The Philippines has four areas nominated for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
- Tubbataha Reef
Site Description: 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.
Current Ranking: 3 - Chocolate Hills
Site Description: 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.''
Current Ranking: 4 - Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Site Description: 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.
Current Ranking: 5 - Mayon Volcano
Site Description: 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.
Current Ranking: 9
Click here to visit the site: http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/asia/
The process is still in the initial stage where places around the world are nominated and the most votes increases the chance that a site is included in the final 21. All you have to do is register to be able to vote. Your registration entitles you to seven votes. That means you can vote for all four nominees and add 3 more places from other parts of the world of your choice.
You have until December 31, 2008 to make sure that at least one Philippine site is included in the final 21 which will be announced on January 2009.
The real voting for the New 7 Wonders of Nature will take place in 2009 through 2010. The site has scheduled to announce the winners on the summer of 2010.
