Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1547002
My essentials ELISABETH SAGUNA 51, artist I am a visual artist who has been creating art and painting since the day I first saw light in this world. During the day I am a biomedical scientist. I have the opportunity to perform diagnostic laboratory and point-of-care testing, contribute to research, educate patients with diabetes, and explore potential developments that can improve the quality of life of our patients. 1. Book 2. Film 3. Internet 4. Music 5. Place I Drink Wine by Adele. It is a song that pulls all my strings, not only for its outstanding musicianship and compo- sition, but also for the true message it conveys. It expos- es our human nature to try and please the world and how the world in turn looks at us. Being our true selves does not always mean people will like us for it, but trying to change to please others 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 ourselves! ONE of my favourite plac- es in Malta is Rabat. It is still very authentic and has so much character and charm. It is an 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 the essence of Maltese culture. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. It is a novel that left a mark in my portfolio due to the strong emotions it creates in the reader. It is full of human nature extremes that evoke a deep relationship with the main characters. 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 re- silience 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 Zone—a four-part series. The author Dan Buettner explores the five regions in the world, which host the longest-lived humans and from this explo- ration what is most striking is that there are common life- styles that promote longevity. Primarily, it is the more natu- ral way of life. A true inspira- tion and a must watch! I do not watch much TV but whenever there is anything related to local talent, I am there ready to be part of it, whether it is a competition like X-Factor or Mużika Mużika, or Master Chef Mal- ta. I believe that for the small population we are, we have so much talent in every field, which is why as a Maltese, I am always proud to hear of success abroad. Compiled by Laura Calleja suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com 4 5 1 MaltaToday is supported by Arts Council Malta 4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 4 OCTOBER 2026 ALMANAC 3 2