Orient Unveils New Additions to the Iconic Bambino Collection, Including Solar-Powered Models and Exclusive 75th Anniversary Editions

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Orient, the renowned Japanese watch brand admired by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, proudly announces the latest additions to its celebrated Orient Bambino series. As the brand marks its remarkable 75-year legacy of craftsmanship and innovation, these new releases blend vintage charm with modern sophistication, capturing the essence of Orient’s timeless appeal.

Introducing the Solar-powered Orient Bambino 38

For the first time ever, Orient unveils the Orient Bambino 38 — a sleek, compact 38 mm timepiece powered by a solar battery, combining classic elegance with eco-conscious technology. This groundbreaking model comes in five captivating dial colors: ivory, black, white, pale green, and pale pink, offering a refined palette to suit any style.

Emphasizing sustainability, the Bambino 38 features Orient’s first-ever strap made of synthetic apple leather — a bold step toward environmental responsibility without compromising on luxury. With its minimalist design and understated sophistication, the Bambino 38 is a modern classic poised to become a collector’s favorite.

Adding to the excitement, Orient introduces an exclusive 75th Anniversary Bambino 38 model, limited to just 750 pieces. This special edition boasts a striking vintage aesthetic, complete with the 1950s Orient logo elegantly scripted in cursive. The case back is engraved with the commemorative inscription “Orient Since 1950 75th Anniversary” along with its unique serial number, making each watch a treasured keepsake.

New Colors and Limited Editions for the Orient Bambino

In addition to the solar-powered marvel, Orient has expanded its classic Bambino line with four new dial colors — green, navy blue, bordeaux with a mesmerizing sunburst finish, and beige. These stunning additions are joined by a limited edition white dial model, with only 9,500 pieces released to celebrate Orient's 75th Anniversary.

Further elevating the collection, Orient introduces three enchanting Bambino models featuring day and night displays. These timepieces showcase sun and moon motifs, a poetic nod to the passage of time, and are paired with a limited edition white dial variant — restricted to 5,500 pieces — also commemorating the brand’s milestone year.

Each anniversary model exudes vintage elegance, highlighted by the distinctive 1950s Orient cursive logo and a see-through case back etched with “Orient Since 1950 75th Anniversary” and a unique serial number.

A Tribute to 75 Years of Craftsmanship

These latest releases not only honor Orient's storied heritage but also reflect its forward-thinking approach — seamlessly merging tradition and innovation. Whether it’s the cutting-edge solar technology of the Bambino 38 or the nostalgic charm of the anniversary models, Orient continues to captivate watch lovers with its timeless designs.

Join us in celebrating Orient’s 75th Anniversary — where history meets modernity, and every timepiece tells a story.

Toxic Hair Dyes Still on the Market: EcoWaste Coalition Calls for Urgent Action

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Despite regulatory bans aimed at protecting public health, hair dyes containing the dangerous chemical sodium perborate are still being sold in the Philippines. This alarming revelation, brought to light by the EcoWaste Coalition, underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of cosmetic safety laws to prevent hazardous substances from reaching consumers.

The Hidden Dangers of Sodium Perborate

Sodium perborate, a bleaching agent once commonly used in hair dyes, has been scientifically classified as a carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic (CMR) substance. This means it poses severe risks to human health, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, reproductive harm, and even potential damage to unborn children.

Regulatory bodies worldwide, including the European Union (EU), have banned sodium perborate in cosmetics due to its hazardous effects. The EU implemented this ban on December 1, 2010, following mounting evidence of its dangers. In response, the ASEAN Cosmetic Committee (ACC) followed suit, listing sodium perborate and other boron compounds in Annex II Part I of the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD)—a list of substances strictly prohibited in cosmetic products.

This decision, adopted in 2022, gave manufacturers a two-year window to reformulate their products. The official ban took effect on November 21, 2024, under FDA Circular No. 2023-007. Despite these regulations, the recent findings by the EcoWaste Coalition reveal a troubling lack of compliance.

Banned Products Still Available in Stores and Online

Market surveillance conducted by the EcoWaste Coalition found that locally manufactured powder hair dyes containing sodium perborate were still available in major chain stores across Makati, Manila, and Parañaque Cities. Even more concerning, these toxic products were also discovered on various online shopping platforms, making them accessible to unsuspecting consumers nationwide.

Although some manufacturers have introduced reformulated hair dyes free of sodium perborate, others have failed to fully remove the banned products from circulation. This highlights a serious gap in regulatory enforcement and industry compliance, putting countless consumers at risk.

EcoWaste Coalition Demands Immediate Action

In light of these findings, the EcoWaste Coalition is calling for urgent corrective measures:

Nationwide Product Recall – The Market Authorization Holder (MAH) must conduct an exhaustive withdrawal of all non-compliant products from shelves, ensuring complete removal across the country.

Retailer Compliance – Both physical and online retailers must inspect their inventory and immediately return any remaining stock of sodium perborate-containing hair dyes to suppliers for environmentally sound disposal.

Stronger FDA Enforcement – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must step up enforcement actions to hold non-compliant manufacturers and retailers accountable. This includes imposing stricter penalties on violators.

Public Advisory – The FDA should issue a follow-up advisory reminding the industry and consumers that sodium perborate, perboric acid, and boron compounds are banned in all cosmetic products.

What Consumers Need to Know

Consumers are urged to be vigilant when purchasing hair dyes. Here are some steps to ensure safety:

Check product labels for harmful ingredients like sodium perborate.

Purchase only from reputable sources that adhere to safety regulations.

Report any adverse reactions to the FDA or health authorities.

Follow all safety instructions when using cosmetics, including conducting a patch test before full application.

What’s Next? A Nationwide Follow-Up Investigation

To ensure compliance, the EcoWaste Coalition has announced plans for a follow-up market investigation on April 4, 2025, marking the second anniversary of FDA Circular No. 2023-007. This operation will assess whether retailers and manufacturers have fully removed non-compliant hair dyes from circulation.

The continued presence of hazardous chemicals like sodium perborate in hair dyes is a serious public health concern. Consumers, advocacy groups, regulatory agencies, and industry leaders must work together to eliminate these toxic products from the market once and for all.

Why Your Electric Bill Is Skyrocketing—And How the Philippines Can Fix It Before It's Too Late!

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The Philippines stands at a pivotal juncture in its energy landscape, grappling with soaring electricity prices, inefficiencies in power distribution, and a sluggish transition to renewable energy—all while being one of the most climate-vulnerable nations globally. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that balances affordability, sustainability, and economic growth.

1. Tackling High Electricity Prices:

The Philippines endures some of the highest electricity rates in Southeast Asia, primarily due to its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. To mitigate these costs:

Diversify Energy Sources: Reducing dependence on imported fuels by investing in local renewable energy sources can stabilize and potentially lower electricity prices.

Enhance Energy Efficiency: Implementing nationwide energy efficiency programs can reduce overall consumption, leading to lower costs for consumers.

Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks: Addressing governance failures, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and limited competition within the energy sector is crucial. Reforms targeting these issues can lead to more competitive pricing. 

2. Reforming Electric Cooperatives:

Corruption and mismanagement have plagued many electric cooperatives, leading to unreliable power supply. To enhance their accountability and efficiency:

Implement Transparent Governance: Establishing clear, transparent governance structures can reduce opportunities for corruption and improve decision-making processes.

Regular Audits and Performance Reviews: Conducting routine audits and making performance data publicly available can hold cooperatives accountable to their stakeholders.

Capacity Building: Investing in training programs for cooperative management and staff can enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.

3. Accelerating Renewable Energy Adoption:

Despite its vast potential, the Philippines' transition to renewable energy has been sluggish. To expedite this shift:

Streamline Permitting Processes: Simplifying and expediting the approval processes for renewable energy projects can remove significant barriers to development. 

Provide Financial Incentives: Offering tax breaks, subsidies, or low-interest loans can make renewable energy projects more attractive to investors.

Invest in Grid Infrastructure: Upgrading the national grid to handle intermittent renewable energy sources is essential for large-scale integration. 

Enhance Public Awareness: Educational campaigns can inform the public about the benefits of renewable energy, fostering community support and participation.

4. Aligning Energy Policies with Climate Commitments:

As a nation highly susceptible to climate change impacts, aligning energy policies with climate commitments is imperative:

Set Ambitious Renewable Energy Targets: Establishing clear, ambitious goals for renewable energy adoption can drive policy and investment decisions.

Phase Out Coal Plants: Implementing transition credits and other financial mechanisms can incentivize the early closure of coal-fired power plants, reducing carbon emissions. 

Leverage International Support: Utilizing international loans and grants, such as the Asian Development Bank's $500 million loan for climate initiatives, can fund necessary reforms and projects. 

By embracing these strategies, the Philippines can navigate its energy challenges, fostering a sustainable, affordable, and resilient energy future that aligns with its climate commitments and economic aspirations.

The Philippines stands at a crossroads—continue down the path of skyrocketing electricity costs, corruption-ridden cooperatives, and a sluggish renewable energy transition, or seize the moment to revolutionize its energy sector. The stakes have never been higher. Every flickering lightbulb, every power outage, and every inflated bill is a stark reminder that urgent action is needed.

The solutions are within reach: breaking free from fossil fuel dependence, holding power suppliers accountable, fast-tracking renewable energy projects, and aligning policies with climate commitments. But without bold leadership and collective action, the cycle of inefficiency and high costs will persist, dragging the nation deeper into an energy crisis it can no longer afford.

The choice is clear—will we power up a brighter, cleaner, and more affordable future, or remain trapped in the dark ages of energy mismanagement? The time to act is now.