Heard in the Hive

According to Greek Andreas Antipas, the word of mouth seems to be the best marketing tool in Malta. Due to its urban structure, Malta is made up of a good number of small communities who interact for various reasons, mainly the sharing of opinions and information.

Mr Antipas, managing director of the Wilkinson Sword Office in Greece, was recently in Malta on a visit hosted by local agents Miller Distributors Ltd.

The Greek contingent also included marketing manager Christina Baka and sales manager Vassilis Vassios, who became familiar with how the Maltese welcomed the new Wilkinson Sword products.

"In Malta, our products are gaining popularity and success due to their good value for money. Consumers have already experienced the durability of the Wilkinson Sword products, especially the flagship Quattro, with some local testimonials claiming that their Quattro blades last between three to four times longer than their previous razor," Mr Antipas said.

The world's only four-blade razor, Wilkinson Sword Quattro, is a high-quality shaving instrument lasting significantly longer than other conventional blades on the market due to a special process called Alpha Diamond Coating(TM).

Diamond Coating processes are used in various industries, including aerospace, automotive and auto racing, drilling tools and dental instruments. The process applied by Wilkinson Sword coats the four blades on the Quattro with a microscopic diamond film which increases the sharpness and durability of the Quattro blades.

"We've had an extremely good response from the market both from the disposables and the systems side. Wilkinson is a global company that focuses its energy and investment on product quality rather than heavy promotion and this can easily be translated into the common saying 'the proof of the pudding is in the eating'," Simon Debono, marketing manager for Miller Distributors, said.

The most popular Wilkinson Sword products in Malta include the Quattro, the three-blade disposables Xtreme 3 and the two-blade disposables Extra 2.

Silver Palette Competition winners

The Silver Palette Competition, which is held every two years by the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, was won by sculptor George Muscat. The theme for this year's competition was "Nostalgia".

Doranne Alden won the prize in the watercolours section, Maria Rossella Dalmas in the acrylics section, and Mr Muscat also won the prize in the sculpture and ceramics section. Grace Cassar, Angela Theuma and Joseph Barbara were given an honourable mention. The prize for the other media section was not awarded.

A total of 66 artists entered the competition, submitting 96 works. The curator of the competition and exhibition, Louis P. Saliba, praised the high standard of many of the entries, although he felt that the overall standard could have been higher.

Dr Francis Zammit Dimech, Minister for Tourism and Culture, and Paul Asciak, president of the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, presented the awards during the opening of the exhibition.

Vee Gee Bee Art of Valletta sponsored the prizes for the competition.

New Maltese Embassy in Cairo inaugurated

The new premises of the Embassy of Malta in Cairo were officially inaugurated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Michael Frendo yesterday week.

Dr Frendo was in Egypt to participate in the extraordinary foreign ministers' meeting of the Med Forum. He also discussed bilateral relations and regional affairs with his Egyptian counterpart, Ahmed Aboul Gheyt.

Egyptian dignitaries, representatives of the League of Arab States, foreign ambassadors accredited to Egypt and members of the Maltese business community active in Egypt were present for the inauguration. Malta's honorary consuls in Alexandria, Suez and Aleppo (Syria) travelled to Cairo for the occasion.

The Embassy of Malta was formerly located in the Maadi suburb, south of Cairo. On finalising the move in January, Malta joined most EU and other foreign representations in the more central and affluent district of Zamalek, a few minutes away from the administrative and commercial centre of the capital.

Addressing guests, Minister Frendo highlighted the importance Malta gives to its neighbours to the South, prominently among them, Egypt.

He congratulated the Maltese ambassador, Dr Richard Vella Laurenti, for his efforts in consolidating the friendly relations between the two countries and hoped that the relocation of the embassy to the heart of Cairo would bring Malta closer to the government and people of Egypt.

Old Lasallians reunite

Former fifth formers of De La Salle College recently reunited after 23 years.

The reunion was made possible through the initiative of former students Steven Delicata and Jerome Licari. The response was very positive as 93 students gathered at the Carlson Suite of the Radisson SAS Bay Point Hotel. Some teachers who are still teaching at De La Salle College after so many years also attended this long-awaited reunion.

After so many years, during which appearance played a great deal, the spirit of friendship among the former students was felt by all. As soon as ex-Lasallians started turning up, the scene was similar to the one at the beginning of an academic year when all students gather again.

Br Martin Borg, headmaster of De La Salle College, together with Bro Edward, remembered all the students after so many years. During the event, Brothers and former students who passed away were remembered.

Due to the success of this event it was agreed to reunite in two years' time for the 25th anniversary.

Weddings Fair prizes handed out

Four lucky winners received grand prizes from management after the closing of the second Weddings Fair held at the Eden Arena.

The first to receive her prize was a very surprised Julie Agius, who received Lm275 worth of wines and spirits, kindly offered by Antonio Piscopo Wines & Spirits.

"This will come in very handy," Ms Agius said, "as both my son and daughter are about to get married!" In fact, the Agiuses visited the Weddings Fair twice to place orders for their daughter's wedding catering and for the car service required on that special day.

Claire Abela's eyes lit up with excitement when she received her white gold necklace with multicoloured pearls, presented to her by Mr J.J. Azzopardi of Victor Azzopardi Jewellers. "I am very grateful to the Eden Arena and to Victor Azzopardi Jewellers and to The Sunday Times, who have given me the chance to win this precious jewel".

Another prize was offered by Kymono, of San Gwann, which consisted of a stylish, crystal oil candle holder, won by Joseph Vella.

Jana Brown won a beauty treatment kindly offered by the Beauty Studio, Hotel InterContinental.

The Weddings Fair is an annual event organised by Eden Leisure Group.

Maastricht School of Management graduation ceremony

The Maastricht School of Management (MsM) together with the Malta Institute of Management (MIM), recently held its Outreach Programme graduation ceremony at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.

This year's graduation was marked with the conferment of the Doctorate in Business Administration to one student and Master of Philosophy to three students.

Additionally, 16 students graduated with Masters in Business Administration in General Strategic Management and 11 students obtained the Diploma in General Management.

The degrees were conferred by Professor Fred Phillips, associate dean of the Maastricht School of Management.

MIM's collaborating partners, namely Air Malta, Bank of Valletta and Business Today presented prizes to graduates placing first in various parts of the MBA programme. Mr Francis Cassar, an MBA graduate who placed first, was presented with the Dean's Award.

In his address, MIM president Joe Zammit congratulated the graduands and said that the endorsement from the MsM, a world-class management school, would enable the students to rise to the challenges and realities of today's business environment.

Mr Zammit went on to say that MIM looked forward to strengthening its association with the MsM, which association spans more than a decade.

The past successes and excellent results obtained by MIM students encouraged the institute to continue investing in its education and personal development services.

Carmelo Abela, deputy speaker and opposition spokesman for education, youth and sports, also delivered an address and, on congratulating the graduands, emphasised that education be accessible to everyone at all levels.

Among the distinguished guests attending the graduation ceremony was Dutch ambassador Jan Heidsma.

Louis Montebello graduated DBA. Vanessa Borg, Claudine Cassar and Keith Cilia Debono graduated M.Phil.

MBA graduates in General and Strategic Management were Joanna Azzopardi, Sinclair Calleja, Francis Cassar, Rachael Cuschieri, Gordon Dalli, Clive Demicoli, Annalise Farrugia, David Farrugia, Annika Formosa, Keith Mercieca, Brian Mifsud, Nigel Scerri, Michael Schembri, Kurt Storace, Sara Grech and Adrian Zammit.

Those who obtained a Diploma in General Management were Kurt Anastasi, Lewis Baldacchino, Rodianne Caligari, Alexander Cardona, Charmaine Debono, Arthur Ellul, Marco Falzon, Darren Gatt, Maria Dolores Munro, Paul H. Spiteri and Yeda Spiteri Thomas.

Easter Bonnet Parade at Bay Street

Over 20 residents from Id-Dar tal-Providenza spent an enjoyable afternoon when they participated in the Easter Bonnet Parade at Bay Street, St Julian's.

The residents look forward to this annual event and work hard to produce the most imaginative bonnets possible. This activity attracted great participation and a commemorative plaque, courtesy of Paul Target, was presented to the winners of the Best Easter Bonnet.

Other performances at Bay Street on Easter Saturday included the up-and-coming Maltese singer Keith Camilleri and the She 2's Dancers.

The Easter activities at Bay Street ran through Sunday with live entertainment from Carrie and Band and fun-filled activities for all the family, including face painting and treasure hunts.

All funds collected were donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Fund.

Let's read, discuss and write with Vodafone Malta Foundation

Vodafone Malta Founda-tion is supporting Naqraw, Niddiskutu u Niktbu, written by Carmen Mamo and published by the Paulo Freire Institute in Zejtun.

The book launch forms part of the institute's ongoing commitment to promote reading and writing among youth and adults.

Martin Gregory, head of HR at Vodafone Malta and member of the foundation's committee, said: "Education has been a central theme of the foundation's commitment to the Maltese community. Such programmes offered by the Paulo Freire Institute entail the provision of literacy experts, the purchasing of adequate educational resources and the training of volunteers."

Fr Edgar Busuttil, SJ, Paulo Freire Institute's executive director, said: "Books like Naqraw, Niddiskutu u Niktbu offer a useful resource targeted at youth and adults to learn the basics of reading and writing.

"Ms Mamo has been teaching adults at our institute for several years and has drawn on her experience in this field. Our gratitude goes towards her dedication in writing this book and to Vodafone Malta Foundation for sponsoring the publication."

The Paulo Freire Institute was set up by the Maltese Jesuits to promote reading and writing in Maltese.

The institute also organises empowerment courses for women and other facilities to unemployed individuals.

Axiaq - Deidun

Prascovia Axiaq, daughter of Carmel and Carmen Axiaq of Gudja, and Alan Deidun, son of Anthony and Victoria Deidun of Birkirkara, were recently married at Burmarrad parish church.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Patrick Magro SJ (rector of St Aloysius' College, where the couple teach), Fr Joe Cassar, SJ, and Fr Jimmy Bartolo, SJ.

The bride was given away by her father. The ceremony was witnessed by the groom's aunt Jane Sultana and the bride's brother Justin Axiaq, and the duties of best man were carried out by Brian Cassar.

The bride, who was attended by her sister-in-law Valerie Axiaq as maid of honour and her niece Ariana Axiaq as flower-girl, wore a Victorian style ivory-coloured dress.

A reception was held at Castello dei Baroni, Wardija. The couple spent their honeymoon in the Caribbean and US.

Mr Deidun is reading for a Ph.D. in Biology, while Ms Axiaq is reading for a Master's in French.

Xuereb - Agius

The marriage took place recently at 11 a.m. at Lapsi Church St Julian's, between Agnetha Xuereb, daughter of John and Frida Xuereb of San Gwann, and David Agius, B.Eng. (Hons) Elec., son of Paul and Mary Agius of Rabat.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Alex Bezzina. The bride was given away by her father and the ceremony was witnessed by the groom's brother John and the bride's aunt Joyce Camilleri. The duties of best man were carried out by the bride's brother Karl and Mark Abela.

The bride was attended by Jennifer Azzopardi as bridesmaid and Kirsty Camilleri as flower girl.

A reception was held at Torre Paulina, Madliena. The couple will be touring the Canadian Rockies and taking an Alaska cruise.

YWCA pasta night supports homeless

A pasta night with singing and dancing in aid of the Homeless Awareness Campaign was held at the Marsa Sports Club on April 20.

The singer Adrienne opened the night with her angelic voice, followed by Ira Losco to the delight of those present.

The well-attended evening was livened up by Mariella Pace Asciak got everybody on the dance floor in no time. Her son Geordie sang next and impressed everyone with his deep voice and pleasant personality.

Josie Pace, better known by the 60s generation as Ray Ritardo and whose wife is the treasurer of YWCA Malta, made a surprise comeback. Enzo Gusman arrived at 10 p.m. after his many commitments for the day to give a much-awaited performance, interpreting songs made popular by Louis Armstrong, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Tom Jones, and Engelbert Humperdinck.

YWCA would like to thank all the singers who made the night a success, Mr Vella Bonnici of the Marsa Sports Club restaurant and his staff, and Mark Arcidiacono, who donated one of his beautiful paintings for a future club auction.

Duncan from the AV Warehouse did a fantastic job providing technical support for all the singers.

The sponsors of the event were Fantasy Tours, Calypso Radio, Calypso Hotel, La Perla Pizzeria and the beautician Maris of Ta' Giorni.

YWCA Malta president Mary J. Jones said that the Club needs to recruit more members under the age of 30. She thanked all the patrons who supported the event.

On behalf of YWCA Malta, Doris Cusens invited those present and their friends to the next event, which will be a keep-fit reunion of past pupils and keep-fit enthusiasts to support the Homeless Awareness Campaign to be held in Valletta on May 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For your diary

A bazaar in aid of the missions is being held at "Kings", Tower Road, Sliema, from Tuesday to May 27, from 9.30 a.m. Big bargains on clothes, toys, white elephant, gifts and books.

A card party in the Little Sisters of the Poor is being held at the Preluna Hotel on Wednesday at 10 a.m. For bookings phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.

The Maltese Australian Association is organising a buffet lunch for Mother's Day, at San Anton Hotel, Bugibba, on Sunday at 12.30 p.m. For bookings phone Nick Bonello on 2148-6241, Paul Mamo on 2131-5191, Marlene Xerri on 2137-6276, Tammy Cilia on 2157-7545, Victor Borg on 2144-0807, Joseph Buttigieg on 2131-3718 or Joan Barbara on 2182-7948, by Wednesday.

The Mission Fund is organising a grand bazaar, in aid of Third World countries, at 26, Saqqajja Road, Rabat, from tomorrow week to May 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 4 to 7 p.m. To donate items, contact the Mission Fund at 72/2, St Joseph Flats, Triq il-Farinal, Mosta MST 07, or phone 2141-3664.

People

Tatyana Chircop, ATCL, LTCL, FTCL, Dip. Youth Studies, was recently conferred with a Bachelor's degree (Hons) in English by the Chancellor of the University of London, Princess Anne, at the Barbican Centre in London. Ms Chircop studied as an external student through Goldsmiths College, University of London.

Throughout the programme Ms Chircop covered a diverse range of in-depth courses in English literature, which were all assessed entirely by examination. These included Renaissance and Restoration, Augustans and Romantics, Victorians, Moderns, Reading Women's Writings, Shakespeare, The Novel, Empire and Literature.

Ms Chircop is currently in the final year of the BA in Youth and Community Studies programme at the University of Malta and is concurrently reading for a Masters, degree in Youth an Community Studies (external programme) at Brunel University, West London.

Ms Chircop is currently a facilitator at St Albert the Great College and also teaches violin at the Johann Strauss School of Music in Valletta.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements - May 1-7

Tuesday
10.30 a.m. The President meets children from Dun Gorg Preca School, Hamrun, on a visit to San Anton Palace.

11.30 The President receives outgoing Ambassador of Finland Alec Aalto on a farewell call at the Palace, Valletta.

Noon The President receives the Mayor of Bernburg, Helmut Rieche, and Professor Buhmann of Anhalt University, accompanied by the mayor of Valletta, Dr Paul Borg Olivier.

Wednesday
Noon The President attends a wreath-laying ceremony organised by the Royal Air Forces Association in Malta at the Air Force Memorial in Floriana.

Thursday
9.30 a.m. The President receives the Prime Minister at the Palace, Valletta.

11 The President visits Maria Bambina Primary School in Mellieha.

7.30 p.m. The President meets Mellieha NGOs at Manikata parish church.

Friday
10 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over a Malta Community Chest Fund working committee meeting at the Palace, Valletta.

8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a musico-literary evening organised by the St Joseph and De Rohan band clubs on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establish-ment of the feast of St Joseph the Worker at Zebbug parish church.

Sunday
8.15 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami pay an official visit to Mellieha.