Heard in the Hive

Spain's Ambassador, Marta Vilardell Coma, hosted her first Spanish National Day reception at the InterContinental Malta, St Julian's, last Thursday week.

The gardens of the Al Fresco in the centre of the hotel accommodated the hundreds of guests present, including President and Mrs E. Fenech Adami, senior civil servants, members of the diplomatic corps, top business executives, Spanish nationals and friends of the embassy.

In an address full of quotations, Mrs Coma looked back on her first five months as ambassador as "rich in personal and professional experiences", including the well known Maltese hospitality and the local fireworks.

She quoted Louis Pasteur: "Sometimes real friends have to be angry with each other" and George Washington: "Friendship is a slow growing plant that has to undergo the blow of adversity to deserve its name."

She said she was doing the work that would forge the foundation of relations between the two countries, leading to a mutual rediscovery of historical common values and interests.

"I am working on specific issues whose results will show shortly and which I hope will be effective," Mrs Vilardell said.

In his reply, President Fenech Adami said he cherished the memory of a working state visit to Spain last year and discussions with the King and Queen who spoke of their memories of Malta.

"We are two independent countries who, when we have issues that need to be resolved, do so in the most friendly of manners with due respect to our sovereignty."

The experience of EU membership in the past two years, he added, confirmed that this had strengthened the Maltese identity and given the country the opportunity to work with other EU member countries.

The EU, he said, is there to stay and play an important part in international relations.

Toasts were then exchanged.

An evening in aid of orphans in Kenya

A very successful fund-raising event was recently organised in aid of the Moviment Missjunarju Gesù fil-Proxxmu.

The organiser, Alexia Mifsud, who has been on missionary work in Kenya and Brazil, said the event, which has become a yearly occurrence, was the most successful so far, raising a staggering Lm4,000.

The setting for the evening was provided by the beautiful gardens of the family-owned Palazzo Stagno in Qormi, a recently restored 16th century listed palazzo.

The magical world music played by Peter Paul Galea and his group Tribali, as well as Pat Camilleri's spectacular fire dance, contributed to the enjoyment of the evening.

Fr George Grima, director of Moviment Missjunarju Gesù fil-Proxxmu, thanked all those present and said that the money collected will be used to build a hospital, a school and an orphanage for children with AIDS and children orphaned by AIDS. This project will be built in Homa Bay, Kenya.

Ms Mifsud thanked all the sponsors - Sweet Temptations in Bugibba for providing all the food, General Soft Drinks, Marsovin, Farsons and Marco from Tex Mex Bar & Grill in Sliema, who organised and sponsored the bar, and Maurius from Vogue Labels and Benjie from Big for advertising material.

Other sponsors provided gifs for the raffle: Alfred Gera & Sons for perfumes, Mediterraneo Marine Park, Kodak, Mark Navarro Hairdressing Salon, Sliema, Sisa, Esencial and Tribali for their CDs.

Ms Mifsud also thanked Shirley and Lisa who helped set up an art exhibition. The paintings donated by local artists were very well received.

Anyone who would like to help in any way may contact Fr George Grima on 2155-6453 or 7985-3611. Anyone wishing to adopt a child for Lm12 a year can receive a form by post by sending an e-mail with the name and address to info@esencial.com.mt.

Official opening for Mediterranean Bank

The official opening of the Mediterranean Bank plc was held recently at the bank's premises on St Barbara Bastions in Valletta.

Guests were welcomed to the bank's exquisitely refurbished premises by CEO Frederic Villa.

In his address, Mr Villa thanked his fellow directors and the employees for their hard work and dedication to make this new venture a reality.

The inauguration ceremony was also addressed by the governor of the Central Bank of Malta, Michael Bonello. Professor Joe Bannister, chairman of MFSA, was also present. Fr Marcello Micallef blessed the premises.

A reception was later held in the magnificent surroundings of the Lower Barracca Gardens, which was attended by a number of distinguished guests.

YTC's annual reunion

YTC (Youth Travel Circle) held its annual reunion at the Dolmen Resort Hotel, Qawra, yesterday week. The event, a pasta night, was attended by over 300 persons who have at some time travelled with YTC to Livigno or to La Nuvola farmhouse in Tuscany.

Present for the evening was Mariano Galas, who is both owner of La Nuvola and YTC's skiing director in Livigno, together with representatives of the tourist boards of Livigno and Folgaria.

This event, organised by YTC's Ski and Snowboard Club - Malta, marks the launch of the 2006/2007 skiing season with YTC. Club members look forward to this event, as they have the opportunity to meet and discuss their skiing plans for the coming season.

Throughout the evening, videos were shown of Maltese skiers enjoying themselves on the Livigno slopes, or in the village of Livigno, which is well known for its duty-free shopping and excellent night life.

The members of the Livigno and Folgaria tourist boards gave a presentation about the two skiing destinations. Livigno, in collaboration with YTC, has been hosting Maltese skiers in winter for several years and many Maltese are now familiar with this resort.

Folgaria is the new destination which YTC is introducing this season. It is situated in the Italian Dolomites, close to Trento and Rovereto.

At the end of the evening, YTC's skiing organiser, Stellina Galea, addressed the gathering; she was followed by Mr Galas, who referred to his long-standing connection with Malta, seeing that most of those present had at times been instructed by him on the Livigno slopes or been hosted by him at La Nuvola.

As a gesture of thanks to all those who have travelled with YTC in the past, YTC in collaboration with Air Malta and the Livigno and Folgaria tourist boards organised two competitions for those present. The two persons who won will be off on a free skiing holiday to Livigno and Folgaria.

For further information about Livigno and Folgaria, contact Stellina Galea at YTC on 2142-1464, 2141-4811, 2123-3893 or 9942-0377 or visit YTC Website at www.ytctravel.org

Agent Provocateur launched in Malta

Malta has been added to the list of 65 countries where the label Agent Provocateur, synonymous with sexy lingerie, is represented.

The launch was held recently at the Hilton Portomaso Suite, St Julian's. The event, organised by C+M Marketing Ltd, exclusive distributors for Agent Provocateur, welcomed exclusive perfumery owners, their sales team and members of the press.

Krystle Scerri, brand manager for Agent Provocateur, took the guests on a trip into the world of Agent Provocateur. During the presentation, she introduced the fragrance as an ultimate weapon of seduction.

Agent Provocateur's woman is self-confident, playful, attractive, captivating, hypnotic, provocative, sensual, not afraid of her sensuality, sexy, charming and mysterious.

After the presentation, lucky winners were presented with the exclusive fragrance, while all the guests were presented with the Agent Provocateur Body Sauce.

Models wearing Venetian masks, feather boas and silk gloves, as well as belly dancers accompanied by tribal music, helped create an exotic atmosphere.

Vascas awards people's choice

Mark Vassallo, director of Vascas Jewellers, recently presented Irene Sant with a Lm1,000 Vascas voucher. Mrs Sant, of Paola, had voted by SMS in the People's Choice Award in the Malta Television Awards held last September at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

Mrs Sant's number was selected at random and on the awards night she was contacted on her mobile and asked to answer a question.

When asked whom she had voted for, Mrs Sant said her preference was Alfred Zammit, producer and presenter of Kalamita on One TV, who eventually won the People's Choice Award.

Mr Zammit was also presented with an Oxette Watch, compliments of Vascas Jewellers.

Slimmer of the Year prizes awarded

Slimming UK recently held its annual Slimmer of the Year Awards at the Coastline Hotel. The presentation took place at the Admiral Bar where Kinnie-based cocktails were being served. Later, members and their guests proceeded to the Master Deck Terrace for a moonlit barbecue.

The awards, presented by Valerie Portelli Hunt, Slimming UK consultant for the Mosta, Naxxar and St Julian's areas. Ms Portelli Hunt has been trained by Nanette Kyle and Jan Howell from the UK and is one of the very few consultants who can organise Slimming UK classes in Malta.

The first award was given to Marisa Abela, Slimmer of the Year 2006, of St Julian's, who lost 52 kilos. Michelle Calleja, of Mosta, who lost 34 kilos, was the runner-up.

A token of appreciation was given to Julia Wood from the Mosta class who offered her photo as a testimonial for Slimming UK's advertising campaign, and also to the members who have maintained their target over the past years and still attend the meetings.

Gifts and certificates were awarded to another 20 members who have achieved their desired target weights. For the first time, a special prize was awarded to members who have lost over 20 kilos but still have more weight to shift, and for attending the meetings regularly.

The most enjoyable evening came to an end with various gifts being distributed to all, kindly donated by Charles Darmanin for Kellogg's, Vascas of Naxxar, Attard & Co. for Vega, Paolo Bonnici for Kraft Jocca, Alf. Gera and Sons for perfumes, Alf. Mizzi and Sons for Muller, Dake Ltd for Guam, Crown Cold Stores for John West, Farsons for Diet Kinnie, and Anna Caruana from Plus Sizes of Mosta. Slimming UK thanks the management and staff at the Coastline Hotel.

The sponsors and members of Slimming UK presented Ms Portelli Hunt with a gift from Vascas Jewellery.

1986 Vatican altar boys reunite

A reunion was held recently for ex-altar boys who represented Malta while serving at the Vatican in 1986. The reunion date coincided with the date of their return after serving at St Peter's Basilica for a month, 20 years ago.

The altar boys in this group however, were the only ones who did not manage to take a photo with the late Pope John Paul II, as on the day of the official audience, there was a heavy downpour throughout the morning.

Nonetheless happy memories were renewed during a dinner at the Vivaldi Hotel in Paceville. Earlier, Mass was celebrated at the Millennium Chapel by Dun Valentino Borg who led the group in 1986.

Top awards for Westin Malta

The yearly Starwood Regional Round Table meetings, this year held in Munich, saw the Westin Malta team win two prestigious awards.

The Starwood Malta team met with Europe, Africa and Middle East divisional president Roeland Vos and with Italy and Malta senior-vice president Robert Koren, where the current year's performance and opportunities ahead were discussed.

Starwood Malta was represented by the senior management team from the Westin Dragonara Resort, Le Meridien St Julian's and Le Meridien Phoenicia. This was the first time that Le Meridien management participated in this activity as the acquisition of Le Meridien brand by Starwood Hotels and Resorts was concluded last November.

The meetings and workshops were brought to an end by a celebratory event held in the ballroom of the Arabella Sheraton in the heart of Munich, which was particularly memorable for the Westin Dragonara Resort team as it took home two prestigious awards, To Reach Our Potential and I Belong.

The first award went to Westin Malta as it recorded the highest GOP Growth in the region, while the I Belong award went to the Six Sigma Italy and Malta Team for their hard work and commitment.

The return of the Westin's senior management team was received with great enthusiasm from the owning company, Peninsula Investments Ltd, and all the associates. A surprise welcome party was held at Quadro Restaurant where general manager Hans Cauchi was presented with a commemorative silver plaque.

Landscape Consortium directors return from Germany

The four directors of the Environment Landscape Consortium, Carlos Calamatta, Boris Farrugia, Lewis Micallef and Dr Adrian Zammit, have recently returned from a four-day intensive visit to Germany where they met Professor Erich Buhmann of Anthalt University, Bernburg.

The ELC is embarking on a joint venture with the university with the aim of going into the competition sphere of soft landscaping tendering both locally and internationally.

During their visit, the ELC directors met a number of important German planners and landscapers. They also visited sites where low maintenance gardens have been installed, professionally laid roof gardens and other great gardens of interest.

The ELC directors paid an official visit to Malta's Ambassador to Germany, Dr John Paul Grech, who spoke very highly of the ELC's embellishment work in Malta. Of particular interest was the visit to Baumschule Lorberg, a very large tree nursery (500 hectares), and the landscaping competition site in Gleisdreieck.

Professor Buhmann will shortly visit Malta to finalise contractual arrangements with the ELC. This international partnership augurs very well for the improvement of soft landscaping in Malta and other Mediterranean countries.

Last of summer wine fests

Lions Club Malta (Host) is concluding a successful series of summer-time events with an International Wine Festival to be held at the Caraffa Stores in Vittoriosa on Friday.

The event will feature a collection of good wines available to be sampled during the event. The wines will be sourced internationally from the main wine-producing markets and will provide a feast for the senses for the wine lover.

The wines will be accompanied by good food and, as always, the event's proceeds will go to charity. The main charity to benefit is the campaign Sightfirst II, an International Lions campaign targeted against blindness and its causes. The proceeds from Campaign Sightfirst I have helped millions of people worldwide with the building of new hospitals and the training of health professionals to cure blindness.

Some of the funds have been used locally in the establishment of the cornea bank and the purchase of other equipment, used to fight blindness locally.

Some of the activities which have been held this summer include a roof-top barbecue at the Golden Tulip Vivaldi Hotel and a vendemmia dinner at the Marsa Club. Proceeds from these activities have been destined for Campaign Sightfirst II.

For further information about attending the wine festival, phone Michael Cassar on 9943-9961 or David Borg Cardona on 9947-2451.

People

ANDREW MIFSUD, BE&A (Hons), M.Sc. (Lond), DIC, A&CE, was recently conferred with the degree of Master of Science, with Distinction in Structural Engineering, from the Imperial College, University of London. The degrees and prizes were awarded by the Rector of the Imperial College, Sir Richard Skyes at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Mr Mifsud has been awarded the Dowling Prize, which is awarded to the student who places first in the M.Sc. course in Structural Steel Design in the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Imperial College. He obtained individual distinctions in all exams, and also for his thesis. His studies included finite element analysis, non-linear analysis, structural dynamics, structural stability and bridge design. In his thesis, entitled "An investigation of the properties of semi-rigid connections, using the component model", Mr Mifsud studied the behaviour of beam to column end-plate connections under extreme conditions of axial load and rotation. Part of the investigation was conducted by means of software he developed for the purpose. Mr Mifsud received his primary and secondary education at De La Salle College, Cottonera and at the New Lyceum, Msida. He graduated as architect and civil engineer, from the University of Malta in 1997. Mr Mifsud worked with the Steel Construction Institute at Ascot, and is currently employed as a senior engineer with multidisciplinary consultancy Capita Symonds based in London. He is currently working on the design of a new retractable roof over Wimbledon Centre Court. Mr Mifsud is the son of Francis and Mary Rose Mifsud of Tarxien. He is married to Ruth née Borg and they have a son, Benjamin.

DENISE XUEREB has recently joined the Events Department at The Victoria Hotel, Sliema. Although only 21 years old, Ms Xuereb has accumulated an extensive curriculum of work experience. Between 2001 and this year, Ms Xuereb held various responsible positions at the Suncrest Hotel, in a number of departments, including animation, food and beverage, front office and guest relations. The Events Department at The Victoria Hotel is responsible for the management and supervision of events held at the hotel, including international conferences, weddings, and other activities organised at the newly refurbished Palazzo Capua.

DR CHARLES A. GAUCI, MD, FRCA, FIPP, has been appointed chairman-designate of the Examination Board for the international diploma in interventional pain practice (FIPP) held by the World Institute of Pain. Dr Gauci has been an examiner for this diploma since 2002 and a member of the Examination Board since 2005. He examines both in Europe and in the USA. His term of office will start in 2008. A graduate of the Royal University of Malta, Dr Gauci is consultant in pain management at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London and at King George Hospital in Essex. He is also visiting consultant in pain management at St Luke's Hospital, Malta. Dr Gauci, a member of the Board of Directors of the World Institute of Pain, routinely lectures on pain management at many international meetings. He has published two books on interventional pain management. His latest book, A Manual of Radiofrequency Techniques, has just been published in a Korean edition, and a Spanish edition is being published shortly.

Catania - Aquilina

The marriage was celebrated recently at Santa Maria Church, Birkirkara, between Christine Catania, daughter of Mr and Mrs Alfred Catania, of Marsa, and Tonio Aquilina, son of Mr and Mrs Charles Aquilina, of Birkirkara.

The ceremony was officiated by Fr David Cefai, SJ. The bride's brother, Aldo Catania, and Dr Matthew Brincat witnessed the ceremony. Raphael Cauchi acted as best man, while Rosalba Ebejer Catania was maid of honour. Lara Cacciattolo, the bride's daughter, was flower-girl, while Jean Aquilina, the groom's son, was pageboy.

A reception was later held at Palazzo Capua, Sliema. The couple spent their honeymoon in Capri, Sorrento and Rome.

Sciberras - Bonnici

The marriage took place recently at the Mary Mother of the Church chapel in Mosta, between Joan Sciberras, daughter of George and Carmen Sciberras, of Siggiewi, and Architect Hermann Bonnici, son of sculptor Ganni and Pauline Bonnici, of Attard.

Nuptial Mass was concelebrated by Mgr Joe Carabott and Fr Samuel Chetcuti, OFM, Conv. The ceremony was witnessed by the bride's brother, Luke Sciberras, and the groom's brother, Kurt Bonnici, BA (Hons). Anthony Sciberras carried out the duties of best man.

The bride was attended by her sister Caroline Camilleri, BA (Comm), PGCE, IDCI, as bridesmaid. Esmeralda Camilleri, the bride's niece, was flower-girl.

A reception was held at Palazzo Promontorio in Wardija. The couple spent their honeymoon touring Tuscany and Umbria.

For your diary

The St Joseph School Past Pupils Association (Sliema) invites all past students, their families and friends to participate in a treasure hunt today at 2 p.m. Phone Moira Tabone on 2135-3444 or 9940-2223, or Mary Sciortino on 2133-2839 for more information.

The Paola Parish Committee is organising a jumble sale in aid of the parish at the parish hall, Church Avenue, till tomorrow, from 9 a.m. to noon and from 4.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Clothes, books, plants and other items at reduced prices will be on sale.

The Mission Fund is holding a bazaar at the garage "Michael", Mgr Depiro Street, Hamrun, from Wednesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Funds will go to help relieve the hunger and misery of thousands of people in Third World countries. To donate items, phone 2141-3664 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

A retreat is being organised by the Lay fraternity of Charles de Foucauld, at the Seminary, Tal-Virtù, Rabat, under the direction of Fr Fabio Attard, SDB, from Friday to Sunday. For further information and booking phone 2134-2818 by tomorrow.

The Breast Care Support Group Europa Donna, with the support of Novartis Pharma (Malta), is holding the annual Hilda Schembri Memorial Lecture, at Le Meridien Phoenicia, on Friday at 7.15 p.m. The main speakers are Isabel Saliba, gynaecologist, Mr Cog (OBS), and Karin Jons, MEP.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements: October 23-29

Tomorrow
6 p.m. Mrs Fenech Adami receives the chief operating officer of HSBC, Sally Robson, at San Anton Palace.
9.20 The President arrives from Hungary.

Tuesday
10.30 a.m. The President receives Cardinal Tomas Spidlik, SJ, at the Palace, Valletta.
11.30 The President meets with the business delegation travelling to Croatia.
11.30 Mrs Fenech Adami views an exhibition at the Zurrieq Day Care Centre.
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a celebrity concert with the participation of soprano Marta Hanfova and pianist Radomir Melmuka as part of Czech Republic Week at the Manoel Theatre.

Wednesday
6 p.m. The President accompanied by Mrs Fenech Adami attend Mass followed by the inauguration of the newly rebuilt St Paul's Home, Hamrun.

Thursday
7.20 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami depart for a state visit to Croatia.
11 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami are welcomed by the Croatian President and Mrs Mesic in Zagreb.
11.30 The two delegations take part in bilateral talks.
12.45 p.m. The President meets Vladimir Seks, Speaker of the Croatian Parliament.
3 The two Presidents address the Business Forum at the Croatian Chamber of Commerce.
7.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami are hosted by Croatian President and Mrs Mesic to a state dinner at the Office of the President in Zagreb.

Friday
9.30 a.m. The President meets Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader.
9.20 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami return to Malta from Croatia.

Saturday
7 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Attend attend three one-act operas as part of the Festival Mediterranja at the Astra Theatre in Victoria Gozo.