Heard in the Hive
BICREF helped by Vodafone Malta Foundation
To celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity 2007 held worldwide on May 22, Vodafone Malta Foundation is supporting a new one-hour environmental documentary by the Biological Conservation Research Foundation (BICREF) about marine biodiversity. This documentary, focusing mainly on dolphins, whales and turtles, aims to raise awareness on vulnerable fauna and habitats that need urgent conservation.
Vodafone Malta Foundation has also supported the distribution of six BICREF documentaries discussing the problems of climate and environmental change on biodiversity and the effects of all this on all the living beings.
BICREF will be showing and distributing its award winning documentary to upper secondary education entities including MCAST, private, Church and state sixth forms. A copy will also be forwarded to the AV Library CCT of the University of Malta for education and research purposes. These documentaries have been produced with the assistance of the Ministries of Finance and Tourism.
These documentaries have also been aired on all three main local TV channels and on an Australian TV channel, constantly receiving excellent appraisals for the production.
As part of the BioDiversity Day celebrations, BICREF has organised a discussion with youths about the meaning of biodiversity and the 2010 target to halt its loss, through conservation, research and action. BICREF also discussed the problems of climate and environmental change on biodiversity and the effects of all this on us. This discussion was held at St Martin's College.
For more information, e-mail bicref@gmail.com or visit www.bicref.org.
Malta Historical Society turns 57
The Malta Historical Society recently celebrated its 57th anniversary with a dinner at the Taste Restaurant, Fortina Hotel. Guests of honour were the President and Mrs Fenech Adami.
In a pre-dinner address, the President showed his appreciation for the work of the society and its scholarly publications, and had a special word of praise for the society's Website which is bringing the learned articles published in the society's journal Melita Historica to a wide international audience.
The President presented certificates to Judge Maurice Caruana Curran, Mgr Lawrence Gatt and Franco Masini, who have been active members of the society since its foundation in 1950. Other recipients, including Judge Giovanni Bonello and Chev. Joseph Sammut, could not be present.
In his welcoming address, society president Professor Mario Buhagiar outlined the achievements of the society in fostering a scholarly and better informed approach to the study and interpretation of Maltese history, and highlighted the academic significance of Melita Historica which is now in its 14th volume.
"All important historians, both Maltese and non-Maltese who, in the past 57 years have broadened the perspectives of Maltese history have used it to publish some of their fundamental studies," he stressed.
One very sore point was the fact that in spite of its recognised contribution to Maltese historical studies the Malta Historical Society is still without its own premises.
This means that the committee has no fixed place where to hold its meetings and where to keep its archive and store its publications. There have been various attempts in the past to secure suitable premises, but they have all failed. At the moment the society has approached the Department of Lands for the lease of a small but convenient tenement in Valletta.
Professor Buhagiar expressed the fervent hope that the society's efforts will this time meet with success. He also remembered the founder of the society, Mgr Professor Arturo Bonnici, who served as its president until his death in 1978, and his other predecessors, Professor Mgr Vincent Borg, Professor Godfrey Wettinger and Dr Albert Ganado.
He also singled out Dr Joseph Grima, who has served the society as secretary for many years, and Salvatore Mousù, the treasurer, for their hard work.
Pantene Hair of the Year finalists
To mark the new Pantene Pro V image, Pantene launched a nationwide search for the Pantene Hair of the Year. Local model experts Carina and Pierre Camille fronted this search and over the past six weeks they have been scouting the islands for Pantene potentials.
Yesterday, the 12 finalists were announced during a press conference held at Hilton Malta. These are Thays Aravjo Buhagiar, Kay Cassar, Melissa Cauchi, Annabelle Ciantar, Shanel Debattista, Deidra Fenech, Bevis Grima, Sofia Mifsud, Kim Podestà, Nina Rosner, Alison Shaw and Liona Xuereb.
The winner, who will win a year's contract with models.com, a cover and fashion shoot with FM and a weekend break at the Fortina Spa Resort, will be announced at a gala event on June 22. You can follow the 12 finalists on Liquorish on TVM.
Lions Club Mdina celebrate 13th anniversary
On May 6, Lions Club Mdina celebrated its 13th anniversary of the charter with a gala dinner for members and guests at the Carlson Suite, Radisson Hotel, St Julian's.
Present for the event were representatives from Lions Club Roma Claudia Gens, with which the club is twinned, and from Lions Club Parco Nomentum, both of whom came from Rome.
During the evening, president Isabelle Coppini presented the Melvyn Jones Award to Maria de' Conti Manduca for her continuous dedication towards Lionism. Ms de' Conti Manduca is the first woman in Malta to receive such a prestigious award. Three new members were also inducted during the event.
Drink... peel and win with Coke and Music
General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd has launched its latest campaign called "Drink, peel and win with Coke and Music" during a press conference at the Le Meridien in St Julian's.
Martin Agius, sales and marketing manager of General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd, said: "The freshest music events, that's what Coca-Cola brings. International acts, talented and experienced artists and music to bring fans from all generations together."
A variety of musical events are taking place this summer and Coca-Cola has selected the biggest names for its music campaign. These include the Bryan Adams concert next month followed by the XFM Music Festival and the Renzo Arbore concert in July.
Coca-Cola is offering its customers the chance of winning tickets to experience these events 'live'. The objective is to attract all generations of music fans.
Mr Agius said: "For the first time ever, General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd have released innovative Coke and Diet Coke glass bottles with peel-off front labels bearing the latest Coke and music graphics."
To participate in this campaign, consumers have to peel off the special Coke and Music label from all Coke and Diet Coke 300 ml and 1,000 ml bottles and drink their favourite soft drink to reveal a code on the inside of the back label. To participate, one has to phone 5003-6234, input the numeric code, and after verification will be confirmed as participant. The first draw, on June 22, will reveal the first 1,000 winners. Six hundred will win a Coca-Cola VIP ticket for the Bryan Adams Concert and another 400 will win a limited edition Coke and Music T-shirt.
Similar draws will take place in July and participants will have the chance to win 400 VIP tickets to the Coca-Cola XFM Music Festival and 600 tickets to the Renzo Arbore concert.
Finally on September 10, all those who would have participated during these months will have the chance to win Lm10,000 in branded jewellery from Victor Azzopardi Jewellers.
Special thanks go to the partners in this campaign - Melita Cable and Victor Azzopardi Jewellers.
Selecting Malta's candidate for Miss Italia nel Mondo
Marialuisa Di Stefano, writes:
The Olympics of beauty are about to start - the 2007 edition of Miss Italia Malta will see 21 participants of Italian descent in an evening of fashion, talent, music and choreography, which will be held on Wednesday June 6, at the Splash and Fun Resort, Bahar ic-Caghaq. The competition will be shown live on TVM at 9.30 p.m.
"According to us, beauty is not enough to win the contest: a fascinating character is decisive," Antonella Vassallo, director of Q Entertainment Productions, emphasised at a press conference, which was also addressed by Doriette Gambin (representing the sales and marketing manager), Robert Desira Buttigieg of Classic Jewellers, Michael Shannon, general manager of Le Meridien, Jean Pillow of Professional Health and Beauty Service, singer Olivia Lewis, and Miss Italia Malta 2006 Vania Falzon.
Other sponsors include Magic Radio, Miren International, Sasch, Galleria Darmanin, the Ministry for Tourism and Culture, and the Health Promotion Department.
"I am very excited," Miss Falzon said. "After I won the competition I began a year full of job opportunities which gave me a wealth of experience. "I wish every participant good luck and I am sure they will treasure this experience".
The winner of the contest will be awarded Lm3,000 worth of publicity and promotional contracts in Italy and will represent Malta in the 17th edition of Miss Italia nel Mondo in Iesolo on June 25. The event will be transmitted worldwide by RAI International.
All the other contestants will receive a 'lucky pearl', Mr Desira Buttigieg explained, adding that the winner's crown will be enriched next year.
Miss Italia Malta will be compered by Ray Calleja and Mireille Bonello. Malta's representative at the Eurovision Song Contest Olivia Lewis will be special guest. The show will also feature performances by Ivan Filletti, Yada Dance Company, Steve Caeser, Klinsmann Coleiro, She 2's and Christabelle Borg.
The 21 contestants are aged between 18 and 25. They are: Sasha Seguna, Joelene Micallef, Alexia Fenech, Maria Abela, Naomi Laudi, Abigail Mifsud, Alexia Psaila, Maria Galea, Jacki Portelli, Amaris Decelis, Elysia Laudi, Jennifer Azzopardi, Graziella Pisani, Emilia Borg, Sharon Richards, Petra Galea, Shanel Debattista, Claire Marie Busuttil, Marilena Gauci, Polyanne Micallef, and Ann Marie Scerri.
A panel of professionals will judge the girls. Viewers may choose their favourite participant by televoting, but this will not influence the panel's verdict.
Laltramoda spring/summer 2007 collection
Franks Concept store earlier this month presented the Laltramoda spring/summer 2007 collection in the Pisces Hall at Le Méridien St Julian's, Balluta Bay.
The venue is purposely inbuilt with a retractable catwalk. Numerous customers and members of the press attended.
Following the opening of the Concept Store opened last November by the renowned perfumery, Laltramoda continues adding to the holistic lifestyle concept.
Laltramoda is a middle bracket fashion brand that caters specifically for the trendy, sophisticated woman in the tradition of the top designer brands at affordable prices. Laltramoda evokes alternative innovation and diversity, through its values of amusement, femininity and versatility. It is women's best ally in their search for different looks and in the expression of individual identity.
The collection can be viewed on Level 1, 'Franks Concept Store', Cornerstone Shopping, Constitution Street, Mosta.
Spiderman 3 fans get great offers from Vodafone
To join the vibe of the much-awaited movie release of Spiderman 3, Vodafone is joining forces with Burger King and the Embassy Cinema to offer its customers great offers.
With every Spiderman 3 game download from Vodafone live!, customers will get a Lm1 off an Extreme Spidey Meal from Burger King and a free Embassy cinema ticket. The download of the Spiderman 3 game costs Lm2.50 while browsing on Vodafone live! is free. All customers need to do to avail themselves of this offer is to purchase the Spiderman 3 game from Vodafone live! and save it on their mobile phone and then visit any Vodafone retail outlet, show the downloaded Spiderman 3 game to a Vodafone representative and collect their vouchers and be able to redeem them at Burger King and Embassy cinemas.
The Spiderman 3 game promotion will run until June 8 and vouchers must be redeemed at Burger King and Embassy cinemas by June 9. One Burger King voucher and one Embassy cinema voucher will be given with every Spiderman 3 game download.
For further information, visit the Vodafone Website www.vodafone.com.mt or contact Vodafone Customer Service on 247 from their Vodafone or on 9999-9247 from any other line.
Vodafone supports ICT courses
The Rabat (Malta) council, in collaboration with Vodafone Malta Ltd and TCTC Ltd, is supporting the Rabat community by providing free ICT courses for residents of all ages.
Over 300 people are attending these courses which are being held at the council premises. Vodafone is supporting TCTC Ltd, the computer training centre, in organising free IT and telecommunication courses in various localities. It is also supporting a training initiative, called 'Learn It', which is spread across 42 councils, aiming to narrow the digital divide.
Mikhail Gerchuk, chief commercial officer at Vodafone, said, "We are a telecommunications company, and we are happy to support the local community to receive training in technology, that will assist them in their daily lives."
Rabat mayor Dr Frank Fabri said his council congratulated Vodafone for its support and commitment towards local communities and said that an encouraging percentage of the students who received training at the Rabat council also took part in follow-up subsidised courses.
Participants are taught how to make use of online services, such as those from government departments, how to shop online, use Internet banking, file a report to the police, file a complaint to the local council and much more.
Through the support of Vodafone, students obtain hands-on experience and learn about the basic features of a mobile phone, such as how to send and receive an SMS and an MMS, add new contacts, use Vodafone services from the phone and through the Website, understand how to top up their phone and similar functions that are so important in everyday life.
TCTC sets up computer laboratories powered with state-of-the-art equipment and broadband Internet connections. The 'Learn It' campaign took off last June, and over 4,000 applicants participated. These ranged from young students and adults, to parents and the elderly. Applications are obtained from local councils.
Further information may be obtained from Ray Abela on 2142-1784 or by visiting www.tctcmalta.com.
Last Tuesday Club dinner at Palazzo Santa Rosa
Palazzo Santa Rosa, the lifestyle restaurant in Mistra Bay, in collaboration with Bicanter Wines, will be hosting its Last Tuesday Club dinner on Tuesday evening at Mistra Bay.
The Last Tuesday Club is a name given to an event held at Palazzo Santa Rosa every last Tuesday of the month during which four or five wines, not easily accessible to the general public, are served alongside food and dishes created specifically for the evening to match the wines.
The event is part of the obligations that Palazzo Santa Rosa has towards the Slowfood Movement to promote the good life through events that remind people what good food and good wine is all about. The Slowfood Movement is an international association that promotes biodiversity, traditional dishes and authentic food. Palazzo Santa Rosa is the only Maltese restaurant that actively supports the Slowfood Movement through such convivia.
The event is open to everyone who appreciates good food and amazing wines and the price for the evening covers all wines, beverages and food.
To book a table this week and any other Tuesday, call Palazzo Santa Rosa on 2158-2737 or e-mail psr@maltanet.net.
Lecture on atopic eczema
The Malta Eczema Society in collaboration with Dardia Lipo Line (a new range of products for the professional care of dry and sensitive skin) are organising a public presentation on the recent advances of atopic eczema, at Le Méridien Phoenicia, Floriana, on Wednesday at 6.30 p.m. This lecture will be delivered by Professor Joseph L. Pace. The presentation will be followed by a reception. The general public is invited to attend. Attendance is free of charge.
German-Maltese couple celebrate golden wedding
Rita And Wilhelm Kraft of Schriescheim, Germany, were in Malta with their family this month to celebrate their golden wedding. They were accompanied by their children Josephine and her husband Wolfang Blaisch, Michael and his wife Birgit Wiemer, and Maria and her husband Ulrich Mielke, and their grandchildren Elisabeth and Anna Blaisch, and Alexander and Sophie Mielke.
On May 1 Fr Charles Sammut of Paola celebrated a thanksgiving Mass for the couple, their family and close friends at the church of Our Lady of Victories, Valletta, where Rita, née Muscat Baldacchino of Qormi, and Wilhelm were married 50 years ago.
After Fr Sammut delivered his homily, Rita and Wilhelm renewed their marriage vows. Then Michael Galea, a close friend of the couple, read a poem in German which he wrote for the occasion.
After the church function relatives and friends of the couple were invited to a celebration dinner at the Corinthia San Gorg Hotel.
The Krafts asked their guests not to give them any gifts but invited them to make a donation to the Malta Hospice Movement. In fact, a handsome sum was raised and later presented to the Malta Hospice Movement.
The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements - May 27-June 3
Tomorrow
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend an operatic concert hosted by the Richard Tucker Foundation of New York, at the Manoel Theatre.
Tuesday
6.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami preside over a Malta Community Chest Fund board meeting at San Anton Palace, Attard.
Thursday
10.30 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami visits the residents of the Home for the Elderly in Msida.
3.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami welcome Hungarian President LászlH SHlyom, at the official arrival ceremony on St George's Square, Valletta.
3.45 The President receives the Hungarian President at the Palace, Valletta.
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a state concert in honour of the Hungarian President.
8.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host a state dinner in honour of the Hungarian President.
Friday
9.25 a.m. The President attends the tree-planting ceremony by the Hungarian President at San Anton Palace.
8.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted in their honour by the Hungarian President at Villa Corinthia, Attard.
Saturday
9 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami bid farewell to the Hungarian President at the official departure ceremony at Malta International Airport.
9.40 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami depart to Rome for the canonisation ceremony of Dun Gorg Preca.
Sunday
10 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend concelebrated High Mass by Pope Benedict XVI on St Peter's Square in Rome on the occasion of the canonisation of Dun Gorg Preca.
For your diary
The Malta Historical Society closes its series Rediscovering Valletta tomorrow at 6.30 p.m. at the Casino Maltese, Valletta. Professor Henry Frendo will discuss "What exactly happened in Valletta on the fateful day of June 7, 1919 (Sette Giugno)?" The talk will be in Maltese. The public is invited to attend.
The Little Sisters of the Poor are holding a bazaar at the Home for the Elderly in Hamrun on Tuesday and Wednesday. The bazaar will be open between 8.30 a.m. and noon and between 1.30 and 5.30 p.m. A large variety of items will be on sale; everyone is welcome.
The Eden Foundation is organising a coffee morning at Carrubia Restaurant, Marsaxlokk, on Thursday from 9.15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets, at Lm1.75 (€4.07), including transport, can be obtained from the Eden Foundation, Theresa Bazaar, Zabbar, or by calling 2180-7708 or 9980-7702.
A card party in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor will be held at the Skyroom Preluna Hotel, Sliema, on Wednesday June 6 at 10 a.m. For bookings phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.
The next self-help group meetings of the Richmond Foundation are being held at No.16, Antonio Agius Street, Floriana, in Maltese on June 6 at 5.30 p.m., and in English on June 13 at 5.30 p.m.
For further information contact the Richmond Foundation on 2148-2336, 2144-0324 or e-mail: info@richmond.org.mt.
The St Monica Past Pupils Association is organising a barbecue at the Sisters' summer house, Triq it-Tunnara, Ghajn Zejtuna, Mellieha, on June 9 at 7.30 p.m. Tickets cost Lm3 (€7) and Lm2 (€4.66) for children. Phone 2145-4356 for more information.