Heard in the Hive

By the end of the year, the Palace Armoury will have 15 life-size models in full armour that will enhance the splendour of the weapons and armour on display. This will allow visitors to fully appreciate these magnificent relics.

The life-size mannequins are the result of a three-year collaboration, among other important initiatives, that has been signed recently between GasanMamo Insurance Ltd and Heritage Malta.

The funds have made it possible for Heritage Malta to acquire these models and clothe them in full armour, with all the fine detail right down to the leather used for the boots.

Speaking during a press conference to mark the occasion, GasanMamo Insurance Ltd managing director Albert P. Mamo said that this partnership endorses the company's objective to implement corporate social responsibility towards contributing to the restoration and preservation of our national heritage.

"Our heritage belongs to each one of us. By supporting Heritage Malta in their continuous endeavours, we contribute towards making our heritage accessible to all."

Dr Mario Tabone, chairman of Heritage Malta, added that the sponsorship enables Heritage Malta to give our heritage and our past the best possible future.

Refurbished UCB outlet

United Colors of Benetton (UCB) at the Embassy in Valletta (below) reopened its doors recently with a completely refreshed look. The outlet is now completely dedicated to womenswear.

"We had such a positive response to our women's collections last season, both at UCB and Sisley, that we felt it was important to offer the wider collection at our Embassy outlet, since it is strategically located in Malta's retail capital," a brand representative said.

The UCB women's collection is characterised this season by light, fresh, fuss-free glamour offering linens, suits, denims and funwear in the usual bright palette of UCB colours. The main hues of the season range from bright coral, turquoise and yellow to the more subtle tones of pale pink and sage green.

The Embassy outlet also includes a limited selection of Sisley best sellers as well as important pieces of the season in the more subtle tones of blue, beige and navy. Slightly more sophisticated yet easy to wear, the Sisley collection adds a touch of glamour to any wardrobe.

Both UCB and Sisley collections are completed by a great range of accessories which are also available at the Valletta store.

KFC employees rewarded for loyal service

Food Chain (Holdings) Ltd, operators of the KFC franchise in Malta, has recently rewarded four employees for their loyalty to the KFC brand, since its opening in Malta.

The employees who received the specially-designed commemorative plate were Simon Fleri Soler, restaurant manager, Maris Gatt, restaurant duty manager, Omar Barbara, restaurant supervisor, and Rita Galea, crew member.

"We highly appreciate their commitment to the brand and to the company operating the franchise," Stefania Conte, general manager for Food Chain (Holdings) Ltd, said.

"Our staff is an asset to the success of this brand. The four nominees have grown with us, developed their skills, and today, we have a leading brand on the island. Thanks to them, we are where we are!" she added.

The KFC outlet opened its doors in Gzira in December 1996. Since then, the brand has grown in popularity, becoming a favourite with the Maltese. As part of its Community Social Responsibility programme, KFC is also the main sponsor of Gzira United FC.

The awards were presented by  Louis Farrugia, group chief executive. Alex Mifsud, restaurant operations manager, and Marco Debono, marketing executive, were also present. 

For more information about KFC Malta, visit www.kfc-malta.com.

Vodafone renews corporate sponsorship agreement with KSU

Vodafone Malta Ltd has renewed its corporate sponsorship agreement with KSU, the University Students' Council, allowing it to strengthen its valued corporate profile.

This agreement shows the two organisations' commitment to providing mobile telephony and other services that enhance an active student lifestyle.

Through Vodafone's support and that of other sponsors, KSU aims for a more active campus life and is organising activities such as the Vodafone Students' Festival and Frisk.

Through this renewed partnership with Vodafone, KSU's goal is to continue developing innovative packages focusing on the students' particular needs, while initiatives such as the Vodafone Max Value Student Plan may continue to evolve. Vodafone's support will also allow KSU to continue to offer free SIM cards to international students in Malta - a service that will be available over the next two years.

KSU's financial officer, Chris Grech, said: "KSU and Vodafone have been in partnership for a long time. There have been changes in the KSU executive board, but the goal remains the same - that of enhancing student life and making it as problem-free as possible. This is the reason for such a strong relationship with Vodafone. We both wish to give students a package that is tailored to their needs, and Vodafone has always given due consideration to students' opinions."

Daniela Bagnaschi, Vodafone's consumer marketing senior manager, was also full of praise for the new agreement. "Vodafone's services aim to improve the students' lifestyle," she said.

Educational seminar for mums-to-be

Vivian Corporation Ltd recently held their first educational seminar for mums-to-be, which was held at the Westin Dragonara Resort and was attended by around 160 participants.

The seminar consisted of five talks given by professionals in the respective fields. Architect Audrey Testaferrata de Noto, A&CE, talked about road safety, while Dr David Pace, MD, MRCPCH, talked about "Vaccination: every child's right to be protected against serious infections".

Dr Elena Tanti Burlò, BA (Hons), D.Psi (Padova), delivered a presentation entitled "Pregnant...What next?", while Alan Zammit, M.Sc., MACP, MCSP, talked about back pain prevention. Mirko Rapa Manchè, tax consultant from PricewaterhouseCoopers, spoke about new tax incentive for working mothers.

Various stands were set up, one of which featured the Chicco 2007 collection, which included travelling systems, car seats, highchairs, travel beds, cosmetics and nursery items. Plasmon brand representatives also gave advice to the mums-to-be about their products, including the Plasmon Baby Special Range aimed at dealing with problems such as constipation, lack of appetite and allergies.

All those who attended were given a gift pack from Chicco, a Plasmon calendar, a generous voucher for free weaning products from Plasmon, a cosmetic gift from Rimmel, and a gift voucher for a free Pilates class at the Fortina Spa Resort. The guests could also make free use of the childcare service at Mickey's Kids Club at the Westin Dragonara.

Wyeth, a global leader in pharmaceuticals, consumer health care products, and animal health care products supported this event, by distributing ante-natal information packs.

For more information, call on freephone 8007-3102.

Merchants Street becomes children's playground

Thousands of children and their parents jam-packed Merchants Street last Sunday for three hours of non-stop free entertainment, drinks, eats and treats.

Okaidi, the world acclaimed kidswear chain, who has just opened a megastore incorporating a children's play-area in Merchants Street (ex-Morgan) transformed this Valletta arterial street into a fun-fare type of playground, where life-size Disney Retuned Characters, and is-Sur Gawdenz and Mary entertained and charmed all those present.

A good number of parents seized the opportunity to capture their children and their idols on film.

This novel and highly successful event was made even more festive by clowns, face painters and balloon modellers, and a bouncy castle, which luckily withstood the tough treatment the children meted out.

All the children's wasted energy had to be replenished and "top-ups" were also provided by means of free refreshments, popcorn, candy floss and Zuegg juices and Weetos Cereals, which were kindly supplied by Paolo Bonnici Ltd.

Parents genuinely appreciated the Okaidi kidswear initiative, which helped to enamour children to Valletta, as a frequently repeated remark from those present was that Valletta could be fun for children as well.

The Okaidi Merchants Street Party turned out to be such a huge success that Okaidi intends to repeat the event next year on an even better and bigger scale.

Chaine des Rotisseurs organise diner amical

A diner amical was held at the Le Méridien St Julian's in Balluta on March 23 by the Maltese branch of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, the international gastronomic association which has its international headquarters in Paris.

The Bailliage National de Malte, as the branch is known, holds regular functions at various establishments in Malta with proven fine cuisine.

The Chaine originated in France in 1248 under King Louis IX, later known as St Louis, and was reconstituted to its present form in 1950.

It is dedicated to bringing together professional members of the catering industry and non-professionals, worldwide, who appreciate and have a mutual interest in cuisine, wines and fine dining. Professional Chaine members such as hotels and restaurants will be entitled to display the Chaine logo at their establishment and become acknowledged for their high standard throughout the world via the organisation's Website.

The dinner at Le Méridien St Julian's was hosted by the general manager, Michael Shannon. The dinner was prepared with artistic culinary flair by resident executive chef Andy Gaskin, his lieutenants Darren Edwards and Steve Mallia, and impeccably served by the waiting staff. The wine was supplied by Philippe Martinet Fine Wines Ltd.

After a champagne reception, dinner was served, comprising seared foie gras accompanied by vintage wine Chateau Canon Moueix 2000, followed by a local prawn bisque served with nettle foam with fine Chateau Canteleys 2003 Graves Blanc. This was followed by rack of lamb, celeriac dauphinoise, offal pie and truffle jus accompanied by Chateau Bourgneuf 2002 Pomerol.

The dessert described as Chocolate "six senses" was an extravaganza of kumquat, vanilla, pistachio, liquorice, orange and pastis. This was accompaned by a cheese platter and vintage Port wine.

The organiser of the Bailliage functions, chancelier Chev. Charles A. Gatt, the bailli délégué Colin A. Best and conseiller gastronomique, Chev. Dr Joseph Xuereb, heaped praise on the venue, the ambience, the food and the service.

Time to refurbish your home?

Next week, The Sunday Times will include a copy of Studio 9's Latest Collection. This catalogue displays the latest collections of furniture one may find at Studio 9.

The range includes bedrooms, dining rooms, outdoor, and loose furniture, together with a variety of sofas and ornaments that will make any house owner proud. It also serves as an inspiration for those who are refurbishing their home.

On the occasion of this publication, Studio 9 is offering special prices on the entire collection and privileges to those persons who fill in the form in the catalogue. At the end of the year, all the application forms will enter a lottery and may win a Lm500 voucher from Studio 9.

"The catalogue only contains a small selection of our products," Victor Petroni, managing director of Studio 9, said.

"It was impossible to include every item from our three-storey Naxxar showroom. Our aim was to give a taste of our latest collection and to give out all the relevant information regarding the products, such as price, dimensions, type of wood, colours and finishes.

"The catalogue is also something the reader can browse at home at any time."

Studio 9's Latest Collection promises to be an exciting and informative catalogue for all home lovers.

New art gallery

B'art, the new art gallery at 39, Amery Street, Sliema, features works by different artists every month. This month visitors can enjoy works by Professor Richard England, while Gabriel Caruana will have an exhibition in May, Madaleine Gera in June, Christine Muscat Azzorpardi (photography) in July, artist James Vella Clark in August, Stephen Saliba in September, Ivan Saliba in October, Mark England in November and artist John Borg Manduca in December.

Artists are also invited to display a work or two in a separate room throughout the year. They are invited to earmark a solo exhibition for 2008. One may write to stefan@bartmalta.com.

Decoding an island's identity

Contemporary artist Vince Caruana will feature his latest collection of contemporary landscapes at Gallery G. His fourth solo exhibition is entitled "Diagnosis: decoding an island's identity".

The artist's varied impressions, constructed from transparent overlapping geometrical planes, rise to form an architecture against the backdrop of a similarly constructed atmosphere, with light pouring through them as if they were a series of gauzy veils.

His works depict the interface between the real landscape and the artist-created landscape, bridging the traditional with contemporary representation. Caruana's luminous landscapes combine a palette of vibrant colours, light and composition with painterly elegance.

Caruana was conferred his Masters in Visual Arts from the Libera Accademia di Belle Arti of Florence. Earlier on he studied arts at the Malta Schools of Arts and Scranton College of Arts of Pennsylvania (US). Despite his relatively young age, Caruana has exhibited both locally and internationally, and his works are included in numerous private and public collections. Most recently, four of his paintings were commissioned to be reproduced as limited edition prints by one of Malta's leading mobile/phone operator.

The exhibition can be viewed from Saturday until May 4, on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. The exhibition is sponsored by Charts Investments Management Services, BoV, Attard & Co. with VoloRosso wines, and Ghajnsielem council.

FlankinFridays at Hacienda

Flankin Promotions has officially been promoting Friday nights at Hacienda since July 1, 2005.

Since then, FlankinFridays have grown to become the ideal place to kick-start your weekend. Hacienda, situated in Baystreet, boasts a unique set-up on two floors as well as a designated smoking area. Playing the best of house music, ranging from commercial tunes, club anthems and ending the night with an electro vibe, a perfect night out is guaranteed. Top this up with fantastic bar offers, such as discounted drinks and happy hours, there really is no alternative to FlankinFridays.

"The Balcony", Hacienda's main feature, has the advantage of hosting private parties in an exclusive area while still enjoying the whole Hacienda atmosphere, guaranteeing a memorable occasion for those who have cause to celebrate.

FlankinFridays are sponsored by Mirachem (Mkt) Ltd, Red Bull, Coca Cola, Budweiser and Jagermeister.

For more information or party bookings, e-mail info@hacienda.com.mt or call 7947-0002.

Bulova Swisss SA selects Zekka & Co as local distributor

Bulova Swiss SA recently announced a comprehensive distribution and marketing agreement with Zekka & Co Ltd for the Maltese market.

The newest component in the diversified timekeeping company's current global expansion programme, the partnership will actively promote Bulova products to an important market in which the company enjoys excellent brand recognition.

Initial efforts centred on Bulova's Swiss-made European watch collection, launched in January 2003 through the corporation's European office, Bulova Swiss SA, headquartered in Fribourg, Switzerland.

Made in Switzerland, with product development in both Friborg and Bulova's home office in New York, the collection is tailored to the specific preferences and needs of the worldwide market.

Created by an international team of designers to blend artistry with technological excellence, the styles include classic, automatic, sport, sport dress and fashion watches. The collection, crafted of the finest materials including stainless steel and 18 carat gold is priced at moderate to luxury levels.

A long established sales and marketing organisation, specialising in wholesales jewellery, Zekka & Co Ltd focuses on strategic long-term positioning for each brand through carefully targeted distribution, significant marketing support, dedicated customer service and state-of-the art ordering and inventory management and delivery systems. As a major supplier to Maltese jewellery and speciality retailers, the San Gwann-based company has been responsible for the successful introduction and development of several other brands.

"Zekka & Co has a superb reputation and will make an excellent partner for us in this important market," Robert Faessler, Bulova Swiss SA general manager, said.

"Our research has shown continuing consumer awareness of Bulova, coupled with a very strong product image in both the trade and consumer areas. This makes entry to Malta logical and an attractive step in our worldwide efforts."

Founded in 1875, Bulova remains one of the world's most recognised brands, reaching a wide range of consumers with its Bulova, Accutron and Caravelle watches, as well as Bulova clocks. A subsidiary of Loewa Corporation, the US-owned and operated company, is headquartered in New York.

Over the past three years, with the acquisition of the respected Wittnauer name, now functioning as a separate entity under the Bulova corporate umbrella, the addition of the Art of Time division to manufacture custom grandfather clocks, and the establishment of fully owned subsidiaries in both Mexico and Switzerland, Bulova has continued to consolidate its position at the forefront of the timekeeping industry, renowned for quality, precision, design and service.

Zekka & Co Ltd, sales and showroom are located at Farrugia Buildings, St Michael Street, San Gwann.

Floral art exhibits at St Augustine's centre

The much-awaited annual floral art demonstration for the many students of the three NAFAS-qualified Micallef-Grimaud ladies, who are also NAFAS world members, was performed on stage at St Augustine's cultural centre in Valletta, by kind permission of the archpriest, Fr Grima.

The eight exhibits - Play on Textures, Magic Wand, Alleluia, Golden Medley, Fantasy, Sampler, A Flight of Birds, and Abat-Jour Charm - were greatly acclaimed by all. They ranged in style from modern to traditional.

The demonstration was performed to whet the students' appetite for the forthcoming Horticultural Spring Show, whose president is Dr Joe Borg.

One must not miss these artistic exhibits which can be viewed in the main lane facing San Anton Palace, at San Anton Gardens on May 5-6.

For more information visit www.micallefgrimaud.com.

Agenda book sale for charity

Agenda Bookshop will hold the third annual grand book sale in aid of the Eden Foundation at the Ballroom of Le Meridien Phoenicia Hotel in Floriana until next Sunday.

With prices starting from 99 cents, customers can enjoy discounts of up to 75 per cent on a wide range of brand new books, covering travel, business, fiction and non-fiction, thriller, science fiction, biography, architecture, cookery, and body mind and spirit, to children's, text, reference, and coffee table books.

"This annual event provides our customers with an opportunity to stock up on good books at very slashed prices while also helping children with development disabilities," Simon Debono, marketing manager for Miller Distributors Ltd, owners of Agenda Bookshop, said. "The Eden Foundation's running costs amount to Lm3,200 daily. Agenda Bookshop organises the grand book sale to support the foundation and this is why the event has become an integral part of the SOS Eden Campaign."

The book sale is open from tomorrow to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Marriage enrichment course

Find out how to improve your marital relationship and how to build and enjoy a happy and healthy marriage.

The course provides relationship skills and spiritual input. The next course commences on April 19 at 7.30 p.m., and is conducted in Maltese. It is organised by Genesis2, an association of Catholic married couples. For more information phone 9942-9907 or 9947-0680.

President visits Micallef-Cilia exhibition

President Eddie Fenech Adami last Tuesday visited the exhibition by artist Luciano Micallef and photographer Daniel Cilia, currently on show at the Italian Cultural Institute in Valletta. The exhibition was inaugurated on March 28.

The President was welcomed by the Ambassador of Italy, Dr Paolo Andrea Trabalza, the director of the Institute, Dr Anna Maria di Marco, and by the two artists, who showed Dr Fenech Adami around, explaining aspects of their works, which they created purposely for the exhibition.

Dr Fenech Adami, in the course of his visit, recalled the centuries-old common cultural roots, besides the deep friendship and close collaboration, which for decades have marked relations between Malta and Italy.

The exhibition, which has long been prospected by Dr di Marco, and now finally realised, is not only a friendly homage to two well-known Maltese artists, who together with others, have received professional training in Italy with the support of the Italian government, but is also an important occasion to realise, with great satisfaction, how the periods of study in Italy have contribute to enrich the two artists' respective personality from the cultural and intellectual aspect.

British High Commission

The British High Commission's offices, including the Visa and Passport Section and the UKTI Trade Section, will be closed to all visitors tomorrow.

For your diary

The self-help groups of the Richmond Foundation will meet at 16, Antonio Agius Street, Floriana on Wednesday at 5.30 p.m.

This week's meeting will be held in English.

Every month, self-help group meetings for those persons who are experiencing mental health difficulties are being held. The aim is for these people to support and encourage each other on their road to recovery. For further information contact the Richmond Foundation on 2148-2336 or 2144-0324, or e-mail info@richmond.org.mt.

A jumble sale in aid of the feast of Christ the King is being organised by the Paola parish at the parish hall, Church Avenue, from Wednesday till April 18 from 9 a.m. to noon and from 4.30 to 8 p.m. Items on sale will include books, plants, clothes, and household goods.

A jumble sale is being organised at the Mare Nostrum Restaurant on board the Black Pearl, Ta' Xbiex, on Saturday from 9.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entrance is free. For more information phone 2134-3970.

A hairdressing marathon in aid of the Island Sanctuary is being held at Sarah's Unisex Salon, Shop 4, Valley View Apartments, Birkirkara Road, St Julian's, on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call 2131-5485 for an appointment.

If you are unable to attend but would still like to help, send a blank SMS on 5061-7366 for a Lm1 donation or forward it to The Island Sanctuary, P.O. Box 14, Paola.

The Singles Social Circle is organising a party at Velvet Lounge, Bugibba, on Sunday at 9 p.m. For more information phone 2142-1337 or 9947-7181.

Kare4Kenya is organising a dinner in aid of its projects in Kenya. These projects are intended to provide education and support to some children and families of Kawangware. The dinner will be held at Ta' Soldi Restaurant in Mgarr on April 18 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost Lm7.

Those interested in joining Kare4Kenya can either e-mail info@kare4kenya.org or call Solange on 9928-2569 by April 16.

The Friends of the Little Sisters of the Poor are organising dinner and tombola at St Paul's Home, Hamrun, on April 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost Lm6 each. For bookings phone Christine Debono on 7944-4135 or e-mail cmdebono@hotmail.com, or Madeleine deDomenico on 2133-5334 or 7926-0965. Cheques are to be sent to Friends of the Little Sisters of the Poor, 50, Windsor Terrace, Sliema SLM 1850.

The Breast Care Support Group Europa Donna will hold their next meeting in Gozo on Tuesday at 9.30 a.m. and at the Malta Hospice Movement on Saturday at 5.30 p.m. For more information phone 2145-5472 or 2148-2602.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements, April 9-15

Tomorrow
11 a.m. The President receives Princess Benedikte, sister of Queen Margarethe of Denmark, accompanied by the Danish Ambassador, at the Palace, Valletta.

Wednesday
10.15 a.m. Dr Anthony Vassallo is sworn in as temporary Ombudsman at the Palace, Valletta.

Thursday
10.30 a.m. The President receives John Prescott, deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, at the Palace, Valletta.
11.45 The President presents credentials to Chris Grima, ambassador designate of Malta to Austria.
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a reception celebrating the completion of the restoration of Palazzo Falson by Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti.

Friday
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a Slovak recital at San Anton Palace.

Saturday
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a concert by St Lawrence Band Club at Caraffa Stores in Vittoriosa.

Sunday
9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. San Anton Palace will be open for viewing as a fund-raising activity in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund.