June 2018 by Vida Magazine

June 2018 | Issue 102

www.vida.com.mt

WOMEN ON BOARD

RISING STAR POWERBOAT ROYALTY AARON CIANTAR REVEALS ALL

AN INTERVIEW WITH LUKE CASSAR

Editorial

vida.com.mt Issue 102 - June 2018 VIDA Magazine is a monthly lifestyle magazine distributed with MaltaToday on the first Sunday of the month. It aims to empower people to lead a better, healthier, and happier life. Publisher

EDITORIAL Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s June! That means summer, holidays, drinks, warm evenings, sun, a tan, the sea, and an all-together different energy. Life is in full swing!

FKL OneOneO Pitkali Road, Attard ATD 2214 Malta, Europe Tel: (+356) 2339 2339 info@fkl.mt

The sun is shining... it can do a lot of good, but there is also a downside. In this edition, Rachel gives us some skin care tips to be able to enjoy the sunshine safely.

Editors

We speak to Aaron Ciantar, five- time power boat world champion who is redefining the industry, as he is in the process of organising his own V2 powerboat championship, bringing some of the best international teams to malta.

Layout, design & illustration

We also catch up with Luke Cassar, a London-based Maltese actor whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recently landed a leading role in an international Mamma Mia production with the Royal Carribean. What can we say... local talent making Malta proud. Well, this edition is a vast one; covering topics from fashion and food to entertainment and the importance of women in the boardroom. Every summer has a story, so make yours a good one.

Philippa and Claire

Philippa Zammit Claire Ciantar editor@vida.mt

Claire Ciantar Advertising Tel: (+356) 2339 2407/8 sales@vida.mt

It is understood that all material supplied by agents (printed or otherwise) to promote their products is supplied with all necessary permissions for reproduction. Whilst great care and attention has been taken by the editorial team to ensure accuracy of text, advertising and other published matter, we disclaim all responsibility for any omissions and errors. The editor and publisher do not necessarily agree with views expressed in articles, adverts, letters, or other content appearing in this publication.

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December 2017 Issue 96 vida.com.mt

CONTENTS She was really into me!

Our Duo: Malcolm and Gary A Hairy Situation

4 6

Checkered Love – End of Winter ’18 Favourites

Your Guide to In-Flight Skincare

Women On Board

STOP YO-YO : Weight loss tips

Rising Star Interview with Luke Cassar How the Other Half Live - An Afternoon Aboard a Luxury Yacht

A Few Minutes with Mikaela

Something Light and Bright

Fashion Spread: Second Skin

Food Trends 2018: What Will Be on Your Table?

Qawra's Luzzu Restaurant Revamped

Nuttin' But Nuts

A Mystical Summer Across the Atlantic

46 50

Real Life Supermen

A Weekend of Mixed Emotions

Powerboat Royalty

Humour

Humour STEVE HILI You may have seen him on stage, heard him on the radio, or laughed at his lack of colourcoordination (he’s the one walking down the street with the orange shorts and pink shirt). He is loud, hairy, controversial and… well… different!

SHE WAS REALLY INTO ME! A couple of weeks ago, I was in a pub with Kat, having a beer when out of the corner of my eye I saw a familiar face. A beautiful blonde woman, who years earlier I had dated for a couple of weeks (and who had been really into me), had wandered in. Of course, this meant that I was instantly faced with a dilemma. Should I tell my wife that this supermodel-type who had just sauntered in (probably straight off a catwalk) used to be my girlfriend? I mean I don’t keep secrets from Kat, so maybe I should tell her. But on the other hand, what would she make of the fact that me and this stunner, (who, just a reminder, used to be really into me) were once an item.

Would she be jealous?

(or two, whatever) of showering - is actually quite desirable to models (or at least back in the early 2000s was desirable to a girl who looks like she is a model). But maybe telling her that would just be petty.

And then she laughed again. “No.” So I downed my pint, and had a little think.

I decided to take the high ground. I decided not to tell her. I made the decision. And I kept it. For almost five whole seconds. Then without being able to control myself I blurted out, "I used to go out with her".

What would be the best way to approach someone like that? I mean I could just wander over but that would be ridiculous, right?

“Who?” said Kat, obviously trying to play it cool.

“It would be normal” Kat piped up, reading my thoughts.

"That girl who has just walked in. Her name is Emily."

What does she know, huh?

I decided not to tell her that Emily had really been into me.

I settled on doing a little wave whilst shouting "Coooeeee" at the top of my voice.

"She was really into me." I said, instantly. Emily turned her head and saw me waving at her. Kat looked up from her beer. “Can’t see her.” "Over there. We only went out for a couple of weeks, but, you know, she was really into me."

She looked confused for a second and then decided to approach me, slowly. "Hi Emily' I said. “Erm…hi?” she answered. “Do I know you?”

“Go say hello to her then. If she was that into you, she will be chuffed.” "And you aren’t in the least bit worried that she is going to start flirting with me? I mean just look at her. She was really into me." Kat looked at her. And then she looked at me.

"I’m…we went out for a bit. In the early noughties." “Oh, yeah. Chris, right? how are you?’ Kat giggled. And carried on with her beer.

Maybe I shouldn’t tell her. Yes, of course it would have been interesting for her to know that her husband – the same one she sometimes has a go at because he has skipped a day

I WAS INSTANTLY FACED WITH A DILEMMA

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photography

OUR DUO

MALCOLM & GARY We catch up with our duo Malcolm (stylist) & Gary (photographer). These two need no introduction. Most of us are well aware of what they are capable of. They create breathtaking photos for VIDA evey month, but we wanted to find out more.

Malcolm Photography: Marija Grech

1. WHEN DID YOU REALISE THAT YOU WANTED TO BE A PROFESSIONAL STYLIST/PHOTOGRAPHER? M: I’ve always been a fashion enthusiast from a very young age. I grew up watching my mum and sister following Italian fashion’s glory, while eagerly waiting for the weekly Top of the Pops episode to gather around and have a fashion police discussion. Since then,

vida.com.mt Issue 102 May 2018

Gary Photography: Marija Grech

I’ve been scouring through pages of major fashion magazines to familiarise myself with the ever-evolving industry. In 2012, I’ve had the opportunity to feature in a number of local editorials as a model and this gave me the chance to acquaint myself with styling. Through such work, I got to know Gary Bugeja, who immediately noticed that my love for fashion was beyond modelling and encouraged me to take my career in fashion a step forward.

Photography: Gary Bugeja Styling: Malcolm Gauci Model: Julia S at Models M Make up: Jennifer Dimech

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photography

Photography: Gary Bugeja Styling: Malcolm Gauci Models: Claire, Alexia & Amy at Supernova Model Designer: Nathan Micallef Make up : Sandy De Gaetano

Hair: Dominic Bartolo Jr

G: Ever since I was a kid I loved telling stories. I used to write short novels and scripts that I would later produce as short films for my own personal portfolio. As I grew older, I wanted to start telling stories through photography so I studied at the Institute of Creative Arts in Malta and I became one of the very first few people to have locally graduated in photography. 2. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION PEOPLE NOT WORKING IN YOUR FIELD HAVE ABOUT YOUR JOB? M: So you’re a designer right? Uhm, no? Surprisingly, I get this misconception all the time. Although I do some fashion design which is usually done for specific conceptual shoots, a fashion stylist is not a fashion designer. A designer is responsible for creating the actual garment while a stylist will select and combine different garments to create a look, an image or to evoke emotions or feelings. By the way, I’m not a hair stylist neither. G: Most people assume that owning a camera automatically makes you a photographer. In my opinion it should be solely about expressing yourself through that medium and not just snapping photos. 3. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER, SO FAR? M: Winning Fashion Stylist of the year at the Malta Fashion Awards and working for Tommy Hilfiger headquarters in Amsterdam. Photography: Gary Bugeja Models: Victoria Rotchenkova, Malcolm Gauci, Stella Cini Wearing Tommy Jeans

Valletta

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G: Being chosen by Tommy Hilfiger Headquarters to shoot the digital International campaign for Tommy Jeans was by far one of

TMIEM

the best highlights of my career so far. The creative directors of Tommy Hilfiger flew to Malta to direct the shoot and it was such an amazing experience to have worked alongside them. The final photos were posted on Tommy Hilfiger’s official social media accounts. Another memorable moment was debuting my photography exhibition, ‘TMIEM’ in collaboration with the Malta Art Council. With this collection I tapped into social issues that aren’t usually addressed in hopes of raising awareness.

around the world and get the chance to work with other creative people.

4. WHAT GOALS DO YOU WISH TO ACHIEVE IN THE FUTURE?

G: Communication is everything. It’s important to build chemistry with the model and give constant direction as it will make a huge impact in the final product.

M: I am really glad for what I have managed to achieve so far, however, one of my biggest dreams would definitely be working for Gucci and having my own international fashion magazine or a modelling agency. G: I would like my work to become a way for me to travel

5. WHEN YOU’RE WORKING WITH A MODEL, HOW IMPORTANT IS COMMUNICATION DURING A SHOOT? M: The model has to understand what the shoot is about and what the photographer wants to capture, so communication is crucial both prior and also during the shoot.

6. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE AN UP AND COMING FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER? G: I would tell them not to stress too much about knowing

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photography

photography your camera inside out. Technicality is important but so is being creative. Don’t be afraid to take risks and express your voice through your work, people will respect you for being true to yourself.

them wonder about the story behind it. I want people to be intrigued and urge them to use their imagination. I put my own spin on things and just like any other creative, I only hope that my timbre is visible.

7. WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU HAVE AS A PHOTOGRAPHER?

10. IF YOU COULD CHOOSE A CELEBRITY CLOSET TO SHOP IN, WHO’S WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

G: Malta being a small island can be very limiting when it comes to location scouting - that is alway the hugest headache before every editorial. 8. WHERE DO YOU PREFER TO SHOOT – IN A STUDIO, OR ON LOCATION, AND WHY? G: I personally prefer natural lighting and the mood that it creates. However I still like shooting in a studio and sometimes having control over light is more practical. In the end it all boils down to the narrative that I’m creating and what it requires to be well depicted. 9. WHEN SOMEONE LOOKS AT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY, WHAT DO YOU WANT THEM TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? G: Whenever people look at my work, I always hope to make

M: I would dive in Alessandro Michele’s closet and stay there for the rest of my life. He’s the greatest Sagittarius ever born and his artistry is something I truly appreciate. Every piece he creates tells a story and his fashion is a universal language. I’ve always dreamt of having a ring specifically designed for me like the pendent he did for his boyfriend using a piece of his own hair, plaited and finished off with a bunch of pearls… but I should just keep on dreaming. 11. WHAT ITEMS DO YOU FEEL ARE WORTH SPLURGING ON? M: Goodies with a big price tag that are regarded as timeless must-haves are definitely worth splurging on. It could be anything between a Burberry trench coat to a Gucci scarf, such pieces could be regarded as an investment and can pass down through generations.

12. WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU LOVING RIGHT NOW? M: I’m currently loving denim on denim, anything oversized and all types of bum bags. Double denim is effortless if done right, oversized clothing is great for hiding that extra pound of fat, whilst bum bags are lightweight and super stylish. Oh and irrespective of any seasonal trend, give me anything androgynous.

15. WHERE CAN WE FOLLOW YOU? M: If you want to get to know more about me or my work, head over to my Instagram account @malcolmgaucifashionstylist and Facebook Page @malcolmgauci. G: facebook.com/garybugeja & instagram.com/garybugeja

13. WHICH TRENDS TO YOU WANT TO SEE DISAPPEAR? M: I’m an animal lover so I’m against anything related to real fur. I do not care for how long you’ve been saving up to buy it, it’s a simple NO. I also strongly dislike any lace applique dresses that most Maltese ladies wear. No hard feelings girls. 14. LET’S SAY YOU COULD TRAVEL BACK IN TIME TO ONE FASHION ERA, WHERE WOULD YOU END UP? WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT THAT PERIOD? M: I would go back to the age of creativity, that is the 80s era. It was the decade that pushed all boundaries and where women gained power through their fashion. Layering, shoulder pads, chunky accessories and athleisurewear were amongst the most popular trends.

Jasmine official photoshoot for MESC'18 Photography: Gary Bugeja Styling: Malcolm Gauci Make up: Jennifer Dimech Hair: Gary Westacott

WIN

COMPETITION How are you enjoying the warmer weather?

€30 to sp end on photo pr inting material. Priz money m e ust be spend in one purchase .

We’re interested to see how you are enjoying the sunnier days. Show us how you are spending your free time. Send us your entries on snap@vida.com.mt. Photos can be taken with any camera, as long as they are at least 2 MP (approx. 1600 x 1200 pixels). There is no limit to the amount of photos you send in. However, make sure you do not attach more than two photos per email.

Photography: Gary Bugeja Styling: Malcolm Gauci Model: Blanka at Models M Hair: Neville Roman Zammit at NVAD Make up: Gabrielle Zammit Grungo

vida.com.mt Issue 102 June 2018

Palmyra Building, Naxxar Road, Birkirkara, BKR 9046 T: 2149 7335 T: 2148 2734

Last month's winner was Daniel Tanti who showed us how he treated his wife on Mother’s Day.

vida.com.mt Issue 102 June 2018

hair

hair •

ALEX LAPIRA An award winning hair stylist whose career in the hairdressing industry spans over 19 years. With a Masters in cuts and also in colouring, his knowledge of hair and scalp is unparalleled. He teaches levels 1, 2 and 3 in Habia. Nowadays, Alex owns his own salon in Paceville where he practices hairdressing.

A HAIRY SITUATION

Alex Lapira helps us understand the signs and symptoms of hair loss and gives us all the necessary tips to treat it.

Hair grows everywhere on the human skin except on the palms of our hands and the soles of our feet, but many hairs are so fine they're virtually invisible. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin that is produced in hair follicles in the outer layer of skin. As follicles produce new hair cells, old cells are being pushed out through the surface of the skin at the rate of about six inches a year. The hair you can see is actually a string of dead keratin cells. The average adult head has about 100,000 to 150,000 hairs and loses up to 100 of them a day; finding a few stray hairs on your hairbrush is not necessarily cause for alarm.

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At any one time, about 90% of the hair on a person's scalp is growing. Each follicle has its own life cycle that can be influenced by age, disease, and a wide variety of other factors. As people age, their rate of hair growth slows. There are many types of hair loss, also called alopecia. Some of which are: • Involutional alopecia: a natural condition in which the hair gradually thins with age. More hair follicles go into the resting phase, and the remaining hairs become shorter and fewer in number.

Androgenic alopecia: a genetic condition that can affect both men and women. Men with this condition (called male pattern baldness) can begin suffering hair loss as early as their teens or early 20s. It's characterised by a receding hairline and gradual disappearance of hair from the crown and frontal scalp. Women with this condition, don't experience noticeable thinning until their 40s or later.

•

Alopecia areata: often starts suddenly and causes patchy hair loss in children and young adults. This condition may result in complete baldness. But in about 90% of people with the condition, the hair returns within a few years.

•

Alopecia universalis: causes all body hair to fall out, including the eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair.

•

Scarring alopecias: result in permanent loss of hair. Inflammatory skin conditions (cellulitis, folliculitis, acne), and other skin disorders (such as some forms of lupus and lichen planus) often result in scars that destroy the ability of the hair to regenerate.

WHAT CAUSES HAIR LOSS? Doctors don't know why certain hair follicles are programmed to have a shorter growth period than others. However, several factors may influence hair loss, such as: abnormal levels of hormones, genes, stress, illness, drugs, burns, injuries, X-rays, autoimmune diseases, cosmetic procedures, medical conditions like thyroid disease, lupus, diabetes, and iron deficiency, and a low protein diet. , WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF HAIR LOSS? The signs of hair loss and hair conditions in men may include: • Thinning hair on the scalp • A receding hairline

•

A horseshoe-shaped pattern that leaves the crown of the head exposed

Signs of hair loss and hair conditions in women may include: • General hair thinning, especially at the crown of the head Signs of hair loss and hair conditions in children and young adults may include: • Sudden loss of patches of hair • Complete loss of all hair on the body • Patches of broken hairs and incomplete hair loss on the scalp and/or eyebrows • Excessive shedding of hair, but not complete baldness, after various illnesses and drug treatments, rapid weight loss, anaemia, or stress HAIRLOSS REMEDIES • Hair loss vitamins such as Biotin, Niacin (Vitamin B3) and Vitamin C, and minerals for hair loss such as Zinc and Iron, provide essential hair nutrients to nourish healthy and longer hair •

Promote natural hair growth by eating a good hair loss diet. Five foods beneficial for hair growth, include nuts, oysters, sweet potatoes, eggs, and spinach.

•

Over-styling and using heat tools can damage hair and cause hair loss. Try to reduce the use of heat tools such as flat irons, blow-dryers and curling irons to every other day or less. Use hair extensions and tight hair braids infrequently because they can pull out hair in a condition called traction alopecia.

•

Make lifestyle changes to prevent hair loss such as reducing your stress, getting regular exercise, trying meditation, and engaging in deep breathing to stay calm and centred.

•

Make use of essential oils and other oils for stimulating hair growth. Rosemary is one of the top essential oils when it comes to enhancing hair thickness and growth. It is believed to increase cellular metabolism that stimulate hair growth. Spikenard oil is known for promoting the growth of hair and slowing down the process of graying. Lavender, thyme, cedarwood, sage and peppermint are other great options that may help increase scalp circulation. One recommendation to stimulate new hair growth is to combine three to four drops each of peppermint, rosemary and sage in one tablespoon of olive oil (I also recommend coconut oil or jojoba oil). Then, you simply massage the mixture gently into the area(s) of concern one to two times each day.

vida.com.mt Issue 102 June 2018

€499,000

€277,000

€360,000

€320,000

Swieqi

BIRKIRKARA

Għargħur

MOSTA

A 4 bedroom, duplex penthouse including 3 bathrooms, 10 photovoltaic panels, and 6 air-conditioning units. Optional street level garage available.

Penthouse with large front terrace and 2 bedrooms (main with en-suite and opening on back terrace). Airspace is included in the price.

Stylish, 3 bedroom apartment with large open plan, top-of-the-range kitchen including island and appliances, and 2 bathrooms. To be sold partly furnished. Optional garage available.

A 3 bedroom maisonette in a quiet area on a private street, including 2 bedrooms with en-suite, and another one overlooking the backyard. Optional garage is available.

Duplex Penthouse

Ref: 118AT12567

Penthouse

Kristina Spiteri (+356) 7974 7727 / 2339 2459 kspiteri@cb.com.mt

€950,000

Ref: 120AT12628

Apartment

Keith Pace Asciak (+356) 7974 7720 / 2339 2456 kpa@cb.com.mt

€399,000

Ref: 118AT12493

Maisonette

Kristina Spiteri (+356) 7974 7727 / 2339 2459 kspiteri@cb.com.mt

€478,000

Ref: 120AT12635

Keith Pace Asciak (+356) 7974 7720 / 2339 2456 kpa@cb.com.mt

€640,000

Żebbuġ

ST JULIAN’S

Siġġiewi

GĦAXAQ

A 3 bedroom house of character, covering an internal area of approx. 470sqm. Terraces are found all around the property and there is the possibility of an interconnecting room being converted into a garage.

A 3 bedroom apartment with 2 bathrooms, air-conditioning, and internal yard measuring around 106sqm. Part ownership of roof is included, which makes it ideal for BBQs and entertaining.

A 300 year old house of character in very good structural condition. Including 4 bedrooms, large back garden, and having potential to have a 2 car garage. Property covers a total area of 420sqm.

A 690sqm unconverted palazzo including original features such as high ceilings, arches, and a traditional stone staircase. A large garden covers an area of approx. 330sqm. Excellent opportunity to be converted into a boutique hotel.

House of Character

Ref: 118AT12598

Apartment

Kristina Spiteri (+356) 7974 7727 / 2339 2459 kspiteri@cb.com.mt

Ref: 111AT10667

House of Character

Joseph Salerno (+356) 7974 7724 / 2339 2461 jsalerno@cb.com.mt

Ref: 111AT11966

Unconverted Palazzo

Joseph Salerno (+356) 7974 7724 / 2339 2461 jsalerno@cb.com.mt

Ref: 108AT10867

Bernard Maniscalco (+356) 7974 7723 / 2339 2452 bmaniscalco@cb.com.mt

Contact Information

vida.com.mt Issue 102 June 2018

Tel: (+356) 2339 2299 E-Mail: info@cb.com.mt Address: Pitkali Road, Attard, ATD 2214, Malta, EU

www.Century21.com.mt

vida.com.mt Issue 102 June 2018

fashion

fashion STEPHANIE XERRI AGIUS Stephanie started blogging in 2013 and since then, she has also travelled extensively to all continents bar South America and Antarctica. By exploring a variety of territories and lands, she has discovered her love for trekking, adventure sports, and physical training. When she is not en route to someplace exotic, Stephanie is passionate about fashion, channelling it through writing, content creation on her blog styleintransit.com, and social media.

CHECKERED LOVE – END OF WINTER ’18 FAVOURITES

The pull between classics and seasonals – it is what can make or break a wardrobe collection. It is rather difficult to resist trending pieces because, try as you might, you are bombarded with images and marketing that are both designed in such a way to make you cave in. This leads to the perennial question: will it still be in season next year, or will it date so much that what was once considered covetable becomes only fit for the backend of your wardrobe? A possible answer to that question is to buck the trend without compromising on style and timelessness. For example, choosing those trend pieces that can last more than a season, or five. Additionally, look

OUTFIT 2 – A COLOURED TRENCH IS THE PERFECT OVERCOAT TO CHECKED PANTS It is very easy to fall into boring routines, and so it is with getting dressed. As the oftclichéd saying goes, however, life is too short to wear boring clothes. We go through enough problems in real life, so why bring in more complications to your closet too? Start off the day fresh and vibrant with a red trench jacket (which I have had for a long time, way before trench coats became fashionable) paired with checked pants. Finish off with the top hat for this season, the sailor boy cap. Match the shoes to the trench and so once again, wearing red has never been easier.

for pieces that fit well, can be easily styled, and above all, can blend in with pieces you already own. Rather than going for statement pieces, balance these out with more adaptable elements, such as colours and prints. For the following outfit ideas, which mark the end of a fabulous fashion season that was Autumn/Winter 201718, I have zoomed in on one particular print: checks. The latter have been all over the place, almost to saturation, but when this type of print is done differently, then it proves its versatility, so you do not risk a stalemate or, in this case, checkmate!

OUTFIT 1 – PINAFORE DRESS WITH RED UNDERTONES

OUTFIT 3 – A DRESS FOR ALL SEASONS: THE MODCON

Keeping it one-toned underneath enables the print and design of the dress to emerge strongly. The pinafore does have a bit of a uniform feel to it, so one could take off the office edge it might have by adding a lively pop of colour. Red ankle boots increase the seamlessness in the outfit, whilst throwing on a beaded hair band brings a touch of sparkle.

An ode to the 1960s, in part, a nostalgia for the 1980s: spot the pieces that hark back to both eras respectively. The dress is in Modcon style (which stands for modern convenience and was typical of the 60s), but it is not that visibly dated thanks to the more contemporary cut and buttoning on the collar. The 80s style is brought back very slightly by means of the beaded scrunchy and bauble velvety earrings, both of which come in a plush midnight blue (tip: if going down memory lane style-wise is too much or you do not fancy taking on the 80s, you can channel it through accessories).

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fashion

health

OUTFIT 4 – THE ULTIMATE CHECKED COAT THAT CAN checked print game can blend in easily and match any style of clothing. What I liked about this outfit when I chose the BE MATCHED WITH (ALMOST) EVERYTHING pieces to style together is the way the red (again!) in the coat seems to bleed into the red of the hoodie. The rest is From blazers to jackets, from dresses to pants, it can be keeping it clean and simple via light-washed denim and admitted by now that the checked print is very flexible white trainers. This is what I would call your ‘get ready in and versatile. It does not hog the attention as statement pieces do, so it is not wonder that even a coat with a strong 2-minutes outfit’.

DR CHARMAINE GAUCI MD. MSc, PhD, FRSPH, FFPH

is the Superintendent of the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate. She is a senior lecturer at the University of Malta and is active in the field of public health. T: 23266000

STOP YO-YO: WEIGHT LOSS TIPS

THE PHOTO SHOOT The photo shoot took place in a very apt setting which chimed perfectly with the theme of the styled outfits. I met with, and was welcomed by, the very lovely and professional Julia (Grech) who ushered Marie Claire (Portelli; photographer) and

I to one of the amazing suites in the exclusive section of the InterContinental Hotel. Such suites also have a reception of their own as part of the new section of the hotel, which has been built recently.

FINAL NOTE Choosing checked prints is a matter of personal taste – you either like checked or you don't and a lot of that is true. However, there are a range of clothing pieces that can be transformed via this type of print. You can even wear it in accessories, such as shoes, bags, and earrings, if it proves too much to wear on a coat or pants. The only limitation is that you might have to keep the rest of the pieces more understated and basic so I would not recommend clashing too many prints together. Having

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said that, this enables you to make a statement by means of an eye-catching necklace, or an oversized pair of earrings. Overall, it has been reckoned that the checked print is here to stay for at least the next Autumnal season because it is not really a print which dates that easily; if anything, it can be freshened up. What I do know is that most of the outfit checked pieces have had quite a good run already (if you think of the pay-per-wear concept). The secret lies in how you style and wear them.

The problem of obesity across all ages is increasing, with 59.6% of Maltese adults being overweight or obese in accordance with self-reported data collated in 2014. An obese or overweight person has increased risk of developing various health problems, including cancer, diabetes and heart disease. The good news is that even a modest amount of weight loss can help to reduce the increased health risks. The best chance of losing weight and keeping the weight off, is to be committed to a change in lifestyle. This includes eating a healthy diet and doing regular physical activity. Weight balance sounds quite simple. Body weight depends on how much energy one takes in (the calories in food and drink) and how much energy the body uses up:

• If the number of calories that one eats equals the amount of energy that your body uses up, then the weight remains stable. • If one eats more calories than the body burns up, one puts on weight. The excess energy is converted into fat and stored in the body. • If one eats fewer calories than the body burns up, then one loses weight. Losing weight has a lot of benefits and there is evidence which shows that the quality of life is improved if one loses some weight. Many people feel better and have more energy. Some people notice an improvement in their self-esteem. However, there are also definite health benefits from losing some weight. For a person whose BMI is between 25 and 35, much of the health

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health

health physical activity targets are a good way to get into a habit. Try the following: • Park the car further from the shop and walk the rest of the way • Cycle to work • Get off the bus a stop early • Use the stairs instead of the lift or escalator • Take a walk on your lunch break • Arrange for your office to take part in a sponsored walk or run, this way you can support each other and work towards a goal • Download a set of exercises and stretches that you can do before/after work A healthy diet regime is balanced, sustainable and doesn’t cut out any major food groups. Little changes, like simple (and tasty!) food swaps, go a long way. • • •

• •

benefits come with losing the first 5-10% of the weight. Reduction of weight by 10% will reduce the risk of developing diseases related to obesity such as diabetes. In addition, health problems such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, osteoarthritis, or diabetes, are likely to improve. A 10% reduction in weight will also reduce the risk of premature death. This is mainly because you are less likely to die from heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or obesity-related cancers. For persons with BMI which is more than 35, they will need to lose between 15-20% of their original weight to have sustained improvements in these health problems and other health benefits.

learning good eating habits. There are no magic ways to lose weight. But there are top tips worth keeping in mind to lose weight sensibly and keep it off. Making even small changes can re-train your mind and body to behave in a different way when it comes to food and physical activity. Over time, these small changes will become habit and will help you to lose weight and keep it off.

Losing weight quickly, then regaining it, and repeating this process several times is referred to as yo-yo dieting. The yo-yo effect is dangerous for health and can be psychologically demoralising. Regained weight is increasingly difficult to lose, as the body remembers the effects of deprivation caused by the succession of diets during the years and stores more in reserve in preparation for future diets. This can lead to the progressive development of obesity.

Eating well and exercising regularly are the cornerstones of successful weight loss. You can also facilitate healthy and sustainable weight loss by: • Finding out whether you need to lose weight by checking your Body Mass Index (BMI) • Asking your doctor or health professional what a healthy weight is for you • Discussing what options are available to you to lose weight and keep it off • Developing a plan to lose weight with your doctor or health professional • Understanding that weight loss requires a longterm change in behaviour and lifestyle

Yo-yo dieting can also lead to a shortened life expectancy, a decrease of "good” cholesterol, and depressive disorders related to successive failures. This form of dieting prevents those who practice them from

Get active. Physical activity doesn’t necessarily mean hours of running on a treadmill or taking part in a marathon. Try to build up to about 30 minutes of physical activity, five times a week. Setting daily and weekly

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• • •

Replace fizzy drinks and fruit cordials with water Swap whole milk for semi-skimmed, or semiskimmed for skimmed Eat less lunch than usual. For example, make your own sandwich and limit the use of margarine or butter and full-fat mayonnaise (store-bought sandwiches often contain both) Stop taking sugar with tea and coffee Have smaller portions of the food you enjoy by using a smaller plate! Avoid having a second helping at dinner Cut out unhealthy treats – such as confectionery, sugary biscuits and crisps between meals Cut down on alcohol intake

It is not easy to stick with it but good motivation helps to adopt healthy lifestyle as the default lifestyle.

HOW MUCH DOES IT TAKE TO BURN ? Cycling vs alcohol • 15 minutes of cycling equals a 175ml glass of icy cold dry white wine (116 calories) • One ‘slimline’ gin and tonic (77 calories) equals 10 minutes of cycling Walking vs dairy • 26 minutes of walking uphill at three and a half miles per hour equals 45g of cheddar cheese (185 calories and 15.5g fat) • 34 minutes of walking in the park equals one chocolate mini roll (136 calories and 6.3g fat) • 1tsp of single cream (28 calories and 2.8g fat) equals a 7 minute walk Badminton vs bread • 15 minutes of badminton equals a single 5cm-wide slice of baguette (108 calories and 1g fat) Running vs biscuits • 4 minutes of running at a moderate pace of 10 minutes per mile equals one ginger biscuit (50 calories and 1.7g fat) Swimming vs a latte • 1 tall skinny latte (102 calories and 0.2g fat) equals 10 minutes of breaststroke Crisps vs aerobics • A 25g bag of baked crisps (97 calories and 2g of fat) equals 14 minutes of aerobics

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skincare

skincare RACHEL SPITERI With a passion for all things beauty, fashion and travel (and a soft spot for cute ginger cats), Rachel is a researcher and freelance content writer, who loves blogging, exploring new places, and trying out new baking recipes. Visit: beautyandthebird.com

YOUR GUIDE TO IN-FLIGHT SKINCARE

the risk of clogged pores from any dirt and excess oils, and keep a hydrating face mist handy to prevent your skin from getting dehydrated. You can also get face mists that contain essential oils that can help keep you calm whilst flying, or you can even make your own. Since flying can be extremely dehydrating on the skin, apply a rich moisturiser at the beginning of the flight. If you’re on a long haul flight, re-apply the moisturiser to your skin after a few hours to help combat any dryness. If your skin is not properly moisturised, it can become greasy as your skin tries to compensate for the dry cabin air surrounding it. Whilst taking care of the skin on your face is very important, it’s easy to forget about the other areas of your face and body. Skip the matte liquid lipstick, and instead apply a nourishing lip balm or lip tint to your lips throughout the flight. It’s also a good idea to carry a hand cream with you on-board your flight to moisturise your hands, as well as a hand sanitizer – especially if you will be applying any products to your face.

DRINK UP! Drink plenty of water before you take off, and keep a bottle of water with you whilst flying to keep your body – and therefore your skin – well hydrated throughout the flight. Skip the coffee and alcoholic beverages, which can cause dehydration, and opt for even more water or a herbal tea instead. Nervous flyer? Ask for some chamomile tea on-board to keep your stress levels down and your hydration levels up! POST-FLIGHT Once you’ve landed, treat your skin to the care it deserves with an exfoliator as well as a deep cleansing and moisturising face mask. Keep up the skincare routine you normally follow at home whilst you’re away by decanting some of the products that you use into small travel containers. Finally, don’t forget to pack an SPF product to protect your face after you’ve landed, especially if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors exploring a new place. That way, you can enjoy your holiday looking fresh-faced and capture the perfect holiday photos!

Donate Blood

save a life Blood Donation Centre

i n G u a r d a m a n g i a o p e n s 7 d ay s a w e e k f r o m 0 8: 0 0 t i l l 18: 0 0 .

PRE-FLIGHT MAKEUP OFF, SKINCARE ON! Taking good care of your skin whilst you are flying starts before you even get on the plane by removing any makeup you might be wearing. The thought of going out and travelling to a different country without any makeup

on might feel a little bit outside of some people’s comfort zone, but your skin will definitely thank you for it. The environment on-board a flight is known to be very dry, especially when compared to the humidity levels we are used to in Malta, and this can wreak havoc on our skin. Dry patches, clogged pores and acne breakouts are just some of the issues that we might have to deal with when cruising at 35,000 feet, and this is made even worse when wearing makeup products such as foundation and powder. By sacrificing your makeup for just a few hours, you can enjoy great skin in the days to come! IN-FLIGHT

3rd June Mellieħa – mobile unit – in parish church square, from 8:30am till 1:00pm 10th June San Ġwann – mobile unit – in front of parish church, from 8:30am till 1:00pm Gozo – at Xewkija Berġa from 8:00am till 1:00pm 15th June

INSTEAD OF MAKEUP, FOCUS ON YOUR SKINCARE. Make sure your face is clean before taking off to minimise

Kalkara – mobile unit – inside Villa

Bighi from 2:00pm - 6:00pm. This blood donation session is being organised in connection with Bloody Late Activity at ESPLORA 17th June Attard – mobile unit – in the vicinity of the parish church from 8:30am till 1:00pm 24th June Żabbar – mobile unit – in Mediatrix Square, next to parish church, from 8:30am till 1:00pm Gozo – at Xewkija Berġa from 8:00am till 1:00pm

w w w.facebook .com/bloodmalta 22

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30mins is all it takes

We all dream of going abroad on a relaxing trip and arriving back home feeling refreshed with that healthy post-holiday glow. However, it’s easy to forget how the environment on-board a flight can leave our skin feeling dry, looking dull and prone to breakouts – not ideal for those holiday photos! Follow the tips below to see how you can take proper care of your skin whilst flying to your dream destination and ensuring that you step off the plane looking great!

www.blood.gov.mt E: customercare.nbts@gov.mt T: 220 66 209 | M: 79 307 307

interview

RISING STAR INTERVIEW WITH LUKE CASSAR Luke Cassar, a Maltese rising star who moved to London to fulfil his dreams in the performance arts industry, has recently been cast as ‘Eddie’ in Mamma Mia aboard the Allure of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruise ship. He talks to Philippa Zammit about his exciting new role as he packs his bags to set off to Miami.

explore my passion to perform. I opted for the latter. It seemed way more satisfying. Now, I couldn’t be happier. 2. YOU’RE CURRENTLY LOCATED IN LONDON- WHAT HAS THAT CHANGE IN SCENERY BEEN LIKE? I’m not sure how to answer this with a definite answer. It’s been a rollercoaster ride. Ups and downs of all sorts. I moved to London when I was 18, young and very inexperienced. The lack of family around and the financial difficulties were daily struggles. Now, I take full pride of having mastered being my own leader in my everyday life, and once again, I couldn’t be more satisfied. London is a place filled with people going about their lives. I guess that’s exactly what I’m doing -being focused and determined is what gets you through the month.

1. HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START AS AN ACTOR AND DANCER, AND WHAT HAS IT TAKEN TO GET YOU TO THIS PARTICULAR TIME AND PLACE? I’ve always been passionate for the Arts. It was a very unplanned turn of events that led me to this position. My sister applied in my name for the program ‘L-Isfida’ as an actor and was picked up for dance lessons (at the ‘Alison White Dance Studio’ under the tuition of the fantastic, Alison White) after, which led me to audition to a few musical theatre colleges in London. My only issue was; I was in an accountancy contract for five years. My option was to stay and be comfortable, or to take a risk and

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CARIBBEAN CRUISE SHIP. MAMMA MIA IS ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MUSICALS OF THE PAST FIFTEEN YEARS. WHAT WAS THE AUDITION PROCESS LIKE? WERE YOU A FAN BEFORE JOINING THE CAST? Mamma Mia has always been on my bucket list. I think ABBA’s musical is the definition of a show that reaches out to the audience with its well known hits and its great story line that is told in the most exciting way. (I cannot wait!)

THE PIPELINE? A few, but I’m not sure I’ll nap. I have just qualified as a personal trainer and fitness instructor and would love to get my own business going! I am also looking forward to returning to my choreography work in London and creating my own work. Meanwhile, the aim will be to keep booking myself into musical theatre shows around the world. And travel. I would love to continue seeing the world while doing what I love to do.

The audition process is always a challenge. I went through eight rounds; dancing, singing and acting, and read-throughs for the character. They were an exhausting few days but it was all worthwhile after landing the job. I have always been secretly an ABBA fan. I’ve seen the movie far too many times. Hence, why I think it’s time for me to get onto the other side, and perform this fun-filled musical! 5. WAS IT TOUGH KEEPING THE NEWS A SECRET? Not this time. I was so busy with everything going on in my life in London, that hiding it away was pretty simple. Yes, I was itching to tell my family. But it was all worth the wait. 6. WHAT'S GOING THROUGH YOUR HEAD AS YOU GET READY TO FLY TO MIAMI THIS WEEK AND GET BACK INTO REHEARSAL MODE FOR TWO MONTHS? Please get inside my head and try and figure it out yourself. I am too excited to translate it into words! Finally performing in a musical theatre show on the second largest vessel in the world in the Caribbean is probably one of the most liberating things my career has rewarded me with. I feel LUCKY! 7. ONCE MAMMA MIA WRAPS UP ITS RUN IN 2019 (AND YOU CAN TAKE A GOOD NAP), DO YOU HAVE OTHER PLANS IN

3. WE REMEMBER YOU AS ONE OF THE PARTICIPANTS IN A LOCAL REALITY TV SHOW SFIDA. DO YOU THINK THIS CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR SUCCESS? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND SUCH TALENT SHOWS TO UP AND COMERS IN THE INDUSTRY? Absolutely. L-Isfida was the turning point of my career. It helped me explore my passion for acting and discover new talents. I was new to the experience but I found myself having the biggest drive ever. I was determined to learn and to succeed. And that’s what helped me figure out what I wanted to do next. Thanks to Claudette Pace who hosted the programme as well as my acting tutors, Victor Debono and Alan Montanaro. If any talent show does come up once again, I would definitely recommend it to those who seek to continue the arts as a career. These programmes tend to seek out lots of talent as well as those who have lots of potential. I would love to see a programme like L-Isfida being produced again. It definitely made my dream come true. 4. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ROLE AS ‘EDDIE’ IN MAMMA MIA ABOARD THE ALLURE OF THE SEAS ROYAL

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Women

women PEARL AGIUS Serving as liaison officer within The Third Eye for the term 2017/2018. She is also a first year Law Student at the University of Malta and a passionate advocate for human rights with an ardent habit of speaking her mind. Pearl is a fervent feminist with a great love for literature and drama. A hobby of hers includes writing and The Third Eye provides the perfect platform to voice her thoughts.

WOMEN ON BOARD

largest organisations. Their resilience and boldness to stand up for themselves and look a man in the eye as their equal gives me hope that those shadows won’t immerse anyone in their darkness anytime soon.

elected in KSU, there are at least 5 female presidents within university organisations this year and about 2000 female graduates each year. After stating this, I sincerely hope that this trend will spread like wildfire.

In no way do I wish to belittle the brilliant work of our female representatives. But it is still not enough. It is never enough. Just like it is not enough that only 9 of 23 candidates contesting for the KSU elections were female. It is quite an accomplishment, but I do believe we can do more. Such elections are normally predominated by men but with a grin larger than Cheshire cat’s, I happily write that within the last 4 years, 3 female presidents were

Until then, I wait. I wait eagerly to finally see a woman confidently strutting towards those big doors in Castille Square and sit down on that big chair in her office. Among her, other men and women looking into each other’s eyes as equals. Until then, I wait.

Website: https://thirdeyemalta.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThirdEyeMalta/

KSU Female Presidents

The Third Eye, a University media organisation run by University students with a passion for journalism, stems from the notion that there is an additional point of view, far from the conventional way of thinking. Women’s representation in the workforce is nowhere close to men’s. There are dangerously few women in the boardroom… and that’s a problem. Pearl Agius speaks out.

Did you know that Malta is one of the lowest ranking countries when it comes to female employability and representation? Whilst many initiatives have undoubtedly been taken to increase both employability and representation, the real question regarding why it is important to take such measures remains. Despite said measures, some people simply do not understand the dire and fundamental need for women in the workforce. It has been proved time and time again that women help diversify the workplace. Many academic pieces of writing, including a Harvard Business Review article, have explained how women are resourceful, able to do more with less, and show strength with regard to political awareness, helping them cope with the hurdles facing them. Moreover, women tend to exhibit collaborative willingness, including the qualities of listening and problem-solving.

As a woman, I am not at all pleased with the decisions being taken on women’s healthcare by maledominated groups that are attracting ongoing societal debates. Many of our representatives speak on behalf of aspiring mothers hoping to pull some heart strings in order to promote hidden agenda. Literally no one cares. Nonetheless, we care about the opinion of people who have cried after a negative pregnancy test, or those who have choked back on their tears in front of their doctor whilst they tell them that they suffer from infertility problems. These are the voices that need a nudge of encouragement in order to step forward from the shadows that have been engulfing them. This is just one example of many.

2015/2016: Becky Micallef

2016/2017: Steph Dalli

2018/2019: Carla Galea

To sum up, women have more potential than we give them credit for, and this is why I greatly believe in the women who are currently leading some of University’s

The Third Eye Female Executive Members 2017/2018, 5 out of 8 members all female

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FASHION Travel

travel FASHION DAYNA CLARKE Dayna is a senior speech and language therapist working in Malta. Having traveled around Europe extensively, she has fallen in love with Malta and its people. When she is not in the clinic, Dayna enjoys writing, painting and learning Maltese.

HOW THE OTHER HALF LIVE - AN AFTERNOON ABOARD A LUXURY YACHT

‘’Access prohibited’’ states the sign in big bold capital letters, on Pontoon B at the Birgu Waterfront. Behind the security-controlled locked gates, rows of superyachts adorn the skyline. The iron barriers act as a stark division between the worlds: super rich, and us mere mortals. I peek around as I nervously approach the gates, yet nobody seems to look my way twice as I stroll up, half expecting to be told to leave before I have even arrived. In the distance, Luc, second captain of our luxury charter, Miss Money Penny, owned by Azure Ultra, clocks my nervous disposition at the harbourside and wanders over to let me through. Greeting me in the utmost professional manner he guides me towards the glistening boat. The day has an ethereal charm about it, the sky is a picture-perfect cornflower blue and tranquil waves slowly lap against the surrounding boats. As I remove my sandals and step on board, Luc hands me a fresh mint and lemon water while I wait for my friends, and introduces me to our captain for the day; Gary.

Miss Money is a Portofino 46, Sunseeker luxury boat (the same brand that features in four of the iconic Bond movies!) set with a cool price tag. I acknowledge to myself today is just a small sample of how the world’s wealthiest live. My three friends appear, equally stunned by the surreal reality of our private superyacht charter. After all, things like this don’t happen every day. Once everyone is aboard, we all gather round on a leather sofa at a crisp white linen dressed table and listen attentively as Gary explains the safety protocol for our harbour cruise. Afterwards, Luc takes us for a quick tour. A double bedroom, a twin bedroom, immaculate en-suite bathrooms, and a fully functional kitchen are neatly tucked in, just a few steps below deck. The entire boat is pristine and adorned with satin cherry wood décor where every tiny attention to detail is considered.

Despite living on an island, all too often we are caught up in the every day routine of eat, drive to and from work, sleep, repeat to acknowledge the beauty in Malta. It’s at that moment I realise I have never actually seen Malta from a sea vantage point of view (unless the Gozo ferry counts). Thousands of seafarers have entered Malta in this manner for centuries, yet we’retoo busy looking from the inside out. We are all too aware Malta has a checkered nautical past, the shadows of which we live in every day. Sailing out of the harbour, Gary describes the pinnacle landmarks around us, Fort St Angelo to the right, and a little further back, Fort Rinella. We venture around the industrial shipyards of Palumbo and Virtu Ferries before leisurely meandering past Valletta Waterfront. Unusually, no cruise ships are docked today, allowing us a clear view of the iconic colourful doorways and every day harbour life. With the wet spring we have endured, vibrant green tones from Barrakka gardens frame the picture.

city over the waves’’. After being fed and watered, we sail back, darting along the waves back to the mooring point. The experience is unforgettable and like nothing any of us have experienced before. We leave smiling like Cheshire cats, not quite ready to step back into our regular lives. Azure Ultra is a luxury yacht charter company, based in Birgu harbour that specialises in personalised itineries around the Maltese archipelago and beyond. The brand tagline is ‘Beyond Ordinary’ and they aim to offer a custommade, exclusive charter each and every time. They take great pride in award-winning customer service. All the staff are highly skilled, in uniform, and their first priority is the client. Every yacht charter includes a captain and steward or stewardess. It’s clear they invest in their staff – one of the new captains, Luc, joined as a ‘newbie’ a few years ago and has worked his way up to the top!

Meanwhile we all start nibbling on a bountiful Italian platter whilst sipping our bubbles. Conversation flows as readily as the drinks andeveryone relaxes as we settle into the cruise. Briefly we venture into the open water before making a U-turn into the Valletta-Sliema harbour. Just past Manuel Island, a stone’s throw from the embassies, we drop anchor to enjoy our lunch. Nothing seems too much for Luc as he fetches us drinks and then a steady stream of desserts. We then explore the boat some more, catch some rays and take in the beauty of the coast. Malta is simply breathtaking viewed from the sea. Azure Ultra have three other motor yachts in their fleetSenda Do s, Don’t Ask , and Mio Amore (the largest yacht, which entertains 12 people). Gary informs us his personal favourite to sail is Senda Dos . When questioned why not the biggest boat in the Azure fleet, Gary reveals ‘’For me,the fun in sailing is lost the bigger the vessel becomes. As you lose close contact with the sea, it feels more like a small

Back up above, we take our seats as Luc pops open a bottle of champagne as we sail out of the harbour. Captain Gary gives us the lowdown on the fellow superyachts in town, and hints at who may own them (currently attracting much speculation, Kingfisher remains impounded in the harbour).

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interview

A FEW MINUTES WITH

MIKAELA A fiery figure in the rock & metal scene, vocalist & musician, Mikaela, has regularly headlined Malta’s elite music events. Whether she’s performing for sold-out crowds or at a busy café, audiences are guaranteed a vivacious performance that oozes passion. She’s got plenty of exciting projects in the works and is fully focused on taking her career to new heights. Martin Calleja Urry finds out more.

YOU’VE BEEN ACTIVE ON THE SCENE FOR ALMOST A DECADE. WHAT’S THE NEXT BIG STEP? I can finally announce to the public that I’m currently working on my first ever album release under my own band name. This time it’s quite a different release; it’s a heavier situation and it’s an authentic one. It will feature a new style intertwined with many other elements from other genres. It’s influenced by metalcore, progressive, groove, space rock, black metal, djent, doom and death. The style aligns so well and so smoothly with who I am as an artist that it’s like a sonic version of my thoughts. Apart from the news of the album release, I’m also excited to announce that I have a terrific line-up of musicians that will join me on stage to perform the new material. I’ll be posting the official details on my social media platforms in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled. HOW HAVE YOUR ACADEMIC STUDIES HELPED YOUR MUSIC CAREER? I’ve learnt a great deal about production, composition, recording, mixing, mastering, live sound, and a lot more. I’m currently finishing my final year of a music production degree with the world-renowned music institution, Berklee College of Music in Boston. Throughout the course, I continued to write, sharpen my vision and experiment with new styles. It’s definitely had an influence on my upcoming album. Coming from more of a classical background, the course helped me further my piano and keyboard studies, as well as encouraged me to venture into jazz, progressive, rock and blues, and singing. WHAT HAS BEEN THE SINGLE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR? My career has been full of challenges so it’s hard to single one out, but it all depends on how you perceive them. I like to keep negativity away from my path and stay positive

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IF A CEO FROM A MAJOR RECORD COMPANY ASKED YOU TO PERFORM ONE SONG, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? It would have to be an original song that I will be releasing soon. TALK US THROUGH HOW YOUR STYLE AS AN ARTIST HAS GROWN OVER THE YEARS. As I dug deeper into music, a part of me became attached to every song I listened to. While growing as a person I began to find myself through music. I became so close to the roots of my inspirations and analysed the hows and whys of it all. I allowed music to reach me without thinking of it as following into one category or another, I always allowed myself to be open. In fact, I listen to everything, from Mehliana to Lamb of God, Snarky Puppy to Jinjer, Herbie Hancock to Opeth, Janis Joplin to Black Label Society, A Tribe Called Quest to Elder, Pink Floyd to Behemoth, Black Sabbath to Lacuna Coil, Cursed Earth to Death, Rachmaninoff to Alice In Chains, and more. That’s how I found honest growth in my own style.

HAS YOUR DEDICATION TO MUSIC IMPACTED YOU NEGATIVELY IN ANY WAY? I wouldn’t say so. Music has expanded my horizons and opened a lot of doors for me. I also consider music to be like that good friend you can’t live without. BASED OFF RECENT PHOTOS YOU’VE POSTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA, IT SEEMS LIKE YOU’RE GETTING MORE COMFORTABLE WITH THE CAMERA. CAN WE EXPECT A MODELLING STINT IN THE FUTURE? Well I never thought of myself as a model, I’ve always felt deep inside that I’m a musician and that won’t change. However, I won’t exclude it and recently I have been approached by several entities to further this idea, so I’ll just allow it to develop naturally.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT CONCERT LINE-UP. This is a tricky one to answer. Since I’m constantly travelling to watch different artists, my tastes have widened so much that it’s hard to choose a perfect line-up. I enjoy every experience that a band delivers and it’s a unique vibe that is unmatched by any other. HOW MUCH OF A ROLE HAS YOUR FAMILY PLAYED IN YOUR SUCCESS? My family has always been there to support me, whether it’s helping me to get ready for a show or just having an interesting music discussion. From a young age, my parents introduced me to great music and my tastes are built on that. I always stayed hungry for music thanks to them.

Photo: Justin Ciappara

and focused. Even when I feel like I’ve got the weight of the world on my shoulders, I know it’s all in my head. It’s easy to become overwhelmed but I take things as they come and focus on being at my best as much as possible. DESCRIBE WHAT GOES ON IN YOUR HEAD ON A DAY YOU’RE SET TO PERFORM. Usually there isn't enough time to worry so I just do what I have to do, staying as focused and concentrated as much as I can. It’s as simple as that.

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BERSHKA TOP RIVER ISLAND TROUSERS

SECOND SKIN THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO STYLE THE MOST VERSATILE FABRIC OF THE SEASON.

vida.com.mt Issue 102 June 2018

PHOTOGRAPHY: GARY BUGEJA STYLING: MALCOLM GAUCI MODEL: BLANKA AT MODELS M MAKEUP: GABRIELLE ZAMMIT GRUNGO HAIR: NEVILLE ZAMMIT AT NVAD

NEW LOOK DRESS

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gourmet

gourmet KATYA GATT A lawyer by profession, Katya has been baking and cooking since she was tall enough to reach the kitchen counter. With food being one of the major draws for her many travels and the inspiration behind her travel blog ‘flyinghungry’, she loves to draw inspiration from international cuisine.

SOMETHING LIGHT & BRIGHT

The idea of summer for me conjures up images of relaxed meals in the shade with family or friends, enjoying the clear, bright blue skies. My ideal summer food consists of something light, bright and which makes the most of simple ingredients without requiring hours spent in the kitchen. These two dishes are something that I would serve for my family, my friends or just treat myself to on a hot summer’s day. Both can be whipped up quickly and are nutritious and delicious. They also pair well with a nice glass of cold white wine. I love barley’s versatility, nutty flavour and chewy texture; it’s a great base for your summer salads. This Halloumi Barley Salad can be easily customised to include any of your favourite ingredients, and you can change the proportion of grain to arugula if you want a

leafier meal. You can serve this as a side if you wish but it makes a lovely meal in itself topped with the thick slices of halloumi. Halloumi goes rubbery quite quickly after frying, so substitute it with feta cheese if you’re making this to go. Prawns are another versatile staple ingredient of mine and, apart from peeling and deveining, require minimal effort and time, yet are sure to impress. If you’re barbequing you can easily stick these on skewers (predipped in water) and barbeque them instead of panfrying them. Avocado might be in my top five favourite ingredients, and I love it in these prawn and avocado tacos with plenty of bright lime juice, adding creaminess that dispenses with the need of a sauce (although you can definitely add a small dollop of sour cream if you wish).

HALLOUMI BARLEY SALAD

PRAWN AND AVOCADO TACOS

•

250g barley

•

6 mini wheat tortillas

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12 cherry tomatoes

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18 king prawns, peeled and deveined

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2 tablespoons kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

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1 quarter red cabbage, thinly sliced

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1 medium zucchini

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1 small onion

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2 handfuls arugula

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1 lime

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3 tablespoons slivered almonds

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1 just-ripe avocado

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1 block halloumi cheese

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1 small tomato

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1 lemon

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½ teaspoon sweet paprika

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3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

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¼ teaspoon cumin

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3 cloves garlic, minced

•

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

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Few basil leaves

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1 tablespoon sunflower oil

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Salt & pepper

•

Few coriander leaves

•

Salt & pepper

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HALLOUMI BARLEY SALAD

250g barley

2 handfuls arugula

3 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil

12 cherry tomatoes

2 tablespoons kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

3 tablespoons slivered almonds

1 block halloumi cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium zucchini

1 lemon

few basil leaves

PRAWN AND AVOCADO TACOS

6 mini wheat tortillas

Âź teaspoon cumin

1 quarter red cabbage, thinly sliced

1 small tomato

1 small onion

Â˝ teaspoon sweet paprika

1 tablespoon sunflower oil

Âź teaspoon cayenne pepper

few coriander leaves

METHOD Massage the barley in water to reduce starch. Drain and repeat once or twice until the water is much clearer. Cook barley according to package instructions, drain and allow it to cool to room temperature. While the barley is cooling, quarter the cherry tomatoes and slice the zucchini into thin disks with a mandoline or grater. Place both in a large bowl together with the olives, arugula and almonds. Prepare the dressing by mixing together the olive oil, minced garlic, the juice of one lemon and around one teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper. Once the barley is cooled, mix it in with the other ingredients. Pour the

1 just-ripe avocado

1 lime

salt & pepper

18 king prawns, peeled and deveined

salt & pepper

METHOD dressing over the barley and other ingredients and mix in well. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning to your taste. Before serving, slice the halloumi into half-centimetre thick slices and cook in a lightly-oiled grooved griddle pan (or a normal pan if you do not own one) on medium heat, for a few minutes on each side until golden. Mince the basil leaves and mix in with the salad before topping with the halloumi and serving. If you will not be eating the salad right away, substitute halloumi with feta cheese by skipping step 5 and simply mixing in cubes of feta with the salad.

In a medium bowl, mix together the paprika, cumin, cayenne, half a teaspoon each of salt and pepper and the sunflower oil. Mix in the prawns and toss around until evenly coated. Cover and let rest in the fridge for 30-60 minutes. When the 30-60 minutes are up, prepare the avocado salsa. Cut the avocado in half around the pit, remove the pit, run your knife through the flesh horizontally and vertically to cut small cubes and then scoop out the flesh with a tablespoon into a bowl. Finely mince the tomato and onion and add to

the avocado. Add the juice of one lime and salt and pepper to taste and mix well. Heat the tortillas for a few seconds in a large, dry non-stick pan on medium-high heat. Remove the tortillas, get the prawns out of the fridge, place them in the pan in a single layer and cook for one minute on each side. Assemble the tacos by first dividing the cabbage and then the avocado salsa amongst the six tortillas, and finally topping them up with three shrimp each. Finish by sprinkling tacos with some minced coriander.

gourmet

Some say they’re a bunch of snobby creatives passionate about Food and Wine. Others say they're a bunch of passionate creatives who became food snobs. The majority think they’re the first food and wine advertising agency that combine creatives, sommeliers, and gastronomes. One thing is sure: JacLeRoi has departed from the heart of the Italian Food Valley and is landing here in Malta.

FOOD TRENDS 2018: WHAT WILL BE ON YOUR TABLE?

Believe it or not, it’s possible to predict how the way we eat will change in the future. Thanks to marketing agencies and independent research companies that work on global food reports, producers can better understand the market and anticipate the desires of customers. Do you know what’s in demand this year? JacLeRoi, studied the main trends and came to interesting conclusions. Their food editor Polina Maximova keeps us informed.

PLANT PROTEIN This may sound strange, but plant protein is the future. Firstly, because it is a conscious choice: meat production costs a lot and it creates massive problems for the planet as well. You can find thousands of articles on the Internet listing the negative consequences associated with meat production: waste disposal, energy consumption, loss of biodiversity… most of these consequences are true, but at the same time it’s not clear what could be a good replacement, and a new protein supplier for humanity. Plant protein is the answer: you can find it in seeds, soy, algae, and grains. Want to go further? Then you can join the movement of flexitarians, who in most cases follow a vegetarian diet. In this case, there is no need to sacrifice your burger, but you can still get your protein dose whilst cutting down on meat consumption. BECOME LOCAL This trend can hardly be called new, but it's gaining popularity: regional food, zero kilometres, it all makes sense. Accordingly, Euromonitor reports that about 30% of consumers are shopping local. If you don’t have a favourite food supplier or reliable farmer on the local market, it’s a perfect moment to find one. HEALTHY IS KEY Nowadays, it’s much easier to find healthy food; you just need to know the way to the nearest bio or organic shop

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and spend some time trying to figure out what all these bio, eco, and organic products mean. However, “healthy” in 2018 takes several steps forward: now consumers choose so called “raw foods”, which are unprocessed, have no sugar, and retain all their natural vitamins and minerals. Wondering if there is such a thing? Then try a smoothie! You can find them in smoothie shops or just simply buy ready-made smoothie kits in your supermarket. MIDDLE-EASTERN INFLUENCE With rising immigration from Muslim populations, we are getting aquatinted with Middle Eastern cuisine, which will begin to expand westward. In the next few years you will be able to taste different spices, try real kebabs, and become familiar with the mezze platter concept – a selection of small dishes that are usually served as side plates for alcoholic drinks. FLOWER POWER Let’s look at the list: geraniums, hibiscus, elderflower, and pansies. Does it sound like a flower shop assortment? In fact, this is what you can find not only in a bouquet, but also on one’s plate. Flowers are now used to flavour salads, soups, desserts, and even drinks. It’s a simple and unusual way to change familiar foods. Additionally, flowers are rich in antioxidants and fight obesity and inflammation.

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gourmet

gourmet REBECCA CAMILLERI Eighteen months of positivity and good healthy food, has changed Rebecca’s way of doing things. Her Instagram page, 'munch.abunch' filled with healthy recipes was created for this simple reason… healthy food does not need to be dull and tasteless. Follow her journey to know more about what made Rebecca who she is today.

NUTTIN’ BUT NUTS

Nuttin’ but nuts, because honestly, why would you want something else? From palm oil to hydrogenated oil and excessive sodium, those are the ingredients you should avoid at all costs when you are looking to purchase nut butters. The ingredients’ list should not be long; in fact the ingredient listed should only be NUTS! Nut butters are rich in plant-based healthy fats, protein, fibre and vitamins, and not to mention, super tasty! Whether you’re looking for something simple to spread on like an apple or crackers, as an addition to smoothies or to use as a salad dressing or dip, nut butters are a versatile food we should all have in our pantry - just make sure that you’re choosing the right ones! WHICH NUT BUTTER IS BEST? Almond butter ranks at number 1 for being the healthiest nut butter you can have. High in healthy monounsaturated fats, fibre, magnesium, vitamin E, calcium and iron, almond butter is incredibly nutrient dense. Next up is cashew butter. Low in carbohydrates and high in

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protein and fat, this smooth and rich-tasting nut butter makes an appealing snack. Third on the list is everyone’s favourite - hazelnut butter. Rich, creamy, delicious and crunchy –the perfect hazelnut spread that tastes just like chocolate. Not only does this nut butter have numerous health benefits, but hazelnuts are also high in manganese, fibre and magnesium. Fourth is the all-time classic - peanut butter. Crunchy or smooth, it can be paired with anything. This nut butter makes for a tasty spreadable treat. If you’re not a fan of nuts, there’s a delicious substitute sunflower seed butter. It’s toasty taste and creamy texture makes it the perfect butter to add to savoury meals. Sunflower seeds are a great source of vitamin E and magnesium. Rebecca recently started making her own butters. They are made with just one ingredient… oh, and lots of love! If you want to read more visit munch.abunch on Facebook and Instagram

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Gourmet

QAWRA’S LUZZU RESTAURANT REVAMPED

Qawra’s popular restaurant underwent a complete overhaul. After 4 months of work Luzzu is now back in business. The restaurant has a whole new look and style but don’t worry you will still find your favourites on the menu. The idea was to create something wholesome yet stylish. An environment where families will be comfortable while enjoying a great meal. Luzzu has been the brain child of Claire Zammit Xuereb and General Manager Joe Vella of AX hotels. “The inspiration for this new restaurant was to invite you into our kitchen – we wanted the customers to get the feeling as if they were at their Mum’s dining table enjoying their favourite dish. We love interior design and we looked at every detail when completing this project – from choosing the tiles for the table tops that you’d find at homes, looking for the right knobs for the drawers to old stainless steel utensils that are displayed at the counter. We really stop at nothing in providing our customers the full experience – Joe Vella commented. Another element important in this project was to cater for

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families or single parents with children. As the couple parent three young children themselves they know exactly how difficult it is for the little ones to sit through a meal. “The kids play area is now three times bigger than before and parents can literally see their young ones from every corner of the restaurant. We also created a menu for the little ones full that is full of healthy options. Plus if they eat well we have a Special Pantry where they can chose a delicious treat. We really wanted to create an all-round and stress free experience for the families” – Claire Zammit Xuereb added. Parents can also come to Luzzu and work. There is a designated area where one can plug in and your little one can enjoy the play area. Now even more than ever we hope that Luzzu continues to be the go to destination for family dining.

Luzzu is owned and managed by AX Hotels part of AX Holdings.

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Travel

travel MANDY FARRUGIA Following her studies in business and languages, she had the opportunity to work and travel for international companies in the tourism industry. Since then, she indulged in her passion for photography, travel writing and scuba diving with lots of destinations yet to discover.

A MYSTICAL SUMMER ACROSS THE ATLANTIC

pristine and unpolluted environments. Making sure of being surrounded by natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blue is the first step. Studies have also proven that different shades of blue evoke serene and tranquil moods. Here, some buildings are painted in sandy hues inspired from the colours of the rolling sands of the surrounding desert, while windows are framed with white, softly weaved, chiffon curtains, embracing the breathtaking sea views beyond. The style of the Islands encapsulates within it Moorish architecture, reminiscent of the neighbouring Arabic coast, with the West of Morocco a 100 kilometres away being the closest point. Accent pieces, such as decorative brass lamps, hang

distinctively in the minimalist, void, white spaces, while brightly coloured pottery lies as a centre piece to any main room. Carved, wooden mirrors contribute to the welcoming ambience, helping to project the real influence from across the African desert to the East. Although there is still a lot of mystery surrounding the original settlers of these islands, tales of Spanish conquests tell of specific communities originating from the North African Berber tribes. Not to mention, that a lot of place names and Canarian words bear a striking resemblance to Berber tribal languages. There was even a tribe called Canarii, from where the name Canary possibly originates! Similar to what is found in Moorish architecture, some

Lobos Island views from the Avanti Boutique Hotel terrace

I lean on the terrace gazing longingly at the endless blue sea, on this quiet desert island, where bold coloured surfboards replace monochromatic motorboats, while skateboards and bicycles replace automobiles. The light breeze blows gently through my hair and I can also see the light dancing in diamond specks on the shore. The gentle hushing sound of the waves stroking the sand is also very comforting. It sounds very romantic but it is even more so. An awakening of the senses! Quiet spaces where you can explore your feelings amidst unspoilt views of nature. It is incredible how most of the Canary Islands have

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managed to remain beyond the clutches of mass tourism, thus securing the conservation of their environment while managing to retain a strong level of style and the preservation of their charm through minimal and simplistic details from their historical legacy. The structures which surround the sea have spectacular views, with their interiors seemingly reflective of the different hues of the ocean, having blue and white striped fabrics accentuated by hints of turquoise. Given that summer days are so close, it is natural to dream about a grand escape to sea, sunshine, and

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Travel

travel

of the structures are whitewashed to gleam in the bright desert sunlight. This is where the baking heat of the desert subsides into an oasis of pools, courtyards, spas and luxurious terraces. Being surrounded by these distinct details of exquisite white courtyards and bluetiled pools fenced by palms trees, evokes images of lush and romantic fantasies. Lanterns with beautiful intricate motifs illuminate these isolated summer evenings, while painted, blue domes with gold and metal motifs contrast against the rugged lands. Just a few metres away, the coral desert invites you to break away from the beach and enjoy a fresh lunch on the sandy dunes and later, perhaps, also dinner under the stars. Perfect moments to switch off, leaving the chaotic world behind!

Apart from the typical rural homes, the most unique are the cave-dwelling structures which date back hundreds of years, some of which are still inhabited by locals who choose to reject the material world and the sky high rental prices, for the loveliest sites with high rocky edges, woodland and absolute stillness. One particualar cave, which is also open to the public, houses a very extraordiny species. It is home to the native white albino crabs called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jameitosâ&#x20AC;?. These crabs can only be found on this island, in the natural sweet water lake inside this cave.

If such quiet moments do not appeal to you , daily ferries take less than an hour to cross between most of the islands, making it possible to stretch towards a more adventurous end. Lanzarote and Gran Canaria offer plenty of rural housing situated in high altitude spots. Gran Canaria is my favourite of the two, with a leafy mountainous landscape, fertile valleys, deep gorges and terraced hillsides planted with avocados, tomatoes, figs and delicious Canarian bananas.

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Needless to say, these islands have excellent beaches and landscapes, but greater treasures lie below the surface. Given their position in the Atlantic, close to both the tropics and the Mediterranean, the sealife is a unique mix of the tropical, the temperate and the pelagic. Rough seas, secluded coasts, and the surrounding remote volcanic terrain, attract a diversity of life, making the surrounding seas a very special and unique marine environment. As a last quest, dive into the great blue and you will not fail to spot the most colourful fish swimming around the coast: parrotfish grazing on the rocks harbouring moray eels, brightly coloured wrasse fish, and damsel fish. Whales, dolphins and turtles are also frequent visitors, while seahorses in the seagrass and huge stingrays patrol the bottom.

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interview

REAL LIFE SUPERMEN Ruth meets Paul Grima and Tony Farrugia, who are better known as the strongmen duo for charity, Tony and Cool. You would expect them to be aggressive and somewhat stand-offish. However, this is far from reality. Tony has a quiet, thoughtful personality, while Paul is the more outgoing of the two. We quickly eased into the conversation about steel bending, people lifting, and almost superhuman strength.

Charles ‘Ironman’ Saliba, and Tony ‘il-Walker’ Zarb to become an old time performing strongman like the circus strongmen of old who were natural athletes and who were free of performance enhancing drugs, steroids and supplements. 2. WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN FORCES AND BECOME TONY AND COOL? P: There were many strongmen in the past competing for the title of ‘the strongest man’ in Malta. I could never understand that rivalry and the antagonism between them as in my opinion, we should be working together and not working against each other. So when I heard of Tony, I reached out to him on Facebook, we met up, and the rest is history.

EVENTS? WHY DON’T YOU PERFORM FOR MONEY? T: Yes, we only perform at charity events for Maltese charities and Maltese crowds. Our aim isn’t to make money out of our strength, but rather to use our strength to help raise funds for people in need especially people with serious illnesses and disabilities and also to give a show that people will enjoy since it is not something that one sees every day. P: Usually, it’s the people taking care of the charity events which approach us and we’ve worked with a number of different ones such as ALS Malta, The Puttinu Cares Foundation, Malta Autism Centre, Hospice Malta, Alive Charity Foundation, Qalb it-Tfal, Dar TalProvidenza etc. 6. WHAT ROUTINE DO YOU KEEP TO MAINTAIN YOUR STRENGTH AND PREPARE FOR A SHOW? P: I train every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and do a little bit of everything for a number of hours to maintain and improve my strength. T: I have some weights and other equipment at home but I mostly train outdoors with whatever I find whether it be a skip, stone, abandoned car, or someone’s old washing machine or fridge-freezer. However, mainly I train with stones because stone lifting is a family tradition passed onto me by my grandfather. I also

T: Before I met Paul I knew about him and his charity shows in the past but I thought he had retired a long time ago. I was surprised when one morning out of the blue he contacted me and asked me if he could join me in doing charity shows together which I agreed to immediately. I was really happy about teaming up with Mr. Cool as I respected him a lot and saw him as one of the Maltese legends of strength. Now we’ve been working as a duo for over a year and half and we’ve never looked back. 1. HOW DID YOU START GETTING INTO FEATS OF STRENGTH AND FOR HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THIS? P: I started from a very young age lifting things and moved on from there. Eventually, I started lifting things with my hair, teeth, neck, and beard and I’m still going strong at the age of 68! T: I started lifting things from as early as age 12, but only when I turned 18 I realised I must have inherited my grandfather’s strength and that’s when I started taking it more seriously. I followed in my grandfather’s footsteps and was also inspired by the Maltese strongmen of the past like Joe ‘Powerful’ Falzon,

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3. PAUL, WHERE DID THE NICKNAME MR. COOL COME FROM? P: It’s a funny story, really. I used to work in construction and during lunch time I would go off for a walk around the area where we’d be working. One day I met a woman who had a punctured tyre and I helped her change it. When it was time to lift the car and take out the jack from underneath it, I simply lifted the car with my hands and she was impressed and told me what I did was a cool thing. From then on I decided my nickname would be Mr. Cool, and I’ve been known as that ever since. 4. DO YOU EXCLUSIVELY PERFORM AT CHARITY 5.

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interview 1. HOW DID YOU START GETTING INTO FEATS OF STRENGTH AND FOR HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THIS? P: I started from a very young age lifting things and moved on from there. Eventually, I started lifting things with my hair, teeth, neck, and beard and I’m still going strong at the age of 68! T: I started lifting things from as early as age 12, but only when I turned 18 I realised I must have inherited my grandfather’s strength and that’s when I started taking it more seriously. I followed in my grandfather’s footsteps and was also inspired by the Maltese strongmen of the past like Joe ‘Powerful’ Falzon, Charles ‘Ironman’ Saliba, and Tony ‘il-Walker’ Zarb to become an old time performing strongman like the circus strongmen of old who were natural athletes and who were free of performance enhancing drugs, steroids and supplements. 2. WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN FORCES AND BECOME TONY AND COOL? P: There were many strongmen in the past competing for the title of ‘the strongest man’ in Malta. I could never understand that rivalry and the antagonism between them as in my opinion, we should be working together and not working against each other. So when I heard of Tony, I reached out to him on Facebook, we met up, and the rest is history. T: Before I met Paul I knew about him and his charity shows in the past but I thought he had retired a long time ago. I was surprised when one morning out of the blue he contacted me and asked me if he could join me in doing charity shows together which I agreed to immediately. I was really happy about teaming up with Mr. Cool as I respected him a lot and saw him as one of the Maltese legends of strength. Now we’ve been working as a duo for over a year and half and we’ve never looked back. 3. PAUL, WHERE DID THE NICKNAME MR. COOL COME FROM? P: It’s a funny story, really. I used to work in construction and during lunch time I would go off for a walk around the area where we’d be working. One day I met a woman who had a punctured tyre and I helped her change it. When it was time to lift the car and take out the jack from underneath it, I simply lifted the car with my hands and she was impressed and told me what I did was a cool thing. From then on I decided my nickname would be Mr. Cool, and I’ve been known as that ever since. 4. DO YOU EXCLUSIVELY PERFORM AT CHARITY 5. EVENTS? WHY DON’T YOU PERFORM FOR MONEY? T: Yes, we only perform at charity events for Maltese charities and Maltese crowds. Our aim isn’t to make money out of our strength, but rather to use our strength to help raise funds for people in need especially people with serious illnesses and disabilities and also to give a show that people will enjoy since it

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interview

is not something that one sees every day. P: Usually, it’s the people taking care of the charity events which approach us and we’ve worked with a number of different ones such as ALS Malta, The Puttinu Cares Foundation, Malta Autism Centre, Hospice Malta, Alive Charity Foundation, Qalb it-Tfal, Dar Tal-Providenza etc. 6. WHAT ROUTINE DO YOU KEEP TO MAINTAIN YOUR STRENGTH AND PREPARE FOR A SHOW? P: I train every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and do a little bit of everything for a number of hours to maintain and improve my strength. T: I have some weights and other equipment at home but I mostly train outdoors with whatever I find whether it be a skip, stone, abandoned car, or someone’s old washing machine or fridge-freezer. However, mainly I train with stones because stone lifting is a family tradition passed onto me by my grandfather. I also practice bending steel objects and ripping books which can be quite a costly training method but one that is essential for me so that I can bend steel nails, frying pans, spanners, and tear thick directory books in my charity shows. 7. WHAT’S THE HEAVIEST THING YOU’VE EVER LIFTED? T: Probably one of the hardest challenges was flipping over a car weighing 885kg which I did to raise money for Qalb It-Tfal. I also hold the Maltese record for the heaviest dumbbell lift and can lift well over 100kg over my head with one arm. P: In terms of lifting with my teeth I think one of the heaviest objects was a motorbike weighing 110kg. But I’ve also lifted 130kg barbell with my teeth, and definitely in terms of pulling at

the top would be the time I pulled a bus weighing over 12 tons by using just my teeth, and also the time I pulled an airbus plane 7 feet forward, also with my teeth. T: Recently the heaviest thing we’ve used our strength on was pulling a water bowser weighing over 16 tons at a show to raise money for kids with cancer. 8. DO YOU HAVE ANY PARTICULAR GOALS YOU WANT TO REACH? T: There are always heavier things to lift and pull but my ultimate goal in pulling would be to pull a jumbo jet of over 40 tons and also to pull the Gozo ferry or a large cruise liner. In lifting there are many, but I would like to lift over 123kg with one arm over my head which I am currently only 10 kilos away from achieving. P: For me, even if Tony manages to pull a jumbo jet by himself, I would consider that to be of great satisfaction as his coach. However, I would still consider it an achievement if we pulled it together. As a personal aim, I would like a car to drive over me. It is a dangerous feat but one that is not as impossible as it sounds. 9. WHAT SATISFIES YOU THE MOST WHEN PERFORMING SUCH FEATS? P: Our performances come from the heart and all we want is for people to enjoy watching our shows of strength. T: For me the most satisfaction I get when performing such feats is that I am doing something I love and helping people in need at the same time. Also when successfully completing a feat such as, for instance, lifting a car, it gives you a great adrenaline boost especially when the crowd is enjoying the show and reacting positively to it. 10. WHEN IS YOUR NEXT SHOW? T: Our next show is going to be for a variety of charities as it is an open charity event where any Maltese charity can go and collect money from the spectators at the event. Mainly, it will be for Hospice Malta and will take place at the Monte Kristo Estates, on the 3rd of June at 11:00 in the morning. We hope to see a lot of people there as it is for some very good causes. 11. WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOU IF THEY WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? T: They can follow us on our Facebook pages ‘Tony and Cool’, ‘Mr Cool’, ‘Tony Farrugia’ and ‘Traditional Maltese Stone Lifting’, or they can find us on our personal Facebook accounts as Paul Grima, Tony Farrugia, Tony Farrugia II and also on Instagram as tonyfarrugia1 and also on Tumblr as tonyfarrugiastrongman and finally on Twitter as @TonyStrongMalta.

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interview

POWERBOAT ROYALTY With the recent announcement of Enemed as official fuel partners of VOOMQUEST, Philippa Zammit meets up with five time power boating world champion, Aaron Ciantar and Enemed’s Executive Chairman, Kevin Chircop to see how they’ve been working hand in hand, redefining the industry together.

Aaron came up with an idea to create his own ‘onedesign class’; a Chaudron SVR-27 canopy race boat which he had been working on for four years, after acquiring the rights and specifications from the UIM, the international governing body of powerboat racing. Together with Martin McDonald, he went on on to found ‘VOOMQUEST’, an exciting new Motor Racing and Lifestyle Platform. The UIM have given it the rights to move forward with a new championship; ‘one-design class v2 International Powerboat championship’. A onedesign class makes racing more sustainable, avoiding logistics and the high costs of transporting boats around the world. The boats used in the race are all Chaudron products and come with a sealed engine. The team must purchase the boat which will be kept and stored in Malta.

is something Enemed believes in. Kevin claims that not only would the fuel the company be supplying, but it also aims to give a helping hand with regard to marketing. It is a great marketing venture beneficial to both Enemed and VOOMQUEST. “What we don’t want to do is run,” says Kevin, stressing on the fact that if they work together and take it step by step, the partnership will last more than a mere two years. In fact, even though their current focus is Malta, there’s already talk on where to take the races in other parts of the Mediterranean in the future. Kevin makes it a point that Enemed is staying on top of its game. He states that it is important to stay in close

The VOOMQUEST 2018 V2 International Powerboat Championship season features nine races in total, across three new venues in Malta. They plan on remaining on the island for the first two years, but won’t exclude races away from Maltese shores in the future. It was only recently that VOOMQUEST announced Enemed as an official fuel partner. Executive Chairman, Kevin Chircop, says that when he met up with both Aaron and Martin, he immediately wanted to get involved as it

Aaaron Ciantar,38, a five-time world powerboating champion, has outspoken views on success and what it takes to make it in the world. He has been in the industry ever since the foundation of his family-run business Chaudron Powerboats in 1988, when he was only ten years old. The business, one of the leading boat constructors in the world, was named after the three siblings – a compilation of letters from each of their names; Charlotte, Audrianne, and Aaron. It was in 2004 that Aaron decided to take up powerboat racing competitively, entering the championships as a wild card entry together with his sister, racing a client’s

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pleasure boat he had built from scratch. After placing second amidst severe weather conditions, Aaron was determined to keep moving forward. Being the only contractors holding the record for best powerboat contractor title; eight times to be precise, Aaron claims he always envisioned the company would end up being one of the best constructors in the world, especially after winning both the driver and constructor world championships in 2007. Two Chaudron powerboats took the 2011 Key West World Championship by storm, winning both their respective categories among a total of 70 boats.

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interview contact with VOOMQUEST, working hand in hand and being constantly innovative in order to have a solid product. It is important for the company to perfect its business locally before expanding beyond, in order to be ready to face future challenges head on. According to Aaron, the impact of Enemed on VOOMQUEST is already being felt in a positive way - “people are coming to the garage asking about the fuel,” says Aaron. Kevin agrees, stating that the better VOOMQUEST is, the better it is for Enemed in the long run. If Enemed eventually expands outside of Malta, VOOMQUEST would be able to help out with its international contacts as well - “it works both ways,” Kevin says. Enemed’s involvement in powerboating comes from a passion for performance and the opportunity to develop the best possible products for its customers. The work it’s doing with Voomquest is the perfect proof point of this, and an ideal shop window through which to communicate this to customers in Malta and eventually even abroad.

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interview Enemed’s core values are honesty and integrity. Kevin emphasises the fact that if high octane fuel is not used for a period of time, it loses its value, so the necessary research is done to see which petrol stations take longer to fill their tanks, ensuring the client always gets the best fuel. At the moment, the E-power being produced is 99.3 octane, making it almost racing fuel. “This shows you that Enemed is really showing their passion in their product,” Aaron says. Voomquest provides the perfect test bed in which to develop their fuel, not just for the V2 international Powerboat Championship competitors, but for all other Enemed customers. Kevin claims that they are “selling an experience, not a fuel.” Enemed will be providing fuel to the V2 International Powerboat Championship and will be responsible for ensuring the racing fuel is consistent for all the V2 teams, with upcoming races taking place between June 8th and 10th 2018.

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MOTOR SPORTS

motor sports JOE ANASTASI

Available from John Bull Tel: 21571025, 99448738

started competing in local motorsport in 1964 with a Mini Cooper S. He also took part in numerous races in Sicily, including the famous Targa Florio, winning on seven occasions. Now retired, Joe helps Malta's young drivers to compete in Motorsport events in Sicily.

A WEEKEND OF MIXED EMOTIONS

The race weekend in the middle of June at the Autodromo MBR Vincenzo Florio, near the little village of Torretta in the Palermitano, was one of those weekends which will be very difficult to forget. Unfortunately, not so much for the good news as for the bad news.

This was my third visit to the lovely little circuit in the mountains, which is owned and run by Dr. Michele Ragusa and his family. I have known Michele, a Porsche 911 racer, since the late 70s when we both participated in the many “cronoscalate” (hill climbs) of the day throughout Sicily and Southern Italy. His Autodromo MBR is a very technical circuit that takes plenty of getting used to, with its 2.4km lap of twists and turns, climbs and descents. Putting a good lap together is not easy, but when you do, it’s very satisfying. Four racers from Malta were present for this first round of the Campionato di Velocita. Johann Spiteri needs no introduction. He drives his nimble Suzuki 1000 powered Jedi single seater on its absolute limit, and the small and twisty circuit suits it down to the ground. This was his first visit to MBR, though he soon got the hang of the circuit and was lapping like a regular. My brother, David, joined me as a spectator last year, and decided there and then that there was no way he would be returning there without his racing car. True to his word he was on the Virtu Ferry with the rest of us on the Friday morning, towing his lovely little Honda engine spaceframe Mini. Jonathan Aquilina has plenty of karting experience, but this was his first foray on an Italian circuit with a car. He runs an immaculately prepared Ford Escort 2000 Mk 1. It didn’t take him long to learn the tricky circuit, and start putting in competitive lap times. The last time I was there with my Mini, about a year ago, I remember having a pretty awful time trying to keep the car’s back end from stepping out of line. The technical term is oversteer, and the lap times reflected it accordingly, as did the race results, but at least I had a bench mark lap time on which to go. As we drove the five hour drive from Pozzallo to Palermo on Friday I was full of optimism, for the car had been handling very well of late, and the engine was “singing” like never before. I couldn’t wait for Saturday to arrive. We dropped the race cars and trailers off at the circuit on Friday evening, and made our way to

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the nearby Hotel, Castello di Guliano in the little mountain village of Montelepre just 5km away. As I switched my phone on at 7am on Saturday, the messages started pouring in. It was not good news. My friend Lino Brincat had passed away during the night. Lino and I go back quite a few years. We have both been “motor racing nuts” since day one, and have had many a close duel on the tracks and hills in the past. Like me, Lino had recently experienced heart problems, but seemed to be coping well. I met him in his garage at Qormi for a coffee a couple of weeks earlier, and he told me that the next occasion he had to join us at Racalmuto he hoped to drive a few laps with his ex, Dallara Alfa Romeo, just for old time’s sake. Unfortunately it was not to be. With Lino’s passing, Malta has lost one of its most knowledgeable and experienced drivers and engineers. The terrible news put a complete damper on the day’s proceedings at Autodromo MBR for all the Malta squad. Once

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MOTOR SPORTS practice started everyone seemed to get on with the job in hand, just as Lino would have liked it. I took the Mini out for a few exploratory laps. The circuit was pretty raw and dusty, but it felt good, and the stop watch said so too. My best lap last year was in the 1 minute 18 seconds, so imagine my surprise when my first two quick laps on Saturday were in the 1.13s. Knocking half a second is an improvement; knocking 5 seconds felt pretty much impossible, especially since I was timing with my own equipment. I went out again for a few more laps, and again I was lapping regularly in the 1.13s. I would have to wait till the Sunday morning warm up, when we would be running on the official circuit timing, to find out exactly what was happening. In the meantime Johann, David, and Jonathan had all been pounding round the circuit learning their way around, and improving as they went along. More bad news followed. News filtered around the circuit that Italian champion Benny Rosalia had just passed away too. Benny was one of the young lads to watch in the late 70s and 80s. He was beating the establishment more often than not. I knew from friends in Sicily that he hadn’t been well recently, but losing a friend is always a shock. Certainly not the right recipe for a good Sunday’s woth of racing. The race programme on Sunday included a warm up session, followed by qualifying, and 3 races each of six lap duration for each of the 4 racing groups. These were Historic Touring Cars in which both Jonathan and I were entered, Modern Touring Cars in which David’s Mini was entered, the 700 Minicar class for identical Fiat 500s – by far the most popular class of racing in Sicily and Italy, and the Formula Car class in which Johann Spiteri was among the 8 varied entries. My doubts about my previous day’s lap times were soon dispelled, for my first quick lap on Sunday morning was a 1 minute 13.1. Thrilled with the car’s pace I decided to save it for qualifying and the races. In qualifying, I was again lapping regularly in the early 13s which was good enough for pole in the race for Historics, so after 5 laps I decided to return to the pits and prepare for Race 1. But it was not to be.

Pottering slowly back to the pits on my closing lap, the engine went on three cylinders. Removing the cam cover revealed a broken exhaust camshaft, so that was it for the day. What a pity. I had just put the Mini on pole, but would not even be able to make it to the grid for a picture! Jonathan would have been alongside me on the front row, for he had qualified second - two Maltese entries, both occupying the front row of the grid. As luck would have it, Jonathan’s Escort snapped a drive shaft at the start, so before he knew it he was out too. The race for the “Moderne” had all the makings of another David and Goliath episode. Two 3 litre BMWs shared the front row, but lurking menacingly behind them was David’s cheeky little Mini Honda. But not for long, for the German machines both got bad starts and David was away into the distance before they could sort out their wheel spin. In fact, he won two out of his three races, though not without having to work very hard. It wasn’t the BMWs that were giving him a hard time, but a young local lad in a Yamaha engine Fiat 126. It was good clean fun, and spectacular to watch them both battle it out fairly and squarely, just inches apart. And so, onto the Formula race where Johann Spiteri was starting 3rd on the grid after a technicality hindered him during qualifying. His three races were almost a carbon copy, moving to second by lap two or three, and then taking the lead with just one or two laps to go. The racing had been great throughout. The spectating was good too, though I have to admit that I would have much rather been out there racing than spectating, but such is motor racing. With the racing over by 5pm it was time to put the cars back on their trailers, have a shower, and trot off to the lovely little fishing village of Sferracavallo for another excellent fish meanl at the Ristorante il Delfino. I’ve been going there regularly for years, and it certainly doesn’t get any better. The next round of the Campionato di Velocita takes place at the Autodromo Valle dei Templi, Racalmuto in late June. Let’s just hope I receive my new parts in time, for I can’t say I’m enamoured with this spectating lark. I’d much rather be racing.