteered in leszno, Poland during the summer of 2015 for about two months.

volunteers and accredited voluntary organisations to find each other and communicate and exchange information about volunteering experiences.

To facilitate the experience, all the

Was the experience like you expected? i had heard a lot of stories, some positive and others less so. i went with an open mind, ready for everything. my project was in a youth centre working with

Was the experience like you expected?

To be honest, i wasn’t quite sure what

youths in a municipality of Setubal, however i got to participate in other projects of the organisation such as

to expect. i had spoken to other foreign

working in an ecological park as well as

related costs including flight tickets,

volunteers during youth exchanges with

theatre production.

accommodation, transport, food, insurance

regards to their experience. however, the

and visas are covered by the programme.

experience varies from one volunteer to

Participants are also given a monthly

another.

allowance, which varies according to the host country. a list of ideas for volunteering projects is available on http://europa.eu/youth/volunteering

46 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

What was the most beneficial aspect of the experience? i got some many different points of

What was the biggest challenge?

views, became so much more open-minded

other than cooking, my biggest

and learned to live alone and with people

headache was when i had my first session

from different cultures.

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Tom Gatt

Sephora Sant

Keith Cachia

What was the biggest challenge?

Leaving Portugal after my time was up. I was still doubting myself in the beginning but, by the end, the whole experience was so good that it was very hard to leave. Of course, along the way there were some challenges, for example the language, different ways of thinking of the housemates and locals, getting used to the area and transport… but it was fun to deal with these challenges too.

KEITH CACHIA What attracted your interest about the programme?

It was an excellent opportunity to become more independent and to learn a lot of new skills. I had never been abroad before, and I thought it would be quite an experience to spend a whole year

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47

CIRCLE PROMOTION

outside of Malta and experience working and exploring a different country.

Where and when did you volunteer?

I volunteered as a kindergarten assistant teacher at Funny Kids in the village of Nemesvamos, Hungary. My accommodation was in the beautiful town Veszprem, which was a few minutes away by bus from my workplace. I left Malta to start my voluntary experience just one day after my 21st birthday, on March 15 of last year and stayed for a full year.

My main task was to teach basic English to children aged between three and five. I also helped the teachers with other tasks such as preparing for events and maintaining the kindergarten.

Was the experience like you expected?

I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t Abraham Azzopardi

scared before leaving Malta. I was completely unfamiliar with Hungary, there was a language barrier and I didn’t know if I

player and solving problems and other

year I lived in this small city which is

would be capable to adapt to life in a

situations by discussing with others and

surrounded by mountains.

foreign country, since I had never travelled

making the most out of what I have.

before.

But the Hungarians were so welcoming and willing to help me, and my

What was the most beneficial What was the biggest challenge?

Trying not to have too much fun, and

aspect of the experience?

One of the biggest benefits was the

flatmates so supportive! The owner of the

trying not to burn down the kitchen while

friendships that I forged. Through the year I

kindergarten always checked on me and

cooking. There wasn’t any big issue that

met people from all walks of life and from

even included me on family excursions! Her

stood out from my experience, maybe

all over Croatia, and also from other

husband was a doctor and took care of me

minor inconveniences such as when I

countries in Europe. All this helped me

whenever I was feeling ill. He also took me

couldn’t communicate with the locals, and

grow as a person.

sailing a couple of times on the Balaton

some issues between my flatmates which

Lake. The coordinator took care of my

we solved pretty quickly.

every need regarding accommodation and funds and even lent me a mountain bike to use for the whole year. I was also given Hungarian private lessons in order to learn the language.

The language barrier. The town is

ABRAHAM AZZOPARDI What attracted your interest about the programme?

I always wanted to do a volunteering

What was the most beneficial aspect of the experience?

I left Malta in order to put myself in a

What was the biggest challenge? quite small and many did not speak English. Thus, I had to find alternative ways of communication with these people apart from trying to learn Croatian – which was not one of the easiest tasks.

experience abroad, while living there. And I also wanted to work with a European NGO that works with young people in their local

situation that allowed me to take care of

community. I was also interested in learning

myself without too much help from other

more about how European projects are

people or family. I have succeeded in my

applied for and how projects are run.

goal and now have learned many skills throughout the year that I shall definitely need in the future, such as being able to live on a budget, save money, be a team

48 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

Where, and when did you volunteer?

I volunteered in the Croatian town of Lepoglava between 2015 and 2016. For one

For more information, send an e-mail to eupa@gov.mt or call on 2558 6130.

ISSUES

When they fly the nest DESPITE NOT BEING AN ACTUAL CLINICAL CONDITION, THE SO-CALLED EMPTY NEST SYNDROME CAN LEAD TO VERY REAL FEELINGS OF LOSS AND LONELINESS. ANNA MARIE GALEA SPEAKS TO PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS TO FIND OUT MORE.

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ISSUES

Despite the fact that a son or daughter’s leaving

strict boundaries. In encountering these boundaries,

home is a normal and healthy part of life, many parents

parents may feel rejected and unappreciated which, in

suffer from Empty Nest Syndrome, which is a feeling of

turn, may lead to them feeling down and sad.”

grief or loneliness experienced when children leave home

So, how can one prepare against this often

for the first time. Indeed, although Empty Nest

inevitable change in life in a healthy and constructive

Syndrome isn’t considered a clinical condition, many

way? “The best advice I can give parents here is to tell

parents do get feelings of loneliness and loss of purpose

them to invest in other aspects of themselves from day

which end up going unrecognised.

one of becoming a parent. Spend time with your partner,

I talked to counsellor Matthew Bartolo about steps one can take to minimise the associated sadness.

Bartolo explains: “When it comes to Empty Nest

in order to invest in that relationship too; take time for yourself to maintain your hobbies, friendships, career, or sports. The more you invest in all the aspects of your life,

Syndrome, women are usually far more likely to be

the less the risk of suffering from Empty Nest Syndrome,

affected than men. This is usually because the new

because you will still have other things to fall back on

situation affects the person who has invested the most

when the eventual separation occurs.

part of his or her identity into parenthood. Culturally

“It is important to keep in mind that your child

speaking, women are still somewhat perceived as the

leaving home is not the loss of parenthood but a

main caregivers and, as a society, we also tend to put

transition into the next stage of parenthood. And, though

more pressure on women to fulfil that role.

this stage is less time-consuming, it is still very

“Many women pride themselves on this role, so

important. Maybe you won’t be washing their clothes

much so that some choose to make it the most

and feeding them, but you will still definitely be a

prominent part of their identity. When such parents go

reference point for them during their times of need. Your

through the transition of their children becoming more

importance has not diminished just because your role

independent and leaving their childhood home, they lose

has changed.”

a massive part of their identity.”

To make matters worse, this huge change also

Of course, there’s no real way to prepare for Empty Nest Syndrome, but Bartolo does offer a few tips which

usually happens at a time when women are going

you can use if you are in the throes of feeling down in

through other identity changes, such as menopause,

the dumps about an impending separation.

making the sense of loss even more intense.

“Those who have invested in other aspects of their

“Ideally, one would plan ahead as much as possible not to experience this sense of loss. However, if you’re

identity do not suffer from empty nest syndrome with

going through it now you definitely need to fill your day

the same intensity, as they have other parts of their

as much as possible. If you’re not sure where to start,

identity to fall back on when they experience loss. A

why not make a list of things that are happening in your

relationship, a career and friendships definitely help to

local community and try them at least once? You can

soften the blow,” the counsellor says.

also use your parental instinct and experience to help

While Empty Nest Syndrome isn’t a clinical condition, it can lead to a grieving parent’s sense of loss spiralling out of control if he or she is unable to take a

your community by volunteering in social causes that you are passionate about.

“You may underestimate just how much you can

step back from what is causing this often profound

give back but, being a parent makes you grow in a lot of

emotional discomfort.

different ways and this knowledge and patience can be

“If left unaddressed, the situation can lead to

shared with society at large. In addition to this, your

parents insisting on ‘mothering’ their children and trying

children leaving home can also be a great time for you to

to maintain what they view to be their established role.

invest in your relationship with your partner: don’t treat

This will feel intrusive to a child trying to spread his or

this as an ending but rather as the beginning of a new

her wings and, as a result, a child may try to maintain

chapter for yourself.”

ThE BeSt AdViCe I CaN GiVe PaReNtS HeRe Is To TeLl ThEm To InVeSt In OtHeR AsPeCtS Of ThEmSeLvEs FrOm DaY OnE Of BeCoMiNg A PaReNt

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ISSUES

A PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE PSYCHOTHERAPIST ANGELE LICARI NEVER THOUGHT HER OFFSPRINGS’ FLIGHT FROM THE NEST WOULD AFFECT HER NEGATIVELY. SHE SHARES SOME INSIGHTS ABOUT HOW SHE COPED. I always prided myself that the ‘empty nest syndrome’ would not

But there is no feeling of insignificance

affect me. I was an independent working mother who did not

there. That was completely different. Now, as

dote entirely on her kids to feel esteem in life. I still cooked,

adult children, they do not look back. Ouch.

sorted daily needs, listened to their woes, empathised with their

You know that this is as it should be. You

sorrows, felt proud of their successes and affirmed them, worried

have raised independent adults who are not

about each of their stages, pondered constantly about their

clinging pathetically to their parent. They are

phases, stayed awake at night apprehensive, especially during

fully-fledged, grown citizens, and ready to face

the nursing of illnesses, cried at their jabs, (their insults, not their

the world.

inoculations).

Still, I did not identify with the mother who got fed

So now I shed my parent role, and I still have all other aspects of me like work, my

emotionally on having offspring. So, never for one moment did I

group of friends, my commitments. However,

imagine that when they all started to fly out of the nest, I would

the pregnancy pouch (including adoptive

suffer any repercussions. On the contrary, I was so tired of raising

parents, of course) still echoes, “please

four strong, free-spirited characters, I was waiting with relief to

remember you were once part of me, and we

see them leave. I even had to prod on one or two, who had

have formed memories together”.

doubts about flying off, and who might have stayed there forever.

I do believe it is psychologically unhealthy to live under

How do I console myself and others with this story? I must include one last anecdote to find some meaning to this self-inflicted misery. I

your parent’s roof beyond the age of 30 plus. After all, I said to

say self-inflicted, since I know many parents

myself, and to them, ‘you are only leaving my house, and not my

who sail through this as if they fell asleep

heart’. I knew they would still find every excuse to drop in,

through the whole storm and are not affected

complain about life.

by this stage in any way.

One of them would say: “I was just passing by in the vicinity and needed to use the bathroom”, and would then proceed to raid the fridge. This still made me feel proud that I was ‘mum’ and that home was ‘home’.

So, back to the empty nest. It hit me in a way that I never thought possible, and I never imagined this angle to it, coming next. It’s not so much about the leaving, nor the lack of their presence in the nest. What hit the hardest was that suddenly I

YoUr ImPoRtAnCe HaS NoT DiMiNiShEd JuSt BeCaUsE YoUr RoLe HaS ChAnGeD

became insignificant. My opinion became uninteresting, irrelevant, outdated, not required, even worse, unheard.

Parents love giving advice. It’s what we do. We impart our

There was an extremely difficult, traumatic period which we passed through as

experience and wisdom to spare our kids some of the enduring

parents. Two of my four kids had five hospital stays between

hardships we have suffered. We, of course, taper it down, the

them both, within six months. There were a few moments when

older the children get.

we were in the dark, not knowing if they would survive tomorrow.

I felt insignificant. I have an image of mama bird pushing

One child was critical, on his death bed. My husband and I would

baby bird out of the nest to prove its worth in the ‘survival of the

take shifts to stay with them, so we hardly saw each other, let

fittest’ test. It is a bit like when our kids cry and hang on to us,

along give support to one another.

during their first day of going to the kindergarten. Your heart

We coped with going to work, staying by their bedside,

breaks with each of their tears, yet parents know it is the only

then going home to the house chores. Remember that there

way forward. This still boosts our ego that we are needed and

were two other kids at home. Sitting by the hospital bedside,

wanted, so it feels fine to say, ‘go on dear, you can do this

playing the game UNO, was the highlight of the day. At home,

without me’.

living through the trouble, I could not make sense of loading a

52 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

ISSUES

washing machine, or why the church bells were still ringing

topple, and the baby would choke or drown, or that crocodiles

happily, while my kid was struggling to live. We were broken.

would feast on his body, or baby would cry for mum feeling

The next bit is the crux of meaningfulness. During one of my sobbing desperate moments, just before I slept, this amazing thought was sent to me, from some divine space. Now, I am not

abandoned, or that he would never be discovered and starve to death.

And yet, she did not hold him tightly within her arms, but

religious, but this vision came from the scriptures. The mother of

she gave him up to the universe. This wonderful insight, which

Moses came into my mind somehow, the same mother who –

came to me though the brave nameless mother of Moses, freed

according to Biblical lore – placed her baby Moses in a basket

me too. If we hold on, we lose. If we let go, we trust that life

and put him on the river Nile. Instead of holding on to his dear

protects our children where we cannot. How peaceful that made

life, she let him go. She must have feared that the basket would

me. It is one movement of reversal.

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CIRCLE PROMOTION

Andrea Fabri

Up till not too long ago, undergoing eye laser surgery to correct your vision involved a substantial amount of discomfort and

RARING TO GO BEING A GOOD SPORTSPERSON IS ALSO ABOUT BEING COMPLETELY AT EASE WITH YOUR BODY AND ITS NEEDS, WHICH IS WHY THOSE WHO PRACTICE A SPORT ON A REGULAR BASIS OFTEN TALK OF THE INCONVENIENCE OF HAVING TO WEAR GLASSES. THIS MONTH, THREE SPORTSMEN EXPLAIN HOW THE LATEST TECHNIQUE IN EYE LASER SURGERY AT SAINT JAMES EYE CLINIC HAS RETURNED THEM PERFECT VISION AND GIVEN THEM A NEW ENTHUSIASM FOR THEIR CHOSEN SPORT.

inconvenience, two aspects that made many think twice about having the procedure done.

Now, with the most advanced type of laser procedures available at Saint James Eye Clinic, these concerns are a thing of the past and more and more people are taking the plunge in order to rid themselves of the need to wear glasses once and for all.

This month, we meet three sportsmen – a racing car driver, a footballer and a rugby player – who were finding that wearing glasses was cramping their style and giving rise to very real inconveniences. Since undergoing the procedure, they report smiles for miles and a highly-positive leap in the quality of their life.

ANDREA FABRI RACE CAR DRIVER When did you start wearing glasses?

When I was eight years old.

Have you always been annoyed by the need to wear glasses?

Yes, it has always bothered me. Being a racing driver, I found wearing glasses underneath my helmet to be very uncomfortable.

They would fog up due to the heat in the cabin. Having a narrow visual field limited by the glasses frame were the worst aspects of wearing glasses.

54 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Dale Camilleri

Nicholai Grech

Photo: christine BorG

Photo: JosePh Grech

Dale caMilleri

How did the fact that you’re not wearing

FOOTBALLER

glasses any more change the way you practice your sport?

When did you start wearing glasses?

it has made it much easier and pleasurable,

When i was five years old! i actually wanted to wear

since i do not need to worry about foggy vision.

glasses, so i remember exaggerating my vision difficulties in order to ensure i got a prescription. i was short-sighted.

What made you decide to go for it? two of my friends who had already gone through the procedure described it to me, and judging by what they said i realized that i would be gaining a lot of comfort.

Have you always been annoyed by the need to wear glasses? since i’ve worn glasses my whole life, they became a bit of a burden as, sometimes, i would forget them or lose them, or even break them – which would mean me having to wear lenses, which i

How long did recovery take?

hated.

Vision recovery only took about four hours; lights and glare were still a bit of an issue but these also disappeared in about two days.

Was it mostly a question of style or of practicalities?

Definitely. since i play football i had to wear lenses everyday for training, and this was a mega hassle. i would often lose a lens,

Did you feel safe and well-cared for at Saint James Eye Clinic?

forget to pack them, waste time having to put them in, and even suffer with eye infections – a total nightmare.

everything was explained to me step-by-step. the procedure was very straight forward and i followed all the guidelines, which lead to a perfect treatment with no issues at all.

What made you decide to go for it?

My eye sight had been consistent for a few years and i finally felt as though it was the right time to do it. since i knew my eye

What is your advice to anyone who is thinking of undergoing the procedure?

sight would not change further, i felt comfortable that this was a good decision.

My advice would be to just go for it and not continue wasting any more time with less than perfect vision. For me, this operation was life-changing. everything is so much nicer, and so much more fun!

How long did it take you to recover?

By the next day i was back to normal, in fact i was back at work the very next morning and i went for training in the evening.

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CIRCLE PROMOTION

My eyes were still a bit sensitive to the sunlight, so I had to wear

very easy to lose stuff. also, lenses cause discomfort, with sweat

sunglasses during the day, but this inconvenience disappeared after

and other things like dust, so it was quite an inconvenience.

one day.

How did the fact that you’re not wearing glasses any more Are you pleased with the result?

change the way you practice your sport?

I couldn’t be happier.

The biggest difference is confidence. Even though lenses do their job when practicing sport, the change after surgery is so big

Did you feel safe and well cared for at the Saint James Eye Clinic?

that it is also a confidence booster. When you hit the field, that extra confidence is what makes the difference on game day.

Extremely. Mr Camenzuli and Dr Gouder were amazing all throughout. They were always by my side, making me feel safe and

What made you decide to go for it?

comfortable, answering any questions I had, making it extremely

after my initial interest I had never pushed on about it.

clear what I was to expect during and after the procedure, as well

however it was my sister-in-law who was interested in doing it.

as going over and above to ensure I was taken care of.

So, together with my wife and myself we decided to go for it. The fact that I knew that, recovery was going to be quick, and it is non

What is your advice to anyone who is thinking of

invasive with a minimal risk, made the decision easy.

undergoing the procedure?

Definitely to go for it! Nothing beats the feeling of opening

How long did it take you to recover?

your eyes in the morning and not having to put on your glasses to see!

The next day I felt I was ready to go. I would say a couple of hours. on the second day after the procedure I was back at the gym.

NICholaI GrECh RUGBY PLAYER When did you start wearing

Are you pleased with the result?

Very much, it is hard to describe how something so simple, which you can actually do without, changes your life. I am very happy with the result.

glasses?

I started wearing my first pair of glasses when I was seven or eight years old. however, I would only use them in order to be able to read the board at school

Did you feel safe and well cared for at the Saint James Eye Clinic?

Everyone is tops, from the receptionists to the surgeon and the clinic director. They make you feel at ease from the moment

and to watch TV. over the years, my refraction would increase, then

you walk in. I think that they work in an environment where they

by the age of 16 I was wearing glasses all day long and, eventually,

see a lot of people walking out of the clinic with great smiles,

contact lenses.

which is quite fulfilling, and they manage to transmit that to the patients.

Have you always been annoyed by the need to wear glasses?

When I was younger, they affected my self-confidence. But

What is your advice to anyone who is thinking of undergoing the procedure?

then, there was a period when glasses were considered cool. But I

Go for it. Don’t think twice, it is money well spent. The fee is

never liked the way they looked on me, in reality. The older I grew,

not cheap, but nor is buying a new pair of glasses every year, and

the more annoyed I became at having to wear them.

the endless supply of contact lenses. It is life changing, and you’re back to your normal life in no time. They also offer payment terms

Was it mostly a question of style or of practicalities?

to ease the financial burden of the surgery. I cannot find any

Wearing glasses affects your life in so many ways – even

reason why one would not go for it.

when, for example, you are choosing a new pair and you can’t actually see them properly. or else, when you wake up in the morning and you have to find your glasses in a blind state. It’s always a hassle. Style-wise, I never thought that they suited me, so there was that, too.

For games and training I always use contact lenses. I have lost a lens during games, having to play on without it, many times.

For more information contact the Saint James Eye Clinic on 2247 2630/1, or by sending an e-mail to info@stjheyeclinic.com.

I always kept an extra pair in my kit bag, but I would have to leave the field and put on a fresh lens. rugby is a contact sport and it’s

56 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

www.stjheyeclinic.com

MUSIC

BACK TO THEIR ROOTS TRIPPY AUDIOVISUALS, ECLECTIC, FEELGOOD MUSIC AND A UNIQUE VIBE – IT CAN ONLY MEAN ONE THING. TRIBALI ARE BACK WITH ONE OF THEIR MASSIVE SIGNATURE CONCERTS, THIS TIME TO CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THE FOURTH ALBUM RABA’. RAMONA DEPARES CATCHES UP WITH PETER PAUL, ANTOINE AND ELIZA TO HEAR ALL ABOUT IT. The year was 2004 and a few friends were

friends of friends. We were all travelling quite a

casually jamming on a beach, just enjoying each

bit, it was that period of time when everyone

other’s company while translating all the sensory

was doing long-term backpacking. Eventually,

experiences gained while travelling into music.

we all found ourselves back in Malta; we had

At that point, if anyone were to tell them that this jamming session would eventually lead to the birth one of Malta’s biggest music

already agreed to talk about working together on a more official project and... Tribali was born!”

Up till then, most of the music was the

phenomena, they probably would have been

result of improvisations. Now, the dynamic

somewhat sceptical.

changed with structured rehearsals and definite

Yet, here we are 14 years later and Tribali

band members. The improvisations continued,

pretty much rules when it comes to world music

but the end result was also refined into solid

in Malta.

tracks and, eventually, recordings.

Back then, world music was something of

“At the time, most people in Malta hadn’t

question mark. Malta was to experience a new

even heard of the didgeridoo. Typical reactions

chapter in locally-produced music, a chapter

would be: what on earth is that? But then, when

that would initially baffle some – but that would

they heard the music, most would be won over.

later gain previously inexperienced popularity

Nowadays, anyone who is into music is at least

on the island.

familiar with the didgeridoo, and a number of

“Our first jams were on the beach, at Riviera. Our friends and acquaintances seemed to enjoy these sessions and we allowed

bands have incorporated it into some of their music. Not back then...”

Whether it was the fact that it all sounded

ourselves to be convinced to organise a more

so exotic, or it was all thanks to the band’s sheer

formal gig, a boat party. At this stage it was

energy and charisma on stage, Tribali didn’t take

very much a loose group of people, but

too long to become one of the most sought-

gradually we gained more structure and Tribali

after bands on the island. A series of

was formally born.”

high-octane gigs was followed by the launch of

This is how Antoine, percussionist, who

debut album Tribali, followed by Elephants of

has been with the band since day one, describes

Lanka, The Traveller and Festa. Awards poured in

the early days of what would become one of

before long – several Malta Music Awards, raving

Malta’s biggest bands. Peter Paul interjects:

global press reviews and international gigs,

“I hadn’t even joined the band back then!

Antoine and I knew each other vaguely, through

58 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

including Byron Bay Bluesfest, Glastonbury and Ancient Trance World.

MUSIC

A Tribali concert is never just about performing a few tracks and going back home; it’s more of a way of life

PHOTO: JOSEPH CAMILLERI

PHOTOS: VIKTOR VELLA

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MUSIC

And now comes Tribali’s eagerly-anticipated fourth album, Raba’, a return to the band’s roots that is undoubtedly making all fanboys and fangirls squee with delight. Complete with trademark vibrant artwork, the work of Andrew Cachia of Panda Design, the album includes all those sounds and beats that the band has become synonymous with, as well as – wait for it – a track in Maltese.

I meet up with three of the members – Peter Paul, Antoine and Eliza – at the band’s rehearsal space in San Ġwann. The others, Liam, Andrew and Nikki, still haven’t arrived yet, but there’s already a vibe happening. Peter Paul is casually jamming on the Hang, an instrument that is a bit like a drum but that was only produced in limited numbers. Antoine is reminiscing about the band’s early PHOTO: DOMINIC CATANIA

days, telling me how he literally saw both the band and his daughter grow together. Eliza is chatting to me about how she was keen to introduce the Maltese language to Tribali’s new album, a choice that – judging by what I’m hearing – is working out exquisitely.

“Tribali is family,” Peter Paul tells me. “It’s not just about being in a band, the commitment is considerable.

If you just show up, rehearse for a couple of hours and then leave, then it just would’t work out.”

How so? Antoine jumps in with a: “The band does take priority for all of us. We’ve all had to make sacrifices in our personal lives and our careers in order to help Tribali grow into what it is today.”

Eliza nods, adding that the spontaneous jams – which often lead to the best-loved tracks – just wouldn’t happen if all the band members were not on the same wavelength when it came to band matters. The band rehearses together, jams together and also spends a lot of time away from Malta together, given the intensive gig circuit that they play (more international dates will be announced after the upcoming concert).

I turn the topic back to Raba’, and remark that they really seem to have taken the whole Maltese language thing to heart. They all nod enthusiastically, adding that they were immediately taken by the idea of Raba’ as a name, because of its ambiguous meaning and mellifluous sound.

“It also ties in with the artwork, which is kind of a mandala and very in keeping with what Tribali stands for,” Eliza says.

And what Tribali stands for is exactly what this album is all about, as all three musicians assure me that – after having carried out considerable experimentations with their previous albums – this new recording truly encapsulates the sounds that the band is loved for.

“Those who have been following us since our debut album was launched will realise that, to some

PHOTO: FOTOZENIK

60 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

extent, this is a return to our grassroots. We’ve

MUSIC

evolved, of course. We use many more diverse instruments todays, the lineup has changed, vocals have become an integral part of our works...but at the bottom of it all, we are the same Tribali.

We’ve come full circle,” Peter Paul tells me.

He isn’t lying. From the very first track, Moal Boal, it feels as though I’m transported back to what I call the old-school Tribali days, the eclectic sounds a fusion of percussions, traditional wind and string instruments and vocals... crowned by an incredible feel-good vibe that somehow transcends all the tracks, including the mellower ones.

So what can we expect of the concert, set to take place on July 4? A festa of course, typical of everything that Tribali has come to stand for – an amazing audio-visual show, the band giving it their all on stage, colours, joy, dance and revelry. And afterwards, fans will be able to chill with the band.

Because a Tribali concert is never just about performing a few tracks and going back home; it’s more of a way of life, as those who attend regularly will attest to.

Tribali perform on July 4 at the Greek Theatre, Ta’ Qali. Tickets are limited and are available online. www.ticketline.com; http://tribalimusic.com/

HEALTH

Enabling

siblings LIVING WITH A SIBLING WITH A DISABILITY IS A CHALLENGE THAT OFTEN GOES UNAPPRECIATED, BUT AġenzijA SApport HAVE RECENTLY INTRODUCED A SUPPORT PROGRAMME TO HELP SIBLINGS COPE WITH A DIFFICULT REALITY. JOHNATHAN CILIA FINDS OUT MORE.

Living with a brother or sister with a disability can be an emotional rollercoaster, with ups and downs aplenty, just like in any sibling relationship. But it’s easy for a sibling’s contribution to their family to be taken for granted, and their own lives can be largely affected over time.

A state of affairs that has long been noticed by Aġenzija Sapport social workers – now, based on this knowledge, the agency is addressing this issue through a dedicated programme.

“Social workers who work with adults with disabilities came up with the idea to organise sessions for the siblings of adults with disabilities,” says Charlene Grumley, a social worker with the agency.

“We prepared a series of informative sessions relating to the sibling, and we placed a lot of attention on the sibling of the person with disability. The idea during these sessions is not to speak about the brother or sister, but about them in relation to the person with disability. It’s an opportunity to offer useful information based on our research. The sessions are led by the siblings themselves, like a self-help group, leading to a mutual experience where they learn through each other’s experience,” she explains.

Aġenzija Sapport first set up the sibling sessions in 2017. The workshops are aimed at adult siblings of persons with disability, and are free of charge. Led by professionals, the monthly sessions also serve as support groups.

About 20 people between the ages of 18 and 40 attended these sessions and, for many of them, it was the first time in their lives that they were given a safe space to speak about the experience of living with a sibling with disability.

“We explore some of the most relevant topics for the siblings. Things like the sibling in the family, in the community, their personal life, self-care, and forming other networks, as well as what the different research shows us,” she says.

62 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

HEALTH

Photos from stock, using models.

FoR ThE FiRsT TiMe In ThEiR LiFe, ThE SiBlInGs ArE AlLoWeD To ExPrEsS FeElInGs LiKe AnGeR, ReSeNtMeNt, AnD GuIlT, WiThOuT FeElInG LiKe ThEy ArE DoInG WrOnG

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HEALTH

Interestingly, even though so many people around the world are impacted by their siblings’ disability, there is a surprising lack of research on the topic, internationally.

“Research is quite lacking on the subject so we also focused on collecting more information through the sessions. Information is still very limited, so we had to use our own experience and case studies as the base for research. However, we are also trying to work

ThEy’Ve EnTeReD A ViCiOuS CyClE LoOkInG AfTeR ThEiR PaReNtS Or ThEiR SiBlInGs, BuT NoT ThEmSeLvEs

with an internationally renowned researcher in the field to help out since there’s almost no research at all on the topic,” Charlene said.

A lot of the existing research is focused on the parents of a

For the first time in their life, the siblings are allowed to express feelings like anger, resentment, and guilt, without feeling

person with disability, as opposed to the sibling. This was of

like they are doing wrong. These sessions shouldn’t be considered

particular concern to Maltese social workers since a person’s longest-

as therapy but they serve as a therapeutic way of addressing

lasting relationship is with their sibling, and not their parents.

challenges related to disability in a group setting.

In the face of all of this, it seems like often times siblings were taken for granted.

“A community tries to create networks and find who can be of support to a person with disability, and in the back of everyone’s minds the siblings are always there,” Charlotte says. “We realised we

To admit: “I’ve always felt like I had never had enough attention when I was young because I always felt like all the attention goes to them”, out loud is not easy. But once one person opens, the others usually do – that’s why it’s usually ‘self-led’.

“And when it comes to self-care, the siblings are often times

were giving a lot of importance to the person with disability and

in denial that they need care themselves. They’ve entered a vicious

expect a lot from their siblings, yet there’s no research on how it all

cycle looking after their parents or their siblings, but not

affects them or even how our work is affecting them. We don’t

themselves,” she said.

know the implications, and we want to find what services will help them and their parents in the long run.”

But beyond the research, the immediate gains from these sessions are obvious.

“The main benefit for attendees was that while they might

“They will be thinking to themselves that they shouldn’t be indulging in self-care when they can be doing something more productive for their brother or sister. But, like everyone else, they need guilt-free me-time too,” she says.

Through these support sessions Aġenzija Sapport are

have been disregarded before, they were being given a safe

addressing a rarely looked at area of concern for Maltese families.

environment to speak about their feelings, to state how they feel

By giving siblings more information about services to make their

about their brother or sister.

lives easier, giving more information about legal implications when

“We’ve had people come to the sessions and not even believe the fact that they can openly talk about how they feel – and when they do realise, it all comes pouring out,” she says.

64 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

the siblings are involved, and giving them an open set of ears to open up into, Malta’s support systems can only get stronger. www.sapport.gov.mt

LET YOUR PASSION & EXPERTISE SHINE, NOURISH WHAT MAKES HIM UNIQUE

www.royalcanin.com.mt | sales@borg-cardona.com | Find us on Facebook Royal Canin Malta

HEALTH

A YOUNG WOMAN’S EXPERIENCE Rita is 43 years old. Her younger sister, aged 41, suffers from severe spina bifida and has been in need of round-the-clock care since birth. Rita recounts how, all through her life, taking care of her sister has always been a priority both in her parents’ life and in hers.

“This is all I have ever known, the reality that my sister needs us to take care of her. My childhood was very far from being anywhere like my friends’.

I did not go to piano lessons, or dance, after school. I didn’t have many playdates either. Straight after school, I knew that I had to go home in order to help out my mother, who had her hands full taking care of my sister.”

Not that Rita ever resented this; she is quick to add that

“I was always anxious that something bad would happen

she adores her sister to bits and, to this date, still feels

and that I wouldn’t know how to deal with it. Thankfully, it

extremely protective of her.

never did. Nowadays that fear has disappeared. Like I said,

“It’s the way I was raised, I suppose. I always put my own

even when I’m minding my sister alone, the support network

needs after that of my sister’s, and it is also understandable.

and the health services on offer are pretty spot on, so I know

Her needs are more specific, and more necessary, than my

that I would have help within minutes.”

own. It’s second nature to take care of her.”

When Rita reached her teenage years, and her friends

But, of course, this does not remove the challenge of finding time to live her own life. With her career path also

would be dating or clubbing on a Saturday night, Rita would

affected by her sister’s needs – she would have liked to read

often be babysitting her sister.

law, but instead chose to avoid the long hours at University

“My parents rarely got any time off when my sister was younger. Nowadays there are a lot of programmes and

and opted for an entry-level clerical job.

“My parents are now too old to do the bulk of the work

government support and the family does tend to get some

taking care of my sister. I am not married, nor likely to be at

respite. But not when we were children. Money was tight, so

this stage. Thankfully, nowadays there is a decent amount of

my dad had two jobs. It was impossible for my mother to keep

support, and I do get regular respites. I go out occasionally

her job as sales person in a retail shop, due to my sister’s

with a group of young people I know through our parish. But

condition. Occasionally, I would give them some time off on

sometimes it still gets too much.”

the weekend. The truth is that I did feel resentful, and very

Rita admits that it never occurred to her to try and

often too, especially listening to weekend stories on Monday

attend a support group. In fact, she was not even aware such a

morning at school. But I’d quickly shut down these feelings as

group existed.

they made me feel too guilty.

“And reality is that I felt sorry for my mother. It must

“It’s probably a bit too late for me to have a ‘normal’ life, but it would be incredible to meet up with people who go

have been even more difficult for her and, to be fair, she never

through the same challenges that I do, everyday. I definitely

expected me to volunteer on weekends. But somehow I felt

will follow it up. Even just a monthly chat would make all the

guilty if I didn’t do so regularly.”

difference. My friends know about the situation at home, but

It wasn’t just the lack of quality time for herself that

not having been through it they can’t really understand it.

occasionally got to Rita – it was also the very real fear that something would go wrong when she was alone, caring for her sister.

66 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

Names and ages have been changed in order to protect the privacy of the interviewee.

HEALTH

The varying cosTs of denTal TreaTmenT The cost of treatment is a determining factor for most patients. very

between practitioners. some of the brands used, like the type

few patients do not look at the figure at the bottom of the page.

of implant, may also carry a different guarantee; lifetime or

What are the factors contributing towards this?

1. number of appointments: fillings, extractions, cleanings and

none at all.

5. laboratory work: most of the prostheses, whether fixed or

some crowns and bridges may all be carried out in one

removable, involve the need of laboratory work. here,

appointment. The majority of fixed or removable prostheses

technicians work to construct the teeth. Both fixed or

may require a couple of appointments. other lengthy dental

removable prostheses constructed in the laboratory employ

work spanning months or years includes orthodontic, and/or

methods using high tech equipment, carrying hefty costs both

implant treatment.

in materials and maintenance. These technicians and pieces of

2. materials used. simple materials used for routine dentistry are not too expensive, while other treatment modalities like orthodontic and restorative dentistry offer a range of materials to choose from. Braces come in metal or ceramic brackets.

equipment also play a part in contributing to the total cost.

6. clinical equipment: some clinical equipment is simply better than other equipment, hence the difference in price. having touched on the above, and stressed on why expenses

With respect to arch wires, metal colour or tooth colour

could be high, there are other factors which are yet more important

crossing the braces play a part in the total figure. Braces stuck

than the price tag. This is the after sales service. Putting it this way

on the inside of your teeth are even more expensive, as are

sounds very impersonal, but the phrase basically refers to how well

transparent aligners used to straighten teeth. crowns and

dentists treat patients once the bill is paid. not every treatment is a

bridges may be produced from conventional metal fused to

complete success story and, often, after some time has gone by,

ceramic or all-ceramic metal-free ones. This affects the price

patients are not fully satisfied with the wave of treatment they

considerably.

received. do we keep trying to make them happy without charging,

The same applies to fixed types of restorations placed on

or do we discourage them from complaining by saying nothing else

implants. The metals used may be of high quality and better

can be done, hoping they would learn to live with it?

finishing than others. The implant brand, as well as the

addressing the needs of an unhappy patient is more

components used, can be originals, thus drastically affecting

important than receiving thanks from a 100 satisfied patients! our

the overall cost. dentures may also be manufactured from

professional ethics is important and does not carry a price tag.

different materials such as acrylic resin, acrylic resin with a

always ask your dentist!

metal-framework and elastic acrylic resin.

3. level of expertise: specialist work done by specialists always comes with an added premium, both in technique and costs.

This does not mean that the same work done by a nonspecialist is inferior in quality. it is simply a fact that a higher level of education brings a slightly higher price tag.

4. guarantee: some practitioners offer a fixed guarantee on the

content provided by Dr Jean Paul Demajo, Dental and Implant Surgeon.

dentistry administered to their patients. This may vary

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PEOPLE

The life and soul of a man Consolidating your life into an autobiography is no easy feat, partiCularly if, like PETER CALAMATTA, you’ve woken up eaCh day of it with the intent of bettering yourself. IGGY FENECH gets the inside story behind ME & MY MENTORS, and disCovers how 20 entities ranging from san ĠorĠ preCa to a barber and even a painting helped shape one of the best-known names in a generation.

As soon as I get my hands on a copy of

But, the most Peter part of it all, is the

Peter Calamatta’s Me & My Mentors, the

subject matter, because this autobiography

surprising one, however, is a painting called

phrase ‘how you do anything is how you do

is not about Peter, but about the people, the

‘The Christ’, by his father-in-law, Guido Calì.

everything’ pops into my head. From just

objects and the institutions that helped

holding it, you can truly get a sense of the

mould his character and career, his dreams

inherited it, but when we moved house, we

man himself; the man who over the past 77

and aspirations, his taste and his sense of

had to put it in storage as we had no room

years has risen from very humble beginnings

humour, his passions and his pet peeves. As

for the five-foot painting. My wife was not

to become a household name in many areas.

the title clearly puts it: this is Peter

very pleased with this, and we would often

Calamatta through his mentors.

argue over it until, one day, I found a spot for

Maybe it’s because I’ve got to know him better over these past three years but,

“I read a lot of autobiographies before

had never been one before. The most

“When Simone’s father died, my wife

it in our bedroom. When Simone returned

to me, the quality of the printing, the paper,

I started working on my own, and the two

home, she was over the moon: The painting

and the binding, the way the material was

things I was adamant about were that I

had come back into my life not as colours on

divided into 22 colour-coded chapters

didn’t want to use the word ‘I’ thousands of

canvas, but as a peacemaker.

dedicated to the different eras in his

times, and that I didn’t want it to lack

illustrious career and life, screamed Peter’s

personal vigour by doing it in the third

on the verge of dying four times over the

ethos in life.

person,” he explains as we take a seat at his

past few decades due to his many battles

favourite table within the Vista Lobby

with cancer], the painting became my

Lounge of the Hilton, where is a regular.

refuge. You see, whether you are a religious

That ethos, I believe, is what led Peter to study horticulture in the UK and the USA back when going abroad was only

“Yet, when I came to choose who

“Then, when I got sick [Peter has been

person or not, the older you get, the less you

something practiced by the incredibly

would make it into the book, I had to also

know how to pray; it becomes annoying and

wealthy and worldly even though he wasn’t;

expand the meaning of mentoring as the

repetitive. But the painting allowed me to

an ethos that helped him introduce edible

dictionary’s definition of the word simply

simply sit in silence, and all I would ask is for

mushrooms to, and made tomatoes in

doesn’t do it for me.”

God to hold my hand and show me the way.”

January possible in, Malta; an ethos that

With that frame of mind, Peter gave

Impressively, even after 77 years,

helped him make it to the front page of

the role of ‘mentor’ to some very unusual

Peter’s lust for life is not diminished and is

every UK newspaper over a prank for

things, including the Scout Movement for

still ready to accept a challenge – so much

charity; and an ethos that gave him a

teaching him to always be prepared for

so that Peter completed this autobiography

continuous presence on the various local

every eventuality, the Writtle Agriculture

in a year after his brother, Narcy (the

mediums (television, radio and rediffusion)

College in the UK for getting him started in

politician, actor and playwright), told him he

for 45 years; an ethos that saw many of our

the world of horticulture, and the UNDP &

had to get cracking. And that is a beautiful

public places and roundabouts turn into tiny

FAO Projects, which helped him build the

part of Peter’s character: he has never given

landscaped gardens.

horticultural industry in Malta when there

up, no matter what life has thrown at him.

68 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

PEOPLE

What I really want this book to do is to get people to appreciate the people in their lives

Peter Calamatta PHOTOS: CHRIS SANT FOURNIER

list, which include awe-inspiring names like

though. We were poor, but not as poor as

money, I feel I was very lucky. You make out

“Even though I never had much

San Gorg Preca and the last one you’d

our next-door neighbours, who called my

of your life what you want to make of life;

expect to find… His barber!

parents ‘Sinjur’ and ‘Sinjura’.”

and I tried to build mine upon the principle

“People talk about San Gorg like he’s

We sit in silence for a few seconds…

of giving, whether that was giving someone

someone who lived in the Middle Ages, but I

help or an hour’s entertainment on the

grew up in Hamrun back when he was alive.

does my barber have to do it?” he laughs.

radio,” he says with a smile.

Looking back and realising that a revolution

“For 50 years, Johnny the barber from

Today, of course, Peter is a mentor

“You’re probably thinking what the hell

was happening in the town I lived in, is

Floriana cut my hair. I wasn’t a work of art

himself, inspiring family members – including

inspirational. San Gorg’s idea to teach

hair-wise, but he gave my head the attention

his two nephews – and friends to ‘make it

catechism in every town and village was

you’d give a final exam: 45 minutes once a

big for themselves.’ But Peter also has some

ground-breaking at the time, and this came

month for 50 years. Even when I was sick, he

big shoes to fill, particularly when you look

at the same time when the middle classes

came to my home. He’s very intelligent and

at the human mentors that made it to the

were starting out… We weren’t middle class,

insightful, and we used to talk about

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PEOPLE

religion, politics, plants, life… I went to him whenever I was upset, and even now that he’s retired, we still go out for coffee every now and then!”

I leave my interview with Peter feeling rather perplexed. Here was a man who, to all intents and purposes, was incredibly successful and had a story that was not simply interesting but which also has historical value to Malta, choosing to write about himself through other people’s stories.

More than that, however, it was the things he was grateful for that truly stood out: for Paul Sultana, who taught the three Calamatta children to speak and write English properly; Peter Calamatta with his wife Simone.

for Simone, his wife, who stood by him through thick and thin for 48 years; for Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, who founded the

“It means so much to me that these

their supportive co-workers – and to say

Millennium Chapel, which gave people a

people cared about me,” he told me before

thank you.”

sacred space in which they could find peace

we parted ways. “And, now, I want to show

of mind whether they believed in God or not;

the whole world that I care about them. In all

a book out into the world with, I don’t know

and Rev Fr Charles Vella, the founder of the

honesty, however, I think what I really want

what is.

Cana Movement, who will be 90 in June and

this book to do is to get people to

who has been Peter’s mentor for over 60

appreciate the people in their lives – whether

years

its their parents, their friends, their teachers,

Well, if that isn’t a beautiful note to set

Peter Calamatta’s Me & My Mentors is currently available at all leading bookshops.

PAPA RAZZI

Matthea Mercieca, Owen Bonello, Alfred Braddick and Monique Abela

Martin Pettersen and Lilyana Ilieva

Caroline Paris and Brian Grech

Marina Majoie, Olga Leskevica, Romea Adler and Victoria Rotchkenova

Romea Adler and Victoria Rotchkenova

• 1-5 The Cawnpore Cup – Polo and champagne enthusiasts gathered at the Marsa Polo Club to enjoy one of the most prestigious competitions of the sport, while enjoying the finest Veuve Clicquot champagne courtesy of M.Demajo (Wines & Spirits), with the participation of Edwards Lowell.

• 6 The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) recently hosted a Prize-Giving Ceremony for its Poster Design Competition on Air Quality: Our Environment & Our Role. Participants submitted poster designs on air quality, with the first prize winners being Jethro Azzopardi Duca for the youngest category, Karl Balzan for the category 11 to 16 years, and Ian Zerafa for the adult group.

• 7-15 On the last night of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Malta, the fashion set went all out. The night featured two catwalk shows - Gagliardi followed by Ritienne Zammit followed by the official Mercedes-Benz closing party. The dress code was strictly fashionable and many dared to try some more creative styles whilst others favoured a more elegant, chic look.

1

4

7

10

13

Malcolm Lowell and Augusto Capitanucci

Anthony Miceli Demajo, H.E President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, Malcolm Lowell and Anthony Tabone

Daniel Azzopardi and Elaine Galea

Maxine Pace

Romina Camilleri and Ron van Maarschalkerweerd Borg

2

5

8

11

14

3

Matthea Mercieca, Monique Abela and Alfred Braddick

6

Back row: Ian Zerafa, Karl Balzan, Michelle Piccinino, Environment Minister José Herrera, Alan Pulis, Sara Ciantar, Mark Ciantar. Front row: Nicole Porter, Miriam Gugliotta, Jethro Azzopardi Duca and Skye Paulusma

9

Malcolm Gauci, Guilia Pandolfino, Jade Zammit Stevens, Yana Azzopardi and Gary Bugeja

Peter Carbonaro, Tiffany Pisani, Ron van Maarschalkerweerd Borg and Carina Camilleri

Svetlana Horvat and Antonio Muscat

12

15

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?????

PAPA RAZZI

• 1-2 Farsons marked the 90th anniversary of Farsons Brewery in Hamrun, where it all began, with a reception at Hamrun Local Council.

• 3 Farsons celebrated 90 years since the delivery of its first beer Farsons Pale Ale in April 1928 to Qormi for the feast of St George. This milestone was marked with a reception at Qormi Local Council.

• 4-9 Debenhams organised an exclusive evening for Malta’s influencers & press to mark the latest additions to the fashion & beauty offering at the Debenhams Tigne store. Guests have been shown around the store & treated to a gift of their choice from the new spring/summer collection at Debenhams!

• 10-15 Luisa Spagnoli Launch Event, presenting the Spring Summer 2018 collection, held at Pjazza Tigne.

1

Adrian Scicluna Calleja, Karl Bondin, Louis A. Farrugia, Karen Scicluna Calleja and Joanne Bondin

Grazielle Camilleri, Caroline Paris, Anna Marie Galea and Bibi Rath

Malcolm Gauci, Tamara Webb and Danita Camilleri

Shanel Debattista, Linda Gillich, Joy Gatt, Romana Sramkova and Rosanne Stafrace

Romana Sramkova wearing Luisa Spagnoli

72 Sunday Circle ∫ JUNE 2018

4

7

10

13

Ray Sciberras, Mary Rose Sciberras and Susan Weenink Camilleri

Valentina Rossi and Allyson Gaffarena

Peter Carbonaro and Carina Camilleri

Shanel Debattista wearing Luisa Spagnoli

Joy Gatt wearing Luisa Spagnoli

2

5

8

11

14

Martin Spiteri, Paul Rapa, Michael Cilia and Michael Farrugia

The Debenhams Malta + Beauty Club Team

Dorianne Mamo and Lyndsey Grima

Linda Gillich wearing Luisa Spagnoli

3

6

9

12

15

Greta Antignoli, Claudine Muscat, Dr. Vanessa Portelli, Jordan De Giorgio, Denise Bonello Fenech and Angela Attard Fenech