Sunday Circle (October 2018)

OCTOBER 2018 – ISSUE NO. 284

CAPITAL OF SEX Dating for millennials

X-FACTOR Who’s hot, who’s not

ALAN MONTANARO & GRAZIELLE CAMILLERI AHLGREN Our digital ambassadors

WIN

A HOLIDAY FOR TWO TO LIVIGNO & €1000 TO SPEND AT SCAN

DENISE KIM GAFA The beauty of not fitting in

CONTENTS COVER STORY

ARTS

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WHO WANTS TO FIT IN ANYWAY? Influencer Denise Kim Gafa shares her intriguing approach to business and lifestyle.

CELEBS

THE DEAD BROUGHT US LOVE AND PAIN British composer Patrick Hawes interviewed ahead of Malta’s premiere of his new The Great War Symphony.

D AT I N G 29

NEWS 36

52

CAPITAL OF SEX The day nobody hit the jackpot. By Bernice Cherrett.

INTRODUCING: MALTA'S FIRST FULLY-INTERACTIVE DIGITAL MAGAZINE Register your interest for the new TOM Mag app for free and learn how you can win a free holiday for two, a €1000 shopping spree at Scan and designer beauty products.

T R AV E L 46

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COMPETITION 38

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WIN A HOLIDAY FOR TWO Fun in the snow in Livigno for one lucky reader – learn how to take part.

L’AMORE SACRO E QUELLO PROFANO Ramona Depares is seduced by the coastal city of Naples and the contrasting pictures it paints.

ONE YEAR ON THE ROAD What does it take to leave home on a one‐way trip? Deborah Azzopardi shares her challenging experience.

FA S H I O N 52

FIERCE! It’s a jungle, but we got you covered!

H E A LT H 58 18

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THE OTHER SIDE OF ALAN Alan Montanaro is one of the ambassadors for our soon-to-be launched digital app. He gives Iggy Fenech an insight into his current and upcoming projects.

CATCHING UP WITH GRAZIELLE Blogger, influencer, entrepreneur and all-round wonderwoman, Grazielle Camilleri Ahlgren is also one of the faces for our digital app. Iggy Fenech catches up with her.

MALTA’S BIGGEST STAGE Gossip from behind the scenes of the Maltese version of the X-Factor franchise.

CAN YOU HEAR THE WOMEN SPEAK? Award-winning writer Lou Drofenik is interviewed ahead of her participation at this year’s book festival.

THIS PUBLICATION IS BEING DISTRIBUTED AS PART OF:

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SYMPTOMS WORTH KEEPING IN MIND Dr Bernard Coleiro explains how to cope with psoriasis.

IMPLANT-RETAINED OVERDENTURES Dental surgeon Jean Paul Demajo brings us the latest news from the dentistry front.

FOOD & DRINK 78

FOUR AND TWENTY LAMPUKI BAKED IN A PIE Pippa Mattei’s seasonal recipes.

REGULARS

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04 06 08 88

A word from the editor C Body C Style C Living

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

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

A WORD FROM

the editor

New season, new projects and much

But first things first – the App is called

part digitally. No messy envelopes to send,

excitement hit the Sunday Circle offices. As

TOM Mag because, you guessed it, great

that’s it you’re in. Meantime, check out our

of this month, the magazine officially turns

stuff is a-brewing at the Times of Malta

awesome cover lady, Denise Gafa. Business

digital with a snazzy App that will

offices, and we are not planning to stop

woman, fitness freak, ink aficionado… this

transpose all magazine content into an

here. However, the entire team is humbled

lady juggles it all. There’s a dry, cutting piece

interactive, visual feast. For all you ‘old

that Sunday Circle is the first magazine from

about dating in the digital age (apt!);

faithfuls’ out there, who refuse to let go of

the stable to make it to digital. Not only is it

holiday tips and the challenge of travelling

print – we know there are many of you, and

an honour and witness to the amazing work

for a long-term period; we also have

I include myself in your number, much as I

that the team carries out, but it’s also

interviews with stage phenomenon Alan

love everything digital – the print magazine

incredibly exciting as we are really breaking

Montanaro and influencer Grazielle Camilleri

will continue to live and you will continue

new ground here!

Ahlgren – incidentally, both Ambassadors of

receiving your copy with the Sunday Times

Once TOM Mag is downloaded,

of Malta as usual.

But you will now also have something

our new App! There’s fashion, shopping,

Sunday Circle will be automatically made

interview and more features, and they’re

available on your device and you’re ready to

also available on your phone and tablet.

extra to look forward to; a digital edition

go, with myriad new content at the touch of

Thank you all for accompanying us on this

that you can browse from your smartphone

your fingertips. Check out our music videos,

new journey, we hope you enjoy it!

or your tablet, wherever you are, whenever

our video interviews, interactive ads,

you like. And you don’t even need to be

shopping platforms… Yup, the hype is real.

online to stay up-to-date with new content,

And since we are in celebratory mode,

such are the wonders of technology.

there’s more.

So, how is this all going to map

I finish off on a more sobering note: last Tuesday marked the first anniversary

Everyone who downloads the App

since the assassination of journalist Daphne

out? It’s simple really – head to

can take part in a fabulous competition. The

Caruana Galizia. The entire country - or

www.tom-mag.com to register your

prize? An amazing holiday in the snow for

those who hold democracy and rule of law

interest in the App. We will inform you

two people, a €1,000 shopping spree and

to heart, anyway - still ask themselves

when the App goes live and when you can

several designer products. You will find

whether anything could have been done to

visit Play Store or Apple Store on your

more details on the pages of this magazine,

prevent this. And, of course, the all-

preferred device (the App works both on

but suffice it to say that taking part couldn’t

important question. Who killed Daphne

Android and Apple) in order to download

be easier: download App (for free, in case

Caruana Galizia? We live in hope that justice,

the App for free.

you need reminding!), find competition, take

one day, will be served.

TOM MAG

CHECK OUT OUR DIGITAL INTERVIEW WITH EMMA MUSCAT The first edition of our digital platform, which will be launched this month, will also include some content that is available exclusively through the App. This month we have interviewed homegrown celebrity Emma Muscat, who is about to drop her new single. She tells Sunday Circle about the challenges and the joys of being an international superstar, besides telling us all about her music and some other juicy titbits for her fans. Head to www.tom-mag.com to register your interest in the App. We will inform you when the App goes live. For more information, see page 36.

PUBLISHER ALLIED NEWSPAPERS LTD.

PUBLICATION SALES MANAGER Renée Micallef Decesare

COVER Denise Gafa Photography: Mark Zammit Cordina

DESIGN Joseph Schembri

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Iggy Fenech, Ramona Depares, Anna Marie Galea, Deborah Azzopardi, Pippa Mattei, Rachel Zammit Cutajar, Caroline Paris

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Ramona Depares ASSISTANT EDITOR IGGY FENECH

4 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

BODY 1

1. THE ALCHEMY OF ATTRACTION IS REKINDLED Narciso Rodriguez’s Rouge Woman is ardent, confident and irresistible. The foundation of the fragrance lies in the heart of musk, before moving on to a thrilling swirl of scent delightfully animated by an exquisite floral bouquet of Bulgarian rose and iris. The base notes, composed of vivid amber, vetiver, black and white cedar, and improved by Tonka, reinforce the fiery character of the scent. Narciso Rodriguez is exclusively represented by C+M Marketing Ltd. Tel. 2142 4079/80.

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2. TWISTS ON CLASSICS Dolce&Gabbana Beauty presents two stellar new fragrances. The Only One for her, a floral fragrance that captures the essence of sophisticated and hypnotising femininity. And The One Grey for him, which draws on The One’s iconic olfactory heritage to create a striking new interpretation.

Dolce&Gabbana is exclusively represented by C+M Marketing Ltd. Tel. 2142 4079/80.

3. THE HERITAGE OF BEAUTY

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With over 145 years of Japanese heritage, Shiseido is beauty made with soul.

Rediscover the reimagined Shiseido make-up with a collection comprising of four innovative textures, 18 ground-breaking products, and 113 vivid shades.

Shiseido is exclusively represented by C+M Marketing Ltd. Tel. 2142 4079/80.

4. WILDLY PROVOCATIVE Created by Quentin Bisch for Paco Rabanne, the Pure XS for her bottles the essence of an orgasm. An explosion of the senses brought within reach with a distinctive Paco Rabanne flair, Pure XS uses magnetic ylang-ylang on an intriguing note of popcorn. The notes vibrate against each other – yet together in tension – to trigger in an avalanche of the senses; a moment of explosive erotica. Exclusively distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd.

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5. WIN YSL MAKE-UP Look your best with three YSL beauty products that will accentuate your best features and turn heads. Treat your lips with YSL’s Vernis à Lèvres (€38.58), a gorgeous liquid lipstick that has an electric colour and prismatic shine.

Then, define your eyes with YSL’s remastered formula for Luxurious Mascara (€34.75), which gives you instant false lash-effect with one single stroke. And, finally, highlight your best features and disguise dark circles with YSL’s Touche Éclat Radiant Touch (€40.83). Exclusively distributed by Chemimart. Find out how you could win this range from YSL through the upcoming digital edition of Sunday Circle on page 36.

A MORE YOUTHFUL YOU Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide Retinol Capsules help to visibly diminish lines and wrinkles while improving skin texture and tone. Suitable for all skin types, they are clinically and dermatologist tested. Exclusively distributed by C+M Marketing Ltd. Tel. 2142 4079/80.

RECEIVE A FREE GIFTPACK WHEN SPENDING OVER €70 ON ELIZABETH ARDEN PRODUCTS FROM SELECTED STORES. House of Beauty Perfumeries - Franks Perfumeries - Collis Williams Perfumery And Beauty - Roberts Perfumery Victors Pharmacy - Body Needs Perfumery - Pro Vita Perfumery - Grognet Pharmacy - Melita Pharmacy - El Medina Pharmacy - Mensija Pharmacy - Beauty Plus.

6 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

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STYLE The Renaissance meets modernity with this Dolce&Gabbana Angels Print Dress.

Old world glamour is embodied by this Burberry Archive Print Scarf.

Bring your wild side out in this Dolce&Gabbana Leopard Print Flared Dress.

Luxury and elegance intertwine to create this Dolce&Gabbana Cashmere Jacket.

SARTORIAL STYLE & SPLENDOUR

As this Dolce&Gabbana Children’s Sweatshirt with Patches proves: Fashion has no age.

SARTO has kicked off the season in a big way. The fashion powerhouse first introduced luxury shopping in 2012 and has since then shown no sign of slowing down. Thanks to this beautifully-crafted space located just outside Portomaso, the Maltese fashion lover can discover the world’s most sought-after designer fashion and receive friendly guidance from the in-house, expert Style Advisors. In this latest collection, SARTO offers bespoke style solutions catering to men, women and children. The collection presents a colourful, reimagined concept by Burberry, which fuses classic lines with British 1980s punk and Dolce & Gabbana’s ‘Fashion Devotion’. This current offering by the iconic duo bears testimony to their unfaltering dedication to Italian culture, merging classic lines with imaginative modern twists, as well as religious iconography and slogans. SARTO, Ross Street, St Julian’s, Malta. Tel. 2202 1601. www.sarto.com.mt

Conservative meets rebel in this Burberry Graffiti Print Vintage Check Shirt.

Make a statement in this Dolce&Gabbana Cherub Print T-shirt.

LEAVE THINGS UNSEEN

High-coverage and extreme-lasting, the Diego Dalla Palma Camouflage Corrector is the latest generation of universal foundation for face and body. Light-weight and with a matte-finish, it instantly covers all skin imperfections and tattoos for a flawless natural ‘second skin’ look.

Diego Dalla Palma is exclusively distributed by Chemimart, Tel: 2149 2212.

WIN EXCLUSIVE LANCÔME SKINCARE

Lancôme Génifique is specially formulated to help reduce the signs of ageing and to restore youthful-looking skin, leaving it feeling irresistibly smooth. Start off with three drops of the Lancôme Advanced Génifique (€93.77) every morning and night to smooth out fine lines and deep wrinkles, boost radiance, and increase elasticity and tonicity. Then, move on to the Lancôme Génifique Yeux (€66.89), which uses buckwheat extract to brighten the eye-area and reduce fine lines and under-eye bags. Finally, apply an even layer of Lancôme Génifique Nuit (€91.87), to reduce the visible signs of ageing while sleeping. Find out how you could win this range from Lancôme through the upcoming digital edition of Sunday Circle on page 36.

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FOR PERFECT LIP OUTLINES

Made with an innovative and high-performing formula, the Diego Dalla Palma Stay on Me lipliner has a creamy texture that easily slides onto the lips leaving a light-weight, soft and comfortable film. Easy to apply and extremely rich in colour pigments, the Stay on Me lipliner is the perfect product to create extra sharp lip outlines. Diego Dalla Palma is exclusively distributed by Chemimart, Tel: 2149 2212.

St Julians BOSS Store, Ross Street Malta International Airport BOSS Store, Departures Lounge

PEOPLE

PHOTOS: MARK ZAMMIT CORDINA

Who wants to fit in, anyway?

OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, DENISE KIM GAFA HAS BECOME ONE OF MALTA’S BEST-LOVED INFLUENCERS. YET, BENEATH HER TATTOOS AND ONLINE PERSONA, IS A STORY OF COURAGE AND DETERMINATION THAT SAW HER RISE FROM THE ASHES. SHE TELLS IGGY FENECH THAT STORY.

12 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

PEOPLE

Wearing her sports gear and with her neck, chest and arm tattoos on display, Denise Kim Gafa takes a seat at my table outside a café in Sliema. Her auburn hair frames her (mostly) make-up free face and, as has always been the case whenever I’ve met her, she’s smiling broadly.

We chat about what we’ve been up to since we last bumped into each other, and it dawns on me just how unconventional Denise can be when she’s outside of the virtual and fashion worlds I normally see her inhabit. She stands out, but she carries the traits that make her different with such effortlessness that it’s impossible to dislike her for them.

“When I was young I used to run around barefoot all the time,” she reminisces. “I had such a nice childhood in Marsaxlokk. So wild and free: jumping from one luzzu to another, escaping from mużew... I was naughty but always in an innocent way.”

The friends that joined her on that journey all settled down once they reached secondary school, but Denise wasn’t ready to let go of the lifestyle she had grown accustomed to. “And that’s when I started being left out from things other people did,” she recounts.

One of the reasons the young Denise never worried about school was because her family had been in the fishing business for generations, and still is. And with that certainty, it all became a self-fulling prophecy.

“I was never bullied but those years weren’t the best years of my life. I was rather lonely,” she continues. “By the time we finished school, however, I wanted my friends to like me so I enrolled into MCAST to study Mechanical Engineering. But I skipped the last month of lectures and never graduated. Then, when I turned 18, I got my driving licence and started working with my dad straight away.”

Having had a job on a fish farm at age 16 and shadowed her parents from the age of 12 when they headed to the Old Fish Market in Marsa, Denise felt right at home in her new job. It gave her a sense of purpose that few other things did at the time, and it was a part of who she was – so much so that when she turned 18, she asked her dad to buy her a van she could use for work as a birthday present.

Then, at 22, Denise rebelled and started slacking from her duties. Not turning up to work and ignoring her responsibilities, she soon had to stop working altogether with her family. But old habits die hard, and she soon found herself back in the family business.

“So I said to myself: I have to leave the country. And I left. I moved to Ireland and started working at a tattoo studio almost immediately. The six months I spent there I learnt to let go of everything, particularly the fears that came about through the anxiety and depression I had suffered from for a long time.”

Among her biggest fears, Denise was scared of over-exerting her heart because of the palpitations she used to get when exercising – a fear she faced after a three-year relationship ended. Today, CrossFit is a huge part of her life and she trains twice a day, seven days a week on most weeks.

But the one fear that seems to have held her back the most was that of flying the nest, and it was only in Ireland that she realised that nothing bad would happen if she did. That realisation would turn her life upside-down.

“I’ve learnt that if I do what I want to do and trust in the process then, somehow, things will just fall into place,” she continues. “I’ve learnt to let go of what people say about me, and I’ve lived a very peaceful life since. At least, with myself. And, while I know that that may sound cheesy, it’s also become really difficult for me to hate. I do have to admit, however, that I feel numb towards things and people sometimes, including in relationships… But I’ve learnt to let go of the guilt, too.”

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

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PEOPLE

I’Ve LeArNt To LeT Go Of WhAt PeOpLe SaY AbOuT Me At the end of the six months, Denise moved back to Malta to rejoin the family business – this time, as one of the people running the show. With her new zeal for the job, and with exercise helping her to keep sane and balanced, the scene was set for Denise to flourish into who we know now.

That story, in my opinion, is key to understanding the Denise her 16.2k Instagram followers and the 3.9k Facebook followers interact with. That story is what has made Denise not only relatable but also someone to look up to as she lives her life on her own rules while still advocating inclusion, kindness and individuality.

And her indomitable spirit, coupled with her unique look, has not just turned the heads of fans, but also of countless brands. With a music video for Red Electrick under her belt, as well as a few handfuls of campaigns for some pretty famous fashion, eyewear and lifestyle brands, her popularity is soaring.

“But, where do the tattoos fit in?” I ask her, as I take a closer look at the ones on her right arm, which include a scene of Marsaxlokk, an ode to caffeine, a letter her late-friend had written her,

Since then, Denise has been inked dozens of times and now has

and a hand-mirror with her parents in it to show that she is a

a full sleeve on her left arm, the eye of Osiris on her neck, and a tribal

reflection of them.

design on her left cheekbone to mention but a few.

“It all started when I was 14 and a friend of mine bought a

“My parents didn’t have a problem with it at first. “As long as

tattoo machine. That was when I got my first tattoo: A butterfly in my

you’re a good person and work hard, then it’s your life,” they used to

pelvic area… So chavvy,” she says as she laughs. “I didn’t get any

say… But when I got my neck tattoo, my dad told me I would never

more done till I was 17, when I randomly started yearning for another

find a man; and when I got my face one, my mum didn’t speak to me

one, and the passion’s grown from there.”

for a week.”

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PEOPLE

InStEaD Of GeTtInG AnGrY ThAt PeOpLe LoOk At Me In A WeIrD WaY, I JuSt AdDrEsS It In A KiNd WaY Denise is, of course, aware that people sometimes do look at her differently but whether she’s out representing the family company on business, out with friends, at the gym or working on her other projects, she always takes time to show people that tattoos are nothing more than, well, tattoos.

“Of course people are shocked when they see all these tattoos… There’s a lot of them and most people have their own preconceived ideas. But instead of getting angry that people look at me in a weird way, I just address it in a kind way.

“This morning, for example, I was early for a meeting and popped into a każin to grab a drink. An older man was at the bar and he started looking at me funny, so I offered him a drink and the mood changed instantly. Then we started talking about tattoos and life. It was nice!”

It is easy for us, as outsiders, to look at Denise and the confidence she exudes and assume she’s always had it. But it’s been a journey that is not yet over. And the next step in that process is, at least according to her, to share the lessons she’s learnt along the way.

And as we wrap up our interview, she mentions some of them: “Don’t live life based on rules and targets, just follow your gut. Also, invest time in whatever you’re good at but don’t force yourself to do something that you’re good at if you don’t want to. Oh, and don’t take things too seriously.”

Yet, ultimately, it was a comment Denise said in passing that I think sums up her personality and which is also aspirational: “I’m very confident in who I am. I have strong morals and very good beliefs – at least for me. Indeed, the only important things in life for me are to have a clean conscience, to never keep emotions bottled up inside, and to be a good person.”

And that’s Denise for you!

Follow Denise Kim Gafa on Instagram (@denisegafa_)

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CELEBRITIES

THE OTHER SIDE OF

ALAN

ONE OF THE AMBASSADORS FOR OUR NEW SUNDAY CIRCLE DIGITAL APP, VETERAN ACTOR AND DIRECTOR ALAN MONTANARO HAS SOME VERY BIG PLANS FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR – INCLUDING A NEW DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR MIGRANT CHILDREN OFFERED BY THE HELEN O’GRADY DRAMA ACADEMY. IGGY FENECH FINDS OUT MORE.

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CELEBRITIES

How do I begin to describe Alan’s house? Well, there’s old-world charm in the form of exposed limestone, antique coffers and original Maltese tiles. There is a citizen-of-the-planet-sort of feel thanks to various keepsakes he’s picked up on his travels. There’s art galore in the form of paintings, sculptures and (quirky) installation art on walls and window sills. And, yet, modernity sits comfortably in all this with a pristine designer kitchen and a large TV taking up a big chunk of one of the walls.

And that is pretty much Alan: an artist of his craft, a traveller, and a person who can charm you one minute and crack you up with a joke next. Yet, for the well-known actor and panto dame, this year is a particularly exciting one as he continues with his break away from theatre… including the panto!

“I took a time-out on the advice of my darling mum, who very wisely told me to give audiences a break and time to miss my alter-ego performances – though, I’m not sure how that’s working out,” he laughs. “I have to admit that, while I tell anyone with ears just how surprised I am at not missing the theatre that much, I think it may just be a case of ‘he doth protest too much’, so I’m back as dame in next year’s MADC panto, Aladdin 2020, which I’ve already started writing.”

I ask him for an edge on the script but all he says is that it’s going to be a winner so, instead, we talk about how he plans on spending his second Christmas away from fishnet-tights and pantaloons: “Because the family keeps getting bigger each year, we will celebrate Christmas Eve at my house with the entire clan – including a new addition (Hello, baby Marcus! [Alan’s nephew]). Christmas Day, meanwhile, will be somewhat more fragmented as everyone will go to their in-laws for scoffing. But New Year’s – aha! – that will be spent in Krakow, Poland together with my wife and my mad and wonderful friends. There will be adventures and laughter… A lot of laughter!”

Yet, this time off from theatre has also meant that Alan has had more time to dedicate to his work as Director of the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy in Malta, which provides awardwinning development programmes designed to boost self-confidence, clear speech, social skills, empathy and kindness.

In fact, the Academy has recently launched an exciting initiative in collaboration with the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation, which aims to help migrant children who are not able to enter mainstream schooling due to language or cultural barriers to integrate.

“There are more foreign families living in Malta than ever before, and many of these have children who may not be able to speak English or Maltese,” he explains. “So, when we were approached by the Maria Regina College Naxxar Induction Hub to help children from over 20 different countries, we jumped to it.

“I think, the first challenge we’ll face is that of getting the

“I have to admit that, while I tell anyone with ears just how surprised I am at not missing the theatre that much, I think it may just be a case of ‘he doth protest too much’.”

children to trust us and dive into the fun, which should take anything between one to three minutes after introduction,” he smiles as he adds, after spotting my confusion, “It really is that much fun!”

This programme does all this through the medium of drama and presents a wonderful, allinclusive platform for holistic learning. Moreover, with the lessons being delivered in English, the children are given an opportunity to practise the language through understanding and usage.

And that’s not all… The Academy is also running other initiatives with Maltese children, which, once again, focus on language skills and confidence-building. This, as I come to discover, has been done for a number of years together with The Alfred Mizzi Foundation, which has been supporting various endeavors spearheaded by the Academy.

“Because drama is the main teaching tool, our delivery is very animated and easy to comprehend, which facilitates learning,” he explains. “In fact, I will quote the late Dr Karyn Purvis [internationally-renowned child development expert], who once said that ‘scientists [had] determined that it takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain –

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

19

CELEBRITIES

unless it is done with play, in

remote village in rural India

which case it takes between 10

than a glass of prosecco in

and 20 repetitions’.”

Tuscany, and how he would

Of course, Helen O’Grady

choose to sleep in tree hut in

has been doing this all over the

a rain forest somewhere, over

world for 40 years, so there’s

an orthopaedic mattress in

no doubt that they know what

London any day. He goes on

they’re doing. But Alan would

to recount how he’s eaten

like it to go further than that.

bugs in Vietnam, was chased

“I dream that – I mean, I

by wild pigs in Rajasthan, and

actually lie awake at night

had three perky tarantulas

thinking about how – one day,

crawling up his arm in

mainstream education will

Cambodia. What fun… I

cotton on to what we are

think… Not!

achieving here and Helen

But travelling has also

O’Grady will be available in all

allowed him to meet many

schools.”

amazing people with the

Today, the Academy has

most incredible life stories of

over 100,000 students

survival and, many times,

attending weekly classes the

success. And as he tells me

world over, with the Malta

about all this, I ask him what

branch growing consecutively

the most important lesson

each year under Alan’s watch.

working at the Helen O’Grady

In fact, it’s become the largest

Drama Academy has taught

branch in Europe and this has

him, to which he replies:

opened some very exciting

“I am not alone in my

opportunities for Alan and his

belief that creative thinkers

team.

will be the next generation of “Our Academy is in an

leaders, and when you are

enviable position in that we are

working with children, roles

based in Europe, but have built

can reverse very quickly and,

sturdy bridges with Africa, India

all at once, the teacher

and Canada. Several times a year, we meet to share ideas and techniques with experts in their respective fields to ensure we remain at the top of our game and that our students are getting the very best out of our classes.”

“When you are working with children, roles can reverse very quickly and, all at once, the teacher becomes the learner.”

This helps Alan unite two of his main passions in life: helping others and travelling to far-

becomes the learner. Their imagination is so intricately and finely attuned that they bring things to the table I would’ve never thought of.

And, indeed, in our classes, we try to harness this inherent creativity before technology and growing up stifles it.”

Realising that, by now, we are being astutely watched by two

flung places, and he recently returned from India and Sri Lanka,

of Alan’s four cats, we decide it’s time to call it a day on our

where he held and took part in seminars and workshops. But there’s

interview and for him to feed Tikka and Leo, who have been

more to travelling for Alan than simply seeing somewhere new.

circling around my legs.

“I like the idea of being totally immersed in a situation, and

As he shows me to the door, he continues telling me how the

travel allows me to live in a documentary for a couple of weeks. I

course will work and how important it is that all children – no

often blog about my experiences, too, because I don’t ever want to

matter their background or ethnicity or nationality – should have

forget the way I felt while I was wherever it is I happened to be.

the chance to benefit from a sturdy education system on an equal

Although I don’t share my blogs myself, I’ve actually amassed a little

footing. And who could argue with that?

following of readers, which is very gratifying.”.

Alan seems to be pretty fearless in the ticking off of his bucket list and tells me how he’d rather have a cup of chai in a

20 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

Find out more about the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy in Malta by visiting www.helenogradymalta.com

CULTURE

‘The dead brought us love and pain’

CELEBRATED BRITISH COMPOSER PATRICK HAWES SPEAKS TO SUNDAY CIRCLE AHEAD OF MALTA’S PREMIERE OF HIS NEW THE GREAT WAR SYMPHONY, WHICH COMMEMORATES THE CENTENARY OF WORLD WAR I USING POEMS AND DIARIES FROM THAT PERIOD TO EVOKE FEELINGS ABOUT THE SACRIFICES MADE AND THE STRENGTH OF HUMAN WILL.

Chatting in a pub after a recording session, the conversation shifted to the centenary of World War I and the ways of celebrating the lives of the fallen heroes through music.

Many great ideas are born over a pint, but few go on to take

This evening of remembrance and choral music – which will be held at St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral, Valletta, under the patronage of President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca – is being dedicated to those who sacrificed themselves to secure our freedom, and serve as a

root once the haze has cleared. That animated debate, which Patrick

reflection on Malta’s contribution as a place for respite and

Hawes had with his musical friends five years ago, withstood the test

recuperation of the veterans during the bloody conflict.

of time and gave birth to The Great War Symphony.

“That acorn was nurtured through the identity of faith, hope and love – this symphony is a musical monument in memory for all those who gave their lives,” says composer Patrick Hawes.

Speaking to Sunday Circle ahead of the premiere at London’s

“I once had the opportunity of meeting Wayne Marshall in person and I’m sure he’ll adapt The Great War Symphony perfectly.

“To have a full-scale performance under the patronage of the President of Malta is an extraordinary, humbling experience. It’ll likely

Royal Albert Hall – performed in partnership with Classic FM on

be a performance of considerable aplomb and finesse,” Patrick says,

October 9 by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Invictus Games

wistful that he could not attend.

Choir, the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and the Fanfare

This labour of love is special for Patrick because he was very

Trumpeters of the Royal Air Force – it was easy to tell that Patrick

close to his maternal grandfather, Bert (short for Albert), who fought

was still immersed in the moment.

as a fusilier in the War.

“I never expected my symphony to be performed in Malta; an

“He was deaf and had a finger missing. My earliest memory is

island with great links to Britain… I’m thrilled it’s going to be taking

of him singing World War I songs to me. He was very kind and

place there right after the premiere,” he continues.

patient – a trait common with people from that generation – and I

This autumn sees the 100th anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting on land, sea and air in World War I. To mark this

wanted to do this for him,” he explains.

Before composing the piece, Patrick spent 18 months with his

significant moment, Malta’s The New Choral Singers will be

head buried in poetry, letters and diaries linked to World War I,

presenting the work of this quintessentially English composer on

selecting the text for the four movements, which each depict a year

November 4.

of the war.

22 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

CULTURE

Wayne Marshall

He was particularly interested in his country’s Christian heritage, which was inextricably linked “to our purely British memory”.

“The more I read, the more I felt that to mark this centenary we should try to create works that are commensurate with the sacrifices they made.”

Patrick, a talented and respected composer who gained widespread recognition for his debut album Blue in Blue, was particularly struck by poets Rupert Brooke and Edward Thomas, as well as the lesser known Sydney Oswald.

He also stumbled upon memorials from newspapers published during that

Malta’s The New Choral Singers to perform The Great War Symphony straight after UK premiere

period to document everybody who had died in that area. At the Battle of Jutland, many of those who had lost their lives were from Liverpool, and some of

The New Choral Singers

the epitaphs were so poetic, Patrick felt honoured to give them new life in the

will be performing the

symphony.

work of renowned

Inspired by these texts, Patrick went on a kind of pilgrimage to find

British composer

the grave of his Uncle Harry, which he found in a peaceful part of the

Patrick Hawes

countryside near Arras. Fifty soldiers had died on one day, and the men

(inset picture) on

were buried where they fell.

November 4, at St

Very few gravestones had an inscription other than the name, or RIP.

Paul’s Pro-

But when he got to his Uncle’s it read: “He lies with England’s heroes, in the

Cathedral, Valletta,

watchful care of God.”

at 7.30pm.

“I thought that’s what I want for the Elegy.”

For the piece, Patrick wanted to involve as many young people as possible to try and imbue them with values he feels are at risk of being lost.

“Many question why we should have a centenary. It’s simplistic to say to

This event, being held in collaboration with Festi Ċelebrazzjonijiet Nazzjonali and St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral, will be under the

celebrate the sacrifices of our fallen heroes. The dead brought us holiness; they

musical direction of Mauro Farrugia, together

brought us love and pain in a way that people finally understood how these two

with organist Wayne Marshall, soprano Claire

virtues are interlinked.

Debono, and tenor Juan Gambina.

“Some musical compositions take a nihilistic view of the War; grim and

Entrance is free but a retiring collection

doom. I wanted to look at this war from a Christian perspective… Nowadays,

will be made in aid of the Malta Community

people have it good and we live in a culture of immediate gratification – the war

Chest Fund Foundation.

changes all that. This is the seed I wanted to sow in the young generation; a

www.thenewchoralsingers.com

wonderful lesson of honour!”

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

23

CELEBRITIES

Catching up with

Grazielle ALSO ONE OF THE SUNDAY CIRCLE DIGITAL APP AMBASSADORS, BLOGGER AND ENTREPRENEUR GRAZIELLE CAMILLERI AHLGREN IS CONSTANTLY ON-THE-GO. IGGY FENECH MANAGES TO SIT HER DOWN TO TALK ABOUT PAST SUCCESSES AND FUTURE AMBITIONS.

PHOTO: SAMUEL MEILAK

24 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

CELEBRITIES

Although I arrive early at the coffee shop we agreed to meet at, I immediately spot Grazielle. Wearing a pretty black dress with white polka dots, she’s sporting pink lipstick and one of her crystal necklaces. She’s also just finishing up a meeting.

This one-thing-after-another-sort-of-day is typical for her she tells me: “I normally wake up at around 5 or 5.30am to blog or clean before my daughter, Luna, wakes up. Then we go running

Four years later, that blog is still being updated regularly and it’s recently made one of her biggest dreams come true…

“I was in Milan for Fashion Week when I received a phone call telling me I had won an international influencer competition, which I entered thanks to Inglot Malta… I was being flown to Los Angeles to meet my idol, JLo [(Jennifer Lopez)]!

“It was crazy! I got to see her in concert – which was

together. I then drop her off at school, go home, change, upload a

absolutely magical – and then I got to meet her! Everything

post to my crystals’ page, and get ready start my work day.

happened in slow-motion but passed by so quickly... As soon as it

“That usually means meeting with my clients [both for her blogging business, as well as for the public relations and marketing company she runs], or meeting with my team to go over what

was my turn, I just told her how much I loved and respected her, and how much I looked up to her.”

On the plane-ride there, which first took her to Canada and

they’re working on. Other times, it could be a photoshoot, or

then to LA, Grazielle started penning a letter to Jennifer Lopez,

planning the filming for MaltaTV [an online programme Grazielle

as she assumed that she wouldn’t have enough time to properly

started to promote Malta through its people]. Some days, however,

tell her how much she looks up to her.

I dedicate whole days to working on my blog and blog posts.”

These manic days are usually documented through pictures

“In fact, we didn’t have much time together – it was already around 11.30pm and I was the second one in a line of 20 people.

and stories uploaded to Grazielle’s Instagram and Facebook pages,

So I left her the letter and a pyrite [a semi-precious gemstone

where she has thousands of followers. But Grazielle hasn’t just

that symbolises abundance and prosperity]. I wonder if she’s

magically found herself super busy: it’s something she’s always

read it… It was honestly a dream come true!”

wanted.

When I ask Grazielle why she looks up to her so much, she

In fact, back in the day when she was the marketing manager

says that Jennifer Lopez is everything she aspires to be: a

for the wholesale side of one of Malta’s most popular perfumeries,

successful entrepreneur, a performer, and a career mum;

she was also dancing on Tista’ Tkun Int, at hotels, and even on the

someone who follows her dreams and inspires others in the

stage of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest with the Aceline

process. And that seems to be the line Grazielle has been looking

Entertainment. Such is her restlessness that even her blog was

to follow.

started on a whim while bored in Tenerife.

“I had written for magazines and newspapers before so I

“When Luna came into my life, it stopped being all about me,” she reveals. “I wasn’t planning on having a baby so when I

thought, I’m just going to buy some outfits, take some photos, get

got the test results at the age of 39, my first reaction was: my life

my husband, Marco to take some of me, write about my experience

is over. I thought I would have to give up everything I had worked

here in Tenerife, and upload it all.”

so hard for, lose my figure – you know, selfish thoughts.

PHOTO: CHRISTOFFER STAAR

PHOTO: GORDON FORMOSA

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

25

CELEBRITIES

“But then I realised that all I wanted was for the baby to be healthy and happy. The rest, would be manageable. And that’s why I started my blog: to encourage people my age to keep going and to remind them that life doesn’t stop when you get married, have a baby, or turn 40.”

That realisation was spiritual for Grazielle, and it has now been transformed into a crystals business that lets people buy different gemstones which many believe have particular qualities and energies. And Grazielle herself uses them to bring more luck and love into her life.

“Fixing auric energies [energy that

“I see life as a big game, and everything you do you get you points for until you reach the next level.”

supposedly surrounds living creatures] through gemstones can make us feel and be better. And that’s something I am experiencing for myself,” she says. “So I’m happy to be able to share them with people, just like I’ve shared other things, like my exercise routine or my fashion choices.

“Of course, I know I’m not the most beautiful model, or six-feet tall, or a size zero. I have boobs, I’m short and I have wobbly bits.

But I also know that by embracing that, I could help someone else accept their flaws or, at least, feel better about themselves – and the crystals are a part of that mantra.”

As Grazielle continues to put on new hats and focusing on self-development, there is no doubt that these will make an appearance on her blog and social media channels. In fact, her followers will have probably seen some of her latest endeavors, including singing and being filmed dancing. And she’s not stopping there, with more things planned for the near, as well as distant, futures.

“I see life as a big game, and everything you do you get you points for until you reach the next level,” she continues. “So I’ve let go of insecurities and I’m now going with the flow, trusting my gut, and working on myself. That is something that I want to push through all my channels. In fact, I believe my life purpose is to spread joy and awareness about things that matter.”

Undoubtedly, we’ll be seeing more of Grazielle as she continues to grow her business and increase her reach… And we’re excited to see what she’ll try or come up with next!

To follow Grazielle’s journey, visit www.graziellecamilleri.com or follow her on Instagram (@graziellecamilleri).

26 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

PHOTO: JUSTIN CIAPPARA

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

DATING

Capital of Sex The day nobody hit the jackpot BERNICE CHERRETT

Let’s talk about sex. In Malta. Publicly. Possibly, arguing about the installation of a condom machine at University a couple of years

It’s a sticky autumn morning in Valletta. I manage to crawl out of bed, put on my best ‘don’t talk to me’ outfit, and walk over to my

back, was the closest we got as a nation to have a discussion about

favourite (and, seemingly, every lawyer’s favourite) coffee place in St

that ‘thing’ we all do but never really talk about.

Lucia Street to work and people-watch. By 10am, I’ve already ordered

Sex, as a conversation topic, can be something that unites us – much like our fondness for Clinton Paul, our contempt for the

my second espresso, still desperately trying to jump start my day. A high-pitched giggle reaches my ears. I look up, and that’s when I see

Planning Authority and our intense feelings about the rise in price of

them – Man and Woman, sharing a menu and holding hands.

the pastizz and the shortage of local milk. Having said that, while this

Followed by 30 seconds of just looking into each other’s eyes, then,

is a sex column, I’m not here to tell you how to do it, who to do it

having breakfast and, somehow, still managing to hold hands.

with or where to do it (OK Google or Hey Siri might be able to help you there). I’m here because it’s time we have ‘the talk’.

After overhearing bits and pieces of bland conversation – “I’m left-handed and allergic to garlic” being my personal favourite

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

29

DATING

part – and noticing that neither Vampire nor Woman have checked their phones in well over an hour now, it becomes obvious that this is a new relationship.

In the meantime, Elon Musk just tweeted ‘Unis3x’ and these two missed it because they were too busy holding each other’s gaze. Ah, well.

An hour later, I’m still at the same table but, now, I’m surrounded by different scents.

Coffee is still in the air. Bacon seems to have joined in and there’s an added eau … du sexy.

Ew. I go out for a smoke and, as I’m walking back in, I notice that the flirting at the next table is proceeding vigorously. Eyes are blinking way too much, heads keep nodding,

It’s not just our nation struggling to understand the concept of niceness and the definition of consent

legs are crossing and uncrossing, bodies are inching forward… you know, the usual.

I’m aptly reminded of the famous scene from the 1967 film The Graduate, where fresh-out-of-college Ben Braddock is having a mild panic attack as he realises the wife of his

spending hours on multiple dating apps swiping left and right till

father’s business partner is flirting with him. “Mrs. Robinson, for God’s

they find a decent hook-up for the day, or week, or life. However, they

sake… you got me into your house, you give me a drink, you put on

all agreed on one thing – rejection is natural and almost guaranteed

music. Now, you start opening up your personal life to me and tell me

when you’re single and on the hunt. Best you can do is be prepared

your husband won’t be home for hours! Mrs. Robinson… you’re trying

for it. Having adopted two cats this past year, I’ve gotten used to

to seduce me!” She chuckles, and a few scenes later they’re getting it

being rejected on a daily basis, so I’m well-prepared and ready to go.

on like there’s no tomorrow.

That being said, I’m also aware that the possibility of being rejected

Meanwhile, our Man and Woman seem to have the same idea in mind as they enthusiastically signal for the waiter to bring over their bill.

isn’t the only thing that holds some of us back from seducing strangers.

We’re scared. We’re scared of scaring other people off, we’re

It’s evident that the ways of seduction employed in The

scared of bothering them, and mostly, we’re scared of looking lame.

Graduate are quite outdated by now, to put it mildly. Just think of

Some of us, are also scared of hitting on our second cousin or on our

how, only a few decades ago, the Triton Fountain used to regularly

best friend’s English lecturer whom we totally didn’t recognise in the

house packs of men that would gather to try their luck with the

fog of alcohol and smoke in Strait Street one time, but, let’s not get

women passing by. Today, well… this still happens, but the packs have

into that today.

gotten smaller and, apparently, the only thing these men do to get

So, where does that leave us? Are we still, despite all these

the women’s attention, is catcall them. So how exactly has flirting

anxieties, making a concerted effort to get into someone’s pants? Or

evolved, especially here in Malta – a nation, usually at least a couple

is a ‘Hey, u up?’ text all we can muster nowadays? Later that same

of decades behind everyone else in most matters of love and sex?

week, I decided to ask my good friend, Sebastian The Vegetarian,

Personally, I think flirting can be an excellent way to redistribute confidence and self-esteem. I’m not the type to beat around the bush. I’m also a sore loser – and winner – so playing games is not

over dinner and prosecco, this same question. His response was not what I expected.

“I mean, listen, last week I was at this guy’s house and, out of

entirely for me either. I’ve always thought that if you find someone

the blue, he mentions how, once, an ex-roommate of his caught him

attractive and want to get to know them, all you have to do is

masturbating. I thought that was his way of flirting with me! That’s

channel your inner Mrs Robinson and get on with it. You approach

how weird it is out there right now.”

them and initiate a fun conversation and, if they don’t reciprocate

I put my fork down, had a big sip of wine and inquired further.

interest, you wish them a good day and be on your way to the

The rest of the conversation focused on the migration of flirting from

nearest bar (which means walking approximately 10 metres if you’re

bars to dating apps, and how this has impacted and bizarrely

in Valletta – thank you, gentrification) to ask for the strongest

changed the way we seduce each other. “Virtual flirtation barely

Whiskey Sour the mixologist can make.

requires any confidence. All you have to do is send a message to a

Throughout the week, I decided to ask some of my closest

person whose right swipe has already told you that they’re down to…

friends exactly what they’re doing to get laid these days. Their replies

” fun. Sebastian and I agreed that, as a result of this, a lot of us have

varied from subtly flirting with customers at their workplace, to

somewhat forgotten how to talk someone up face-to-face.

30 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

DATING

However, it’s quite easy to see why most of us prefer teasing

Unlike them, a large group of men whose stories of navigating

strangers online. Nowadays, you can know someone’s sexual

minefields in the dating scene I’ve heard and overheard all over the

orientation, civil status, what they look like in their swimwear in

city, seem to not be up for a good ol’ gamble these days. Infamously,

Comino on Santa Maria and whether they’re into you or not, within

a local lionheart had this to say in reply to an article citing high levels

minutes of first seeing their profile – definitely a safer bet than trying

of sexual harassment in Maltese workplaces: “Men, stay away! Your

to pull someone you’ve never met in a club. You can gamble all night

gentle advances and quips are not welcome. Keep everything on a

till you win from the comfort of your own couch.

No expensive cocktails, no bad electronic music, and, best of all, no hangover the next morning (usually).

This isn’t to say we’ve completely stopped gambling at social gatherings. I recently discovered that my fellow Valletta neighbours met at a Burlesque show in Spazju Kreattiv some months back. Stage Manager meets Photographer, they hang out backstage, go for a drink after the show and then a movie at his place. “We didn’t end up watching the movie, you know…”, she tells

professional basis. Then, most likely the women

Having adopted two cats this past year, I’ve gotten used to being rejected on a daily basis, so I’m well-prepared and ready to go

me over chat. We know, girl, we know. We spoke

will complain that they are being ignored.”

In the wake of the Me Too movement, men worldwide – yes, it’s not just our nation struggling to understand the concept of niceness and the definition of consent – are saying that they have no idea how they should initiate a conversation with a woman these days. Some are even questioning whether they should be approaching women at all. This apprehension seems to stem from the fact that they think they’ll either misread the absence of a ‘no’ or the tone of a ‘yes’.

Now, while the solution to this whole

more about the risks and rewards that come with a more traditional

conundrum may seem simple – that is, avoid hooting “Aw Lilly!” (or

approach to flirting, and the Photographer, a self-proclaimed ‘hippy’,

any other variation) at strangers from your car and replace

had this to say: “Everyone’s the same when it comes to these things…

assumptions with questions – it… isn’t?

we’re all insecure and we all overthink the hell out of everything we say. I just try not to worry about it. The fun is in finding out what happens next.”

So what are we possibly meant to do if men suddenly stop hitting on us?

And here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson.

CIRCLE PROMOTION

AN INTERVIEW WITH MALTESE AND GOZITAN VINTNERS A YEAR SINCE THE DOK MALTA, DOK GOZO – WINES OF DISTINCTION CAMPAIGN WAS LAUNCHED, IT’S TIME TO CATCH UP WITH SOME OF THE VINTNERS WHO ARE THE KEY PLAYERS BEHIND THE LABELS DOK MALTA, DOK GOZO AND IĠT MALTESE ISLANDS. INTERVIEWED HERE ARE DANIEL MERCIECA FOR BACCHUS WINERY, MATTHEW DELICATA FOR EMANUEL DELICATA WINEMAKER, AND LILIYA TASEVA FOR MONTEKRISTO WINERY.

Bacchus Winery – Daniel Mercieca

As a vintner, which is your favourite/most challenging part of the winemaking process? Why? Bacchus Winery: The fermentation stage.

Emanuel Delicata Winemaker: The harvest is both the most challenging and my favourite time of the year. It’s a very intense time when you are constantly working to get the grapes to reach the perfect ripeness and turn them into delicious wine. It’s the time when all the hard work in the vineyard comes to fruition. It’s a wonderful sight watching a grower’s beaming face delivering a successful harvest. It is my responsibility to transform those highquality grapes into premium wine.

Montekristo Winery: Definitely the most favourite period is the harvest time. It personifies the beginning, the optimism, the energy – all positive feelings we have when we start something

How long have you been in this sector? How did you get started

new. And although it is a yearly process, it is still a challenge.

in winemaking?

Bacchus Winery: Bacchus Winery is a family-run business

Which is your favourite kind of wine?

which was established in 1862, inherited from father to son. I am

Bacchus Winery: Red wine.

the fifth generation and have been in this sector for over thirty

Emanuel Delicata Winemaker: This is similar to asking a

years.

parent to choose a favourite child! I love them all, and they all have

Emanuel Delicata Winemaker: Having been born into a

their place especially with a good meal. The wonderful thing about

winemaking family with a tradition of over 100 years, it was natural

Malta is that we are opting for various styles, which is very rare for

for me to follow in their footsteps. I officially started working in the

such a small region to do. It is a wine lover’s paradise to come here

winery during my summer holidays while I was still at university. I

and have this vast spectrum of wines to enjoy.

would help out in the laboratory during the busy harvest months.

Montekristo Winery: As a winemaker working mainly with red

Then, after graduating, I joined the winemaking team, which I

varieties, it is not a surprise that my favourite wines are the red

eventually started to head.

ones. The preparation of red wines always needs more attention

Montekristo Winery: Montekristo winery was established in 2004.

34 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

and patience and when I taste a red wine I’m trying to discover the core and the character of the wine.

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Emanuel Delicata Winemaker – Matthew Delicata

Montekristo Winery Liliya Taseva

Which grape variety features most in your wines?

approval that the wines we make are getting analysed and tested

Bacchus Winery: Merlot.

by an expert panel and getting the approval needed. It is also a

Emanuel Delicata Winemaker: Our indigenous white variety

tool to instil further confidence in our customers and having

Girgentina and the world-renowned Chardonnay are definitely the

something to show that our products have been independently

most dominant grapes. They give the perfect balance of sticking to

inspected and certified. Although the certification is still relatively

our roots with our native varieties, while also giving the wines an

in its infancy (just over 10 years), it is slowly but surely gaining

international approachable dimension to them.

more exposure and will continue to do so in the future.

Montekristo Winery: The two grape varieties presented in our wines are the Chardonnay – touched with the unique

Montekristo Winery: DOK/IĠT suggest controlled grapes and it is our quality guarantee for the clients.

Mediterranean terroir – and the Syrah, which gives rich wines intense colour and flavours.

Any future goals?

Bacchus Winery: Our goal is to keep the family’s tradition of

Is there any method/specification that characterises your wines?

Bacchus Winery: The old traditional methods blended with the new technology.

Emanuel Delicata Winemaker: A virtue of fine wine is that it

winemaking as a family-business and passing this passion on to future generations. This is not an easy task!

Emanuel Delicata Winemaker: My main future goal is to firmly putting Malta on the world wine map and continuing my family’s legacy. Every person who discovers our wines is

always gives an indication of the sense of place. Our wines have to

immediately impressed and surprised that we are capable of

evoke fresh sea breezes and warm summer nights. Our wines are

producing such good quality with a variety of wines. This shows we

always packed with bright, fresh, fruity aromas and we always

are on the right track and will create ambassadors for our industry

prioritise drinkability and finesse, which make them appropriate to

worldwide. We must keep on striving to improve our wines in

thoroughly enjoy in our climate.

anyway possible be it the vineyard or the cellar, while also

Montekristo Winery: The method of the vinification depends on the varietal and the style of the wine but the balance is critical.

improving the way we communicate our virtues and the virtues of our beautiful islands.

Montekristo Winery: One of the most important goals we

What does DOK and IĠT mean to you?

have for the future is to work in close contact with our clients,

Bacchus Winery: For us, it’s the control process from the

giving them the chance to not only taste our wines and visit the

grapevine to the bottling of wine.

Emanuel Delicata Winemaker: For me, this is a seal of

winery, but even to be present and participate in the winemaking process.

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

35

NEWS

INTRODUCING: MALTA'S FIRST FULLYINTERACTIVE DIGITAL MAGAZINE AS OF NEXT WEEK, SUNDAY CIRCLE WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE IN A HANDY AND BEAUTIFUL DIGITAL EDITION BURSTING WITH INTERACTIVE FEATURES AND AWESOME COMPETITIONS. DOWNLOAD IT STRAIGHT TO YOUR MOBILE PHONE OR TABLET THROUGH THE NEW TIMES OF MALTA APP, TOM MAG. As Malta’s leading lifestyle magazine, we’re

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however, our version is not on a website, so

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navigate through the magazine

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feature that saves all your

36 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

Circle whenever you want, wherever you

But that’s not all! In-app instant polls,

A rising

favourite stories, pop-up

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ST R

captions that help you

prize draws continue to make the digital

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animated infographics that give

interactive version of the magazine yet!

NEWS

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• €1,000 to spend at Scan.

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• Lancôme skincare.

• Velvet Fatale, the collector’s edition of Good Girl Eau de Parfum by Carolina Herrera.

3. Download ‘TOM Mag’ and open the application.

4. Download Sunday Circle with one tap.

It’s that simple!

So, go on, be part of the revolution and join us as we go digital...

Simply head to www.tom-mag.com to register your details and receive news on when the TOM Mag app goes live!

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

37

CIRCLE COMPETITION

WIN A HOLIDAY FOR TWO

Fun in

Livigno THE DIGITAL EDITION OF SUNDAY CIRCLE IN COLLABORATION WITH FCM TRAVEL SOLUTIONS IS GIVING AWAY A ONE-WEEK STAY IN LIVIGNO FOR TWO PEOPLE. HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN SEE, DO AND EXPERIENCE ONCE YOU GET THERE!

Located on the border between Italy and Switzerland and sitting atop a high valley 1,816m above sea-level, the Alpine village of Livigno is simply picture perfect: Slopes towering up to 3,000m are blanketed in white snow, while postcard-worthy wooden cottages pave the way to parks and forests.

Livigno’s superb position means that, during skiing season, visitors can always

going with your family and young children,

rely on first-rate snow conditions spread

friends, your partner or even alone, the

over 120km of slopes between the

beauty of Livigno is that it’s a place where

Carosello and Mottolino mountains. And all

anyone will feel at home in.

that is topped off with a vast range of activities one could get up to including a great nightlife and duty-free shopping.

Indeed, it is no surprise that the winter wonderland that is Livigno has

38 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

Skiing For those heading to Livigno for skiing, the village is ready to cater for your needs no matter your level.

become a favourite for skiers and families

Beginners will spend the first two

all around the world, including Malta. And

days on an almost-flat slope, which you

who can blame them? Whether you’re

get to using a small escalator carpet that

CIRCLE COMPETITION

gently takes you up to it. During this time, you will be taught how to ski downwards, stop, turn and slow down – meaning you will get to enjoy the skiing sensation immediately. This, then, progresses to learning how to go up a ski lift and tackling longer slopes, with the idea that, by the end of the first week, you’ll be able to go down a full, easy slope alone and with confidence.

Meanwhile, if you’re a seasoned skier, Livigno also has many stunning red (intermediate) and black (expert) slopes that are challenging even for the most

“LoCaTeD On ThE BoRdEr BeTwEeN ItAlY AnD SwItZeRlAnD AnD SiTtInG AtOp A HiGh VaLlEy 1,816M AbOvE SeA-LeVeL, ThE AlPiNe ViLlAgE Of LiViGnO Is SiMpLy PiCtUrE PeRfEcT.”

die-hard of skiers. Having said that, lessons are recommended for those with intermediate and advanced skiing skills, too.

Other Sports The more adventurous kind will have a hard time picking their first endeavour. Special parks and various regular pistes take snowboarding to the next level – and you can even enter a competition-level snow park with half pipes, rails, jumps and a mega sound system. And don’t worry if you’ve never

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

39

CIRCLE COMPETITION

tried snowboarding before as lessons can be organised upon request.

Meanwhile, a 40-minute jetbiking experience where speed, snow and fun merge, will give you a whole new perspective on the breathtaking Alpine scenery. Alternatively, you could also fly across the snowy slopes by trying out tyre-sliding – just sit down on an inflated tyre-tube and slide down the twisting circuit laid our especially at the bottom of the slopes!

Quad bikes also make an appearance in picturesque Livigno, but they’re unlike any you’re likely to have seen as, in Livigno, you get to drift on one on an ice circuit built on top of, a frozen lake.

And if none of this is to your liking,

Going as a Family?

then why not enjoy an afternoon of taking in the clear, crisp mountain air on

No matter how old your children are,

horseback? Done under supervision, you

there is something for them to do and

will follow the trails through the trees of

discover!

the lower slopes of the valley where

Grab a chairlift with your little ones to

majestic countryside meets the wild

the top of a piste and sledge back down…

elegance of European winters.

The perfect day for a multiple-generational family looking to do something together.

Food & Shopping

Or book a sedate equine experience where

Duty-free shopping in Livigno has

a horse-drawn carriage will take you on a

quite a long history and can be dated

serve traditional dishes that will get your

tranquil journey through the Alps.

back to the 16th century when the valley

mouth watering just by reading the

Meanwhile, go-karts are also big in Livigno,

became a duty-free zone. Today, many

ingredients off a menu. But, for a more

and with the added hurdle of snow you’ll

different products and goods can be

immersive experience, why not visit the

be in for some amazing memories.

purchased (in limited quantities) at a

Latteria (the dairy) to find out how and

price that is exempt from excise tax.

where the region’s delicious famed cheese,

History also plays a part in the region’s cuisine, and many restaurants

Website: www.fcm.com.mt - Email:

milk, butter and cream are made… And, of

info@fcm.com.mt - Phone: 2345 6798 -

course, taste it!

Whatsapp: 7923 2323

Love the sound of Livigno?

Then how would you like to win a week-long trip for two, including flights and accommodation, thanks to FCM Travel Solutions and the new, digital version of Sunday Circle? Head to www.tom-mag.com to register your details and receive news on when the TOM Mag app goes live… Good luck!

40 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

POP CULTURE

PHOTOS: ALBERT CAMILLERI

BEHIND THE SCENES OF MALTA’S BIGGEST STAGE THE FOUR X FACTOR MALTA JUDGES SPEAK TO IGGY FENECH ABOUT WHAT THEY’VE SEEN SO FAR, THE FINAL (CONTROVERSIAL) PRIZE, AND A WHOLE LOT MORE.

Love it or hate it, there is no denying that

HOWARD KEITH

it’s been an electrifying three weeks of X

IS THE FOUNDER OF

Factor Malta so far: people have sang, Ira

THE JAGGED HOUSE

has cried, and the general public has

MUSIC COMPANY,

lavished praise and thrown shade at

AND HAS WORKED

everyone from the contestants to the judges. It’s all just as it should be for a season of the X Factor.

WITH OVER 40 INTERNATIONAL

the finalists need to be able to handle the tough reality of the industry.

Does Malta need a reality-check when it comes to its music scene?

We’re small but that doesn’t mean we can’t be professional. I’ve experienced

PRODUCTIONS INCLUDING THE LORD OF

great singers with poor songs, great acts

THE RINGS. LOCALLY, HE HAS

who don’t look the part, copycat

the whole shebang will culminate with the

DEVELOPED AND MANAGED MANY OF

wannabes, and insecure acts with a chip on

Final, set for January 26. Only the winner

MALTA’S TOP ACTS AND IS ONE OF THE

their shoulder – and vice-versa. These

will receive a prize – a part of which is

ORGANISERS OF EARTH GARDEN.

aspects, as well as the fact that we take

With another episode airing tonight,

representing Malta in Eurovision.

That one act will have beaten out over 400 applicants who will have gone through the Judges’ Auditions, Bootcamp,

ourselves too seriously and are not used to What are you looking out for when judging the contestants?

An identifiable vocal tone primarily,

criticism, are things we know of but don’t talk about. This show doesn’t keep back from exposing them and that on its own is

Chair Challenge, Judges’ Houses and the

but good voices aren’t enough. A relatable

enough to send ripples in the local music

Live Shows. And you will have a big part in

personality and image that suit the music

scene.

that by voting for whomever you think

are also needed. I’ve been pleasantly

deserves the ultimate prize.

surprised so far, although there have been

But before all that, the Judges give

deluded ones. Thankfully, after 20 years in

us the beef on some of the most pressing

this job, I can distinguish between these

questions surrounding X Factor Malta.

and those who take it seriously. Ultimately,

Why is the ultimate prize the Eurovision Song Contest?

The show is about pushing one’s talents to the max and building a

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

43

POP CULTURE

RAY MERCIECA

relationship with the audience so they can

some known faces are showing us they

work on their future as recording artists.

want to try something different! So it’s

WAS THE FIRST

This is the first season and the winner gets

great… I think there’s nothing more special

MALTESE ARTIST TO

to release a song with Sony Music,

than discovering a new artist and being a

represent Malta on a TV platform in front

part of their journey to success.

of 200 million people, and be the winner of a global international brand. To think the

SECURE AN INTERNATIONAL RECORD DEAL IN THE

Do you think that characteristics

1980S. HE IS RENOWNED

winner has to fit a Eurovision mould and

needed to win the X Factor are the same

FOR FRONTING 90S LOCAL BAND THE

make this about that is totally off key to

characteristics needed to win Eurovision?

CHARACTERS AND LATER MAKING A

what we’re trying to do.

If the characteristics needed are those

COMEBACK WITH THE RIFFFS, WITH

which will make an audience want to watch

WHOM HE RELEASED TWO ALBUMS,

Howard’s Advice to Future X Factor Hopefuls:

the winner on stage, be curious about the

TOURED ACROSS EUROPE AND

artist’s repertoire, want to discover the

HEADLINED TOP FESTIVALS.

Keep it real; think outside the box;

artist and grow with them, and get on a

exploit your strengths and lessen your

journey with them, then, yes. One-hit

weaknesses. Don’t overthink it but to

artists don’t last, so having a body of work

be well-prepared.

and performances can be more re-assuring for long-term success.

What are you looking out for when judging the contestants?

Most definitely, the hunger in them.

The shining beyond the norm that separates them from the average. I’m also looking for

What are three characteristics that

IRA LOSCO HAS

originality: When we see someone who has

are invaluable for a pop star?

it even if the talent is raw, we know. We all

OVER 22 MUSIC

Being innovative, fresh and current.

look at each other to acknowledge the

AWARDS UNDER HER

Sometimes pop stars adopt a fake

feeling we would have felt at that moment.

BELT, PERFORMED IN

approach feeling they are above the

OVER 25 COUNTRIES,

I always knew there was raw,

people who got them there in the first

undiscovered talent in Malta and this was a

place. I hate that! Saying a genuine thank

great opportunity to discover the unknown.

you and finding time to talk to your fans is

This is a big thing for Malta and, sometimes,

CURRENT RECORD HOLDER FOR

the least one can do. Pop is short for

I sense not everyone is aware how serious

NUMBER ONE SPOT ON THE LOCAL

popular: The highs and lows come with the

this is… I mean, sure, in the first auditions,

ITUNES CHART (28 CONSECUTIVE

territory and it comes with great

there was a massive gap between the levels,

WEEKS!). THROUGHOUT HER CAREER

responsibility.

but we kept an open mind – developing a

COLLABORATED WITH JASON DERULO, AND IS THE

SHE HAS WORKED ON EIGHT ALBUMS, OVER 100 SONGS AND MULTIPLE MUSIC PUBLICATIONS. What are you looking out for when

talent takes time and patience – and always

Ira’s Advice to Future X Factor Hopefuls:

looked beyond just the voice to find the

To stay true to yourself, work your

out from the rest and their X Factor shined.

true artist in the individual(s). Some stood

butt off, and always remember where

judging the contestants?

you come from. This industry is one

Honesty and sheer determination, above

where you can easily lose yourself but

all. They need to believe that they were

you should only allow yourself in the

It was very tough for a Maltese artist

born to do this… I believe we experienced a

writing or performing – nothing else.

in the 80s for different reasons than today.

lot of new talent but I also want to say that

What do record labels really look for when they’re signing an act up?

There was no Internet to start off with, which meant we were isolated from the rest of the world. We were battling it out in the UK, so I know what fighting for what you believe in is all about. Nowadays, it’s different thanks to all the opportunities that are at our disposal which, sometimes, I don’t think we appreciate enough. However, time does not change what a label looks for.

The ingredients are always the same: originality, great songwriting, image, strong attitude, dedication, creativity, marketability and, of course, the wow-factor.

44 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

Ray’s Advice to Future X Factor Hopefuls: Never give up, believe in yourself, follow your gut feeling, come prepared, and always remember that what you may lose today is just a stepping-stone for tomorrow.

ALEXANDRA ALDEN IS A MALTESE MUSICIAN AND ARTIST CURRENTLY BASED IN ROTTERDAM. HER FIRST EP, RECORDED AT AGE 16, RESULTED IN TWO NUMBER ONE HITS IN MALTA, WHILE HER FULL-LENGTH DEBUT ALBUM CURRENTLY HAS SCHEDULED RELEASES

Smart Pack is a suitable anti-aging treatment for mature and aging skin

IN THE US, CANADA AND SCANDINAVIA. What are you looking out for when judging the contestants?

I am looking for an artist who has the whole package: the voice, the look, a good attitude, and an eager disposition to learn.

A humble demeanor always helps, especially if you have the most amazing voice… One thing I can’t stand is an inflated ego. There’s never any good reason for it…

So far we’ve seen a whole spectrum of contestants. We got the diamonds in the rough, the stagnating tricks, the people who crawled out of a cave and thought they really could sing, and the people who absolutely blew us away!

Do you think that the X Factor could change Malta’s music scene?

The music industry is a competitive industry, so the X factor can definitely be an educational zone for all to learn to compete for gold. It can be a great platform for this change not only for local musicians and singers but also for audience perception as they learn to separate top-level natural talent from the rest. So, yes, it will change Malta’s scene, give hope to the non-believers, and act as a wake-up call to the deluded ones.

What would you like to see more of in the future?

I want to see more passion and more people being nonchalant about not making it through because they know they’re just going to work harder and succeed anyway. I want people to prove me wrong, even after having given them a no. I like strong characters and personalities. Oh, and, by the way, strength does not necessarily mean having more volume; it means knowing what you have to offer and knowing where you can grow and change, and do it.

Alexandra’s Advice to Future X Factor Hopefuls:

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Listen to the people who inspire you, study their work, show what you’ve learnt and show us everything you’ve got.

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

TRAVEL

L’amore sacro e quello profano WITH APOLOGIES TO THOSE WHO DIDN’T GROW UP ON A DIET OF ITALIAN TV, RAMONA DEPARES IS SEDUCED BY THE COASTAL CITY OF NAPLES AND THE CONTRASTING PICTURES IT PAINTS. I’m seated in the foyer of the Grand Hotel

for instance, who stayed at the hotel in

Vesuvio, located bang in the middle of Via

1885. I fell in love with Maupassant aged 16,

fell in love with aged 16, for the opposite

Partenope, overlooking Castel dell’Ovo,

after reading a short story that beautifully

reason. Wilde was all about the decadence

with the Vesuvio itself (no spoiler alerts

encapsulated my penchant for existential

and the aestheticism. And I wanted those,

there, given the hotel name) as stunning

dread at the time. To date, I’m seduced by

too. If the Grand Hotel Vesuvio was

backdrop. There’s an air of quiet, old-

the darkness of La Parure.

deemed worthy by my favourite hedonist,

worlde luxury to the hotel but this is not

Of Naples, he had this to say: “the

Then there’s Oscar Wilde. Him, too, I

then it would undoubtedly work very well

what is intimidating me. It’s the knowledge

people gesticulate, and the way they drive

for (tamer) me. Knowing that Wilde stayed

that I am about to be spending four days in

is always a little wild: these people make

there for a short spell at the height of his

the same location as some of my real-life

the city so colourful and unique!” Oh, how

notorious affair with Lord Alfred Douglas,

heroes. French writer Guy de Maupassant,

beautifully right, he was.

made for a lovely frisson of pleasure as I

46 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

TRAVEL

Casina Vanvitelliana

followed the concierge to the elevator,

on the balcony, admiring the electric

wondering which room had seen Wilde

storm that was flirting with the peak of

entertain his liaison.

the volcano – obligatory glass of wine in

It’s clear that the staff, even in the

hand, of course. But not before I go for a

present day, have decided to live up to the

leisurely stroll across Via Partenope, which

hotel’s reputation for hosting celebrities,

is pedestrianised in the evenings, taking a

and their demeanour is impeccable –

million selfies. Because the Amalfi

polite, warm, efficient, without being

Coast, and the Bay of Naples, need

intrusive or overbearing. I guess it comes

no filter and I’m hoping they

of entertaining A-listers on a daily basis

extend the courtesy to me.

(the list is endless and includes Woody

Dinner at the Caruso, on the

Allen, Clark Gable, Sofia Loren, Matt

top floor of the hotel, follows.

Damon, Jon Bon Jovi, Gwyneth Paltrow

Because the legendary tenor in

and a host of other celebs and royals).

honour of whom the restaurant is

My room is as inspiring as they come and, in the evening, I settle down to write

Pompeii

named was also a habitué of the hotel; in fact he actually passed

Street life in Naples

Castell dell'Ovo with the Vesuvio in the distance.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GRAND HOTEL VESUVIO.

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

47

TRAVEL

The view from the Caruso restaurant

Dining at the Grand Hotel Vesuvio

in one of the suites. Enjoying luscious food and view, it is easy to see what attracted Caruso to this place, so soothing to the soul it is.

The following morning, my inspiration continued to flourish upon visiting Castel dell’Ovo, right opposite the hotel. Entrance is free and you get some unique vantage points for your filter-free selfies. It is a side of Naples that is genteel, unhurried, much like life at the Grand Hotel Vesuvio.

But there’s an edgier side to the city, one that I was about to discover and be equally fascinated by. The hotel is within walking distance of one of the most intriguing quarter of Naples – the warren of narrow streets so full of character and wonders, extending all the way from the commercial Piazza del Plebiscito up to the Spanish Quarters. This quarter could hardly be any more different to the stunning hotel I had just walked out of. It is a side to the city that is raw, and that reminds me of life in my own hometown of Valletta, before it got gentrified anyway. Clothes are hung to dry from window to window; motorini zigzag dangerously from one side of the road to the other, no helmet necessary; statues of Padre Pio are everywhere, surrounded by mementos to the locals’ dearly departed; I peer into an open door and see a woman preparing what smells like minestra on an open stove.

Best of all, however, are the tiny restaurants that dot the entire area.

Somewhat shoddy on the outside, offering a taste of heaven on the inside. You can tell that you’re as far away from tourist trap country as possible by the fact that all the diners are Napoletani, shouting at each other across the tables in a dialect that my understanding of Italian does not recognise. We get some curious stares; we bid a cheery ‘buonasera’ and proceed to chat between ourselves in Maltese. This seems to mark us as one of them; invariably, we are served with a smile and a chat and the food is always wonderful. We dine in these hole-in-the-wall osterie every evening; every evening we promise ourselves to forego primi and dolci; every

48 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

The bar at the hotel

TRAVEL

evening, we fall prey to the temptation of baba rum and

Getting there

torta di pere.

We leave Naples with the promise to return. It is a

Ryanair fly directly to Naples twice a week. www.ryanair.com

city you love or hate, and we certainly love it. On the way back to the airport, the taxi driver almost crashes into a

Where to stay

motorino and, a couple of profanities later, turns to me

Grand Hotel Vesuvio – Part of the Leading Hotels of the World

with a smile and tells me that this is the real Napoli, that

chain, the hotel is within walking distance of most of the city’s

you can’t get away from the spirit of rebellion, of

attractions and a 30-minute bus or taxi ride from the airport. Tip

‘anarchia’. The winds of change, they blow strong and

– ask for a seaview room and don’t miss out on the honeycomb

seductively in Naples.

for breakfast. Unwind with a treatment at the Echia spa in between shopping trips. www.vesuvio.it/

Where to eat When you feel like treating yourself, book the Caruso, at the top floor of the hotel. You get the amazing view of the entire Amalfi coast, volcano included, at your feet. But not just that – food and service are top notch. For a more Napoletan experience, drop in at the Osteria della Mattonella and (www.osteriadellamattonella.com) make sure you try the Pasta e patate con Provola, a Napoletan specialty. For amazing pizza, drop in pretty much everywhere – or at L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele if you’re a stickler for tradition (www.damichele.net). For the rum baba, it has to be Caffe Gambrinus – no, not the one in Valletta, the one in Piazza Typical Napoletan pizza

del Plebiscito (www.grancaffegambrinus. com/). It comes with some eight decades of history and oodles of rum.

Must-sees A daytrip to Pompeii involves a 40-minute trip on the Circumvesuviano, departing from the central station. Take a hat, sunblock and good walking shoes and make sure you spend the day.

Osteria delle mattonelle

Everyone else seems to Gran Caffe Gambrinus

have included the actual Vesuvio, but we preferred

to do full justice to Pompeii itself.

Underground Naples offers a fascinating, if dank, journey, while the historical centre is a glorious hodge podge of museums, architecture, markets and shouting people. Keep an eye on your bag at all times and don’t act stupid with your valuables.

If you have the time, take a boat trip to Capri and spend the day, eating lemon granita and touring the hair-raisingly narrow hills on a motorino. Pack your swimsuit and your big shades and you can pretend you’re a celeb hiding from the Paparazzi.

Underground Naples

50 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

STYLE

Jumpsuit, Jacket: Debenhams Boots: Stivaletti

52 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

STYLE

THIS SEASON PREPARE TO LET YOUR HAIR DOWN AND UNLEASH YOUR WILD SIDE. ANIMAL PRINTS ARE BACK IN FULL FORCE AND WHETHER YOU DECIDE TO INDULGE IN A HEAD TO-TOE LOOK OR ACCENTUATE AN OUTFIT WITH LITTLE TOUCHES, THERE ARE NO RULES IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

FIERCE!

Styling and Creative Direction Caroline Paris @ Caroline’s Fashion Styling (carolinefashionstyling.com) Photography Kurt Paris Location Meridiana Wine Estate Models Giulia @supernova Hair Toni and Guy Artistic Team Make-up Jean Zammit @inglotmalta

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.

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

53

STYLE

Coat, Jacket, Trousers: Cortefiel

Bodysuit, Top, Skirt, Tights, Necklace: River Island Boots: Stivaletti Belt: Armani Exchange

54 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

STYLE

Cape: Pedro del Hierro Trousers: Armani Exchange Bag: Debenhams Hat: Stylist’s Own Necklace: River Island

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

55

STYLE

Dress: Armani Exchange

56 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

HEALTH

Symptoms worth keeping in mind ABOUT 20% OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE PSORIASIS WILL DEVELOP PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIVES. HERE, CONSULTANT PHYSICIAN AND RHEUMATOLOGIST DR BERNARD COLEIRO EXPLAINS THE CONDITION, ITS SYMPTOMS, AND ITS LINK WITH PSORIASIS.

What is psoriatic arthritis?

about 1% of the population, and around 10 to 20% of these will

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis which is

develop psoriatic arthritis.

autoimmune in nature, meaning that the body’s immune defence system produces antibodies that attack the joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, a degenerative form of arthritis which is commoner in the elderly population, psoriatic arthritis can affect people of any

Is psoriatic arthritis linked to other serious medical conditions?

Yes. Hypertension, diabetes, the metabolic syndrome (a

age and it tends to be commoner in people who have a first-

combination of central obesity, hypertension, diabetes and

degree relative who suffers from it. The condition affects joints in

hyperlipidemia), and increased atherosclerosis (the narrowing of

an asymmetrical manner (for example, in the left hand and the

arteries, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes)

right knee, rather than both knees).

have all been linked to psoriatic arthritis.

What do patients complain of?

The cardinal symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are pain, swelling and stiffness in one or several joints. These can include the joints of the knees, ankles and feet, as well as the small joints of the hands close to the fingertips. This pain is normally worse on awakening in the morning and eases off with activity throughout the day. In fact, it is associated with morning stiffness that usually lasts more than 30 minutes.

“Psoriatic arthritis is treatable, and the medication may allow you to live a completely normal life.”

Is psoriatic arthritis reversible?

Psoriatic arthritis is treatable, and the medication may allow you to live a completely normal life.

However, if it is not treated early, the inflammation can lead to irreversible joint damage that could lead to deformities and impaired joint function. It is therefore important to speak up at once should a person with psoriasis develops joint symptoms.

What is the link with psoriasis?

Both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune conditions caused by the immune system attacking one’s own body.

Usually the skin psoriasis appears first, followed by the arthritis several years later but, in 17% of cases, the arthritis appears first.

How common is psoriatic arthritis in Malta?

We don’t have data specific to Malta, however, worldwide studies have shown that one to two people per 1,000 have

What is more serious: the skin condition or the joint condition?

If severe, both conditions may have a significant negative effect on patients' quality of life.

Should patients be seen by a dermatologist, a rheumatologist or both?

70% of those who have psoriasis won’t develop psoriatic

psoriatic arthritis and that, every year, six new people per 100,000

arthritis. Those who do, should be managed jointly by the

are diagnosed with the condition. In Malta, psoriasis is present in

rheumatologist and the dermatologist.

58 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

HEALTH

How do people respond when you diagnose them with psoriatic arthritis?

When people come to me, they know that there’s something not quite right so most of them are pleased to have a diagnosis that explains what they’re feeling, and that treatment is available. Having said that, not many people are aware of this condition and, in many of the advanced cases, a lot more could have been done had it been diagnosed earlier.

How does psoriatic arthritis impact patients’ and their families’ lives?

In most cases, psoriatic arthritis can be treated and controlled.

However, if left uncontrolled, it could lead to deformities and serious functional impairment, meaning that family members would have to provide sufferers with support even for basic chores and activities. This may have financial implications and psychological consequences.

What are the most important treatment priorities?

Treatment aims to suppress inflammation to avoid permanent joint damage. The specialised treatment is often in the form of tablets, which need to be supervised by the specialist. In the more severe cases, more potent treatment in the form of injections may be necessary. Most treatment has to be taken for several years and patients need to take regular blood tests to check for side-effects.

Are there any new innovative medicines that have evolved in the recent decade?

Yes, treatment has advanced manifold, with one of the newest being biological agents, which suppress the immune system in a potent way.

These are reserved for the more severe cases of psoriatic arthritis that have not responded to the more conventional treatment.

How accessible are these new treatments?

Biological agents have been available in Malta since 2000. The first-line biological agents are readily available and work for the majority of cases. Newer drugs in this class are gradually becoming more available.

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

59

HEALTH

A CASE STUDY*

POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS OF PsA INCLUDE:1,2

A 28-year-old woman starts experiencing joint-stiffness in the morning, with persistent pain in her fingers and toes, as well as red patches with flaky, silvery scales on her scalp.

She consults a GP, who suggests the

Back and neck pain

patient should seek the advice of a rheumatologist. The latter diagnoses her

Fatigue

with psoriatic arthritis.

When first diagnosed, her pain flares up at different intervals, leading her rheumatologist and dermatologist to prescribe nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, steroids and topical creams to manage the condition as it progresses. Nevertheless, the arthritis

Dactylitis

Tender, swollen or painful joints

has already caused irreversible damage to her joints, which will later cause deformities in her toes and fingers.

The condition persists until she gets pregnant, which makes the arthritis better. But six weeks after giving birth,

Psoriasis plaques

the condition becomes more aggressive

Enthesitis

and the pain extends to her knees, wrists, ankles, and other joints.

Finding it difficult to walk and requiring assistance for everyday tasks, her rheumatologist prescribes methotrexate. Unfortunately, she is

EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT ARE IMPORTANT TO PREVENT IRREVERSIBLE JOINT DAMAGE3,4 References: 1. Mease PJ and Armstrong AW. Drugs 2014; 74: 423-441. 2. Liu JT et al. World J Orthop 2014 September 18; 5(4): 537-543.

3. Gladman DD et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2011; 70: 2152-4. 4. Haroon M et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2014; [E-pub ahead of print].

intolerant to it, which leads her rheumatologist to prescribe biological drugs.

“This was a life changer,” she says.

“After a few weeks, both the inflammation and the psoriasis were controlled and, for the first time in a long time, I was pain-free.”

Asked about how accessible the drug was, she replies: “Biological drugs are extremely expensive and are not treatments that can be bought from a pharmacy. The consultant at Mater Dei Hospital placed a request for this medication, which, after some time, got approved.”

One of her biggest concerns throughout was not knowing what the future held including if the medication would be available, accessible, effective and whether it would cause any side effects.

With the help of her rheumatologist, the patient now manages her chronic disease and leads a normal life “It’s important that people are aware of the symptoms, as an early diagnosis can help avoid future discomfort and damage to joints… While there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, there are many treatments available to help manage the pain and stop the inflammation,” she concludes. *The case study is based on real events experienced by one patient whose name is not being used to protect their identity. Every case is unique and one should consult a GP should any symptoms arise.

THIS A PAID FEATURE

60 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Take responsibility for the disposal of electronic waste WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT IS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING WASTE STREAMS. HERE, SERGIO TARTAGLIA, TEAM MANAGER WITHIN THE AMBIENT QUALITY AND WASTE UNIT AT ERA, EXPLAINS THIS IN FURTHER DETAIL AND TELLS US WHY, AS CONSUMERS, WE SHOULD CARE ABOUT SUCH WASTE. It only takes a power cut for us to realise

“WEEE is one of the fastest

how dependent we are on electricity:

growing waste streams, especially

everything from our beauty regimes to our

when considering the rapid pace of

jobs requires and exploits it. But, while we

technology,” says Sergio, who forms

can’t imagine life without such equipment,

part of the energetic team at the

our relationship with it can be very volatile,

Environment and Resources Authority

turning the latest must-have smartphone

(ERA) in charge of drafting and

into unwanted rubbish seemingly overnight.

implementing waste policies including

Electrical and electronic equipment, commonly referred to as EEE, is any type of

those related to WEEE. “Yet, it is also a valuable resource. So,

producers two options: the first, is for them

equipment that depends on, measures,

both to safeguard the environment and to

to individually fulfil their obligations; or else

generates or transfers electricity. Just

make the most of what we have, it is our

to join one of the authorised WEEE

imagine, in Malta, over 12,000 tonnes of

responsibility to ensure that EEE waste is

Compliance Schemes, namely WEEE Malta

electrical and electronic equipment is

recovered. This is in line with Malta’s vision

Ltd or WEEE Recycle. The Schemes provide

placed on the market each and every year,

to adopt a circular economy approach,

a service to producers, assisting them to

but that leads to one very pertinent

which also follows that of the European

collect the required WEEE and to fulfil their

question: What is Malta doing to ensure that

Union. That is, to implement concrete

obligations under law.

waste electrical and electronic equipment

actions covering the whole cycle: from

(WEEE) is disposed of in an

production and consumption to waste

forward – and, in theory, it is – but there’s

environmentally-sound manner?

management.”

more to it than that.

At present, Malta’s collection target is

In 2014, the Government introduced

of 50 per cent of what is put out on the

the new Waste Electrical and Electronic

market each year. Current trends indicate

Equipment Directive into national

that we are managing to collect around

legislation. That, however, meant a double

three kilograms of WEEE per inhabitant per

obligation on producers of EEE, who were

year and the volumes collected every year

obliged to pay the Eco-Contribution and

are on the increase, indicating the efforts

recover waste individually or as part of a

and will to achieve the ambitious target of

collective compliance scheme. To amend

65 per cent by 2021.

this, in 2015, the national WEEE Reform

What many may not know, however, is

62 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

All that may seem relatively straight

phased out the eco-contribution on white

that the responsibility of collecting WEEE

goods, thus strengthening the

falls onto the producers – mainly importers

implementation of the WEEE Regulations.

– as part of their extended producer

The removal of the eco-contribution got

responsibility. To do this, ERA gives

onboard a good number of producers,

CIRCLE PROMOTION

increasing the registered producers with

call your local council for a free pick-up.

their WEEE in a correct manner. Locally, a

ERA from around 150 to 700.

And, finally, you can also check with the

number of initiatives were organised by

retailer on how you can return any WEEE

the Government and all the relevant key

importers and producers need to register

when purchasing equipment similar to the

stakeholders, for which ERA, as part of its

electronic items put on the local market,

one being discarded.”

corporate social responsibility, installed on

Under the current WEEE Regulations,

and include specifics such as quantities,

The latter is a very important point as,

its premises a specific bin for the separate

categories, and brand. In turn, this helps

over the coming weeks, a new amendment

collection of small electronic waste, as well

ERA and the Government understand how

in the official regulations will mean that

as a battery bin.”

much is going out into the market and how

anyone caught throwing any form of WEEE

much is being disposed and collected for

in their black bag will be fined €100 per

ERA, as well as all the other key

treatment.

piece (i.e. throwing an old phone out with

stakeholders in the WEEE fora, meet on a

the trash could cost you €100).

regular basis to discuss progress, problems

“This sector calls for continuous monitoring and enforcement of regulations

“Moreover, as part of the Waste

Moreover, to continue in its mission,

and come up with innovative ideas and,

by ERA. Through the available information

Management Plan for the Maltese Islands,

hence, reap positive results for the benefit

and awareness about the disposal of WEEE,

the Government is continuing its Don’t

of our country and our environment. In fact,

the general public can also contribute to

Waste Waste Campaign, which kicked off in

while there is undoubtedly a long way to

protect our environment and can help

2016. Led by the Ministry for Environment,

go, this is one area in which all parties

ensure that electronic equipment is

Sustainable Development, and Climate

involved take their role incredibly seriously.

disposed of and collected through the right

Change in collaboration with WasteServ

The question is, though: Will you help

channels,” Sergio adds.

Malta and executed with ERA’s support, the

achieve the targets?

When asked for the best way the

campaign aims to reduce the amount of

public could help, Sergio replies: “Firstly,

waste we dispose of irresponsibly or in the

To find out more about the WEEE Directive

always try to get in touch with your retailer

black bag.”

or ERA, please visit http://era.org.mt

to see if your object could be repaired.

As part of the campaign, the website

Secondly, try not to hoard any old

dontwastewaste.gov.mt was launched,

electronics, as some parts or components

offering hints and tips on how to better

could be recycled to repair or create new

separate waste, what to do with unwanted

equipment. Thirdly, don’t abandon any

things, and why it’s so important to dispose

WEEE or throw it into the black bag. WEEE

of responsibly.

components may contain hazardous

“Recently, we also celebrated

elements and, thus, incorrect disposal can

International E-Waste Day [13 October],

Hexagon House, Spencer Hill,

be a detriment to the environment and to

which focused on raising awareness on

Marsa, MRS 1441

the human health. Instead, take it to your

WEEE collection and recycling, as well as

Tel: (+356) 2292 3500

nearest Civic Amenity site or, if it’s bulky,

on encourage consumers to dispose of

Email: info@era.org.mt

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

63

CIRCLE PROMOTION

There’s More To It! WITH MORE ACTIVITIES BEING CENTRED AROUND THE HOME, GETTING YOUR CHILDREN TO TAKE PART IN SOME FORM OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT. HERE, IGGY FENECH CHATS TO GILLIAN CUTUGNO, THE DIRECTOR OF GILLY’S TENNIS SCHOOL, AND MARIO MUSCAT, THE DIRECTOR OF THE MARIO MUSCAT GOALKEEPER SCHOOL, TO FIND OUT WHY SPORTS IS SO IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT FOR BRANDS TO SUPPORT SUCH SCHOOLS.

as aid in the development of gross and fine

Life has changed a lot over the past 30

wellbeing, mental health and social

playing tennis since a very young age and

years and, with it, our idea of childhood. Yet,

interaction as it was back then.

who now shares her passion with children

while we may no longer find children

Of course, the most obvious benefits

motor skills, which are used by humans to do everything from eating to writing, and walking to tying shoelaces.

“Through sports, however, children don’t just get physical benefits. They also get to develop social skills, boost their selfesteem, and improve their ability to make friends,” says Gilly Cutugno, who has been

aged four and up, as well as adults, through

playing in alleyways or even a green spot

of physical activity at a young age are

her tennis school.

where to play in – at least, not in the vicinity

weight control and improved posture but, in

of most people’s homes – the needs of little

reality, the benefits are endless. Physical

discipline, rules, respect towards opponents,

ones have not changed and physical activity

activity, in fact, can help improve balance,

fair play and authority. It also opens up

remains as important for children’s

flexibility, coordination and strength, as well

opportunities for travelling to train and

“Sports also teaches children

compete in different countries, which allows them to meet people from all over the world and see and experience different cultures.

Moreover, through sports, we develop independence, time management-skills, and a school/life balance that could be translated into work/life balance in the future.”

Physical activity at a young age, it seems, can help children grow into adults who feel, behave and function better – and who are better equipped at dealing with every-day life stresses. And this is something Mario Muscat, who opened his goalkeeping school 15 years ago with the

64 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

CIRCLE PROMOTION

aim of getting more footballers to choose

media pages, by providing support in

goalkeeping – and, of course, teaching them

one-off charity and fund-raising

the right techniques for it – is adamant

events, and through subsidies of kits,

about.

among other things.

“Life for children can be incredibly

One such sponsor is Teamsport

hectic these days, so it’s very important that

– an activewear shop which offers a

they’re involved in some type of sports to

wide range of designed sports clothes,

help them stay focused and away from the

footwear and accessories – which supports

not only helping to give children a better

many modern distractions that stop them

numerous disciplines including football,

chance to find a sport that they enjoy, but

from being physically active,” Mario, whose

tennis, running, basketball and combat

also to practise it. In fact, the collaboration

ex-students can now be found in Malta’s

sports.

between Teamsport and Gilly’s Tennis

premiere league, the national U-16 and U-21

“These schools play an active role in

By uniting, schools and sponsors are

School, and Teamsport and Mario Muscat

teams, and even overseas in Spain and

ingraining sports into the heart of our

Goalkeeper School, has resulted in cheaper

Scotland, explains. “But, while fitness and

children,” says Jonathan Darmanin from the

kits and equipment for the children of these

benefits are important to any school, one of

brand. “For this reason, we offer many

schools.

the main aims of our school is to ensure that

established schools around Malta and Gozo,

we are, first and foremost, forming

as well as start-ups, direct support to

expenses that our priority is to keep the

gentlemen.”

operate and thrive in a fast-growing market

price as low as possible but, at the same

and to continue doing their invaluable work.

time, ensure the children are geared up in

These schools – as well as many others around Malta and Gozo – today fulfil

“Without this direct support, many of

“Nowadays, parents have so many

products by a good and trustworthy brand,”

a very important role in our society that

these schools would not have been as

goes beyond the sport they teach. Gilly, in

successful as they are today or may have

“Moreover, such sponsorships help us

fact, crystalises that sentiment in one simple

even not been able to open their doors in

give the best possible service, facilities and

sentence: “We push them to work hard,

the first place. So, for us as a company, even

equipment at an affordable cost to all,”

have fun, laugh, be happy and, most

if our support doesn’t translate into direct

Mario concludes.

importantly, to respect one another.”

sales, it helps in bringing the brand closer to

Well, I guess, ultimately, social

the community, and helping that community

corporate responsibility is a bit like sport:

without the constant support of brands and

in return… And, who knows? Maybe, one

sometimes you do it because you have to

partners that help them by raising brand

day, we’ll be part of the rise of some great

and sometimes because you want to, but

awareness through their outlets and social

sports champions in the various disciplines.”

either way, it’s beneficial.

Yet such schools could not exist

Gilly adds.

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

65

PEOPLE

CAN YOU HEAR THE WOMEN SPEAK? THREE TIMES NATIONAL BOOK PRIZE-WINNING AUTHOR LOU DROFENIK CHATS TO IGGY FENECH ABOUT LIFE IN MALTA BACK IN THE 50S AND 60S, HER MOVE TO AUSTRALIA, AND HER PARTICIPATION IN THE UPCOMING ‘LITERATURE OF THE DIASPORA’ CONFERENCE DURING THIS YEAR’S BOOK FESTIVAL. Lou was born in the upstairs bedroom of a

better themselves. And that is

tiny house in Birkirkara in the winter of 1941

probably part of why Lou not

Australia in May and

to a stay-at-home mum who looked after

only succeeded, but moved

there by August. And

the family, and a father who worked as a

away from the island.

stone-mason in winter and as a salt gatherer

permanently to

she wasn’t the only

“I always had the feeling

one. By 1966, 279

during the summer months. As the eldest of

that, as a woman born in

single women had left

eight children, she spent her childhood

Birkirkara, I wasn’t going to

Malta thanks to a

playing outside, visiting relatives, and

have a great future,” she tells

scheme that was

exploring the neighbourhood.

me halfway through our

introduced to solve the

Yet, contrary to the general ideas of post-WWII village life, her parents wanted all their children to have an education and

Facebook voice call as she

imbalance between the

currently lives in Victoria,

number of single men

Australia. “There was a lot of social injustice in those days.”

and women in Australia.

Lou before leaving for Australia, 1962.

A primary teacher by profession, Lou would have commanded some respect at

which gave women unprecedented liberty

and independence.

“I can remember the music! We used

the time. But she soon realised that

to go dancing every Wednesday and

what she had achieved would always

Saturday night. The music was very

be viewed from the perspective of

different; we used to listen to Italian music in

whose daughter she was.

Malta but in Australia we had Johnny

“What propelled me to leave

O’Keefe, The Seekers, Frank Ifield… It was all

was a job interview,” she recounts. “A

so exciting, and the girls were so free; they

member of the panel asked me what

had no one to stop them.”

my father did, to which I answered

It was during one of these dances a

that what my father did had nothing

year after she had landed in Australia that

to do with my abilities. He replied

Lou met a ‘gorgeous young man and fell

that I had a ‘very big mouth’.

“My mother agreed with what I had done, but warned me that that had probably lost me the job. Right

Lou in Gozo, summer of 1962.

It was a scheme

madly in love within him at first sight’. A year later, they tied the knot and, eventually, had four children.

“I was always homesick for Malta,

there and then, I decided I was

though, and for my beautiful grandmother,”

going to grab the first chance to

she reminisces. “Of course, having a family

get out of Malta – and I did so as

and children has given me roots here, but

soon as the Single Young Women

my heart is Maltese.”

Migrants Scheme was launched.”

Lou spent 30 years as a primary

Lou was 21 at the time and

school teacher in Australia, but her life

had never travelled before, but

changed in her 50s when her love for Malta

there she was: applying to move

culminated in research towards a PhD

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

67

PEOPLE

about Maltese migrant women. She spent

Maltese society a voice framed within the

countless hours interviewing women who

authentic context of village life which our

had followed her same journey, and listening

parents and grandparents would instantly

to the recordings on her way to work and

recognise. And their importance is as

back (60km in each direction).

historical as it is social: these are the lives

Each one of these interviews told a

lived by our female ancestors.

story of love, heartbreak, hope, the pursuit

And it’s not only in her books that

of a better future, and new beginnings. But

Lou revisits Malta. She comes here often

then, Lou realised something else: These

and these visits give her a chance to

stories gave a voice to Maltese women and

reconnect with her Maltese-self.

Lou (middle), with David Bezzina and MaryAnn Vella from Horizons, at the National Book Prize 2017.

that transported her back to her childhood, when she would sit in a corner of her aunts’ dressmaking shop and listen to women talk about their husbands, their children and their everyday lives.

At the age of 64, Lou self-published Birds of Passage, a story of five women who migrated to Australia in the early 20th century against a backdrop of Malta’s inner soul. Then came In Search of Carmen Caruana, which focuses on a woman’s search for her mother which takes her inside the two cultures of her parents’ origins, Malta and Slovenia.

And so it went on, with a book in 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2013. With each one,

This year, Lou’s book Love in the Time of the Inquisition, which follows the story of a woman piecing together her past, is nominated for the National Book Prize.

“My books, I hope, give a voice to those women; the women who never had any ways or means to tell their stories.”

And, while here, Lou will also be making two guest appearances at the Book Festival. The first will be during a conference featuring four international and Maltese guests who will discuss the Literature of the Diaspora, and how the realities of displacement are reflected in literature. The second, in a one-on-one interview to talk about her latest two books, including her brand new one The Reluctant Healer.

“It’s easier to go back when you’ve

Lou continued to touch upon feminist and

around the edges; they were not

migrated to somewhere nearby, but the

migration issues, as well as look into the

sophisticated or polished but they were

further away you are from your country, the

injustices faced by women in Malta and the

hardworking and ambitious for their

harder it is. People who have never

reality and heartbreak of being exiled from

children.

migrated will never know the pain: How you

their native land.

Then, in 2016, The Confectioner’s

“They suffered and put up with a society which didn’t look after or treasure

feel when you exile yourself from your homeland,” she says.

Daughter was published by Horizons

them. They were looked down upon by

Publishers and it became the first book in

doctors, lawyers, school teachers. It’s wasn’t

like being torn between two lovers. And it’s

English to win the National Book Prize since

a great time to be a woman. My books, I

true, I love Australia but I still miss the

the National Book Council introduced the

hope, give a voice to those women; the

Birkirkara bell and my grandmother… The

bilingual rule, placing both official languages

women who never had any ways or means

feeling of displacement is very real.”

on an equivalent platform. Spanning a

to tell their stories.”

century, the book starts in a village bakery here on the island, where a grandmother

Whatever it is that makes her write, Lou’s novels have given a whole section of

“A Greek man once told me that it’s

For more information about Lou’s novels, please visit www.horizons.com.mt

builds a fortune from her skills, and continues in Sydney and Melbourne, where the granddaughter migrated in order to escape the village culture she felt was suffocating her.

“I never set out to write a political manifesto. I wrote a story about the Birkirkara women I knew; that generation of women who never went to school. They were rough

68 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

The Malta Book Festival takes place between November 7 and 11 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.

Lou Drofenik will be interviewed live by Ramona Depares on November 11 at 7.15pm.

CHALLENGES

One year on the road WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO LEAVE HOME ON A ONE-WAY TRIP?

BY DEBORAH AZZOPARDI. Saving up a few bucks, packing the necessities and

Luckily, they supported us throughout. Distance hurts,

preparing a couple of documents and itineraries is

especially on certain days where our families get

necessary but, ultimately, it simply takes an open

together to celebrate a particular occasion and we’re

mind and an open heart

not there. Still, they are our biggest supporters and it

We left Malta on September 14 of last year, riding up on our own motorcycle. Our initial plan was to get to Australia in a year. Yet, here we are in South

means the world to us. I cannot believe it’s been a year, already.

I look back at the photos, remember the

East Asia, with many months and adventures away

memories and feel like it’s been one of the most

from Oz.

fruitful years of my life. Being on the road, particularly

This has been my boyfriend Daryl’s dream for a

with your partner is a big challenge, especially when

couple of years, but it was hard to leave a career and

you’re spending all the time together. Such a trip is

a secure life behind. In my case, I was kind of ready to

not really a holiday, it becomes a lifestyle.

leave the minute he told me all about it. An adventure is a big drive for me.

As soon as we decided to do this, we worked

And, when you’re touring on a tight budget, especially on days where you have to bite the bullet, it’s a challenge that requires a lot of patience and

very hard. Not because you need a life’s worth

understanding. It is a journey that shows you what

savings to leave on such an adventure, but it was the

you’re made of. There are many kinds of travellers,

most natural thing to do. Being Maltese, where

however, I believe that two of the most common

distances are short, and families are close, made it

factors that drive people to leave on a one-way trip

harder to tell our parents that we are pursuing this.

are curiosity and a pinch of positive rebellion.

70 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

CHALLENGES

Being far from home and your comfort zone teaches you to appreciate simple moments that we might have taken for granted

Jaisalmer Desert, India PHOTOS BY DARYL CAUCHI

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

71

CHALLENGES

Khardung La Pass, India - One of the highest motorable roads in the world

We are keen on discovery; we travel to discover ourselves, to experience lands and societies from our own perspective and to search for the meaning of life (if there is one).

Most people get some answers, but most of us need to keep wandering.

This feeling of freedom, fear and a floating sense of being is what makes travelling a unique and exciting experience, as you find yourself in all kinds of places, with different people, that keep on exposing you to life’s various dimensions.

Having the right attitude after travelling with Daryl for one year, if someone had to ask me what it takes to leave on a one-way trip, these would be my personal suggestions.

Let go and learn to adapt – unless you are travelling for a determined

talk to anyone else in the

period of time and you manage to make

restaurant apart from the

the necessary arrangements, you need to

people you’re with and

quit your job, something which most

the staff who will serve

people find terrifying. Daryl always asks

you. If you’re travelling, it

people in doubt the same question; “should

is a lot easier to make

something bad happen, what would you

friends, who most of the

regret the most?” It is a simple question.

time have a lot of things in

The hard part is acting upon your answer.

common and interact with

After one year on the road, we both

the locals – these can all

have no regrets, and we positively see this

help expose you to an Ladakh, India

experience as potentially exposing us to different opportunities that we would have never got back home.

Once you leave, do travel with an

authentic experience of the country you’re visiting.

embarking on such a journey you should

Travelling from home on a

also leave another baggage behind; one

motorcycle made this even easier for us, as

open mind and an open heart. Throughout

filled with prejudice, tiredness and fear.

when people see us riding the fully loaded

this unique experience, you will learn to

This way, you can allow yourself to soak

bike, they automatically get curious about

adapt to many scenarios that help you

whatever the trip throws at you and even

our travels. Getting invited to people’s

grow. I have always believed that when

though you do not realise immediately, it

houses in Iran was as easy as getting a

does change you.

dozen pastizzi in Malta. Pakistan and India

Ultimately, being far from home and

weren’t open to such experiences, it would

appreciate simple moments that we might

have been a lot different and less

have taken for granted in our past busy

interesting, for sure. 3. Follow your instinct

schedules, and to find beauty in the little

and take the risk: Sometimes, you simply

things. Living with less also makes you

have to dare. In the north of India, we wild

realise how over materialistic our life is,

camped every day for almost three weeks.

and that we do not need all the stuff we

There were times where the camping spots

thought were necessary back home.

were breath-taking. But, there were two

Challenge your insecurities and just

Us, Spiti Valley, India

72 Sunday Circle ∫ OCTOBER 2018

were similar but really and truly, if we

your comfort zone teaches you to

times where we slept in a construction site

be: Being abroad makes you open up to

and on the side of an abandoned hospital.

people even more. If you go out to dinner

A local guy had approached us and he was

in a restaurant in Malta, you wouldn’t likely

surprised that we weren’t scared to

CHALLENGES

Getting invited to people’s houses in Iran was as easy as getting a dozen pastizzi in Malta

Thorong La Pass, Nepal

than that, work around the plans and go with the flow!

Never stop dreaming: A lot of people we meet who would like to embark on a similar journey tell us: “one day…” and sadly, for many, that day never comes. I have promised myself a couple of years ago, that whatever I’m doing in life, I will not allow myself to get stuck in a comfort zone, and whatever I dream of doing, I will camp there, without knowing anyone and

Prepare what you can but remain

do my best to try. It all comes from within,

by simply trusting our instincts that

flexible: When you’re on the move you

but surrounding yourself with likeminded

everything was going to be fine. Ultimately,

realise how many things do not go

people can help you take the leap,

during these camping nights in the middle

according to plan, and that’s totally fine! It

whatever your goal is. What can I say? In

of nowhere, we saw the best skies full of

is vital to do some research before leaving

the end, we only regret the chances we

stars, that we couldn’t have seen from a

home, especially when it comes to

didn’t take and the past year has been one

comfortable bed of a guesthouse.

documents and VISA requirements. Other

hell of a ride!

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Outstanding works get recognised in third edition of Malta Architect Awards FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR, THE MALTA ARCHITECT AWARDS WAS A SHOWCASE FOR OUTSTANDING WORKS IN THE ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN PROFESSION. THE WINNERS OF THIS YEAR’S AWARDS WERE ANNOUNCED AT A SPECIAL CEREMONY, WHICH WAS HELD AT HILTON MALTA IN ST JULIAN’S.

Domus Żammitello

The awards initiative, which is collaboration between the Planning

The new building was approached as a sensitive insertion within a

Authority and event organisers iMNG Ltd, saw 68 projects compete

very restricted space embedded within the fortifications and

for nine award categories.

without intruding on the fortification lines as viewed from outside.

The choice of materials is also commendable with the ample use of

1. REHABILITATION AND CONSERVATION AWARD

local globigerina limestone, local hardstone and travertine, which complement the fortifications.

The Award was won by Perit Edwin Mintoff for the rehabilitation and conservation of Domus Żammitello, a palatial 17th century townhouse in Valletta. The property lies on a landmark

3. PUBLIC OPEN SPACES AWARD This Award was won by Perit Eric Gerardi for the Triton

corner site along Republic Street and adjoining Old Opera House

Square project in Valletta. The area was transformed from a chaotic

ruins. The meticulous restoration of the interiors, and the main

bus terminus to a fully-pedestrianised open space enriching the

reception room with the decorative suspended soffit and the

entrance to the capital city.

courtyard, were commended. The exterior façades and the new

Two special commendations were given to Perit Edward

extension were respectful of the surrounding urban context,

Scerri for the network of Leisure Parks in Xagħra and the Divine

contributing significantly to the urban renewal of Valletta.

Mercy Cemetery in Nadur, Gozo.

Two special commendations were awarded to Perit Edward Said for the restoration of the Royal Gazebo within Villa Frere and Dr Antoine Zammit for the sensitive restoration of a small townhouse in Mellieħa.

4. COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AWARD Perit Joe Cassar and Perit Philip Micallef won this Award for their project at Is-Suq tal-Belt. This project relates to the rehabilitation of the derelict Valletta market hall. The regeneration

2. URBAN DESIGN AWARD The Award was won by Perit Keith Cole for Binja Laparelli, a new building within the Central Bank of Malta complex in Valletta.

Noni Restaurant

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scheme is inspired by the original Zimelli market place from the mid-19th century, transforming it into a thriving commercial hub in the centre of Valletta.

The Long House

66 Saint Paul's Boutique Hotel

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Central Bank of Malta A special commendation was given to Architect Daniele Milgiorisi for Anthea Preziosi outlet in Ragusa, Sicily.

Triton Square

Is-Suq tal-Belt

Boutique Hotel in Valletta. The design respected the original structure and celebrated the new interventions with a wonderfully streamlined and sculptural staircase. This project was considered to

5. INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AWARD FOR COMMERCIAL PROJECTS Perit Adrian Mangion from Arch+ Architects design studio won this Award for their design of Noni Restaurant in Valletta. The

be a case study of excellence in the design of boutique hotels, favouring quality over the maximisation of rentable internal space.

A special commendation went to: Perit Simon Grech for the Infame Restaurant in Valletta.

architect managed to create an appealing ambiance within a small space, respecting the historical authenticity of the place.

A special commendation went to Keith Pillow for the Bottone outlet in Milan and Rocksalt restaurant in St Julian’s.

8. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AWARD Perit Christian Spiteri won this Award for The Umbrella House in Kappara. The project adopted a holistic approach integrating high-performance building envelope measures together with

6. INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AWARD FOR RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS The Award was won by Perit Rebecca Zammit for The Long House residence in Żurrieq. The project is an excellent design solution that transformed the restricted space with a successful

energy-efficient systems. Emphasis was placed on reducing the need for lighting, heating, and cooling, which forms the bulk of energy consumption at home.

A special commendation was given to Dr Edwin Mintoff for the Marsaxlokk Surface Car Park.

juxtaposition of different materials and through suspended soffits.

7. HOSPITALITY, TOURISM ACCOMMODATION AND LEISURE PROJECTS AWARD The Award was won by Perit Ray Demicoli for 66 Saint Paul’s

9. EMERGING ARCHITECT AWARD The Award was won by Perit Bernard Vella for his project Country Home located in the Northern part of Malta. The project demonstrates a clear respect for the vernacular character of the original building envelope and rural context within the countryside.

The winners were selected by a jury made of Maltese and foreign professionals, supported by technical teams of experts in each of the fields represented. For more information visit www.pa.org.mt

The Umbrella House

Country Home

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

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FOODIES

Four and twenty lampuki baked in a pie

BY PIPPA MATTEI

PHOTOS: RACHEL ZAMMIT CUTAJAR

The feast of Santa Marija on August 15 marks the start of the

found out the fish was available on that side of the world, just

lampuki season. However, it is not until this late summer and

under a different name. I managed to find mahi-mahi when I

the beginning of autumn they are abundant.

arrived and cooked the freshest pie on American television.

The lampuka, or dorado, spawns in Cyprus and migrates

There are many ways to cook this delicate white fish, cut

past Malta between mid-August and December after which it

into chunks, fried and served with a piquant sauce, filleted and

makes it way across the Atlantic, all the way to the Americas,

cooked in lemon and butter, and best of all made into a

where it is known as mahi-mahi. I learned of the fishes

lampuki pie.

migration patterns when I was asked to make a traditional

I make it every October for my husband John’s birthday

Maltese lampuki pie on American television. Worrying about

enjoying it with friends and family in the garden. It’s not just

how I was to transport the fish all that way the US and keep it

John that looks forward to his birthday, but many of our

fresh enough to make a decent pie, I asked my fishmonger

friends too. After one such evening, our good friend, Professor

what was the best way to do this. He did some research and

Peter Vassallo sent me this wonderful poem.

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FOODIES

Piers the poet doth hereby recount the wondrous marvel that befell him in the bower of bliss while celebrating the day of birth of his good friend Sir John on the tenth day of October of the third millennium.

That enchantress Philippa Mattei Hath stolen my poor heart away.

Ah woe betide – in a garden fair, In such congenial atmosphere, With broth divine of fishes made She played her wondrous serenade.

Upon my sense and my mind And in the dim light of the moon, Methought I was about to swoon But the strangest marvel of it all, Which I now tremble to recall, Was when she brought that wondrous pie Before his Lordship’s roving eye; She said it was a fairy child That she begat in fancy wild The fairest pie that e’er was seen –

Lampuki fillets in butter and lemon Serves 1 INGREDIENTS 1 lampuki fillet per person, ask your fishmonger to fillet it 50g butter per fillet 2 tbsp good olive oil (per fillet) /2 lemon (per fillet)

1

Handful parsley Salt and pepper METHOD

Woven of spinach and of coryphene –

• In a large fry pan melt some butter with

Ye gods above! I have to say,

• Put the prepared fillets into the pan and

It truly took my breath away.

At every taste and every bite My heart did flutter with delight, I staggered home at break of dawn, A man half-crazed and half-forlorn.

a drizzle of olive oil. fry for 5 mins, skin side down, with a cover on the frying pan.

• Open the lid, turn the fillets over and season with pepper and salt, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.

• Replace the lid, cook another 5 mins.

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

79

FOODIES

Lampuki pie Serves 6

METHOD

INGREDIENTS

• Cut the fish into portions, discarding

500g puff or shortcrust pastry 1 1/2 kilo or 2 large, fresh lampuki Flour for coating 2 onions, sliced 1 handful peas, cooked 2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped 1 small cauliflower or broccoli, parboiled 1kg fresh spinach or 500g frozen, cooked and drained 2 carrots, cooked 2 tbsp tomato puree

heads and tails.

• Dip in flour, seasoned with salt and pepper.

• Heat some oil and shallow fry until they are cooked through.

• Allow the fish to cool enough to be able to handle it.

• Remove all the skin and bones carefully

the peeled chopped tomatoes and cook for one min.

1 tsp mixed spice Olive oil Salt and pepper

• Add the cooked, chopped cauliflower,

remembering to keep one third of the pastry for the top of the pie.

• Take half of the vegetable mixture and spread out on top of the pastry base.

• Then place the fried lampuki pieces

vegetables as a top layer over the fish.

• Roll out the remaining pastry and place over the top sealing the edges well.

• Prick all over the pastry lid with a fork.

• Bake in a hot oven 200°C for 15 mins,

the cooked chopped spinach, carrots and

then lower the heat to moderate, 180°C,

the peas.

and cook further until the pastry is

• Add a small amount of water and simmer until all the vegetables are tender.

• At this stage, add the lemon zest, olives, herbs, spice, tomato puree, sultanas, and capers.

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round, square or rectangular oven dish

off by spreading the remaining

• Fry the sliced onions in olive oil until they

6 black olives, pitted and chopped

1 lemon, zest only

• Roll out the pastry and line a shallow

evenly over all the vegetables, and finish

2 tbsp sultanas

1 tbsp basil

• Remove from heat and allow to cool.

and cut up into bite-sized pieces. Put

become soft and transparent then add

1 tbsp mint

mins.

these aside.

2 tbsp capers

1 tbsp parsley

• Season and allow to simmer another 5

golden brown.

• Allow the pie to settle before slicing and serve it warm.

FOODIES

Lampuki with tomato, caper piquant sauce Serves 2 INGREDIENTS 1 medium-sized lampuka Tomato Caper Piquant Sauce 1kg pulpy tomatoes, skinned and chopped, or 2 cans of whole, peeled tomatoes 4 tbsp tomato paste (kunserva) 6 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped Handful basil leaves, torn, not chopped 4 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper 500g marrows (qarabaghli) 2 tbsp capers 2 tbsp sugar 2 tbsp vinegar METHOD • Remove the head and tail and then cut the remainder of the fish into large portions.

• Roll in seasoned flour, then fry in olive oil till well-cooked (when the flesh comes off the bone easily and there is no blood).

• To make the sauce, fry finely sliced marrows in a little oil and drain on absorbent paper and set aside.

• Heat some olive oil in a saucepan and add the garlic, salt and pepper, and fry until the garlic turns golden.

• Add the tomatoes and the tomato paste and cook on low heat until sauce has thickened.

• Add the torn basil leaves.

• Add the fried marrow slices, capers, sugar and vinegar, mix well over low heat for 1 min.

• Take off heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

• Test for seasoning and serve alongside the fish.

Like this recipe? Get more of Pippa Mattei’s recipe in her cookbook 25 Years In A Maltese Kitchen which has also been translated into Maltese.

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EDUCATION

Public Lecture: Adult Education in a rapidly changing world THE LECTURE WILL BE DELIVERED BY SIR ALAN TUCKETT AND CHAIRED BY PROF. PETER MAYO. DATE: 24 OCTOBER 2018 TIME: 17.30 VENUE: LECTURE THEATRE 2 (LT2), UNIVERSITY OF MALTA (MSIDA CAMPUS)

For adults, learning makes a positive

Nevertheless, across the world,

to engage with the world as it is now, and to

difference to health and well-being. It also

governments focus the overwhelming bulk of

help shape its future directions at a time of

helps companies and workers alike to

their investment on the initial education of

rapid industrial and technological change.

respond to the challenges of industrial

young people, and companies concentrate

change, and fosters active and engaged

their spending on those who have benefitted

in artificial intelligence and robotics are

citizenship. In fact, demographic change and

most from initial education. Moreover, for

displacing existing skilled work, and global

the onset of what the World Economic

many adults, fitting in the time to carry on

communications are eroding distance. It is

Forum calls the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’,

learning takes second place to family and

also a time when the nature of global

make the case for adult learning ever more

work responsibilities.

markets reinforces the gap between the

important. This was also recognised in the

Addressing these challenges involves

We live in a time in which innovations

wealthy and the poor; when gender

United Nations’ Sustainable Development

starting from where people are, giving them

inequality persists; when populations are

Goal 4, which agreed to ‘ensure quality and

a voice, and valuing their language, culture

rapidly ageing; and when the challenges of

equitable education for all and promote

and experience. At the same time, education

climate change call for sustainable ways of

lifelong learning.’

for adults has the task of supporting learners

living.

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EDUCATION

Sir Alan Tuckett OBE is Professor of Education at the University of Wolverhampton, Honorary Fellow of UNESCO’s Institute of Lifelong Learning, and past President of the International Council for Adult Education. From 19882011, he was Chief Executive and Director of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) in England THIS IS A PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

and Wales, where he started Adult Learners’ Week, which was adopted by UNESCO and spread to more than 50 countries. He has honorary degrees from eight universities, and was given a knighthood in the Queen’s New Year Honours 2018 for his services to adult learning.

To address these challenges, we need to share the fruits of research and best practice, backed by imagination, creativity, patience, a willingness to co-operate across boundaries, and a determination to secure the right to education for all young people and adults.

The public lecture, which is being organised by the Directorate for Research, Lifelong Learning and Employability at the Ministry for Education and Employment in collaboration with the Malta Review of Educational Research (MRER) and the Department of Arts, Open Communities and Adult Education, is free and open to the public. If you would like to attend, kindly register by sending an email on epale@gov.mt This event is supported by EPALE Malta.

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

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HEALTH

IMPLANT-RETAINED OVERDENTURES Some people who have conventional

speech. Patients with a strong gag reflex

dentures often don’t wear them, as they

cannot tolerate any palatal coverage of

don’t stay in place when in use or may

the denture, further reducing the ability

even cause pain due to movement on

of the denture to stay in place!

chewing.

Unfortunately, as time goes by, we

The use of dental implants to

tend to put up with the situation which

stabilise dentures has proven to be a

we come to believe is our only option. If

very successful treatment modality for

you have this problem, you already know

many people worldwide. The number

about the embarrassment of moving

continues to grow as word spreads

dentures. There is, however, a way to

about the effectiveness and long-term

stabilise your dentures enough for them

durability of the treatment. In fact, it has

to feel like fixed teeth but still be left

been reported that dental implants have

with the advantage of removing them to

the highest success rate of any

maximise denture hygiene and comfort.

implanted surgical device in the body.

All this with the help of dental implants.

PROBLEMS WITH LOOSE DENTURES

CONCLUSION

There are still millions of people around the world who are missing enough teeth to require the use of a denture. Many of them have problems in keeping their dentures secure,

Dental implants used for over-denture stabilisation: • Restore more efficient chewing, allowing a better diet and improved health,

particularly in the lower jaw. The increase

• Improve speech and confidence,

in mobility of the lower jaw denture is

• Increase comfort with close-to-no

due to the fact that, unlike the hard palate in the upper jaw, the lower jaw has

irritation of gum tissue, tissue propping up facial features,

support and retention. The lower denture

reducing creases, and improving

the tongue on talking and chewing. Even so, the disadvantage of the upper

Intra-oral view of bar

• Replace lost, hard and soft oral

less surface area and, therefore, less also has a tendency to be displaced by

Underside of implant over denture

appearance, • End the cost and inconvenience of denture adhesives.

denture is the middle plate, which covers the palate reducing taste and affecting

Ask your dentist!

A CASE STUDY A middle-aged man has a very mobile upper denture causing him to gag

Over denture in situ

heavily. Having been in this situation for a short time and determined not to put up with it, he plucks up the courage and opts for an overdenture. The treatment plan includes: • The placement of four implants in his upper jaw using his previouslyfabricated, conventional denture as a temporary measure until complete implant healing, • The construction of an implant bar attached to the previously-inserted implants in order to retain a newly-constructed overdenture.

Content and clinical cases provided by Dr Jean Paul Demajo, Dental and Implant Surgeon.

OCTOBER 2018 ∫ Sunday Circle

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LIVING INTRODUCING THE NEW FOSSIL WATCH

Meet our leading lady of style – Carlie combines rich materials and elegant design to create one glamorous accessory.

This watch has a quartz timepiece, and its clock face is pearl and covered with mineral glass. The strap is made of stainless steel. To make it yours, simply ask to have your personal message engraved. Available from all Sun Lab shops: Arkadia Gozo, Bay Street, Qormi, Paola, The Point, The Plaza, Valletta or VIP in Sliema and Valletta.

EDWARDS LOWELL UNVEILS FIRST ROLEX BOUTIQUE IN VALLETTA

THE NEW NESCAFÉ GOLD BLEND

The much-awaited opening of the first Rolex Boutique in Valletta took place on 27 September 2018. Two years in the making, the new boutique gives visitors a true taste of luxury thanks to its carefully-designed interior, which incorporates a striking emerald aqua floor in reference to the iconic Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch. Rolex, a Swiss watch manufacturer headquartered in Geneva, is recognised the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products. Its Oyster and Cellini watches – all certified as Superlative Chronometers for their precision, performance and reliability – are symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige.

Republic Street, Valletta.

Your coffee break just got more refined thanks to the new NESCAFÉ Gold Blend, which contains mountain-grown Arabica coffee that has been carefully roasted to perfection and finely micro-ground for a richer, flavour-packed gulp…

After all, it’s more than your average instant coffee. Oh, and the revamped NESCAFÉ Gold Blend comes with a completely new look! Now available across the Maltese Islands in all major retail stores.

TAKE YOUR MUSIC WITH YOU WITH JBL

You can now enjoy your favourite tracks and radio stations anywhere you go thanks to the JBL Tuner, a compact, portable Bluetooth speaker packed with powerful sound and crystal-clear DAB digital radio. Its rechargeable battery supports up to eight hours of playtime and, if digital coverage isn’t available, you can simply switch to FM radio. Available from Ultimate shops in San Gwann, Paola, Qormi & Sliema. Web:

GET READY FOR HALLOWEEN

Get a 50% discount when purchasing a fancy-dress costume from George Malta…

Just what your little ones need to dress up and play this Halloween. Available from George Malta at Pavi, Qormi, Valletta & The Duke, Gozo.

FB.com/georgeinmalta

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MAKE IT PERMANENT

With the new engraving machine from Sun Lab, you can give your items and gifts a personalized touch.

Whether it’s a date, a name, a message or just a symbol, it’s the ultimate extra mile for your loved ones - and Sun Lab also have a wide selection of engravable necklaces, bracelets and watches for you to choose from. Visit Sun Lab at The Point to enjoy this free service during the month of October.