PABLOG -By Pablo

Malta in Winter

2012-02-19T17:08:00.000+01:00

MTBA annual presentation 'SPICEd up'

2012-02-05T19:54:00.003+01:00

MTBA annual presentation was an enjoyable night out. Bowlers in various categories were presented with trophies to commemorate their success. I always manage to earn an award! This year I walked away with a team award plus an individual award for my high game of 278 XXXXXXXXX.8/X

We must thank all the donors for supporting the event; EdenSuperbowl Master Cellars SIGMA Paints Right Deal SPICE deodorants/shower gel Deguara Confectionery RAMIS Jade Chinese food Globalair Sullivan: 360 Foods Imports Hili Frames Calleja Ltd A E Sullivan Ltd: FINA Oils

Malta views from my mountain bike

2011-11-30T09:08:00.001+01:00

Friendship Games 2011 - Siracusa

2011-10-21T23:08:00.002+02:00

Team Malta declared winners of the Malta vs Sicily bowling event during the Friendship Games 2011.
FINAL STANDINGS:
-Mixed Doubles 1st Malta
-Team event: 1st Malta
-Doubles (M): 1st Sicilia
-Doubles (F): 1st Malta
-All events: winners MALTA
-All events Male: 1st Neil Sullivan
-All events Ladies: 1st Sue Abela

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011 - New Zealand

2011-09-09T22:23:00.001+02:00

The 2011 Rugby world cup is underway in New Zealand. I am supporting SAMOA and WALES. Link to the official site: http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/index.html

Update: NEW ZEALAND WORLD CHAMPIONS
- looking forward to ENGLAND 2015

off to Bologna - 'Italy senior open' bowling tournament 2011

2011-05-31T01:11:00.008+02:00

Its a new challenge... the senior open bowling tournaments. I am celebrating my 50th birthday in Bologna this week by taking part in my first senior challenge. About 180 bowlers are expected to compete for the top 34 slots. I will give them a hard time. They will surely give me a hard time because I will be playing scratch whilst all older bowlers will get 1 point bonus for each year over 50. Judging by the tempo of the first squads, i will need to play over 220 average scratch to make the finals.
UPDATE - XIH U SOD! - my two entries (valid for qualification):
204-205-254-233-242-204 = 1341
245-197-225-226-233-227 = 1353 Winners: DidoneFrancesco & Hildegard

BARCELONA city experience

2011-05-15T00:11:00.006+02:00

Plaça d'Espanya -View from the ARENA-

Barcelona is best known for its football club. The city has much more to offer. It is the heart of the Catalunya region. The city has a mix of attractions within reach; beaches, monuments, heritage, shopping, sports and lovely countryside beyond the ring of hills surrounding the city.

The Ramblas is the main tourist hub. A long pedestrian avenue lined with shops, buskers and artists but also abounding with pick pockets and cheats taking the fun away. There are lots of other attractions. The old city center has a quaint nostalgic touch. The harbour and the marina offer nice strolls and good cafes. The beaches are 10 minutes from the centre. Barcelona is steeped in history and architecture and brimming with shops. You can enjoy some of the best restaurants in Spain. The best ones are away from the centre, just follow the locals instead of the tourists. Other attractions include the Aquarium, a tour of the Nou Camp football stadium and the Olympic city. If its raining, head off to one of the various museums (http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/museums); do not miss the Picasso Museum and the chocolate museum!

La Sagrada Famiglia

For antiques, head to the old town between the cathedral and Placa del Pi. There’s also an antiques market here every Thursday. Worth a visit.
My favourite spot in Barcelona is at Plaça d'Espanya. Its near the majestic Montjuic landmark and overlooking one of the city's biggest squares. On a nice sunny day, I recommend a visit to the viewing platform above the ARENA shopping mall (exceptional conversion from ex-bull fighting ring).

Hate-it or Love-it, the famous Sagrada Famiglia cathedral remains one of the main attractions in the city. Under construction since 1882, the building is truly amazing and original. Must-see. Set aside at least 2 hours for this.
And in the evening? Start off with a night out at Barcelonetta, an area best known for its sandy beach but which abounds with bars and restaurants. Then move on to clubs dotting the city and the periphery, local advice will surely point to a good choice suiting your mood.

RUGBY - Malta vs Croatia -European Nations Championships 2011-12

2011-04-28T14:25:00.008+02:00

Malta v Croatia 30th April 2011.

RUGBY - Malta 21 - Croatia 14 30th April 2011

Bowling Mediterranean Challenge Cup - BARCELONA 2011

2011-03-29T11:18:00.036+02:00

Team Malta 2011: Sue/Titz/Neil/Mark

The annual Mediterranean bowling championships are being held in Barcelona. Malta takes on the challenge from Italy, Spain, France, Israel, Cyprus, Greece, San Marino, Turkey, Gibraltar, Croatia, Tunisia & Slovenia.

UPDATE: 3 GOLDS FOR MALTA:

Singles SUE ABELA -GOLD -Mediterranean Champion 2011
Doubles Ladies: Malta GOLD -Mediterranean Champions 2011
Masters: Sue Abela -Bronze
All Events: Sue Abela - GOLD -Mediterranean Champion 2011
Singles Men: Champions Greece
Doubles Men: Winners Greece

Mediterranean Challenge Cup - ALL TIME MEDAL STANDINGS (1998-2011) -Source ETBF

Gold Silver Bronze Federation
29 -- 19 -- 19 ----Malta:.
25 -- 22 -- 20 ---Greece
12 -- 17 -- 17 ----Italy
12 -- 13 -- 23 ----Israel
10 --- 8 ---- 8 ---France
  9 ---16 ---10 ----Spain
  6 ---- 5---- 9 ----Cyprus
  3 ---- 3---- 6 ----Turkey
  2 ---- 6---- 5 ----Catalonia
  0 ---- 0---- 1  ----San Marino
  0 ---- 0---- 0 ---Tunisia/Croatia/Slovenia/Gibraltar

Next Year... to SAN MARINO

Commonwealth Bowling Championships Malaysia -SILVER FOR MALTA

2011-02-21T10:26:00.039+01:00

JUBILIANT Neil -silver medalist

MEN SINGLES: Gold-Malaysia; Silver-Malta; Bronze-South Africa;
WOMEN SINGLES: Gold-Malaysia; Silver-Singapore; Bronze-Malaysia; 7th Malta (Sue Abela)
WOMEN DOUBLES: Gold Singapore; Silver ENG; Bronze Malaysia; Malta 6th
MEN DOUBLES; Gold-ENG; Silver-AUST; Bronze-Malaysia; Malta 6th
MIXED DOUBLES: Gold-ENG; Silver-Malaysia; Bronze-AUST; MaltaB 5th
TEAM EVENT: Gold-Singapore; Silver-Malaysia; Bronze-India; Malta 6th

Full results at: http://www.ctbc2011.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=5

2011 MTBA presentation -2010 Bowling achievements

2011-02-08T23:14:00.012+01:00

I enjoyed the MTBA presentation and the event turned out to be quite entertaining. The raffle prizes were perhaps the best selection in recent years. I did not win anything at the raffle but I did carry away 3 memorable trophies to commemorate achievements;
-774 scratch series (279-257-238)
-279 scratch game (xxx9/xxxxx.xxx)
- National league Champions 1st Place
These 3 awards are significant for me as they were won after 2 consecutve serious injuries requiring months of rehabilitation. Thank you MSV and other sponsors/donors.

XXX9/XXXXX.XXX game

-more fotos at the MTBA website and Mark Buum's facebook.

Cycling during Christmas holidays

2010-12-28T23:17:00.014+01:00

Spot the castle!

I finally managed to overhaul the bike's breaking system. Its been a couple of months off the bike and I was rearing to go. The weather was too tempting. A splendid sunny day on 28th December is a bonus for bikers.
Winter and spring are the best months for cycling in the Maltese countryside. Throughout winter I will pray for rain on Mondays and for sunny weekends... Bowling season kicks off on 13th January. Meanwhile, I'll put in some mileage and enjoy our mild winter.

best wishes to all readers

2010-12-19T19:42:00.007+01:00

Enjoy the Christmas bowling break! Meanwhile
we are researching gossip for 2011 league...

Doctor says I should cut down on bowling.... nah!

ROME OPEN Bowling Tournament

2010-11-08T22:57:00.012+01:00

The much awaited 1st ROME OPEN tournament has been concluded. 9 Maltese bowlers have entered the challenge with some positive results. Neil Sullivan and Arpa Kenneth qualified to the final round. Paul Baldacchino sets the 3rd highest game from all qualification rounds: XXXXXXXX(8)-.XXX. 340 elite bowlers from 23 countries provided the challenge. Winner: Perttu Jussila from Finland (had never heard of him before). RESULTS: http://www.romaopen.org/index.asp

MALTA RUGBY Malta vs Latvia EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP

2010-11-04T14:05:00.014+01:00

RUGBY INTERNATIONAL Kordin Hibs Ground Saturday, 6th November. Support TEAM MALTA and buy Malta Rugby Shirt and team merchandise at:

http://maltarugby.com/page.asp?n=newsdetails&i=12392
Malta 26- Latvia 33

update: October 2011: Latvia 0 - Malta 28

Malta Bowling -TEAM RAMIS ESTABLISH NEW NATIONAL RECORD...AGAIN

2010-10-15T00:50:00.016+02:00

Team RAMIS smash the Maltese national record for 4-Man team series...AGAIN! One week after becoming the first Maltese team to top the 2700 barrier, mighty RAMIS rewrote the record books again by smashing through the 2800 barrier. The old record was held by FINA since 2004 and stood at 2697. RAMIS, played a hi score of 2850 series.

RAMIS played 937, 986 and 927 games to become the first team ever to play 3 games over 900. The record team formation was made up of:

-KENNETH ARPA (244-254-258 = 756)

-RANKIN CAMILLERI (214 - 247- 216 = 677)

-JOHN BALANI (200 - 228 - 217 = 646)

-PAUL BALDACCHINO (279-257-236 = 772)
Pablo's 772 series is the highest ever played in DIV 1.

RAMIS hold a team league average of 835 per game. And that is yet another record! Read official report here: http://www.maltasport.com/modules/localsport/item.php?itemid=420 and here: http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20101031/sport/ramis-a-team-of-record-breakers

THE PYRENEES - France

2010-08-23T23:03:00.009+02:00

Carcassonne

The Pyrenees straddle south west France from the Atlantic to the Med. I started my adventure at the foot of the mountain chain. Carcassone boasts an incredible fortified citadel guarding the pyrennean approaches. It has the perfect setting for medieval films.
Divided by valleys, cloaked by pines and crested with snow for much of the year, the Pyrennes harbour wildlife and offer spectacular scenery.
The mountaintop tiny nation of Andorra stands on the east end of the Pyrenees mountain chain, perched along mountaintops and picturesque valleys. Famous as a skiing resort, it is also enchanting in summer.

Gavernie

Four days in the Luchon Valley rewarded us with stunning views and waterfalls. The area offers some fantastic walking treks to various points of truly exceptional beauty (along the route of the Tour de France):

- Lac D'Oo

- Superbagneres

- Hospice de France

- Bordes du Lys

- Genos
- Arreau

A short uphill drive from Luchon will take you to the Spanish border and then down to the picturesque Spanish Aran Valley, boasting nice views along rivers, lakes and small towns competing for the best cuisine.

At the Central Pyrenees await other majestic scenery. Many Maltese will know this area for the town of Lourdes which attracts thousands of Maltese each year to visit the shrine. If you are in the area, make it a point to spend a day visiting the Pont d'espagne. Do not settle for a 2 hour tourist bus visit to the outskirts. Take your walking shoes and spend the entire day, walk all the way to the waterfalls and beyond. Another full day excursion should be set aside for Gavarnie. Walk to and beyond Lac de Gaube. Do not forget your camera and spare batteries and memory card... you may need all of them in a desperate attempt to capture the beauty.

After a week of long walks along the mountain treks and the Parc National des Pyrenees, relax and dine at Biarritz on the Atlantic beaches or head a couple of hours south to the fabulous Spanish border resort of San Sebastian. Set aside not less than 10 days to truly enjoy this trip and I recommend that you lodge at Gites (family-run, French houses of character offering excellent local cuisine). Then spoil yourself at a good resort in San Sebastian and dance the night away...

Pablo bowls a 299 game at the EDENBOWL

2010-08-07T23:41:00.009+02:00

Almost the perfect game...XXXXXXXXX.XX9 = 299. This season I also twice bowled 279 games. So far I have twice notched a 300 game, both occasions during training sessions (in July 2005 and again in March 2008). Now to get one during League! WATCH VIDEO at Neil's website: http://maltabowlingfans.webs.com/apps/videos/videos/show/11532112-pablo-s-299-game

MALTA BOWLING LEAGUE 2010 - Div 1

2010-07-09T00:39:00.149+02:00

For updates on 2011 league -click on subtitle at top of page; MALTA Bowling LEAGUES -2011

NEAR RIETI: when in Rome... go outside Rome!

Standings:

RAMIS.........120 - CHAMPIONS 2010

FINA..........108
okmalta.com.. 106
Globalair...106

ROYALs...78

Pharmavet..70
TURU's.....70

Gladiators..52

HSBC.........46

CLAN.........44

________________________

The hi-Average Bowler

WEEK 16 -PABLOG Commentary:

RAMIS keep winning
Danial Swift breaks high series
Gladiators break own series record
HSBC win again, closing gap
P Borg Barthet 269 game/hc
Nikolia Borg 693 series/hc
TURU's regain 5th place
Globalair regain 2nd spot

---------------------------------------------------------------

Pablo -772 Series- Bowler of the week
and highest series ever played in a
4man team encounter

Weekly Commentary -Week 14

hot discussion emerges on postponements
RAMIS keep marching on
HSBC keep marching down
ARPA bowler of the week
Okmalta on strong trends
Gladiators keep fighting on
CLAN fighting just as hard (and loud too)
energised TOLU plays a 247 again

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Weekly Commentary-Week 13

mighty RAMIS set new record 2829 team scratch series
Pablo plays a 772 series, highest series in 2010
Pharmavet climbing up the table to 5th
Gladiators win 2 points from a leading team
TURU's play team record of 2573..and lose 8!
Matthew Caruana back at the Eden
HSBC way down
Ryan Grech shoots his first 700+

Back on 'TREK' ... again!

2010-07-08T10:46:00.004+02:00

After an abstension of almost 4 months off the road, I have finally tested my TREK bike again! Following my crash of last March which left me with a broken wrist, I ensured that wheels and shock absorbers are still in good condition by testing the mountain bike on the Pembroke Ranges, particularly the slopes between White Rocks and the AMF shooting range.
The bike is in good shape but the rider needs some tuning in....

Malta Bowling National Championships 2010

2010-06-11T08:26:00.012+02:00

The 2010 National championships (singles) took off on 1st July. The nationals are played on short and long patterns and this requires skill and the ability to move lines throughout the series as conditions shift.
Final results: 1st: Neil Sullivan; 2nd: Kenneth Arpa; 3rd: Paul Baldacchino

Ladies Champion: Sue Abela

Birthday boy!

2010-05-10T21:00:00.005+02:00

Its another birthday! I thought birthdays came once a year and I am pretty sure that the last one was just some months ago. I celebrated my day... at the office. But this evening I also managed 1 hour of bowling. Feels great after an absence of 2 months. Its been one year of injuries and now I look forward to one year of good luck!
Now I just wish to grow yet a bit older and then i will retire in Thailand.

recovering from another injury!

2010-04-27T10:51:00.012+02:00

After merely recovering from the trauma of tearing my anterior cruciate ligament during 5-a-side football, I find myself nursing another serious injury with a multi-fracture of my left wrist (bowling with the right!). I have to carry a strange looking appendage to my wrist with pins secured deep in my bone structure. Please don't bump into me...

I fell off my mountain bike going downhill at over 40km/h when an erratic driver forced me to break suddenly at a corner. Despite my experience in handling the bike, I was cheated by a spread of gravel and i spun off!

I am planning a recovery training programme as I aim to do well in the Malta national bowling championships commencing 1st July*. I will need to work hard to regain body coordination and fitness in just 2 months. I will be back on my bike as soon as I develop sufficient muscle power to safely pull on the brakes. Maybe riding under 25km/h....for the first week.
*UPDATE: eventually, I managed 3rd place in the National Championships!

MALTA Bowling Summer League 2010

2009-12-08T21:25:00.201+01:00

RAMIS - Malta National Champions

Top 10 averages for the 2010 league:

1.Neil Sullivan
2. Ray Falzon
3. Kenneth Arpa
4. Dennis Mercieca
5. Paul Baldacchino
6. Justin C Scicluna
7. Mark Spiteri
8. Sue Abela
9. Rankin
10. Joe Cassar

FINAL STANDINGS:

RAMIS.........116 -Champions

Okmalta.com..92 -Runners Up

FINA...........88

Globalair.....80
ROYALS.......70

HSBC...........69

TURU's........65

Pharamavet..64

SALITOS......42

Calamatta Cuschieri Co.34

RUGBY: Malta 25 - Sweden 23

2009-11-09T09:20:00.025+01:00

Malta Rugby Team keeps marching on... Beating Sweden 25 to 23... 2nd win against Sweden. (photo by Domenic Aquilina). WELL DONE MALTA.

UPDATES:
MALTA vs LATVIA 24th April -Malta wins: 27-10
MALTA vs LATVIA November Malta lose: 26 -33

Buy Malta Rugby Merchandise here: http://www.maltarugby.com/page.asp?n=newsdetails&i=12392