Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543384
My essentials ELISABETH SAGUNA 51, Profession: Artist/ biomedical scientist As a biomedical scientist, I get to perform diagnostic laboratory, point of care testing/research, diabetes patient education and anything to do with the potential developments to improve the quality of life of our patients. On the other side, I am a visual artist, who has been creating art and painting since the day I saw the light in this world. 1. Book 2. Film 3. Internet 4. Music 5. Place I Drink Wine by Adele is a song that pulls all my strings, not only for its outstanding musicianship and composi- tion, but also for the true mes- sage it conveys on us and our human nature to please the world and how it looks at us, while in the process losing our authenticity. Being our true selves does not always mean people will like us for it, but trying to change to please oth- ers does not always mean we become better people at all. So, let's stop trying to be someone else for the sake of others and be true to ourselves! ONE of my favourite plac- es in Malta is Rabat. It is still very authentic with so much character and charm and is a true inspiration to my art. I often visit and wander the narrow streets full of memories. I capture moments on my camera which I usually turn into paintings. There is so much to savour, whether around the core or around the gar- dens and Mdina. So many churches that adorn each corner, not to mention the vivid festas that depict what is truly the essence of the Maltese culture. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is a novel that left a mark in my port- folio due to the strong emo- tions it creates on the reader. It is full of human nature ex- tremes that evoke a deep rela- tionship with the main char- acters. There is so much pain in this story, and we know for a fact that the lives of these cultures are truly as depicted in this novel. It brings out the resilience and suffering of Af- ghan women in their culture and war, from such a tender age and makes one reflect on how cruel life can be. I am a fan of docuseries, mostly because they involve true life facts. One that al- ways keeps coming up as my favourite is Secrets Of The Blue Zones which is in four parts. The author Dan Buet- tner explores the five regions in the world, which host the longest-lived humans and from this exploration what is most striking is that there are common lifestyles that promote longevity. Primarily, the reason is that these peo- ple live a more natural way of life. A true inspiration and a must watch! I do not watch much on TV but whenever there is anything related to local talent, I am there ready to be part of it. Wheth- er it is a competition like X-Factor or Muzika Muz- ika, or something like Master Chef Malta which all bring out newly found talent within the people of our small island. I believe that for the small popu- lation we are, we have so much talent in every field, which is why as a Maltese, I am always proud to hear of success achieved by us in the bigger world. Compiled by Laura Calleja suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com 4 5 1 MaltaToday is supported by Arts Council Malta 4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 22 FEBRUARY 2026 ALMANAC 3 2