Four RP wonders still in top 10 web campaign as Pinoy votes continue

Pinoys in Belgium are overwhelmed that four of the most beautiful places in the Philippines are still in the top 10 of the 77 nominees vying to be included in the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Virginia Vagila, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) said being in the top 10 will definitely help the Philippines’ tourism industry.

“Of course, I feel proud and happy that some of the best tourist attractions in our country are in top 10. This only means that the beauty of the Philippines is being recognized everywhere”, she said.

As of this posting, Tubbataha Reef found in Sulu Sea is fourth, followed by Bohol’s Chocolate Hills in fifth spot. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan remains strong at sixth while Mayon Volcano in Bicol is ninth.

Tia Viering, head of communications of the New 7 Wonders of Nature explained that each country can only have 1 finalist. Despite this limitation, she expected that voting will still “go crazy” with four Filipino nominees.

“I think that Filipino nominees have great chances, and I think this is going to be very exciting. We at 7 Wonders Foundation do not control the campaign. We accept what people say, and so obviously, many people around the world believe that the four Filipino nominees are very deserving”, she said.

She affirmed that there is a lot to gain for all the people who will participate in the voting process.

“I think that no matter who wins, no matter what becomes of the 7 Wonders of Nature, it is fantastic for the people to interact. The New 7 Wonders want people all over the world to discover each other, to see the beautiful things on the other side of the planet, to learn about other countries and learn about other culture”, she said.

Voting for the top 77 nominees will be up to end of December 2008. Of these nominees, Dr. Federico Mayor, former director of United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and other experts will choose and visit the 21 finalists. In mid-2010, the New 7 Wonders of Nature will be named.

Viering encouraged everyone, especially Filipinos, to be part of the worldwide voting and feel proud of their rich natural resources that many other countries don’t have.

“It is also very exciting for Filipinos to show the pride in the natural wonders that you have, and that is one of the most important things—to appreciate what you have, to appreciate the beauty of your country, and to be very proud of it”, she said.

For those who would like to vote for their favorite site, just log on to www.new7wonders.com.

Source: ABS-CBNNEws.com