3 RP landmarks in new ‘Seven Wonders of Nature’
(For the week ending May 25, 2008)
With the President herself actively campaigning for Filipinos to vote for them, three leading landmarks in the Philippines have made it to the "Magic 10" in this week's rankings of the global search for the "New Seven Wonders of Nature."

As of May 23, Tubbataha Reef off the east coast of Palawan was Number 7; the Chocolate Hills in Bohol placed Number 9; and the Subterranean River National Park in Puerto Princesa, Palawan was Number 10.

The marine sanctuary known as the Tubbataha Reef, is composed of two atolls, North and South Reefs. Each reef has a single small islet that protrudes from the water. The atolls are separated by a deep channel eight kilometers wide. Over one thousand species, including manta rays, lionfish, tortoises, clownfish and sharks, abound in the area.

The unusual geological formation, collectively known as “Chocolate Hills,” is found in Bohol, also home of the tarsier. Some 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills, all about the same size, are spread over an area of more than 50 sq km. During the dry season, the grass turns brown, giving the natural wonder the name “Chocolate Hills.”

Meanwhile, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river which winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. Inside the cave are major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The underground river is reputed to be the world's longest. One enters the cave via a clear lagoon framed by ancient trees growing right to the water's edge. At the beach near the cave’s entrance, wildlife such as monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels abound.

You may vote for our natural wonders by visiting http://www.new7wonders.com/. Voting shall continue until yearend 2008.

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When Thailand assumes the rotating chairmanship of the ASEAN in July, expect Thailand to push for the introduction of a common Asean visa, a move that will significantly boost tourism among the 10 member countries.

The common ASEAN visa plan was disclosed by recent Manila visitor, Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.



President Arroyo expressed full support for the plan which will project the ASEAN countries as a single tourist destination under its “One Sharing, One Caring Community” principle.

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Congratulations are in order for former Press Undersecretary Robert Rivera (now a director of RPN 9) and the staff of “Pilipinas Ngayon Na!” on the occasion of the show’s third anniversary. During their anniversary telecast at the Crowne Plaza Hotel last Saturday (to be broadcast as a two-part special over NBN-4), guests were treated to the show’s unique blend of entertainment and uplifting stories about our country.

It was a delight to watch Archie Lacson and his Penthouse Seven dancers take to the stage once more. The Cercado Sisters, a quartet of four talented sisters who rose from humble beginnings to win acclaim in the World Championship of the Performing Arts in Hollywood by bagging 16 gold medals, likewise captivated the audience.

MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando was the man of the hour, having been grilled by a panel composed of Paolo Romero, President of the Malacanang Press Corps, entertainment writer Ernie Pecho and labor leader Ed Madrid.

The Magiting na Manggagawa Foundation, headed by Madrid, also presented awards to Norma Arao, Quirino High School Principal; Orlando Marquez Sr., PJODAP's National President; Ricarte Padilla, Businessman & Philanthropist; George Elias, Vice Mayor of Taguig; Patricia A. Sto. Tomas, Chairperson of DBP; and Ernesto F. Herrera, Former Senator & Author of R.A. 6715.

Once again, congratulations to “Pilipinas Ngayon Na” on its third anniversary. May it have 30 more.

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