Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1103271
11.04.19 4 NEWS MSC Cruises have announced two brand new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows, aboard its brand new flagship, MSC Bellissima. e world's largest private- ly owned cruise line, revealed on Tuseday details of the in- spiration and creative process behind the two new original shows, along with exclusive first images of the spectacular performances. MSC Meraviglia was the first ship to debut the new Cirque du Soleil at Sea concept with the launch of the two shows VIAGGIO and SONOR in June 2017 and recently celebrated the 1,000th performance on board. e concepts for the two new shows, SYMA and VARÉLIA, were first developed by an ex- perienced creative team based at Cirque du Soleil's interna- tional headquarters in Montre- al, Canada. Following a rigorous casting process and intensive idea- tion workshops, the shows are then refined and brought to life on board the ship in the custom-built entertainment venue, the Carousel Lounge, designed to meet the specific needs of Cirque du Soleil. e long-term partnership will result in eight original shows, that can only be seen on board the Meraviglia class ships. Each ship will offer two brand new contrasting shows to deliver a truly unique and intimate experience for MSC Cruises guests. SYMA, will allow guests on- board MSC Bellissima to em- bark on a journey of discovery, with the fantastical odyssey into the heart of an imaginary world, and the search for a mysterious island inhabited by phantasmagorical creatures. VARÉLIA, the second of the two new shows aboard the MSC Bellissima is a tale of modern chivalry where love and courage triumph over the greatest divides. A medieval tale with a futuristic twist. VARÉLIA follows a classic sto- ry arc in a cartoonesque world which adds a humoristic touch. Audiences will delight in the acrobatic feats, the laser show and the unique set design. Cirque du Soleil at Sea can be booked in advance at a reduced rate or while on board during the cruise for any remaining seats. Guests can either book to en- joy a three-course menu of pal- ate-pleasing dishes served be- fore the show for €35, or sip on a speciality cocktail for €15 and enjoy the pre-show that begins 30 minutes before the start of the Cirque du Soleil at Sea per- formance. Behind the Cirque Du Soleil at sea shows aboard MSC Bellissima Phantasmagorical creatures feature in SYMA HSBC Malta has announced that Michel Cor- dina has been appointed as Executive Direc- tor on the bank's Board. Cordina has also been given the role of the bank's first Executive Head of Business De- velopment, a new position created to usher in HSBC Bank Malta plc's new phase of growth. Cordina headed the bank's Commercial Business unit for the past eight years. HSBC Malta CEO Andrew Beane described Cordina as a seasoned banker with a wealth of experience. "We look forward to seeing his remarkable energy driving growth from our core business and from HSBC's signature strength as the world's leading international bank," he said. Cordina started his banking career in 1981 with Mid-Med Bank Limited and joined HSBC in 1999. He has worked in various areas of banking in both Personal Banking and Commercial Banking business units, and has also led a number of operational and support functions of the bank. Cordina has occupied a number of executive roles within HSBC Malta including, Depu- ty Head of Operations and Head of Business Transformation. He was moreover the Pro- gramme Manager responsible for bringing the HSBC UK Contact Centre to Malta. In 2010, he was seconded to HSBC Commer- cial Banking in London, where he performed the role of Head of Sales Performance. In his new capacity, Cordina will work with all global businesses and functions to develop the bank's business with the bank's primary clients and external stakeholders as it focuses on a balanced return to growth. Facilitating growth in HSBC's corporate business will be a particular priority. Michel Cordina will drive growth from the bank's core business HSBC Malta appoints new Executive Director DURING the first Executive Council meeting for the year 2019, Paul Abela has been confirmed as GRTU President for the year 2019. e Executive Council also elected GRTU's six Vice Presi- dents as follows: Vice President Policy and Strategy: Philip Fenech - Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure, Business Consultan- cy Services Vice president Finance and Administration: Marcel Mizzi - E-Commerce, Web & Soft- ware Developer Vice President Sectors: Ser- gio Camilleri - Petrol Station owners, Auto Parts, Auto Dealers, Rent a Cars & Panel Beaters Vice President Districts and Localities: Michael Galea - Auto Dealers, Importers & Repairs, Auto Service Sta- tions, Marketing Advisors & Real Estate Vice President International Relations: Joseph Zerafa - Im- porters and retailer of Brown Goods Vice President Training and Development: Noel Gauci - Renewable Energy, Culinary Products Paul Abela confirmed as GRTU President