Mt. Mayon

Mt. Mayon (Albay, Philippines) - Rank 09 as of June 13, 2008
Mayon Volcano, also famous as "Perfect Cone" due to its almost perfectly cone shaped figure, is an active composite volcation which is located about 15 kilometers of Legaspi City, in the province of Albay.

The volcano got its name after a maiden, "Mangayon" which means beautiful. This main landmark of the province of Albay stands 2462 meters high from the Albay Gulf. The upper slopes of the volcano are steep averaging 35-40 degrees and are capped by a small summit crater. On its sides, layers of lava and other volcanic material are found.Alternate pyroclastic and lava flows brought about the formation of its symmetric cone. Mt. Mayon is part of the "Pacific Ring of Fire", just like other volcanoes located around the rim of the Pacific Ocean.

With about 47 times eruptions in the past 400 years, it is the most active volcano in the country. The first recorded eruption was in 1616, and the latest was a quiet eruption on 2006. The eruption on February 1, 1814 is considered the most destructive where the volcano was belching dark ash. The town of Cagsawa got buried when the volcano bombarded the town with tephra. The result, only the bell tower of the town's church remained above the new surface. This also resulted to burnt trees and damaged rivers. Ashes spitted by the volcano which accumulated to about 9 meters in depth, also affected proximate areas and resulted to a number of 2,200 perished Albay natives. Lasting seven days of raining fire, the longer eruption recorded on June 23, 1897 .

Despite all these discouraging facts, the volcano is still regarded as an ideal destination for an ultimate climbing. On July 20, 1938, it was proclaimed a National Park by President Manuel L. Quezon. The area is abundant with varieties of rare and endangered flora. Among them are the Nepenthes rajali, commonly known as pitcher plant, and Cyatheaceae spp or tree ferns which were listed in the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Specied (CITES).

While many aspires to reach its summit, PHILVOCS (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology) advises visitors who have come only for sightseeing to stay at the viewpoint located at the mid part of the volcano. For more adventurous and dedicated climbers, make sure to consult with PHILVOCS for the precise volcanic activity. Accompanied by an experienced guide is also recommended. It would take about 2 days to get to the top and go back down the volcano. Those who love to get a great picture of Mt. Mayon, and enjoy the relaxing and refreshing warmth of hot spring baths can head to the town of Tiwi. Other activities visitors can indulge in includes bird watching and camping. A visit to Albay's ancient churches, caves Camalig, and beaches within the area are other points of interest.

The information featured here are from the following web references. You may check the links for additional information, including travel details and photo galleries.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayon_Volcano
http://www.mayonecotourism.ph/
http://www.camperspoint.com/article.php3?id_article=19
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/53247/index.html

To vote for Mt. Mayon for the New 7 Wonders, visit:
http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/asia/c/MayonVolcano/

To vote for other nominees, and for current live ranking information, visit:
http://www.new7wonders.com/
or
http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/liveranking

The following images are from the following web sites:

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/53247/index.html

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/82298/index.html

http://www.camperspoint.com/article.php3?id_article=19

Chocolate Hills

Chocolate Hills (Bohol, Philippines) - Rank 03 as of June 13, 2008

One of the most famous attractions in Bohol, Cholocate Hills are a collection of hills (no less than 1268 in number) that spreads at about 50 square kilometers throughout the Barangays of Sagbayan, Carmen and Sierra Bullones in the centre of Bohol Island itself.

The hills which are covered with grass are uniform in shape, and about 30 to 50 meters in height, the largest standing 120 meters high. During dry season, the color of the grass covering turns cholocate brown, thus, the name Chocolate Hills was derived from. On other seasons, the hills are green in color.

To this date, there has been no official explanation agreed upon on how the hills were formed. There different theories about the formation of the hills.
The most common belief is they were an ancient coral limestone reef that was shaped by many thousands of years erosion by both water and wind.

The hills also have a legend. The first legend tells of two feuding giants who in battling with each other hurled rocks, boulders and sand trying to destroy there foe, who in the end became friends. The mess of the battlefield which the two giants forgot to clean gave birth to the Chocolate Hills.

The second legend, which is romantic in nature, is again about a giant called Arogo who was extremely powerful and youthful. Arogo fell in love with Aloya who was a simple mortal. Aloya’s death caused Arogo much pain and misery. In his sorrow he could not stop crying, when his tears dried the Chocolate Hills were formed.

The Chocolate Hills is listed by Philippines by the Philippine Tourism Authority as one of the tourist destinations in the Philippine, and it has been declared the country's 3rd National Geological Monument. It is also proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The information featured here are from the following web references. You may check the links for additional information, including travel details and photo galleries.

http://www.bohol.ph/article.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chocolate_Hills
http://www.philippines-travel-guide.com/bohol-chocolate-hills.html
http://www.polaris-dive.com/eng_nf/gallery06.htm

To vote for Chocolate Hills for the New 7 Wonders, visit:
http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/asia/c/ChocolateHills/

To vote for other nominees, and for current live ranking information, visit:
http://www.new7wonders.com/
or
http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/liveranking/

The following images are from the web site:

http://www.polaris-dive.com/

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Palawan, Philippines) - Rank 05 as of June 13, 2008
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is one of the most important conservation areas in the Philippines. It features spectacular limestone karst landscape with its underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it flows directly into the sea, and the lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences.

The site contains a full mountain to the sea ecosystem and protects forests, which are among the most significant in Asia which allowed the Park to be inscribed as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

The Park which is also known as St. Paul's Subterranean River National Park is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range, some 81 km north of Puerto Princesa City within portion of Barangays Cabayugan, Marufinas, and Tagabinet. The entrance to the Subterranean River is located a short hike from little town of Sabang.

The City Government of Puerto Princesa has managed the National Park since 1992. The intention is to protect the impressive cave systems, lush old growth tropical rain forest, interesting wildlife, unspoiled natural beauty of the area and one of the most impressive cave system in the world. Its main focus is 8.2 km. long underground river that flows beneath a spectacular limestone formation before directly emptying into the sea.

It is a core area for the Palawan Biosphere Reserve and is designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA). It was also declared as a National Geological Monument. In recognition of global significance, the Park has been inscribed to the list of natural World Heritage Sites.

Key attractions of the Park includes a 1-hour tour inside the mystic underground river to be amazed with interesting rock formations, and be acquainted with thousands of baths and swiftlets living deep inside the cave.

The Park boast a number of cave systems which have interesting geological features include the Ugong Rock view deck which allows one to marvel at the spectacular karst mountain formations and the natural beauty of the areas surrounding the Park. Other sites to explore include Lion cave, Daylight hole and the Kawili Cave.

Bird lovers would appreciated different colorful birds found in the area. which includes parrots, hornbills, megapodes, pitas, leaf birds and herons. Other wildlife seen are the monitor lizards, macaques, squirrels.

Feeling the heat after hours of touring the park, one can indulge in the white sand beaches available on the shorelines. With cool and crystal clear waters, it's ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and even just enjoying the feel of the sun. Most popular are the Sabang beach, Panaguman beach and Marta Fe beach.

The information and pictures featured here are from the following web references. You may check the links for additional information, including travel details.

http://www.puerto-undergroundriver.com/index.php (Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Official Web Site)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Princesa_Subterranean_River_National_Park
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/652
http://www.flickr.com/photos/garndt/1512523846/in/set-72157602083391472/

To vote for Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park for the New 7 Wonders, visit:
http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/asia/c/PuertoPrincesa/

To vote for other nominees, and for current live ranking information, visit:
http://www.new7wonders.com/