Andrea Hirai Cocco, winner of hit reality show Grande Fratello in 2011, is studying English at EC language school this month.

A well-known TV and film personality with 111,000 likes on Facebook and 2,728 followers on Instagram, Andrea shot to fame as an actor after his reality TV debut.

He has always recognised the importance of English in his life and career: “As a model and actor hoping for more international recognition, I want to improve my English because it’s so beneficial when you’re working in the entertainment industry.”

EC is a Maltese-owned chain of English language centres operating in 17 cities worldwide. Andrea has enrolled at EC in St Julian’s where he will follow one-to-one English classes. He will also take part in the school’s programme of activities and events with other language students from around the world.

Hotel Phoenicia awarded MTA’s eco-certification

Hotel Phoenicia has been awarded the Malta Tourism Authority’s new international eco-certification.

The management team created a list of environmental initiatives to address every aspect of Phoenicia’s life, most of which were put into practice.

“Our model demonstrates two things: A Maltese hotel that can provide a fully luxurious guest experience and be very green at the same time; and environmental initiatives can be implemented in a manner that is practical, economic, aesthetic and most importantly aligned with guests expectations,” general manager Charles Azzopardi explained.

Apart from the usual water and power-saving initiatives and recycling, the hotel also uses its 5,000 sq.m. of kitchen gardens to grow food for its outlets. And its purchasing is based on reducing chemicals and opting for biodegradable products when possible.

Mdina Glass Christmas tree wows Sliema shoppers

The stunning seven-metre-high Christmas tree produced by Mdina Glass has become a popular feature of Malta’s festive season ever since its first appearance in 2011. After two consecutive years in Valletta, the tree has now been set up at St Anne’s Square in Sliema.

The structure, which is made up of over 2,000 handmade glass baubles, took a team of eight glassmakers two days to install. As in previous years, a gazebo has been placed close to the Christmas tree from which passersby can purchase handcrafted decorations. A share of the proceeds will be donated to L-Istrina.

The tree forms part of the annual Mdina Glass Open Week, which runs until December 15 at all Mdina Glass outlets, offering discounts of up to 75 per cent.

For the schedule of activities, visit www.facebook.com/mdinaglass.