Interview with Omar “Fanciullo” Farrugia!!!

Member of La Valette Malta, dedicated Harley rider, hotel management professional and above all a proud family man.

Getting to know Omar; Let’s start with the man behind the handlebars.

Omar, tell us a bit about yourself – your career in hotel management, your daily life and how you balance work, family, and your passions.

Well, let me start with the most important part of my life, my family. At the end of the day, titles, hotels, strategies and KPIs all come and go, but family is the constant. I do my very best to be present for every moment that matters and to support as much as I possibly can. But the truth is simple... I couldn’t do what I do without my wife. She’s the steady pillar in our home, especially given that my job often has me travelling, sometimes frequently, sometimes for longer stretches than either of us would like. She keeps the engine running while I’m off trying to keep the hospitality world from spinning off its axis.

Hospitality, after all, is a wonderfully rewarding industry, but it can also be brutally unforgiving. Our business reacts to global events faster than light travels, one shift in the world and suddenly your entire strategy needs to pivot. You have to stay ahead of the game, because the game never stops evolving. After nearly three decades in the industry, I can safely say I’ve seen more change than I ever imagined and the pace only accelerated after 2019. Working in the luxury segment has its perks, of course, but it also demands that you remain sharp, agile and relentlessly curious. You can never get too comfortable.

As for passions, well... I’ve collected a few over the years. I’m a biker at heart, happiest with an engine beneath me and the road stretching out ahead. I’m also a bit of a technology addict, if it has buttons, lights up, or connects to something, I’m interested. I’m an avid cook who loves experimenting with textures and flavours (sometimes successfully, sometimes… let’s say “educationally”).

Finally, I’m an artist at heart, creativity has always been my way of resetting, recharging and remembering that life is more than emails and spreadsheets.

So that’s me... a hotelier shaped by decades of change, a family man held upright by a remarkable wife and a human being with a few passions that keep me sane, grounded, and occasionally entertained.

We also can’t ignore the well-known fact… You’re a “smart kiddo” from Bormla! How much does your Bormla identity shape who you are?

I can tell you one thing: I’m one of those proudly sentimental individuals when it comes to my hometown. Even though I lived there only until the age of twelve, I carry an entire universe of memories from that place. Our childhood was nothing short of magical, real adventures, the kind you don’t find in today’s world. We spent our days exploring the fortifications, slipping through old wartime shelters and practically living outdoors from sunrise to sunset.

Bormla wasn’t just a backdrop, it was a character in our story. It shaped us, toughened us and taught us to be resourceful long before we even knew what the word meant. Those experiences, climbing, running, discovering, occasionally getting into trouble... they made us stronger, more resilient and perhaps a little braver than we had any right to be at that age.

And seeing Bormla regenerated today genuinely fills me with pride. It’s as though the town has finally received the recognition and care it always deserved. No matter where life has taken me, Bormla remains stitched into who I am.

You’re often travelling for work. How does that lifestyle shape your routine when you’re back in Malta?

I’m fortunate enough to say that I’ve travelled extensively — from the breathtaking landscapes of the Americas, to the cultural tapestry of Europe, across the vastness of the Emirates, and all the way down to the far reaches of Africa. Every journey has left its mark, every destination has offered something extraordinary.

But the truth is simple: no matter how far I go, I always look forward to coming back home. There is something uniquely grounding about returning to our islands — the light, the sea, the people, the sense of belonging that you can’t quite replicate anywhere else.

For all the beauty I’ve seen around the world, nothing compares to the beauty of our own country. It’s home in every sense of the word.

And of course, an important question for any Maltese – what’s your favourite food? Mmmm that s a good one (keep it short bro).

I’ll keep it simple… nothing on this planet beats a freshly baked ħobża tal-Malti loaded with kunserva, pickled onions, ġbejniet and a generous bowl of bigilla on the side. Everything else is just food — this is heritage on a plate.

Apart from motorcycles, what other hobbies or interests keep you busy?

I have already mentioned some of my interests earlier yet there is one part of my life that sits very close to my heart. For the past two decades I have dedicated a significant part of my time to a second role which I carry out entirely on a voluntary basis. That role is supporting families who have children on the Autism Spectrum.

Many of you know Sam. He is a one of a kind‑hearted soul who changed the way we look at life. Discovering that he was on the spectrum was not easy and I will be honest, before his diagnosis I knew very little about the condition. Like many parents we were suddenly thrown into a world we did not fully understand. Instead of standing still, a small group of us decided to make a difference. We joined forces and created the Autism Parents Association (APA) to support families with children on the spectrum.

I have been involved since the very beginning and I took on the role of President over thirteen years ago. I am incredibly proud of APA. Today we support nearly six hundred families across our region and the impact we have made together is something I hold close.

Over the years this work has grown. I became an ambassador within the Autism community and I now lead discussions with Government officials at national level. I also serve on the National Autism Council and I sit on the Autism Europe Board where we work to strengthen legislation and support frameworks across the European landscape.

This journey has shaped me as much as any professional role I have ever held. It has taught me patience, resilience, empathy and the importance of standing up for those who need a stronger voice. It is work that humbles me every single day.

Now we have to ask about the nickname everyone knows you by… “Fanciullo.” Where did that nickname come from? There must be a story behind it!

One of my favourite Italian comedians is Giorgio Panariello and one of his characters constantly repeats the line “Il Fanciullo… si si si.” For some reason it lodged itself firmly in my brain and over time I developed the habit of calling everyone “Fanciullo.” It stuck to me the way tar sticks to clothes and before I knew it people started calling me “Il Fanciullo.”

What began as a harmless joke turned into a nickname that has followed me everywhere. At this point I’ve accepted my fate. Once you earn a title like that you might as well wear it proudly.

The Harley Life: Let’s move to the two-wheel world.

When did your love for motorcycles actually start? Was it always Harley-Davidson, or did you start with other bikes?

I have loved motorbikes for as long as I can remember, yet I grew up in a family where bikes were treated as a complete taboo. The turning point came when I was eight and my father brought home a Honda Bop. It was meant to be a temporary visitor until it found a new owner but of course that is not how things turned out. While my father was at work we used to sneak it out for a joyride. Our neighbourhood was very safe at the time and before long I was completely attached to that little machine. Not taking it for a quick spin felt almost impossible until we parted ways with the famous Bop.

After that phase I used to ride a friend’s Honda 70cc Cub which only deepened the addiction. Then life took a different turn. When I turned sixteen I got my first car and bikes slowly faded into the background. For years they became nothing more than a fond memory.

Fast forward to 2016 when traffic finally pushed me over the edge. I bought a scooter simply to survive the daily commute and that small decision reignited everything I had buried. One ride led to another and before I knew it the passion was back in full force. Today I have a line‑up of bikes in my garage and each one represents a different chapter of that lifelong love story that started with a forbidden Honda Bop and a very determined eight‑year‑old.

Your daily commute – are you more likely to jump on the bike or take the car?

Unless there are torrential rains or gale force winds my daily commute is always on a bike. It has become part of my rhythm and part of my sanity.

Tell us about your first Harley. What model was it and how did it feel when you first rode it?

I always had a flair for muscle bikes and when Terminator came out I fell completely in love with the Fat Boy. For years I kept that image in my mind, so when the time finally came for me to look at getting a Harley I started by considering the smaller models.

Then Adrian stepped in and everything changed. Thanks to him I managed to get my hands on a 2008 Fat Boy and the moment I rode it for the first time I understood exactly what bike brutality really means. The power the weight the presence the way it growls rather than speaks. It was instant love and from that moment on the rest became history.

That bike didn’t just tick a box. It awakened something that had been sitting quietly inside me since childhood. It reminded me why muscle bikes captured my imagination in the first place and why some passions never really fade. They just wait for the right machine to bring them back to life.

And what about your latest Harley? The black stallion! What are the main differences compared to your first one?

To be honest there is no comparison. It is a completely different machine with a completely different riding style. It stays semi‑docile until you open the throttle then it roars like a mighty stallion. The technology behind it makes long haul trips smoother, more stable and far more enjoyable.

As riders always say, there’s always another bike in mind… so what’s next?

Since my wife will be reading this article I will bravely say that I am perfectly happy with what I already have. (Heheheheh). Truth be told if I were a loftier man with fewer practical considerations I would probably be tempted to look at a Pan. But for now I will stick to the official version of the story which is that I need nothing else.

Harley and Work Life: Since you travel a lot for work, Do you ever find yourself exploring motorcycle culture when you travel?

If time permits I always try to stop at a Harley dealership wherever I travel especially to pick up one of their HD poker chips which I have been collecting for years. It has become a small ritual on every trip and a great excuse to wander into yet another showroom full of temptation.

Riding with La Valette Malta: You’re an active member of La Valette Malta. What does being part of the group mean to you?

It is always a pleasure to be part of a group where everyone shares the same passion. Spending quality time together is something I truly value especially when we travel as a team. Having the luxury of riding on two wheels is already a joy in itself yet having the chance to share the road with like‑minded people is even better. What makes it truly special is not just the rides or the destinations but the stories that come afterwards. Talking about the adventures we have lived together is priceless and those moments are what turn a simple ride into a lasting memory.

Do you have any memorable rides with the group so far?

For me the best ride we've ever had was the Rally Del Saraceno in 2022.

Is there a particular ride or moment that really stands out?

Yes it has to be the themed party we had at the Rally Del Saraceno when we filmed the famous “Video of the Krema Tal Bebbux.” We decided to create a mock advertisement for a miracle hair growth cream and the whole thing spiralled into absolute comedy. Ivan who is also known as the Producer in our “Kollagamenti” group took on the role of the bald guy. After applying the cream his hair suddenly grew long curly and golden as if he had stepped straight out of a shampoo commercial.

I still watch that clip every now and then and I laugh out loud every single time. It remains one of the best videos we ever created and one of those moments that perfectly captures the spirit of our adventures together.

And of course, what’s the next ride with La Valette that you’re looking forward to?

Looking forward to our next "Salutamu" ride from the 18th to the 22nd March 2026.

The Joker Behind “Il-Kollegament” you’ve got a cheeky sense of humour and you’re famous for your sarcastic live videos called “Il-Kollegament.” How did that idea start?

This whole tradition started years ago when my wife and I travelled without the kids. We used to record short videos to keep them updated on our adventures and to make them feel part of the journey even when they were not with us. We posted a few of these clips on our Facebook page and before we knew it people started messaging us asking for more because they always found them humorous.

Over time it became something of a ritual. Whenever we travel or go on a road trip we film these little moments and they have a way of bringing people together. Friends look forward to them, family members follow along and even people we barely know end up enjoying the fun.

Life should be enjoyed and laughter really is the best medicine. These videos have given us countless memories and they remind us that joy is something we should create intentionally whenever we can.

Finally, what has your experience been like being part of the community, within La Valette Malta, and what does the HOG brotherhood mean to you personally?

To me the HOG brotherhood is far more than a club or a group of riders. It is a community built on shared passion trust and genuine friendship. Riding a bike is already something special yet riding alongside people who understand the thrill the freedom and the madness of it all takes the experience to another level.

When you are part of a group being La Valette or HOG you are never really on your own. You share the road, you share the stories, you share the laughter and sometimes you even share the breakdowns, both physical and mechanical. It is a brotherhood that stretches beyond the miles because the real magic happens in the moments in between. The coffee stops, the late night chats, the jokes that never die, the memories that stay with you long after the engines cool down.

For me it is also about connection. We come from different backgrounds and different walks of life yet the passion for two wheels brings us together in a way that feels natural and effortless. Our differences are part of what makes the group unique because no two riders are the same. I believe we should always celebrate that. You will not agree with everyone all the time and that is perfectly normal. Understanding each other and respecting what makes each of us who we are is what keeps the brotherhood strong.

The HOG brotherhood is a reminder that life is richer when shared. The rides are great, the destinations are fantastic yet the people are what make it unforgettable. That is what it means to me personally.