AIESEC, a global student organisation that operates in 97 countries, recently joined forces with the Ministry for Competitiveness and Communication.
The organisation's core identity is based on leadership and exchange. It has been providing opportunities to Maltese and international students for personal and professional growth, development and leadership skills through internships, global conferences and other events. AIESEC specialises highly in talent management and development because it gives students something which reaches beyond the realms of academic studies and knowledge.
Since its early beginnings in 1969, AIESEC in Malta has been supported by various corporate and governmental entities. It has also given hands-on experience to students, and has rendered its services to the corporate and non-corporate sector.
The Ministry for Competitive-ness and Communication promotes the students' will to develop an entrepreneurial spirit.
AIESEC has been the largest global organisation which has been providing long- and short-term work-based internships in various areas. The areas include banking, finance, IT, engineering, marketing and education.
On a local level, AIESEC regularly hosts a series of informative and educational conferences open to all university students.
The ministry will be working side by side with AIESEC on various projects and events.
Italian skincare specialist delivers seminar to beauticians
Beauty Culture recently organised an informative and interesting week as Paola Frizzarini, from DRV Spain, flew over to Malta to lecture and train therapists on Anesi, Depileve, Belfeet, Velona and Crisnail products.
Ms Frizzarini's detailed training also included some new techniques in the facial skincare line Anesi which proved to be very popular.
The brand offers professional treatments and retail products for every skin type, ranging from oxygenating, sensitive and oily to anti-wrinkle and lifting. Cosmetic ingredients include licorice extracts, argireline, red vine extract as well as MDI, a natural concentrate of marine properties that regenerates the cellular network.
New techniques were also introduced in the Depileve line, especially the new Revolutionary Intimate Wax, purposely designed for the most intimate areas which has proved to be painless, leaving the skin soft, smooth and without any irritation.
Another new concept in the pedicure and manicure line is in the Belfeet and Crisnail Spa treatments, which include Indian Ocean Salts to hydrate the skin, Lime Peel to exfoliate the whole foot and Tangerine Scrub for hard skin areas.
The climax of the whole concept is in the Fresh Sensation peel off-mask to eliminate toxins finishing off with Ginseng soufflé cream.
The Parafango (paraffin and fango) wrap was favoured by the therapists as it is suitable for people who want to lose inches, detoxify, disperse fat and cellulite. Most of all it proved to be ideal for aches and pains.
Due to the success achieved from this seminar, Beauty Culture Centre has invited Ms Frizzarini to come over again later on this year. Other seminars are also planned to take place shortly.
Employee involvement awarded at BoV
Johann Ferrando from Bank of Valletta's Msida branch put forward the best staff suggestion during the period October-December 2006.
He was presented with a certificate together with a reward by Igino Xuereb, chief officer operations of Bank of Valletta, during a conference for branch managers held recently.
Mr Ferrando proposed a process change directed at improving response time, making an application process at the customer interface more straightforward and efficient.
During the same conference, Mr Xuereb presented Emanuel Govè from the St Julian's branch with a separate award as the employee who had the highest number of accepted suggestions.
BoV's Staff Suggestion Scheme promotes employee participation by encouraging employees to put forward recommendations on how the bank can continue to enhance the service it offers to its customers.
Presenting the awards, Mr Xuereb said: "We have had over 1,400 suggestions submitted over the past financial year and the bank has accepted and implemented over 200 of the recommendations made by our employees. Indeed, these numbers are very encouraging and show a high degree of employee participation."
Mr Xuereb said BoV values its human resources and is continuously investing in career development.
"The success of the staff suggestion scheme, in turn, underlines our people's commitment to provide customers with a truly genuine and caring service - a service that is straightforward and efficient and based on the key principles of supportiveness and mutuality," Mr Xuereb concluded.
Virtual model competition
Xfm and www.kiwilicious.com have teamed up to create an exciting new concept which will add more spice to the local fashion scene. Virtual Model is an innovative way of introducing promising models to the world of local fashion and beauty via www.xfmmalta.com and www.kiwilicious.com.
A panel of judges will choose 12 girls to participate in a photo shoot by Virtual Model's internationally acclaimed photographer, Alexandra Pace, with make-up by Nee, hair by Thomas and clothes by Hot Couture. All the jewellery will be provided by Gaba Gioielli.
Once these photos are uploaded on the Xfm Website, listeners are given the chance to vote for their favourite model.
The winner will grace the cover of Pink magazine and feature in the fashion story. She will also receive a diamond pendant from Gaba Gioielli, a mobile phone from Go Mobile, a Hot Couture gift voucher, a bag from Nee make-up and will represent Diet Kinnie in promotional visuals.
The Xfm listener who guesses the Virtual Model winner will also receive a jewellery gift from Gaba Gioielli and a mobile phone from Go Mobile.
The Virtual Model competition is open to girls between the ages of 13 and 25. Girls aged 13 to 17 need their parents' consent. The competition is free of charge; closing date for applications is April 13. Phone 2137-8163/5 or 7919-0052 for more information.
YMCA-YWCA Pembroke Park inaugurated
YMCA Homeless and YWCA Malta, together with 34U, Nature Trust and Pembroke council, are working on a series of initiatives to make our island a greener place.
One of these initiatives was the YMCA/YWCA Pembroke Park, which was inaugurated by Minister George Pullicino on March 8. Being Women's Day, women from different fields, including political figures, were invited to commemorate this event.
Female personalities included US Ambassador Molly Bordonaro, Austrian Ambassador Dr Elisabeth Kehrer, Helena Dalli, Dr Claire Bonello, Marisa Xuereb, Joanna Farrugia from YMCA Homeless Shelter, Sr Rosalinda and Anee Cachia from Dar Merhba Bik, Moira Delia, Chiara Siracusa, and Mtarfa mayor Josephine Abela.
Also present were Marika Borg Wirth from the Malta Association of Social Workers, Deborah Grech from Vodafone, Lisa Libreri, Eileen Montesin, Miss Malta Rania Zouari, Claudia Taylor East, Lilian Miceli Farrugia, Marbeck Spiteri, Ira Losco, Miriam Dalli, Marie Louise Coleiro, Dr Christine Bondin, Lynn Faure, Rachel Attard of Bondiplus, Marlene Mizzi, Dr Joanna Drake, Doris Cusens, Mary J. Jones, Jean Paul Mifsud, Julia Farrugia, Sally Robson, Marika Debono, Veronique Dalli, Carrie and Elvia George.
For more details on how to adopt a tree, contact Maria Sammut on 2124-0680 or Mary J. Jones on 2158-0982.
Optika reopening
Optika Opticians, established since 1965, have fully refurbished their prominent outlet at 17, The Strand, Sliema.
The newly renovated shop - which boasts bright and inviting avant-garde décor - carries a completely new range of high quality optical products. Naturally, the prompt and personal service for which Optika are so well renowned, is unchanged.
Optika now offers a wider range of prescription and non-prescription sunglasses and frames on display: whether you need a new pair of glasses for better vision or want to update your frames to something more modern, Optika is the first stop for outstanding choice and great value for the fashion-conscious, designer-label lovers as well as those who want real style on a budget.
At Optika you will find hundreds of renowned brands, namely Chanel, Bulgari, Prada Versace, D&G, Ray Ban, Vogue, and now also Burberry, among many others.
There really is a style, a size, colour and price for everyone. Optika's experienced staff will provide style tips to help you find the right spectacles for you and also offer comprehensive advice on the latest developments in contact lens wear suited to your needs. All provided with excellent after sales service.
Visit Optika's refurbished outlet at 17, The Strand, Sliema and see for yourselves.
Naxxar spa launches Alessandro International
For more than 15 years, Alessandro International has been synonymous with perfect hand and nail care with products and services that reflect maximum quality and innovative strength. It has also won coveted beauty awards, which confirm the company's progressiveness and commitment to being a leading specialist in the sector.
This global brand was recently launched in Malta by Sharon Borg, managing director of Heaven Beauty Clinic and Day Spa, during an event held at The Victoria hotel, Sliema. A wide audience from the beauty salon and spa market attended this event.
Alessandro International offers a wide range of products and services for professionals and consumers. The brand offers more than 2,000 products, including nail extensions, hand and nail care, manicure and pedicure, as well as the highest quality colour cosmetics.
Since 1989, the brand is now present in more than 40 countries.
"Today, Alessandro International is one of the world's leading providers of high-quality hand and nail care products and services. It has earned its status due to its outstanding commitment in ensuring maximum quality, in providing the most intelligent solutions, and because of its wide range of the latest fashion colours and extremely popular products," Ms Borg said.
International trend scouts ensure that Alessandro International is always attuned to the spirit of times than many of its competitors, which is why it has been able to establish a leading position.
Consumers also appreciate the company's innovative approach to the development of products that simplify hand, nail and foot care in the home, as well as making it more effective.
Club Italia celebrated Women's Day
On the occasion of Interna-tional Women's Day, Club Italia organised a special coffee morning for its female members and their guests, held at the Windsor Hotel in Sliema.
Special guests were Sister Rosalinda and Anna Cachia of Dar Merhba Bik in Balzan, which Club Italia has helped financially as well as with donations in kind for the benefit of a number of battered women who seek shelter at the home, run by the Good Shepherd nuns.
Mrs Cachia and Sr Rosalinda spoke about this centre for victims of domestic violence that has been operating in Malta since the 1980s, and recounted the types of emotional, physical, financial or sexual abuse that such women would have passed through.
Dar Merhba Bik welcomes women and their children who either turn up on their own initiative or are referred by a doctor, priest or social worker. At the home, they are welcomed and feel secure, and receive all forms of help until their familial situation is resolved or legally decided. They can stay there for an unlimited time, each case depending on its own merits.
Dar Merhba Bik co-operates with Appogg agency, that conducts a Men's Services programme for the husbands of these women.
A spontaneous collection was made among the 50 ladies present in aid of Dar Merhba Bik, that amounted to Lm118. Club Italia regularly makes donations to local worthy causes.
Visit www.freewebs.com/clubitaliamalta/index.htm for more information.
Gillette Fusion at Bay Street
If Mel Gibson knows what women want... then Gillette definitely knows what men want! This was the general comment of a number of male patrons who experienced the Gillette Fusion shaving products at Bay Street Tourist Complex earlier last month.
Male guests were invited to use the razor with the aid of the Fusion girls in specially modified mockup sinks that were placed at Bay Street's Rotunda.
The new Fusion and Fusion Power are the most remarkable shaving products Gillette has ever introduced, and are the world's first razors to feature advanced technology on the front and the back of the blade cartridge.
Fusion features a breakthrough five-blade shaving surface technology on the front of the cartridge, with blades spaced closer together. The most innovative feature is the Precision Trimmer blade, a single blade on the back of the cartridge.
At the same time, Gillette also launched a new personal care shaving line, Gillette Fusion, consisting of pre- and post-shaving products. It has been designed to enhance and improve the shaving experience of the new Gillette Fusion razors.
Mdina Lions visit Holy Family Home
On February 20, Lions Club Mdina paid a visit to the Holy Family Home in Naxxar.
The committee members prepared sandwiches and cakes which were given out to the residents as well as a small gift. The visit was much appreciated by the residents.
Lion President Isabelle Coppini and members presented a cheque to Joe Rossi and Joyce Pullicino, who chairs the board of management.
Poppy Appeal Fund
The Royal British Legion has raised Lm7,640.34 through street collections and other fund-raising activities last year, in aid of the Poppy Appeal Fund.
Melita Marine Group golf tournament last month
Melita Marine Group's first edition of the Melita Marine Group golf tournament was held at the Royal Malta Golf Club on February 23-24.
This event stands as the launch of a long-term commitment which Melita Marine Group is to embark on. It also allows for various members of the international yachting community from around the Mediterranean and beyond to meet and compete in a friendly-spirited game of golf, while enjoying spectacular sights, our unique Maltese hospitality, great entertainment, scrumptious food and our wonderful climate.
After the two-day tournament, Captain Williams finished first with a total score of 129. The longest drive was won by Victor Satariano on the 23rd, and by Tony Farrugia on the 24th. Ian Restall won Closest to the Pin on both days.
The event reached a climax on Saturday with a gala dinner, inaugurated by Minister Censu Galea, and a presentation of awards at the Portomaso Suite, Hilton Malta.
The first prize, a beautiful Paul Picot watch donated by Victor Azzopardi Jewellers, was awarded to Captain Wayne Williams of Motor Yacht Osprey, who with incredible generosity, donated his prize to the gala raffle.
David Gasan of Volvo Malta presented first runner-up Captain Graeme Riddle of Sailing Yacht Wellenreiter with a Christofle silver tray, donated by Cleland and Souchet of Portomaso.
Melita Marine Group and its passion for the seas has inspired it to donate all proceeds of this event towards BICREF (the Biological Conservation Research Foundation) Malta. BICREF is dedicated to implementing projects aimed towards the conservation of the Mediterranean Sea. The group thanked Dr Adriana Vella, conservation biologist at BICREF, for her support throughout this project to which Melita Marine has committed long-term.
Many local and international companies sponsored this highly successful event, and it is thanks to their support that this event has been so successful. Melita Marine Group thank Volvo as the main sponsor of the event, Victor Azzopardi Jewellers and Paul Picot Watches, the Hilton (Malta), Lighthouse Communica-tions, Delicata Winery, Cleland and Souchet, MIDI plc, Air Malta, CyberPass, John's Garage, Myoka Spa, Proguard, the Royal Malta Golf Club, Titleist, the Casino Portomaso, and Shaun Arrigo.
Calum Best at Fuego's Served by the Stars
Calum best, winner of the ITV's hit show Celebrity Love Island, will take part in the seventh Served by the Stars charity event at Fuego, St Julian's, on March 28.
This annual event is organised by the Fuego management and sponsored by Fortina Spa Resort, Malta-Drive and MTA.
Numerous personalities, including politicians, actors, journalists and newscasters, will replace Fuego's bartenders and serve customers for one night. All proceeds will be donated to the Respite Care Centre at Dar Il-Kaptan, Mtarfa.
Calum is the son of football legend George Best and was recently voted Company Magazine bachelor of the year. He found fame through the tabloids by becoming a regular on the London party scene.
Since leaving Love Island last year, he has been a presenter on TV programme The Box and obtained acting roles in Footballers' Wives, Calum, Fran and Dangerous Danan, as well as My Dad George. He has also shot a charity calendar for Barnardos.
For your diary
Members of Club Italia are reminded of the social evening being held at the club in Gzira tonight. For more information, phone 2143-6680 or 9920-4900.
YWCA (Malta) is organising a tea, card and board game party at the Imperial Hotel, Sliema, on Wednesday at 4.30 p.m. Hotel parking is on a first come first served basis. Tickets cost Lm2.50. For bookings phone 9943-7721.
Ward u ZgHar is organising a get-together at the Centru Hidma Socjali, St Venera, on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The group will also be meeting for a picnic in Pembroke on Sunday at 2.30 p.m.
For more information phone Antoine on 7953-9234, Peter on 7904-8745 or Maris on 9947-9246.
The Society for Investigating the Credibility of Extraordinary Claims (SICEC) will be meeting on Thursday for a talk about the "Secrets of Sleep" delivered by David Pace, at the Youth Travel Circle, 227, Merchants Street, Valletta, on Thursday at 6.45 p.m.
The Singles' Social Circle is organising a Country and Sixties' Night at Buskett Roadhouse, Buskett, on Friday at 9 p.m. For more information phone 9947-7181.
The Caritas Co-operators are organising a day at the Corinthia San Gorg Hotel, St Julian's, on March 28. There will be welcome coffee at 10.30 a.m. and spiritual reflections by Mgr Victor Grech at 11. Mass will celebrated at noon, followed by lunch.
For reservations contact Marie Louise Mifsud on tel. 2133-0471, Phyllis Ciappara (tel. 2134-2910), Josephine Farrugia (tel. 2132-0016) and Evelyn Zammit (tel. 2132-2466).
A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor will be held at the Skyroom Preluna, Sliema, on April 4 from 10 a.m. For bookings call Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.
Feast of Annunciation at Mdina
The Carmelites in Mdina will celebrate the titular feast of the Annunciation from Saturday to Monday. On Saturday, a concert of sacred music will be held at 12.30 p.m. At 6.30 p.m. there will be a meeting for youths with the Carmelites in formation and the community Light of Christ. The Way.
On Sunday, Mass with children will be celebrated at 10.30 a.m. The parishioners of Balluta will celebrate Mass at 4 p.m., while Vespers will be sung at 5.30 p.m.
On Monday, Lauds will be sung at 6.40 a.m., followed by Mass. At 6 p.m. Vespers will be sung, followed by Mass at 6.30 p.m.
The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements March 19-25
Tomorrow
9.15 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend pontifical Mass celebrated by the Archbishop on the feast of St Joseph at Ta' Giezu church in Rabat.
Noon The President and Mrs Fenech Adami meet the participants of Corporate Social Responsibility Day, organised by HSBC, at the Good Shepherd Home in Balzan.
Tuesday
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the Tunisian Ambassador and Mrs Al Ganzoui on the occasion of the National Day of Tunisia, at Dar Carthage, Attard.
Wednesday
10 a.m. The President receives members of staff and students from the Adult Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities (Gozo) at the Palace, Valletta.
10 Mrs Fenech Adami visits the Down Syndrome Association in South Street, Valletta.
11 The President receives the Mellieha PN committee.
11.45 Mrs Fenech Adami receives students attending the Gozo Centre for Arts and Crafts at Verdala Palace.
Thursday
9.30 a.m. The President is presented with credentials by Albanian Ambassador Llesh Kola at the Palace, Valletta.
10.30 The President is presented with credentials by Eudoro Jean Esquivel, Ambassador of Panama.
11.30 The President is presented with credentials by Dr Carlos Abin, Ambassador of Uruguay.
1.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a luncheon in honour of the newly accredited ambassadors of Albania, Panama and Uruguay at San Anton Palace.
6.30 p.m. The President presides over a meeting of the Commission for the Administration of Justice at the Palace, Valletta.
Friday
9.30 a.m. The President receives the senior management and CEO of Maltacom at the Palace, Valletta.
9.30 Mrs Fenech Adami presides over the Malta Community Chest Fund working committee.
10.30 Mrs Fenech Adami is presented with a donation in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund by Alfred Fenech of Sterling Jewellers.
1.15 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the opening ceremony of the eighth annual bicycle marathon in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza at the school grounds of Liceo Dun Guzepp Zammit Brighella in Hamrun.
The President leaves Malta to attend 50th anniversary celebrations of the Treaty of Rome in Brussels.
Sunday
The President arrives in Malta from the 50th anniversary celebrations held in Brussels.
Rotaract charity dinner for cancer research
Rotaract Malta La Valette, a voluntary youth service club, has joined hundreds of fellow Rotaract clubs in Italy, Albania and San Marino for one common aim. Together they are raising funds for the European Institute of Oncology for the research to treat and cure lymphomas, the cancer of the lymphatic system.
Dr Ferrucci is a brilliant researcher of the European Institute of Oncology and his research is aimed to create a medicine which can be used to save millions of people's lives affected by lymphoma. He has already contributed a lot to cancer research even finding a cure for a particular form of leukaemia and Rotaract is supporting his research.
For this aim, Rotaract Malta La Valette recently organised a charity dinner at the Pavilion of the Westin Dragonara Resort in aid of cancer research, which raised over Lm1,000.
Ian-Edward Stafrace, president of Rotaract Malta La Valette, said that since Rotaract was founded nine months ago, it has organised various events to help raise funds for just causes both locally and internationally.
He thanked the sponsors - Frank Salt Real Estate Ltd, Playmobil Malta Ltd, Atlas Insurance PCC Ltd, Vodafone Malta Ltd, Cleland & Souchet, OPI Nails, Oscar Webber, Westin Dragonara Resort, Ecco Shoes and most of all, Rotary Club La Valette Malta for their huge support of the event. The Quacks and Andre Portelli volunteered to provide the music entertainment, adding spice to the evening.
Mr Stafrace thanked all participants and said: "With your support and with all the Rotaract Clubs joining forces to help raise the funds, we will make a difference. Cancer gives no chances... but research does."
For more information on Rotaract Malta La Valette visit www.rotaractmalta.org and for the cancer research project www.graziafocacci.org.