Just recently, pride in our native land was questioned in the forum. Corrupt politicians, distressing work conditions, undisciplined drivers. Should we really feel proud that we are Filipinos? The answer is a resounding “YES!”
There are a lot of wonderful things about this country. Among these are talented and friendly people, rich culture, great food and beautiful sites.
Four of our beautiful sites have been nominated to the New 7 Wonders of Nature contest. This is an online search sponsored by Switzerland-based New 7 Wonders Foundation.

Last month, our nominees were dropping out of the top 20 list due to declining votes. This month, we rallied and our candidates are back in the top 20. The Philippines has the most number of nominees in the list.
As Filipinos, it is important for us to support and promote our candidates. Having just one of our sites named in the final 7 will not only bring national pride but will promote our country as a tourist destination.
So vote for the Philippine candidates – they’re not corrupt, they’re not trapo. They are our natural treasures. They are our pride. Go to www.new7wonders.com to log in your vote.
Below is a description of our nominees from the New 7 Wonders website:

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Current rank #1)
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The underground river is reputed to be the world's longest. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water's edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.

Chocolate Hills (current rank #4)
The Chocolate Hills is an unusual geological formation in Bohol, Philippines. It is composed of around 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills, all about the same size, spread over an area of more than 50 sq km. The hills are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season, giving them the name ''Chocolate Hills.'' 

Tubbataha Reef (Current Rank #5)
Tubbataha Reef is an atoll coral reef in the Sulu Sea that belongs to the Philippines. It is a marine sanctuary protected as Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. The 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 8 kilometers wide. Over one thousand species, including many that are endangered, can be found at on the reef. These include manta rays, lionfish, tortoises, clownfish and sharks.

Mayon Volcano (current rank #11)
Mayon Volcano is an active volcano on the Filipino island of Luzon, 15 km. northwest of Legazpi City.It is classified by volcanologists as a stratovolcano (composite volcano). Its symmetric cone was formed through alternate pyroclastic and lava flows. Mayon is the most active volcano in the country, having erupted over 47 times in the past 400 years, and is a part of what is called the Pacific Ring of Fire.

*Voting for nominees will continue through July 7, 2009. Then the New 7 Wonders of Nature Panel of Experts will review the top 77 nominees and choose the 21 finalists, to be announced on 21 July 2009. The 21 finalists will then be put to popular vote.

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