President and Mrs Fenech Adami will be paying a state visit to Spain from November 7 to 9. This was announced by the Spanish Ambassador, Maria Rosa Boceta Ostos, when she was addressing guests at the reception she hosted last Wednesday at her residence, Villa Macedonia, in Balzan.
The reception marked Spain's National Day and, as the ambassador explained, it commemorates the day - October 12, 1492 - when Christopher Columbus, leading three Spanish galleys, discovered America by landing on the island which he christened Hispaniola (today divided between the Dominican Republic and Haiti).
1492 also marks the year when King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella united their kingdoms of Aragon and Castille into a single kingdom of Spain.
Ambassador Boceta said he could confidently say that after two years in Malta she had seen a remarkable growth in Spanish-Maltese relations, which have been considerably strengthened. She said King Juan Carlos was looking forward to hosting the President of Malta and Mrs Fenech Adami in November - and to visit Malta in the near future.
The Ambassador said that links between Spain and Malta go back a long time. She was recently in Valencia, where a number of Maltese had settled in the 18th century, and where many Maltese surnames are still common today. An Associacion des Amigos de Malta had been set up there, in fact.
Ambassador Boceta said that a double taxation agreement would be signed soon, while investment by Spanish firms in Malta was growing. A Spanish pharmaceutical group will be opening two factories in Hal Far. This besides other investments in Maltese hotels, the energy sector, and by a firm specialising in detection and security systems.
She also announced that a new cultural co-operation programme is being drawn up, and that the number of students studying Spanish at the Circulo Cultural Hispano-Maltes has also grown.
The exchange of teachers with the University of Malta was continuing, and for the first time, a scholarship will be awarded to a Maltese student of Spanish to enable him or her to undertake a month-long journey in Spain and in South American countries together with students and teachers from other countries.
The Spanish Film Week at St James Cavalier was a big success, the ambassador continued, while a number of flamenco shows have been performed, including some by our own Francesca Grima.
Ambassador Boceta said that Rosanna Maya and her troupe would later entertain the guests that evening.
Other cultural initiatives included the recent ceremony recalling the 475th anniversary of the first delivery of a Maltese falcon by the Knights of St John to the Spanish Viceroy of Sicily and the forthcoming recital, on October 25, by a celebrated Spanish pianist, Enrique Perez de Guzman, at the Manoel Theatre.
As one could see, Spanish-Maltese relations in various fields were strong indeed, the ambassador concluded.
President Fenech Adami said October 12, 1492 is a date which belongs not only to Spanish history but to the whole world, since the discovery of America had indeed changed the history and culture of the world, including that of Malta, which had experienced centuries of Spanish rule.
Dr Fenech Adami said he was looking forward to the state visit he would be paying to Spain and to his meeting with King Juan Carlos, who would be a most welcome visitor to Malta.
The President welcomed the growth of Spanish investment in Malta and in Barcelona he will be visiting the head offices of the pharmaceutical firms involved.
He also praised the various cultural initiatives which are bringing the two countries ever closer together.
President Fenech Adami and Ambassador Boceta then drank toasts to Spanish-Maltese friendship and to the King and people of Spain.
The playing of the two national anthems was followed by the flamenco show by the pool of Villa Macedonia.
Heavenly voices in aid of Dar il-Kaptan
Heavenly voices greeted visitors to Bay Street recently throughout the evening when a number of renowned choirs participated in a fund-raising choir concert in aid of Dar il-Kaptan.
Some of Malta's best choirs participated in this fund-raising event to collect funds for the purchasing of multi-sensory equipment for the activities room at Dar tal-Kaptan which costs Lm4,500.
A lovely atmosphere was created as the choirs, including children's choirs, sang well-known songs to the delight of all present. The songs ranged from pop to classical and religious, and featured favourites such as Mamma Mia, I will follow Him, You're my Number 1 and themes from the opera Nabucco as well as from various musicals.
The choirs included the Stagecoach Choir, Doreen Galea's Choir, Marthese Tanti's Choir, Phylisianne Brincat's Choir, Listen to Our Voices Choir and the Mosta parish church choir under the direction of Maxine Chetcuti.
Sliema Lions' fish night
Lions Club Sliema recently organised a Lampuki Night, the third even this year in aid of Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija. A cheque for Lm600 was presented by Lions Club president Carmel Azzopardi to CEO Nathan Farrugia.
The Hospice Movement, the Breast Care Support Group, the Holy Family Home for the Elderly and the Malta Wheelchair Association have all been the beneficiaries of funds raised from various activities.
A brand new kitchen was also recently presented to the Sisters of the Ursuline Creche. A contribution was sent in aid of the tsunami victims and contribution was donated to a Lions Club in the US to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.
The Lions Club Sliema Arts Foundation through contributions and various concerts shall next year put into action its scope - to help Maltese youths further their arts studies abroad.
Hairdresser to represent Malta in international competition
For the first time, one of the most innovative hairdressers will be representing Malta at the international Wella Trend Vision Award competition, during the Salon International weekend in London on Saturday.
Thirty-year-old Carlo Marsala of Hair Lounge Salon in Naxxar will be competing among top stylists from over 54 countries.
Carlo started his training as a hairdresser at the age of 16 with a leading salon in Malta. He then went to Australia to continue his studies during which time he obtained extensive experience working for various top salon names. At 25, he returned to Malta to open his own salon. Carlo regularly trains abroad to be able to recognise as early as possible how the latest trends will affect the hairdressing fashion and how to interpret them.
The Wella Trend Vision Award encourages the creation of stunning images based around a global concept of fashion trends. It is an annual international competition which supports upcoming stylists and offers them the possibility of an international platform.
The competition is based on current trends which are researched by the renowned Parisian trend agency Trend Union and transferred by Wella into trend visions. These are: Being Naïve, Being Rebellious, Being In Love and Being Constructive. Hairdressers, aged 30 and under, must express their interpretation of one of the four Trend Vision categories, showing an understanding of the trend, skills and innovation in hair, styling, colour, clothing and make-up to create an outstanding, flowing overall look.
Carlo was selected during a competition held earlier this year for his interpretation of Being Constructive, after photographs of the styles were sent to Wella in Darmstadt, Germany.
Second place went to Keith Galea of Le Salon at the Westin Dragonara, for his interpretation of Being Constructive, while third place was awarded to Melanie Azzopardi of D.M. Styling Station in Zabbar for her interpretation of Being Rebellious.
For more information contact Joseph Brincat Ltd, 59 High Street, Sliema (tel. 2133-1121), Wella's local representatives.
ALPS organise grand reunion
The Association of Lyceum Past Students has organised a very successful grand reunion of students who have attended the Lyceum.
The event was held in the main hall of the Lyceum to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the day in 1955 when the present school in Hamrun opened its doors to the first students.
The school foyer was packed with hundreds of past students as ALPS president George Stagno Navarra made a welcoming address and explained the main aims of the reunion. It was felt that the occasion warranted some lasting memento left by ALPS, and the choice fell on a large board, complete with the association's logo and names, showing the list of headmasters of the Lyceum to date. The president remarked that the last name on the board was that of outgoing headmaster Godwin Zammit, who has been such a staunch supporter of ALPS involvement during his tenure.
Lyceum historian Winston Zammit, who provided the material for a leaflet published on the day, explained why the first headmaster shown on the board went back only to 1913 - because that was when the post was first established. That makes the ALPS board historically complete.
Education Minister Louis Galea joined the reunion and after a few words was ushered into the Main Hall by Mr Stagno Navarra to see an exhibition of photographs showing a cross-section of ALPS activities throughout its first 11 years, with pride of place going to the 10th anniversary celebrations last year.
A spokesman for the ALPS Council of Administration said the association was confident that this year's success would make for a bigger reunion next time. By the time the reunion was over, paid-up membership swelled by ten per cent - a sure sign of the event's success.
Charitable Welfare Society sponsors Dar Merhba Bik
The Charitable Welfare Society, with the full support of AX Holdings has donated Lm7,800 to Dar Merhba Bik, towards the completion of the extension project which will add seven new rooms for residents.
This was announced by Anne Cachia, administrator of Dar Merhba Bik, during the presentation of the sponsorship by Jessie Xuereb, who chairs the Charitable Welfare Society.
Mrs Xuereb said: "The proceeds were realised from three fund-raising activities held at the Suncrest Hotel, the Victoria Hotel's Capua Palace, and Verdala Mansions. However, the success of these activities would not have been possible without the continuous support of regular patrons, local artists for donating paintings, the voluntary work of the catering staff, and the generosity of the many catering companies."
HSBC presents credit card campaign prizes
HSBC has presented a new car, a holiday for four to Disneyland Paris and a 42-inch plasma screen television to the three winners of its recent Quikcash and Credit Card campaign lottery. The three winners were Annabelle Debono, Sarah Anne Darmanin and Maria Lourdes Mifsud.
"HSBC's cards campaign attracted a great deal of interest from its card customers and was very successful. One hundred winners have already had some or all of their credit card bills refunded and today, these three lucky winners have walked away with these attractive prizes.
"HSBC is always looking for new and innovative ways to promote the benefits of its products and to reward the loyalty of its customers. In both respects, this campaign and lottery has been a great success," said HSBC Bank CEO Shaun Wallis.
The prizes, including the keys to the first prize, a brand new Kia Picanto, were presented to the winners at Portomaso Marina by Juliet Larmour who congratulated the winners on behalf of HSBC Bank.
More information on HSBC's credit cards can be obtained by calling Customer Service on tel. 2380-2380 or by visiting the Website www.hsbc.com.mt
Outstanding Young Person Award winner
Marija Schranz has won this year's edition of The Outstanding Young Person of the Year Award (TOYP). The award, presented by Junior Chamber International (Malta), and sponsored by HSBC, KPMG and the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise, recognises young people who dedicate themselves to improving society in various ways.
Ms Schranz, who received her award during a gala dinner at the Corinthia San Gorg Hotel, will now take part in The World's Outstanding Young Person of the Year Award, during JCI's 61st World Congress in Seoul next year.
Ms Schranz is currently completing an Italian doctorate in Multimedia Languages in Turin. She is the media officer for Amnesty International (Malta Group) as well as the media and project co-ordinator at the Jesuit Refugee Service Malta (JRS). As project co-ordinator, she runs various projects such as the Sahha fid-Diversità, an EU-funded campaign co-organised by the Kunsill Nazzjonali Persuni b'Dizabilta' (KNPD). Ms Schranz is also on the steering committee of the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) and was on the organising committee of a conference on racism and xenophobia held in April.
"The TOYP Award once again attracted an impressive list of nominees, highlighting that there are many young Maltese doing great things in their respective fields. Many of them, like Marija, get little or no recognition. Through this award, JCI Malta aims to thank young people for their contribution to society and to encourage them and others to continue in their efforts," said Karl Farrugia Wismayer, president of JCI Malta.
Every year, JCI Malta accepts nominees for The Outstanding Young Person Award (TOYP), in the following ten categories: business, economic, and/or entrepreneurial accomplishment, political, legal and/or governmental affairs, academic leadership and/or accomplishment, cultural achievement, moral and/or environmental leadership, contribution to children's welfare, world peace, and /or human rights, humanitarian and/or voluntary service, scientific and/or technological development, personal improvement and/or accomplishment, and medical innovation.
This year's award was presented by Mr Wismayer with HSBC head of personal financial services John B. Hackett, KMPG senior partner Joseph Schembri, and Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise president Louis Apap Bologna.
For more information on JCI Malta visit www.jci.org.mt
For your diary
A meeting of the Malta Adlerian Psychology Association will be held at the Curia in Floriana (back entrance) on Tuesday at 6.30 p.m. Joyce Callus will lead a discussion on stress management. The meeting is open to the public.
A cake sale to raise funds for the British Cystic Fibrosis Trust is being held at the Luxol Grounds, St Andrews, on Saturday at 9 a.m. A fund-raising dinner is being held at Corinthia San Gorg on November 4 at 8 p.m. Tickets at Lm12 include a buffet dinner, desert, wine, water and coffee. There will also be live entertainment. For more information contact Josette Falzon on tel. 9944-8478 or e-mail: jdfalzon@yahoo.com
A garage sale in aid of the Mission Fund is being held at 1, Paris Street, Birkirkara on October 24-26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sideboards, dining tables, flash doors, oil paintings, window frames and other furniture will be on sale.
Learn about an innovative, complementary method of healing and pain management. An introductory talk will be given by Christoph Bangert, the instructor of the Healing and Pain seminar, at 39, Good Shepherd Avenue Balzan, on October 31 at 7 p.m. Admission is free.
Ward u Zghar is organising a dinner at Il-Fanal, Marsascala, on Friday at 8 p.m. It is also organising a Halloween Costume Disco Party at NaAfi Lascaris Wharf, Valletta, on October 31 at 8 p.m. For bookings phone 9947-2868 or 2142-3143 by October 26.
The Christmas sale in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza will be held at the Siggiewi homes on November 3-5 from 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. A shuttle bus service will be available every half hour from 9 a.m. Stalls include toys, cakes, ceramics, plants, cosmetics, haberdashery, new clothes and shoes, stationery, books and philately. To donate goods, phone the home on tel. 2146-2844 or send a fax to 2146-7925 by October 31.
The Malta Charities Association is organising a dinner dance at the Landmark Hotel in Marylebone Road, London on November 4. For tickets, at £80, contact Mrs M. Wonfor on tel. 00 44 208 948 4404 or e-mail: maltacharities@aol.com. Visit www.maltacharities.com to participate in the silent auction.
The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements October 17-23
Tomorrow
6.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami visit the Marsovin Wine Cellars in Marsa.
8 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by Czech Ambassador Libar Secka on the National Day of the Czech Republic at Pinto Wharf, Valletta.
Tuesday
10.30 a.m. The President visits the offices of the National Statistics Office, Library and Information Unit, in Lascaris, Valletta.
Wednesday
10.30 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami visits Casa Arkati home for the elderly at Mosta.
9 p.m. The President attends a reception hosted by Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech in honour of the Ministers of Tourism from EU countries at the Auberge d'Italie, Valletta.
Thursday
11 a.m. The President receives the Prime Minister at the Palace, Valletta.
1.30 p.m. The President receives Gunther Verheugen, vice-president of the European Commission and Commissioner responsible for Enterprise and Industry.
6 The President presides over a meeting of the Commission for the Administration of Justice at the Palace, Valletta.
Friday
10 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over a Malta Community Chest Fund working committee at the Palace, Valletta.
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the annual gala dinner hosted by the president of the Chamber of Commerce at its premises in Valletta.
Saturday
6 p.m. Mrs Fenech Adami receives the participants of the Awareness Walk in Valletta of the Breast Care Group at the end of their walk, at the Palace, Valletta.
Sunday
9 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami pay an official visit to Victoria, Gozo.