Interview with Kevin Borg
by Ramona Portelli
e-mail:-  ramonaportelli@hotmail.com
website:- www.ramonaportelli.com

RAMONA PORTELLI from okmalta.com interviewed Maltese singer and songwriter Kevin Borg.  He now lives in Stockholm.  He is 24 years old and engaged to Sofia Lundgren.  His hobbies are watching movies, Xbox, sports and meeting friends.

He moved to Sweden to be able to be as close to his girl as possible and all of a sudden he ended up on the pop idol TV show.  Ever since he has been working with music which is a great passion of his and he feels really blessed for the opportunity.  “Things happen when you least expect them to”, says Kevin.

Describe yourself in your own words?
I guess I could say I’m positive and a dedicated person to work and love.

How long have you been in your relationship?
We have been together for 3 years and half now.

Mention some of your latest work/achievements
At the moment we are working a lot with my second album which is taking a lot of my time.  It will be cool to come to Malta launch it when it’s done.  The days I’m not at the studio I’m out on tour to meet my fans.

Have you ever kissed someone of your same sex?
No I haven’t.

What is your opinion about same-sex marriages?
I have nothing against that.  Everyone has the right to be happy.

Are you a summer or winter dresser?
It depends on the weather.  I like Summer more because you need less clothes.

What’s the most romantic thing a girl has ever done for you?
I was in Malta and was seeing Sofia my fiancée but we couldn’t be together all the time because she was busy in Sweden.  One time I was out with my family and Sofia had told me she was gonna go camping with her family so I went out that night.  I arrived home a bit late that night and at around 6am my brother started knocking on my bedroom door so I opened and he told me there was someone waiting for me outside my apartment.  Guess what!!!  It was Sofia!! That’s the kind of surprise you only see in movies.  Pretty cool huh ?

Have you had to make any big changes to your lifestyle?
I take life, one day at a time but you get quite used to it and the best thing in life is to always keep your feet stuck to the ground.  I mean that you have to be yourself no matter the situation that comes.

Is there a down side to your fame?
I love what I do it’s my passion.  The down side could be that I’m never home but the up side is that me and Sofia work together so everywhere is my home !!

What are the qualities you most admire in a woman?
I like sense of humour in woman and that can say things directly how they are instead of taking an hour to get to the point.

What are your hopes, dreams and fears for the future?
I am very happy with my life at the moment.  Maybe if I could dream a bit I could say that I wish I could buy a summer house in Malta which will always be my home !!

Interview with Clare Agius
by Ramona Portelli
e-mail:-  ramonaportelli@hotmail.com
Website:-  www.ramonaportelli.com

RAMONA PORTELLI from okmalta.com interviewed a personal friend of hers – TV producer and presenter Clare Agius.  Born in 1975, she insists on living this lifetime to its optimum capacity.  Besides living, she likes travelling, acting, practicing yoga, flying, diving, reading and of course sleeping and eating !!!

Clare has been doing diverse things.  On a career level, she has started from acting with a passion at age 15, moved on to making a living in TV and expanded her abilities to opening and running a business, becoming a private pilot license holder and her most recent endeavor is that of becoming a yoga teacher after 15 years of being a student.

Describe yourself in your own words
Every time I look back at interviews I have done in the past, I realize my evolution as a human being and how I haven’t remained the same.  I suppose the only constant thing about me is my true nature which I continue to explore on a daily basis.  The least obvious to people would have to be my introspective side which leads me to paths beyond words.  The most obvious is my love of life.

How long have you been in your relationship lately?
1year and going…..

Mention some of your latest work or achievements
I have successfully closed off my fourth consecutive year TV Programme – MHUX GHAL KULHADD (as always I like to end on a high note).

A performance with author/actor Matthew Scurfield which debuted in Malta a year and a half ago has taken off and we have been invited to perform it in 2 London theatres this coming November.

I am happily reaping off the fruit of almost 2 years dedication to becoming a Pilot by taking friends and family up in the air.

What is your greatest obsession?
I would like to think I don’t have any but then sometimes, certain characteristics get the better of me like perfection!  Especially when it comes to work.

What is it that you cannot live without?
My breath.

Your favourite physical feature?
My eyes and their disguisable colour.

What are your weaknesses?
My strengths.

Have you ever kissed someone of your same sex?
Yes and of different species too.  I kiss my cats so much that sometimes I literally think that soon they are going to bring up their paw and wipe it off their face!

Do your mother or father still give you advice?
Of course.  It doesn’t always mean I take it, but I always speak with them about everything I’m doing, usually after I would have made my mind up, but before I would have sealed the deal.

What is your opinion about same-sex marriages?
I really think that love is a primal emotion which stands on its own and every mature adult has a right to choose who to love and share his/her life with and if marriage is the bond of their love, then no society should forbid that from happening.

What’s the most romantic thing a guy has ever done for you?
That’s a tough one… I’ve been very lucky and grateful let’s just leave it at that

What’s your sense of style and what do you wear on a daily basis?
Right now it’s so hot I’m happy to be walking around (at home) in a bikini all day but usually I love choosing what to wear depending on the mood of the day.  It can vary from something very casual and comfortable to hip to stylish or smart.  As long as its natural materials I’m very flexible.

What does your most ideal day consist of?
It all depends what my commitments are and then the rest revolves around that.  That is why I’m very choosy with what projects I commit myself to because I honour them to the full which means a lot of time devoted to that.  At the moment I’m studying Yoga which means I wake up and do a full hour practice followed by meditation, then I study Yoga philosophy which involves history, its science, body anatomy, psychological and physiological effects, spiritual scriptures to mention a few.

What are your hopes, dreams and fears for the future?
My hopes are my dreams that unfold themselves every day.  As for fears, they are just blockages which need to be addressed and I do through my practice of yoga and meditation to minimize and perish them as much as I can.  At this moment in time, I am content to be aware of my consciousness evolution through my life experiences.

Interview with Miss Roberta
by Ramona Portelli
e-mail:-  ramonaportelli@hotmail.com
Website:-  www.ramonaportelli.com

RAMONA PORTELLI from okmalta.com interviewed Dj/Producer and Promoter, Miss Roberta.  Her full name is Roberta Cutajar.  She is thirty three years old and lives in Zurrieq.

She performs under her stage name of Miss Roberta.  She just added the Miss before her name as 11 years ago she was the only female Dj on the island and since no better name came up to her mind at that time, she just added the Miss to emphasize that it’s a girl behind the decks !!!

Describe yourself in your own words
Actually I prefer others to describe me but some tell me I’m a very bubbly person.  I go along easily with every one and I’m very easy to work with.  I have a strong character, determined and also very ambitious.

What do you do and how did you get into it?
I loved music since I was very young and the interest and love for music brought me to do what I am doing today.  I play music in clubs and events to entertain clubbers, I also hold a weekly radio show on one of Malta’s top radio stations and I also organize my own events called Get Funky.  In the mean time I am still studying Music Theory and I am in my Third Grade of Keyboard.

Are you single or perhaps into a relationship?
At the moment I am single.

Mention some of your latest work / greatest & latest gigs
I had a very successful boat party few weeks ago so I am still excited and also finished a couple of new tracks and a remix which will be released very soon.

Have you ever kissed someone of your same sex?
No

Have you ever lied to your partner or your ex?
Well I don’t really like to say this as I don’t like to lie and don’t like even liar people, but yes I have sad a couple of small lies in the past, but nothing big.  I prefer being straight as there is nothing best but the truth.

What is your opinion about same-sex marriages?
I don’t mind at all with same-sex marriages and not even with gay lives but to tell you the truth I think one have to be more concerned and should be very careful when kids get involved.  I think kids need a mother and a father figure as role models in there lives.

What is your greatest dream?
At the moment I am working very hard on production and one of my dreams is that one day I will have my own productions released on big international labels.  Would love to have the strength to be able to listen and play music for the rest of my live.

Have you had to make any big changes to your lifestyle?
No, not really but I think I changed my lifestyle accordingly by time and as work increased.  I used to work normal office hours before but now a days I changed my routine and had to limit my sleeping hours as I work very late at night doing preparations and production work during the week and in the weekends I’m playing in clubs but still some times have to wake up early the next day.  I also quitted on extra TV and I guess I have my days more hectic than before.

How do you relax and get away from it all?
I love the beach and eating good food so when ever I want to relax I escape for a day to the beach or else if it’s winter I love to go for a good lunch or even cook some good recipes to my friends.  I also try to find an hour a day and play some jazz and other relaxing music on my keyboard.  When I am really really exhausted and want to escape from it all I just switch off my mobile and sleep for the entire day.  In January I also take a month off and I go abroad for a long holiday so I charge my self for the rest of the year ahead.

What is your beauty routine?
I cleanse my face every morning and night, I have a moisturizing routine of eye cream and moisturizer.  I try to do a facial every 2 or 3 months while my twin sister takes care of my hair every week.  Every now and than I spoil my self and go for some pampering in a spa too.

What’s your sense of style and what do you wear on a daily basis?
I’m more of a casual/smart person, I love fashion and brand clothes but I go more for plain things with a touch of style.  I feel very comfortable in a pair of tight jeans.  I have also a craze for belts and jackets and I love wearing a lot of accessories.

What does your most ideal day consist of?
Usually my normal day starts around 9am with a good breakfast.  I switch on the computer and I start doing correspondence and other related work till about 1am.  Than I have lunch and continue to work on production or preparation till the evening.  When I have my own event coming later in the evening I go out to do public relations work, ticket sales etc and afterwards I return home to continue on production or preparation.  Basically my date is very busy doing things related to music.

What are your hopes, dreams and fears for the future?
Well as I said before I wish to be able to play music for the rest of my life and would love to be surrounded with positive thinking people and be full filled with good energy.

Interview with Ivan Grech
by Ramona Portelli
e-mail:-  ramonaportelli@hotmail.com
Website:-  www.ramonaportelli.com

RAMONA PORTELLI from okmalta.com interviewed Winter Moods lead singer – Ivan Grech.  41 years old and full-time musician Ivan resides in Fgura but is soon moving to Dublin – Ireland next month.  As the lead singer of Winter Moods, Ivan has topped the charts with four CD albums (Winter Moods (1995), Morning Ale (2000), Butterfly House (2003), Ordinary Men (2006).

The band just released a new CD album titled ‘Argento’ which has already produced hit songs ‘Last To Know’ and ‘My Neverland’. Winter Moods are currently preparing for a mega concert which will take place at The Granaries (Fosos) in Floriana next Friday, 30 of July.

Describe yourself in your own words  
Dedicated, perfectionist, peace loving and thoughtful.

What do you do and how did you get into it?
Born into a family of music and theatre lovers, it was only natural for me to become a musician.  The youngest in a family of six brothers and sisters, I was exposed to the likes of Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin and Smokie from a very tender age.  I took part and won numerous singing festivals before even reaching my teens.  At 16, I joined Winter Moods as the youngest member of the band.

How long have you been in your relationship?
I have been married to my wife, Deborah for more than 7 years.

Mention some of your latest work
As a band we have just released a new CD album titled ‘Argento’.  Also we are currently preparing for a mega concert due in four days time.

Do you worry about getting old?
No, but I’m aware that I’m not getting younger.

What are your weaknesses?  
Junk food and sweets, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not easy.

Let me know more about your decision to move to Dublin
I am now looking forward to moving to Dublin in August (next month).  It is a city that has generated some great musicians and I look forward to working on my solo album there.  I will also be looking into opportunities with Winter Moods there.

Do you ever feel insecure about the way you look?
No, there’s more to a person that just the way he looks.

Have you ever kissed someone of your same sex?
No.
 
What are your views on plastic surgery?
Sure, if it makes one feel better.

What is your opinion about same-sex marriages?  
Everyone should have the right to spend their life with the person they love.
 

What are the qualities you most admire in a woman?
Intelligence, independence and gentleness.

What does your most ideal day consist of?
Waking up mid-morning to a healthy breakfast, spending a day in the studio writing music, then meeting up with the band for more music.  Nice meal in the evening followed by a good movie.

What are your hopes, dreams and fears for the future?
They all evolve around music.  I hope to continue working in music for as long as I live, and I hope that my music will continue taking me places in the years to come.

Interview with JOHN BUNDY
by RAMONA PORTELLI
e-mail:-  ramonaportelli@hotmail.com
Website:-  www.ramonaportelli.com

RAMONA PORTELLI from okmalta.com interviewed broadcaster John Bundy.  50 years old, married and a father of his only child – Samyra, living in Fgura.

His job as a broadcaster is his main hobby.  Besides, he loves music and plays the guitar, drums, saxophone and piano.  He likes to read and enjoys a ride on his own bike.

Describe yourself in your own words
90% humaristic and 10% the opposite.  I am very realistic and honest.  I love simple things and I am a very loyal person.

What do you do and how did you get into it?
I am a full-time broadcaster.  I showed interest in media long time ago when I was only nine years old.  Way back in 1989, I decided to work as a professional broadcaster, therefore had to drop what I was doing at that time.

How long have you been married?
Since 1988!!  That means nearly twenty three years of marriage  !

Mention some of your latest work
My TV breakfast show on ONE TV, which reaching a high audience of 77.8%  in Malta and Gozo.

Do you worry about getting so older?
Not really.  I only worry that I can become ill.  I believe that keeping oneself fit and young at heart makes you feel good and young forever.

Is there a down side to your fame?
Nothing at all, as long as people do not take advantage of my gentleness.

Did you ever have to make any big changes in your lifestyle?
I don’t say big but natural changes which I do not regret.  As a father, I had to naturally decrease the outings with my wife and it brought along fatherhood responsibilities.  Eighteen years have passed since then and I am proud to say that my daughter and myself are best buddies.

What are the qualities you most admire in a woman?
Being realistic and creative rather than having physical beauty only.  I like participative women in society and easy going women rather than fussy ones about comfort and luxury.  Well, I like sexy women!!

What are your weaknesses?
Organisation!! This is because I am very organized.  I really hate disorganisation and I look for excellence/perfection in everything.  I am very fond of the environment and I get very upset and frustrated when it is not taken care of properly or when vandalized.  Also, I hate it when I know people are lying.

Have you ever kissed someone of your same sex?
Many times !!!  I often kiss my two male close friends – Ray and Silvio.  Every time something goes well/as planned, I kiss my buddies to share my joy.  Probably your readers will interpret this as they wish!!!

What is your opinion about same-sex marriages?
I don’t mind at all as long as they love and share each other’s love.  However, I object gay people who adopt children.  In my opinion they can never become parents.

What is your sense of style and what do you wear on a daily basis?
I wear suits because of my work because of my work.  My sense of style is very Italian.

What does your ideal day consist of?
Conducting my TV show, then off to Valletta for a coffee break followed by going home for lunch, do some reading, enjoying my radio show and finally going back home with my two ladies (wife & daughter) pampering, kissing and loving !!!
What are your hopes, dreams and fears for the future?
My hope is that people understand that we will all end up in ashes, no matter how much some people try to be powerful over others.  We are all equal at the end of the day.

My dream is to be granted the most precious thing, which is life, and to see my princess become successful.

My fear is that the world will be destroyed.

RAMONA PORTELLI from okmalta.com interviewed young singer Thea Saliba.  She is 18 years old and from San Pawl tat-Targa.  She is in her first year reading law at the University of Malta.  Thea simply enjoys long walks and plays squash and WII with her boyfriend, whilst she often relaxes by hanging out at some wine bars with friends.

Apart from her studies, she sings, dances and play the piano.  She grew up feeling naturally attracted to the stage and the music scene.  Her mum must have thought that she was a like doll to her so by the age of eighteen months she showed her off on stage during a toddler fashion show and the rest is history, whether it was modelling, singing or dancing.  Piano followed due to her interest in the music scene.

Describe yourself in your own words
Thoughtful, caring, hard working and determined.

How long have you been in your relationship?
A year and a half !

Mention some of your latest work
Last April I recorded new songs in Germany one of which was released during a guest performance at the Malta Fashion Awards on the 15th of May.

Have you ever kissed someone of your same sex?
No!

What is your opinion about same-sex marriages?
Doesn’t bother me.

What do you enjoy most about fashion?
That it changes continuously.  It’s the pleasure of expressing myself through fashion wear.  We are often judged by the fashion we follow and wear thus I am constantly concerned about my wardrobe.

How do you relax and get away from it all?
I relax by listening to my favourite music, watching a DVD or just go for a nice walk on the beach.

What makes you happy?
Being healthy and having all my loved ones around me.

What are your views on plastic surgery?
I think that it’s an option which helps people feel more comfortable about themselves and boosts their self-esteem.

If you had to choose any job in the world, what would it be?
A notary and now I finally have the opportunity to study Law in order to pursue my dream.

What are the qualities you most admire in a man?
Being respectful, truthful, hard-working and romantic.

What’s the most romantic thing a guy has ever done for you?
My boyfriend is very romantic and one of the most romantic things that he’s ever done is on Valentine’s day of 2009.  In the morning, I woke up to find a huge bouquet of roses, with a red love-shaped cushion, chocolates and a very nice pendent.  It was something I never excepted!  Then to top it all off, he bought me beautiful gifts and in the evening he cooked a 4 course meal with all my favourite dishes!  It was soooo delicious!

What are your hopes, dreams and fears for the future?
Well, I aim and hope to graduate whilst I keep working on my music career.  As I grow older, I want to share my life with a loving husband and have kids to take care of.  I look forward to live a happy peaceful life.  My only fear is of losing someone I love.

Interview with Nathan D
by Ramona Portelli
e-mail:-  ramonaportelli@hotmail.com
Website:-  www.ramonaportelli.com

RAMONA PORTELLI from okmalta.com interviewed radio and club deejay Nathan D.  22 years old, Nathan currently lives in Birzebbuga.  He currently hosts 89.7 Bay Drive Time with Talitha.  Djing and radio were his hobbies but they ended up being his full-time work.

His full name is Nathan Darmanin, but he finds Nathan D more attractive.  Eventually he will drop the D someday, as people refer to him more as Nate !

Describe yourself in your own words
I am pretty relaxed in everything I do.  Too relaxed for my boss’s liking.  So laidback suits me fine, thank you very much.

How did you get into the radio scene?
Well, I got into radio when I was 16, I used to do voluntary work for Energy FM a local Community Radio Station.  I quit school to dedicate more time on Radio.  Some people thought I was crazy – parents, friends, they were all worried about my situation until one fine day I had a call from 89.7 Bay’s Station Manager, he wanted to meet me, he heard a demo I had done.  I was 18 by that time.  After that, I trained with Bay for like 3 months and on the 6 of June 2006 (06/06/06) I hosted my first ever show on 89.7 Bay!

I remember going to the bathroom 3 times in 10 minutes, I was terrified, but it was a dream come true!  From there I never looked back.  My first proper show was Malta’s Top 10, then I hosted Bay Beats for a while, and here I am now on the Drive.  Recently Talitha joined in.  Being in radio involves a lot of preparation.  I work full-time on the show and other radio stuff which needs to be done on a daily basis like productions, station imaging, websites and stuff… I love it!

Mention some of your latest work
Apart from radio, I also DJ in clubs and currently I’m working on a new TV show which starts this October! So fingers crossed!!

What is your greatest obsession?
Obsessed with perfection… as a professional should always be!  Apart from that I’m also a huge MANCHESTER UNITED fan… I think I’m obsessed with them also!

What is it that you cannot live without?
Definitely my phone and laptop, they’re like a life line to me!  I can’t imagine what I’d do without them!

What do you enjoy most about fashion?
I wouldn’t call myself a follower of fashion, I wear what catches my eye and what I feel comfortable in.  I buy all my stuff online.

What are your weaknesses?
My weaknesses… drinking energy drinks… tried to control it, but no luck yet!

Have you ever kissed someone of your same sex?
Why should I?

Have you ever lied to your partner or your ex?
White ones… inevitable!

What is your opinion about same-sex marriages?
If they love each other… why not?

What’s your sense of style and what do you wear on a daily basis?
Casual… Jeans and T-shirt all year round!

What does your most ideal day consist of?
Ideal day… waking up at 11… late breakfast, sit down, open my macbook… it always turns out to be a very productive day!

What are your hopes, dreams and fears for the future?
Well, I hope I get married someday… have kids, it’s not something I want to happen in the near future but I want it to happen!  Maybe when I’m 30-40 … my dream, having the chance to work abroad on Radio… I’M A BIG FAN OF BBC!  And fears… probably not being able to achieve any of the stuff I mentioned!

May 2010

Interview with Carlo Borg Bonaci
by Ramona Portelli
e-mail:-  ramonaportelli@hotmail.com

website:-  www.ramonaportelli.com

RAMONA PORTELLI from okmalta.com interviewed professional broadcaster – Carlo Borg Bonaci.  He is 44 years old, father of two sons, Clive and Mark.  Originally from Hamrun and moved to Iklin after marriage.  Carlo loves all forms of arts and crafts, football and local culture.

He has enthusiasm for discovering new concepts in his works and give his 100% in everything he ventures in.  Sometimes he can be a very laid back character, and cheeky when in company.  Carlo just loves making others smile.

What do you do and how did you get into it?

Started off my career as a mobile/club Dj, than I got my first radio show back in 1987.  I also present TV shows/quizes and organize club nights and music events such as the annual Malta Music awards.  I must say that my love for music started off since from a very young age and since than my goals where to make it my life.

How long have you been in your relationship/marriage?

Married for 20 years now and a total of 28 years relationship with my wife Natalie.

Mention some of your latest work

Lately I am very busy with preparations for a string of events/club nights with a 90s music concept.  It was a dream that both myself and Gianni had in mind for these last months and finally we are materializing it.  First date was last weekend (end of May).  I’m also busy with my daily quiz show “Kontra l-Hin” on Net TV and maybe …who knows…. I might be going back “on the air” on an FM dial in the coming weeks…months!!!

What is your greatest obsession?

That of drying out of ideas and become stale in whatever I do during my career.  I am a self critic and always battle myself not to refer back to concept ideas I had used in the past.

What is it that you cannot live without?

Definitely family and closest friends…and ermm my mobile and a transmitter radio!!!

Your favourite physical feature?

Pfffff !  I’m pretending I didn’t come across this question…!!!

…but I can quote what others say….maybe the voice???  Can that be considered as a feature??? Boqq!

What are your weaknesses?

Hard to say NO for anything which is music related…

Have you ever kissed someone of your same sex?

Frequently……especially my kids…lol!

Have you ever lied to your partner or your ex?

Don’t we all slip a lie every now and than???  As we sometimes say in Maltese…gidba ghal bzonn mhux dnub!!

What is your opinion about same-sex marriages?

Neeeee!!!  Totally against it.  I just can’t see the point.

What’s your sense of style and what do you wear on a daily basis?

I live a very casual life but sometimes my work recommends me to carry a corporate image.  So it’s mainly suits for tv and jeans and tops for the rest.

What does your most ideal day consist of?

A day with no fixed schedule at all…. I just wake up in the morning and go with the flow.

What are your hopes, dreams and fears for the future?

My hopes are to live life to the max, I dream of seeing a better world with no forms of treath whatsoever.  My only fear is death at a young age.

website:-  www.ramonaportelli.com

RAMONA PORTELLI from okmalta.com interviewed singer/songwriter and musician IRA LOSCO.  28 years old, Ira lives in Sliema and currently she is in a relationship. 

She admits that she does not have much time for hobbies, but when she does it’s writing poetry, articles etc.  She is an ambitious, hard-working, determined, and a happy person with the simple things in life.  Ira loves the company of people, and she tries to surround herself with positive thinkers. 

What do you do and how did you get into it?

I sing and write music and above all I perform.  It was my only way of escape, from the times in my life when I wanted to be invisible, I did the exact opposite and bared my soul to others by doing music.  I got to where I am today with lots of hard work and no nonsense and a lot of sacrifices.

How long have you been in your relationship?

Almost two years.

Mention some of your latest work

My book “Ira Losco A Photographic Journal by Allen Venables” is a first of its kind for this tiny island.  It is an impressive 400 page collection of incredible photography both live and commercial.  I’m also writing my new album.

What is your greatest obsession?

To get everything done the right way and on time AND to make people realize that they must look outside our shores and realize that sometimes we are miles away from being close to what’s going on there.  My obsession is to do things the way they are done in the international world, and this way of doing things always draws attention to my project from the foreign world, thank god.

What is it that you cannot live without?

Music definitely, art and any other medium through which I can express my emotions.

Your favourite physical feature?

 My derriere.

 What is your beauty routine?

Cleanse and moisturize daily and try to get enough sleep.

 What are your weaknesses?

 Not being able to say no at times.

 Do your mother or father still give you advice?

Yes ,of course they do, they always want the best for me.

Have you ever kissed someone of your same sex?

My sisters….all the time, we’re very affectionate.

 Have you ever lied to your partner or your ex?

This particular partner no.

What is your opinion about same-sex marriages?

 I am a strong believer of human rights.  I hate any sort of discrimination.

What’s your sense of style and what do you wear on a daily basis?

I wear clothes that I feel comfortable in and that make me feel unique.  For stage I rev it up a notch and I am unafraid to experiment and to be avant-garde.

What does your most ideal day consist of?

Tons of meetings, vocal exercise regime, fitness work out, and replying to tons of emails.

What are your hopes, dreams and fears for the future?  

 My hopes are to keep doing music.  Performing is the most inspiring and incredible experience ever.  I like to entertain my audience and not just stand in front of a mic stand.  It’s always a very energizing and touching experience.  My fears are that we keep struggling with change and being stubborn as we’ve been for many many years.

 Photography by www.allenvenables.com

RAMONA PORTELLI from okmalta.com interviewed Hollywood actor Joseph Vassallo.  He was born and raised in Malta.  Today he lives with his family in Los Angeles.  Joseph has been married to his wife Veronika for the last past sixteen years.  Together they have two beautiful children – Tiana and Jovanni.

Joseph is known mostly for his work in American television and films.  Lately he got a fantastic role opposite Academy Award Winner Forest Whitaker !!!

Have you moved to Los Angeles directly from Malta?

Technically, yes.  I wasn’t really living in Malta that much.  At the time I had spent years living in Switzerland, Paris, London, the QE2 and New York.  I had a place in New York where I lived for a while when I decided to come spend some time living in Malta to be close to my family.  After a few short months I decided to go live in LA.  That was 1987. Wow!

Do you miss not living in Malta anymore?

Yes!  The older I get the more I miss my sweet home or as I call it “The Rock”.  I miss my family in Malta and those closer to me more and more every day.  I miss the quality of life in Malta.  Now that I’m older I appreciate our history more, architecture, way of life and most of all, “Il-Pastizzi”, LOL!!

Describe yourself.

I’m a levelled headed guy, really.  I consider myself as traditionally old fashioned, a loyal friend, good father and husband and hard working family man.  I’m a man with flaws and one who embraces his flaws.  I’m a spiritual man who finds solace in the scriptures.  I’m a lover of life and a student of the arts.  I like my own space, solitude, and time out from the horrors of this world so I can think, reflect and live in my dreams.  A world traveller, an unconventional human being hungry for truth, wisdom, loyalty, friendship, love, and inspiration.  I’m an artist who loves to share his passions with the world.  I’m one who is constantly seeking stimulation, whether it be intellectual, artistic, emotional, or social.  Love to cook for myself, family and friends and cherishes a nice glass of red wine and occasionally a, single Malt.

Mention some of your latest achievements

I just had a movie come out this year called “Our Family Wedding” and I work opposite Acadamy Award winner Forrest Whitaker and comedian Carlos Mancia.  It was pretty cool working with those guys.

How did you get this job?

My Manager called and said they were casting this role for a film with Forrest Whitaker.  She said. ‘Joey it’s only one scene.  I don’t know if you want to do it…”  I said, are you kidding?  To work with such a legendary actor like Mr. Whitaker will be an honor.  I’ll even do it for free for the experience.  So she got me an audition appointment on a Saturday which sounded very peculiar.  I don’t think I ever auditioned on a Saturday.  So I went down to Beverly Hills to audition and the halls were empty.  There were no auditions going on.  I waited a while and said “Okay…”  I called my manager and told her that this was a mistake.  So I left and went on with my business.  On Monday my manager called me again and told me that they (the casting office) had made a mistake and asked me if I could go give it another go that day in the afternoon.  Of course I went and this time I auditioned with a ton of other actors. I got the job !!

Forrest Whitaker is an academy award winner.  Was it intimidating working with him?

Let me put it this way.  I looked forward to working with him.  I had a 3:30pm call and was not called on set till about 2:00am.  I was exhausted from waiting and couldn’t wait to do the scene and to go home under the sheets.  Mr. Whitaker is not intimidating, because he’s quite a nice guy.  When I walked on production, the first person I saw was Forrest.  It was literally me and him.  Just the two of us amidst a bunch of trailers or wagons, however you want to call them, production crew and some security personnel.  He was coming from the set because the location was a bit far and so they dropped him off to his trailer.  So, I introduced myself and told him that I was going to work with him that day.  We talked for about five minutes, shook hands and he said, ‘Okay Joey, see you later then.  Looking forward to working with you”  And off we went our separate ways.  My first impression of him was that he looked tired.  He was extremely pleasant and polite.  I guess if I had to summarize my first encounter with him in one word it would be ‘Humble”.  At the end of the day I had a great experience working with such a fine and talented actor!

Do you hang out with other working actors off camera?

No.  Not really.  When I’m working I pretty much stick to myself.  I usually take reading material on set with me and my ipod.  I hang in my trailer and watch the time go by until I’m called on and off to go on set to work.  Sometimes I work with actors from the east coast particularly Italian Americans from New York.  Those guys hang out.  They talk, tell stories and laugh all day.  In those occasions and every now and then I come out of the trailer to hang out and have a few laughs.  Break the monotony.  These guys kind of remind me of my good old days with my friends in Malta, sitting on the stoop of the social club in those hot summer nights, telling tales and laugh till the wee hours of the day.  On “Our Family Wedding” I hung out with Forrest and Mancia in between takes and in the van going from the trailer to set/location and vice-a-versa which where a few miles apart.

The movie opened in America nation wide in April 2010.  Have you seen it?

No.  I haven’t seen the movie yet, but my wife did.  She gave me the low down and thumbs-up via text messages while I hung out with my kids at the park.  I also got a ton of calls from my friends in New York and LA.  When I’m in something I normally don’t want to watch myself especially with everyone else.  I get tense and want to hide myself under the seat because when I see myself I can only see the flaws.  I will eventually watch it on DVD.  lol

What sort of films do you normally watch?

I like going to small art houses where I can watch a good independent film or a classic.  I also thrive on watching films with a foreign language like  Indian, Japanese, Italian, etc.  There are some great films out there that have something to say.  As a matter of fact I saw a wonderful film weeks ago down here in Santa Monica and Broadway.  A film with Ewan McGregor, Kim Cattrall and Pierce Brosnan called “The Ghost Writer”.  A film directed by Roman Polanski.  I thought it was a pretty good movie with a great story, a great ride, and great performances.  The other day I revisited another wonderful film from India called “Black”. A brilliant film!

What are the qualities you most admire in a woman?

I admire a woman who is secure and accepts herself as she is and is comfortable with her good points as well as her bad.  And she feels the same about her man.  I admire a woman who doesn’t need constant attention to puff up a sagging ego, admire a woman who has loads of self esteem and self confidence and is always going in her own positive direction.  I honestly admire the rare quality of personality in a woman.  A woman does not have to be a trophy in a Miss World contest to be attractive or interesting to me but her intelligence, wit, and sparkling presence just lights up the room.  A woman’s great personality is contagious and draws people like a magnet, a woman so charming that it easily overcomes any deficiencies she might have in the looks department, just because she’s so great to be with.  I admire a woman who is low maintenance, the rarest of the rare.  Low Maintenance is the most antitypical of modern women.  That type of woman really doesn’t care about how much money you make or have and is not shy to pay her share of the dating expenses.  Unfortunately this type of woman has become very rare in this day in age.  So guys if you find one snatch her!

Have you ever kissed someone of your same sex?

Sure!  I kiss my father and my son all the time…. LOL! Coming from Malta and having lived amongst Italian Americans in New York, to greet another man, for instance a friend, with a kiss on the cheek and a hug is a common thing.  It’s cultural, but I go no further than that.

How do you manage to juggle being a father with everything else you do?

It’s all about being balanced and unselfish.  My struggle is not much about distance.  I don’t like to be distant from my family too long.  If I’m working a long schedule far away from home I usually fly them over so I can see them and spend some time with them.  I think the real struggle comes from living in my own head.  There are days when I have so much going on in my head, so many conversations eating at my brain that its hard to be present minded with the kids and the wife especially after a long day at work.  My line of work, I suppose like many others in this day and age brings lots of anxiety. It comes with the territory.  For me it has become about prioritizing.  At work I dedicate my time to my work and when at home I try to wear the different hat of a father, the husband, and commit to enjoy the moment with the family. 

What are your hopes, dreams and fears for the future?

I hope for things promised and yet to come.  Goals I have yet to achieve.  I hope to have hope when I feel the lowest of the low.  My dreams are my hopes played out in my head.  I dream to continue to act, write and direct pictures, so that I may share my experiences, insights, fears, desires, hopes, dreams, and value system with as many people as possible.  The world’s reality today promotes unspeakable violence and vulgar disparity.  I dream of the paradise that God promised mankind.  Fear … our minds’ greatest weapon against ourselves.  I fear myself for I am my greatest enemy.