SALAMAT PO!

Sen. Juliana Pilar "Pia" S. Cayetano expressed elation yesterday as four top tourist spots in the country have already entered the top ten rankings of the worldwide search for the "Seven Wonders of Nature."

As of Monday, the four local spots are secured in the top ten slots in the worldwide search. These favorite spots are the Tubbataha Reef of Palawan which ranked number 2, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol (No. 4), Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Natural Park also in Palawan (No. 6) and the Mayon Volcano in Albay (No. 10).

Cayetano hailed what she called "Pinoy online power" here and abroad, and the critical role played by local governments, environmentalists and non-government organizations for encouraging more Filipinos and even foreigners to vote for the Philippine nominees."I hope this strong show of support is reflective of a deeper appreciation of our responsibilities as a people not only to promote, but also to save our natural resources from various threats," said Cayetano, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.

The complete list of the top ten in the search as of June 9 follows:

1. Ha Long Bay – Vietnam - Asia

2. Tubbataha Reef – Philippines – Asia

3. Cox’s Bazar, Beach – Bangladesh – Asia

4. Chocolate Hills – Philippines – Asia

5. Ganges River – Bangladesh/India – Asia

6. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park – Philippines – Asia

7. Mount Everest – Nepal – Asia

8. Amazon River/Forest – Bolivia/Brazil/Colombia/Ecuador/Peru/Venezuela – South America

9. Mount Fuji – Japan –Asia

10. Mayon Volcano – Philippines - Asia

The search for the "Seven Wonders of Nature" is organized by the non-profit New Seven Wonders Foundation, which also undertook the "New Seven Wonders of the World" search last year.

The aim of the search is to create public awareness and contribute to the protection of the world’s natural heritage and foster respect for cultural diversity.

The list of nominees and the mechanics for voting are posted on the poll’s official website while the live rankings can be viewed at .

Filipinos can still vote online for the Philippine bets until December 31, 2008, after which the top 77 nominees will be submitted to a panel of experts that will put together a shortlist of 21 finalists by January 2009.

A second round of popular voting for the 21 finalists will then follow until the end of 2009, with the top seven nominees being officially declared the new "Seven Wonders of Nature" by year 2010.