‘Garden of Dreams’ takes shape in the capital for the Valletta Green Festival

Apr 29 2023

A ‘Garden of Dreams’ has taken shape in the capital’s St. George’s Square in anticipation of another edition of the Valletta Green Festival.

The festival is an annual appointment which transforms the square, one of Valletta’s largest open urban spaces, into a green wonderland, which large floral set-ups and potted plants accompanying an itinerary of family-friendly activities.

In a post published on Friday, Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef expressed his satisfaction in the creation of this temporary garden, which will be opened to the public on Monday 1st of May for the public holiday celebrations.

With activities running from Wednesday 3rd May to Sunday 7th May from 10am until 8pm everyday and from 10am until 10pm on Sunday, the Valletta Green Festival will bring a fantastical 18,000 plant of all varieties and colours to the capital.

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Queen, Gaga and more as Brillanti semifinalists recreate iconic music videos

Apr 29 2023

The Brillanti semifinalists continued to prove they deserved their spot in the competition with this week’s highly entertaining challenge – recreating or tackling some of history’s most iconic music videos.

We heard a wide range of tracks – whether it be Sia’s ‘Chandelier’, Queen’s ‘I Want To Break Free’ or Billie Eilish’s ‘Bury a Friend’ – and a mix of approaches.

Some recreated unofficial music videos for the track, with the stand-outs and winners of the challenge being Chloe and Miguel for their taking on of ‘Sorry’ by Justin Bieber.

But of course, no semifinals would be complete without its eliminations, and in this case, a bit of drama as well. First up to pack bags was Charlotte Stivala, whose take on Britney Spears’ ‘Womanizer’, was not enough to land her a spot in the next round.

However, another contestant was cut, after it was revealed that duet Luke Brincat and Ally Mifsud were finding issues with rehearsing and working together. The judges listened to the two sides of the story and deliberated over the issue.

Given the two signing on and auditioning together, it was decided to cut both from the competition to keep it fair on all other contestants.

After yet another emotional episode, Brillanti promises even more in next week’s instalment. What challenge will the dancers face? Tune in next Friday on ONE at 2030hrs to find out!

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EP President Metsola sends Neil Agius encouraging message

Apr 28 2023

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola took to social media to send a message of encouragement to record breaker Neil Agius as he announces his latest challenge.

Neil ‘has just announced that he is up for another huge challenge: a 100-mile swim from Palma de Mallorca to Ibiza and around its coast. Breaking yet another record of non-stop unassisted swimming in open waters for more than 70 hours’.

Metsola highlighted how he is doing this to raise awareness on the importance of protecting our seas, keeping plastic out of oceans and ensuring a clean planet for future generations.

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A post shared by Roberta Metsola (@roberta.metsola)

The EP President encouraged those inspired by this act to go forward and take action themselves:

‘All of us can make a difference. It only takes one small change. Re-use plastic containers. Recycle more. Reduce consumption. This is on each and every one of us.’

‘Go for it Neil! Smash more records. Break more barriers. Cross more oceans. And spread your message as widely as possible. You have our support’ concluded Metsola.

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A post shared by Neil Agius (@neil.agius)

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3,200 first year students to receive €300 free internet vouchers

Apr 28 2023

Speaking during a press conference at MCAST’s Paola campus, Education Minister Clifton Grima and Economy Minister Silvio Schembri announced that around 3,200 students in their first post-secondary year will receive €300 in free internet vouchers.

Speaking at the conference, the ministers highlighted the importance of the youth carrying on with their education, saying how this incentive will aid in that endeavour.

The scheme will cost the government €1 million, as in previous years, and will be made available for students in their first year of post-secondary studies.

However, the students can only apply for the vouchers if they continue their studies right after they finish their secondary education.

The students will be handed the vouchers electronically at the beginning of May and can be redeemed between May 5th and August 15th. They will be redeemable at GO, Melita and Epic.

Minister Schembri said that such incentives were not present when he was a student, urging first-years to make use of such support. On his part, Minister Grima said that this is but one measurement that highlight’s the government’s investment in students and their futures.

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