Heard in the hive

The Portuguese Ambassador, Antonio Augusto Russo Dias, and Mrs Paula Russo Dias, last Thursday week hosted a reception at their residence in Bahar ic-Caghaq to mark his country's National Day and also its presidency of the European Union, which starts today.

The numerous guests, led by the President and Mrs Fenech Adami, and including Acting Prime Minister Tonio Borg and Mrs Borg, members of the diplomatic community and also some Portuguese residents in Malta, filled the terrace and enjoyed the magnificent sea views.

Addressing the guests, Mr Russo Dias said he presented his credentials as Portugal's first resident ambassador in Malta nearly two years ago, and since then relations between the two countries have improved steadily. Malta and Portugal co-operated in the European Union and in other international fora like the United Nations and the Council of Europe.

A number of bilateral visits have taken place - President Fenech Adami was in Portugal for the installation of President Cavaco Silva, while Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and various members of his government have been on official visits.

He was also pleased to say that President Fenech Adami had accepted an invitation to visit Portugal. He hoped the visit would take place soon.

Trade and economic relations between Malta and Portugal were also growing, the Ambassador said. In fact, a leading Portuguese bank, Banif, had decided to open for business in Malta. Banif Malta Ltd, a retail bank, is under the chairmanship of former Ombudsman Joseph Sammut, and there are plans to open a number of branches on the island.

Mr Russo Dias said this showed Banif's confidence in Malta and its economic future; as Ambassador he would certainly not take full credit for this but the opening of the embassy in Malta has certainly helped.

Ties between Malta and Portugal go back a number of centuries, he continued. While everyone was aware that Malta had Portuguese Grand Masters, like Pinto and Manoel de Vilhena, few recall that it was a Portuguese, Admiral de Niza, who played an important role as Lord Nelson's ally in the revolt against Napoleon's troops and eventual expulsion from Malta in 1798.

Ambassador Russo Dias said that his country would shortly take over the rotating six-month EU presidency for the third time since its accession in 1986. Its agenda would be far more complex than in 1992, when there were just 12 EU states, or in 2000, when there were 15, since now there are 27 member states, which meant that there were 27 different perspectives.

At the EU Council in Brussels in the following days, the EU will take stock of the progress made under the German presidency, especially on institutional reforms and the Constitutional Treaty. The incoming Portuguese presidency will work towards reaching the objectives of the Lisbon Strategy, promoting development and economic relations, and in particular ensuring security and stability in the Mediterranean. It will foster a strategic debate with the EU's southern neighbours regarding migration, trade, culture and finance.

Portugal, the ambassador continued, recognised the effort imposed on Malta by illegal immigration, so he was pleased to announce that as a gesture of solidarity, his country has offered to take a token number of refugees now in Malta. It was important to study the deep-rooted causes of this phenomenon, he stressed.

Mr Russo Dias said that, given his lack of competence in foreign languages, he would refrain from speaking Maltese, since he had no wish to murder or mangle the island's beautiful native language. He then proposed a toast to the President and Mrs Fenech Adami, to closer relations between Malta and Portugal, and to the success of the Portuguese EU presidency.

Dr Fenech Adami said he accepted with pleasure the ambassador's invitation to visit Portugal, and he hoped this would take place in the not too distant future.

Indeed, relations between Malta and Portugal go back a long time, and it was a pleasure to rediscover our historical ties. In fact, during his recent visit, EU President José Manuel Barroso, who is Portuguese, was surprised to see the names of three Portuguese Grand Masters on the marble tablet at the Palace, and said he wanted to know more about them.

In recent years, relations between the two countries were ongoing, and Malta followed with great interest Portugal's progress towards accession.

Although his government had tried to make the path to the EU shorter than Portugal's ten years, in actual fact almost 14 years passed since Malta's formal application and its accession three years ago.

President Fenech Adami expressed the hope that a deal would be reached at the EU summit in Brussels. Malta looked forward to the Portuguese EU presidency, under which an inter-governmental council (IGC) would be called.

He said that in the early Nineties, then Portuguese President Mario Soares had visited Malta, and he himself had met Dr Cavaco Silva as prime minister, and the two countries respected each other deeply.

Dr Fenech Adami said it would be "tragic" if the EU failed to reach a way forward on the Constitutional Treaty, since it was important to preserve the essence of the agreement reached by all governments of EU member countries. He believed that the EU has been a huge success in economic development, but that its political dimension still has to grow. This is what the Constitutional Treaty is about, he said (the EU summit yesterday week eventually reached agreement on a revised treaty to replace the Constitutional Treaty).

He then proposed a toast to President Cavaco Silva, to healthy relations between Malta and Portugal, and to the success of the EU Presidency. This was followed by the playing of the two national anthems and of the European Union anthem.

Recycle your old mobile phones with Vodafone

Vodafone Malta Ltd will be relaunching its handset recycling campaign at the International Trade Fair, until Sunday.

This year, visitors to the Vodafone stand at the trade fair will not only be able to view the latest mobile technologies but will also have the opportunity to contribute to a better environment by returning old mobile phones and their accessories for recycling. Vodafone is giving away free merchandise made out of recycled material with every mobile phone handed in.

Vodafone Malta's handset recycling project forms part of a global programme by Vodafone Group, whereby it is running similar programmes in every country where it operates. Vodafone is the only Maltese mobile operator that offers this recycling service. Apart from the environmental benefits of handset recycling, all the revenue generated from this campaign will be donated to YMCA Homeless.

All mobile phone users, irrelevant of their network operator, may deposit their old mobile phones and its accessories in the handset recycling box at the trade fair or at any Vodafone retail outlet in Birkirkara, Sliema, Naxxar, Valletta, Paola and Victoria, Gozo. The aim is to re-use as many of the returned phones as possible in Third World countries. Where this is not possible, the handsets are broken down for component and material recycling.

Customers who visit the Vodafone stand at the International Trade Fair will also be able to get information about current offers, products and services, as well as earn prizes.

For further information about the campaign "Save the Environment for our Children - Recycle your old mobile phone" customers may call on 247 from their Vodafone or on 9999-9247 from any other line. To contact customer service one may also e-mail customerservice.malta @vodafone.com.

Emirates present signed Arsenal shirt to supporters club

Emirates' manager for Malta and Cyprus, Paul Fleri Soler, presented a framed Arsenal FC shirt signed by the Arsenal players to the chairman of the Arsenal Malta Supporters Club, Richard Felice Pace. This took place at the Arsenal Supporters Club during the presentation of trophies to the three promising young winners of the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge 2007.

The official Arsenal shirt with the Fly Emirates logo and bearing the pictures of the Arsenal footballers is now hanging on the walls of the Arsenal Supporters Club among a number of photos and mementos of past top Arsenal players.

The Arsenal Malta Supporters Club, founded in 1980, is considered to be the leading supporters club for other Arsenal supporters in the world. It is one of the oldest supporters clubs and the only one that owns its own premises. The club currently has around 400 registered members. Its Website is www.arsenalmalta.com.

Mr Felice Pace thanked Emirates for the gift and for extending the Arsenal sponsorship to Malta through the sponsorship of the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge 2007. Following the positive feedback from Arsenal FC coaches, Paul Shipwright and Martin Davis, who were in Malta for the Emirates Challenge, plans are being made to launch the fifth edition in autumn.

Emirates operates five flights each week from Malta to Dubai via Larnaca, Cyprus, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, on the new Boeing 777-200. The Malta flight offers a convenient connection to Australia and the Far East for both incoming and outgoing passengers.

Interested supporters in Malta are invited to join the club by phoning 2147-0145 or by writing to Arsenal Supporters Club, 14 Misrah il-Kebbies, St Venera, HMR 11.

Hennessy honoured at San Francisco World Spirit Competition

Hennessy was recently honoured in the brandies category during the 2007 San Francisco World Spirit Competition. Hennessy was awarded for quality, with Paradis Extra and Richard Hennessy winning two double gold medals. These awards reflect the excellence of Hennessy cognacs.

The San Francisco World Spirit Competition is the first comprehensive, international spirits judging competition ever held in the United States on an annual basis. Founded in 2000 by Anthony Dias Blue, wine and spirits editor of Bon Appetit Magazine, and Carol Seibert, managing director of the San Francisco International Wine Competition, the spirits competition continues to grow each year in entrants as well as in stature and integrity. The spirits judged are divided in four categories: white spirits, whiskeys, brandies and liqueurs.

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes showcar in Malta

Members of the McLaren F1 Club (Malta), for the second time in less than a year, had the opportunity to admire their favourite team's Formula One racing car - this time the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes in this year's livery - during a barbecue held on the terrace of a popular restaurant in Bay Street. The car was brought over to Malta by Vodafone Malta Ltd.

The large number of fast lane enthusiasts present spent a lot of time admiring and taking photographs of the showcar and experienced magical moments when they were photographed inside the car.

In a brief speech McLaren Club president Penelope Ciangura, on behalf of the officials and members, thanked Vodafone Malta Ltd for its continuous support to McLaren F1 Club (Malta) and for providing this special opportunity to all those present. She had a special word of thanks to Denise Ross, brand executive of Vodafone Malta Ltd, for her never-ending help on behalf of Vodafone to the local McLaren club.

Ms Ross was presented with a commemorative plaque. The club president had also words of appreciation towards Kind's Auto Sales Ltd who has supported the club since its foundation.

Music, fashion and WasteServ

The inauguration of the new civic amenity site in Mriehel proved to be a fashionable and spectacular event, with an on-site fashion show featuring clothes made out of recycled materials. The event was organised by WasteServ Malta helped by the Ministry of Rural Affairs and the Environment, and the Spanish Embassy.

In his speech, WasteServ chairman Nick De Giorgio expressed the hope that having such a positive activity linked to the development of their waste management facilities may contribute towards a better acceptance of WasteServ projects by the public.

The evening took off with a short performance by Etnika, using body percussion and a dynamic and physical repertoire of sounds, and produced on the body including footwork, claps, slaps, finger clicks integrating elements of flamenco. Local talent was also present in the form of an exhibition by MCAST's Institute of Art and Design at Targa Gap. The work displayed included experimental works by students from various art, design and design crafts certificate and diploma courses, including weaving and other thread crafts.

All the pieces were fabricated from partly or completely recycled textiles and other materials. Well-known personality John Bundy hosted the show. Guests were then hosted to a reception.

The clothes for the fashion show were designed by Focum Arquitectura-moda, with designs by Josep Crivillers of Barcelona, Mar Gaviño of Majorca, designs from the school ESDI of Sabadell and also from the EDA School of Majorca.

Addressing guests, Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino also expressed his appreciation towards the Spanish Embassy for their support in bringing the clothes over from Spain.

He was also presented with a donation for the 34U campaign by WasteServ CEO Ing. Vince Magri. The investment for the development of these facilities amounts to Lm700,000, while the cost of containers, equipment and vehicles used in these centres amounts to Lm602,000.

This project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. The next three civic amenity sites are planned in Luqa, Hal Far and Tal-Kus, Gozo.

New fashion line launched

Madmat Couture Ltd, a new fashion brand specialising in fashion wear for men, has just been launched. The first fashion show took place during the recent Malta Fashion Awards.

The designer, Matthew Mallia, is qualified in graphic design. He has studied art, photography, technical drawing, and history of art. Apart from following a number of courses, which helped Matthew develop his own ideas in design, he has also travelled extensively and absorbed the cultures and trends of other Mediterranean countries - an influence one can immediately detect in his designs.

Courtesy of Adrian Mizzi, the Madmat Couture brand was launched during the Malta Fashion Awards, during which 22 designs - 17 for men and five for females - were launched on the catwalk. The models were sponsored by Ingrid Millet, hair by Mark and Luke of Designers' Cut Salon of Mellieha, and make-up was applied by Mr Mallia and Alexia Licari. KAMA sponsored all the 22 models to luxurious Ingrid Millet Perle de Caviar facial treatments.

Madmat Couture has succeeded in interpreting the needs of today's trendy clothing for youngsters, with an eye for detail and a special touch in design.

"Clothing is a way of revealing oneself," the company's spokesman said. "The designs are an expression and interpretation of one's mood, personality and feelings. We have worked on this trail of thought to come up with our original designs to enable young persons with a flair and physique, to wear these garments.

We are sure that in wearing them, one discovers not only expression and uniqueness, but also comfort."

Madmat Couture's next mission is to find foreign markets to start this venture. Visit madmatcouture.com, for more information.

Daughters of the Sacred Heart's mission in India

The Daughters of the Sacred Heart started their first mission in India in 1948. The sisters travelled by ship which took them a month to reach India. Any beginning is difficult, but the sisters filled with the spirit of their Mother foundress, Maria Teresa Nuzzo, were ready to do the will of the Father. Maria Teresa Nuzzo wanted to educate children and form their heart with moral values besides giving them an academic formation.

The first group of sisters, who reached Jhansi in 1948, embarked on the first project and started keeping orphan children, taking care of them until they grew up. A big number of these children today have their own families. What joy does one have when one sees that a child can look at life with hope.

A group of Indian Sisters have recently been in Malta for the general chapter. These Sisters would like to invite all those people who were or are still sponsoring the orphans in India.

This meeting will take place on July 13 at Ir-Razzett, Triq ?elel ?amxul, Marsascala. To attend, contact Doris Debono on 2163-7881, between 7 and 9 p.m. One may also phone the Daughters of the Sacred Heart on 2152-3532 by July 10.

Celebrity Champagne Night at Del Borgo

Ira Losco, Clare Agius, Moira Delia, Joseph Chetcuti, Charles and Ron, Olivia Lewis... These were only a few of the celebrities present at the launch of the Jacquart campaign on Monday at Del Borgo wine bar in Vittoriosa.

Passers-by watched curiously as Malta's most famous turned up in chauffeur driven BMWs .

Dubbed as Celebrity Champagne Night, there was no doubt the event was an astounding success and staff at Del Borgo soon lost count of the number of Jacquart Nabus that were popped open throughout the evening.

Organised by Del Borgo owners Alan Mercieca Bons and Ingrid Dalli, the evening was presided over by Miss Malta Rania Zouari, the face of the Jacquart campaign, which will soon be launched internationally.

Guests nibbled at hors d'oeuvres prepared by Del Borgo chef Chris Ghirxi, while savouring every bubble of Jacquart.

The campaign was in fact directed and conceived by Mr Bons himself and was shot on location at Silver Spring Apartments in Zabbar, with photography by Dominic Aquilina.

Both were in charge of make-up, styling and hairdressing. Blown-up stills taken from the campaign, featuring Ms Zouari in different glamorous poses, adorned the walls of Del Borgo.

"The focus of the campaign is glamour. The product itself, Jacquart, carries glamour and prestige - as does the model Rania Zouari. We decided to celebrate the successful completion of the campaign by organising this night in conjunction with Attard & Co., with the support of John's Garage and David Vella Trading," Mr Bons and Ms Dalli explained.

Present among the 300-strong crowd were Malta's fashion leaders and other well-known faces, including TV personalities, singers, high-profile business people as well as editors and journalists.

Stefan Puschmann, export manager of Jacquart, was also present for the occasion. The evening went on with a swing as the crowd partied while glasses of Jacquart flowed freely. The event also coincided with Del Borgo's second anniversary, which was an extra reason for celebration.

Del Borgo is open every day from 7.30 p.m. For reservations call 2180-3710 or 9928-0000.

People

Joanna Borg, B.Sc. (Hons), has obtained a Master's degree with distinction in Management of Protected Areas. She studied at the Alpen-Adria Universität, Klagenfurt, Austria.

Ms Borg, daughter of Anthony and Antoinette Borg, of Kappara, was educated at St Joseph's School, Sliema, and furthered her studies at St Aloysius College Sixth Form, Birkirkara, before obtaining her B.Sc. (Hons) in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Malta.

She is currently employed with the Nature Protection Unit, within MEPA.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements - July 2-8

Tomorrow10.30 a.m. The President receives the mayor and council members of Nichelino, accompanied by the mayor of Victoria, Gozo at the Palace, Valletta.

Tuesday
9 p.m. The President presides over a concert by the Holy Family Band on the 110th anniversary of the foundation of Socjetà Guzeppina on Holy Family Square, Kalkara.

Wednesday
Noon The President inaugurates the exhibition by Maltese artists on the 200th anniversary of the birth of Giuseppe Garibaldi, organised by the Italian Embassy on St George's Square, Valletta.

6 p.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over the Ball of the August Moon committee meeting at San Anton Palace Attard.

Thursday
9 a.m. The President receives EU Commissioner vice-president Franco Frattini at the Palace, Valletta.

11.45 The President receives EU Commissioner Jacques Barrot.

1.15 p.m. The President receives Wolfgang Mayrhuber, president of Deutsche Lufthansa.

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

Noon The President receives Bulgarian Ambassador Nikola Kaloudeor.

8.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by US Ambassador Molly H. Bordonaro and Mr Bordonaro on the 231st anniversary of America's Independence at their residence in Attard.

Saturday
8 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the concert by Joseph Calleja at Mdina.

For your diary

An open evening at the Heritage Malta Head Office, Merchant Street, Valletta, is taking place tomorrow, for Mary Clare's Albanozzo's exhibition "A cross-section of my art life". The office will remain open till late. Some of the proceeds will be donated to Id-Dar tal-Providenza and Caritas Drug Programme. The artist may be contacted on 9988-1197 or at clarealbanozzo@gmail.com .

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A day's outing in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor will be held at the Cavallieri Hotel, St Julian's, on Wednesday from 10 a.m. For bookings phone Blanche Martin on 2133-0387.