All about love, spring... and bathroom graffiti

Love, the coming of spring and public bathrooms graffiti feature in the third issue of the youth bi-monthly magazine Phase, which is out with The Times tomorrow.

Kristy Tonna, a Junior College student, embarked on a special project for Phase to discover what young people write on the public bathroom walls, what lies behind all the scribbling and why would one prefer to confide in an impersonal, yet, so private place.

But, St Valentine's Day being celebrated this month, it is love that is present in every page and every section of the publication.

The career section introduces the story of an outstanding lawyer with impaired vision. A new section - the Apprentice - features an interview with an IT company in Malta that offers internship courses for young and inexperienced students. The education section presents Clara Borg Bonaci, an ambitious student at ITS whose story about studying for the catering business is captivating.

Marcelle Fenech and James Debono share with Phase readers their romantic Valentine's poetic creations.

The talents section is dedicated to Christopher Saliba, a young professional Gozitan artist whose latest conceptual formations were exhibited at St James Cavalier.

Phase revives an old but powerful style in journalism - photojournalism - telling a story through photographs. The first photojournalist is Tania Sultana who recounts the story of love contrasts through her lens.

This issue's photography winner is Stephanie Scicluna, 17.

Not forgetting about the single gals and guys, Phase carries a curious story about how and what exactly Bulgarians celebrate on February 14, a feature that should amuse those not in the mood for Valentine's.

Social section is stronger than ever. and Marilyn Clark, head of the Department of Youth and Community Studies at the University of Malta, delves into the issue of gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) stigma.

Other topics, such as religion, IT and politics, are also tackled.

The fourth issue of Phase will be out on April 11.

editor@phase.com.mt