Sunday Circle (December 2017) by Times of Malta

DECEMBER 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ISSUE NO. 275

A CULTURE OF HOSTILITY page 26

THE PAGANS AMONG US page 38

IVAN GRECH INTERVIEWED page 72

BRINGING IT BACK TO BORMLA page 84

JUSTINE PERGOLA The princess and the palazzo / page 16

CONTENTS COVER STORY

FA S H I O N

THE PRINCESS AND THE PALAZZO Justine Pergola and Palazzo Parisio are, indeed, perfectly matched. Both exude an air of charm, class and beauty that never fails to captivate. Ramona Depares catches up with the Italian-born entrepreneur who has made Malta her home.

ISSUES 26

A HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT With incidents of overt misogyny being treated as jokes and actual violence not attracting much in terms of legal retribution, five women share their thoughts, as experienced through the lens of professional journalists, with Ramona Depares.

THE KING OF DIGITAL Fashion blogger Daniel Azzopardi, with over 30K followers on social media, has become a celebrity in his own right. He shares his experiences of the fashion world and his love affair with Tommy Hilfiger with Anna Marie Galea. PAINTING THE TOWN GLAM Own the night with this season’s outfits.

T R AV E L 100

COLOURFUL GUIZHOU Matthew Mirabelli was invited to discover the gorgeous, if largely undiscovered, province in China and returned with stunning stories and photography.

46 MUSIC 91

PROGGING UP THE ISLANDS Ramona Depares catches up with Michael Spiteri, one of the brains behind an event that brings together some of the top local progressive rock bands and musicians.

PERSONALITIES 72

38 38

THE PAGANS AMONG US Beyond the mainstream religions is a world few know of or get to experience. But, the world of modern witchcraft is a far cry from those depicted in popular culture. Here, Iggy Fenech sits down with ROSALIND DOUGALL to talk about modern-day Paganism in Malta. MIND THE GAP Whoever said that feminism is not required any longer, is clearly unaware of the discrepancies between the wages offered to men and those offered to women, for doing the same jobs. Johnathan Cilia finds out why the gender gap remains a reality.

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NO ORDINARY MAN He is known as ‘Ivan tal-Winter Moods’, but is now enjoying a successful foray as a solo artist and is pretty much on the point of dropping his first album without Malta’s superband. Ramona Depares does lunch, chitchat and music talk with Ivan Grech. BRINGING IT BACK TO BORMLA Gerard James Borg’s third book is out and, judging by the hype, it’s as racy as expected. Ramona Depares catches up with the writer to find out what’s going down in Cospicua and what’s the deal with the Eurovision babes.

ENVIRONMENT 98

A DAY IN THE LIFE a day with Alfred Sharples, Team Manager of the Waste Compliance Team at the Environment and Resources Authority, to understand how the national waste management system works.

PEOPLE 110

INSPIRING A WORLD OF CHANGE Louisa Attard tells Iggy Fenech about her philanthropic pursuits… as well as life among the rice fields.

H E A LT H

119

COMFORT FIRST! Dr Jean Paul Demajo brings us the latest from the world of dentistry.

REGULARS 08 A word from the editor 12 c Body 14 c Style 116 c Living 120 Paparazzi

Send your letters to: Ramona Depares, executive editor, Sunday Circle, Allied Newspapers Ltd, 341, Strickland House, St Paul Street, Valletta, VLT 1211, or email: ramona.depares@timesofmalta.com. The executive editor reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and where space is limited. For advertising enquiries email: renee.mdecesare@timesofmalta.com or call: 9947 7193. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole, or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Opinions expressed in the Sunday Circle are not necessarily those of the editor-in-chief or publisher. All reasonable care is taken to ensure truth and accuracy, but the editor-in-chief and publisher cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions in articles, advertising, photographs or illustrations. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome, but cannot be returned without a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The editor-in-chief is not responsible for material submitted for consideration.

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

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

HUGO BOSS International Markets AG Phone +41 41 727 38 00 hugoboss.com

A WORD FROM

the editor

The last month of the year – a season of

that violence against women is dealt with

newest looks with our stylist Caroline Paris.

jollity, when the feel-good factor should be

almost flippantly by so many people,

Matthew also captures this month’s cover

at its maximum, with festivities and

including those in authority. For the

lady exquisitely – I hope you enjoy reading

celebrations knocking at the door. And yet,

purposes of this story, I approached a

all about Justine Pergola, another strong

given the climate of turmoil that Malta

number of women who work in the media,

and charming woman who, together with

seems to be going through, celebrations

in order to see the situation from their

her mother, is the force at the helm of the

somehow do not seem appropriate. It’s

professional experience and point of view.

successful Palazzo Parisio, one of Malta’s

been just shy of two months since the

The one common thread that emerges from

most spectacular locations.

assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

their experiences is that a lot more needs

Have we started to heal? I don’t think so.

to be done in terms of awareness,

forget to check out our interview with the

It doesn’t help, of course, that it

While on the subject of fashion, don’t

education and enforcement – aligning our

King of digital fashion himself – celebrity

almost feels as though the country

laws with the Istanbul Convention is only

fashion blogger Daniel Azzopardi.

currently has no direction, with various

the first step.

Personality, looks and oodles of style, this

political factions tearing at it from all

young man has it all. No wonder his

angles. I ﬁnd myself so disillusioned

blog is going places.

with all politicians of whichever party. From the governing PL to PN in opposition, it seems like the only diﬀerence is in the name. I see Malta being overrun by unethical development; strong whiﬀs of corruption surround both main parties; the Partit Demokratiku, our last big hope, also seems to have completely lost its identity.

“I find myself so disillusioned with all politicians of whichever party. From the governing PL to PN in opposition, it seems like the only difference is in the name.”

On the music front, more royalty abounds – Ivan Grech, him of Wintermoods fame who has now ventured into the solo industry and keeps on enthralling the crowds with his trademark voice. Ivan was kind enough to spare some time for me to catch up with him in the runup to his iconic New Year’s Eve performance; a lot of fun was had.

Are there any politicians who

More charming gentlemen,

really go into it for the right reasons, I find

While on the subject of gender, let’s

myself wondering. Are they there to serve

not forget that there are also other issues

James Borg, who has recently released his

the people, or are they there to gain access

that need to be tackled when it comes to

third book that goes by the title of Bormla

to our infrastructure, in order that it may

equal rights for all sexes. The gender gap

Babes. I can’t help giggling whenever I

serve them? I much fear that, for many, it is

remains a very tough reality at the

repeat it, and I’m sure you will enjoy

the latter.

workplace. We turn the spotlight on it to

reading the interview with Gerard as much

see what is being – and what still needs to

as I enjoyed talking to him.

Honourable exceptions abound, of course. I can’t not refer to the six

be – done to address the problem.

Nationalist MPs who broke rank and followed their conscience when an IVF-

But, in the middle of everything else,

this time from the fiction front – Gerard

Other topics to enjoy include a fascinating interview with a young woman

life goes on. And we mustn’t forget that life

who practices Paganism, Matthew

related motion was tabled by their party.

is also beautiful. This month, we bring you a

Mirabelli’s China travelogue, shopping,

Respect all around.

lot of beautiful elements, starting with

beauty and more. I hope you enjoy the read

It is in this sobering climate that I

fashion. It is the month for it after all.

and don’t forget – Sunday Circle returns

wrote the main story for this edition, a

again this month on December 17, with a

story that centres around the worrying way

Matthew B Spiteri as he shoots the season’s

special Christmas edition!

PUBLISHER ALLIED NEWSPAPERS LTD.

PUBLICATION SALES MANAGER Renée Micallef Decesare

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Ramona Depares

DESIGN Joseph Schembri

8 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

COVER Justine Pergola Photography: Matthew B Spiteri, on location at Palazzo Parisio Black skirt courtesy of Charles & Ron

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

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12 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

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STYLE STYLISH TIMEPIECES The Signature Connected hybrid smartwatch (€219) boasts a range of smart features in the body of a classic watch. By connecting to your Android or iPhone and the Skagen app, the watch automatically updates to the correct time and date and sends you discreet notiﬁcations when you receive a text, email or call. Additional features include: activity and sleep tracking, dual-time function, music control and more. Available from all the Sun Lab shops at The Point, Plaza, Valletta, Baystreet, Paola and Arkadia Gozo, and from VIP Sliema & Valletta.

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MEN OF STYLE Dirk Bikkenbergs is the fragrance for sportsmen, men of style, who are modern and powerful. Dirk aims directly at special consumers who search for a premium sports brand which oﬀers a modern product of high quality. The new perfume, Dirk, is the embodiment of virtue and masculinity of modern football heroes. Dirk Bikkenbergs is distributed by Chemimart Tel: 2149 2212.

VERSATILE STYLES Twinset and French Connection, two fashion brands which require little introduction, have finally landed on our shores just in time for Christmas! Twinset by Simona Barbieri, the Italian brand so favoured by women everywhere, fuses discreet elegance with contemporary Italian glamour. French Connection offers a fashion-forward range with a quirky spin on design and prides itself on affordable quality. Available at Mexx Mulitbrand Store – Level 1, Baystreet, St Julian’s. Tel: 2202 1111.

14 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

COVER STORY

The princess and the palazzo JUSTINE PERGOLA AND PALAZZO PARISIO ARE, INDEED, PERFECTLY MATCHED. BOTH EXUDE AN AIR OF CHARM, CLASS AND BEAUTY THAT NEVER FAILS TO CAPTIVATE. RAMONA DEPARES CATCHES UP WITH THE ITALIAN-BORN ENTREPRENEUR WHO HAS MADE MALTA HER HOME.

Photography Matthew B Spiteri Clothes & accessories La Boutique at Palazzo Parisio Hair and makeup Gaetano Romano Location Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar

16 Sunday Circle â&#x2C6;« DECEMBER 2017

COVER STORY

How did the Palazzo Parisio story start? This is a story often told and quite long but, in a nutshell, it was my mother’s passion for food and entertaining that drove her to open the Palazzo’s doors for guests to enjoy. Over the years it has developed and grown from being a historic house and tea room to a vibrant meeting place for events and ﬁne dining. My great grandmother, grandmother and mother were/are great hostesses so I’ve known the art of entertaining and hospitality all my life, a family tradition really!

Your heritage is Italian – how long have you been in Malta? Yes, part of my heritage is Italian and I have to say I’m very proud to be Italian. My father was Italian. I was born in Rome, my second home, and spent most of my childhood there until I was 12. The rest of my time was spent to-ing and fro-ing from the UK followed by Switzerland. I’ve been coming and going from Malta my whole life and, while it used to be very much a holiday destination, it is now home to me. I permanently moved here around 11 years ago.

What can you tell us about growing up in Italy. What is it that you admire the most/miss about the country? What better place to grow up than Italy, such a beautiful country, so much art and history with such amazing food and beautiful people! I grew up in a very international environment, attending an English school in Rome and so forth. But what can I say, I loved growing up there and had a very happy childhood ‘all’Italiana’. I would say I miss the variety in general, the ease with which you can hop on and oﬀ a train and be in another beautiful city or town in no time at all. What I admire the most is the grandeur, the style and the elegance. I feel Italians are often misjudged and I mostly admire the way in which they always manage to pull it oﬀ no matter what, they just seem to get it right every time.

How did you adjust to life in Malta? I have adjusted quite well really, I’ve always had a love for Malta, so I can’t say I struggled adjusting at all. I travel often, which I guess keeps life interesting in many ways and ﬁlls me with the energy I need. I don’t think one can compare the two, they are both beautiful countries, each with their own beauty.

How do you spend your time in Malta, mostly? At Palazzo Parisio! Honestly, I spend most of my time on site at work. My home is just next door, so it can be hard to switch oﬀ, at times. Free time is typically spent outdoors, walking my dog Romeo, or at the spa, or maybe home decorating or catching up with friends.

I’m not a believer in trends, I believe you have to create your own style DECEMBER 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle 17

COVER STORY

How did you end up in the hospitality business? What are the biggest challenges in this industry? I’ve always had a love for hospitality, and a fascination for hotels, ever since I was a child. On my gap year I was lucky enough to be oﬀered a wonderful opportunity working at the Rome Cavalieri with one of the best hotel managers in the universe, Hans Fritz, whose inestimable expertise contributed towards making me a perfectionist! I even had the honour to be part of the kitchen team headed by three-star Michelin Chef, Heinz Beck. Wow, was that an experience! From then on, I was hooked. That is what led me to attend the Hotel Management School in Switzerland. The business world and the luxury event and hospitality industry are ever-changing. The market demands trends, innovative ideas and competition. These are a constant, and remaining one step ahead is always a challenge! Maintaining service standards and excellence in the world of luxury hospitality remains the biggest mission of all.

What does a typical day in your life look like? I wake up at around 7am and go for a longish, brisk walk with my dog, followed by a varied breakfast. I shower, change and it’s oﬀ to the Palazzo. Then it’s meetings, e-mails, walking around, exchanging feedback with the team, lunch at Luna (obviously). Sometimes I taste some new menu proposal ideas. Then, it’s back up to the oﬃce for more emails, down to the Boutique to check on stocks and home at around 6:30pm. I always try to get some exercise in at least three times a week, so will try not to miss my Zumba classes. Then it’s dinner and, depending on the mood, either a

Showcasing our collections will become a regular appointment

18 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

COVER STORY

DECEMBER 2017 â&#x2C6;« Sunday Circle 19

COVER STORY

good movie, a favourite series or some bedtime yoga, a couple of pages of my book and lights out!

Who are your favourite designers? Giorgio Armani, Burberry and Dior for their amazing ball gowns! Dolce Gabbana for their extravaganza and creativity.

You recently organised a fashion show at Palazzo Parisio – can you tell us how the idea came about? We had started with our ‘fashion to touch’ campaigns for two

What are your other passions in life? Music, theatre, travel and the animal kingdom.

summers running, where we had beautiful girls walking around the restaurant wearing ‘looks’ from the Boutique. It was such a hit that we thought, why not make it bigger? Also having focused more on home gifts and accessories to

Is the fashion show part of a drive to start holding more regular events at Palazzo Parisio? Yes, absolutely. I like to think that Palazzo Parisio is versatile

start with, we thought that by introducing clothing we would

and able to host diﬀerent style of events. Showcasing our

complete what I call our ‘lifestyle collection’. We had chosen such a

collections will become a regular appointment for the diary,

beautiful range, but not enough people were aware of it, so the best

twice a year.

way was to showcase it. How do you relax? Have you always been interested in fashion? Of course! How could anyone not be, it’s such a whirlpool of

I need to learn how to relax actually. My mind is incredibly active most of the time, but I would say that reading a good book,

creativity. Fashion, for me, is a very personal thing, it is about

watching a great movie, indulging in a full body massage or playing

individuality. I’m not a huge believer in trends; I believe in creating

the piano works for me. All good ways of taking the mind elsewhere

my own style, whatever feels comfortable and makes me feel good.

for a while! Oh, almost forgot, yoga and meditation of course!

20 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

COVER STORY

Quick Q&A What’s on your travel bucket list? Morocco, South Africa and India.

First thing you do in the morning? Drink a glass of water with a drop or two of pure lemon essential oil.

Best beauty tip? Skin comes first! Always indulge in beautiful hydrating body moisturiser and hydrate, hydrate!

Best time management tip? Oh dear, I’m absolutely hopeless at time management but I’m an excellent multitasker!

What’s the secret of your success? Perseverance, patience, positivity.

And the best way to relax? By reading a great book or playing an instrument

The glass ceiling is? I don’t believe in glass ceilings, everyday I strive to reach my full potential without barriers,

Favourite film? The Notebook. I know…I’m a hopeless romantic.

Last thing you do before going to sleep? Hop onto the mat for some bedtime yoga.

Weekends are best for? Countryside walks with Romeo my Labrador and catching up with friends over dinner and drinks.

22 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

GENDER

A hostile environment WITH INCIDENTS OF OVERT MISOGYNY BEING TREATED AS JOKES AND ACTUAL VIOLENCE NOT ATTRACTING MUCH IN TERMS OF LEGAL RETRIBUTION, MALTA IS NOT THE SAFE HAVEN FOR WOMEN THAT IT’S POPULARLY THOUGHT TO BE. FOUR WOMEN SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS WITH RAMONA DEPARES, AS EXPERIENCED THROUGH THE LENS OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS. Never has it been so painfully obvious that violence – whether physical, emotional or in the form of threats and harassment – against women is a very real phenomenon in Malta. In the past year only, we have had 865 cases of domestic violence reported to the police between January and August; 37 cases of stalking over the same period; a woman was found imprisoned in a dark cave in Kalkara, allegedly by her husband; we’ve had suspicions of a 14-year-old being forced into a prostitution ring surfacing; a man who beat his partner in front of their children getting oﬀ with a suspended sentence; and a construction worker charged with raping a 12-year-old. And this culture of violence and hostility is not limited to within the private and personal sphere. Women in public life have a higher chance of being the subject of violence or harassment than their male counterparts. A few weeks ago, MEP Roberta Metsola was threatened in two separate incidents, once with being burnt alive and when a member of the Armed Forces of Malta voiced the opinion that she should be executed. Less than a month ago, former chief nurse at Mater Dei Hospital Mario Ellul was suspended from his duties after the police took criminal action over alleged sexual harassment at his workplace, while a group of women protestors were brandied prostitutes by a man who holds public oﬃce. Somehow, it took the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia to really push the point home. While the murder itself is unlikely to have been related to Mrs Caruana Galizia’s gender, the journalist was often subjected to that type of harassment that just does not happen when the target is a man. Harassment related to looks, sexual acts and family matters. Things came to a head with the chilling execution that shocked the entire world; suddenly, we realised that hiding our heads in the sand is no longer an option. The environment for women in Malta is not as safe as the cheery, sunkissed tourist brochures would have us believe. And things are even worse for females who speak their mind in a public forum, such as journalists and bloggers, with the victim being exposed on two fronts – gender and profession. The likelihood of threats, intimidation and violence increases exponentially when the journalist is a woman. Whether this is because Maltese society remains intrinsically misogynistic or because such 26 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

GENDER

incidents are treated as a joke, as opposed to a criminal offence, remains unclear. The truth is that any woman who publicly speaks her mind, on whichever topic, is an instant target for misogyny. Although no statistics on the topic are available, it only takes a short visit to any social media platform to find ample evidence. The incidents range from the ill-advised comments that are disguised as a ‘joke’ – such as former General Workers Union general secretary and now part-time consultant at the Office of the Prime Minister Tony Zarb comparing a group of women protesting Mrs Caruana Galizia’s murder outside Castille to prostitutes – to the more serious cases that involve actual threats of physical violence. I, myself, have been on the receiving end of the entire gamut – from the ridiculous “dik ma tifhimx daqs kemm hi kera” (she doesn’t know anything, she is ugly) to the whole slashed tyres and intimidatory anonymous letters landing on my desk, usually with content that would make anyone blush. Apart from the slashing of tyres, this is the kind of hostility that is very specifically targeted to the female gender. And I am not alone – most of my female peers have similar stories to share. The truth is that such stories are taken as par for the course, with those on the receiving end pretty much resigned to this reality. With this in mind, I asked some of Malta’s main bloggers and journalists to share their experiences.

AlIsOn BeZZInA, blogger Has been writing since 1995, starting out with light-hearted, humorous pieces until, almost unintentionally, she started writing about current and political aﬀairs. A couple of years ago she decided to take a break from publishing, but is now back in the publishing game, writing exclusively on animal rights on www.iwillnotgoaway.com.

“When I ﬁrst started writing, neither the media nor the audience were ripe for that type of writing, especially coming from a woman. I believe that when you combine young age with gender, then yes, female journalists and writers face added disadvantages. However, I would say that this

“I would say that I have never felt threatened in any way because of what I wrote, but my family would disagree”

applies to every other profession or career. DECEMBER 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle 27

GENDER

Men are given a chance, or the benefit of the doubt sooner than women, and therefore get a chance to grow in their professions faster. I would say that I have never felt threatened in any way because of what I wrote, but my family would disagree. While I never felt particularly threatened, those close to me did, and they did so even more because I am female. And, the sad truth is that no matter how strongly you try to disregard other people’s worries, if you care about them, at the end of the day, it affects you too. Still, the possibility of threats/violence has never affected my decision about whether to address a particular topic. Legislation against violence and threats is pretty much in place; it’s the enforcement of it that is lacking. A bigger push on awareness, with clear examples of what constitutes abuse and harassment would also be helpful, especially since I believe that many of those being abused and harassed do not even know it. However, if enforcement of the law is not taken seriously, and practical solutions are not offered to victims, then, like everything else, no amount of awareness will make a difference. It’s a bit like when we introduced the ‘seat belt’ law. No amount of awareness on how a traffic accident can kill you did the trick. The change only happened when there was a high chance of being fined if you were caught without wearing a seat belt. Sad, but that’s human nature for you.”

JOSANNE CASSAR Since 1983, Josanne has had various roles in the media: radio producer, TV producer, deputy editor with The Malta Independent and now a columnist with Malta Today. Josanne is a freelance journalist, writing op-ed columns on current events, ranging from social issues to politics.

“When it comes to female journalists facing added disadvantages because of gender, I really think this is one sector where one’s gender is irrelevant as far as the public is concerned, because they are judging you purely on what you write (perhaps broadcast journalists are treated diﬀerently as they are on a visual medium). The disadvantages I have faced are the usual oﬃce politics which any woman experiences in any sector, where most of the senior management is made up of men, leading to the usual Old Boys’ Network. I cannot say I have ever felt threatened just because I am a woman, but when I write about politics there are always those 28 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

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GENDER

who get hot under the collar. However, I have found it best to avoid reading online comments under my articles on the news portal or where I am mentioned on other websites, so maybe

What you need to know

there were threatening remarks and I just didn’t see them. Life is too short to be stressed out all the time by hateful remarks, which

The Istanbul Convention obliges EU members to ensure

are usually anonymous.

that their national laws oﬀer the adequate protection

I certainly think there is much more awareness about gender

and remedies to victims of gender-based violence and

violence, and even more reporting of domestic violence as we can

domestic violence. Malta was one of the ﬁrst countries

see by the latest ﬁgures. I have been writing about this issue ever

to ratify the convention, however local legislation has

since I can remember –

not yet been updated to comply with the requirements

for a while I was on the

laid down therein.

committee of Moviment Mara Maltija back in the

Victim Support Malta (VSM) oﬀers support to victims of

early 1990s, where we

crime, including gender-based violence and harassment.

tried to push for better

The services provided by VSM include the provision of

legislation to protect

emotional support to assist victims in overcoming

women. It seems now,

trauma following a crime and the oﬀering of legal

ﬁnally, the need for the

information pertaining to the relative criminal

perpetrator to be

procedures. VSM can be reached by calling on 2122 8333

removed from the family

or sending an e-mail to info@victimsupport.org.mt.

home is going to become law, and it is

“I have found it best to avoid reading online comments under my articles on the news portal”

The Women’s Rights Foundation Malta (WRF) is a

about time. The Istanbul

voluntary organisation committed to informing,

Convention was signed

educating and empowering women concerning their

in 2014, and we have

legal rights. WRF aims to ensure that women’s rights

dragged our feet long

are protected through policy and law reform, raise

enough.

awareness and oﬀer training to end violence against

But the issue deﬁnitely needs to be

women. They may be contacted on 7970 8615 or info@wrf.org.mt.

taken much more seriously by society.

If you’re in need of some informal, even anonymous

Starting with the way

advice or just wish to share your thoughts with other

men we discuss the

like-minded people, the Facebook group Women for

issue; the importance of educating boys and girls on what is

Women oﬀers a good outlet. Bringing together

acceptable or not in a relationship; and, above all more training for

thousands of professional

police oﬃcers in how to handle domestic abuse reports. The

women all happy to pool

progress is too excruciatingly slow for my liking, considering how

in advice, it is an

long we have been writing about it. But yes, some progress is

excellent platform

being made.

that will give you

I have never held back from writing something because of

the courage to

the possibility of threats. It is more the possibility of libel that hold

take further

me back. There have been times people have approached me to

steps, if

write about their personal problems, but I have always made it

needed.

clear that I am not ready to do this. I will write about the topic in a general way to create awareness on a topic, if I feel it is of general interest, and only after I have done some research. Referring to Tony Zarb’s recent outburst on Facebook, his sexist comments are probably very symptomatic of men in his age group, among whom this kind of talk is probably considered ‘macho’. In this case, I think the public reaction was quite swift and he probably did not expect so many people to be outraged, so many certainly did not treat it as a joke. I ﬁnd it interesting 30 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

GENDER

that he took the advice of MEP Miriam Dalli (according to her post

truth is, I’m not. I do have fears and these fears are aﬀecting my

on FB) and took down the post, so perhaps some good came out

writing. The only time this doesn’t happen is when I’m suﬃciently

of it, if he was made aware that one cannot write things like that

angry at something. I do ﬁnd I write best when I’m angry.

about women, and especially when one is a Government consultant. I think this, more than anything else, is what needs to be

referring to Tony Zarb’s recent outburst on Facebook, what was even more worrying were the comments under the thread itself

drummed into those holding public oﬃce or if they are in the public

and any articles about it, not only ridiculing these women but also

eye – you are no Ordinary Joe, and you cannot get away with the

continuing in the same vein as Zarb’s comments who was inciting

‘free speech’ argument, because what you say carries a diﬀerent

violence against them. The fact Zarb didn’t face any consequences

weight.

for saying such words further reinforces the notion that it’s okay to

With respect to the general population, education is always

incite hatred, as long as you later write a half-baked apology.”

necessary, no matter what the topic. This has to be balanced by a legal framework where it is made very clear where freedom of speech ends and hate speech starts, as I think this is where a lot of

raCHEl aTTarD

confusion is arising. Calling someone names, as oﬀensive and

Rachel has been working in

insulting as they may be, is one thing. But, if I am instigating hatred

the media for 16 years and

and violence against a speciﬁc group of people that is another

currently occupies the role of

thing altogether.”

News Editor at The Malta Independent. “Having a strong

MEl HarT

character helps a lot in

Mel started writing in music magazines almost 15 years ago, aged

journalism. Sometimes, being

18, and enjoys writing about things from the perspective of a

female in this business can

liberal woman. She says she gets called a libtard feminist for that,

help rather than hinder you –

but it’s a label she doesn’t really mind.

interviewees and sources tend “I do feel like there is

deﬁnitely a bias against female

Of course, there were

writers. Since I go by the name

times when I received veiled

of Mel (which is short for

threats because of what I

Melanie), sometimes people

wrote, but I can’t say that this

think I’m a man and you can

was because I was a woman.

tell the comment underneath

“Harassment and, more commonly, sexism abound “

I have not come across outright violence against women in

an article would be structured

the media. On the other hand, harassment and, more commonly

diﬀerently if they knew I was a

sexism, abound, although I tend to take them in my stride.

woman.

“Many times, the threats I receive are based around rape”

to be more forthcoming.

Domestic violence on a social level is a completely diﬀerent

Many times, the threats I

kettle of ﬁsh. The key problem is that it is as rampant as it is hidden.

receive are based around rape.

It is still not recognised as a key social problem even, unfortunately,

I’ve learnt not to engage with

by the media.

any of them and simply block

Threats and violence have never aﬀected my work in

the person online. Then, there

journalism. If it happens, I would like to think that I will have the

is all the abuse and

courage to soldier on. The moment I stop having the courage will

harassment that comes via

be the one to leave journalism.

social media with private

I found Tony Zarb’s comments symptomatic of a cultural trait

messages either mocking me

in Malta, whereby women who raise their head above the parapet

for my weight, telling me to kill

instinctively denigrated, even, alas, by other women themselves.

myself or, since I had my daughter, asking me why I didn’t decide to

I ﬁrmly believe that education is the basis of everything. My

abort her since I’m pro-choice. I’m pretty sure a man wouldn’t

worry is that we are still raising our children with an attitude which

receive that level of abuse.

treats sexism as normal. The legal framework to protect women is

Many women are understandably angry at the situation,

essential, but all of us women must ﬁrst and foremost assert

especially when it comes to domestic violence. The law courts need

ourselves on the ground, in our lives, ﬁghting sexism and misogyny

to start sending a stronger message. Through the years, and

with all our everyday skills. Women should obviously take

especially since the birth of my daughter, I’m ﬁnding myself self-

advantage of the law when necessary, to name, shame and bring to

censoring a lot more. I’d love to say I’m a fearless writer, but the

justice those who deserve it.”

32 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

GENDER

ANTONIA MICALLEF

example, in cases of separation heard at the

Antonia has been working in the media for the

Family Court, victims of domestic violence are

past 17 years; she is a journalist who has been

often expected to reach a compromise with their

working at PBS since 2004 and typically covers

aggressor because he’s the father of their

issues that are important to people, including

children, to maybe get on with their lives because

education, environment, court reporting, social

otherwise cases take ages. Unfortunately, I feel misogyny is part of the

issues and women’s rights.

culture and mentality of some Maltese. Take a

“I myself have never felt threatened in any way but, for the past few years I have decided

simple observation of rape and sexual assault

to take a stand on violence against women –

cases for example; there’s always talk on how the

physical, emotional, sexual and ﬁnancial, among

woman behaved, dressed or provoked her

others. I feel that it is not taken seriously enough.

aggressor, therefore “she was asking for it”. This

Malta ratiﬁed the Istanbul Convention to prevent

attitude makes me fume because I believe that

and ﬁght violence against women in 2014, but the gender-based violence and domestic violence bill got its second reading in Parliament on November 7 this year! And, until its implementation, more time will pass.

“I feel misogyny is part of the culture and mentality of some Maltese”

Meanwhile, I’m convinced that until the law

nothing can ever justify violence. And, as was the case with Tony Zarb’s recent comments, often when a woman shows disagreement on something she faces reactions like “you’re a woman, what would you know?” to try and shut her up. A better legal framework would deﬁnitely

is implemented, some domestic violence reports may continue to

improve the situation. Victims Support Malta Director Krista Tabone

go unnoticed; some victims may continue being sent away by

expressed concern that abuse victims are facing increasingly

police oﬃcers who decide the speciﬁc case is not serious; and

vicious attacks, as perpetrators continue to be treated with

those reports that are taken seriously may continue to face

impunity. Harsh penalties should serve as a deterrent to some.

unreasonable delays in court proceedings! When it comes to violence against women in Malta, I feel they are denied justice because of the delays in court proceedings. For

Education should also play a major role by starting from a very young age teaching our children that girls and boys are equal and stop assigning roles to our children according to their gender.”

DemajoWinesandSpirits.com

A GIFT FOR THOSE WHO WALK WITH YOU

BELIEFS

PHOTO: MATTHEW MIRABELLI

Spells in real-life Paganism are more like prayers than the hocus pocus most of us are used to seeing in Hollywood movies

38 Sunday Circle â&#x2C6;« DECEMBER 2017

BELIEFS

The Pagans among us BEYOND THE MAINSTREAM RELIGIONS IS A WORLD FEW KNOW OF OR GET TO EXPERIENCE. BUT, THE WORLD OF MODERN WITCHCRAFT IS A FAR CRY FROM THOSE DEPICTED IN POPULAR CULTURE. HERE, IGGY FENECH SITS DOWN WITH ROSALIND DOUGALL TO TALK ABOUT MODERN-DAY PAGANISM IN MALTA. Although the European continent has a long Christian tradition,

Of course, today, you’d be forgiven for thinking that in

dating back well over a millennium, many of our current customs

predominantly Catholic Malta, Paganism is all but extinct. But

actually date back to ancient times. Indeed, from the Christmas

the reality is that, through the ages, there has always been a

tree to the rabbits that characterise our Easter decorations, our

small community of Pagans – or witches, as they are

best-loved customs hark back to the time when Paganism was

sometimes dubbed – who have continued to practise the

still widely practised – and accepted – in Europe.

ancient rituals.

The temples of Ħaġar Qim, possibly pointing towards the start of Paganism in Malta.

DECEMBER 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle 39

BELIEFS

Remains of a statue representing the Venus of Malta goddess, found in the Temples of Tarxien.

“The one other country I can think of

and spirit, the ﬁve points on a pentagram.

in her day-to-day life. And, from the way

which has a similar Pagan tradition to ours

However, the deities [Gods or Goddesses]

she prays to the way she celebrates

is the US,” explains Rosalind Dougall, who

can be diﬀerent.”

Christmas, her customs are based on the

has been researching Paganism for over 21

On our islands, Rosalind tells me, one

beliefs of a branch of Paganism called

years. “Both countries are melting pots of

native deity would be the Venus of Malta,

Wicca (a religion based on modern

cultures where many peoples from diﬀerent

representations of which have been

witchcraft that was founded in 1940s

nations and with diﬀerent customs have

unearthed in Tarxien, Ġgantija and the

England by Gerald Gardner and that has

lived side-by-side for many generations.

Hypogeum. Yet, there have been other

become legally recognised in many

deities which we have taken over and made

countries, including the US).

“Paganism is not like other religions, however. There is no one holy book (such as

our own, and the Eye of Osiris, found on

“I was about nine or 10 when I came

The Bible) to follow, or an administrative

either side of our traditional luzzu boats, is

across a book by Scott Cunningham entitled

headquarters (such as the Vatican).

proof of that.

The Truth About Witchcraft Today,” she

Paganism, instead, is diﬀerent from country

Rosalind, however, isn’t just someone

recounts. “I didn’t really understand it at the

to country and region to region. They are all

who has read thousands of books in her

time, of course, but I didn’t really

united by the belief in the power of nature

pursuit of understanding Paganism, but

understand a lot about what was taught to

and the ﬁve elements – earth, air, ﬁre, water

someone who actively practises the religion

me in religion classes, either.

40 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

BELIEFS

“Then, when I was in my early teens, I watched The Craft – a coming-of-age movie about four young witches – and my imagination ran wild. I needed to know which parts of it were true and which ones weren’t, and I would spend all-nighters looking up modern-day witchcraft online – with a 56kb-modem, that was no mean feat!” While spells in real-life Paganism are more like prayers than the hocus pocus most of us are used to seeing in Hollywood movies such as Practical Magic and TV series like Charmed, the idea that everything in this world has some form of power and magick within it is a real belief in Paganism. “We use magick – with a ‘k’ – to help us diﬀerentiate between the magic tricks of magicians and the power that’s found within nature. And nature is very important to us Pagans – after all, the etymology of the

All variations of modern Paganism are united by the belief in the power of nature and the five elements – earth, air, fire, water and spirit, the five points on a pentagram.

word takes us back to the Latin ‘Paganus’, day of exploring the religion by practising

complete good or complete bad: Fire can

and learning more about it. Those in a

burn you or give you light and heat. Water

many other Maltese people, Rosalind chose

coven, however, will have the initiation

can hydrate you or you can drown in it. And

Wicca as her religion very early on in life

process conducted for them by the high

so on and so forth…

and, while her parents do not entirely

priest, the high priestess or both.

which literally means ‘country dweller’.” Baptised a Christian at birth, like so

understand or accept her choice, she has never looked back.

“I did my initiation myself in my own

“In many ways, actually, magick follows the principles of physics in that we

bedroom when I was 14-years-old,” Rosalind

believe that energy can neither be created

reminisces. “The circle is more of a bubble to

nor destroyed. So, with that in mind, our

moment for me, as I realised that I wasn’t

divide you from the mundane, a bit like

belief is that we can tap into the energy of

alone, that there were others out there who

ﬁnding your zen during meditation. Then, all

nature, such as the energy of trees, water or

questioned and believed the same things I

you do is cast a spell – or, if you like, say a

the lunar cycle, to bring about closure, help

did. Even so, I wouldn’t call it a conversion

prayer – asking the deities to help you

kick-start new beginnings, and to grow as

to Paganism, because that would imply that

understand whether this is the right path for

individuals, among other things.”

I had other beliefs before. And, quite frankly,

you, or not, in the time you have allocated.”

“Discovering Wicca was a eureka

I didn’t.”

Following the initiation, and given that

As our interview draws to a close, I ask Rosalind about whether her six-year-old

after the one-year-and-one-day probation

daughter is being raised in the Pagan

go through an initiation process. This, as I

period you decide that Wicca is the religion

tradition. Her answer is simple yet powerful:

have come to discover, depends on the

for you, then you oﬃcially become a

“I’m a vegan, but my daughter eats meat.

tradition you follow and on whether you’re

Wiccan. Nevertheless, one does not need to

I’m a Wiccan, and my daughter is neither

part of a coven (a group of witches) or are a

join a coven, and is free to stop practising at

baptised nor has she been initiated. It is up

solitary practitioner. The initiation is

any point.

to her to ﬁnd the religion – if any – that best

To become a Wiccan, a person must

conducted by casting a circle for protection

“Within Paganism, there is no such

– ﬁguratively (by visualising one) or actually

thing as the devil,” Rosalind tells me as I ask

(by using candles, crystals, chalk, sand, etc)

the question I’m sure most readers will be

– before committing yourself to a year and a

asking themselves. “In nature, there is no

ﬁts her views of life and the world when she’s older.” Nevertheless, Rosalind does admit that, as a family, they follow the Pagan

The truth, however, is that you won’t see them flying on broomsticks, waving wands or chanting around a fire 42 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

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BELIEFS

triumphs over darkness) and Lughnasadh The Eye of Osiris, another visual representation of one of the pagan deities that used to be worshipped in Malta.

making the beginning of a new harvest season (August 1) – among many other dates, of course. “These special dates are more of a way to remind us to be grateful for another year and all the things that it has brought with it. As a family, however, we often celebrate these like anyone else would – with a tree, music, presents and merrymaking for Yule, and a barbecue for Lughnasadh.” Rosalind’s beliefs may be different to the norm, but they are not unique in Malta. In fact, the Pagan belief boasts a few 100 followers across the islands. The truth, however, is that you won’t see them flying on broomsticks, waving wands or chanting around a fire. In fact, you may not even be able to tell them apart from those doing

Calendar, particularly for the eight sabbats

down to a tee, with the Pagan New Year

yoga by the sea, practising meditation, or

(festivals celebrated by Wiccans and neo-

(which celebrates the end of the harvest

going to mindfulness retreats – and, in a

Pagans) and the 13 esbats (cycles of the

season) being celebrated on Samhain

way, there’s no reason to, because in

moon) within it. And, as it turns out, the

(known to us as Halloween), Yule on Imbolc

essence, all those practices are, traditionally,

Pagan Calendar follows that of nature

(December 21, or the day when light

Pagan.

PEOPLE

The king of digital FASHION BLOGGER DANIEL AZZOPARDI, WITH OVER 30K FOLLOWERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA, HAS BECOME A CELEBRITY IN HIS OWN RIGHT. HE SHARES HIS EXPERIENCES OF THE FASHION WORLD AND HIS LOVE AFFAIR WITH TOMMY HILFIGER WITH ANNA MARIE GALEA. With over 30,000 followers on Facebook and an Instagram feed

Daniel’s need to express himself didn’t stop at his personal

which is the envy of many a social media lover, Daniel Azzopardi of

style and it was the desire to be his own boss and do his own thing

‘The Devil Wears Pra-duh’ blogging fame is more than a content

which led him to launch his own blog in 2012. “Unfortunately,

creator. For many, he’s a role model.

traditional jobs tend to restrict you from being as creative as you

I decided to find out what puts the super into super blogger

might want. I always enjoyed the fashion scene because it is an

and what it feels like to be invited to one of the best fashion week

environment which promotes creativity and diversity so my move

shows on earth. Unlike many other youngsters, who will wear what

towards it was something of an organic one. I was also fascinated

their parents lay out for them almost uncomplainingly, Daniel was

by the internet and the idea of being able to share my thoughts and

always obsessed with not being part of the status quo and giving

help others. Fashion was the medium from which my content has

things his own flavour.

grown to encapsulate other things.”

“Growing up in Gozo, it was seen as an act of rebellion not to

Indeed, while there has been a growing understanding of

dress like everyone else. When I was in primary and secondary

what influencers can contribute to all spheres and even an evolution

school, although there was a lot of pressure to look and act a

in the kind of content influencers share, Daniel confesses that it has

certain way, I used my clothing as a form of escape. Wearing what I

been an uphill struggle to get people to understand and appreciate

wanted regardless of what people thought made me very happy.”

the amount of work that goes into being a content creator.

The Tommy Hilfiger show at The Roundhouse in London.

46 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

PEOPLE

Before, it was about the blog itself, but now it’s about the persona of the blogger

DECEMBER 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle

PEOPLE

DANIEL AZZOPARDI WEARS TOMMY HILFIGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY BERNARD POLIDANO

“As one of the very first to take up blogging full time (if not the first), I found it very hard to be taken seriously and was often given the cold shoulder. However, as the number of bloggers and content creators grew, the more people started to see the value in our work. People are able to relate to us more easily and we are able to provide companies with links to their audiences. In turn, traditional media has had to adapt and be a bit more open-minded. Let us also not forget that blogging itself has changed in the last few years. Before, it was about the blog itself, but now it’s about the persona of the blogger: his or her character. “I feel that reality shows have greatly contributed to this, it’s no longer enough for people to read about things, but now they feel like they have to see and hear them too. Users crave all-encompassing experiences.” The people craved and social media provided the answers, thanks to apps based on aspiration like Instagram. However, while Instagram has been able to introduce brands like Tommy Hilfiger to ever-growing audiences, Daniel’s love affair with the brand started a long time before Instagram even existed. 48 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

PEOPLE

I felt more than a little flattered when celebrity footballer Neymar gave the ultimate seal of approval to my jacket with a thumbs up

“A lot of my mother’s family live in

atmosphere was out of this world. The air

us in the 1990s, they would always bring

was full of excitement and there were

my brothers and I lots of Tommy Hilfiger

photographers absolutely everywhere. It

items of clothing. Tommy Hilfiger

wasn’t just a fashion show, it was a concert:

represented much more than the American

a celebration of fashion and music. The

dream to me: it became an integral part of

whole evening was magical, but I felt more

my family. When Tommy Hilfiger finally

than a little flattered when Neymar (a

decided to setup shop in Malta, I obviously

Brazilian professional footballer) gave the

felt happy to be close to and collaborate

ultimate seal of approval to my jacket with

with a brand I have loved for so long.”

a thumbs up.”

Daniel’s love for the brand was further strengthened when in September he was invited to go to London Fashion

It’s beautiful moments like this which continue to encourage Daniel on his path. “I have my good days and my bad

Week and attend the Tommy Hilfiger in

days like everyone else but I just want to tell

collaboration with Gigi Hadid fashion show,

everyone out there to never stop dreaming

which is considered to be one of the most

and not to let anyone make them feel like

fun, dynamic and high profile shows which

they don’t have what it takes to do what

populate the fashion week timetable.

they want to do.” Maybe the reason why

“I consider myself extremely

Daniel identifies himself so much with

fortunate to be in the position that I am in

Tommy Hilfiger is the fact that like him, he

and felt even more lucky that I got to see

too was the boy next door who followed his

this show, as usually it always happens in

dreams (and looked great while doing it).

New York. The show was held at the 50 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

Roundhouse in Camden and the

the US and, when they would come to visit

www.devilwearspraduh.com

ISSUES

Mind the gap WHOEVER SAID THAT FEMINISM IS NOT REQUIRED ANY LONGER, IS CLEARLY UNAWARE OF THE DISCREPANCIES BETWEEN THE WAGES OFFERED TO MEN AND THOSE OFFERED TO WOMEN, FOR DOING THE SAME JOBS. JOHNATHAN CILIA FINDS OUT WHY THE GENDER GAP REMAINS A REALITY.

DECEMBER 2017 â&#x2C6;« Sunday Circle 55

ISSUES

All around the world, more and more women are taking a stronger,

A gender pay gap results from pay inequality, when there are

more active part within the workforce, and the results are ﬁnally

two people working in the same or similar jobs who are not paid

starting to show. As of 2017, women make up 40 per cent of the

equally solely due to their gender. This is a form of discrimination

labour force in over 80 countries, globally. While some countries,

between women and men, and is actually illegal under Maltese law.

like India, have a worryingly low level of working women, Malta has been making headway in this area.

Unfortunately, the gender pay gap is a reality across the EU, including in Malta, even though women may be seen to be doing

Women made up 57 per cent of University graduates in 2016, and 5.9 per cent more women have found jobs this year than in

better than men in their educational achievements. While women might be graduating in higher numbers, one

2014. While the economy booms, more opportunities are being

major reason there a gender pay gap in the ﬁrst place is because of

made for women to ﬁnd decent employment.

the tendency for people to go with a career that is stereotypical of

However, like many countries, Malta faces a problem that

their gender. To put it simpler, men become scientists, engineers,

stems from traditional power structures in society. While things

and mathematicians whereas women go into areas like health and

might slowly be changing, it is still more common to hear of a

education.

‘housewife’ than a ‘househusband’ – and it is still more common to see a practicing male engineer than a female engineer. All of these things contribute to the gender pay gap. “The gender pay gap is the diﬀerence between women’s and

These gender-stereotypical career paths lead to very diﬀerent wages. “There are complex and, in some instances, overlapping causes that lead to the gender pay gap,” says Ms Laiviera. “Women

men’s earnings, expressed as a percentage of men’s earnings,”

are more likely to be concentrated in jobs that oﬀer narrower scope

explains Renee Laiviera, Commissioner of the National Commission

for ﬁnancial reward when compared to men who are more likely to

for the Promotion of Equality. “This mainly shows that women earn

work in highly-paid sectors. This depends on the ﬁelds of study

less over their lifetimes when compared to men, resulting in lower

women and men choose, as these are commonly inﬂuenced by

income during their lifecycle and lower pensions in old age.”

stereotypes and traditions associated with their roles in society.”

The gender pay gap is a reality across the EU, including in Malta, even though women may be seen to be doing better than men in their educational achievements

56 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

ISSUES

These stereotypes and traditions also impact the working patterns adopted by women and men, leading women to work part-time or to take time out of the labour market to look after the family more often than men. This has an impact on their opportunities for training and career advancement, thus aﬀecting their earnings.

Jobs requiring similar skills, qualifications or experience tend to be poorly paid and undervalued when they are dominated by women

“Another cause is the way women’s competences and skills are valued when compared to men’s,” continues Ms Laiviera. “Jobs requiring similar skills, qualiﬁcations or experience tend to be poorly

gender pay gap that is a concern for most of the EU member

paid and undervalued when they are dominated by women. In

states,” says Ms Laiviera.

addition, women also continue to be under-represented at top-level positions.” Only about 30 per cent of management roles in Malta are held

“In light of this, the NCPE is participating in TV and radio programmes and publishing articles on the topic. The hashtag #PayMEqually is being used for regular posts on NCPE’s Facebook

by women. And, as the loss of Hillary Clinton in last year’s US

page that include infographics, video-clips and quotes of renowned

Presidential election showed, there is still ﬁerce opposition from

personalities,” she says.

some sectors to having a woman in charge, regardless of her experience and competence. Not only are women underrepresented in management positions but, in 2014, the average hourly pay of women in Malta was 10.6 per cent lower than that of men. To combat this growing trend in Malta, the NCPE has started the PayM€qually campaign to raise further awareness on the gender pay gap in Malta. “This campaign is in line with the European Equal Pay Day established by the European Commission to raise awareness on the 58 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

Through the PayM€qually campaign, the NCPE is emphasising that equal pay for work of equal value between women and men needs to be safeguarded, not only because these principles are enshrined in the Constitution of Malta, but also to enhance equal opportunities for women and men, and to ensure that all employees and employers can reap the benefits of equal pay. There are different measures that can be taken by different stakeholders to address the gender pay gap. Through payroll transparency, employees are able to request information on pay levels to ensure that they can make sense of

ISSUES

their earnings and those of their colleagues, minimising any suspicions of discrimination, favouritism and general unfairness. Another measure is to utilise gender-neutral job evaluation schemes that provide a basis for grading and a pay structure, as well as a means to check and demonstrate that a company is providing equal pay for equal work. The aim is to evaluate the job, not the jobholder, and to provide a way of assessing the demands of a job that is free from gender bias and as objective as possible. “The NCPE encourages organisations to adopt an Equality Policy that ensures equal terms and conditions offered to women and men in the same grade and in the same type of employment or doing work of equal value,” points out Ms Laiviera. “This is crucial to affirm a company’s commitment to equal pay. Such an Equality Policy is also a prerequisite for organisations that apply for NCPE’s Equality Mark.” The NCPE awards the Equality Mark to organisations that have shown their commitment towards gender equality, including equality in recruitment and working conditions such as equal pay for work of equal value. The NCPE provides the necessary assistance to organisations to strengthen their policies and practices in this regard. “We also encourage employees who deem that they are getting unequal pay to report their case to the relevant authorities. The NCPE is empowered to investigate such cases and we do encourage employees to lodge a complaint so it can be investigated and, if necessary, acted up,” says Ms Laiviera. Campaigns like PayM€qually are just one way we can combat pay discrimination in Malta. This is something that potentially affects every working woman you know – indeed, every working woman in the country. There is need for a better balance in the amount of men and women choosing certain career paths, and for companies to commit to equal pay for their employees at the same scale. Until this, this is one more area in society that will remain unjust and unequal. You can contact NCPE on 2590 3850, or via email at equality@gov.mt or on Facebook.

STYLE

PAINTING THE TOWN GLAM OWN THE NIGHT WITH THIS SEASON'S LOOKS.

62 Sunday Circle â&#x2C6;« DECEMBER 2017

STYLE

Art direction Caroline Paris @ Caroline’s Fashion Styling (carolinefashionstyling.com) Photography Matthew B Spiteri Models Michela @ supernova.com Make-up Amanda Greaves Hair Penelope @ Toni & Guy Artistic Team Location Palazzo de Piro, Mdina

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 Matthew B Spiteri is a professional photographer, winner of the 2017 Malta’s Best Fashion Photographer Award at the Malta Fashion Awards, who has progressively garnered a steady following in the fields of fashion, portraiture and wedding photography.

Skirt, Jacket: Massimo Dutti Shirt: Debenhams Shoes: Gallaria Darmanin

DECEMBER 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle 63

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Jacket, leggings: Debenhams Scarf: Oltre

64 Sunday Circle â&#x2C6;« DECEMBER 2017

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Dress: Armani Jeans Boots: Gallaria Darmanin

Shirt: Massimo Dutti Fur Gilet, Leggings: Debenhams

66 Sunday Circle â&#x2C6;« DECEMBER 2017

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Dress, Coat: Oltre

68 Sunday Circle â&#x2C6;« DECEMBER 2017

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72 Sunday Circle â&#x2C6;« DECEMBER 2017

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He is known as ‘ivan tal-winter Moods’, but is now enjoying a successful foray as a solo artist and is pretty MucH on tHe point of dropping His first albuM witHout Malta’s superband. Ramona DepaRes does luncH, cHitcHat and Music talk witH Ivan GRech. when i arrive at la vela, famously one of singer

singing at a very young age – and was determined to make sure

ivan grech’s favourite hangouts, the man himself is already

it didn’t go wasted. “at school, she told teachers that i could sing, and this

there, chatting away in his typical gregarious fashion to chef, waiters and guests alike. as soon as he spots me, he waves me towards his table,

often led to me being taken from classroom to classroom, singing mostly italian classics a capella. at the time i was

introduces me to the chef and launches into an explanation of

pretty shy and hated it – but everyone else loved it. then she

how “amazing” the food at la vela is. i am here to catch up

encouraged me to start taking part in festivals and

with ivan for lunch, especially in the light of his latest solo

competitions… i guess it’s how most people started, back

concert earlier this summer, which took place at ta’ liesse,

then,” he tells me. the rest is history. it didn’t take too long for ivan to kick

valletta and which yielded over €20,000 in aid of als. ivan’s music pedigree hardly needs any introduction; he is

his shyness and to start enjoying being on stage – although he

one of very, very few musicians who made a highly successful

does add that there’s always an amount of tension before he

profession out of performing. He rose to fame as

performs, even today. “and i’m happy for this. it helps keeps me focused,”he

the frontman of Malta’s supergroup, winter Moods, but recently has taken a quite deﬁnite foray into solo musicianship. He is

says. He mentions his Maltese music idols from back when he

known for his amazing stage presence and his ability to work a crowd like there’s no tomorrow. there is no doubt that ivan loves the stage, and the stage loves him in return. but, he tells me, it wasn’t always like that – particularly as a rather shy six-year-old being encouraged to show oﬀ his talent by his mother. “i get the musical side from my mother, no doubts about

was starting out: renato, bayzo, freddie portelli, new cuorey, the tramps, Mary spiteri and all the local big names at the time. “i hate it when people suggest that some musicians should retire because they’ve been around for a long time. if they still move the audience, then there’s no reason for them to

that. Her father Michael pace (known as chris van bern) was

retire. it’s not the amount of time they’ve been on the scene

one of Malta’s most well-known magicians/illusionists in the

that matters. i still look up to all these names and others that

war time. He was so good and ahead of his time with his magic

inspired me.”

and illusions that people were actually speculating that he had some kind of special power. some actually used to call him ‘tax-xitan’, ‘devil spawn’.” ivan laughs at this. “they were diﬀerent times, of course. but my mother and her sisters used to assist him on stage and were a very integral part of the whole show, so she was introduced to the stage and show business at an early age. ivan’s mother recognised the young boy’s talent for

ivan’s good natured bonhomie is one of his trademarks. and yet, despite what others may perceive as glamour, life has not exactly been easy for the singer. He tells me how his father’s family hails from gozo, għajnsielem to be exact, with the family nickname of Tas-Surmastru, chest fund, the for cancer, ohloq tbissima, community sunday holding a

DECEMBER 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle

PEOPLE

massive white flag at Red Rocks. during the war the family home was one of the few to be hit by bombing –Ivan’s father was spared, but he lost his own mother and four of his siblings in the attack. “My father who was then 11 years old spent hours and hours there, lying in the rubble besides his mother’s dead body. Such an experience changes you. I remember my father as a man of principle and integrity, he was a man of true values and a disciplinarian. I did inherit these traits to a certain extent, I’m happy to have inherited his values,” Ivan recalls. He explains how he grew up as the youngest in a six-sibling family, two girls and four boys – such a big family meant that he experienced a “cocktail of everything”, in his own words. “We are a family of strong characters.” And it is this strong character that is partly responsible for Ivan becoming what he is today, of course. The sudden loss of his beloved mother at the age of 16 shook and changed his life completely, he also lost his brother Alex who passed away a year after at the age of 23 following a long battle with a brain tumour: “My life was thrown off course into a vast, insecure and unknown space” he says, “can’t really explain the void, no one at that age is prepared to deal with such a loss really, my dad also passed in 2000, the loss is as painful but I was expecting it and somehow prepared to grieve for his passing, anyway, life goes on and the only way is forward, I do my best to honour them in everything I do” All this is reflected into his songs and contributed to his work and hits as a songwriter with Winter Moods , which brings me to the next topic. What’s happening on that front, especially given that Ivan’s solo forays have been very successful? “We are taking a bit of a break, seeing how much we actually miss it by taking sometime away from it all. I think we did need this lull. One thing’s for sure. Our next album will be a long due Greatest Hits Collection,” he says. Winter Moods has been an ongoing love affair, of course. Ivan describes how, when he was younger, rock and prog rock ruled among his friends in the stronghold of Senglea, his beloved hometown. Pink Floyd, Genesis, Marillion, Led Zeppelin and the likes were the names everyone revered. Ivan, on the other hand, had just discovered U2. “The year was around 1984 and I would watch DJ Television on Italia 1, which would rebroadcast snippets from MTV, that’s when I first got a glimpse of U2, Bono singing Sunday Bloody Sunday passionately waving a massive white flag at Red Rocks. I was hooked. Bono and U2 became my instant obsession, I wanted to be in a band. Not everyone was impressed, Bono’s was not quite the language of Senglea at the time, yet most of those who snubbed U2 acknowledged their power later on in time,” he tells me with a laugh. This influence from what Ivan calls “the best days of U2” can be felt in some of Winter Moods works, of course. He mentions Everyday Song as one of his favourite Winter Moods tracks, adding that the track had been a massive hit locally and also on Radio Voyager, an American Radio Station which also used to be broadcast by Bay Radio after 10pm, taking the track much further afield from Maltese audiences. The singer confesses that he is very much a ballad guy, and that even with Winter Moods his instincts are to go towards the quieter songs, and they came out in the popular likes of 74 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

OLTRE – MIMI Pama Shopping Village Valletta Road Mosta MON – SAT 09:30 – 20:00 SUN 10:00 – 19:00

PEOPLE

Ivan during last year's new year's eve performance.

Everyday Song, Come to You, Marigold, My Neverland, Everlasting, Miss You and more. “The other guys make sure we don’t go overboard. Otherwise

The results of his long, consistent, successful musical journey have beneﬁtted not only Ivan, but also the various charities that he has worked with along the years. The musician is known for holding

it would probably be an overdose of ballads. Even now that I’m

numerous concerts, both with Winter Moods and solo, in aid of

working on my solo stuﬀ, I tend to get my lyrics and music out from

speciﬁc charities, the latest being for ALS.

loss and pain. That’s where the inspiration mainly comes from.” Ivan is, in fact, shortlisting which of his original solo pieces will

Throughout his career Ivan contributed to a number of diﬀerent charities, among others are Caritas, the former Cash for

make it in the long-awaited solo album. He shows me a long list of

Cancer, Ohloq Tbissima, Community Chest Fund, The Association

songs recorded on his phone, adding that that’s how he works; as

for Abandoned Animals, Puttinu Cares and Special Olympics Malta

soon as the idea hits, lyrics and music immediately go down on his

of which he is the Ambassador. He is also committed as one of the

phone. He lets me listen to a couple of samples, and the mood

trustees of the Marigold Foundation chaired by Mrs Michelle

is deﬁnitely intense.

Muscat.

He admits that going solo was scary – a word that we might

Helping out is one of my priorities and always has been, ever

not immediately associate with such an experienced, and well-

since I ﬁrst started performing years ago. The motivation to help

loved, performer. But Ivan is one of the most grounded, humble

and give is a special way to actually receive – ﬁlls my heart and days

musicians to ever hit the scene.

with joy, when I know that I’ve made a positive diﬀerence to

“A bit of nervousness is always present. However, taking the

someone’s life. The satisfaction I get is incomparable to anything

plunge on my own has been an amazing experience. It wasn’t easy

else, I see three pillars for a good life, Respect, Sympathy and

to decide to do something without Winter Moods, but it was

Dignity,” he concludes with a smile.

something that I’ve wanted to experience for a while. I never expected feedback to be so great. “Filling Pjazza Teatru Rjal, in Valletta, with a buzzing paying crowd for my very own ﬁrst solo Concert last year was quite an encouraging feat,” he tells me. 76 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

Ivan Grech performs next on New Year’s Eve at The Xara Lodge, Rabat. Tickets are available from www.showshappening.com. For more information send an e-mail on info@stripedsox.eu or call 9948 6548.

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Toying

with innovative ideas KIDS LOVE TOYS, BUT THEY ALSO GET TIRED OF THEM PRETTY FAST. HOW DO YOU SOLVE THE PROBLEM AND EXPENSE OF CLUTTERING YOUR HOUSE WITH MYRIAD UNUSED TOYS WHILE KEEPING THE LITTLE ONES HAPPY? CHIARA GEORGE’S INNOVATIVE TOY LIBRARY CONCEPT OFFERS A CONVENIENT SOLUTION. How did you come up with the

something that could be managed from

What are the benefits?

idea/concept of Toy Library Malta?

home, I immediately wanted my business to

Renting toys as opposed to buying

I was ﬁrst introduced to the idea by

be based online. This is when I started to

them brings plenty of beneﬁts to parents. However, the main reasons that drove

my mother-in-law, who is British, a few years

revisit the idea of a Toy Library. Other

back. She told me how, when my husband

countries like the UK, the US and Australia

me to create my online business is, ﬁrstly, the

Alex was a small child, she would take him to

had adopted the concept but, to my

fact that all mothers know too well how

a toy library every week. There, he would

knowledge, Malta did not have anything like

quickly children outgrow their toys. When

choose new toys to play with.

it as yet. The more I researched diﬀerent Toy

this happens, they are left stuck with them

Library websites, the more I started to fall in

taking up precious space in the home.

decided to stop working that year as I

love with the concept and to see that there

Renting them solves this problem. Secondly,

wanted to be there for my son. But after

was this gap in the market. And now, with

toys do not come cheap especially the large

Oliver’s ﬁrst birthday I was itching to throw

also having my own child, I fully understood

baby toys which have a very short life span.

myself back into business. Since I wanted

its beneﬁts.

Parents will immediately see huge savings

In 2015 I gave birth to my son Oliver. I

when renting these toys as opposed to buying them. Thirdly, with today’s children spending so much time on electronic devices, being able to oﬀer a wide variety of educational toys encourages children to play more and spend less time in front of a screen. There’s also the fact that renting toys teaches your children a very valuable lesson; that of learning how to receive, but also learning how to give them back. And ﬁnally, when it comes to renting toys, the less new toys you purchase, the less of an impact you have on the environment. This is also another great lesson to teach our children.

How does Toy Library Malta work? I wanted to create a website that was extremely user- friendly on both desktop computers and mobile phones, as I know 80 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

CIRCLE PROMOTION

that today people have very limited free

toys to all our clients at no extra charge. If

ensure the safety of the toys and to increase

time, so convenience is key especially to

any toys require assembling, this is done by

the longevity of toys within our library. All

parents. So I created a website that allows

ourselves onsite, also at no extra charge.

toys are also thoroughly cleaned and sterilised in between all rentals.

you to select the toy/s you would like to rent for your children, all with a few clicks. On our home page (www.toylibrarymalta.com) we divided the

How many toys do you have in your library? We have over 150 toys within our

Do you also sell the toys if the clients wants to purchase them? Yes, all toys within our library can be

toys available into nine diﬀerent categories,

library to choose from. These range from

so that one may instantly click on the right

activity mats, walkers and play centres for

bought if requested. We now also have our

toy choices for them. We provide a detailed

babies to climbers, slides, ride on cars, trains,

very own Toy Library online shop, which is

product description and ample photos of

bikes, trampolines and bouncy castles for

on our website. We oﬀer our clients a vast

each toy. We made rental periods extremely

preschool aged children. I choose all the toys

range of top quality branded toys at

ﬂexible; one can choose to rent the toys for

myself and these are picked depending on

extremely competitive prices. I decided to

as long as they desire. A calendar showing

their development, educational and – most

introduce an online toy shop since I

the current month is provided by the side of

importantly – fun factor for children. I am

wanted to be able to provide an added

each toy. One simply clicks directly on the

constantly searching for the latest toys on

service to our clients. They are able to rent

start date and end date they would like to

the market so as to keep the library

toys for home or party use, as well as

rent the toy for and proceeds to check out.

constantly up to date.

buying the presents they need, all from the

Each toy has its own daily rate displayed. However, it is important to note that the daily rate decreases if you decide to rent the toy for a longer period of time. For even more convenience, we deliver and collect the

same website. Most importantly this can Do you buy the toys or are they second hand toys? All our toys are bought brand new from well-trusted brands. This is mainly to

be done as easily as the rental part of our website and all toys are delivered to their door with the option of wrapping, if requested.

DECEMBER 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle 81

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CIRCLE PROMOTION

Do you cater for children’s parties and events? Yes this is actually a large portion of our business and we have a whole category dedicated to toys which can be specially rented for parties. Children’s parties are popular for us since now parents are being given the opportunity to rent all sorts of toys and games and get them delivered directly to their home or selected venue. Renting toys from us also allows parents not to have to rack their brains on how to keep the kids entertained. We do the job for them. People can either book toys directly through the website or they may contact us directly via email or through Facebook and we are always happy to make the right suggestions. We are now also offering different services for parties such as face painting and animation packages, once again, we really want to be able to offer our clients a one stop party shop.

What has been the feedback from kids and parents so far? Just great. Being a new concept to Malta, I must admit I was slightly apprehensive of how the idea would be received. However, the response has exceeded my expectations. I am very happy to have clients from all over Malta and Gozo, as well as a large number of foreign clients. I also have many repeat loyal clients which is also very reassuring. The children absolutely love receiving new toys and getting to play with them with their siblings or friends, whereas the parents love them since they get to make huge saving and it gives them a little time to put their feet up while their kids happily play away! For more information send an e-mail to orders@toylibrarymalta.com, look up Toy Library Malta – Rent a Toy on Facebook, or call us on 9907 7877. www.toylibrarymalta.com

PEOPLE

PHOTOS: KEITH DARMANIN

84 Sunday Circle â&#x2C6;« DECEMBER 2017

PEOPLE

Bringing it back to

Bormla GERARD JAMES BORG’S THIRD BOOK IS OUT AND, JUDGING BY THE HYPE, IT’S AS RACY AS EXPECTED. RAMONA DEPARES CATCHES UP WITH THE WRITER TO FIND OUT WHAT’S GOING DOWN IN COSPICUA AND WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH THE EUROVISION BABES.

When Gerard James Borg’s first book, Sliema Wives, was released, most assumed that it would turn out to be some sort of Danielle Steel, pink romance affair. They were wrong. The book turned out to be more Jilly Cooper than Steel, more racy handcuffs than red roses. And, of course, people lapped it up. Offering a mix of glamour, sex and a smidgeon of crime, all placed within a milieu that most Maltese love to love or hate, for many the hook was instant. High literature, it wasn’t – then again, it never claimed to be. Gerard James had hit on just the right formula for entertaining, clean fun – well, cleanish – a formula that worked just as well with the follow-up Madliena Married Men and that still seems to be going strong with his third book, Bormla Babes, released just some weeks ago. Sliema Wives, Madliena Married Men, Bormla Babes... we all see where this is going, right? I ask Gerard James what’s the deal with the titles and he gives me his trademark charming, impish smile. “Well, you need something to stand out from the rest. Sliema Wives had all the right elements I was looking for and it did make people wonder what was up,” Gerard James starts out. That it did, especially as Gerard James’s plotlines invariably centre around a certain social scene, introducing us to characters typical of what we could call, in local jargon, tal-pepe and tal-flus (posh people with money). Madliena Married Men certainly made sense – but what’s with the change in direction DECEMBER 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle 85

PEOPLE

southwards towards Cospicua, ie the Bormla of the title? Given the

the newest, hippest lounge bar, an iconic restaurant or even one of

obvious play on stereotypes of the first two books, Bormla can be

Malta’s known names. I myself, I’m told by someone who has

said to break the mould. Gerard James shrugs:

already read the book, make a fleeting (and totally undeserved, I

“Well, I was always accused of preferring a certain area of Malta, and a certain type of society. So this time round I decided to prove everyone wrong and took things southwards.” But what about the glam, the money, the sex scandals! It just wouldn’t be a Gerard James book without them. He laughs at this. “Oh don’t worry. It’s all there, still.” One look at the cover – featuring three hot and scantily-clad,

hasten to add) appearance. Has this ever gotten him into trouble? “No, people like it as it’s done in good taste. Hey, it is publicity after all! I do feel that these real elements give the story more immediacy, help the readers place themselves in the middle of the story as it were.” And then, there’s the million Euro question: what about the fictional lead characters? Are these, too, based on real life people

well, babes, to take inspiration from the title itself – confirms that

that you and I might actually know? Gerard James throws me a

he’s not lying. And if you saw the video promo for the book that is

naughty look.

doing the rounds online, you too would be convinced. This time round everything takes place against the backdrop of the Eurovision Song Context, Gerard James tells me. With this new knowledge, the three babes on the cover of the book take on new

“Well. Let’s just say that an artist is always inspired by real life, in one way or another.” More details please! “The characters are usually composites of people I have met. I

potential meaning that anyone who is loosely familiar with local

take a bit from here, a bit from there...and make up a new character.

Eurovision history will also understand. I throw Gerard James a

It’s still rooted in reality, though. These personalities and the things

suspicious look, which he returns with an innocent smile. The story

they do, they may sound somewhat out there but they really are

comes with a rich businessman, a bunch of hot singers, sexual

not. The things people have confided in me...in Madliena Married

intrigue and plenty of corruption, he tells me. Yup. Sounds like the

Men, for instance, one of the characters was sort of enslaved by her

usual goods will be delivered indeed.

husband. He’d keep her tied up behind the sofa, throwing morsels

One trademark of these books is that, hidden alongside the fiction, they tend to refer to real-life places and people. Whether it’s 86 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

of food at her only when he felt like it. Sounds very 50 Shades, doesn’t it? Well...happens to be a true story. The narcissistic

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character of Peter Conti? Also based on someone I know.” So what’s next after BB, as I’ve taken to calling the book in my mind? Knowing Gerard James, whatever it is bound to make some noise. After all, this is the same man whose clothes designs – at 24 years of age – were featured on the cover of the iconic dressmaking magazine Burda, considered as a seamstress/tailor’s Bible. “I started out designing clothes, yes. When my designs were chosen to be on the cover of Burda I couldn’t believe it. I was also offered the chance to launch my own clothes label by the man who owned Valentino and Chanel distribution rights in London. But, in those days, Malta was not as wellconnected, I came back here and it sort of fizzled out.” It was after this that Gerard James decided to try his hand at songwriting, having been taken by Mary Spiteri’s Eurovision entry Little Child. “I liked everything about the competition. The kitsch, the fun... So I decided to be part of it and write songs for the Maltese Eurovision hopefuls.” This highly successful stint was followed by yet another different road – a regular interview column for The Times of Malta, where Gerard James would meet up with a personality at a restaurant and proceed to conduct an interview with a twist, containing a generous dash of gossip. Was he laying the ground for the eventual books? “Sort of, I suppose. I started writing Sliema Wives shortly after the column stopped running. I had always wanted to write a book, ever since I was a child. Recently, I found a letter from someone at Arrow Publishing, replying to something I had sent them many years ago. It was full of encouragement and good advice. Do not give up, that’s what it said. So I took the advice,” he concludes with a smile. Bormla Babes:Behind the Scenes is published by Midsea Books and is available from bookstores. 88 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

MUSIC

The Ranch

p u g n i g g Pro s d n a l s i the THINK EPIC GUITAR SOLOS AND TECHNICAL PERFECTION, THINK THE SOUNDS THAT ARE SYNONYMOUS WITH BANDS LIKE RUSH, KING CRIMSON AND OTHER LEGENDS – ONLY, WITH HOMEGROWN BANDS THAT ARE SUCCESSFULLY REVIVING THE GENRE IN CONTEMPORARY MALTA. RAMONA DEPARES CATCHES UP WITH MICHAEL SPITERI, ONE OF THE BRAINS BEHIND AN EVENT THAT BRINGS TOGETHER SOME OF THE TOP LOCAL PROGRESSIVE ROCK BANDS AND MUSICIANS. This is the second time you are organising

the master that showed this grasshopper

what I felt like listening to at any given

an event dedicated to prog rock. How was

the way.

moment. Still, that being said, actual prog

your love for the genre born?

My love for prog is mostly attributed

did reverberate all over the house come

to my father, whose varied LP collection

early Sunday mornings and the rest of the

time. However, Prog The Islands have been

features all kinds of diﬀerent genres. I

week. Luckily, the neighbours must have

around since 2010 and it was set up by

guess this created some sort of mental

been deaf, as most people can only take so

Noel Mifsud, a D.J. on Rock Moods. He’s

spring-board where I could just delve into

much Wakeman and Zappa!

As Michael, yes, this is the second

DECEMBER 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle 91

MUSIC

Super Sponge Trio

Marco Ramunno of Ferret. Photo: BloodograPhy

What was the feedback after the Archipelaprog event from last year?

at Falcon’s rendition of camel’s Never Let

dyslexic nature, in the maltese vernacular.

Go, as well.

I’m actually trying my best to justify the

great! last year it was a two-day

event title, I really hope it’s working.

event in order to accommodate curfew

What is the idea behind this year’s

issues. however, it served to our beneﬁt as

event – how will it be diﬀerent from last

the event was going through an

year?

experimental phase – having six prog-

What can you tell us about the participating bands – what made you pick

since last year was in an

them?

related bands play in malta needed to be

experimental stage, this year will be a

handled with some care, since it may have

continuation of that. the main idea behind

impeccable albums this year. some of their

been somewhat taxing, especially for those

it is not to take our music too seriously,

songs have stuck to my mind, especially

who are more or less accustomed to more

hence the event name Proga! It’s a play on

Erġajt Waqajt f’ Koma by Brodu and, in my

straightforward and/or familiar

words that hints at the historical criticism

experience, it’s a great song to wake up to,

approaches. Incidentally, this comment is

of Prog music as being a laxative of a

ironically.

Both Brodu and the ranch released

based on actual feedback I received from the crowd. however, overall it worked out perfectly fine. on the first day, attendance was decent (dare I say, intimate?) but we still enjoyed ourselves. the bands on the bill – Viper soup complex, eyes to argus and Ferret – made for a very connected line up, as they more or less share an ethos of stylistic exploration and pushing boundaries, though execution differs greatly between all three. the second day was particularly special as we had a very interesting blend of music. Krishna, the ranch, and Falcon’s Flying circus all brought their a-game. the event mood fluctuated depending on who was playing (from moody to crazy-intensechops to rock n’ roll). I was really surprised 92 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

The crowd during last year’s Prog the Islands festival. Photo: rejects.com.mt

MUSIC

interesting blend of styles is actually Brodu

happening, and it’s not an idea without actual form and/or content. Last September, Prog The Islands also organised an event where Mirage and Colourblind performed, and it attracted a great crowd. Mirage may be one of the pioneers of prog in Malta back in the late 1970s. Their return was met with intense enthusiasm.

What is the biggest challenge organising such an event? Apart from the usual – band cancellation, curfew, sound exceeding the legal decibel rate… the biggest challenge would be to remain motivated and strive for what you have set out to do to the full. Luckily, my two other trusted colleagues, Samwel and Ben (from Eyes to Argus) both help out and their ideas on The Ranch practically brought the

I need to mention that Brodu is not

design and writing content are a much-

place down last year. I mean, the buzz

particularly associated with prog (if, at all).

needed breath of fresh air. These last two

remained there for the days that followed

However, if your music is teetering on the

editions of Prog The Islands are basically

– so it was a no-brainer to call them up

experimental, diverse and breaks away

the fruit of a conversation we once had

again and see if they were available.

from the mould – then you’re more than

some 3 years ago.

Luckily, they said yes.

welcome to perform here. And the biggest satisfaction?

I’ve been following The PlaKard Project for the past year, and also shared the stage with them last February at Noir – organized by Rejects. I’m looking

Would you say the genre still attracts followers in Malta? Now more than ever. Evidence of this

To share what you really love and what you’re really into with anybody who’s interested or curious enough to listen.

forward to having them at Proga as

is the emerging bands and eclectic

However, personally, the biggest

they’ve already made remarkable strides.

musical projects during the last years. The

satisfaction is still yet to come – and that

Super Sponge Trio is a band I’ve had my sights on for the past

would be to give new bands a starting platform for their debut show.

months as well. They’re all wellversed musicians who have been involved in different projects in different music genres. Kizum Klof’s return to the stage will be the introduction to

Is this set to become a regular fixture on the calendar? It seems that it will become a yearly event since experimental bands both in rock and metal are emerging

Proga and he will start off the event

lately. Not to mention, the Internet

with an acoustic session. Glenn Paul

made everything so much easier to

Pace is a highly dedicated and

get organised and even create

professional musician who devotes

contacts overseas. So, expect more

huge chunks of his day to perfect

cringeworthy-titled events!

his craft. The other returning band from

Prog the Islands Present: Proga! takes place on December 8 at The

last year is Ferret. These guys have

Garage, Żebbuġ. Tickets are available

gone through a bassist change from

online.

last year, so we’re excited to hear how they’ve progressed stylistically. 94 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

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CIRCLE PROMOTION

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and enjoyed complimentary makeovers and manicures. thanks to the success achieved over the years, House of Beauty has now grown into a franchise brand, with three other stores available around the Maltese Islands. these can be found in Gżira, right opposite Manoel island; in cospicua, the heart of the south; and at the Duke shopping Mall in Victoria. Like this, your onestop perfumery, cosmetic, skin care and nail care shop is accessible at your convenience, depending on your location, from Monday all through to saturday. simply visit one of the stores today and beneﬁt from the ongoing distinctive oﬀers on top cosmetic and fragrance brands and make sure to keep updated with House of Beauty’s exclusive gifting opportunities by following on Facebook at House of Beauty Malta. st Julian’s tel: 2704 0535; Gżira tel: 2713 3188; Victoria tel: 2155 9866; cospicua tel: 2169 2774.

DECEMBER 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle 97

A Day in the Life CIRCLE PROMOTION

SUNDAY CIRCLE SPENDS A DAY WITH ALFRED SHARPLES, TEAM MANAGER OF THE WASTE COMPLIANCE TEAM AT THE ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCES AUTHORITY, TO UNDERSTAND HOW THE NATIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WORKS. There are many things in life that we just don’t think about unless something goes wrong. Take electricity, for example: We rarely think

about its workings when ﬂicking a switch or turning on an appliance that requires it to work, but when we don’t have it, that’s a diﬀerent story… The same can be said about the Compliance and Enforcement Unit within the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), which works tirelessly, among other things, to ensure that Malta’s waste – from recyclables to toxics – are managed and disposed of lawfully, and that perpetrators are brought in line. Alfred Sharples is the team manager of the Waste Compliance Team – and while we rarely get to think about how the nation manages its waste, his job is to think about it all the time… And taking into

ERA oﬃcers inspecting waste prior to export

consideration the different kinds of waste that exist, the different entities creating them, and the different – lawful and unlawful – ways there are of disposing them, it is not a straight-forward job. “We recently had a report that resulted in having six tonnes of waste removed from Lippija near Imgarr,” Alfred tells us half-way through our day with him. “The clean-up was done by ERA in collaboration with #żibel [a voluntary organisation that aims to make Malta cleaner], but we were the first ones on site in order to assess the situation.” As Alfred explains, when a report of the sort comes through, he or one of his six team members conduct a site inspection as quickly as possible. The next step would be to find out who owns the land on which the waste is on – that, as you can imagine, is much easier said than done, particularly in the countryside where boundaries may not always be clear and where the land is subject to age-old leases and countless heirs. For that reason, part of the legal process involves putting up a callletter in the area so the owners can get in touch with ERA. Even so, the Unit continues to monitor the situation and ensuring that the waste is not hazardous to people or the environment… Due to the current law, however, that notice needs to be up for a pre-set period of time before ERA can lawfully move in, clear the waste out and restore the area to its original state. When the owners are not found, ERA pays for the clean-up or seeks help from voluntary organisations. In certain situations, however, such as if a factory is disposing of waste unlawfully or not in accordance to the permit issued; and, if after this has been pointed out, it refuses to comply – an enforcement notice is then issued with a strict ultimatum. Thankfully, these are rarely issued with only 10 recorded since enforcement powers have been delegated to ERA. 98 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

Cordoning of Santa Maria Bay Sand dunes in Comino

CIRCLE PROMOTION

“We always try to keep in mind that we don’t work in a bubble,” he continues. “The exports of waste cannot wait, for example, because the expenses incurred by companies can be huge. What’s important, however, is ensuring that companies and individuals are not simply compliant with the law, but also with the permits issued to them by ERA, which ensure that the waste being shipped is going to be appropriately transported and managed in a facility in the country it is destined to.” To make sure that everything is being handled in a timely manner, most of the team members focus on one or two particular areas, and knowledge of the law and of permit requirements are vital to their day-to-day job. Alfred clearly does, as we discovered. But he’s been in the field for so long, it’s not that surprising. Alfred, who has been working in the field for over 22 years, started his career monitoring quarries in 1995. In 2001, he moved to the environment field and ... in April 2016, Alfred took on his current role with ERA. “Let’s take green-list waste, for example [waste that is not hazardous, like plastic and paper]. By law, that can be exported without the need for a permit, but we must ensure that the conditions imposed by the country where it’s headed to are being adhered to. For the kind of waste that does need a permit, we also need to keep in mind where it’s being loaded and what countries it will go through and ensure it does not break the law elsewhere.” ERA security seal

As our day goes by, we start realising that Alfred was mentioning his ‘clients’ a lot. Asking him who he considers ‘a client’,

Removing of waste from Comino

his reply is that it’s anyone he has to deal with outside of the oﬃce; such is his work ethic and the ethos of ERA. And, as he explains, many of the cases that are reported to the Authority or which they, themselves, unearth, are resolved way before any enforcement notices are issued. With a nine-hour working day – that includes a 45-minute break – it is no walk in the park to do this job, but it’s easy to see what an important one it is: From recycling to the disposal of Loading of waste into a container in preparation for export

hazardous waste, these people are ensuring our safety and that of the environment, while keeping oﬀenders accountable for their actions. So, next time you see a recycling-collecting van, or are about

All that, however, is just part of a day’s work for Alfred and his team as we quickly found out: “I start my day by sorting out the team

to dispose of a pack of batteries, it’s nice to keep in mind the work these people do.

with my Senior Environment Oﬃcer, and by taking a look at what work needs to be done on that particular day,” he explains. “But we

If you’d like to report any unlawful waste management,

do much more than simply clearing out waste from the countryside.

please contact the Environment and Resources Authority on

As a Unit, we are responsible for all types of waste disposal and our

info@era.org.mt. Photos, videos and details help the ERA act

work is split into two: we make sure everyone is complying with the

faster.

law when disposing of waste, and enforce the law when they’re not.” The Waste Compliance Team, in fact, is responsible for the shipment of waste to other countries (including recyclables), transfers

Hexagon House, Spencer

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Hill, Marsa, MRS 1441

for companies that place on the market batteries, packaging and

Tel: (+356) 2292 3500

electric and electronic equipment, and, of course, the illegal dumping

Email: info@era.org.mt

of waste within Malta and Gozo.

Website: era.org.mt

DECEMBER 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle 99

TRAVEL

MATTHEW MIRABELLI WAS InvIted tO dISCOver tHe GOrGeOuS, IF LArGeLy undISCOvered PrOvInCe In CHInA And returned WItH StunnInG StOrIeS And PHOtOGrAPHy.

Colourful

Guizhou

After accepting an invitation to visit China by the China Cultural

rained almost every day for the past month. However, the forecast

Centre in Malta, I Googled the region we would be travelling to.

for the next 10 days was perfect.

Images of waterfalls and lush ﬁelds popped up on the search, so I knew we would be in for a unique trip. Leaving Malta, we began the 22-hour journey to China via Frankfurt and, after a short three-hour stop-over, we boarded our ﬂight for the nine hours to Beijing. On arrival, the airport was

On arrival at the airport we were greeted by our Chinese guides Ping and Lisa; they would prove invaluable during our trip, translating for us and explaining all the diﬀerent ethnic groups we would be meeting. It would also be a bit of a nomadic experience as we were set

oﬀered an immediate introduction to the fact that the Chinese love

to travel more than 2,000 kilometres overland in 10 days, in a small

to build larger-than-life structures, and are extremely good at it.

minivan on a carefully-planned route showing us the highlights of

Since reaching Guizhou involved another three hour domestic

the region.

ﬂight, we quickly collected our bags and checked-in for our third ﬂight in 24 hours. Catching up on some sleep, I woke up on the approach to

As we drove from the airport to the hotel, large apartment blocks lined the streets. Most were still in the construction stage but the impression I got was that the city was growing at an

landing at the capital of the province, Guiyang. What struck me

unbelievable rate and preparations were being made to house the

was how green the region was. With a subtropical climate, it had

growing population.

100 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

TRAVEL

Arriving late in the afternoon we checked into our hotel and,

Park where we were given an overview of the main ethnic groups in

after dropping our bags, we met up again for our ﬁrst meal

the region and shown around some workshops where members of

together in a restaurant close by.

several groups displayed their cultural heritage through woodwork,

Our ﬁrst Chinese meal introduced us to the spices and wide

batik and painting. In the afternoon we visited Qingyan Ancient

variations of dishes we would eat during our stay. Very diﬀerent to

Town. The ancient town is one of the most famous historical and

western Chinese food, each dish was uniquely ﬂavoured

cultural towns in the province and lies in the southern suburb of

predominantly with hot chilli peppers and served on a lazy susie so

Guiyang and originally built in 1378.

we could try all the various dishes. With full stomachs, we settled in

Built completely of stone dating back to the beginning of the

for the night to catch up on some well-needed rest before our

Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Qingyan town was built for military

travelling adventure would begin.

reasons. Because of its geographical location, Zhu Yuanzhang, the

With a population of 37.64 million Guizhou isn’t a small province and, of the 56 ethnic groups in China, the province is home to 54 of them. We would meet a couple of diﬀerent ethnic groups on our journey, so our ﬁrst stop was the Guizhou Cultural and Creative

ﬁrst emperor of the Ming Dynasty established it as a station for transferring military messages and to house an army. Through years of modiﬁcation and repeated restoration, Qingyan Ancient Town has gradually become a distinctive centre with cultural features of Ming and Qing Dynasties (1644-1911).

DECEMBER 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle 101

TRAVEL

It was a Saturday afternoon, so the town was bustling with domestic tourism. This would be a familiar site in all the places we visited. Throughout the whole trip, we didn’t bump into any

played in a small river ﬂowing through the town. It didn’t have the crowds of the ﬁrst day and it was a welcome break. Heading further out of the city we made our way to Zhijin

Western tourists, proving that the province really is an undiscovered

Cave. Nothing can prepare you for the sheer size of the caves,

gem outside of China.

surprisingly only having only been discovered in 1980.

With dinner fast approaching, we were taken to a restaurant

The walk through the caves took us about two hours, where

where we re-hydrated on an endless supply of green tea. This was a

we descended into a network of massive openings and followed the

custom which we quickly got used to, becoming tea experts by the

path into separate caverns each more impressive than the previous.

end of the trip.

Coming out of the caves, the mountainous landscape of the region

After a few days in the capital we took to the road, with the first stop being the magnificent 74-metre tall Huangguoshu waterfall and then off another village, Tianlong Tunpu, a village fortress built for military use 600 years ago. I finally felt, in the village of Tianlong Tunpu, that we were

made us wonder how many more caves have yet to be discovered with such a large area still untouched. During the day, the temperature was relentless, with the humidity making it feel much hotter than it was. So, when we found out that our next destination was Fanjing Mountain with the summit

experiencing true Chinese rural life. The village was quiet, as old

at 2,572 metres, I knew we were in for some respite. What we didn’t

ladies sat in the street stitching traditional slippers and children

realise was that after an initial cable car ride we would have to climb

102 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

TRAVEL

Throughout the whole trip, we didn`t bump into any Western tourists, proving that the province really is an undiscovered gem outside of China

the rest of the way up to the summit. What greeted us was an

short distance away) the town was transformed into an LED heaven

amazing panorama of the surrounding mountains. The sun

with multi-coloured lights illuminating it, while people sat and

occasionally hitting the peaks only interrupted by intermittent

danced in bars or ate on the water’s edge. It seemed the village had

patches of clouds engulfing the surrounding hills. Smells of burning

two personalities, transforming from a quiet shy village during the

incense filled the air at the summit where a solitary Buddhist

day to an outgoing friend to all village in the evening.

monastery sits. With the theme of our trip being the intangible cultural heritage, we would be visiting several towns. Two days were spent with the Miao people, the first one being in Zhenyuan. The town is

After our brief introduction to the Miao people at Zhenyuan, our next stop would be Qianhu Miao Village, being the largest gathering place of the Miao in China and the world Operated as a village with an entrance fee we were greeted

in the eastern part of Guizhou Province and has long been an

by an elderly man with a cup and teapot of rice wine. Accepting to

ancient town of the Miao people. Arriving after a morning on the

drink the wine, we were briefed not to touch the cup as he poured it

bus we crossed the Wuyang River, which meanders through the

into our mouths otherwise we would have to drink the whole pot. It

centre of town, and noticed Chinese lanterns hanging from nearly

wasn’t our first introduction to the potent alcohol and later that

every building along the river’s edge in what seemed like a quiet

evening we were treated to another ceremony where we were

town. However, when we returned in the evening after an afternoon

made to drink much more of the sweet, guaranteed hangover,

boat cruise down the three Gorges, a 35 kilometre-waterway, (a

liquid.

DECEMBER 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle 103

TRAVEL

Although the busy main road of the village hosts several restaurants and tourist shops, getting lost in the roads above the main street seemed to be the best way to get a feel of how the people in the village live. The main road was ﬁlled with girls dressed in traditional costumes enticing people into their restaurants or other tourists dressing up in traditional Maio costumes and taking photos with the village falling away behind them. It seemed that the village had found a balance on how to promote their traditions while, at the same time, protecting it for future generations. With our heads still pounding after drinking too much rice wine we boarded the bus and settled in for our drive to Basha village. Also a Maio village, it is hidden away in a forest and is famed for being home to 1,000 residents and home to China ‘s last tribe of gunmen. The ancestors of the villagers were frontline troops who charged through forests and fought the bears there, guarding the land where they lived. The villagers also worship trees, especially maples, and believe the buns on their heads represent trees, whilst the purple clothes they wear represent bark. The villagers lead a self-suﬃcient life in the hilly areas and retain the costumes and living customs of hundreds of years ago. Compared to the previous two towns 104 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

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we had visited Basha seemed to be a more authentic village with residents getting on with their daily life immune to the tourists walking around. The trip was coming to an end. With two days to go we headed to Xiaoqikong, a huge park featuring countless waterfalls, crystal clear, turquoise lakes, caves, and Karst Mountains on all sides. With limited time in the park, we drove to the hotspots snapping pictures of the Seven Arches Bridge and hopping along the stepping stones of the Forest on Water before heading back to the hotel for our penultimate night. With the minivan having become our second home we jumped aboard for a long dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s travel to visit one of the highlights of the trip. Built in a natural basin and spanning a 500 metre diameter the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest radio telescope lies in a remote spot. The choice of location was carefully planned, as the telescope requires a radio silence within a five kilometre radius. The sheer scale of it is unimaginable, but being guests we had the rare opportunity to walk on the walkway, which goes around the perimeter. I felt it summed up the trip and China perfectly. China seemed to be a never-ending project, a project on a massive scale with carefully-planned with engineering marvels, even down to the little things such as replanting trees and connecting intravenous drips to give them nutrients, not to mention the continuous sweeping by men and women to keep the country spotless. Truly an amazing place that remains largely undiscovered by western tourists. 106 Sunday Circle â&#x2C6;Ť DECEMBER 2017

CIRCLE PROMOTION

Let’s get the party started at greens! THE FESTIVE SPIRITS AT GREENS SUPERMARKET ARE ALIVE AND KICKING, WITH A SUPER-STOCKED WINE CELLAR COVERING OLD WORLD WINES AND THE NEW WORLD, AND CATERING FOR ALL TASTES AND BUDGETS. BOTTOMS UP! Let’s be honest – Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a bit of high spirits to help us along with the festivities. Whether it is others that we want to treat, or ourselves, this is the season when we tend to indulge a little bit more. now is the time to stock up; a hassle-free endeavour, thanks to the beautiful wine cellar that you’ll find at greens supermarket. drop in and browse at leisure before you finalise that shopping list. greens’ wine cellar is divided into two sections. the first one offers a huge selection of foreign and local wines, spirits, beers and craft beer all at very competitive prices. the second section, on the other hand, presents a temperature-controlled room full of high-end wines, champagnes, spirits, a lovely range of single malts and cigars, for those who want to treat themselves to that little bit extra. the wine selection available is unparalleled, with a wide selection that ranges from rose’ to whites and reds from all around the world. take a virtual tour through the world’s vineyards, from south africa to France, with labels like the 35 south or the more traditional regions like Bordeaux... and, of course, no party worth its salt can lack a good bottle of bubbly – greens’ wine cellar offers all the most coveted labels, like Moet and Brut. Of course, if you’d like some expert advice before deciding, greens is at hand with help here too, thanks to the services of a professional, in-store sommelier who will be happy to assist all clients who would like tips and advice as regards to which wines would work best for their requirements, depending on tastes, food pairing requirements, occasion and budget. On to the harder stuff to keep the party going. the range of spirits include the most popular labels on vodka, whiskies, liqueurs, gins and the like. as for beer lovers, well one can even get a crate of beer for as little as €9.95. how’s that for competitive prices? the wine cellar includes a large range of cigars available in the high-end section: the sommelier will also be happy to help here, pairing wines with cigars. and, of course, there are also some fine cold cuts, cheeses and gourmet food also available in this section. Christmas is truly complete! and it’s not just the customers that are impressed with greens’ wine cellar! the supermarket was recently given a prestigious platinum distinction award by delicata wines; 108 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

CIRCLE PROMOTION

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exquisite mix which is a feast for the palate. And finally, don’t forget that when we say hassle-free shopping, we mean it. At Greens Supermarket you will find three levels of free parking, so that you can literally get there, drop off your car in the car park and shop at leisure. Should you feel peckish, why not stop at the bistro for a quick bite? Or even a relaxed, home-cooked lunch or supper, if you prefer. And don’t forget to register for the Greens Supermarket loyalty card to benefit from exclusive offers and discounts!

Greens Supermarket, Triq Il-Uqija, Swieqi, SWQ2333 TEL: +356 21377247 / +356 21383856 EMAIL: info@greens.com.mt

DECEMBER 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle 109

MODERN HEROES

Inspiring a world of change FROM HELPING CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY LEARN LIFE SKILLS TO CO-ORDINATING HEALTH, EDUCATION AND DISABILITY PROGRAMMES FOR A VARIETY OF PEOPLE, LOUISA ATTARD’S NEW LIFE IN BALI IS UNDOUBTEDLY RICH IN FULFILLMENT. SHE TELLS IGGY FENECH ABOUT HER PHILANTHROPIC PURSUITS… AS WELL AS LIFE AMONG THE RICE FIELDS. It’s amazing how some things turn out. For

launching a number of organisations in

humanitarian Louisa Attard things have

Malta in recent years. “I knew Mark was

turned out very interestingly indeed – with

supporting some charitable activities in

her living her life between Bali, in Indonesia,

Indonesia and hoped I could work with

and Malta, while working on projects that

them,” Louisa says.

truly are making a diﬀerence to the world. Louisa has always been interested in

“Mark actually happened to be in Bali when I was, and we found we were very

the development and humanitarian sector

much on the same wavelength when it

and, over the years, found herself getting

came to work. He decided to employ me

more and more immersed into the ﬁeld.

and, when back in Malta, I helped him

From working with the Jesuit Refugee

organise a Philanthropy Forum that

Service in Malta and doing an internship on

eventually led into a job with his

fairtrade in South Africa, to volunteering on

foundation, Inspirasia Foundation. I guess

the humanitarian response in Philippines

some things have their own way of creating

after the Typhoon Yolanda and doing her

a path – they just fell into place!”

masters in Humanitarian Assistance, it has

Now, Louisa has been working with

always been the direction and journey she

the Inspirasia Foundation for just over two

wanted to take.

years, and her role involves a number of

Then, towards the end of her masters,

interesting aspects. She gets to work

she decided to go travelling for a while –

closely with the organisations the

and found herself in Bali. There, Louisa

Foundation supports, sees where the

decided to contact social entrepreneur

money is being spent, creates strong

Mark Weingard, who is well known for

working relationships, and understands

110 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

MODERN HEROES

Louisa Attard

The Annika Linden Centre.

DECEMBER 2017 â&#x2C6;« Sunday Circle 111

MODERN HEROES

the amazing work that is being done – as well as the challenges that it faces. Beyond that, she is also involved in the Social Impact Awards here in Malta, which is designed to support initiatives that give back to the Maltese community. “The Inspirasia Foundation has actually been in operation for 15 years,” continues Louisa. “It came about after a tragedy in 2002, in which Mark’s life significantly changed when his finance, Annika Linden, died in the Bali Bombings.” While it would have been easy for Mark to turn around and hate the people behind the attack and keep the tragedy bottled up inside he, instead, chose to give back to help the children orphaned or affected by the attack. “It was the day after the attacks that

An amputee tests a new leg at the centre.

he decided to take the darkness and transform it into a positive bright light bringing good to a negative situation,” Louisa says. “Now, the Inspirasia Foundation supports exceptional projects in health, education and disability for marginalised communities in Indonesia,

I remember landing in Bali and having no idea where I was living. I picked up a car at the airport and just drove off

India, Thailand, and spearheads the SIAs in Malta.” For Louisa, life has certainly changed

just over 60 children with cerebral palsy

housebound with very few prospects for

since she made the move to Bali – although

that come to the centre to be educated

the future.”

she quips that she went ‘from one island to

and given life skills. “They are always

another!’

smiling and happy to be going into their

the people she’s met through the centre.

classroom. It’s poignant to think that,

“One particular woman has really changed

before starting here, they would have been

the way I look at life,” Louisa says, referring

She lives in Umalas – a location close to everything but still beautifully located

She has also been very inspired by

among the rice ﬁelds, and she has

to a lady called Sri Lestari. “Sri was

developed a good community of friends. “I

paralysed from the waist down at the age

guess I just threw myself into life in Bali,”

of 23 after a motorbike accident and

Louisa smiles, looking back on how she

conﬁned to a life indoors. But, thanks to the

settled into her new routine. “I remember

help of a local charity UCP RUK, she

landing in Bali and having no idea where I

received a wheelchair and a modiﬁed bike,

was living. I picked up a car at the airport

which have given her independence back.

and just drove oﬀ. Quickly I found myself

“But her story doesn’t end there.

meeting lots of interesting people and I

Since realising her capabilities, Sri has

soon felt I belonged. It’s always interesting

travelled on three amazing bike rides that

working and living in diﬀerent cultures; it

were funded by the Foundation – from

opens your mind and heart, and gives you

Java to Bali, around Sumatra, and another

so much depth into life and people.”

around Sulawesi – raising awareness about

When it comes to her workday,

what it’s like to live with a disability and

Louisa’s spends most of her time meeting

inspiring everyone she meets. I, too, have

the organisations supported by Inspirasia. “I

been so inspired by her determination.”

love getting to the centre and seeing the children,” she says, explaining that there are 112 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

Similarly, there’s the story of Nengah, an early polio victim, who was ﬁrst ‘found’

MODERN HEROES

Paralympics in rio de Janeiro for the women’s 41kg powerlifting. I ﬁnd her story absolutely incredible,” Louisa adds. now, Louisa hopes to keep inspiring this kind of progress in all kinds of other projects – whether in Bali, Malta or other parts of the world. “I hope to continue to learn and grow in this role, understanding the sector more and how more could be done to change lives.” and, speaking on behalf of the Foundation, Louisa says the team hopes to keep inspiring other people to also do something to give back, no matter how small. “I am thus very excited about new developments within the Foundation that we hope will be able to lead to further A happy client. Photo: Kara Burns

positive impact on the organisations we work with,” she says. “then, ﬁnally, though the sIas, we

by a local organisation when she was 12. “at

proved a bright student and began to

hope to get more businesses and

the time, nengah was unable to stand and

come top of her class.

philanthropists on board to create a

her only method of ‘walking’ was on all

“she also became a serious athlete

platform and opportunities for social

fours,” Louisa explains, adding that the

and has developed great upper body

projects to get noticed, supported and

girl’s family couldn’t aﬀord treatment or to

strength in training, thanks to the support

implemented to create positive change in

send her to school because of her disability.

of the Bali sports Foundation. so far,

Malta.

“so, through the Puspadi Bali organisation,

nengah won multiple gold medals in China,

“I have certainly been given the

Inspirasia has funded nengah and other

thailand and Malaysia at the 2011 and 2014

chance of a very exciting – and somewhat

people with disabilities by providing braces,

asEan ParaGames and she is currently

diﬀerent! – life between Bali and Malta, and

wheelchairs and prosthetics over the years

ﬁfth in the world in the women’s

I intend to make it mean something.”

– and she has absolutely thrived! Despite

ParaGames wheelchair powerlifting. she

never having been to school, nengah

has even won a bronze medal at the

114 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

www.siamalta.org

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VINTAGE WINNERS

TOUCH OF CLASS The Bata Fall/Winter 2017 collection brings to its patrons the perfect blend of class, elegance and trend, infused with various styles with a focus given to materials, colours, detailing and embellishments. Powered with the latest technologies, the line encompasses an eclectic mix of ﬂats, heels, brogues, boots and accessories for men, women, and kids. This season’s collection promises to oﬀer great value with style for every member of the family.

THE BAY STREET REAL ICE RINK Malta’s only Real Ice Rink is back again at Bay Street for a limited time only. Each session lasts 20 minutes and costs €5. Double your session on the ice for an additional €2. You also get one hour free parking in indoor or outdoor carparks from November 26, subject to availability. For more information and bookings of 10 people or more please contact us on Facebook or by email on events@baystreet.com.mt. www.baystreet.com.mt

116 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

The 2016 Gran Cavalier Merlot, D.O.K. Malta, Superior, has won a Gold medal and the Premio Della Stampa at the 2017 Emozioni dal Mondo Merlot e Cabernet Insieme, held in Bergamo, Italy. Skilfully crafted by Delicata, its delicate taste is reminiscent of French style that made Bordeaux claret popular, with an added pleasurable dusty and faintly savoury Maltese hallmark to it. For trade enquiries send an e-mail to sales@delicata.com. www.delicata.com

PERFECT COFFEE Delonghi Dinamica is a Super Fully Automatic Bean to Cup Coﬀee machine with a sleek design and an intuitive interface. It is simple to use, with easy touch technology and LCD display, and oﬀers personalisation and versatility with a wide selection of beverages available from the direct recipes and menu recipes. Available from Ultimate San Gwann or online from www.ultimate.com.mt

CIRCLE PROMOTION

The family spirit The Glenfarclas Distillery was established in 1836,

ingredients, combined with the unique size and

on the Recherlich Farm at Ballindalloch, in the heart

shape of the copper pot stills, traditional distillation

of Speyside.

methods, the specially selected oak casks, and the

After many years of hard work the family’s

style and location of the warehouses, are all

reputation was firmly established, and a rival

important factors determining the final unique

distiller wrote to the Grant family in May, 1912: “of all

character of Glenfarclas.

the whiskies, malt is king, of all the kings, Glenfarclas reigns supreme”. Today, the distillery’s reputation is respected

The Glenfarclas range consists of the 10 Years Old, 12 Years Old, 15 Years Old, 17 Years Old, 21 Years Old, 25 Years Old, 30

around the world. In March 2006, Glenfarclas was

Years Old, 40 Years Old and ‘105’ cask

named Distiller of the Year by Whisky Magazine “for

strength. The most recent selection, The

being consistently good and staying true to its core

Family Casks (launched in 2007) is a

values”. In 2011 the Distillery celebrated 175 years of

unique collection of single cask, cask

licensed distilling, with a ceilidh in Warehouse 14, a

strength whiskies. The current range

Royal visit, and the publication of ‘Glenfarclas – An

comprises one cask from every year from

Independent Distillery’ by Ian Buxton.

1954 to 2001.

Glenfarclas is renowned for its traditional, full-

Glenfarclas Single Highland Malt

bodied and well-sherried style, and is only ever

Scotch Whisky continues to impress the

released at natural colour. To produce Glenfarclas

tasting panels at both national and

Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky, these three

international competitions.

essential ingredients are required: pure spring water, malted barley, and yeast. Only the finest

Glenfarclas is imported and distributed by Red October.

CIRCLE PROMOTION

THE RIGHT BALANCE FOR YOUR SMALL BREED Small breeds are some of the most

better transit and stool quality, and

recognisable in the world! The right diet

probiotics for balanced intestinal ﬂora.

for a small breed dog needs to cater for speciﬁc size-related needs. High levels of energy are

Oral health can also be supported with diet, by feeding kibble which has a ‘brushing’ eﬀect on the teeth. Dental

important, especially when you consider

problems can be an issue for small breed

that for every step you take your small

dogs, as over-crowded teeth in a

breed dog takes eight! This has to be

miniature jaw can present a unique

balanced though, because many small

challenge.

breed dogs live a sedentary lifestyle, and

Finally, many small breed dogs can

this, combined with some owners’

be fussy about their food, and

tendency to spoil them with treats, can

sometimes owners can encourage this.

easily lead to weight gain.

Choosing a really palatable diet and

The sedentary lifestyle also aﬀects

avoiding treats and titbits is a way of

your dog’s digestive and urinary health,

making sure your small breed dog gets

so ROYAL CANIN® small breed foods use

the right nutritional balance for a long

ultra-digestible proteins and psyllium for

and healthy life.

WHAT MAKES YOUR BREED

MAGNIFICENT

MAKES THEM UNIQUE

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

HEALTH

COMFORT FIRST! Many patients toy with the idea of

however, is something that only

having their teeth fixed. Some go

patients can supply dentists with.

ahead with it, and others don’t. The main reasons why patients choose

EXPENSE

not to undergo the treatment are

Dentistry can be an expensive

the following.

affair. Fillings and cleaning will surely not break the bank but when

DENTAL PHOBIA

it comes to tooth replacement or

This is the most common reason

alignment with braces, the

for not visiting the dentist. A

expenses can reach four or five

history of a childhood, or even

figures. Luckily some dentists offer

adulthood, experience with a

payment plans and leeway for

dentist that didn’t go too well may

payments. Lengthy treatment plans

put someone off from seeking

spanning six to nine months allow

dental help for life. Tooth

patients to feel more comfortable

deterioration proceeds and things

knowing the payment is not done

get worse. Years go by and one

all at once.

Extra-oral before treatment

day the situation gets too dire and the visit is a must. The phobia can

LACK OF EDUCATION

only be overcome with a dentist

If it ain’t broken don’t fix it. Right?

that understands your fear and one

Wrong! Nowadays with so much

that gives you the necessary time

awareness we know better. We

and effort to help you overcome

must start by taking our children to

your fear. For those that need

the dentist from a young age and

some additional help, sedation

get them into the habit of taking

works wonders!

care of their teeth. Don’t allow the

Extra-oral after treatment

first appointment of your child to TIME

be one when he or she is in pain.

Just like with other body parts, our

This makes the whole experience a

mouth requires maintenance and at

much more enduring one.

times treatment. Lack of

The above reasons may lead

maintenance may lead to

patients to have a very

breakdown, in this case dental

uncomfortable dentition. Lack of

caries, gum disease or worse. A bi-

comfort on eating and drinking

annual visit involving a check-up

may lead to a lower quality of life.

and scaling may help reduce dental

With patient willingness and

treatment. Nowadays, clinics send

dedication on both sides of the

out reminders and even call you to

dentist-patient relationship this

make appointments. Online

scenario can be managed very well.

booking makes it even easier. Time,

Ask your dentist!

Intra-oral before treatment

Intra-oral after treatment

A CASE SCENARIO A middle-aged lady seeks to improve her dentition and overall smile. She wishes to replace a few missing teeth and also have her remaining teeth look better. Redoing her old crowns and bridges as well as replacing her missing teeth made her feel more comfortable, both smiling and eating.

Dr Jean Paul Demajo, Dental and Implant Surgeon.

DECEMBER 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle 119

PA P APA AP PA RAZZII

• 1 October marked the launch of the new Veneta Cucine showroom, at the Fino building in Mriehel. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, distinguished guests and members of the press were present for the inauguration. • 2-6 Presentation of the Johnnie Walker Horse Race Cup at the Malta Racecourse, organized by M. Demajo (Wines & Spirits) Ltd. • 7-9 Chemimart recently organised a seminar for Lancome, Yves Saint Laurent and Armani products inviting clients and guests to Intercontinental hotel to introduce the novelties of the brands for the third semester. • 10-12 Participants who donated their hair for the Bupa Breast Cancer Project were recently invited to an awards ceremony, held under the auspices of Acting President Dolores Cristina, at the Palace, Valletta. • 13-16 Farsons Beverage Imports Company (FBIC) Limited teamed up with Alliance Française de Malte to celebrate the world-famous day Beaujolais Nouveau Day at Farsonsdirect’s Wine Shop.

Dionisio Archiutti, Wallace Fino, Sen. Carlo Archiutti, Federica Modena, Mario Sammartino, Jean Carlo Fino and Mauro Simioni

Jeremy Camilleri and Matthea Mercieca

Lucienne Spiteri, Sera Camilleri, Dalia Geretly, Takis Chronopoulos, Graziella Fava and Sarah Pace

Esther Sant, Adriana Zarb Adami, Dolores Cristina, Bernice Micallef and Charles Zarb

Christiane Galea and Pierre Stafrace

120 Sunday Circle ∫ DECEMBER 2017

Annie Dimech, Charles Dimech and Saviour Borg

Neil Farrugia, Marlis Farrugia, Louise Abela and Etienne Abela

Amanda Cordinaire, Diane Galea, Dalia Gerelty, Takis Chronopoulos, Graziella Fava and Mariella Cauchi

Bupa Branch Manager Charles Zarb with donors

Mariella Scicluna Apap and Eve Cali

David Bonello, Lawrence Attard, Matthea Mercieca, Nadia Attard, Ivan Fenech and Mariella Lucia

Owen Bonello, Alfred Braddick, Alessandro Morreale and Roman Dropsy

Josef Calleja, Graziella Fava, Dalia Geretly, Takis Chronopoulos, Debbie Busuttil, Martha Fenech and Charlene Caruana

Dolores Cristina, Charles Zarb and Reuben Zammit

Karen Camilleri and Charles Grixti

Charles Grixti and Paul Ciantar