Ph and Bangladesh Envi NGOs Forge Cooperation to Tackle Toxic Chemicals in Toys and Kids' products in the region

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Asian children are increasingly at risk from unsafe toys, including those made from recycled plastics that contain hazardous chemicals and legacy compounds banned in many markets, as highlighted by various studies. Unlike their counterparts in Europe, they face greater dangers due to inadequate and inconsistent regulations governing toy safety in the region. This assessment has driven environmental NGOs advocating for toxic-free consumer products to address this critical public health issue.

On October 3, 2024, NGOs BAN Toxics from the Philippines and the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) from Bangladesh signed a pivotal memorandum of agreement (MOA) that would strengthen cooperation in advocating for safe and toxic-free children’s products. The signing, led by BAN Toxics Deputy Executive Director Jam Lorenzo and ESDO’s Executive Director Siddika Sultana, took place at ESDO’s head office in Dhaka.

The two environmental NGOs started their collaboration in 2023 to conduct a study on the presence of toxic heavy metals in children’s products in Bangladesh. The new MOA, set for a duration of five years, will continue and expand this collaboration by pursuing further research, publishing scientific studies, conducting public awareness campaigns, and developing information, education, and communication materials, among other initiatives.

“This new agreement reinforces our shared commitment to safeguarding children's health and the environment through collaborative research and public education efforts. We are hopeful that this continued cooperation will pave the way for stronger regulations and greater public awareness of the pressing issue of toxic chemicals in children’s products in both our countries,” said Lorenzo.

Prior to the signing of the MOA, a press briefing was held to share the initial results of product testing of 160 samples of children’s products. Laboratory analysis revealed that all samples contained one or more hazardous chemicals, including mercury, lead, bromine, cadmium, arsenic, among others.

ESDO called for stricter enforcement of regulations on toxic substances in children’s products, including mandatory third-party testing before they reach the market. The organization also advocated for a ban on harmful materials, such as recycled plastics containing hazardous chemicals like bromine in children’s toys, while promoting safer alternatives.

“The presence of such hazardous chemicals in children's products is an urgent public health issue. We must act swiftly to protect our future generations from these invisible threats,” said Syed Marghub Murshed, Former Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh and Chairperson of ESDO.

Sultana, meanwhile, stressed the long-term impacts on children’s health, saying, “Exposure to toxic chemicals at such an early age leads to developmental, cognitive, and physical issues that can last a lifetime. This is a crisis that demands immediate regulatory intervention.”

BAN Toxics Advocacy and Campaign Officer Thony Dizon highlighted that the issue of harmful chemicals in toys is a global concern that transcends borders, necessitating international cooperation and action.

“The same toys we found in local markets in Bangladesh are also sold openly in other Asian countries like the Philippines. This underscores the transboundary nature of the problem and emphasizes the need for regional and global solutions to ensure that unsafe products are removed from our markets,” Dizon added.



BAN Toxics and ESDO are set to release their joint study on plastic toys in the coming months. They will also conduct further testing of children’s products in the region, alongside efforts to promote cooperation with other civil society organizations and campaign for harmonized regulations to ensure the safety of children’s products.

Oceania Cruises Unveils Details of the Crêperie, a New Culinary Venue Debuting on Allura™ in 2025

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Serving Bruxelles waffles, bubble waffles, and crêpes, guests can choose from 20 recipes or customise their choice


Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has unveiled details of its new culinary venue, the Crêperie, debuting on Allura™, its newest ship launching in July 2025.

The Crêperie, located next to Baristas, the line’s signature coffee bar, will offer a selection of tempting French crêpes, Bruxelles waffles and bubble waffles, alongside Italian ice cream sundaes, from mid-morning throughout the afternoon.

Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Directors and resident Master Chefs of France, Alex Quaretti and Eric Barale, have developed more than 20 recipes for the new venue. The menu options, including the French classic crêpes Suzette as well as Bruxelles waffles with fresh banana, salted caramel sauce, and whipped cream, sit alongside the opportunity for guests to customise and create their own perfect sweet treat, opening the door to seemingly endless possible combinations.

“Allura, our eighth elegant small ship, represents the next step in Oceania Cruises’ evolution and a new way of exploring the world. Food is at the heart of everything we do at Oceania Cruises; The Finest Cuisine at Sea® is not just a tagline, it’s a philosophy which drives our whole business,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “However, finest does not always mean the fanciest – and our more relaxed, yet still refined, culinary venues, such as the beautiful new Crêperie aboard Allura, is a perfect example of this. With this addition on board Allura, our guests have never had more choice in what to eat and when – and of course all our dining venues on board are included for all guests free of charge.”

Chef Alex Quaretti added: “We cannot wait for Allura to join the fleet, and the new Crêperie concept is a great addition to our onboard culinary venues. Located next to Baristas, and just around the corner from the very popular Bakery, the new Crêperie completes this sociable and temptingly delicious corner of the ship.

“I know our guests will be delighted by the range of delicious fluffy waffles, delicate crêpes, and myriad flavors of Italian ice cream served in a bubble waffle wrap, cone or bowl – the challenge will be choosing which toppings. Among my personal favorites is the French crêpe with Nutella and whipped cream – it reminds me of being taught how to cook the perfect crêpe by my grandmother when I was growing up.”

Chefs Alex and Eric are hard at work finalising other menu developments specifically for Allura, plus other new culinary initiatives to be rolled out across the eight-ship fleet next year. More announcements are to come in the next few months.

The Crêperie will be the 12th dining venue on board Allura, joining:The Grand Dining Room – The Grande Dame of the fleet’s dining venues offering an abundance of choice every day, including Jacques Pepin’s French classics, dishes inspired by global destinations, to a four-course food and wine pairing option
The Terrace Café – offering international cuisine with a panoramic seaside terrace
Polo Grill – classic steakhouse
Toscana – Italian specialities
Red Ginger – pan-Asian cuisine
Ember – American classics with a modern twist
Aquamar Kitchen – wellness-inspired cuisine with a hint of indulgence
Waves Grill – poolside gourmet sandwiches and signature burgers by day; al fresco pizzeria by night
The Bakery at Baristas – freshly baked French and Italian pastries
Afternoon Tea at Horizons – time for tea at 4pm sharp every day
Privée – guests can celebrate truly special occasions with the ultimate private dining experience



Allura highlights include:

Allura is the eighth vessel for Oceania Cruises and is the line’s second 1,200-guest Allura Class ship. She follows her sister ship, Vista™, which launched to great global acclaim in May 2023.

One chef for every 10 guests, ensuring 50% of crew members are dedicated to culinary experiences
Five speciality dining venues, including the line’s newest signature restaurants, Ember and Aquamar Kitchen, all free of charge
1,200 guests served by 800 crew members = two crew members for every three guests
The most spacious standard staterooms at sea, at an astounding 291 square feet
Hundreds of immersive small group shore excursions and tours to choose from on each sailing
Onboard enrichment, including art classes at Oceania Cruises’ much-loved Artist Loft and numerous Guest Speakers
An expansive Culinary Center and accompanying Chef’s Studio, where epicurean secrets will be shared by the talented onboard Chef Instructors
Food and wine pairing experiences, including demonstrations during exclusive Sommelier’s Choice and Cellar Master’s Classic Wine Pairing Luncheons
A luxurious new library, featuring walls of floor-to-ceiling glass, oversized chairs and plush residential furnishings


Your World Included™

Every guest sailing on Oceania Cruises receives Your World Included™, which features a rich selection of always included amenities: dining at all gourmet speciality restaurants and the Crêperie; sodas, juices, specialty coffees and teas; still and sparkling Vero Water®; unlimited Starlink® WiFi; in-room dining; fruit smoothies, gelato and artisan ice cream; group fitness classes; laundry services; and gratuities for stateroom attendants, butlers, and dining waitstaff.

For additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, +852 800-967609 (Hong Kong), +65 31 651 677 (Singapore), or speak with a professional travel advisor.

PHLPost, stamp collectors collaborates to showcase World Post Day activities

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The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) in collaboration with the Philippine Stamp Collectors Society (PSCS) marks the celebration of World Post Day and the 150th founding anniversary of the Universal Postal Union , held yesterday, October 9, with the grand opening of “Manna Filatelica 2024 Stamp Exhibition” at SM City Mall San Lazaro activity area in Sta Cruz Manila.

For the first time, from October 9-11, the exhibit’s Manila leg will feature the iconic and original 1840 Penny Black Postage Stamp, the World’s First Stamp issued and Queen Isabella, the first postage stamps for the Philippine Islands which was released on February 1, 1854, during the reign of Queen Isabella II of Spain.

The exhibit is open to the public.

PHLPost is proud to celebrate “World Post Day” in solidarity with Postal Workers around the World in serving communities, connecting to every country’s postal administration around the world through the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a specialized agency of the United Nations.

World Post Day is being celebrated on October 09, each year marking the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in the Swiss Capital of Berne, Switzerland.

On this day, countries around the world mark a historic milestone as their postal administrations celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union, the second oldest organization under the United Nation.

“The celebration of World Post Day allows us to showcase PHLPost services, highlighting the postal sector’s role in communication and business, as well as its contribution to global, social and economic development”, Postmaster General Luis Carlos said.

He added, “ the Post Office has a presence everywhere on our planet reaching out even the most remote places offering a wide range of services to everyone”.

The Manna Filatelica 2024, a nationwide stamp exhibit has brought together students, local, national, and international stamp collectors in Cebu City, Davao and other parts of the country, helping PHLPost promote Stamp Collecting as an exciting and vibrant hobby especially among the younger generation.

To express solidarity with the Universal Postal Union, PHLPost unveiled the historic “150th Anniversary of the UPU commemorative stamps” featuring the four (4) winners of the recently held Universal Postal Union 150th Stamp Design Contest organized by Philippine Philatelic Federation, PHLPost and Museo Orlina.

Ramon Orlina, the Pioneer of glass art in the Philippines and a veteran stamp collector chaired the Board of Judges and sponsored the prizes for the winning stamp design won by Arthur M. Marcelo of Orani, Bataan, Mylene Grace L. Llaneta of Imus, Cavite, Marie Jeddah Legaspi-Leuterio c/o Metrobank Foundation and Jayson M. Robles of Malolos, Bulacan. The winners will each receive Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) and a souvenir frame.

The Philippine Stamp Collectors Society (PSCS) has prepared several activities to promote not just stamp collecting but letter writing as well. Visitors allowed to join the postcard writing, mailing and meet/greet of collectors and Santa Claus writing for the 3-day World Post Day event.

Ms. Lydia Hoy-Tallafer, a Filipino Centenarian will be awarded with a personalized stamp to celebrate her 100th birth anniversary. She will be assisted by her daughter Ms. Eve Sison, a stamp collector and core leader of the Philippine Stamp Collectors Society.

“Living to 100 years old is one of life’s greatest achievements, and definitely a milestone worth celebrating with their own picture imprinted on the postage stamp”, Carlos said.

As an active member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), PHLPost is currently working with its local and international partners to support its modernization and digital transformation program.

“PHLPost is now optimizing its mail and parcel delivery systems and improving overall efficiency and reliability capitalizing on the “Postal Trinity” which includes the establishment of Barangay Postal Stations nationwide to provide efficient last mile delivery, reaching out even to far-flung areas of the country, the implementation of the new seven (7) digit alphanumeric new ZIP Code PH from the old four (4) digit which will standardize the addressing system in the country and the Kartero App or the K-App, a Real Time Visibility system to modernize the delivery and efficiency of its mail operations”, Postmaster General Carlos added.