"SUBTERRANEAN RIVER ON TOP 77 OF THE NEW SEVEN WONDERS OF NATURE"

We have to unwind sometimes from the intricacies of politics and I can't help but do some research regarding our very own Subterranean River in Puerto Princesa, Palawan that has recently made us proud once again and placed us into the world map of natural wonders when it landed on the top 77 nominees of the N7WN web-based poll. This is a splendid natural wonder that can be found Only In The Philippines.The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan has successfully landed on the top 77 nominees on the New Seven Wonders of Nature (N7WN) international poll. Organizers of the N7WN reported that the top 77 were chosen out of the 261 contenders, after the second phase of the worldwide voting ended in July 7, 2009.

“The success of this campaign wouldn’t have been possible without the Filipinos’ worldwide support. We are grateful to the people who voted and heeded our call to promote one of our national treasures,” said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

According to the N7WN report, from the top 77 nominees, only 28 Official Finalists will be chosen by the N7WN’s Panel of Experts. The announcement of the 28 selected finalists will be made in Zurich at the New7Wonders Foundation headquarters on July 21, 2009 at 12.07 GMT.

“The Palawan Subterranean River has a very good chance of making it to the top 28, considering the criteria of the panel which include unique beauty, diversity, ecological importance, historical legacy, and geographical location,” said Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Tourism Planning and Promotions. Historical legacy refers to the people's relations or deep bond with the site, while geographical location means the even distribution of the contenders between continents and countries.

The top 28 finalists will compete against candidates within their category, which have been classified into 7 groups: Landscapes/Ice Formations, Islands, Mountains/Volcanoes, Caves/Rock Formations/Valleys, Forests/National Parks/Nature Reserves, Lakes/Rivers/Waterfalls, and Seascapes.

After the top 28 selection, voting resumes, while the New7Wonders World Tour visits the finalists to give each a chance to be seen by the whole world. The final proclamation of the 7 Wonders of Nature will be held in 2011.

Founder and President of New7Wonders, Bernard Weber, said, “The success of lesser-known locations shows that an important New7Wonders goal in this campaign is being achieved—broadening the horizons of the voting public around the world, thus helping us all better appreciate the diversity of our planet.”

Renowned as the world’s longest underground river, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park also features a stunning limestone karst mountain landscape. Inside its large chambers are stalactites and stalagmites formations, while at the mouth of its cave thrives a bustling ecosystem which includes monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels.

You can help prop up the votes of Subterranean River and other nominees of your choice if ever it will be included in the top 28 finalists set to be announced on July 21 by registering as a member then cast your vote and spread also the gospel to your friends and relatives.
[N.B. Make it sure to confirm and activate your account before casting your vote]

Here are the seven nominees from the Philippines to the New7Wonders of Nature before the top 77 was chosen:

Nominee: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
Country : PHILIPPINES
Category: FORESTS,NATURAL PARKS,NATURE RESERVES

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.


Nominee:Tubbataha Reef
Country : PHILIPPINES
Category: SEASCAPE

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.


Nominee :Chocolate Hills
Country : PHILIPPINES
Category : LANDSCAPES, ICE FORMATIONS

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.''


Nominee: Taal Volcano
Country : PHILIPPINES
Category: MOUNTAINS,VOLCANOES

Taal Volcano is an active volcano on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. It is situated between the towns of Talisay and San Nicolas in Batangas. It consists of an island in Lake Taal, which is itself within a caldera formed by an earlier, very powerful eruption. It is located about 50 km from Manila. A small island, Vulcan Point, in Taal Volcano also has the distinction of being home to the "largest island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island."


Nominee: Mount Pinatubo
Country : PHILIPPINES
Category: MOUNTAINS,VOLCANOES

Mount Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano located on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, at the intersection of the borders of the provinces of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. Pinatubo's original structure was made of andesite and dacite. The volcano's eruption in June 1991 produced the second largest terrestrial eruption of the 20th century and its effects were felt around the world. It ejected roughly 10 billion metric tons of magma, and 20 million tons of SO2, bringing vast quantities of minerals and metals to the surface environment. It injected large amounts of aerosols into the stratosphere—more than any eruption since that of Krakatoa in 1883.

Nominee: Mayon Volcano
Country : PHILIPPINES
Category: MOUNTAINS,VOLCANOES

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 Volcano 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.

Nominee: Hundred Islands National Park
Country : PHILIPPINES
Category: FORESTS,NATURAL PARKS,NATURE RESERVES

The Hundred Islands National Park is in the province of Pangasinan in northern Philippines. It is located in Alaminos City, Pangasinan. The islands are scattered along Lingayen Gulf and cover an area of 18.44 square km. They are believed to be some two million years old. Only three of them have been developed: Governor Island, Quezon Island, and Children's Island.

So, if Subterranean River will make it as one of the new seven wonders of nature come 2011, there's no doubt it will be the BEST IN THE PHILIPPINES tourist attraction. What do you think?

[Photo Credits from the new7wonders website http://www.new7wonders.com/]

"JULY 2009 FORESTER LICENSURE EXAMINATION RESULTS"

The Professional Regulation Commision (PRC) has been consistently releasing PRC BOARD EXAM RESULTS in just a matter of 2-3 working days for various professions except for the PRC NURSING BOARD DEXAM RESULTS that took longer for the results to be released. Last year's PRC NURSING BOARD EXAM RESULTS administered in November 2008 was released almost two (2) months. In fact as of this writing, the results of the nursing licensure examination given last June 2009 has not yet been released compared to the JULY 2009 FORESTER LICENSURE EXAMINATION which results was released in just two (2) working days.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 140 out of 383 passed the Forester Licensure Examination given by the Board for Foresters in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Davao, Legazpi, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga this July 2009.

The members of the Board for Foresters are Monina T. Uriarte, Chairman; Jose A. Lorenzo and Gerardo T. Cabreros, Members.

The results were released in two (2) working days after the last day of examination.

Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will start on Monday, July 13, 2009 but not later than August 14, 2009. Those who will register are required to bring the following: duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, current Community Tax Certificate (cedula), 2 pieces 1” x 1” and 2” x 2” pictures (colored with white background and complete nametag), 2 sets of metered documentary stamps, and 1 short brown envelope with name and profession; and to pay the Initial Registration Fee of P600 and Annual Registration Fee of P450 for 2009-2012. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.

The oathtaking ceremony of the successful examinees in the said examination as well as the previous ones who have not taken their Oath of Professional will be held before the Board in Manila on Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon at the Sampaguita Hall, Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Manila, and in Davao City on Friday, August 28, 2009 and the venue will be announced later. For more information regarding the oathtaking in Davao City, please contact Forester Alfredo B. Zarazate at DENR Davao City Tel. No 234-7441 (office) or CP No 09287168509.

Registration for membership with the Society of Filipino Foresters (SFF) will also start on Monday, July 13, 2009.

The successful examinees who garnered the ten (10) highest places are the following:

1.JOSEPH CANILLO PAQUIT------------------------------85.95%
CENTRAL MINDANAO UNIVERSITY

2.JEANLY GAMANA ANDO---------------------------------85.05%
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHEASTERN PHILIPPINES-TAGUM

3.DARELL JAMES NUEVA SY-------------------------------83.95%
BICOL UNIVERSITY-GUINOBATAN

4.MILBEN ALEJANDRO BRAGAIS---------------------------83.75%
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-LOS BAÑOS

.ARNULFO DADIOS YANORIA------------------------------83.75%
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-LOS BAÑOS

5.AVEEN QUICO AGBAYANI--------------------------------83.65%
CENTRAL MINDANAO UNIVERSITY

6.JESSA PUDE ATA ----------------------------------------83.40%
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-LOS BAÑOS

7.NOVA DEYAEN DOYOG----------------------------------83.15%
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY-LA TRINIDAD

8.DENNIS MARAVILLES MADJUS---------------------------82.80%
CENTRAL VISAYAS STATE C.A.F.T.

9.JENEFER HERNANE PANAGSAGAN ---------------------82.70%
MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY-MARAWI CITY

10.ALFREDO JR MANALO BELEN--------------------------82.50%
SOUTHERN LUZON POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE-LUCBAN

.PURA BEATRIZ SAMSON VALLE-------------------------82.50%
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-LOS BAÑOS
NOTHING FOLLOWS----------------------
The list of successful examinees in the FORESTER LICENSURE EXAMINATION held in JULY 2009...CLICK HERE TO VIEW

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"NTC, TEXT SPAMS NO MORE IN THE PHILIPPINES"

Finally!?!! The NTC- National Telecommunications Commission have issued two measures to protect "kuno" the interests of mobile subsrcibers here in the Philippines that would take effect this month. Complaints of the rampant "vanishing pre-paid loads" began to gain momentum when Senate President JUAN PONCE ENRILE , now "a hero to the PINOY TEXTER",delivered a privilege speech on the senate floor claiming to be a victim of "vanishing pre-paid loads". Well this vanished loads is no longer news to ordinary subsrcibers like me who just can't help but yell,"Alanghiya, ka-kaload ko lang ng Php30 wala na agad." My personal experience is just one to be added to the statistics as one of the hapless victims to this brouhaha since ordinary folks would simply disregard it in disgust and don't have to spend time to call or report this problem to the proper authorities. Mag-load nalang ulit, kailangan eh! In fairness to the cellphone service providers, I have reported once and complained to the customer service regarding "vanished loads". The amount of credits that I have complained were credited back to my account in just a few hours only to find out it was all gone again in minutes. Frustration and helplessness of course followed so I've decided to change SIM-Subcriber Identification Module hoping to remedy the problem. Just a few weeks of honest to goodness usage of credits and the chronic problem of vanished loads is back with a vengeance. The question here is: How about the silent majority who just opted to buy another "tingi-tingi load" in the sari-sari store and didn't bother anymore to complain? A dealer of Smart affirmed the truthfulness of the charges of vanishing loads. Robert Galon, president of a group of distributors of telco products and services, said that telcos “trick unsuspecting cell phone users to enroll in the value-added services.”

“Once the clueless subscriber is enrolled, telco daily-deducts load without [the subscriber’s] due knowledge,” he added. “It is common knowledge that once it starts, it is very difficult for the ordinary Filipino to stop these promos [promotions] from eating up his load.”

Actually this new NTC circulars has long been overdue and is a big sigh of relief to millions of cellphone subscribers nationwide. One is a circular tripling the shelf life of phone cards set to take effect on July 19. This "vanishing loads " brouhaha has prompted a Senate Investigation spearheaded by the Senate Committe on Trade in tandem with the Senate Committee on Public Services . In the course of the hearing, telcos got threats of franchise review from senators and NTC officials at some point got dressing-down from senators for not doing their job in regulating the telcos. Buti nalang mga 'tol election next year kaya pinag-abalahan ng mga magigiting nating mga SENADOR ang isyung ito sa pangunguna ng isa sa mga leading presidentiables on 2010 na si Sen. MAR ROXAS at Sen. RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR. So, before we congaratulate our senators for a job well-done, let's just wait and see first if this NTC measures ay may "PANGIL" ba talaga 'ika nga as SMART COMMUNICATIONS, GLOBE TELECOM, and DIGITEL MOBILE PHILS could still file a motion for reconsideration. The irony of it all, with the tough words used in the circular,violators would have to pay a measly amont of PhP200 for every day of violation as it is the maximum penalty under existing laws. A bill is still pending at the House of Representatives that would have jacked up the fines to PhP10,000 to Php10Million. And what can we expect from our honorable congressmen nowadays? Priority BILL? No way! They have their CON-ASS!!!!

WHAT OUR SENATORS HAVE SAID:

"Seven ring tones ako? Talaga? [I got seven ring tones? Really?] They are robbing my pocket,”.“How can it be that I’m enrolled [to a ring tone subscription] when I have not signed anything?” ...Senate President JUAN PONCE ENRILE said during the hearing.

“What you really don’t want is Congress writing your operations manual. Because if you’re not responsive to the needs of the public we will come in and write your operations manual.” ----SENATOR MAR ROXAS,Chairman of the Senate Trade Committe said point blank to officers of telcos during the senate hearing.

“One thing is for sure, the telcos may have unlimited power right now but they are not untouchable,”--- Sen. Ramon BONG Revilla said in a statement after the hearing.

[PHOTO CREDITS FROM http://www.flickr.com/photos/roger_alcantara/101934982/]