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MANILA, Philippines—Filipino netizens are being called on to choose only one Philippine bet in the online search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature as local tourist favorites dominate the top five nominees.
As of Oct. 28 rankings, the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan was No. 1, Chocolate Hills in Bohol was No. 4, and Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea was No. 5.
The other candidates in the top seven are Ha Long Bay of Vietnam, 2nd; Cox’s Bazar Beach in Bangladesh, 3rd; Al Hasa Oasis of Saudi Arabia, 6th; and the Ganges River shared by India and Bangladesh at 7th.
Though not in the running for the top seven spots, Mayon Volcano at No. 11 is better than the equally iconic Mount Everest -- shared by China and Nepal -- at No. 13 and Japan’s Mount Fuji at No. 20.
Also, the Department of Tourism, which has cited the search as a big opportunity to pump up the volume of visitor arrivals, urged more Filipinos to cast their votes and visit the three tourist havens to help them to choose which one to champion.
“The response of people and support from our fellow Filipinos are very evident in this turnout, and we can expect increased tourist awareness of country’s beautiful treasures,” said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.
“Having three nominees from the country gives us a strong hope to be included in the national qualification round, set next year,” Durano said.
Eduardo Jarque Jr., tourism undersecretary in charge of planning and promotions, explained that only one nominee from each country will be allowed to proceed to the next stage.
“According to the organizers, countries with more than one nominee will be racing until the end of 2008 to choose the national representative that is allowed to continue,” Jarque said.
“Though choosing between three different yet equally unique wonders may be a difficult task, Filipinos should carry on in casting their votes and making their mark,” he added.
