Pink (July 2018)

issUe165∫ JUly2018

THE PINK FASHION SHOW IN PICTURES who was wearin what

BEYOND THE SENSATIONALISM OF STORIES ON MENTAL HEALTH Meet the woMen workin directly with the patients

celebrating 15 years in music IRA LOSCO’S NEITHER A SINNER NOR A SAINT

Surviving two kidney transplants ONE, TO HAVE CHILDREN; THE SECOND, TO BRING THEM UP

INSIDE

July 2018

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FEATURES 14 InFocus change is coming Putting mental and physical health on a par 19 ArtyFacts girls on film Homegrown movie talent taking flight

FASHION 28 ShowStopper and as summer kicks into full gear Some more trend tips for the season 37 TheUniform ladies wearing the pants at the pink fashion show Off-the-catwalk trends 40 FashionStory star quality The Parascandalo 2018 collection 43 Pink@TheParty

HEALTH & BEAUTY 53 OnForm the road to Salalah A decade of involvement in LifeCyle 61 PinkShrink more than just 22 players chasing a ball The healthy side of football fever

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REGULARS 9 EditorsNote 10 MailShot 25 WomanKind smiling and saintly Edel Quinn 39 ThinkPink beauty, food & things 62 ThinkPink events 63 WomenOnWheels simply the best Volvo XC40 64 SnapShot a new Ira Ira Losco

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COVER Photography Andre Gialanze ∫ Styling Marisa Grima [marisagrima.com] ∫ Hair Christopher Sultana from Screen Professional Hair Salon, Paola ∫ Make-up Chris Attard from Franks, using Guerlain ∫ Location Merkanti Beach Club, Hilton Malta ∫ Model Hannah @ Supernova MM, wearing bikini, €34.99, Women’secret ∫ sunglasses, €15, Aldo ∫ hat, €70, Emthunzini Hats.

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EDITORSNOTE

It’s not impossible to understand how and why most of us want to play it safe. Why rock the boat? Being ‘confrontational’ – albeit a term often loosely used to muzzle those who, with much to risk, don’t necessarily behave like sheep – doesn’t always go down well. It’s cooler to let it go.

Stick to the side lines; keep a low profile; stay out of it. You’re guaranteed less hassles; no bad blood. We resist the urge to get sucked into it… and we continue to sail through, making life much easier; making no enemies along the way; and leaving no ‘negative’ mark. As long as our little ecosystem is working, we can shut off the cosmos and life goes on…

Yes… but no. Not really. Is it only about a life that goes on, accepting anything and everything along the way and bending our rules for a fake kind of peace that is only allowing for the fomentation of more disaster in the near future?

Because the truth is, while the ‘neutral’ stand seems to be the most conciliatory on the surface, really, often, it is the most cowardly. Where we object to something, hard as it may be to bother anymore – and that is the crux of the matter – we should stick to our principles and object to it out of principle.

The more we play the neutral game for fear of being branded confrontational, or argumentative, or even aggressive – because that is the mind game those who want to get away with it play – the more we are paving the way for attitudes and behaviours that go against our values to take root and grow out of control. Once the

jungle has taken over [although in our case, it would be more appropriate to say desert], then – and only then – it is too late.

Of course, I’m not referring to those who have no values. They have nothing to worry about… except trying to shut you up.

But those who do have values owe it to themselves to be true to themselves; to stand up for and defend anything we believe in when we feel it is being trampled on and even we are being bulldozed along with it. Even the pettiest of things can be relevant and could have consequences in the future if we let them slide.

We should face the music that will come from those whose boats have been rocked by our daring to dissent, or who find us an inconvenience and a bother. They will play the chilled card and try to make us feel like we are exaggerating and overreacting at best, or even neurotic wrecks, who need to get a life.

But that all depends on what life you are after: if it is the life of letting things go [to hell]; or the life of doing things the way you deem fit.

In today’s Malta, with its mega dysfunctional relationship with newfound money, consumed by greed, the idolatry of wealth, the need to flash it – and the repercussions this has on anything from the way we bring up children to our denigration of the environment – it is no time for the neutral stand in the name of so-called serenity.

That type of peace and tranquillity is just a superficial cover-up for evil to fester and rear its ugly head in time for the next generation to be much worse off than we are right now.

How I admire those who stick their necks out, at the risk of alienating themselves, because they want to do what they feel is right, rather than bury another gripe and let it rot inside them.

Assassinated journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was the epitome of this,

and paid the heftiest price, teaching us all a lesson about the right to remain silent – and let others do the dirty work.

But I am also referring to the personal, mundane, day-to-day issues that would seem so insignificant. The inability to face repercussions for expressing opinions and going against the grain has filtered down into everyday life because, yes, we find it easier to put it down to triviality and ‘rise above it’ – when, ironically, we’re only letting it grow out of hand for future generations to sink under.

Let’s remember that if we do nothing about things that irk us, from the hacking at our simple values to the hacking at trees, we lose the right to complain. And let’s remember too that complaining alone, between the right four walls, while slightly consoling, won’t get us anywhere anyway.

Let us remember Daphne’s words, written on June 5, 2017, in a blog post entitled Right and Wrong are not a Popularity Contest, quoted by her young niece in a touching speech at a vigil eight months after her unsolved murder: “There is something else I should say before I go: when people taunt you or criticise you for being ‘negative’, or for failing to go with their flow, for not adopting an attitude of benign tolerance to their excesses, bear in mind always that they, and not you, are the ones who are in the wrong.”

The other day, I wanted to buy a slogan T-shirt by a local designer. It wasn’t so much for the fabric, or the style. It was more for the words, which read: “There comes a time when silence is betrayal”; when it means being disloyal to ourselves.

And if we are capable of being unfaithful to us, what else are we capable of, and what is this world coming to?

The saying ‘silence is golden’ has never rang so true. I would just adapt it slightly to ‘silence is gold’. And what we would do – or rather, not do – for a chunk of that ore!

July 8, 2018 ∫ Pink is a monthly magazine ∫ Issue 165 ∫ Executive editor Fiona Galea Debono ∫ Publisher Allied Newspapers Ltd ∫ Printing Progress Press Ltd ∫ Production Allied Newspapers Ltd ∫ Contributors Chris Attard, Adriana Bishop, Tezara Camilleri, Edward Curmi, Mary Galea Debono, Iggy Fenech, Marisa Grima, Caroline Paris, Lara Sierra, Christopher Sultana ∫ Design Manuel Schembri ∫ Photography Jonathan Borg, Andre Gialanze, Matthew Mirabelli, Kurt Paris, Mark Zammit Cordina ∫ Advertising sales Veronica Grech Sant [2276 4333; veronica.grechsant@timesofmalta.com].

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Pink July 2018 ∫ 9

MAILSho

THE LETTER THAT TICKLED PI WHY SHOULDN'T A DAD ENJOY HIS NEW ROLE? Dear editor, it is my job every Sunday to go out early to get The Sunday Times of Malta. You see, my wife and I love browsing and reading our favourite paper over breakfast and many a discussion has been held over our cereal.

Whenever I find Pink with the newspaper, I give it the first scan, because if my wife gets her hands on it, she takes ages going through it. I’m a dad and a nannu and Leave to Parent [InFocus, June 2018], captured my attention.

When I first became a father, 40 years ago, life was so different! My wife had to resign from work on marriage. That, in itself, made her lonely. She was cut off from her usual routine and friends. We didn’t even have family living nearby. Then along came our first baby. I had two days’ leave off work and then I returned to my job, leaving my wife alone and depressed to get used to this new addition to our little family. She had to deal with bottles and feeding, changing nappies, soothing baby cries she couldn’t explain, housework, laundry, cooking and her never-ending routine. Well, this was a little tot, but with big needs. Meanwhile, I returned home tired after a day’s work, but I did try to do my bit, although it definitely was not enough! Both of us were always so tired. Maternity and paternity leave are so essential for a loving couple to welcome and get used to a new baby, who really and truly upsets a regular timetable, where both parents need to adjust. And why shouldn’t a dad enjoy his new role and get to know his baby? Why shouldn’t he have time to learn to make out why his baby is crying? Like a mum, he should come to know his baby and understand him and his needs. We’ve already come a long way and life for new parents isn’t as tough as it used to be. But please do bring about equal parental leave as this has become a necessity. Both parents in the majority have careers they both have worked hard to achieve!

A MORE BALANCED APPROACH I read with great interest the feature Leave to Parent [InFocus, June 2018]. As a mother of two, I could never understand the discrepancy between the leave given to me and that given to fathers. My husband had to take two weeks of his own leave to stay with me and my kids. I am not expecting that the legislation should go from one extreme to the other and 18 weeks be given also to fathers, but at least, a more balanced approach should be enacted into the law and fathers be given two weeks of parental leave. When a mother gives birth, the last thing she needs is to be left alone to take care of a newborn baby. We cannot preach equality and then discriminate in this manner to the detriment of the family.

DANIELLE SAPIANO, FROM LUQA

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INFOCUS

CHANGE

IS COMING Beyond the sensationalism of mental-health stories are people working directly with the patients, who have made this their mission and industry. These are the professionals who, from within, are seeking to make vital changes to the way mental health is treated. Four women with over 50 years’ combined experience in the sector of mental health tell IGGY FENECH that society should strive to advance not only technologically and infrastructurally, but also empathetically and emotionally.

I

t started out as a silent revolution. For a while, it seemed like it was all disconnected; just a lone voice here and there, demanding better help, less judgement, more compassion.

Then 2018 came along and mental health suddenly became the hottest topic in the local news: “President joins outcry as junior minister defends ‘joke’ poking fun at people with mental illness”, read one article; “Medical students release statement on Malta’s mental health care practices”, read another.

Xarabank took it up, as did Lovin’ Malta. Events were unfolding in a way that meant the situation had no way to go but to escalate. A man had escaped from Mount Carmel Hospital [MCH] through a bathroom window only for his lifeless body to be discovered a day later.

Alessandro Salerno, after going public about his bipolar condition, was fired from his job, leading Dr Nickie Vella de Fremaux, whose husband is the leader of the Opposition, to lambast the double standards.

Meanwhile, the taboos surrounding mental health had made it to the final of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest, with winner Christabelle speaking out about her experience dealing with depression.

Facebook was buzzing with statuses; people in shops were talking… Surely someone had to listen? After all, in what has maybe been the most active, sociologicallydriven outcry in a generation – bar the one calling for justice for assassinated journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia – people were demanding change and fast.

But beyond the rhetoric and beyond the sensationalism, there was the reality: people working directly with the patients; people who have made mental health their

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mission and industry; people who, from within, were seeking to make changes that include the way we treat mental health in our language and our traditions, but who also put those with poor mental health at the forefront.

“Among many other things, I believe that people link mental illness with the fear of losing control,” says Aloisia Camilleri, a psychiatrist specialising in addictions and eating disorders at MCH and a representative of the Maltese Association of Psychiatry [MAP].

INFOCUS Bernice Gauci, Daniela Calleja Bitar, Aloisia Camilleri and Rachel Taylor-East.

“WHAT I’VE LEARNT OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS IS THAT MENTAL ILLNESS CAN REALLY HAPPEN TO ANYONE – EVEN TO PEOPLE WHO MAY NOW BE LEADING A GREAT LIFE”

“The resistance to this comes from people thinking that if you have a mental health problem, then you’ve lost control. Another issue is the way we talk about, and look at, MCH. Calling it ‘hemm fuq’ and ‘ta’ Frankuni’ has turned a hospital into derogative adjectives that instill fear and cause offence at the same time.”

For Bernice Gauci, a psychiatric nurse from one of the acute wards within MCH, and a member of the Maltese Association of Psychiatric Nurses [MAPN], the problem is Pink July 2018 ∫ 15

INFOCUS that “people often talk about MCH like it’s the scariest place ever.

“It may not be the nicest environment to work in for obvious reasons, but what I’ve learnt over the past five years is that mental illness can really happen to anyone – even to people who may now be leading a great life.”

As an umbrella term, ‘mental health’ describes a wide range of conditions and disorders, which may be genetic, or transitional. Depression, autism, anorexia, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder and intermittent explosive disorder are just a few that fall under this category and, as such, it means that not only is mental health something important to discuss, but it’s also something very likely to affect us or our loved ones.

“The more people understand how normal it is to have mental health issues, the less stigma there will be,” explains Rachel Taylor-East, a psychiatrist at the Acute In-Patient Service at MCH and a member of the MAP.

“SO MANY PEOPLE AT MATER DEI RECEIVE FLOWERS AND VISITORS, AND PATIENTS AT MCH ARE OFTEN LEFT ALONE. ONE OF THE SADDEST THINGS TO HEAR FROM OUR PATIENTS IS THAT THEY HAD NO VISITORS, OR THAT NO ONE EVER CALLS!” “We don’t need to be scared of mental illness or those who suffer from it. Ask them how they are… Send them a get well soon card! So many people at Mater Dei receive flowers and visitors, and patients at MCH are often left alone. One of the saddest things to hear from our patients is that they had no visitors, or that no one ever calls!”

In order for mental health to truly be on a par with physical health, it needs to leave the corridors of MCH and enter our homes, our schools, our villages, our polyclinics, our civil centres, and – most importantly of all – Mater Dei. “It’s about giving mental health the priority it deserves,” says Daniela Calleja Bitar, the COO of the Richmond Foundation, which works on providing mental health services directly in the community, as well as on addressing the prevention of mental health problems and providing support for good quality of life.

“By doing something as simple – and, in a way, as drastic – as giving people with poor mental health and their families the same experience they would get if they went to Mater Dei with a broken leg or a kidney problem, we could change the perspective on all this,” she adds.

This was one of the many changes outlined and suggested in a position paper presented to the media on the morning of October 9, 2016, in front of Mater Dei. Released by Alliance 4 Mental Health [A4MH] – which is made up of the Richmond Foundation, the Mental Health Association, the MAP and the MAPN – the proposal called on the government to fund a new mental health hospital on the existing footprint of Mater Dei, among many other things.

“Following that, we were invited to speak to Health Minister Chris Fearne, and we all made ourselves available to help the government plan the mental health strategy for the next 10 to 20 years,” continues Daniela. That was two years ago…

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“Things have started to shift, with the minister upping the budget to MCH, mentioning the new hospital, and showing interest in community services for mental health patients. But there’s still a lot that needs to be done!”

Rachel explains that “the implementation of these, as well as other proposals, could help change the trajectory of people who suffer from mental illness. Taking the care of mental health into the community would lessen the stigma, which would, in turn, mean that we would be able to identify and treat ill health earlier, thereby preventing the illness from reaching a stage where treatment may not be as effective.”

According to statistics, people currently stall for four to 10 years before they seek professional help for issues with their mental health – a number that would surely shock had it been linked to physical ailments like diabetes and cancer, but which, unfortunately, seems totally normal in this situation.

“We need more hostels in the community for people who have problems with rent; we need more hostels in the community for people who can’t cope independently, but don’t need to be in MCH. We also need to be more understanding of people who suffer from addictions and who face double the stigma,” Aloisia concludes.

The road to complete destigmatisation is long and treacherous. Indeed, the finish line may be unreachable, but that shouldn’t stop the fight for better and kinder care top-down. Moreover, the most important lesson to learn is that mental health is connected to many other things, including economic situations, tragedies and so on.

As these four women – who have over 50 years’ combined experience in the sector – point out, the brain is in the body, and bodies are not perfect. Yet, as a society, we should always strive to be more compassionate and to advance not only technologically and infrastructurally, but empathetically and emotionally too.

ARTYFACTS

GIRLS ON FILM Following the Valetta Film Festival, LARA SIERRA scouts for talent and finds out how Malta’s use as a Hollywood movie location has opened doors for homegrown talent and women in film.

T

he Valetta Film Festival, compared to its brethren, is in its infancy.

This year’s was only the fourth edition, whereas the Sundance Film Festival began in 1978 and the Cannes Film Festival is even older, founded in 1946.

Impressive, then, that in its fourth year, it had such breadth as to include in its programme films from almost 30 countries, with topics ranging from technological waste to the ‘new’ ivory exploitation, education in Malta, the Syria crisis, and many more high-level and thought-provoking offerings.

Best of all was the contribution from Malta, all of which broke new ground with original content,

grabbing the attention of the Malta Film Commission and the Malta Film Fund.

Speaking to two Maltese women in film, it is clear that Malta is not wanting of female talent. Sarah Naudi, 27, has written, produced and starred

She explains how this film came into being. “For Ava was a stroke of luck because I experienced what I thought at the time was meeting the love of my life and then losing him, so I thought I would write it down.

“I was working at a postproduction house, called Coda, in London where I live, and they said they would edit it for me, along with a company called Bold Content. I sent the script to the director, Keith Albert Tedesco, who I’ve worked with a lot, and he and his girlfriend came to London to shoot.

“Together, we formed the idea of this character Ava, and I wanted her to be Maltese, because I wanted a Maltese character, who isn’t just based around Maltese events. Once the film was ready to go, I submitted it to loads of festivals. Valetta Film Festival was the first that said yes, which was amazing because I got to come home!”

So how did this all start? “Growing up in Malta,” Sarah begins, “I learnt everything. I learnt how to sing, how to dance and how to act, but it wasn’t until I moved to England that I realised you could do all three! I studied musical theatre in London, but I always wanted to do film.”

Musical theatre was not lost on Sarah, however: “I had the best experience of my life in a West End show called In the Heights. It was a play that started in a tiny fringe theatre called the Southwark Playhouse, but became such a huge success that we got moved to the King’s Cross Theatre.

I was the third understudy of the lead, as well as having another smaller part.

Luckily enough, after a series of events, I was called to play the lead.”

To say that this play was a “huge success” is under-selling the impact that In the Heights had both on

“GROWING UP IN MALTA I LEARNT EVERYTHING. I LEARNT HOW TO SING, HOW TO DANCE AND HOW TO ACT, BUT IT WASN’T UNTIL I MOVED TO ENGLAND THAT I REALISED YOU COULD DO ALL THREE” in her own movie, For Ava, which was nominated in the short film category at the Valetta Film Festival 2018. She was also asked to host the interviews at the festival opening on the red carpet.

Broadway and in the West End. The UK broadsheets compared it to the Oscar winner La La Land, and it received five-star reviews across the board.

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ARTYFACTS as I just wanted to meet her.

Fortunately, they needed a French actress and, being half French, I was lucky enough to land the role.

I spent the day with her and learnt so many lessons from her.

“One thing I really took away was how she made sure she said good morning to everybody on set, even though she was the busiest person there. Even on her days off, she wasn’t relaxing; she was out there spending time with the refugees.

Sarah Naudi as Ava.

“In the Heights was my dream role in musical theatre, and that is why I have now moved onto film on a fulltime basis.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have had experience working on film sets here in Malta. I had a small part working with Angelina Jolie in By the Sea, for example, and I was a PA on Murder on the Orient Express. I knew I wanted to work in film, so it made sense to come here and learn as much as I possibly could before going back to London.”

“I KNEW I WANTED TO WORK IN FILM, SO IT MADE SENSE TO COME HERE AND LEARN AS MUCH AS I POSSIBLY COULD BEFORE GOING BACK TO LONDON” Sarah elaborates: “The pool of actors in Malta for a big film is much smaller, so your chances of getting a role are much higher. When Queen of the South was filmed here, for example, which I didn’t work on, the Maltese team got tremendous feedback and it gives them huge exposure.”

Sarah laughs as she adds: “Malta itself really needs to win an Oscar because it has played so many different countries! It’s played Rome, the South of France, Morocco…”

So, what exactly did she learn from her experience working on film sets in Malta? “Working with Angelina Jolie was my dream as she is my absolute idol. I contacted everyone on that film 20 ∫ Pink July 2018

“I owe a huge amount of my experience to Malta,” Sarah adds. “I’ve also tried very hard to break into the industry in France, but it’s extremely difficult. It’s all about who you know.

But in Malta, we are so willing to give opportunities to the locals. We are patriotic like that.”

To delve a little deeper into understanding this Malta-Hollywood effect, Nicole Cuschieri, a casting director, as well as a costume designer and film-maker [phew!], offers her first-hand insight into the relationship between the two.

“Foreign and Hollywood films come to Malta very frequently for a number of reasons. Firstly, there is the tax rebate;

secondly, Malta is English-speaking; and thirdly, it has traditionally been so cheap. The sad reality, unfortunately, is that Malta has suddenly become ridiculously expensive and I think that’s affecting the film industry.

“In Malta, there are five main production houses, owned by four men and a woman, who bring the international films over, manage and employ all the staff. Winston Azzopardi, for example, brought over Assassin’s Creed and Murder on the Orient Express.

Each of these films takes a long time; casting, in fact, is one of the longest periods on a film set. I worked with Michael Bay and did World War Z and they both took a very long time!

“Being on a Hollywood film set is a high-pressured environment, with a lot of different things that can go wrong, so people can snap quite quickly. It’s quite funny, for example, to notice how much noise pollution there is in Malta, and that can cause so many difficulties. We are a very noisy country!

“The nicest part about working on an international film here is the support you get from your local team,” Nicole continues. “You get closer and closer with every project.

The Hollywood production companies don’t always take care of you, so it’s always good to know the Maltese have got your back.

For example, I was bullied a lot on one film by a foreign female casting director, which was a very unpleasant experience, so it’s good to have a team that supports you.”

Nicole explains how her exposure to so many international films has helped develop her own Maltese projects: “Having so many different films made here in Malta keeps people current and involved in the industry. Look at the Valetta Film Festival! Before that, it was very difficult to access art house cinema, but now it’s opening people’s minds. It affects the local industry if people are exposed to better films.”

At the moment, Nicole is writing a short film about a nine-year-old Maltese girl, who has inputted a lot of the story herself. Another project she is working on is about a Maltese postman who becomes obsessed with a woman. She plans to apply for funding for both.

Sarah, too, is currently writing a couple of scripts: “The feature film I wrote last year was supposed to be about a couple, a boy and a girl, but now the couple is two girls, because it just is, and I didn’t want it to be a big ‘coming out’ story; just a story about two girls who are in love, because, why not?

“I am also doing a crime film, which is based here, in Malta. I learnt from For Ava that scriptwriting is really hard. I will send my scripts to a script doctor first and then hit film funds to try and get it made.”

Sarah explains that after For Ava was completed, she went to LA to meet all the big agents and producers to get a feel for the place. But what she found there surprised her.

“I actually found myself wanting to come back to London. In LA, some of the agents I spoke to asked no questions about my acting, or the fact that I want to make films; just about my look. In the UK, it is all about talent, whereas in LA, it is more aesthetic. LA feels like a dreamworld, and it was an amazing experience being there. You feel like anyone can make the dream in LA. But in the UK, you have to have the talent, or it will never happen for you, and I like that.

They are two very different industries.

“I want to stay in London to be known for playing great parts and being a good actor, not because someone says, ‘look how pretty she is’.

That’s boring. But it is hard, because as a woman, if you look a certain way, first of all, you are put up against these stunning models, but secondly, pretty actresses only get certain parts.

“Now, women are breaking all those boundaries, which is great, but still, if you think about Charlize Theron, who was always very talented, why was it only when she had to ‘ugly up’ in Monster that she won the Oscar?”

The conversation inevitably turns to the Harvey Weinstein sexual assault revelations that took Hollywood by storm. “We are very lucky in Malta, because the producers at the top are all men, but they are respectful, married, with kids and so on. But I mean, anywhere in the world, where you are a woman on a film set, you’re going to get heckled. It’s unfortunately the nature of the industry.

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Photography Jacob Sammut Make-up Karen Schembri Grima

ARTYFACTS

“IT IS AN INDUSTRY WITH BLURRED LINES, BECAUSE I GO TO AN ACTING CLASS AND EVERYONE HAS TO MASSAGE EACH OTHER, OR WE ALL GET CHANGED TOGETHER BACKSTAGE. BUT YOU CANNOT ABUSE THAT” “It is an industry with blurred lines, because I go to an acting class and everyone has to massage each other, or we all get changed together backstage.

But you cannot abuse that.

“However,” Sarah says with a big smile, “things are changing fast and I am so happy. You will never get hired now just because someone fancies you. It’s a great thing.

“I knew all about the Kevin Spacey stuff as he was ingrained in the West End,” Sarah adds. “It was accepted

knowledge; it was normal language.

For someone to finally say, ‘no, that’s not OK,’ and for us all to take a step back and say, myself included, ‘you’re right, that’s not normal and this shouldn’t be accepted behaviour’, is a great thing.”

Fortunately, from both in front and behind the camera, it seems that in the film industry at least, Malta has kept its hands clean: “I don’t see any difference between men and women in my line here,” Nicole says. “I’ve found female writers and directors in Malta are really encouraging because there aren’t enough.”

Both film-makers brim with energy as they discuss the ins and outs of their creative projects, and it’s inspiring to see such creativity buzzing around. Talent is not lacking here either. And neither, it seems, is the ability to stand your ground. Watch this space.

WOMANKIND

SMILING AND SAINTLY Edel Quinn was not, to borrow St Theresa of Avila’s phrase, “a saint with a sour face”; she was a woman of faith, who managed to radiate happiness, joy and serenity. For MARY GALEA DEBONO, it is this combination of holiness and zest for life that qualifies her as a role model.

W

hen Edel Quinn died at the age of 36 on May 12, 1944, the members of the Legion of Mary felt they had lost one of their most valid companions, but they were equally convinced they had ‘gained’ a saint.

They were not the only ones who believed that Edel was an extraordinary person. The briefest of encounters with this Irish Legionary always left a lasting memory on people who instinctively recognised her saintliness.

In 1963, when the cause for her canonisation was opened, the tribunals appointed to study the case interviewed 258 witnesses, most of them people who had worked with her during her lifetime. These testimonies, together with her letters to family, friends and legionaries, are very important because they constitute the primary documents that provide an accurate, all-round picture of her inner self.

Among the character traits that these witnesses consistently emphasised in their testimonies were her selflessness, her positive effect on people and, above all, her cheerfulness.

Edel was never without a smile on her face; there was always a glint in her eyes; a sparkle that hid her suffering and fatigue. It was not a fake gaiety; anyone who came in contact with her recognised that the source of this joy was genuine because it came from within.

prank”. She also had a sense of humour that allowed her to look at the bright side of things even when they were bad.

Edel was born in Kanturk, County Cork, Ireland, on September 14, 1907; she was the eldest of five children. The family was financially comfortable especially after the father was given a managerial post in the bank where he worked.

The Quinns moved whenever the father was transferred to a new branch and Edel attended different convent schools. She played the piano and violin, was excellent at dancing, participated in all sports activities, such as swimming and tennis, and in one school, she was chosen captain of its cricket team. But she did not neglect her studies. Naturally, her father had high

“AMONG THE CHARACTER TRAITS THAT THESE WITNESSES CONSISTENTLY EMPHASISED IN THEIR TESTIMONIES WERE HER SELFLESSNESS, HER POSITIVE EFFECT ON PEOPLE AND, ABOVE ALL, HER CHEERFULNESS” This happy disposition was there even as a child; then, she was exuberant as well as impish. The Mother Superior of Loreto School, which she attended from the age of six to 10, described her as “full of life and gaiety and up to every kind of

hopes for this daughter and, when she was 16, he enrolled her at Upton Hall, a finishing school in Cheshire.

Unfortunately, Mr Quinn was addicted to gambling and when he was caught financing his pastime with money Pink July 2018 ∫ 25

WOMANKIND from the bank, although he was not prosecuted, he was demoted from his position and given a minor job at the head office in Dublin. The family had to give up the house the bank had provided as one of the perks. Faced with grave financial difficulties, one of the first things that had to go was his daughter’s expensive education at Upton Hall.

Edel knew that it was her duty to contribute financially to the family upkeep and she started looking for a job. When she failed to pass her exam to enter the Civil Service, she got a job as secretary to the owner of a small industrial agency, who was astonished by the dedication, hard work and total

Edel Quinn at about 11 years old.

Edel in Dublin around 1935 before her mission to Africa.

preached and she had never mentioned the social work that she did after her day job – such as visiting old people and dedicating time to the well-being of disadvantaged girls – he could not help noticing and admiring the spiritual dimension of her personality, which distinguished her from other young women of her age.

When he learnt that his work for the company was coming to an end, Pierre proposed to her, but she gently refused his offer, giving as her reason the financial situation of her family and the need to go on working until her younger siblings became independent. She also confessed that her ultimate aim was to join a contemplative order of nuns.

Many years later, he was to admit, when asked about his relationship with her, that he knew her without knowing her. They continued to correspond for many years. His letters to her have been lost, but hers have survived and they manifest a remarkable maturity for a girl in her 20s.

It was a friend who introduced her to the Legion of Mary, a secular organisation that had been set up in 1921 by Frank Duff with the aim of, among other things, visiting people in hospitals and prisons, the setting up of centres of study and the managing of hostels, clubs and other organisations. She embarked on this new mission with her customary zeal and dedication.

Edel soon became very popular within the unit in which she worked. This was not surprising because she knew how to get on well with people, was cordial with everyone without distinction and refrained from criticising anyone.

Communicating with others and establishing new relationships came naturally to her.

“SHE NEVER COMPLAINED OF HER ILLNESS; ON THE CONTRARY, KEEN ON ASSISTING OTHERS, SHE FORGOT HERSELF. NEITHER DID SHE LOSE HER SENSE OF HUMOUR AND THOSE WHO VISITED HER ALWAYS LEFT FEELING THEY HAD GOT BACK MORE THAN THEY HAD GIVEN”

Her car… dubbed her Rolls Royce.

commitment of this young woman on whom he could rely completely for the running of his office. Unfortunately, he was unable to pay her the salary he knew she deserved for the work she put in and he introduced her to one of his clients, a young Frenchman by the name of Pierre Landrin, the manager of a thriving tile company, who could offer her a better pay.

Like her previous employer, Pierre was impressed by Edel’s quick grasp of the intricacies of the business, her efficiency and her ability to take quick decisions. Pierre worked for long hours with Edel in the office and they sometimes met in the evening and at the weekend. Although she never 26 ∫ Pink July 2018

After two years as an ordinary member of the Legion, she was made head of a presidium [unit] in charge of the “rescue of prostitutes”. Many members were not happy with this appointment; they considered her too young and inexperienced for such delicate work and they voiced their concerns with the heads of the Legion, but these had already carefully assessed the merits of this young member and they did not change their mind.

Edel’s health had never been very good. As a child, she was subject to frequent colds, and in 1932, just as her dream of joining the Order of the Poor Clares was about to materialise, she fell seriously ill. She was suffering from an advanced stage of tuberculosis and was told by the doctor that only a long rest could save her. The next 18 months were spent at Newcastle Sanatorium. She never complained of her illness; on the contrary, keen on assisting others, she forgot herself. Neither did she lose her sense of humour and those who visited her always left feeling they had got back more than they had given.

But inactivity and an idle life did not agree with her, and when she heard there was a call for volunteers to establish the Legion of Mary in East Africa, she made up her mind to

offer herself for this mission. This was no easy decision; it meant leaving her family, friends and country. Many opposed her idea. Not only was she young, they argued; she was also a sick woman. In the end, her determination won.

Edel spent almost eight years in this continent and they were perhaps her happiest. To Frank Duff in a letter of 1943, when it was clear her days were numbered, she confessed: “I am so glad to have had these seven years in Africa though I could wish to have done more in them.”

Working in Africa was not easy; it required great courage, determination and more than a little diplomatic skill. Not everyone was convinced that another lay organisation was what East Africa needed and it took some convincing to get people, including priests, to accept the idea. But she never criticised anyone who was not interested in or opposed the Legion’s work. Edel had her own ideas concerning Africa’s particular problems. She was capable of taking decisions, shouldering responsibilities and advising and directing others. With her, there were no half-measures.

The task of establishing the Legion was daunting for several reasons. Paganism had not been completely eradicated. Even more shocking was the fact that in Nairobi and elsewhere, society was deeply segregated. Catholic Europeans, Goans and native Africans each had their own church and did not mix. Women were also in a weak position.

It was hard to try and convince men to work with them – that she eventually succeeded was a minor revolution and says much about her. Once a unit was established, its development had to be constantly monitored.

The climate and terrain were also against her. Edel had to cover enormous distances because the territory of which she was in charge was vast. The roads were very bad, and in some instances, non-existent. During the rainy season, rivers overflowed, bridges disappeared and roads became impassable. Some of the outlying missions could only be reached on foot; where trucks could be used, they often got stuck in the mud for hours. When Dublin gave her permission to buy a six-year-old Ford, which she dubbed her Rolls Royce, things got slightly better.

The heat too took its toll on her, and added to her tuberculosis, she contracted malaria, dysentery and pleurisy.

Weak and exhausted, she never complained and remained always at people’s disposal. It was a superhuman test and it is against these enormous difficulties that one must measure her success in establishing the Legion on a firm ground.

Edel was not a martyr, but she suffered in silence all her life. She was not a mystic, but whether in a church or riding at the back of a truck, she constantly prayed and meditated.

She was not a theologian, but she understood full well the precepts of her Church and lived by them. She was not a reformer, but within her sphere of influence, she managed to bring about several positive changes.

Edel was not, to borrow St Theresa of Avila’s phrase, “a saint with a sour face”; she was a woman of faith, who managed to radiate happiness, joy and serenity, and it is this combination of holiness and zest for life that qualifies her as a role model.

In 1994, Pope John Paul II gave her the title Venerable for her heroic sanctity.

SHOWSTOPPER

AND AS SUMMER KICKS IN TO FULL GEAR… THIS IS THE GEAR YOU SHOULD GET YOURSELF INTO.

Photography Andre Gialanze Styling Marisa Grima [marisagrima.com] Hair Christopher Sultana from Screen Professional Hair Salon, Paola Make-up Chris Attard from Franks, using Guerlain Model Hannah @ Supernova MM Location Merkanti Beach Club, Hilton Malta

Swimsuit, €55, Marks & Spencer ∫ booties, €89, Aldo.

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SHOWSTOPPER

Jacket, €39.99; T-shirt, €15.99; shorts, €25.99; flip-flops, €19.99, all Mango.

Pink July 2018 ∫ 29

SHOWSTOPPER Top, €25.99; skirt, €19.99; scarf, €15.99; bag, €25.99, all Noos ∫ trainers, €69, Aldo ∫ hat, €60, Emthunzini Hats.

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SHOWSTOPPER Dress, €79, Oltre ∫ bag, €34, Marks & Spencer.

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SHOWSTOPPER Top, €34; trousers, €59.90, both Marks & Spencer ∫ shoes, €45, Aldo.

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SHOWSTOPPER Shirt, €59.99; shorts, €39.99, both Cortefiel.

Pink July 2018 ∫ 33

SHOWSTOPPER

Jumpsuit, €219, Pedro del Hierro ∫ bag, €34, Marks & Spencer ∫ spectacles, €15, Aldo.

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SHOWSTOPPER Top, €29.99; shorts, €29.99, both Noos ∫ trainers, €69, Aldo.

Pink July 2018 ∫ 35

THEUNIFORM

Stella Cini

LADIES WEARING THE PANTS AT THE PINK FASHION SHOW

Sarah Zerafa

It’s summer! And that means it’s time to wear pretty, colourful dresses, right? Maybe not… Fashion blogger and stylist CAROLINE PARIS does her usual street-style analysis at The Pink Fashion Show to spot the season’s trends that have been picked up by its guests.

A

t The Pink Fashion Show this season, one of the main things that caught my eye was the number of jumpsuits and coordinate combo trouser outfits that were around – both on and off the catwalk. It was a case of flowing palazzo pants all the way, almost upstaging the other looks.

Yes, there’s no escaping the fact that jumpsuits and trousers in general really are a huge trend this season. I myself wore a black jumpsuit, which I guess is something new for me as I’ve always worn a dress to this event.

Other trends of interest, spotted off the beaten catwalk at the King George V Recreational Grounds in Floriana, include:

BUILDING THE CHAIN Yes, the chain belt is back. I remember wearing these in the 1990s and I’m super happy I hadn’t thrown my entire collection away.

I must find a way to include one of these oldies in an outfit sometime soon.

Pink July 2018 ∫ 37

THEUNIFORM Photography Kurt Paris

Ira Losco

Luke Azzopardi

Chris Pisani

PRETTY IN PINK Pretty frills, both for men and women, are another summer trend. A romantic mood is definitely on the cards, so think pretty; think fun and playful and let the frills flounce.

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Alina Anisimova

Taryn Mamo Cefai

Roberta Caruana Stivala

INTO THE BLUE Blue eye make-up, as worn by Taryn Mamo Cefai at the show, is a hot trend, reminiscent of the 1980s of course, but done in a more refined manner, with better blending and skin tone matching.

Daniel Azzopardi

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST The best trend? A pretty smile.

It’s summer, meaning long, warm days, too many BBQs and cocktails, but lots of fun. Plenty to smile about indeed.

THINKPI BEAU, fOOD & HINS

3 A REFRESHING MIST Chanel N°5 L’Eau All-Over Spray is a refreshing way to wake up, or for touch-ups throughout the day. The perfuming spray for the hair and body is an ultra-generous mist in a sleek, travel-friendly bottle. Its elegant and discreet design makes it easy to use at any moment. It is the perfect product for summer perfuming. Chanel is distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd.

8

4 THE ALLIANCE OF WATER AND WOOD

IN A CLASS OF THEIR OWN

7

From a list of must-have fragrances to choose from to the classiest of cars, if you want to be your best this summer, follow these trails…

Introducing Acqua di Giò Absolu fragrance for men, which celebrates the union between fresh water and warm wood. Seen through the eyes of Giorgio Armani, the alliance of water and wood takes us on a journey into timeless masculinity, embracing a deeper overall consciousness. Using marine notes and patchouli, a new, bold, refined, and elegant fragrance has been created. The patchouli provides the perfect balance between the aquatic fragrance and the woody aromas, creating true masculinity with a sensual twist that is at the heart of the fragrance. Giorgio Armani fragrances are exclusively distributed by Chemimart [2149 2212].

5 AN IRRESISTIBLE ACCESSORY

6 3

6 ANOTHER INTERPRETATION OF MASCULINITY

4 2 1

N°5 L’Eau On Hand Cream is such a practical and stylish accessory that once you try it you can’t do without it. The cream’s nourishing and moisturising texture is instantly absorbed, leaving the skin velvety soft and delicately scented. With its unique, userfriendly design, you’ll want to keep it in your purse, so you can apply it when you want, where you want.

Chanel is distributed by Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd.

5

Le Male Essence de Parfum, by Jean Paul Gaultier, shows a new interpretation of masculinity, reimagining the silhouette of the iconic Le Male bottle: more shoulders and a narrower waist!

A new and exhilarating olfactory sensation opens with a burst of spicy citrus, colliding with sensual leather notes, shaken up with precious woods.

Contact Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd on 2133 1553.

7 FRESH AND SENSUAL Constructed around Mediterranean freshness, Valentino Donna Rosa Verde is a fragrance that is both fresh and sensual, and again underlines the contrasting elegance of the Valentino House.

It is composed around a zesty and luminous ginger absolute, a delicate and graceful rose absolute, and a mysterious and aromatic mate tea. Contact Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd on 2133 1553.

1 RUBY CHOCOLATE

2 THE NEW MODERN LUXURY

The world’s first ruby chocolate is on the shelves in Malta. As the first product on the global market to feature this distinctive naturally-pink chocolate, Nestlé first unveiled KitKat Ruby in Japan, Korea and the UK earlier this year.

Now, the ruby chocolate version of the world-famous KitKat four-finger crispy wafer bar is available in confectioners locally, along with the more familiar milk, white and dark chocolate KitKat. Have you tried it yet?

The new A-Class is as youthful and dynamic as ever, but grown-up and comfortable like never before. It completely redefines modern luxury in the compact class, and revolutionises interior design. Technologically, the new A-Class not only takes first place thanks to MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience; it also offers a number of functions that were previously the preserve of the luxury class. And although MercedesBenz has retained the sporty appearance, the utility value has increased.

8 UNPREDICTABLE BEAUTY After Nina and Luna, Les Belles de Nina by Nina Ricci is being shaken up by a new arrival, Bella. It is impossible to resist such an unpredictable beauty: a vibrant acidic floral, this fragrance is a sexy indulgence, with an affirmed personality. The subtle, fruity, slightly bitter-sweet flavour of rhubarb is made irresistible by a bold zest of green mandarin and a caress of vanilla. Rose is deployed in an alliance of Turkish rose oil and rose absolute, while freesia provides luminosity and crystalline freshness.

Contact Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd on 2133 1553.

Pink July 2018 ∫ 39

FASHIONSTORY

STAR QUALITY Pink unveils the Parascandalo 2018 campaign for the fashion designer’s latest landmark collection and finds what makes the brand shine.

T

his year has marked a new chapter in the Parascandalo story, with a collection entitled S.T.A.R. It is inspired by different eras, which designer Marco Parascandalo married together to create a new aesthetic.

With three harmonious colour stories and an exciting use of fabric manipulation, denim, knitted cotton and satin, S.T.A.R. offers something for every fashion-forward kid on the block.

The collection’s name is itself loaded with meaning: the five points of the Parascandalo star represent the designer’s fifth catwalk show at Malta Fashion Week & Awards.

Hitting the local scene with a bang in 2014 with his provocative Skandlu collection, Parascandalo has gone

40 ∫ Pink July 2018

from strength to strength. The brand has become synonymous with cool, cutting-edge, one-of-a-kind pieces, which are sure to make the wearer stand out from the crowd.

Parascandalo imbues his rebellious style with local messages reflective of Maltese culture, politics and environmental issues to dramatic effect. Not one to shy away from controversy, his slogan T-shirts, bearing their now instantly recognisable slang terms, have opened the door to a new, young market of stylish buyers.

Using a variety of materials and textures, the Parascandalo brand produces everything from T-shirts to ready-to-wear, one-off pieces and statement accessories.

“PARASCANDALO IMBUES HIS REBELLIOUS STYLE WITH LOCAL MESSAGES REFLECTIVE OF MALTESE CULTURE, POLITICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TO DRAMATIC EFFECT”

FASHIONSTORY

The photographic campaign for S.T.A.R. was shot in the Three Cities by night in the belief that “the aesthetics of both the collection and the location complement each other”.

It brings out the different categories of S.T.A.R., which include similar pieces in the male and female range, as well as gender-neutral hoodies and T-shirts.

Photography Kurt Paris Make-up Jennifer Dimech Hair Lee Grixti Styling Marco Parascandalo, assisted

by Jayden Curmi and Lucie Criado Models Giulia Bartoli, Lara Zammit @ Supernova MM, and Matthew Lanzon, wearing Parascandalo.

Pink July 2018 ∫ 41

PINK@THEPARTY The Pink Fashion Show, a Times of Malta event, was recently held at King George V Recreational Grounds in Floriana.

The tenth edition of the sought-after catwalk saw the participation of Carla Grima Atelier, Coccinelle, Cortefiel, Emthunzini Hats, Furla, Ipanema, Isle & Aqua, O’hea Opticians, Oltre, Orsay, Pedro del Hierro and Women’secret.

Photography Jonathan Borg, Justin Ciappara, Carlo Jourdan, Ron Kerr, Matthew Mirabelli, Mark Soler

Pink July 2018 ∫ 43

Behind the scenes and more… Photography Kurt Paris

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Pink July 2018 ∫ 45

CORTEFIEL COCCINELLE

CARLA GRIMAATELIER & EMTHUNZINI HATS

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OLTRE & FURLA ISLE & AQUA & O’HEA OPTICIANS

IPANEMA

Pink July 2018 ∫ 47

WOMEN’SECRET

PEDRO DEL HIERRO

ORSAY

The Pink Fashion Show was supported by Aldo, Campari, Carolina Herrera, Casapinta Exhibitions and Events, Costa Coffee, Diet Kinnie, the Floriana local council, GO, Magnum, Pringles, Renault, Stephanie Borg, Tettiera, Uno de 50 and Vichy, as well as the Malta Playing Fields Association, the Vilhena Band Club and the Ghaqda tal-Pawlini – Valletta. Models’ hair was by Screen Professional Hair Salons Malta and make-up by Guerlain.

48 ∫ Pink July 2018

In the audience and at the after-party‌

Pink July 2018 âˆŤ 49

ONFORM

THE ROAD TO SALALAH The LifeCycle Challenge is marking its 20th anniversary, and it’s also the 10th year of voluntary involvement for LifeCycle Foundation chairperson Dr Shirley Cefai, a university lecturer by day, who had never ridden a bike in her life before she took it up at 44 years old. ADRIANA BISHOP finds out this year’s is expected to the be the toughest yet. But for the intrepid cyclists on this extreme adventure, nothing can be worse than the best day for a kidney patient.

I

t’s 5am and Shirley Cefai is steadily clocking up the miles on her stationary bike. She has a long day ahead, jam-packed with work and family commitments, so this early morning session at the gym is her only opportunity to fit in some training.

But this is no ordinary training session.

Shirley is the chairperson of LifeCycle Foundation and one of a group of 25 cyclists currently preparing to take on one of the most arduous cycle rides in the world from Dubai to Salalah in southern Oman, a journey covering 1,955km in 10 days through scorching desert and over unforgiving mountains.

Crazy, you think? They call it a challenge. I say, the word challenge

doesn’t even begin to define what they are going to face. But Shirley and her colleagues see it differently for they have an ulterior motive other than personal achievement and it transcends whatever pain they have to endure to reach that finish line.

This is the 20th edition of the LifeCycle Challenge, which raises money for patients suffering from kidney disease. Since its inception in 1999, LifeCycle Foundation has raised over €2 million to help improve the lives of renal patients. It was founded by Alan Curry, who cycled 3,100km from Malta to his home village near Newcastle, the UK, to thank the renal unit for their treatment of his wife Carmen. His stunt garnered unprecedented publicity back

then and raised thousands for the hospital’s renal unit.

LifeCycle has now grown into Malta’s only voluntary charity organisation for kidney patients, with funds raised going towards assisting patients as well as increasing research into the causes and possible cure for renal failure. Along the way, LifeCyclists have biked through 43 countries worldwide, including Australia, Japan, Tanzania, Zambia and Iceland to name but a few of the more exotic locations.

You may think it’s an extreme way to raise cash, but as Shirley explains, the hardship endured by the cyclists on these gruelling rides only serves to highlight the suffering renal patients go through day in, day out for the rest of their lives.

“Even the worst day on the bike is still better than the best day for a kidney patient,” points out Shirley.

A startling statement that makes me catch my breath.

Pink July 2018 ∫ 53

ONFORM “That’s why we take on such a challenge. It wouldn’t be right to do something that wasn’t as hard as it is to be a renal patient,” she continues.

“Renal disease is not a glamorous situation. People don’t seem to realise how difficult it is for someone to live with this disease. A renal patient is never cured. Patients on dialysis have to spend four hours, three times a week, hooked up to the machine.

Afterwards, they may feel too sick to even drive home and that schedule makes it difficult to hold down a job.

Very often they lose their job as a consequence. Their family is also affected.”

During LifeCycle Challenges in Zambia [2016], Kenya and Tanzania [2017], where most nights were spent camping with very basic comforts.

“THE HEAT WILL TEST THE CYCLISTS’ STAMINA. WITH TEMPERATURES HOVERING AROUND 40°C DURING THE DAY, THEY PLAN TO BE ON THEIR BIKES BY 5AM EVERY DAY TO PUT IN AT LEAST FOUR HOURS OF CYCLING BEFORE THE HEAT KICKS IN”

One of LifeCycle Foundation’s recent contributions was a van to pick up patients from home and drive them to their evening dialysis sessions and back again. There are currently around 200 kidney patients who go to hospital for dialysis and a further 80 do it at home.

LifeCycle has also donated a Tracca to support the database and management of HLA typing, which helps facilitate the 54 ∫ Pink July 2018

procedure of finding a kidney donor.

This year, LifeCycle Foundation is hoping to raise between €150,000 and €200,000 to continue its work.

“Every year the hospital gives us its wish list for the renal unit. Our aim is to make the patients’ quality of life better,” explains Shirley.

The passion and dedication required from everyone involved in this challenge is unparalleled. There is, first of all, the selfless dedication to the cause, which drives each cyclist and

every fund-raising member. And then there is, of course, the dedication to the sporting challenge itself, which is a punishing event that will push each participant to their limit, and beyond.

This will be Shirley’s fourth challenge as a rider and she also participated in another four events as part of the backup support team – impressive for someone who, by her own admission, had zero biking experience before her first LifeCycle 10 years ago.

“I first got involved while training with Alan Curry. I was 44 years old and I had never ridden a bike before. I never

ONFORM will test the cyclists’ stamina. With temperatures hovering around 40°C during the day, they plan to be on their bikes by 5am every day to put in at least four hours of cycling before the heat kicks in. They will have to climb some serious mountains, spend three days cycling through the desert and will have to fend off some friendly camels along the way.

“Am I scared? In a way, a bit, yes,” confesses Shirley. “It’s not for the fainthearted. But the cyclists go for the challenge. The backup team will have to support us even more than ever this time especially with hydration.”

There are other reasons why Oman was chosen, apart from the dramatic beauty of the landscape and the fact

“YOU GET TO KNOW WHO THE PERSON REALLY IS. HE IS STRIPPED OF ALL HIS GLAMOROUS SIDE, DOWN TO HIS BARE MINIMUM. SOMETIMES, SOME PEOPLE ARE SHOCKED TO SEE WHAT THEY LEARN ABOUT THEMSELVES” even owned a bicycle as a child. I first had to learn how to balance. That was in February. By August of the same year, I was cycling up the Pyrenees on my first LifeCycle Challenge from Lourdes to Casablanca,” explains Shirley. And she hasn’t looked back since.

That first challenge was particularly gruelling for her, and by the sixth day, she had to abandon the event because of injury. She was nonetheless undaunted and has returned to the saddle time and again over the years.

Today, she juggles her work as a university lecturer on philosophy and development of conservation, within the Department of Conservation and the Built Heritage, with her rigorous training schedule, as well as her role as chairperson of LifeCycle Foundation.

Like the rest of the team, training for the challenge has to fit in around daily life. The training programme is designed by Alan Curry and is approved by the British Cycling Federation. All 25 cyclists get together every Sunday for a group ride to get to know each other and then follow their own individual training programmes during the week.

As the weeks go by, the training intensifies until the cyclists hit peak fitness, ready for their big challenge.

This year’s route has its own particular challenges. The heat, for one,

that it is a key distribution market for LifeCycle’s title sponsor Foster Clark’s.

Oman is facing an increase in the incidence of chronic kidney disease, with a growing number of patients progressing to end-stage kidney disease requiring renal replacement.

The gruelling challenge will certainly take its toll on the cyclists, and not just physically, but emotionally too.

“LifeCycle is a life-changing experience,” affirms Shirley. “Sitting on the bike saddle for 10 hours a day, day in, day out, you need to be psychologically focused.

It is 70 per cent mental challenge and 30 per cent physical.

“You get to know who the person really is. He is stripped of all his glamorous side, down to his bare minimum. Sometimes, some people are shocked to see what they learn about themselves,” she adds.

The 25 cyclists hail from nine countries, with ages ranging from 23 to 69. Some are new to LifeCycle, while others are veterans, with over 10 challenges under their belt. One participant is a kidney donor.

They come from different walks of life, including chemical engineers, lawyers, accountants, a biologist, wardens, professionals and nonprofessionals. But on the saddle, they are all equal.

Pink July 2018 ∫ 55

ONFORM “Titles don’t matter here.

We are all going to be struggling and pushing for it,” stresses Shirley. “I have met exceptional people on the LifeCycle Challenges and the comradeship I found here I have never experienced anywhere else.

We form very deep bonds of friendship for life. Some of the most beautiful moments are in the evening when we gather around the fire and exchange our thoughts about the day.”

The Arabian Knights, as they call themselves, will be flying to Dubai on September 30 and they hit the saddle on October 1.

As the big day approaches, and the training builds up to daily bike rides, Shirley is relying more on her family’s support to keep the momentum going in preparation for this epic challenge. She is excited, of course, like the rest of the team. But there is trepidation too.

“I am worried I will get an injury and not manage to complete the challenge.

But at the same time, I am looking forward to the fact that a lot of the accommodation will be camping, which, for me, makes it one of the attractions,” Shirley admits.

No money is wasted on luxury for the hard-working cyclists. As she explains, “the less comfortable we are, the more money we have to give out to renal patients”.

Because, ultimately, that is what this is all about.

For more information about LifeCycle [Malta] Foundation and Foster Clark’s LifeCycle Challenge 2018, visit www.lifecyclechallenge.com Donations can be made online, or by sending an SMS to 5061 7370 for €2.33; 5061 8920 for €6.99; or 5061 9229 to donate €11.65. Call on 5160 2020 to give €10; 5170 2005 to give €15; or 5180 2006 to donate €25.

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BORN AGAIN Amy Camilleri, 42, describes herself as a “survivor”, having pulled through two kidney transplants and all forms of dialysis. As they say, life begins at 40, and for her, a second life began that year.

I was first diagnosed in March 2001. I was just 25 years old, newly married and pregnant. I put my constant tiredness down to the pregnancy until a check-up in hospital revealed my kidneys were failing. My mother offered me her kidney, but match tests took over nine months and it was only in March 2002 that the transplant could take place.

I felt reborn. Eventually, I went on to have two children, a boy who is now 13 years old and a daughter who is six.

However, after eight years, that transplanted kidney started showing signs of fatigue, and four years later, the body rejected it. I needed a second transplant.

This time, it took longer to find a match.

Many of my relatives were tested to check if they could donate a kidney, but finally, it was determined that my sister was the perfect match. It took two years for the transplant to take place in August 2016, the year I turned 40. As they say, life begins at 40, and for me, my second life began that year.

In the meantime, I experienced three different forms of dialysis, in hospital, at home, or at night. Each session lasts four hours, or the entire night if using the APD machine at home. It was a very aggressive treatment and it used to make me feel very tired. It affected my quality of life tremendously. I had to follow a very strict diet regime and had to watch how much liquid I drank.

I was only allowed one litre per day and that included any soups, tea, coffee, even the water in which the pasta and rice was cooked. I couldn’t eat anything containing potassium and phosphates and I couldn’t go for a swim.

Sometimes, I would be sick from the treatment and my son would worry about

“

me. He would wait up for me until I returned home from the twilight shift on the dialysis machine in hospital. He had to grow up too quickly because of my disease.

My daughter is still too young to remember much, but my son lived through it all. He says he is grateful that I still managed to look after him and his sister. The important thing is that the children don’t see me collapse.

My children are my first priority.

After the first kidney transplant, donated by my mum, I had two children. Now, with the second transplanted kidney from my sister, I hope to live long enough to raise them to adulthood.

Renal failure is for life. I have a better quality of life now, but I still have to go for regular check-ups, and each time, I hope everything is OK. I still take medication. There are many things that people take for granted that we renal patients cannot do like drinking as much water as we want, or lying down without feeling dizzy.

Apart from the physical pain, there is a lot of emotional and psychological suffering.

When I had my first transplant, there was no psychologist at the renal unit. Now I am a member of the Transplant Support Group led by James Muscat, which offers support to transplant patients.

I can never thank my mother and my sister enough for donating their kidneys to me. I had a lot of help and support from my relatives, especially my aunts, my other sister, who used to take the children to school almost every day, and a friend who used to keep the children after school, alternating with my sister.

The side effect of all this trauma is that I suffer from a lot of anxiety. I suffered a lot, but I had to keep on going because of the children. Prayer and faith in God helped me through. You tend to suppress a lot of emotion and then, once it is all over, it all comes out. I keep telling myself that I must go on; I have to find something to hold on to. Kuragg. Be brave.

”

The Transplant Support Group can be contacted on 7947 8452; or transplantsupport@onvol.net

APEROL SPRITZ AMPHIBIOUS LANDS AT GHADIRA BAY

An unfamiliar and unexpected site recently greeted sun worshippers when the Aperol Spritz Amphibious landed at Ghadira Bay. Having sailed into the bay and driven on to the beach, the orange coloured Amphibious let down its windows and doors to reveal itself as an Aperol Spritz bar and DJ stand.

To the delight of the unsuspecting beachgoers, Vibe FM’s Nate, Frank & Rossi were also on hand to entertain the crowd with music and games.

Claudia Attard, Aperol brand manager at Farsons Beverage Imports Company Limited, said, “Aperol Spritz is less a cocktail and more an aperitivo with a spirit that spontaneously gathers people together and sparks nothing but good vibes, whatever the occasion. Our amphibious vehicle is a symbol of this attitude, bringing people together and creating happiness. Obviously such an event

requires a lot of planning, also to ensure it is carried out responsibly and with no impact on the bay or beach. In this regard I would like to thank the MTA, ERA, Transport Malta, the Police, Mellieha Local Council and the NGO Zibel for their support. I would also like to thank Munchies in Mellieha for their help in this event.”

The original ‘Spritz’ recipe – also commonly known as the ‘Spritz Veneziano’ – features Aperol as its key ingredient and was added to the International Bartenders Association’s Official Drink list in 2011. Its recipe is easy as 3-2-1 – consisting of 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 splash club soda in a balloon glass over ice – topped off with a slice of orange.

It’s the perfect low-proof cocktail that can be enjoyed during brunch, as a lighter option for an after-work gettogether, or as a true Italian aperitif before dinner.

PINKSHRINK One of the benefits of being a football fan is that it brings people together.

There is nothing more exciting than watching a football game in a stadium packed with thousands of people. Be it in a stadium, or a smaller congregation in a pub, TV room, or street, football has the power to unite people.

IT ENHANCES SELF-ESTEEM AND SELF-CONFIDENCE

MORE THAN JUST 22 PLAYERS CHASING A BALL Some people look at football as merely 22 people running after a small ball for 90-plus minutes with the intention of shooting it into a net.

But for many, it is much more than that. It’s actually a matter of life and death! So, what makes us so passionate and devoted to this sport?

Dott. EDWARD CURMI nets the answer.

Obviously, winning and losing are part of the great game of football. Nevertheless, winning seems to have some interesting repercussions. Supporting a winning team makes our approach to life more positive.

It allows us to say to ourselves: ‘I am choosing the right team’. This helps us feel happier about life. Also, when our team is on a winning streak, it enhances our selfconfidence about everyday situations as we start to believe more in our choices.

Unfortunately, the same is true about choosing a losing team. Both self-esteem and self-confidence can be affected negatively, especially when our team is going through a negative streak.

IT’S ADDICTIVE

W

hen we try to analyse what entices so many people across the world to support and congregate around their football team, we discover that there are many underlying psychological factors that could help us understand better why it is such a popular sport. Football is definitely more than meets the eye; it’s also: A GREAT DEAL OF EMOTIONS

Football has the power to universally bring on such a variety of strong feelings in each and every one of us. From total joy to serious despair, it has the ability to touch us in so many ways. From happiness to sadness, disappointment to surprise, anger to passiveness, it has the capacity to excite us while keeping us on edge.

our competitive streak and all the ups and downs that come with it.

Subconsciously, it allows us to explore our deeper inner self.

IT MAKES US FEEL PART OF A COMMUNITY

Football can get us in touch with our sense of community within the tribe.

Through supporting a particular team, or nation, we feel a strong sense of comradeship. Football helps us feel less

From a scientific perspective, football manages to set our body off into fight or flight, allowing us to feel excitement and fear by the second. Such physical and mental mechanisms are perfect to set the mind and body into motion. As a result, watching a game produces an increase or decrease in chemicals, such as testosterone, which can be typical of addictive behaviour. These changes create that typical roller-coaster ride of emotions, which helps us feel more

“WHEN OUR TEAM IS ON A WINNING STREAK, IT ENHANCES OUR SELF-CONFIDENCE ABOUT EVERYDAY SITUATIONS AS WE START TO BELIEVE MORE IN OUR CHOICES”

IT HELPS DEVELOP IDENTITY

lonely in this fast-moving world. It enhances our sense of belonging in it, laying emphasis on our morals and values about a shared idea, which helps us understand our place in society.

From a young age, we are constantly tormented as we seek to understand better exactly who we are. Supporting a team gives us the opportunity to get to know ourselves better as it improves our ability to get in touch with the choices we make in life. Also, through soccer, we are able to learn better how to cope with

Numerous studies in the field of psychology have confirmed that socialising is one of the most important activities human beings may adopt to better their life. Football happens to be the most popular sport in the world.

engaged in the sport. In fact, such strong and oscillating emotions could be one of the explanations why football may be so addictive. No wonder the gaming industry is so interested in encouraging people to gamble on football.

IT’S ABOUT SOCIALISING Dott. Edward Curmi is a registered clinical psychologist, psychotherapist and author of the book Common Sense: a Better Understanding of Emotional Well-being, and its sequel More Common Sense: a Better Understanding of Emotional Well-being, available from Agenda Bookshops.

Pink July 2018 ∫ 61

THINKpi evens

Earlier this month, luxury and sports aficionados attended the Cawnpore Cup. Held at the Malta Polo Club, this prestigious competition was first organised in 1901 at Cawnpore, India, with the cup being gifted to the Malta Polo Club 46 years later.

The successful event was attended by an ever-growing audience that was able to take advantage of what proved to be a lovely, sunny day, and President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca presented the Cawnpore Cup to the winning team.

As has been done in the past, Edwards Lowell and Hublot teamed up with Veuve Clicquot to exquisite effect and their guests were able to enjoy free-flowing champagne and delicious nibbles throughout the entire event, while taking in the gorgeous surroundings that the 350-square-metre enclosure, erected especially for the event, offered.

Ever dedicated to giving their clients and international guests the best experience possible, Edwards Lowell ensured that no stone was left unturned when it came to providing the best for their guests, and the space they furnished to polo match watching perfection reflected this.

Decked with luxurious sofas, tables and high tables, with the champagne bar covering an entire side of the enclosure, the space was imbued with understated elegance, but also had an element of fun thanks to the candy floss and popcorn stands and an arcade-like game that could be played to win numerous goodies.

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Hublot at tHe Cawnpore Cup 2018

MUSIC FEST IN MALTA

Big Bang Gold White Diamonds 41mm

Big Bang Ferrari Unico King Gold

The event was also made extra special by the fact that guests had the opportunity to meet and greet Hublot regional director for Mediterranean countries, Augusto Capitanucci. Appointed in 2015, Capitanucci comes from a long line of journalists and, in fact, before he took on his role in Hublot, he was a journalist at Gruppo 24 Ore. Also in attendance was Veuve Clicquot ambassador for Central and Southern Europe, Ted Lelekas.

The Malta Polo Club once again renewed its support of the Malta Community Chest Fund: fundraising took place throughout the event with guests being invited to buy raffle tickets to win a host of wonderful prizes.

tour Music Fest is a european music contest coming to Malta for the first time on July 22. this is the 11th edition of the contest, which sees the participation of more than 12,000 artists each year from all over europe, challenging one other in a music competition that is aimed at cultural enhancement, artistic growth and sharing music. Having already completed the selection in italy and Madrid, Malta will be the next stop, followed by london. the contest will provide Maltese with a new platform to showcase their talent and the possibility of competing in a final to be held in rome, where winners from the various countries can win a €10,000 sponsorship contract, a scholarship to the berklee summer programs in boston, the us, in 2019 and a european promotional tour. over 60 Maltese have already qualified from the first stage and will take part in the second on July 22 with the objective of participating in the Malta Final on the evening of the same day. registration for the first stage is still open and interested musicians can find details on tMF’s website www.tourmusicfest.com; or send an e-mail to malta@tourmusicfest.com for more information.

WOMENONWHEELS

SIMPLY THE BEST TV personality TEZARA CAMILLERI maintains that what makes the Volvo XC40 oh so special is the fact that it is so spacious, safe and helpful.

I

test-drove the Volvo XC40, the 2.0 Turbo Diesel AWD D4 Automatic R-design model to be precise, on a Monday afternoon after having one of those slightly unpleasant days, which leave you wanting nothing more than a big glass of red.

Thankfully, the friendly familiar faces at GasanZammit Motors Ltd quickly helped me forget everything that was going on as they briefed me on the Volvo’s specifications and guided me before I jetted off.

I started the vehicle without the use of a key because it has keyless entry and keyless start. One of the first things I noticed when getting into the SUV is the R-design upholstery detail on many areas, including the steering wheel, gear knob and pedals. The interior is leather and, of course, noticing [and making use of] the panoramic sunroof couldn’t go a miss.

This Volvo comes with a nine-inch display centre with touchscreen, which has Navigation Pro, DAB radio [take a wild guess which station I tuned into] and a digital manual.

Many cars I’ve reviewed have smartphone integration, but this one

comes with two USB ports and also with inductive charging, which is great if you’re running out of battery on your phone.

What I found to be really cool is that your personal settings, such as your preferred climate, or your route home, can be saved.

And speaking of climate and cool features, the Volvo has a two-zone electronic climate control, including a cooled glove box [to keep a drink nice and fresh].

lane-keeping aid, especially if you’re having a long day and your reflexes decide to take a break.

It also comes with an integrated alarm system and an interior motion sensor for the alarm. Moving on to space, the luggage compartment is huge, and it includes a jack, a first-aid kit, foldable floor hatches with grocery holders, a 12V power outlet and a temporary

“WHAT I FOUND TO BE REALLY COOL IS THAT YOUR PERSONAL SETTINGS, SUCH AS YOUR PREFERRED CLIMATE, OR YOUR ROUTE HOME, CAN BE SAVED” I think what makes this car so special is the fact that it is so spacious, safe and helpful. Starting from the most obvious, because [thankfully] it’s become a standard, it comes with airbags for the driver and the passenger, but they’ve also included a knee airbag on the driver’s side.

It’s got collision mitigation support, which alerts the driver to an oncoming collision and activates the autobrake if necessary; it’s a super feature, as are the adjustable speed limiter and the

spare wheel. A feature I was so glad to see again is the hands-free tailgate; not having to look for your keys while holding six bags is just perfect.

Upon returning the car, I found myself wanting a lot more than just a glass of red. This Volvo is honestly one of the best cars I’ve been given to review so far, and it’s no surprise that while driving home, I kept mentally calculating and plotting how I was going to get my hands on one for a lot longer than two hours.

Pink July 2018 ∫ 63

SNAPSHOT

A NEW IRA

Photography Kris Micallef

As she celebrates 15 active years in music, Ira Losco chats with IGGY FENECH about her new double album, working with Jason Derulo, why single mums shouldn’t be singled out, and more.

Y

our new album, No Sinner No Saint, has just been released. How are you feeling?

Following the huge success of The Fire, I wasn’t sure how to move forward, but once I started writing, I realised I was going to be OK… I knew very early on that this was not like previous albums, but I have to admit it was quite a bit of work – double the work, actually – so I can see why such releases are so rare. It also seemed right to celebrate my 15 active years in music with a double album release.

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The reactions I got from the pre-order previews have been overwhelming too!

I’m thankful to have such loyal support and most definitely never ever take it for granted. I’m also very happy the album shot to number one in the Malta iTunes charts on the day of its release!

What is the message behind it?

In life, there are always two sides to every story, which is why everyone deserves to be heard. No Sinner No Saint is a manifestation of who I am: not a sinner,

not a saint, but a bit of both. I wanted this album to be a collection of stories from both ends of the spectrum and for the listener to enjoy both sides in whichever order they want.

How long had you been working on it?

Just over two years, and there were various stages. First came the lockdown; the soul-searching phase in which I looked for inspiration and when the insecurities kicked in, questioning everything including my capabilities.

SNAPSHOT You recently collaborated with Jason Derulo… How exciting is that?

This was proposed to us as we were doing the last few tweaks to the album so, once we accepted, we had to record the track, get it mixed, plan a music video and release it.

Once we received the files to work on, the music video from his part and the Coca-Cola guidelines [Ira is Malta’s Coca-Cola brand ambassador], we started working on it immediately. The process is quite complex, but I’m told they loved what we did with the track. I’ve also very often featured other artists on my songs, so the process is not new to me.

Now, I wouldn’t go as far as saying that World Cup songs hold weight in terms of artistic integrity, but the message they bring to the table is needed, especially during the times we are living in. Also, sharing the stage or recording music with other artists is something I love doing.

Apart from working on the album, what have you been up to since Harry was born?

Definitely enjoying my time with Harry and seeing him grow. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself to remind myself how lucky I am. I’ve also been working to get my body back in shape, enjoying a few TV series on Netflix, eating healthy and going on a few trips abroad. I love going to Tuscany!

To be honest, a job in music is very time consuming and I’m left with very limited spare time. Having said that, music is in my veins and I live for the stage. As long as my audience will have me, I will sweat blood not to let them down and I’m looking forward to several big live shows.

“THE MOTHER WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE BIGGEST SHOCK TO HER SYSTEM, BUT WE DESERVE A CAREER, A LIFE BESIDES THAT OF A MUM, AND OUR OWN INDEPENDENCE – NO MORE AND NO LESS THAN A MAN HAS” Then, once the first song materialised, and the others started taking shape, I started to calm down.

I’m my worst critic, and Howard Keith Debono, who also produced the album, is an unbelievable perfectionist, challenging everything until it feels right.

The next stage was pre-production.

That’s where we started to get a better idea of the sound and vision as a whole.

At that point, it’s recording some guide vocals, followed by the band recording and full production, more vocals and music overdubs right up to the final mixes.

Many working women, who are also mothers, get asked how they manage to juggle everything.

Do you think this is something we should be discussing?

One thing I hate is being asked about what it feels like being a working mum. I sincerely don’t think that Pink July 2018 ∫ 65

SNAPSHOT

The US is currently splitting children of immigrants crossing the American border from their parents. What’s your view – as a human being and a mother – on this?

unfolds, although I have not followed this as closely as I would have liked to. I’m not in the US, so, sincerely, I’m not going to try and understand their situation.

What I can say is that children being separated from their parents sounds very cruel to me. But it has to be said that before bringing a child into this world, it would be wise to evaluate the conditions you are bringing your child into. Laws are laws and what is illegal remains illegal, but compassion should be above any law… No one should put their children in danger just as much as no one should ever separate children form their parents unless, of course, the parents are a danger to their own children.

When something so serious gets mixed up in politics between different nations, I cringe. I get the whole political narrative that

Ira’s new album No Sinner No Saint is now out. Get yours from all major record shops, as well as on iTunes and Spotify.

being a mother changes anything other than having to juggle time more efficiently. It’s definitely no easy job, but career women should not be treated any differently from career men.

Of course, the changes that have unfolded in my personal life surely had an impact in some way or another on my writing.

The mother will always have the biggest shock to her system, but we deserve a career, a life besides that of a mum, and our own independence – no more and no less than a man has.