Sunday Circle (May 2017) by Times of Malta

MAY 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ISSUE NO. 268

BRIDGING THE GENDER GAP page 32

THE SOUND OF THE UNDERGROUND page 38

FAST LIVES, STRESSED MINDS page 48

CLARE AGIUS Short hair for charity / page 16

CONTENTS COVER STORY

E D U C AT I O N

SHORT HAIR FOR CHARITY Known for her luscious locks, very few things would have convinced Ilsien inNisa host Clare Agius to opt for short hair: it took a plea to help others to do the trick.

PERSONALITIES 26

EVERYDAY SCIENCE Science can be found everywhere and in everything but how can you make it fun for children? Iggy Fenech meets up with Monique Chambers, author of What a Cloudy Day, to find out more.

100 92

LIFESTYLE

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS He’s modelled for Dolce e Gabbana and now he’s starring in our very own Sarto homegrown commercial. Anna Marie Galea catches up with stunner Misa Patinszki. AN INNER CONVICTION PN candidate Ray Bugeja shares his vision for a progressive Malta that remains true to its values with Johnathan Cilia.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK Claire Caruana checks out Gozo’s lessdiscovered scenic spots while testing three of the newest additions at Motors Inc’s family of SUVs. THE HIGH STREET LOOK Top fashion brands and sultry sophistication from Baystreet Shopping Complex.

ARTS 88

100

TECHNOLOGY ISSUES 76 32

THE ISSUES THAT MATTER Martina Caruana, lawyer and tireless worker with NGO Network of Young Women Leaders, tells Anna Marie Galea how the NGO is helping put gender issues at the forefront. FAST LIVES, STRESSED MINDS The days of cushy office jobs are over and stress has become an unavoidable element of the modern working life. How unavoidable is it really, Natasha Singh asks.

THE AGE OF INFORMATION Want to know exactly who is visiting your website or app and why? Analytics company Hotjar will tell you all this and more. Ramona Depares finds out more from founder David Darmanin.

MANAGING OUR WATER RESOURCES The Environment and Resources Authority explains what is being done to protect Malta’s water resources.

SPORT 82

38 C U LT U R E 38

THE SOUND OF THE UNDERGROUND Subcultures are dying, but the alternative lives on. Ramona Depares finds out more from Liża Mallia.

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107

ENVIRONMENT 78

GEARING UP FOR THE SEASON Fast-paced, polo is a game that is somehow still perceived as exclusive. Yet, it’s also fun to both participate in and watch, as the cheering crowd at the last game held a couple of weekends ago attests. Karl Galea, from the Malta Polo Club, gives Ramona Depares the basics of the game as the club gears up for the Cawnpore Cup.

THE MISUNDERSTOOD SPORT Ivan Borg meets up with squash player Colette Sultana, fresh from winning gold for Malta at the European Team Championships.

NO SACRED COWS Political cartoonist Seb Tanti Burlo tells Ramona Depares how he hopes an exhibition he presented in Brussels helps people to better understand the realities we live in. MARVELLOUS MARVIC As mezzo soprano Marvic Monreal prepares herself to perform at the closing concert of this year’s International Spring Orchestra Festival, she tells Iggy Fenech how her career took off four years ago, and reveals exclusive details about the concert. THE MALTESE IDIOM Is Maltese dying, especially in its written format? The plethora of successful authors using our native language would prove otherwise, but what about the man in the street? Johnathan Cilia finds out Taħżiż, an initiative that works to return the written language to everyday creative use.

H E A LT H 111

TOOTH REPLACEMENT DUE TO GUM DISEASE Dental and implant surgeon Jean Paul Demajo delves into the causes of gum disease.

REGULARS

08 A word from the editor 10 c Body 12 c Fashion & Style 14 c Beauty 112 Paparazzi

Send your letters to: Ramona Depares, executive editor, Sunday Circle, Allied Newspapers Ltd, 341, Strickland House, St Paul Street, Valletta, VLT 1211, 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.

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

A WORD FROM

the editor

Standard feminine beauty norms within our culture put a ridiculous value on the lusciousness of our locks. Say what you like, but even today when pixie cuts are all the rage, a long curtain of hair spells instant sex appeal. It’s a norm that I’m very happy to go counter to, as some of you may have noticed. For some women, though, the loss of their hair due to a health issue – not limited to chemotherapy – remains a major cause of distress. Imagine not only having to deal with all the pain and fear that the health condition itself brings with it, but also the unhappiness of knowing that your appearance has now completely changed, and not through choice. Which is why I have always found the ‘wig initiative’ a highly laudable philanthropic venture. Now, mostly thanks to Ilsien in-nisa hostess Clare Agius, I have discovered that this initiative – where people donate their locks to the Community Chest Fund, who in turn get them professionally turned into wigs and distributed to patients who need them – also operates in Malta.

Clare, who is this month’s cover lady, sporting short new locks and all, gamely decided to donate her hair to the Malta Community Chest Fund, in the hope of inspiring others to do the same. Read all about her experience in this issue of Sunday Circle – and, if you do get inspired, remember to check in with the philanthropic organisation ﬁrst in order to be able to follow their guidelines. Chopping haphazardly just won’t do! On a lighter topic, remember the punks with the brightly-coloured mohawks from the 1980s? And the hiphop lovers, sporting baggy jeans, from the early 1980s? What’s happening with Malta’s subcultures? Is the underground still kicking? It is indeed – albeit in an evolved fashion, as student ﬁlm-maker Liża Mallia explained to me for this month’s related feature. This month’s edition of Sunday Circle also brings you fashion and glamour – don’t miss out on gorgeous Hungarian model Misa Patinszki, interviewed by Anna Marie Galea – as well as lifestyle. Stressed out at

PUBLISHER ALLIED NEWSPAPERS LTD.

PUBLICATION SALES MANAGER Renée Micallef Decesare

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Ramona Depares

DESIGN Joseph Schembri

work? Natasha Singh has some expert advice. Kids not keen on taking up basic science lessons? Worry not – Iggy Fenech discovers how to make science for the little ones fun by speaking to the professionals. There’s also sport, with an intriguing interview with Colette Sultana, one of Malta’s top squash players, as well as spectacular photography from the last polo match that took place a couple of weeks ago. Two wonderful ladies speak about two topics that are close to their heart: soprano Marvic Monreal talks music, especially in relation to the International Spring Orchestra ﬁnale, while lawyer Martina Caruana explains the intricacies of the work that the organization she is part of carries out to raise awareness about gender discrimination. As for those who enjoy some outdoor adventure, do check out Claire Caruana’s adventures oﬀroading in Gozo! Hope you’re having a lovely spring and that you’re not letting all the political shenanigans get to you.

COVER Clare Agius Photography: Bernard Polidano Bangle by Les Georgettes from Sterling Jewellers

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Ramona Depares, Iggy Fenech, Natasha Singh, Johnathan Cilia, Anna Marie Galea

WINNER OF SANTORINI LUXURY HOLIDAY Ms Roberta Galea Pace was the winner of the Sunday Circle competition that was held in April. The prize sees Ms Galea Pace and a guest travelling to the spectacular island of Santorini, Greece, for a fabulous, seven-night stay, ﬂights and accommodation included. The holiday was oﬀered courtesy of ROCS Travel. Pictured are ROCS Group travel manager Bjorn Vassallo and winner Roberta Galea Pace.

8 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

BODY 1

1. RED, RED LIPS Givenchy re-launches Rouge Interdit, the edgy and irreverent lipstick that is uniquely sensory and comfortable made up of a concentrate of pure, brilliant colours, the perfect lipstick for every circumstance. It is available in a unique palette of 24 deep colours for a saturated, luminous makeup result. High-impact colour, satin ﬁnish, absolute comfort, long hold… Rouge Interdit has it all. Givenchy is exclusively represented by C+M Marketing Ltd. Tel. 2142 4079.

2. ETERNAL YOUTH Orexellence youth cream from Decleor is targeted for mature skins and comes in specific active ingredients such as jojoba, avocado, monoi oils and mango butter for comfort. The smell is a fresh scent finishing of musk. With no parabens, the skin is left looking firmer, plumper, and fresher with a fresh and luminous glow. The scent of essential oils of magnolia invigorates the mind. Apply in morning and/or night to a cleansed face and neck. Exclusively represented by C+M Marketing Ltd. Tel. 2142 4079.

3. SEDUCING THE SENSES 3

The newest addition to the Valentina collection, Valentina Blush is an unpredictable and mischievous interpretation. Like the raw edge of ﬁne silk, Valentina Blush subverts olfactory expectations while seducing the senses. Orange blossom is wrapped in indulgent notes of praline, in this unexpected vision by perfumer Alexis Dadier. Exclusively represented by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd. Tel: 2133 1553.

4. BRIGHT EYES Mad busy days, late nights and interrupted sleep... Stress and fatigue are sure to leave your eyes looking dull and tired. Combining the technology inspired by the most recent scientific breakthroughs with the power of plants, this eye contour treatment smoothens early wrinkles and diminishes signs of fatigue, dark circles and puffiness. Its intensely refreshing smoothing gel-cream texture combined with a cryo-metallic tip helps instantly relieve and brighten for eyes that appear more luminous and youthful. Available from Clarins authorised outlets. Clarins products are exclusively distributed by von Brockdorff Imports Ltd.

5. PERFECT SUNSCREEN Shiseido Sports BB SPF 50+ sunscreen is ideal for sports and other outdoor activities. Featuring WetForce technology, its UV protection veil becomes more eﬀective when it comes in contact with water or perspiration. It contains a contouring powder that gives skin a healthier, more sculpted look, the stronger the sunlight it is under. And the formula supplies essential amino acids to skin that is prone to sweating when playing sports. Prevents skin damage linked to the formation of wrinkles and dark spots. Shiseido is exclusively represented by C+M Marketing Ltd. Tel. 2142 4079.

6. SENSORIAL GLOW With a mouthwatering colour and a refreshingly light texture, Chanel introduces Rouge Coco Gloss. Transparent to intense, scintillating and tangy, luminous and saturated with pigments, the texture of Rouge Coco Gloss is a melt-away gel with comforting glide-on application. Sweep on with the sensorial applicator and watch it instantly fuse with the lips, you can almost apply it with your eyes closed. The non-sticky formula deliciously adapts to every curve, transforming into an aquatic illusion. Chanel is distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd. 10 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

FASHION & STYLE PEARLS LAST FOREVER Remarkable and dazzling, this Michael Kors pearl bracelet is truly unforgettable and will glamorize any outﬁt. This bracelet features an easy adjustable ﬁt, with a complementing rose gold, silver tone and crystal set beads. Diligently constructed to last forever, Michael Kors is one of the most famous and leading international fashion brands. Available from all Sunlab and VIP Shops selling at €89.

BEST FOOT FORWARD TIMELESS TIMEPIECES This men’s Rose Gold Chronograph by Michael Kors, from the Lexington collection, features a black, genuine leather strap and rose-tone chronograph dial. A Roman numeral appears at the 12 o’clock position with minute markers around the outer rim. The analogue dial type has luminescent hands and markers. Scratch resistant and water resistant at 100 metres / 330 feet, makes it ideal for snorkeling and swimming but not diving. Features a sport watch style with key functions as chronograph, date, hour, minute, second. Available from Sunlab & VIP shops selling at €249.

Guaranteed to be spotted at the world’s most glamorous pool sides this summer, these leg-lengthening cork Jimmy Choo wedge sandals have landed at Sarto. Available in leather ﬁnishes and elegant neutral tones, these sling-back styles will elevate your look whatever the occasion. Sarto, Ross Street, St Julian’s. Open 10am – 8pm. sarto.com.mt

FOR STYLISH MUMS! Looking for the right gift for Mother’s Day, with just the right amount of style and panache, and also oh-so-useful? Check out the Rachel Tote Bag, part of the Fossil bags collection. This printed PVC cotton tote comes with a tassel bag charm and interchangeable straps that make hauling essentials easier for Mum! Fossil Bags are available from Sunlab Plaza, Sunlab Midi, Sunlab Valletta and retails for €129.

BREAKFAST LIKE ROYALTY Admire the elegance, sophistication and retro design of Delonghi’s Icona Vintage collection – a 1.7 ltr kettle, 2 slice toaster with bun warmer and an espresso/ cappuccino coﬀee machine. All with a painted stainless steel body available in various colours; beige cream, olive green and sky blue. Available from Ultimate shops at San Gwann, B’Kara, Paola & Qormi or online on www.ultimate.com.mt

12 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

STAND OUT SUITS It’s wedding season, and the look to take you through the season is this narrow-cut Boss men’s suit, characterised by its ﬁne texture. The lightweight new-wool blend with elastane feels particularly comfortable to wear, and the piped pockets on the jacket and waistcoat give this 3-piece an air of modernity. Standout in this classic design perfected by the formal trousers with pressed creases and slash pockets. The Boss Store, St. Julian’s.

178, Marina Street, Pieta and 31,32 St. Anne’s Street, Floriana | Tel: 2010 2949 | www.victorazzopardi.com

BEAUTY A UNIQUE SCENT A fragrance built around a rose with a unique scent, Izia delivers a distinctive bouquet with an assertive and sensual character. A modern and feminine composition by Sisley with a unique and solar ﬂoral heart. A rose like a rendez-vous, that blooms for a short time, only once a year. The starting point of a modern and multi-faceted new fragrance. Imbued with radiant and sophisticated top notes, it seduces with its airy, ﬂoral heart and the warmth of a woody base softened with musks. Izia and all Sisley products are exclusively available at Franks. Tel. 2388 2300.

SENSUAL LOOKS Inspired by the beauty, magic and unique charm of one of Italy’s most celebrated wonders, Collistar’s Giardini Italiani spring/summer collection presents make-up in enchanting ﬂoral colours for a sensual, sophisticated look. Featuring the star product combining blusher, eye shadows and highlighter – an exclusive, luxurious multi-purpose palette of gossamer-light powders designed to be used as a blusher, highlighter and eye shadows, creating a whole range of make-up styles from ultranatural to ultra-sophisticated. Limited edition and available only in perfumeries.

35 YEARS CHANGING LIVES For the past 35 years, Dermablend by Vichy Laboratoires, has provided the ideal coverage for most complexion flaws – from redness and dark circles, to uneven complexions, vitiligo, hyper-pigmentation, and even scars. It also effectively covers up veins, stretch marks, and even tattoos all over the body. Today, Dermablend is still unrivalled when it comes to corrective foundation, leaving skin looking natural, luminous, and flawless, while helping you rediscover the pleasure of make-up. Dermablend provides over 16 hours of coverage, and is resistant to water and sweat, as well as rubbing. All products are non-comedogenic, suitable for sensitive skin, and come with UV protection. Available in pharmacies. For more information: vichy@prohealth.com.mt (Vichy Facebook).

14 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

PERFECT DEFINITION A long lasting and water resistant eyeliner in two colours: black and purple. With a creamy and smudgeproof texture, the colour is rich and vibrant. Thanks to the innovative applicator, you can create both thin and high deﬁnition outlines. Diego Dalla Palma is exclusively distributed by Chemimart. Tel: 2149 2212.

COVER STORY

KNOWN FOR HER LUSCIOUS LOCKS, VERY FEW THINGS WOULD HAVE CONVINCED ILSIEN IN-NISA HOSTESS CLARE AGIUS TO OPT FOR SHORT HAIR. BUT A PLEA FOR NATURAL HAIR, BY THE MALTA COMMUNITY CHEST FUND FOUNDATION, TO BE USED FOR WIGS FOR CANCER PATIENTS MEANT SHE DIDN’T EVEN BAT AN EYELASH AS HER HAIRSTYLIST CHOPPED AWAY. SHE SHARES THE EXPERIENCE WITH RAMONA DEPARES IN THE HOPE OF INSPIRING OTHERS AND RAISING AWARENESS. PHOTOGRAPHY: BERNARD POLIDANO HAIR: ALEXANDER’S BY L’OREAL PROFESSIONEL MAKE-UP: MATEJA CAMILLERI BY NEW CID BANGLE: LES GEORGETTES – THE ORIGINAL CUSTOMIZABLE JEWELLERY WITH INTERCHANGEABLE COLOURED BANDS AT STERLING JEWELLERS AND E-JEWELS

Clare Agius’s curly locks almost have a life of their

come forth and do the same. So, how did the story

own. They’ve graced the myriad TV shows she has

come about?

hosted and been part of, including the now-iconic

“It actually started on the show Ilsien in-Nisa

Ilsien in-Nisa. You could say they’re her trademark,

itself last November. Matilde Balzan, who takes care

framing her petite, beautiful looks to advantage.

of this particular section within the Community

Because, let’s face it, looks might not be

Chest Fund, had explained to me how some patients

everything but image is certainly important when it

needed wigs, after they lost their hair due to

comes to television work, and showbiz. And

chemotherapy or other medical causes. The MCCFF

changing your image is often considered a scary

oﬀers these wigs for free, thanks to a programme

step in the dark by most public ﬁgures. Clare is

that was initiated by the President. Wigs made of

honest and confesses that it is the same for her, too

real human hair are extremely expensive and,

– especially when it comes to her lustruous, long hair, which has pretty much become part of her brand. Shallow? Hardly – especially when one considers that Clare did not let this fondness for long hair stop her from taking the plunge to do a very selﬂess act which would see her being parted from her locks. More speciﬁcally, after hearing about the work that the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation (MCCFF) carries out collecting human

Short h

hair, in order to create wigs for those who need

moreover, the MCCFF oﬀers these wigs brand new.

them, Clare decided to have her hair cut oﬀ and to

They wouldn’t have been used by anyone else

donate it to this cause. Her new look is being

before. So, you can imagine what a lot is required,”

oﬃcially debuted on Ilsien in-Nisa but, in the

Clare starts oﬀ.

meantime, the TV hostess agreed to give us a sneak

This knowledge touched Clare enough that she

preview here, all in aid of raising awareness about the

continued thinking about it even after the

invaluable work being carried out by the Malta

conversation was over. One particular statement

Community Chest Fund Foundation. And perhaps,

stuck in her mind: ﬁnding curly hair wigs was an even

who knows, to persuade a couple of our readers to

bigger problem than straight hair.

16 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

COVER STORY

hair for charity

MAY 2017 â&#x2C6;« Sunday Circle

COVER STORY

“Most people wish to keep their look as close to their natural one as possible. If they had curly hair, chances are they will prefer to have a wig with curls. It’s more comforting if you don’t find a complete stranger staring back at you when you look in the mirror. You already have more than enough changes to deal with… Unfortunately, curly hair for wigs is not that easy to come by, I was told.” And this is exactly what spurred her to take the final decision. Ironically, Clare’s hair happened to be at its longest ever – with a laugh, she remembers how she was on the point of giving it a little trim, when suddenly she decided to wait for a while longer. “I confided in Alex, my hairstylist and confidant and he was on board with the idea immediately. He had always wanted to cut my hair short, but I don’t think he meant quite this short! I didn’t tell anyone else as I wanted it to be a surprise to everyone in my life. I came up with the idea of filming the entire thing and capturing the reaction of those who are closest to me. Everything was planned down to the last detail,” she tells me gleefully. Her enthusiasm is infectious, especially when one considers that the main reason she decided to go

18 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

COVER STORY

public with what is, essentially, a personal event was simply in order

In order to make sure that the best result for the wigs was

that she could inspire others to follow suit – as well as removing the

obtained, Ian Miller, a wig consultant and the person who gives

stigma that is typically attached to wearing a wig.

advice about how the hair is to be cut for wigs to be made – was

“I really wanted to help people who are being forced to change their image overnight – for health reasons – to come to

present throughout the whole chopping session. “They started bundling my hair into these little bunches close

terms with it. Change doesn’t have to be bad. The people who use

to my head, and I was like...oh my God I hope this works out. I was

these wigs usually have so many diﬃcult things going on in their

nervous, there’s no use pretending otherwise. And, sometimes, as

lives at that moment… it’s not easy to accept sudden and drastic

I’m walking past the mirror I still do a doubletake.”

change. I’m hoping that this will, to a certain extent, help them deal with it,” she explains. These words were echoed by President Marie-Louise Coleiro

Clare’s family and close friends were equally astonished – but everyone loved the new look. She explains how Ilsien in-Nisa cohosts Claire Agius Ordway and Pauline Agius at ﬁrst thought that

Preca herself upon learning of Clare’s decision – acknowledging

she had simply pinned her hair back. Their squeals of delight could

that “it is not easy for a public person to change his or her hairstyle,

be heard all across the Hilton executive ﬂoor, which is where the trio

let alone cut his or her hair in the way Clare has done... the fact that

usually holds its weekly meetings. Clare’s husband, who also works

Clare’s hair is one of her identifying factors is a huge statement”.

at the Hilton, was summoned upstairs by one of his colleagues –

20 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

COVER STORY

even he didn’t figure it out immediately, and Clare had to turn around for him to believe it. “He loved it. My husband is very fun-loving. He kept telling the cameraman, Tim Lewis, how much he loved it, adding with a twinkle: ‘of course I love it, I’m married to her, I’m not getting dinner tonight otherwise’. It’s all in jest, of course,” she says, giggling at the memory. Her older son, all of four years old, was equally circumspect about the change. “The younger one is too young to care, of course, at one years of age. But Luke calls my hair ‘crazy hair’, he has quite a thing about it. It was a surprise for him too, when I picked him up from school sporting this new look. I explained that it was a bit like him sharing his toys with those who need them. I cut my hair to share it with those who need. He was on board with the idea immediately, kids are very receptive to that sort of thing and it is important for me to expose him to acts of giving that they become second nature to him,” Clare tells me. I genuinely believe in a happier and prosperous community if sharing and giving are at its core.

How you can help The Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation has been collecting human hair in order to be turned into wigs for overseas patients for a number of year, but it was only recently that the charity started exploring ways to get the wigs back for Maltese patients. Contact with a wig making factory was made through Ian Miller. Donated hair needs to be at least 20cms long and has to be tied securely at the top. It should not be sent wet or plaited as the hair is cleaned, weighed and bundled by Ian himself before Matilde organizes their freight through Maltapost and Carmelo Caruana who send them to the wig factory free of charge. The MCCFF has given out about 250 wigs across two years, offering a measure of relief to cancer patients. Wigs made of natural hair are completely different from their synthetic counterparts. They are not, for example, as susceptible to body temperature changes. Nowadays, the wigs are not only being used by cancer patients, but even by patients suffering from other severe conditions. Those who would like to find out more can get in touch by calling on 2122 6226 or by visiting www.facebook.com/MCCFFmalta or www.mccff.org.mt.

STYLE

DROP DEAD HE’S MODELLED FOR DOLCE & GABBANA AND NOW HE’S STARRING IN OUR VERY OWN SARTO HOMEGROWN CAMPAIGN. ANNA MARIE GALEA CATCHES UP WITH INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED MODEL MISA PATINSZKI.

CLOTHES: SARTO PHOTOGRAPHY: KRIS MICALLEF STYLING: ELI VAN POEYER MAKE-UP: CHRIS SIMPSON HAIR: REMI

26 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

STYLE

Sweatshirt and jeans by DSQUARED2

Although Misa Patinszki is in his mid-20s, he has the kind of professional approach and seriousness rarely seen in his counterparts of a similar age – that and the stunning good looks which have earnt him a place on the catwalks of London, Paris, Milan, and New York as well as several campaigns for leading brands. Born in Budapest, Hungary, Misa never really thought about becoming a model till he was scouted in Budapest at the age of 19: “To be honest, I had never really considered modelling as a career path till I was scouted. I was very into kayaking and that was my thing. It was only after I had a meeting for a test shoot that I thought that this was something I could do.” While the test shoot was just the beginning, Misa has since appeared in three Dolce & Gabbana campaigns as well as countless magazine spreads which take him all over the world: “Everyone in this industry has a base. Mine is Budapest because that’s where my friends and family are. The main thing about our job is that you cannot plan ahead. Once you get the call, you need to pack and get on the next plane that will take you to the next job.” It was through one of these bookings, more specifically a grand Dolce & Gabbana shop opening in London during London Fashion

If you’re not self-confident enough to handle the industry then, you probably shouldn’t get into it to begin with

MAY 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle

STYLE

Week, that he met Domenico Dolce and Suit and necklace by Dolce & Gabbana

Stefano Gabbana. “I was at the shop on a job and the rest is just history. I find that Domenico, Stefano and I work really well together. I really love the liveliness of their shoots and the positive vibe they bring. In my first campaign with them, they brought an entire forest into the studio and we were given crowns to wear. Everything looked so real, fresh and new that I couldn’t have been happier to be there. “The wonderful thing about them is the way they try to capture a moment; it’s so exciting to be on set because everything we do is real. We eat, talk and laugh as if we weren’t at a shoot and that really comes out in the photos. Those kinds of natural feelings simply can’t be replicated artificially, and this is one of the things which sets their campaigns apart.” It was this element of joie de vivre which Sarto brought out in their latest campaign with Misa, photographed entirely in Malta: “I’d never been to Malta before but it’s certainly somewhere that I want to come back to with my family. We’ve taken some fabulous photos and I think that my favourite has to be a group photo of us wearing leopard print and dancing. What I love so much about it is the fact that we were able to convey how much fun we were having; it was a really beautiful moment in time and it really came out in the photo. Another photo I loved being part of is basically one of me on a motorcycle wearing high heels. I really loved the contrast. One of the greatest things about modelling is the fact we get to tell a story; I really enjoyed being part of this Sarto campaign because I feel that we were really able to bring out #TheSartoLife feeling.” Of course, not everything is fun and games; in a world where so much depends on appearance, how does Misa deal with not being picked for a particular job? “I think that the most important thing to remember is that it’s not personal. Each guy is different looking and has his own personality; designers

28 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

STYLE

T-shirt, jeans and boots by DSQUARED2. Jacket by Dolce & Gabbana

pick their models simply based on who ﬁts in with their aesthetic vision. It’s the Jacket, swimming shorts and flip flops by Moncler

designer’s vision that dictates the model, nothing more and nothing less. The reality is, that thanks to apps such as Instagram, it’s become a thousand times easier to scout people. Which also means that’s it’s easier to get rejected. Ultimately, if you’re not self-confident enough to handle the industry then you probably shouldn’t get into it to begin with. The most important thing is to always make an effort to be true to yourself and to be as natural as possible – if you’re yourself, it will pay off.” Indeed, many people might argue that it’s harder to be the best version of yourself when confronted with jet lag, early shooting times and a wide array of temptations, such as the cocktails that were being served in the sumptuous lobby of the Corinthia Hotel St George's Bay. Misa, however, takes it all within his stride: “Yesterday I had to wake up at 06:30am but, on days when I have a later start, I try to fit in some gym time. It really is all about self-discipline and balance. I love trying local foods, but I always do so in moderation. It’s important not to overdo anything to be able to bring your best efforts to the table. I love my job so I have to do the best I can for it.” So great is his love for the fashion world that should the day come when he no longer models, he would still like to stay in the industry: “I’m really interested in fashion from all its various angles and because of that, I want to keep on working in the industry. I’ve taken up photography and I really enjoy that aspect of the fashion world: in a way, it gives insight into my own role. It’s really nice to combine things and to be creative in different ways.”

30 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

GENDER

The issues that matter YOU’D THINK THAT, IN 2017, SOCIETY WOULD HAVE ENSURED THAT FEMINIST ORGANISATIONS BE MADE OBSOLETE. BUT, WITH AN EVERPRESENT PAY GAP, UNDER-REPRESENTATION AND EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL VIOLENCE, THERE REMAINS A LOT OF WORK TO BE DONE. MARTINA CARUANA, LAWYER AND TIRELESS WORKER WITH NGO NETWORK OF YOUNG WOMEN LEADERS, TELLS ANNA MARIE GALEA HOW THE ORGANISATION IS HELPING PUT THESE ISSUES AT THE FOREFRONT.

32 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

GENDER

Despite the fact that, many feel that the ﬁght for women’s rights is something which has been done and dusted, and belongs to the recesses

Lawyer Martina Caruana focuses on gender issues.

of the past, a quick browse through the internet and newspapers bears testament to the opposite. Indeed, while society has moved forward in a plethora of aspects, many times those needs which may appear to be the most obvious are largely ignored, or simply shoved under the carpet, to be brought out on another occasion. Such as women’s issues. This brushing aside of women’s issues could be attributable in no small part to the fact that women in society are still largely under represented by their own kind. It was this factor which gave rise to the coming together of seven young women in order to form the Network of Young Women Leaders. I sat down with the organisation’s events manager and oﬃcer for freedom from gender-based crimes and human rights, lawyer Martina Caruana, to learn more about her role in the network and about what they plan to do to better women’s place in society. Starting out at Appoġġ, Martina’s experiences with violence against women put her in the perfect position to take up the role of genderbased crime ﬁghter. “What is so great about the way the NGO has been formed is the

There is a need to address issues such as forced abortions, the pay gap and physical and verbal abuse fact that each of us has a specific role, based on our individual strengths and experiences. In my time at Appoġġ, I saw so many horrific situations where women were being abused and exploited that I felt that I couldn’t just stand by and watch. Although it might seem unbelievable to imagine, many women couldn’t even tell how badly they were being treated because our culture helps to enable certain crimes. I really just wanted to provide education, confidence and support to these women and help them to be able to integrate into society whilst reaching their full potential.” Indeed, despite the fact that, national statistics show that more women attend university than men, there is a disproportionate amount of men holding managerial and leadership roles: “I think that it’s nothing short of scandalous that there is such a small female representation and, in fact, one of our targets is for there to be a 50 per cent representation in political parties. It is only in this way that our voice will be given the importance it rightfully deserves. After all, why should we have men addressing female issues?

MAY 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle

GENDER

The team behind Network of Young Women Leaders

Despite her very femalecentred ethos, Martina wants to emphasise that the Network of Young Women Leaders is not just for females: “While females were our most obvious target audience, we acknowledge that education is extremely important amongst both sexes. After all, everything that you teach to boys when they are young, they will put into action when they become men. If respect for both sexes is cultivated from a young age then there will be fewer problems once our children reach

“Of course, this is just the beginning of our journey; our end goal is for all women who are

, Many women couldn t even tell how badly they were being treated because our culture helps to enable certain crimes

experiencing some form of violence or exploitation to be given the tools to overcome their situations. We want to empower women by giving strength to their voices and to also

adulthood. We also really want to focus on increasing paternity

be in a position to give them legal assistance, should they need it.

leave. I feel that it’s a crying shame that men in Spain get around

Although many people are used to it, there is a lot of sexism on our

four months paternity leave and men in Malta get a single day; it’s

islands which we really feel needs to be recognised as wrong. It’s

almost as if society assumes that the only bonding which is going

for this reason that we plan to bring forward policies to help

to take place is that between mother and child. It’s horrible that

educate children and eliminate gender roles. After all, our children

men aren’t even expected to want to be part of the early stages of

are our future.”

their child’s life. I would also ease the burden of stigma on

Conﬁdent, assured and bursting with ideas, Martina is very

employing young, married women. If both sexes get equal amounts

clear with regards to her role in the network: “Around a year ago, I

of maternity and paternity leave, employers will feel more inclined

went through a process of re-deﬁnition and I really asked myself

to employ younger women and less concerned with the possibility

what I wanted to do. Feminism has always been a cause close to my

of pregnancy and women leaving the company while taking with

heart, because I have always passionately believed in equality. I

them all the training they have received.”

really feel that this journey which started a year ago has really

Dr Caruana is nothing if not positive about what promises to be

beneﬁtted me personally and this motivates me to give as much as I

a great future for the NGO: “Besides oﬀering a platform to all

can back to the cause. It should go without saying, but there is a

women, we want people to feel like they can reach out to us and ﬁnd

need to address issues such as forced abortions, the pay gap and

a compassionate and understanding audience. We do not only want

physical and verbal abuse, to name a few. The NGO gives us the

to help in building conﬁdence for individuals, but we want to reach

platform to raise awareness on these issues and helps us to give

out to the government and the private sector to help change

survivors the support they need to succeed. We want to oﬀer

mentalities. I’m sure many people have heard the phrase ‘there is

Curriculum Vitae writing skills to illiterate prostitutes to help give

light at the end of the tunnel’, however, I like to say that there is life at

them a fair chance to get a job and try as far as possible to lobby

the end of every personal experience. Together we are stronger.”

with parliament and schools to give our women a fair chance at contributing to society.”

34 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

www.facebook.com/NYWLMalta/

LIFESTYLES

The sound of the

underground 38 Sunday Circle â&#x2C6;« MAY 2017

LIFESTYLES

For such a small island, you’d think that conformity to the mainstream would be the order of the day. Instead, across this 120 odd metres squared of land, the music scene sports an intriguing mix of rockers, electro-heads, ravers, indie kids, punks... you name it, there’s a band or three for it. However, considering this thriving mix, there has been precious little record of it on media archives anywhere and – to all intents and purposes – homegrown music started and stopped with the radio-friendly top hits. Or at least, this was the case until recently, when a university student, Liża Mallia, combined her love of ﬁlm and music into one documentary:

SUBCULTURES ARE DYING, BUT THE ALTERNATIVE LIVES ON – THESE ARE THE FINDINGS COMMUNICATIONS STUDENT Liża MaLLia REAPED WHEN FINALISING HER DISSERTATION. RaMona DepaRes FINDS OUT MORE.

The Alternative. The 20-minute long production, which was conceived as accompaniment to her thesis, exploring “the diffusion of identifiers across alternative sub-cultures in the Maltese music scene”, not only provides an engaging visual account of alternative music in Malta and the people who follow it. It also reveals that the whole idea of subcultures as we used to know them may be dying – or rather, morphing into one big venn diagram of what Mallia refers to as ‘the alternative’. “A few years ago, there was a clear demarcation between subcultures. If you belonged to a particular ‘group’, you were clearly identifiable. Someone into techno would not dream of attending a metal gig. Similarly, electronic acts wouldn’t have considered performing before a band,” she explains. This demarcation extended to dress; speech; music albums owned; clubs and venues you patronised — even people you hung out with. “The ‘us vs them’ mentality was very evident, but judging by the interviews I carried out for the making of this documentary, it doesn’t apply so rigidly anymore.” The idea for The Alternative was born early on in Liża’s studies. Wanting to focus on something that she was actually experiencing, alternative music and the subcultures it creates seemed to be the obvious choice. The making of the documentary, in fact, includes years of footage personally gathered by Liża. “I tried to immediately film as much as I could when I would attend gigs or events, and it ultimately paid off. The scene changed so much in the intervening years, with specific venues that have undoubtedly helped shape and define the scene closing down, and new ones opening up,” Liża explains. She is referring, of course, to the iconic Coach & Horses, that very improbably – or maybe not, come to think of it – was the undisputed hipster hangout for most of the members of Malta’s ‘alternative’. “New venues and repurposed locations are cropping up regularly, but I don’t think the scene has quite come up with anything that achieves what Coach managed in those few

MAY 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle

LIFESTYLES

years. People literally treated the place as a second home.” she says. Valletta’s now-defunct Django’s is another example she quotes, its contribution to the scene, however, being a diﬀerent one from that of Coach. “During Django’s time you could really see the diﬀerent subgroups coming together. You’d get metalheads showing up for jazz performances, and things like that. ” Liza continues. Then, there’s also the birth of Trackage Scheme, which brings together DJ sets and live indie bands, and which founder Ben Vincenti has grown from strength to strength since its inception.

There will always be an alternative; an alternative to whatever the mainstream crowd is listening to, an alternative to the image that is favoured mainstream

Liża agrees. “Before Trackage Scheme events, we’d never quite had what

documentary to the way that identities are shifting within Malta’s

some may have considered as opposing genres playing together

underground scene – without introducing too many new elements –

under one roof, on the same night, attracting a diversity of people.”

was the toughest part.”

This is how she sees the alternative scene in Malta as

Tough or not, it is precisely around this that Liża’s

continuing to develop – with less separation between groups that

documentary revolves, analysing years of alternative music and the

we used to refer to as subcultures and more cohesion and

ways the movers and shakers on the scene helped it evolve to what

collaboration between bands, DJs and promoters.

it is today. Many will suﬀer a pang of nostalgia at certain aspects of

“The alternative is a vast topic. When you start speaking to

the footage – there’s The Beangrowers, looking extremely young

people, more and more information sprouts out, opening up new

and still keen on getting their music on the radio; there’s Stalko in

avenues of discussion. The scene is very much alive and the people

their early days at Coach; there’s Django’s, Zion and there are also

involved, whether as musicians, DJs, events organisers or as

all the familiar faces of the punters that only serve to push further

audience, tend to be very passionate about it. Keeping the

home the idea of just how small Malta is.

40 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

LIFESTYLES

straddle the line between the alternative and the more accessible sounds and these do attract an amount of newcomers,” Mallia says. Does this mean there’s also no alternative to speak of anymore? Not quite, she replies. Despite a certain amount of crossovers, many of the alternative events will never attract members of the mainstream due to their very nature. “There will always be an alternative; an alternative to whatever the mainstream crowd is listening to, an alternative to the image that is favoured mainstream... it applies to everything. But we certainly do not live ‘subcultures’ with the same “Yes, there’s still that feeling that if you go to an alternative event, from whichever genre, you tend to find a cluster of familiar faces. But even then, the crowd is getting bigger. Some bands

rigidity we used to before.” The Alternative can be streamed on Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOiVjoq-vw8

MAY 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle

LIFESTYLES

What they say MICHAEL BUGEJA music journalist, DJ & ROCKNA presenter How have you seen the

BEN VINCENTI founder of Trackage Scheme Trackage Scheme was the first concerted effort at bringing together the underground scene in Malta. Did you find resistance, initially? I think there were other entities that tried to bring together the underground scene but this was mainly done at an events level. We feel that more work is required to truly bridge the gap between the different subcultures of the alternative/underground scene. This is why we endeavour to work on many diverse projects including artist and event PR and marketing, video

underground scene in Malta change through the

interviews, podcasts, our own music lessons as well as music journalism, apart

years?

from hosting and supporting events.

Without a doubt, the amount of bands has been

It all started from the Trackage Scheme (TS) music sharing group

gradually rising and so has the quality. There’s a huge

(www.facebook.com/groups/trackagescheme), which is still going strong today.

diﬀerence between the music being made by our

The Facebook group was launched in 2013 to serve as a medium where friends,

underground acts now and the ones of yesteryear, but

and friends of friends, could share tracks and increase their repertoire of music,

one must also bear in mind that exposure to foreign

across any genre, under the umbrella of ‘alternative music’. With time, more and

music and technology then were also limited as

more people joined the group and it became clear that something good was

opposed to now.

brewing. I can’t say we found any resistance and, if there was, I was oblivious to it.

Would you say that those who are in the scene have become more ‘tolerant’ of other subcultures

Many people seemed really thrilled with the concept and till this day we continue to receive heartfelt support.

that before might have been considered opposites? In general, there is much less friction than in the past, and it’s not uncommon to ﬁnd people from the indie and metal scenes at jazz gigs and vice-versa, or

Why did you feel it was important for this step to be taken on the local scene? In my view, Malta lacked a single entity that identiﬁed, supported and

punks at electronic events. But, you will always ﬁnd

promoted alternative artists irrespective of genre. We also needed an online hub

people who harbour a clique mentality that looks

that represented alternative artists in a fresh and creative way. Moreover, we felt

down on genres other than their own.

that Malta lacked a professional one-stop-shop or platform that catered for artists and event organisers, speciﬁcally. Hence, the change in strategy and

Do you view this evolution as a good thing or a bad thing? It can never be a bad thing when diﬀerent

direction for TS: we wanted to become a professional service platform for these stakeholders. As a musician, especially on an island, it might sometimes seem like quite

genres blend, as it usually inspires new ideas and

the task to get your music out there, to a new audience. This is why TS oﬀers

sounds.

support in myriad formats, be it through marketing support and video/graphic design, sorting out the nitty-gritty like tickets, venues and equipment rentals, or

Would you consider the ‘alternative’ scene in

even crowdfunding projects and planning events.

Malta as healthy? I’m taking ‘alternative’ to mean ‘non-mainstream’ in its various shapes and forms here, so yes, it is

To what do you attribute initial reluctance for the diﬀerent subcultures to converge?

healthy in that there is quite some activity going on, a

I believe it’s human nature to be resistant to change; indeed change can be

good chunk of it of a very high standard too. So much

scary as you leap into the unknown. However, on the other hand, as David Bowie

so that there’s a lot of local output that’s catching the

once said; “if you feel safe in the area that you’re working in, you’re not working

ear of foreign audiences and promoters too.

in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re

http://www.mikebugeja.com

42 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

capable of being and go a little bit out of your depth and when you don’t feel

LIFESTYLES

Ben Vincenti PHOTO: IGOR WARZOCHA, EYEFOTO.XYZ

With that said, I believe we need to be careful so as not to fragment it too much. The scene is limited in size, so we should really focus on quality over quantity and strive to collaborate more to raise the bar in Malta.

that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just in the right place to do something exciting”. This is the TS mantra and we have seen our eﬀorts facilitate

What is the next step for TS? Many things. We will continue investing in our services portfolio to continue providing a better product and service to our

the subcultures to converge, whether it was through our own

clients. We will continue supporting artists by creating opportunities

events hosting an eclectic line up of solo artists, bands and DJs or

for them to perform and showcase their talent. One of our most

through the equal support we give artists and event organisers

recent projects is a collaboration with the Food Faculty and KSU to

from diﬀerent ends of the musical spectrum. Indeed, we have seen

deliver Live Stage – an artist platform for any type of up-and-

an increase in cross pollination with followers from the bands scene

coming artist to perform in front of thousands of people on the

attend electronic gigs, and vice versa.

newly set-up stage, during lecture hours, at the University of Malta piazza. http://trackagescheme.com/live-stage-university-of-malta/

Would you consider the ‘alternative’ scene in Malta as healthy? Yes. I think the alternative music scene, albeit small, is extremely diverse. There are some brilliant productions coming out at the moment – Plato’s Dream Machine, Brikkuni, Fabricka, KNTRL,

Another big project we are working on is a collaboration with a local event promoter Hairyamp Promotions to deliver an eclectic night of Alt Indie Rock and Electronic Music with local and foreign bands and DJs. We want to introduce alternative music to a wider audience;

Sonitus Eco, Robert Farrugia, Hail Blk and Llimbs just to mention a

we honestly believe that there is a great deal of good music and

few. And myriad events are popping up all the time, so the scene is

artistic expression in the alternative scene that many are simply

buzzing. I feel there’s also more collaboration now, than ever, not

oblivious to. It’s not people’s fault; they are simply not exposed to it.

just between artists – for example, Fabricka and Mia Scerri from

Radio stations and the media tend to play it safe and play the same

Lucy’s Last; Robert Farrugia and Sonitus Eco – but also between

familiar music. But we want people to go a little deeper and explore.

organisational entities, such as ALT NYE, which was a collaboration

There’s so much beauty out there waiting to be discovered, and we

between four heavyweights in the alternative scene; Hedon Crew,

want to make it easier for them to ﬁnd it.

Sick of Ants, No Sweat Productions and Trackage Scheme.

44 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

www.facebook.com/TrackageScheme/

LIFE

Fast lives, stressed minds THE DAYS OF CUSHY OFFICE JOBS ARE OVER AND STRESS HAS BECOME AN UNAVOIDABLE ELEMENT OF THE MODERN WORKING LIFE. BUT JUST HOW UNAVOIDABLE IS IT REALLY, NATASHA SINGH ASKS.

48 Sunday Circle â&#x2C6;« MAY 2017

LIFE

The word ‘stress’ comes from two words: ‘strictus’, meaning ‘drawn tight’, and ‘narrowness/oppression’. It’s no surprise that we associate the word with a number of unpleasant feelings and symptoms; feeling rushed, a rapid heartbeat, insomnia, frequently falling sick (and not just playing hooky), digestive issues, headaches – the list goes on and on. We’re frequently warned about the dangers of stress on our physical and psychological health, but what is stress really? And how can we help ourselves to curb its negative eﬀects on our wellbeing? Stress is the response we develop when we perceive a threatening situation or entity, and distress is when we judge that we may not be able to successfully meet that challenge. Stress can, however, be beneﬁcial at times. Eustress is that positive feeling of stress that motivates and challenges you to push yourself further, when you perceive a challenge but believe yourself capable of handling it successfully. Work-related stress costs the US alone between $200-300 billion a year (Journal of Managerial Psychology, 2006), and research has shown links between stress and six leading causes of death, from cancer to liver disease and suicide. Stressed employees are more likely to fall sick and perform at a sub-par level, so it’s no wonder that more and more organisations are consulting with organisational and health psychologists in order to support their employees, especially since many of us spend many long hours at our place of work.

Stressed employees are more likely to fall sick and perform at a sub par level Alicia Borg Scicluna, a 22-year-old woman, spoke to me of her previous job in digital marketing: “At work I was put down and ridiculed nearly daily. I used to get called slow or stupid because they’d expect me to magically understand how to do things I had never done before. My boss used to make sarcastic comments to me from time to time, and the oﬃce was full of gossip and passive-aggressive behaviour. My cycle had stopped for four months and, coincidentally, started again on the day that I handed in my letter of resignation. I still work in marketing, but in a much better, more supportive environment.” Sadly, this is not an uncommon story. The Labour Force Survey performed in the UK in 2016 showed that work-related stress, anxiety and depression were mainly caused by workplace pressures such as tight deadlines,

MAY 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle

LIFE

a lack of managerial support, and too much responsibility. Apart

where the body enters a state of calm relaxation, and a correlating

from the psychological impact of stress, physiological symptoms

decrease in the pace of the breath, the heartbeat, and the blood

also occurred, such as tense muscles, which can lead to neck and

pressure. This state of ‘rest and digest’ activates the body’s

shoulder stiﬀness, as well as headaches and migraines. Stress also

parasympathetic system, which promotes eﬀective digestion of

aﬀects our breathing, causing us to breathe at a faster pace, and

food, rebuilding of muscles, and a normal breathing rate, as well as

more heavily. This can lead to asthma attacks, panic attacks and

reducing tension and stiﬀness in the body.

hyperventilation. This is why meditation has proven to be an

Apart from meditation, other things that aid with stress are

eﬀective aid for dealing with stress both in one’s personal life as

regular physical activity, eating a healthy, balanced diet, having a

well as in the workplace.

good support system of friends and family, having hobbies that you

Studies on mindfulness meditation in particular have shown

enjoy which are away from a computer (such as painting, playing

that the practice can indeed reduce both feelings of stress and

music, dancing and hiking), and being able to speak up at your

anxiety in an individual practicing for only 20 minutes a day,

place of work regarding your responsibilities and stress. On the

although meditating for less would still have certain beneﬁts. Other

other hand, employers can also take measures to support their

advantages include improving your cardiovascular health, improved

employees. For example, giving employees an extra 10 minutes of

memory, focus, attention, as well as increased ability to work under

break if they use that time to meditate may have multiple beneﬁts;

stress. The ability of a meditation practice to calm one’s emotions

a more focused, less stressed, healthier employee means higher

works because it elicits a bodily state known as ‘rest and digest’ (as

quality of work output, as well as less sick days in the long term.

opposed to the ‘ﬁght or ﬂight’ state that is elicited during times of

Acknowledging that your employees are human and have lives

stress, where the body prepares to ﬁght an enemy or to run away),

outside of work, too can support them to not feel overwhelmed

Companies such as Google, Apple and Intel have already integrated meditation as part of their employee programMEs

50 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

1 Systane Ultra, Directions for use Alcon Laboratories, 2012. 2 Systane Hydration, Directions for use Alcon Laboratories, 2015. 3 Systane Gel Drops, Directions for use Alcon Laboratories, 2012. 4 Systane Balance, Directions for use Alcon Laboratories 2012. 5 Rangarajan R, Kraybill B, Ogundele A, Ketelson H. Eﬀects of a Hyaluronic Acid/Hydroxypropyl Guar Artiﬁcial Tear Solution on Protection Recovery and Lubricity in Models of Corneal Epithelium. J Ocul Pharmco & Ther, 2015 October 1; 31(8): 491–497. Mfg Alcon Laboratories, Inc, 6201 South Freeway, Fort Worth, Texas 76134, USA. EC REP Alcon Laboratories (UK) Ltd. Frimley Business Park, Frimley, Camberley, Surrey GU67SR UK. SYS Ad1 04/17 MT

LIFE

and under-appreciated at work, and major companies such as Google, Apple and Intel have already integrated meditation as part of their employee programmes. A joke which has been swimming around on the Internet says that ‘stressed spelled backwards is desserts’. Many of us are all too familiar with reaching for comfort food during times of stress, or reaching for cigarettes, alcohol, biting one’s nails, and a range of other bad habits which can be self-destructive in the long term. We need to be aware of when we automatically indulge in these behaviours as a response to stress, catch ourselves in the act, and choose diﬀerently. If I notice that I’m reaching for cigarettes more than usual, instead of reaching for another one, I can ask myself; “what am I feeling right now?”. I can choose to face the feeling of stress rather than push it away. Becoming aware

At the end of the day, if you still feel stressed after heeding all

of your habitual responses to stress will help you to replace them

the necessary precautions, maybe your stress is caused by a little

with more constructive, beneﬁcial ways of handling stress that will

voice inside you telling you that this job may not be for you. As the

calm you down rather than simply ‘get lost’ in some mindless

poet and writer Kahlil Gibran once said; “Work is love made visible.

activity. Replacing mindlessness with mindfulness is the ﬁrst step

If you cannot work with love, but only with distaste, it is better that

towards preventing stress from impacting you negatively.

you should leave your work…”

SCIENCE

56 Sunday Circle â&#x2C6;« MAY 2017

SCIENCE

Everyday

science SCIENCE CAN BE FOUND EVERYWHERE AND IN EVERYTHING, BUT HOW CAN YOU MAKE IT FUN FOR CHILDREN? IGGY FENECH MEETS UP WITH MONIQUE CHAMBERS, AUTHOR OF WHAT A CLOUDY DAY, TO FIND OUT MORE. Photos: Allen VenAbles MAke-uP by MAC

From the air we breathe to the making of this edition

child, as she reworked what the book had taught her

of Sunday Circle, the laws of physics and the results of

into a story full of lively characters based on the

chemistry and biology can be found in everything we

characteristics of clouds. Within a few months, and

do, everything we own and everything we are.

through the help of the multi-award-winning, audio-

learning about these processes, however, is not always

visual company shadeena, programming company

seen as fun. but, as Monique Chambers has discovered,

JustsomeCoding, illustrator Inez kristina and narrator

it can actually be.

thomas Camilleri, the ebook found its way to Google

“Many think science is people in white coats, but it’s really not just that,” says the author of the recently launched ebook app What a Cloudy Day, which follows

Play and itunes, ready to be used to connect parents and children through the power of clouds. “the decision to turn this into an ebook rather

the adventures of Cumulus, a cloud of the cumulus-

than an actual, printed book was based on many

variety who journeys across Cloudland in search of

factors,” Monique continues. “the most important of

friends. “Cookery is science, and so is preparing a

these was the fact that some words – such as

bubble bath and, by allowing children to learn the

‘cumulus’ and ‘cirrus’ – are diﬃcult for children to

basics of science through everyday occurrences, these

pronounce. Moreover, the sound eﬀects help little ones

things become something fun and approachable.”

understand the story and the meaning of clouds within

Monique ﬁrst got into cloudspotting – the science of diﬀerentiating between types of clouds and

a context.” Although the ebook app doesn’t go into too

their meaning – after reading a book she had bought

much scientiﬁc detail, it subliminally teaches children

for her partner, John. After that, whenever she’d ﬁnd

where diﬀerent kinds of clouds form and why, giving

herself stuck in traﬃc, on the Gozo ferry or sitting

everyday science a whole new angle.

outside, she’d notice the clouds and would tell anyone

“Many children have a natural wonder towards

who would listen what the next day would have in

understanding the world around them and science is

store for them weatherwise. “the book opened my

key to making sense of our world,” says edward Duca,

eyes to the fact that the weather, rather than being

the founder and organiser of the extremely popular

something that happens from time to time through a

Science in the City festival. “We see clouds every day,

thunderstorm or a nice day, is actually all around us.”

and imagining dragons and other fuzzy creatures in

the inspiration behind Monique’s recent ebook app actually came from an encounter with her friend’s

these is great fun and highly creative. so is seeing the electrical charges discharged in a thunderstorm, the

MAY 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle

SCIENCE

diﬀerent types of clouds hovering above us, and the way they shape the weather around the globe, shows just how amazing clouds really are.

EXPERIMENT TIME!

“Inspiring children at a young age helps them ﬁnd the answers they seek, while instilling a lifelong passion for the subject

Three fun and easy weather-related experiments by

is critical to today’s world; and this ebook is an incredibly creative

the Royal Meteorological Society.

and original way to start that with young children,” he continues. “Science, after all, makes the world go round. Without science and

A cloud in a glass:

its applications, computers, mobiles, Snapchat, Facebook,

Clouds in the real world form in warm, moist air, and

medicine, airplanes, the whole lot, simply would not exist. Science

you can create a similar eﬀect using a clear glass or a

is key to understanding who we are and where we have come

see-through container, warm water, ice, a metal or foil

from, but with the right approach it can also be fun.”

dish, and the four following steps! 1. Place the ice into the metal dish. 2. Pour a small amount of warm water into the glass. 3. Wait until the dish is really cold, then place it on top of the glass. 4. Watch the inside carefully. You should see a ‘cloud’ form near the rim. This is the way clouds form in the real world. Warm, moist air like that in your glass, condenses into tiny water droplets, which appear as clouds!

A pinecone weather station Get hold of a pinecone and place it on a windowsill. Have a look at the pinecone every day and record whether it is open or closed and whether it’s raining or not… As pinecones are full of very light seeds, they open on ﬁne, dry days so that Through an ebook like Monique’s, something obvious, something familiar and normal, becomes exciting, and helps

the wind can carry the seeds far away from the parent tree. On days when the humidity is higher, the seeds are less likely to be carried away, so the pinecones remain closed!

children to look beyond what they can see and discover a world that is hidden from plain sight. It is also an interactive app that

Inflate balloons… magically!

encourages children to use technology to learn and then to put

Forget about inﬂating balloons with a pump, what

their phone or tablet down and head outside to acquire knowledge

you’ll need is an empty, two-litre plastic bottle, a

while playing.

balloon, a freezer, some hot water, and the three

“Cloudspotting is fun, can be done anywhere, and, most importantly, is free! It’s a good way of keeping the kids entertained when stuck in traﬃc or on the beach, and it’s a great way to help them learn something even when they’re just walking back home from school or sitting on the terrace,” Monique concludes. No matter what line of work we’re in, or what our aspirations are, having some scientiﬁc knowledge – just like being able to count, read and write – will always come in handy, and instilling a

following steps! 1. Put the empty bottle in a freezer without the cap on for about two hours. 2. Take it out and quickly put the balloon over the mouth of the bottle. 3. With help from an adult, pour very hot water over the sides of the bottle and see what happens! Cold air is denser than warm air, so when air is

passion for knowledge from a young age, is a gift you’ll never

heated – by, for example, coming into contact with

regret giving your children!

warm ground – it expands and rises, sometimes far enough for it become clouds!

What a Cloudy Day is available on iTunes and Google Play for both iPhone and Android.

58 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

OFFROADING

Off the beaten track CLAIRE CARUANA CHECKS OUT GOZO’S LESS-DISCOVERED SCENIC SPOTS WHILE TEST-DRIVING THREE OF THE NEWEST ADDITIONS TO MOTORS INC. LTD SUV FAMILY. As the nation slowly recovered from the shock that was the collapse of the Azure

Opel Mokka X

Window at Dwejra earlier this year, there was a one question on everyone’s mind where else can we go when in the Gozo? And, while the obvious spots like the Ċittadella and Mġarr ix-Xini, instantly come to mind, the island has much more to offer if one dares to be slightly more adventurous than usual. A recent SUV drive trip to Gozo, organised by Motors Inc. Ltd served as proof that the island offered several paths that were off the beaten track which could be enjoyed by anyone, even for someone like myself who is no adrenaline junkie. Leaving the Motors Inc. showroom in Qormi, I got behind the wheel of the new Opel Mokka X. As someone who lugs around more than a single carry-on even if going on a day trip, the car was perfectly spacious. In an attempt to avoid the morning rush, we headed towards Ċirkewwa via side roads along the coast and while the trip Proud of successfully having driven

may have taken longer than usual, it was a

prospect of not having to spend the day

welcome change from my usual morning

rushing around popular tourist spots, I was

on an oﬀroad track for the ﬁrst time, I

commute. Cars heading in the same

concerned my driving skills would not be

stepped out of the car to ﬁnd we had

direction were few and far between and I

up to the task.

reached our ﬁrst destination – Kenuna

soon found myself cruising at ease. While on the ferry, I learnt that some

Seated behind the wheel of the pearlwhite Mokka I’d left Malta in, I soon found

Tower. Looking down at the Tower from the

of the spots would require driving through

myself cruising over a hill, manoeuvring all

top of the hill was by far the highlight of

country paths and, while excited about the

the way to the top with very little eﬀort.

the day. While the weather had been

60 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

OFFROADING

Jeep Renegade at Kenuna Tower

Next up was Wied il-Mielaħ, which in recent weeks had become somewhat of a household name as many visited the spot following the collapse of the Azure Window. A similar window there was attracting many visitors and having never visited before, I could ﬁnally understand the hype surrounding this so-called Azure Window sister. Somewhat smaller and less majestic than the Azure Window, that at Wied il-Mielaħ is just as mesmerising. Still in the Jeep Renegade, which by Kia Sportage

now had become my favourite of the two cars I had tried, we headed towards Vini e

gloomy in previous days, there was not a

the Renegade to be a tougher ride and was

single cloud in sight on the day and the

pleasantly surprised that this was far from

glistening sea served as the perfect

the case.

backdrop to the Kenuna Tower. Next up we drove down the Ramla

While the Renegade’s interior is more compact and equipped with all the features

Capricci in Xewkija for lunch. Taking a small sip of the chilled homemade lemonade we were oﬀered upon stepping inside the wine and Gozitan delicacies shop, I knew we were in for a treat. Moving upstairs, a table full of

Valley where I switched my Opel Mokka X

of any other high-end SUV, a closer look at

with the Jeep Renegade. With a more

the interior exposes detailing that is

gourmet food, mostly from local produce,

rugged exterior than the Mokka, I expected

synonymous with the Jeep brand.

awaited.

MAY 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle

OFFROADING

The traditional Gozitan ftira stood out as a clear favourite among all, the dish disappeared within minutes. Baked pasta stuffed with fresh goat’s cheese was also a popular dish. Refreshed after the hearty lunch, we headed off for the last leg of the trip and while reluctant to part with the Jeep Renegade, I was convinced to get behind the wheel of the Kia Sportage. The Sportage is the embodiment of an SUV and while the biggest vehicle out of the three, I found myself completely at ease in the driving seat. From Xewkija, we headed through Wied Junu on to San Rafflu, down the Xlendi Valley and up to Ta’ Sannap Cliff for the last stop of the day. And while none of the spots had

The Sportage is the embodiment of an SUV and while the biggest vehicle out of the three, I found myself completely at ease in the driving seat

disappointed, the view from the Ta’ Sannap Cliﬀ left everyone speechless. The view of the white cliﬀs there is stunning and while beautiful on a sunny day, I imagine the seascape to be just as mesmerising on a cold, wintery day.

The so-called Azure Window sister in Wied il-Mielaħ. “Somewhat smaller and less majestic than the Azure Window, that at Wied il-Mielaħ is just as mesmerising”.

62 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

STYLE

Photography Kurt Paris (www.kurtparis.com) Art direction and fashion editor Caroline Paris (carolinefashionstyling.com) Models Gabriella, Daniela @supernova.com Hair Toni & Guy Artistic Team Make-up Jennifer The Makeup Artist Location Bay Street is one of Malta’s most loved shopping destinations - with its enviable position right next to the beach, it’s selection of restaurants and portfolio of top brands, it really is our top pick. Choose to shop at top franchise outlets, multi-brand stores oﬀering highquality selections from top international designers followed by a trip to the spa or a bite to eat.

Caroline Paris is a fashion and personal stylist whose portfolio includes television series, local celebrities, magazine work and campaigns. She won the Best Stylist Award at the Malta Fashion Awards three times and currently blogs on www.carolinefashionstyling.com Kurt Paris is a fashion photographer whose technical expertise in lighting manipulation enables him to explore different paths of creativity while ensuring the image quality is never compromised. Kurt won the Malta Fashion Award for Best Photographer these last three years.

64 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

THE HIGHSTREET LOOK

STYLE

TOP FASHION BRANDS, CATWALK LOOKS AND SULTRY SOPHISTICATION COME TOGETHER AT BAYSTREET, ONE OF MALTA’S COOLEST FASHION HUBS.

This is the season for long flowing dresses, wear them at every possible occasion in every possible style. Model: Gabriella (red) wears Dress: Cortefiel. Shoes: Aldo Model: Daniela wears Dress: Armani Jeans. Shoes: Aldo

MAY 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle

STYLE

Whilst florals in spring and summer might be an obvious choice, never underestimate their ability to make a style impact that is both chic and fresh. Model: Gabriella Jacket, Top: Cortefiel Jeans: Polo Ralph Lauren @ Bortex Women and Children Sunglasses, Jewellery: SunLab

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STYLE

Preppy, laid-back casual is one of the key trends this season and blue is one of the hottest colours, combine with a stylish pair of shades and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re set to conquer the world. Shorts, Top: Polo Ralph Lauren @ Bortex Women and Children Sunglasses, Jewellery: SunLab. Bag: Cortefiel

68 Sunday Circle â&#x2C6;Ť MAY 2017

STYLE

Colour looks beautiful in summer but so does all-black with just a hint of colour especially when accompanied by a summer tan. Cardigan, Trousers: Pedro del Hierro @ Cortefiel Bag: Mario Valentino @ Misto. Jewellery: SunLab

MAY 2017 â&#x2C6;Ť Sunday Circle

STYLE

Stripes and more stripes are on everyone’s lips this summer, pair with neutrals for maximum effect. Trousers: Cortefiel Jacket, Scarf: Armani Jeans Shoes: Aldo

70 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

CIRCLE PROMOTION

AN INNER CONVICTION PN CANDIDATE RAY BUGEJA SHARES HIS VISION FOR A PROGRESSIVE MALTA THAT REMAINS TRUE TO ITS VALUES WITH JOHNATHAN CILIA. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, there comes a point in any successful life where you don’t need to worry about food or safety, indeed, even about one’s own personal growth in life and love. The real goal is to reach one’s full potential, fulfilling the inherent goals and dreams within a person that do not relate to anything extraneous to the person’s very own wants. For many, reaching this final potential includes being able to lie back on a private beach with some frozen margheritas, or even pursuing more creative endeavors – US President George W. Bush now spends his days leisurely painting portraits on his Texas ranch, for example. However, for the 65-year-old Ray Bugeja, who has spent his entire life in global finance, there’s only

Ray Bugeja with his partner Sara Grech.

one endeavour that he wants to pursue: Maltese

PHOTOS: JACOB SAMMUT

politics. The Sliema-born ﬁnancier and investor is an accountant by training, and had moved to London to work at Midland Bank at the age of 21. “What was meant to be just a few years away turned into decades,” he smiles, recounting his journey. He moved from Midland Bank to hold multiple ﬁnancial

childhood passion of mine, which was politics,” he says of his entry into the local political scene. He returned to Malta and ﬁrst contested the PN leadership in 2013. Having spent most of his life abroad and not been active in the local political scene, and with little to no public name

management positions with the international news company

recognition, he wanted to oﬀer the PN an outsider choice, an

Reuters from 1972 - 1985, which took him around the world. He lived

alternative from the usual. “I was the oﬀ-menu selection,” he jokes.

in Buenos Aires, had a child in Rio de Janiero, as well as moving to

“I also oﬀered a person of the maturity and age as the previous

Paris and Hong Kong, before joining TNT Express in Milan as

leader, Lawrence Gonzi.”

ﬁnance and administration manager for Italy. He then became COO and Director of Warburg (now UBS) in

He obtained 5 per cent of the vote, but had gained exposure to PN councillors as well as the general public. “As a public ﬁgure I

1992, ﬁrst in Milan and then London, working with them for seven

knew no one at that time, but I still felt that I had given something

years before leaving with four colleagues to found his own asset

to the party. I met a lot of people in a short while which I

management company, Kairos, which he was successfully involved

thoroughly enjoyed,” he says.

with until 2010. However, in that year, aged 59, having recently separated and

After the election, he was asked to look into the party’s ﬁnances, due to his considerable past experience. “I chaired the

just lost his beloved pet dog of 12 years, he “became too lonely to

commission which produced a report within a month - and the PN

carry on”. Having completed my career so to say, I went for a

began implementing the recommendations from our report,” he

72 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

CIRCLE PROMOTION

says of the post-election rebuilding the PN had to undertake. He then contested the MEP elections in 2014, and came 5th amongst PN candidates. “I had become a public figure then, I had contributed to the party vote count, and helped get that third seat. I wanted to help the party, and even though I wasn’t elected it didn’t matter, I didn’t feel a sense of disappointment or failure, but that I had contributed,” he says of that election. Ray Bugeja comes from a PN-leaning family. His father was a legal procurator and his mother was a “humble, religious woman” – but he is clear about his own political idealogy. Of his loyalty to the PN, he explains that it stems from “a conviction inside, not by inheritance but by acquisition, through emotion.” He describes himself as “a Tory and Republican by inclination, but I have great respect for Obama. That guy inspired people to go to college and find jobs, he inspired the young and the old.” Self-billed as a “conservative with a liberal heart, capitalist with a social heart,” Bugeja has firmly slotted himself as an outsider candidate whose entire make-up is aimed towards financial management and stability. His view of politics is clear. “What is politics?,” he asks. “Leadership and administration. And leadership and administration in politics is no different from leadership and administration in business,” while underlining that: “a strong difference is the societal element in politics which even corporations are now embracing through CSR.” He sees the two political parties as “two contenders for the temporary custody of the country’s finances and other resources, tasked with identifying these resources, safeguarding them, and leaving them in a better state than they were found” and thinks that governments need to “make the money simply for administration and debt-reduction, make it honestly and fairly and make it sustainably – and not through one-off initiatives. And that’s where the principles come in: how do you distribute the wealth?” Unsurprisingly, Ray Bugeja is firmly focused on economic matters. “Tax transparency and simplicity are needed so that people know what overall tax burden is that they need to bear. Government should not take more revenue than it needs,” he says. However, he still feels strongly about social issues, saying abortion is a “red-line” for him, and believing that drug-users should be seen as victims, not criminals. His confident pragmatism clearly stems from his running multi-million international financial organisations for decades successfully, and

MAY 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle

CIRCLE PROMOTION

sometimes his pragmatism veered to such easy terms that you

“Pope Francis said that ‘true power is service’ and he is absolutely

wonder how politics can’t be that easy.

right. “You get the greatest satisfaction from that and I am fond of

Basically, he rhetorically asks, what do we want as a country,

saying that the greatest form of (benign) egoism is altruism.”

what do the people want to choose to spend their money on? Free

He even referred to John F. Kennedy’s immortal observation on

healthcare, education, etc? If that’s what we want, then that’s what

statehood and citizenship: “Ask not what your country can do for you

we’ll buy.

– ask what you can do for your country.” And this is why Ray Bugeja

“I’m a ﬁnance man in the widest sense,” he says. “The system should be eﬃcient, simple... but that is a platitude, that is the dream.” “I’m at an age where my interests – and I’ve been criticised for

will be contesting the next general election on the PN ticket. He believes his background in steering large organisations through tempestuous macroeconomies and striving for practicality and

using this word – are philanthropic. Philanthropy is not charity – it is

transparency are essential in any successful government – and it’s not

doing things without seeking ﬁnancial gain. A politician is an

just him that believes that.

underpaid, overworked, and temporary profession. My political

“The party believes I can help again,” he says. “Clearly I would

interest is in helping my country. My aim is not titles, it’s not prestige. I

love the party to be in government, so I can give an actual

have spent a lot of time away from this country but I want to give

administrative contribution to the country, or even a contribution by

something back to the country of my birth,” he says ﬁrmly.

being an Opposition MP. If I’m elected I’ll be happy, but if I’m not

“Entering politics is a mission, it is a vocation, it is not a career – and I could do without the work,” he smiles. “I’ve got some money saved in the piggy bank, my business career is over – now I want the privilege of serving my country.”

It’s no secret that Ray Bugeja has money in the bank, and he is

elected I won’t be sad if I will have succeeded in collecting votes for the PN,” he says with a smile. Why a rich businessman with an apartment in the aﬄuent London district of Knightsbridge, as well as Italian citizenship, would

want to enter the tribal warfare that is Maltese politics is beyond most

clear that his success in business shows that his interest in politics and

people, but Ray knows the real reason: “politics in Malta is like its

governance is driven by selﬂess interests.

humidity, it gets into your bones!”

“It’s certainly not for the money. Those who go into politics for

In this global climate of outsider politicians entering politics with

the money are vulnerable to abuse of power,” he points out. “You

huge support and bringing a new way of thinking to the established

must do the right thing at the right time. Right now,” he continues,

structures that make up politics, Ray Bugeja hopes to bring his unique

referring the allegations engulﬁng the current administration, “if what

set of skills and international outlook – while ﬁrmly rooted in Maltese

we are seeing is proven to be true, it is an example of what can

tradition – to the Maltese political sphere.

happen when you enter politics for money. You do it because you want to be of service, not for money.” Considering his conservative background, he gets a lot of

“A politician is at his greatest – and becomes a statesman – when he does what he believes, not for votes and not even for his party, but for his country,” he says adamantly. “You should be inspired

inspiration from some of the more progressive social and political

in everything you want to do. If politics do not come from your heart,

stars in modern history, as his respect for Obama shows. He is partial

don’t do it. The greatest satisfaction to me, really and truly, is that I’ll

to quoting these great men and being inspired by their mantras –

have been of service to my country.”

MAY 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle

CIRCLE PROMOTION

THE AGE OF INFORMATION WANT TO KNOW EXACTLY WHO IS VISITING YOUR WEBSITE OR APP AND WHY? ANALYTICS COMPANY HOTJAR WILL TELL YOU ALL THIS AND MORE. RAMONA DEPARES FINDS OUT MORE FROM FOUNDER DAVID DARMANIN. Who is visiting your site? Where are they clicking? For how long? and what are they after? all questions that anyone who has ever developed a website or an app is likely to ask himself continuously. the bad news is that, for the layperson, such information – even with the advent of google analytics – is impossible to unlock. Enter hotjar, a one-stop solution that answers all these questions and some more. touted as one of the fastest-growing analytics start-ups – the company registered a nine per cent average growth rate on a monthly basis as at last month – the homegrown company was started by David Darmanin in 2014 together with a team of cofounders, including Marc Von Brockdorﬀ, Jonathan Vella, Johan Malmberg and Eric naslund (both from sweden). In just two years, the 36-year-old’s project has already attracted over 12,000 clients from all over the world, with some major brands like nintendo, Ikea, Panasonic, Columbia and t-Mobile among the names that trust their analytics to hotjar. Photos: Jonathan Borg

to put it in layman’s terms, hotjar oﬀers an all-in-one analytics and feedback solution which allows website owners to discover exactly how their visitors are using their website. this year, hotjar will be hosting the international Xawards in

ﬁrm, where I was growing some of the biggest brands in the world. the biggest pain throughout this whole time was the software we

Malta, on May 11 and 12 at Villa rosa in st Julian’s. the event aims to

used. It was expensive, diﬃcult to use... and involved using several

recognise the best web and native digital experiences at the ‘early

disconnected solutions. having worked in a software company in the

start-up’ stage, with over 640 start-up teams from 63 countries

past I realised there was an opportunity to disrupt the industry by

submitting their application.

creating a free and simple tool that anyone could use. In a way, I

In the run-up to the event, I caught up with David to ﬁnd out

wanted to create a solution I wanted to use a decade earlier.

more about why developers need hotjar and how the company is helping them understand and reach their market.

What have been the biggest challenges in executing it? the biggest challenge has been scaling up our architecture to

Describe Hotjar in layman terms.

meet the demand of our users. Being a free platform it involves

hotjar is an ‘all-in-one’ solution that reveals how, and why, your

collecting and processing a tremendous amount of data. Finding the

site visitors are using your site or app. It includes tools like heatmaps, to see where visitors are clicking, the ability to replay how your visitors experience your site (like a video) and polls and surveys to receive feedback directly from users.

How was the idea born? Before hotjar I had worked in optimising sites for better results for over a decade. this led me to become a consultant with a British

76 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

“In just two years, the company has already attracted over 12,000 clients from all over the world”

CIRCLE PROMOTION

right people to join the team has also been a big challenge. Luckily,

Hotjar, visualizes your visitors’ experience – making the information far

we work remotely (anyone can work from home or while they travel)

more actionable.

which means we are in a position to build a really driven, ambitious and similarly-minded team.

Can you give us examples of how some clients would use the information?

Who are Hotjar’s typical clients? Hotjar is used across 190,415 sites round the world. Hotjar is free

Many of our users discover an obvious area for improvement very quickly. The fact that within minutes of setting up Hotjar they

but some of these organizations chose to move to our premium paid

can replay how a page, or feature, is being used is tremendously

plans. We currently have just over 12,000 customers from 184

valuable. Similarly, the ability to quickly collect feedback using our

countries. This means that we don’t really have a typical customer. It is

recommended questions is extremely insightful. In many cases our

mostly used by product teams (designers and developers) or

customers are shocked and surprised by the results.

marketing teams across a very wide spread of verticals. How does Hotjar go a step further than Google Analytics? Information is power: how true is this in today’s climate? Today, technology has become so cheap that the only way to

Web analytics software tools like Google Analytics gives you data about the pages your users are visiting (for example, which page

diﬀerentiate yourself from an onslaught of competitors is to build an

has the highest bounce rate or conversion rate) but they will not show

amazing experience. The only way to do this is to really understand

you how your visitors are really using the pages themselves... and

your users – by observing what they do and asking for their feedback.

more importantly why they are behaving that way. For this reason, we

There is such a thing as information overload; in fact, many teams ﬁnd

don’t think Hotjar is an alternative to Google Analytics. Instead Hotjar

Hotjar’s approach refreshing. Rather than focusing on a lot of data

should be used together with a web analytics solution.

MAY 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Id-Dwejra

Migra l-Ferħa Gorge

Enhancing the quality of our waters “WE ALL NEED WATER, AND IT’S HANDY IN A BOTTLE, BUT SURELY WE CAN DO MUCH BETTER THAN THIS” (UNEP, 2017). THE ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCES AUTHORITY EXPLAINS WHAT IS BEING DONE TO PROTECT MALTA’S WATER RESOURCES. As a small island subject to a Mediterranean climate, Malta is characterised by scarce freshwater resources but a wide extent of marine waters when compared to its land mass. Both fresh and marine waters are considered to be important water resources that not only sustain our livelihoods but also the unique biodiversity of the islands. ERA is committed to protecting the biodiversity around the Maltese Islands and this involves the protection of the water and marine ecosystems as a whole; since the functioning of every piece of the puzzle depends on the larger picture. A programme of measures for the marine environment has already been developed by ERA with a view to contributing to the achievement of good water status.

What is good water status? Water management is governed by various policies which call for the achievement of ‘Good water status’ and of which a number fall upon ERA and other authorities to implement. The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) is one of these policies, with an overarching framework for the protection of all water resources. The EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive is another policy, adopted eight years after the adoption of the WFD, which focuses on the achievement of Good Environmental Status in the marine environment. Malta is committed to achieve Good Environmental Status in the marine environment by 2020 (under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive) and Good Status for all water

78 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

Is-Salini

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Is-Salini - Juncus acutus

Ix-Xlendi

bodies (under the EU Water Framework Directive). Out of the waters that are considered under the Water Framework Directive, ERA is responsible for coastal waters and surface waters (inland and transitional) in protected areas. The challenge of these two water policies mentioned is mainly that they need to be implemented through an integrated approach and in synergy with an array of policies governing conservation of biodiversity and environmental protection. ‘When asked to list the five main environmental issues that Europeans are worried about, averaged results for the EU25 show that nearly half of the respondents are worried about “water pollution” (47%)’(EU, 2016). ERA is committed through its implementation of the above mentioned policies to enhance the quality of water through achievement of the objectives of these policies.

Pressures on our water resources Pressures on the water resources include excessive pesticide use, tourism, recreational activities, industrial activities, waste management facilities, storm water, infrastructure developments, local marine activities, non-indigenous

MAY 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle

CIRCLE PROMOTION

WHY DO WE NEED TO MANAGE OUR WATER RESOURCES? Malta has no large and permanent river systems. Freshwater on land is restricted to very small streams, water courses or standing waters that flow, or have fluctuating water levels throughout the year. These are unique in the species and habitats that they offer and therefore they merit protection. Inland surface waters have, over the past years, been restricted due to human modifications and road constructions. The sites are, in fact, considered to be modified. Most inland surface water systems are linked to the dynamics of several river valleys (widien). Valleys act as channels of rainwater, feeding such waters into the marine environment, sometimes through transitional water bodies located at the mouths of valley catchments and in close Coastal water

proximity to the sea. Valley systems may also be fed by groundwater resources housed in Malta’s perched aquifers. Groundwater,

species, aquaculture and urban land-use amongst others.

inland surface waters, transitional waters and marine waters

Challenging management issues that need to be addressed in a

are thus interconnected and belong to the same hydrological

holistic manner include the wide extent of the marine

system, calling for the need of an integrated approach

environment and the various uses, data gaps in our knowledge

towards management of water resources. Such management

of these water resources, the need to investigate cumulative

should be geared towards achieving good water status for

impacts as well as ensuring the protection of important water

the various water resources on the islands, on the basis of

dependent habitats and species.

the understanding that deterioration of one water body

Not all is well in the marine ecosystems worldwide, and it is

could have a cascade eﬀect on others.

predicted that “by 2050, an estimated 99% of seabirds will have ingested plastic” (UNEP, 2017). Such statistics are worrying, but action can already be taken on an individual level. For instance one could start by re-evaluating our own plastic use and committing to an action. Such action could include taking and re

The EU ecosystems-based approach Applying an ecosystem-based approach to the

using your own coﬀee cup, reducing the amount of use of

management of anthropogenic activity on water resources is

cosmetics with microbeads, not using plastic bags, not buying

gaining importance. In fact, it is a principle that is enshrined

water plastic bottles and even participating in cleaning a beach”

for managing the marine environment under the EU Marine

(UNEP, 2017).

Strategy Framework Directive. This involves a Holistic

Further monitoring and assessments of the surface water

management approach that considers the processes,

bodies and marine waters is next on ERA’s list of tasks for this

functions and interactions amongst organisms and their

environmental medium, in order to provide the required

environment and recognises that humans are an integral part

information for tailor made water management. These processes

of ecosystems.

will be taking the extra mile to further ensure coordinated and

This approach diﬀers from traditional methods that

consolidated action towards achievement of each goal within

address single concerns; instead, it addresses multiple

our programme of measures so as to enhance the quality of our

pressures and their interactions with the various

waters.

environmental processes. Through the application of this approach, the diﬀerent pressures on the water resources need to be managed in a holistic manner. Fresh and coastal Hexagon House, Spencer

water resources are subject to a wide range of activities

Hill, Marsa, MRS 1441

which can give rise to the deterioration of water quality.

Tel: (+356) 2292 3500

Pressures can be divided into chemical pressures,

Email: info@era.org.mt

hydromorphological alterations and biological pressures.

Website: era.org.mt

80 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

Triple action for a

HEALTHY sunkissed skin at any age

Distribution By: Noriva Ltd | Tel: 2141 3112 | Email: info@noriva.com.mt | Web: www.sanssoucis.com | Facebook: facebook.com/NorivaLtd Beauty Therapist & Trainer: Angele Bugeja Mob: 9932 0275

SPORTS

Gearing up for the season FAST-PACED AND EDGY, POLO IS A GAME THAT IS SOMEHOW STILL PERCEIVED AS EXCLUSIVE. YET, IT’S ALSO FUN TO BOTH PARTICIPATE IN AND WATCH, AS THE CHEERING CROWD AT THE LAST GAME HELD A COUPLE OF WEEKENDS AGO ATTESTS. KARL GALEA, FROM THE MALTA POLO CLUB, GIVES RAMONA DEPARES THE BASICS OF THE GAME AS THE CLUB GEARS UP FOR THE CAWNPORE CUP.

Polo for dummies – describe the sport to someone who’s never

proceedings in the case of fouls; a third umpire oversees the game

watched a game.

from a vantage point. Polo is known for its strict rules, necessary to

Polo is a game played between two teams with four players

make sure this fast-paced game is carried out in a safe and sporting

on each team and, generally each player will play between two and

way. After each goal is scored the teams change direction, while

six ponies during a match. A polo match consists of four to eight

during the breaks between periods (referred to as chukkas) players

periods that last seven minutes and 30 seconds each. During those

change ponies. The aim of play is to hit the ball between the two

30 seconds, play continues until a team scores or the ball hits the

goal posts.

sideboards. Two mounted umpires follow the game, stopping Polo does sound very fastpaced. How do the ponies cope? Each pony may only be played once in each chukka, but may be ‘doubled’ providing it is not played in consecutive chukkas. The welfare of the ponies is of utmost importance in this game, and players spend much time nurturing, exercising and training their ponies – it is said that 80 per cent of the skill of a player lies with the competence of the pony and the best players have a unique bond with their ponies that allows complete synchronisation during play. Polo players rely on their grooms to prepare and tend to the ponies – the grooms are highly skilled at bringing the ponies to peak condition prior to matches. Each polo groom will tend to between four and six ponies, he will know their likes and dislikes, and whether they are fit and ready to

82 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

SPORTS

PHOTOS: JACOB SAMMUT

MAY 2017 â&#x2C6;« Sunday Circle

SPORTS

play. Players work closely with their grooms to ensure that the ponies’ welfare and condition is maintained throughout the year. Often quoted is ‘no groom no pony no play’ – in the sport of polo the teamwork extends way beyond the playing ﬁeld.

What is the biggest challenge playing the sport? Teamwork – both between team members and the individual players with their pony. The pace of the game means that each player has a role to play within the team and needs to work well as a unit with his pony. Each pony, like each player, has its own character, weaknesses and strengths.

Can you describe what the match that was held a couple of weeks ago was about? Two teams from the Malta Polo Club played a match for the Ormsby Johnson Cup – one of many historic polo trophies that the Club holds. The ﬁrst recorded match for the Ormsby Johnson Cup was in 1928. It commemorates Lt. Cdr. L. Ormsby Johnson, a highly decorated and much respected polo player who served in the Royal Navy in Malta and the Dardanelles in 1915. Ormsby Johnson retired from the Navy following his service in Malta and died following a hunting accident in Ireland in 1920 at the age of 32. The Malta Polo Club continues with the tradition set by his fellow oﬃcers of honouring Ormsby Johnson’s memory by playing for the challenge cup annually.

How many spectators did it attract? The Malta Polo Club holds up to six Cup Challenges throughout the polo season, and all events are well-attended. The club house is ideally situated at the side of the polo ﬁeld and spectators can view the match whilst socialising in the club house. The match last week attracted an appreciative crowd of upwards of 100 – 150 spectators. With the polo season now in full swing, attendance by the public starts to increase and a crowd of upwards of 900 is expected at the ultimate match of the season in June – The Cawnpore Cup.

What makes the Cawnpore Cup so cool? The Cawnpore Cup is one of the oldest polo trophies worldwide. Raised in Cawnpore, India in 1901, the trophy was brought to Malta in 1947 by Lord Louis Mountbatten, and gifted to the Malta Polo Club. This magniﬁcent trophy bears the team names of all players who have won the trophy since

84 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

SPORTS

MAY 2017 â&#x2C6;« Sunday Circle

SPORTS

1901. With the exception of very few years, the trophy has been contested annually since it was created. The Cawnpore Cup is an important historical record of polo from the very early days of the sport. It is considered as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Club’s polo trophies and history – and the much anticipated match for this trophy is hard fought by the eight highest handicapped polo players from the Club. With the popularity of the ultimate polo match of the Club’s season growing greater every year, we are expecting a crowd of 900-1000 spectators to watch this year’s match, which is being held on June 10.

What is your advice to anyone who would like to be involved in this sport? The best advice to those who might be interested in taking up the sport of polo in Malta is to take the first step – sort out a lesson, join one of the three-day coaching sessions, or sign up for the four-week beginners’ clinics held throughout the year. It only takes one lesson to fall in love with the sport of polo and age is no barrier. The Malta Polo Club has players from the age of 12 to 60 who play regularly); we have both men and women players and, as the most ‘historic’ polo club in the world, the Malta Polo Club is also the most welcoming. For those who have previous polo experience and would like to join in Club chukkas (held three times a week) contact any member and come on down to the club – members will advise on pony hire, practice time, coaching, and participation in our weekly games.

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POLITICS

No sacred cows

IN A CLIMATE WHERE POLITICIANS HIDE REALITY TO SUIT THEIR PURPOSES, ARTISTS CAN PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO EXPOSE THE TRUTH. POLITICAL CARTOONIST SEB TANTI BURLÒ TELLS RAMONA DEPARES HOW HE HOPES AN EXHIBITION HE PRESENTED IN BRUSSELS HELPS PEOPLE BETTER UNDERSTAND THE REALITIES WE LIVE IN. With the current political climate being what it is, it is undeniable

names in this regard is Seb Tanti Burlò, who topped quite a few

that any touch of humour – the drier and more cutting, the better –

sacred cows himself through an exhibition featuring 23 of his

injected into the topic is welcome.

satirical cartoons that was recently held at the European Parliament

Happily, our politicians are no longer considered the sacred cows they once were. Our very own carnival festivities increasingly

in Brussels, Belgium. Curated by Fabrizio Mifsud Soler, the exhibition was hosted by

make reference to the prime players in the arena, and the archaic

MEP Therese Comodini Cachia as part of the oﬃcial programme of

idea of ‘respect for the oﬃce’ has thankfully been ditched.

the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with

This irreverence is also reﬂected in the political sketches and illustrations that are so popular on local media. One of the foremost

88 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

the support of the Arts Council Malta and the EPP Group in the European Parliament.

POLITICS

The exhibition was part of the iwEU programme organised by Davinia Galea and Mario Frendo, the ﬁrst part of which was the Valletta Forum, a conference held in Malta earlier this year which brought together issues such as governance, politics, culture, artists and theatre. The exhibits included 10 portraits of the speakers and participants at the Valletta Forum; nine cartoons including comments of the speakers; and four examples of the sketches taken during the forum.

MAY 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle

POLITICS

“Satire isn’t a check or balance employed with politicians since they don’t seem to believe themselves unbalanced. I feel that satire is there for the beneﬁt of the people,” Seb said. Throughout the Valletta Forum, Seb observed proceedings and captured sound bites and happenings on paper. After digest the information, he then translated these into an image. “There were three methods of work on display; portrait studies, live sketches and cartooning. The works attempt to provide the audience with broader insight into an event that occurred months before, in a diﬀerent country. “Theatre and artists can play a role to expose the reality of what is happening around us, helping society grow and understand the realities we live in. When we have politicians saying half-truths, or outright avoiding the truth, preferring to say, instead, what favours them, theatre and artists can play an important role to expose the truth,” Seb concluded.

People need to laugh at those who presume to assume power

SPORTS

PHOTOS BY: MIKE MCLAUGHLIN

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SPORTS

THE MISUNDERSTOOD

SPORT IVAN BORG MEETS UP WITH SQUASH PLAYER COLETTE SULTANA, FRESH FROM WINNING GOLD FOR MALTA AT THE EUROPEAN TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS. Colette Sultana is still a youngling by most standards. However, she’s already accumulated a wealth of experience, competing for the national squash selection from a very young age. What sets her apart is her experience as a collegiate athlete in the US. She’s been competing for Columbia University while reading for her degree with the same prestigious institution. During the first two years at Columbia University, Colette’s squash training was assisted through the Malta Sports Scholarships – Directorate for Lifelong Learning, Ministry for Education,and Employment. I caught up with the young squash star, and quizzed her on her career so far.

How did you get your start as a squash player, and why did you choose to take it up with such fervour? I started when I was nine years old after attending an open day at the Marsa Sports Club. I remember really enjoying the open day and starting a weekly session with coach Paul Lake, and a few other children my age. After about six months, the coach urged me to start taking lessons and I went on to practise about three times a week. From an early age, Paul had told me that if I trained regularly I might be able to get good enough to attend junior squash tournaments in Europe. I think that was also part of why I increased the number of sessions I would have per week, I was enjoying the sport and I definitely wanted a chance to represent Malta. My first tournament was the Austrian Junior Open in 2006, I was 11 at the time and I finished fourth.

You’ve just completed your fourth year at Columbia. What were the highlights of competing at the collegiate level? The four years at Columbia University just flew by… it has been such a wonderful experience! The team has not been varsity for very long, so when I joined it was a very new team without too many great wins. One of the things I loved over my four years has been that every year we beat a team we had not beaten ever before. We upset Brown University in my first year, Dartmouth in my second year, Cornell in my third year and Princeton during Ivy Scrimmages this year. Competing at collegiate level also means you are on a team made up

MAY 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle

SPORTS

The Columbia University squash athletes.

of nine players, and I have really enjoyed the team aspect of college squash. Travelling, training and even just being around my teammates has been so much fun, I am very close with them.

What are your goals as a squash player, in the near future

Colette with one of her sporting mates.

and longer-term? Squash and school have always been my top two priorities and, so far I have managed to do both at the highest level possible for me. I think at this point I am looking into possibly focusing just on squash for a bit after graduation – to see what kind of athlete I can become without the time commitment involved with studying and work that I currently have. My goal has been to become the best possible squash player that I can be and that’s what I am going to keep focusing on.

To the casual observer an athlete’s life can seem very rosy – can you name any disappointing episodes since your international debut in Austria? How were you able to overcome them? Since my debut in Austria I have enjoyed a lot about my

taught me a lot about my body and what it means to take care of it properly.

squash journey, and on the most part it’s been an amazing experience. The times that have been the hardest have been those

Being a student-athlete is a lot of work. You are expected to

of injury. I have had a few serious injuries, one of them was a stress

work as hard as other students who aren’t playing any sport, yet

fracture that kept me out for a year. Recovering from injury and

you also have a commitment to a sport which takes up at least

sometimes even having to play whilst injured have resulted in

three hours every day, sometimes even more. How do you cope?

occasions where my performance hasn’t been as good as I may have wanted it to be. These experiences were tough, but have also

94 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

My typical schedule involves squash training in the early morning, university classes in the late morning and afternoon, a

SPORTS

second squash session in the evening – and I also teach a few

Team Championships along with my dad, my brother and my aunt,

squash classes at the university some days. Contact time in class

who were all also on the team!

isn’t very high at Columbia, but there is a lot of assignment work and reading expected of you as a student. It’s one of the most rigorous universities in the world and average grades are high, so it has been tough to get good grades while also committing so much

You just won another gold medal for Malta in that competition. What was special about this event? This was a very special event for me because it concluded a

time to squash. During squash season we are away or competing at

really good season. I really enjoyed playing alongside my Malta

home almost every weekend, so it gets really hard to catch up on

teammates and winning this with them. I think there is always

work. Unfortunately, I have not been able to take care of my body

something special when playing in a team. I really enjoy that it’s not

as well as I could have and this has resulted in a few injuries

just about you, you are playing for your teammates and your

throughout my time at Columbia.

country. In Jersey, I also got to see my brother and my father, who are on the men’s team. It was awesome for me to be able to share

I believe squash runs in your family?

this experience with them.

Being part of a squash-playing family has been a lot of fun. My dad and I are very competitive, which is both good and bad! It has been even better having my brother to train with these past two years as well. I am so excited to see how far my brother goes, he is loving it

What’s the next big thing coming up on your radar? The next 12 months are still quite uncertain, however I really hope to be able to play in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast next April. In addition to that I will be competing on the

and I think he will do great! I am so glad my family plays, it’s a

professional circuit for the ﬁrst time as a full-time athlete. I am really

squash life whenever I am home and I absolutely love it. Not to

looking forward to fully dedicating my time to squash and to

mention that, in April, I got to represent Malta at the European

moving closer towards fulﬁlling my potential as a squash player!

Team spirit runs high even though squash can be a solitary sport.

96 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

CIRCLE PROMOTION

The healing power of water HYDROTHERAPY CAN HELP ADDRESS A NUMBER OF AILMENTS. MARCO VELLA, HEAD OF PHYSIOTHERAPY AT HILLTOP GARDENS’ REVIVE PHYSIOTHERAPY AND AQUATIC CENTRE, EXPLAINS HOW THE STATE-OF-THE-ART HYDROTHERAPY POOL AT THE CENTRE CAN HELP ACHIEVE THIS. Aquatic therapy, commonly known as hydrotherapy, is the use of

range of movement of any particular

exercise therapy within a specially-designed heated pool to target

joint. This will help the user to feel more

and treat a wide spectrum of conditions. These include general joint

mobile and ﬂexible.

pain, low back pain, orthopaedic conditions, neurological

Improves general fitness –

conditions, pain related to arthritis, sports injuries, ﬁbromyalgia,

Physical ﬁtness can be described as a

treatment post elective orthopaedic surgeries such as hip and knee

measure of the body’s ability to function

replacements and many more.

in an eﬃcient and eﬀective manner

The use of gentle, controlled movements within the warm

during daily activities without undue

water heated up to 31-35 degrees gives the opportunity to steadily

fatigue. This can be achieved through

progress in one’s treatment regime within a safe, comfortable and

appropriate nutrition, suﬃcient

enjoyable environment.

moderate to high intensity exercise and

Hydrotherapy is signiﬁcantly diﬀerent from conventional

adequate amounts of rest. Exercising

swimming and aquaerobics. While being less strenuous, it focuses

within a hydrotherapy pool can help in

on guided, controlled, pain–free movements with the ultimate aim

achieving the goal of being physically ﬁt

of providing pain relief.

in a safe, professional and enjoyable environment.

The design of the pool enables the user to exercise in a safe environment at diﬀerent depths and with all the equipment needed.

Causes minimal impact on joints – A hydrotherapy pool provides the opportunity to exercise without your bones and muscles being shackled by gravity’s constraints. Therefore, hydrotherapy

Although the benefits emanating from hydrotherapy are many, the top health benefits are the following: Minimises aches and pains – The warmth of the water relaxes

conveniently provides a gateway to exercise in certain conditions were constant ground impact is too painful or not indicated. Feel good factor – Exercising in warm water helps the body

muscular spasm which is commonly found in close proximity to the

to release several hormones that contribute towards feeling

area of pain. Vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels,

energised and less fatigued. Research is also showing that

also helps in increasing circulation in the area of discomfort which

exercising in warm water may also aid in alleviating symptoms of

ultimately helps in accelerating the healing process.

anxiety and depression.

Helps to gain muscle strength – Hydrotherapy can help

Improves balance with consequent decrease in risk of falls:

strengthen weak musculature. Diﬀerent exercises can be undertaken

Water is a moving body. This makes it a very useful tool to

in water and the type of exercise prescribed will vary according to

challenge and retrain balance, with the ultimate beneﬁt of reducing

the condition or injury being treated. Resistance provided by the

the risk of falls.

water itself helps to strengthen weak musculature. Exercises can be progressed by increasing the speed of movement or by increasing surface area by introducing various special forms of ﬂoats. Increases flexibility – The increased temperature of the water helps in relaxing tight musculature with the resulting increase in

98 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

Moreover, the following unique properties of water are used in the treatment process: Buoyancy is one of the unique properties of water which gives a feeling of weightlessness whilst exercising in the pool. This

CIRCLE PROMOTION

enables the person in the pool to carry out exercises which are

hydrotherapy pool at Revive Physiotherapy and Aquatic Centre at

usually very diﬃcult to carry out on land given that the body feels

Hilltop Gardens boasts a unique design. Moreover, the addition of

much lighter in water. This helps to assist and improve quality of

inbuilt contrast baths particularly beneﬁcial for post sport activity

movement of stiﬀ or weak joints. This is also extremely useful

recovery sessions, sets it apart from the rest. Access to the pool by

when normal walking or weight-bearing is restricted or painful

means of a shallow ramp together with a manual hoist which is

especially following various forms of orthopaedic procedures or

available on site, makes it accessible to anyone irrespective of one’s

acute injuries.

level of physical and functional mobility.

Hydrostatic Pressure whereby the water itself exerts external

Stainless steel handrails surrounding the perimeter of the

pressure on the limb in question and helps in draining any swelling

pool, three diﬀerent pool depths and a multitude of ﬂoats and

which might be present. This is how hydrostatic pressure is thought

equipment available, makes it arguably the best possible

to further help in rehabilitation, particularly after recent injury or

hydrotherapy pool to exercise in. Luxurious showering and

surgery.

changing facilities are also available on site together with free

Turbulence, ie the currents and eddies in the water that can

underground parking.

contribute towards providing an unstable environment which in itself helps towards strengthening stabiliser muscles of the body. Turbulence can also provide resistance to movement which helps in strengthening weak musculature and helps to improve balance and co-ordination which may be impaired after injury or illness. All the above mentioned beneﬁts can only be experienced if the right venue is chosen. The purposely built, state-of-the-art

Web: www.revivephysiocentre.com Email: info@revivephysiocentre.com Tel: 2235 1000

MAY 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle

MUSIC

MARVELLOUS

Marvic

AS MEZZO SOPRANO MARVIC MONREAL PREPARES HERSELF TO PERFORM AT THE CLOSING CONCERT OF THIS YEAR’S INTERNATIONAL SPRING ORCHESTRA FESTIVAL, SHE TELLS IGGY FENECH HOW HER CAREER TOOK OFF FOUR YEARS AGO, AND REVEALS EXCLUSIVE DETAILS ABOUT THE CONCERT.

Although Marvic Monreal is a newcomer on the

her debut at London’s Royal Festival Hall,

classical music scene, her rise has been a

performing the solo in Mahler’s Second

spectacular one. Ever since her ﬁrst oﬃcial

Symphony under the baton of international

appearance in the Debutants’ Concert with the

conductor Semyon Bychkov.

Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) back in 2012,

Nevertheless, Marvic’s success did not come

Marvic has steadily become one of the most

overnight. As a mezzo soprano, she had

sought after and respected mezzo sopranos out

performed many times with the University of

there. In fact, in just four years, she has performed

Malta Junior College Orchestra and the Malta

at Joseph Calleja’s annual summer and Christmas

Philharmonic Orchestra before moving to London

concerts, and even played the title role in Dido

to study at the Royal Academy of Music (RAM).

and Aeneas along with the Valletta International Baroque Ensemble. Just recently, it was also announced that

“For the ﬁrst time in my life, I could dedicate all my energy to music and, through the RAM, I was given exposure by singing in public in the

Marvic would again be accompanying Joseph

UK,” Marvic says. “Of course, the experience has

Calleja… This time at this summer’s Salzburg

been invaluable and, in just a few years, I’ve

Festival, which will feature both the much-loved

covered a handful of principal opera roles,

Maltese tenor, as well as the world-renowned

another handful as a member of the chorus, and

Plàcido Domingo. And, although not as well

some solo parts in sacred music concerts. Even

publicised on our shores, Marvic will also be doing

so, my career is still in its infancy!”

100 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

MUSIC

PHOTOS: WILD YOUNG MINDS WWW.WILDYOUNGMINDS.COM

MAY 2017 â&#x2C6;« Sunday Circle

101

MUSIC

No matter how you want to describe Marvic’s career, the truth

Now in its 11th edition, the International Spring Orchestra

is that it’s growing at an impressive rate. Just last year, she was

Festival (ISO) has become a staple on Malta’s cultural calendar, and

chosen on her ﬁrst attempt for the festival chorus of the

has attracted some huge names since it ﬁrst kicked oﬀ in 2006. This

Glyndebourne Festival Opera 2016 (an award-winning summer

year’s edition has been no diﬀerent, and features Gottlieb Wallisch,

opera festival in the south of England that attracts the biggest

Edward Zienkowski and Raphael Perraud, to name but a few.

names in the business on a yearly basis). And, in just a few days’

With a theme that revolves around Vienna and Viennese

time, she’ll be one of the leading ladies in the closing concert for

music and composers, this year’s ISO Festival has truly captured the

this year’s International Spring Orchestra Festival.

imagination of audiences, and even introduced them to some new

“With the UK’s imminent exit from the EU, I am honoured to

pieces of classical music. Nevertheless, and somewhat poetically, on

celebrate Europe Day as a proud Maltese and EU citizen,” Marvic

May 9, the concert will be headlined by Beethoven’s best-known

explains. “Yet, as a singer, I am also proud to have been oﬀered the

composition: the Ninth Choral Symphony, whose Ode to Joy chorus

opportunity to be part of a festival that is gaining such a great

has become the EU’s oﬃcial anthem… As well as iconic and

international reputation.”

universally-hummed, of course!

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MUSIC

Held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre for EU dignitaries, this private concert will showcase some of Malta’s finest, classical talent. It will also help build a metaphorical bridge between us and Estonia, which will be taking over the reins of the EU as of July, through the Maltese EU Presidency Choir, made up of the European Union Youth Orchestra and the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir. “I have no doubt that the concert will be one of the highest quality,” Marvic adds. “And, I’m really looking forward to performing with the marvellous Mro Brian Schembri and the MPO once again… I am also looking forward to hearing Karl Fiorini’s piece If, performed by tenor Nico Darmanin!” Joined by soprano Elisabeth Teige, tenor Thomas Mohr and baritone Franz Hawlata, Marvic will be paying tribute to the EU as it also celebrates the 60th anniversary since the signing of the Treaty of Rome. “Any concert which has Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in its programme must consider itself to be the highlight of the evening,” she says. “After all, it is considered to be one of the best pieces of music ever written – including by me, of course. It’s not a coincidence that the melody from its finale was chosen to be the European Union’s official anthem! It truly beggars belief how Beethoven was completely deaf by the time he completed it…” As Marvic takes central stage once again, there’s very little doubt that she will shine on the stage of the International Spring Orchestra Festival’s closing concert; and while the concert is by invitation only, audiences can join the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra for a latenight concert at Michael’s in Valletta just after the performance. The International Spring Orchestra Festival runs until May 9.

www.marvicmonreal.com; www.iso-festival.com

104 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

CIRCLE PROMOTION

INGREDIENTS VS NUTRIENTS There are 40 essential nutrients that both cats and

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WHICH NUTRIENTS DO WHAT?

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vehicles to deliver nutrients – for ex-

nourish the good bacteria.

ample poultry meal, rice and fish oil.

Proteins: Essential to support the health

High quality ingredients are ones that

of muscles, skin and coat.

are easily digested and absorbed by your pet.

Lipids: An excellent source of energy and critical to the health of the skin and coat.

Nutrients are absorbed and used

Vitamins: Vital for many bodily functions, vita-

by the body, for example proteins, carbohy-

mins aid everything from your pet’s vision to how well

drates and fatty acids. Essential nutrients cannot be

their blood clots.

made by your pet’s body and must be provided by their diet.

Minerals: Necessary for normal muscle and nerve function.

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LANGUAGE

THE

Maltese IS MALTESE DYING, ESPECIALLY IN ITS WRITTEN FORMAT? THE PLETHORA OF SUCCESSFUL AUTHORS USING OUR NATIVE LANGUAGE WOULD PROVE OTHERWISE, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE MAN IN THE STREET? JOHNATHAN CILIA FINDS OUT MORE ABOUT Taħżiż, AN INITIATIVE THAT WORKS TO RETURN THE WRITTEN LANGUAGE TO EVERYDAY CREATIVE USE. As Immanuel Mifsud and Pierre Mejlak’s attaining of

IDIOM Rowena Calleja

the European Union Prize for Literature in recent years shows, Maltese writing has been making its pedigree known. The last few decades, especially, have seen Maltese writing expanding into novel themes and more and more people are getting interested in Maltese writing, and experimenting with it. In support of this, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ recently started the creative writing series Taħżiż. This series of intensive seminars and presentation sessions started in 2013, and is now approaching its fifth edition. In coordination with Għaqda tal-Malti and Fondazzjoni AWL, this programme gives aspiring writers the chance to talk with professionals, learn techniques and methods, work with other writers, and find out how to better produce a decent bit of writing. Diane Cutajar is one such writer. Currently a student at Junior College Sixth Form studying Maltese and Sociology at Advanced level, she’s been writing since a young age. “I always remember myself having a particular urge to write,” says Diane. “I used to wait eagerly for a creative writing task

MAY 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle

107

LANGUAGE

in class and wrote in my personal diary daily. I must admit that I was not really keen on reading as a child, but writing started as a way of expressing my thoughts and feelings, and a pleasant way to explore my creativity.” As she ﬁnished secondary school and headed towards Sixth Form, she began to experiment more with writing, changing techniques and genres. “Being a time in

other participants, receive professional

personally still prefer writing poetry or

which many changes start to occur, and

criticism based on the work generated in

prose, however, I try to do so in diﬀerent

thoughts and feelings start to develop, I still

the given tasks, and to build confidence

styles, such as narrative, descriptive,

based my writing on personal issues,” say

and be able to read and speak publicly

reﬂective, argumentative and factual,

Diane.

with the presence of an audience –

according to the subject I would like to

although this may have sounded nerve-

tackle and the way I decide to present it,”

started a process in which I took writing

racking at first,” she points out with a

says Diane. “I ﬁnd poetry very amusing

more seriously and learned to deviate from

smile.

because it is more challenging to explore

“However,” she continues, “I then

personal concerns, and focus on capturing

Throughout the programme she’s

diﬀerent rhyme patterns – if any – and

various social factors and realities. This

been able to read at the Book Festival on

rhythms, and presenting thoughts in a

process does not involve an absolute

Campus at University, as well as the launch

more concise manner. These techniques are

deviation from myself while I am writing,

of the ﬁnal publication of the work they

also present in prose writing, however,

but presenting a balance of facts and

completed with Taħżiż. She’s also written

length would not be much of a challenge.”

socially occurring situations alongside my

some well-received pieces.

personal opinion”

“One work which I have produced

Another writer who has recently joined the Taħżiż program is Rowena

during the workshops and I consider to be

Calleja. A lab technologist - as well as a

after a friend sent her a Facebook link, and

my favourite, is an anonymous monologue

tribal fusion belly dance enthusiast - she is

has since joined the Taħżiż team, helping

named Ma Nafx Kif Se Ngħidlek,” she says.

currently studying for a Diploma in Maltese

with public relations for TAĦŻIŻ5, their

“This was written as part of a task aimed at

Literature. Similar to Diane, she has been

latest event. During her time with the

writing for the theatre and was, in fact, the

taken with writing from a young age.

programme, she’s learned a number of

ﬁrst time I encountered this type of genre

writing techniques and procedures to

and style of writing.”

Diane soon found out about Taħżiż,

further develop her writing skills. “Taħżiż

Her learning new techniques has only

“I remember ever since I was a kid, I was always carrying books with me even when I was still too young to read,” Rowena

was also an opportunity to experiment

given her more choice of expression, and

laughs. “Then I started growing up,

collaborative writing together with the

her preferences still remain in tact. “I

discovering the true joy of reading,

108 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

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LANGUAGE

immersing myself in libraries. Ironically I discovered that I enjoyed writing through narrative essays that we were given at school. I used to love fantasizing about what story and characters I can create with a simple title.” Back in 2016, after she had stopped writing for some years, she came across an interesting opportunity. “I saw a competition just ﬁve weeks before its deadline and I just decided to compete in it. It was a really huge struggle as I had drowned this urge to write, but I kept

The last few decades have seen Maltese writing expanding into novel themes and more experimentation with the language

a recent meeting, a well-known poetess even came and gave us an inspiring and motivating lecture and we were given the opportunity to write a piece and read it to her, with her feedback then given,” she smiles. Rowena will continue to participate with Taħżiż while working on her Diploma, and extends an invitation to any artists who would like to collaborate - as does Diane. “I highly recommend the Taħżiż programme to anyone who may be interested in writing, even if they are without any experience or perhaps coming from an

pushing myself till I ﬁnished my ﬁrst manuscript. Obviously I did not win since it

to be in a group of diﬀerent people whom I

entirely diﬀerent educational or

was my ﬁrst piece of work but I had deﬁed

had never seen in my life. However, the

occupational background,” Diane says.

my writer’s block,” she says.

atmosphere was one of friendliness and the

“Interest and determination is all that is

teachers put us at ease immediately.”

required in order to learn new things in this

After participating in a few more writing competitions she found out about

“We were given diverse exercises in

ﬁeld, as creativity through writing has no

Taħżiż through a colleague studying

order to aid the writer to get out of his/her

borders or restrictions, but requires

Maltese Literature. Rowena admits she was

comfort zone, to overcome the writers

originality, innovation and expression.”

taken aback at ﬁrst. “At ﬁrst I was a bit

block, and to learn how to plan and give a

timid and uncomfortable, since I was going

structure to your writing,” she explains. “In

www.facebook.com/tahziz/

HEALTH

TOOTH REPLACEMENT DUE TO GUM DISEASE Very often we are unaware of tooth or gum disease. We pick up signals, but there is often no pain and, in our opinion, no real

would have reached the nerve of the tooth, requiring a root canal treatment. • Multiple missing teeth: on-going

urgency to head to the clinic. When we

carelessness and lack of concern for tooth

ﬁnally dedicate time and eﬀort to visit the

loss would often land you many missing

dentist it is often too late.

teeth. You realise that by your early 40s,

Angulated periodontally diseased tooth

you have lost many of your teeth, SIGNS OF TOOTH/GUM DISEASE

especially your posterior ones. At the time

• Colour of gums: Dark greyish border

you wouldn’t be very concerned as the

around teeth with bright red ulcerated

teeth might not show on smiling but, in

gums with loss of the pink triangular gum

time, you notice you are being more

in-between teeth. Teeth are often mobile.

selective on your food due to not being

• Large holes in teeth: unrestored cavities keep growing and generally give symptoms of pain – however not always. Normally within a 3 year period the cavity

able to chew properly. Remaining teeth

Extraction and immediate Implant placement

often over-erupt or drift or space out leaving spaces and food traps. • Tooth movement: this is common in our later years as teeth move throughout our life. There is however a limit to natural

A CASE STUDY:

tooth movement. Common complaints

A middle-aged woman notices her

include spaces in the front upper teeth,

upper front middle tooth is rotating,

inclining teeth. Patients often say their

moving outwards, looking longer

upper front teeth have always protruded

and becoming more spaced out.

but not as much, and they have

Radiographs show little to no gum

somewhat worsened!

and bone attachment. Luckily, she

Custom made zirconium metal-free abutment

• Halitosis: This is often brought to

had good bone above the root. The

someone’s attention through a partner or

tooth is mobile, but symptomless;

a member of the family. Although the

there is no pain. Aesthetically, she

cause of bad breath may come from the

wants it sorted and looking good.

stomach or tongue it is more likely to be

She is very conscious of it. Her

poor oral health and gum disease. It is

options were either using a

common and necessary to visit the

removable denture or a ﬁxed bridge

dentist twice a year for a routine scale

tooth, the initial cause must be eliminated or

or dental implant. She opted for the

and polish but in many routine cases a

at least stabilised and kept that way. Gum

best option, a dental implant. Here

more thorough scaling is required below

treatment is mostly simple and

is the sequence of events:

the gum line. A hygienist performs this.

straightforward. All you have to do is brush

1. Extraction of tooth and same day

The technical term used is periodontal

your teeth twice daily, using a proper

insertion of implant with same

treatment involving hand scaling and root

technique, and to have them cleaned

day placement of a ﬁxed plastic

planning. Patients who undergo this

professionally at the hygienist. Ask your

tooth. The tooth was placed in

treatment modality feel an immediate

dentist!

the correct alignment and

diﬀerence, not only in the colour and

angulation. 2. Four months later, the plastic tooth was changed to an allceramic highly aesthetic

suit exposing the roots, appearing longer.

customised zirconium post.

Of course, prior to replacing any lost

smell but also in taste and comfort. • Longer looking teeth: Gum disease causes the bone to be lost and the gum follows

metal-free crown with a

Permanent metal free zirconium crown in situ

Teeth are also left more sensitive. • Mobile teeth: loss of bone and supporting tissue causes teeth to move.

Dr Jean Paul Demajo Dental and Implant Surgeon. Trained in London and working in private practice in Malta

MAY 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle

111

• 1 The Environment Resources Authority celebrates its 1st Anniversary with a number of activities including the planting of trees at Xrobb l-Għaġin Nature Park, where Minister Jose’ Herrera planted 30 trees. • 2-6 BOV Bank inaugurated a new branch and Investment Centre, Ethics and Employee Development Unit and the Training Centre in Gżira. • 7-8 Chemimart launch the spring/summer make-up line of Diego Dalla Palma. • 9-11 Atlas Group held an extra dress down to raise awareness, with all staﬀ wearing blue. In fact, the slogan for 2017 for Autism month is Light It Up Blue – for greater understanding and acceptance. • 12 Sandra Chetcuti, Director, Projects and Operations SmartCity Malta presenting an e-Journalism award sponsored by SmartCity Malta to IGM treasurer Mario Schiavone. • 13 RE/MAX - Adam Contos, COO REMAX congratulating top-selling agent Cherton Caruana at a special awards ceremony at the Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas as part of the R4 RE/MAX Convention.

Ruben Abela, José Herrera, Michelle Piccinino, Margaret Cassar and Daniel Cilia

Claire Mizzi, Marisa Pace, Noel Debono, Maria Balzan, Tania Camilleri, Karen Cachia, Simone Dimech, Justin Schembri, Anthony Scicluna, Christian Zammit and Paul Gauci

Doreen Liddell, Joyce Mercieca, Josanne Attard, Rose La Rosa, Kenneth Tabone, Dylan Lee Tanti and Vivienne Borg

Graziella Fava, Gianluca Oddi, Petra Cuschieri

Robert Sammut, Annabelle Cutajar, Robert Hudson, Dunstan Vella, Randall Vella, Alexia Azzopardi, Rowena Micallef and Alan Micallef

112 Sunday Circle ∫ MAY 2017

Nanette Agius, Charles Azzopardi, Mario Pavia, Vanessa Borg, Mariella Camilleri Cachia, Tanya Gravina, Claire Marie Borg and Kevin Spiteri

Paul V Azzopardi, Dr Ruth Spiteri Longhurst, Alan Attard, James Grech, Deo Screrri, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Joseph M Zrinzo, Antonio Piras, Anita Mangion, Stephen Agius and Alfred Lupi

Marica Schembri, Sha Kyra Scerri, Charlene Deguara, Josette Abela, Joanna DeCesare, Josephine Chircop and Marika Zammit

Ian Stafrace, Christopher Zerafa, Angelita Delicata, David Cassar, Marija Abela, Doreen Cuomo, Christabel Tabone, Shaun Bonello and Maria Borg

Mario Schiavone, Sandra Chetcuti and Roderick Agius

Gianluca Oddi, Sarah Pace, Diane Galea and Amanda Cordiner

Kristine Azzopardi, Dionne Tonna, Brandon Bonello, Glenn Mercieca, Martin Caruana and Michelle Cassar

Adam Contos and Cherton Caruana