Jake Vella To Be Honored At National Swimming Pool

Sep 3 2024

Minister for Education, Sport and Youth, Clifton Grima has promised Jake Vella’s father Josie, that Jake will be honored with a picture at the National Swimming Pool in Tal-Qroqq.

Under a Facebook post posted by Clifton Grima honoring Jake, Josie first thanked the minister for all of his help with Jake and asked him whether it would be possible to hang up a picture of Jake at the Tal-Qroqq swimming pool, a place which for Jake was like his second home.

In response, Grima stated that Jake was and still is an inspiration for a lot and that honoring him with a memorial at the Tal-Qroqq National Pool was the least that they could do to remember and honor all he did.

Jake spent the final year and nine months of his life at Mater Dei Hospital as his condition significantly deteriorated.

Despite this, he became an inspiration to many, capturing the hearts of people both nationally and internationally with his remarkable resilience.

Throughout his life, he participated in various athletic events and marathons to show the Maltese public what it means to never give up.

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Leclerc’s Dog Steals The Show In Adorable Reel

Sep 3 2024

After Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc bagged top spot in Monza, a reel was uploaded to the F1 Instagram page showing everything from the perspective of Leo Leclerc Saint Mleux – Charles and his girlfriend Alexandra’s dog. Oops sorry, son.

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The video shows Leo being taken to meet his ‘dad’ after bagging the win, getting in some kisses and photos as he steals the show.

This is Leclerc’s second win in Tifosi heartland Monza, with his first coming all the way back in 2019. After the race and podium celebrations, the Monegasque driver stated that ‘Dreams do repeat themselves’, referring to his 2019 Monza win.

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Chapel Of Our Lady’s Nativity Restoration Work Completed

Sep 3 2024

A press conference at Fort St. Angelo in Birgu yesterday marked the completion of a significant conservation and restoration project at the historic Chapel of Our Lady’s Nativity. The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), in collaboration with the Vittoriosa Historical and Cultural Society (VHCS), proudly revealed the revitalized chapel, now a renewed cultural and spiritual landmark in Malta.

The restoration project focused on the chapel’s gilded altar and six supporting pillars, and introduced new artwork to enrich its interior. A new titular painting of the Nativity of Mary was commissioned, alongside depictions of Saint Paul, Saint John the Baptist, and a group painting of St. Lawrence the Martyr, St. Barbara, and St. Apollonia. Local artist Manuel Farrugia was selected to create these new works, adding to the chapel’s Baroque heritage.

Originally built in 1274 and later embellished with Baroque elements in the 17th century, the chapel was once Birgu’s first parish church. VHCS has played a key role in preserving this historic site, and recent discoveries of its original gilding and color scheme led to the restoration effort.

Minister for Tourism and Public Cleanliness, Hon. Clayton Bartolo, praised the project for preserving Malta’s cultural heritage. MTA CEO Carlo Micallef highlighted the restoration’s contribution to enhancing Malta’s cultural appeal. With an investment of €35,128, the project also strengthens the chapel’s role as a stop along the Camino de Santiago pilgrim route, enriching visitors’ spiritual journeys.

This joint effort between the MTA and VHCS ensures that the Chapel of Our Lady’s Nativity remains a vital symbol of Malta’s cultural and spiritual legacy.

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Ian McKellen Open To Return As Gandalf For Upcoming ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movies

Sep 3 2024

British legend Ian McKellen has revealed that he is open to returning as Gandalf in the upcoming all new ‘Lord of the Rings’ films.

He revealed this in an interview with British magazine The Big Issue, saying “I’ve just been told there are going to be more films and Gandalf will be involved and they hope that I’ll be playing him,”

“When? I don’t know. What the script is? It’s not written yet. So they better be quick!”

McKellen portrayed the legendary actor in the first Lord of the Rings films as well as the Hobbit films.

In May, Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav announced that the company is “currently in the early stages of script development” for new Lord of the Rings films, which are expected to be released in 2026 and will “delve into previously untold storylines.”

The first film, produced by New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures, is tentatively titled Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, with Andy Serkis slated to both star in and direct the feature.

Original director Peter Jackson and his writing partners Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh will also reportedly be involved in every step in the production and writing in the film.

#MaltaDaily