A day before the voting ended yesterday night, the Philippine government mounted a “last ditch” effort through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) by ordering all local government officials from governors down to barangay captains to urge Filipinos around the country to cast their vote for the underground river.

Agencies under the DILG, including the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, were also ordered to urge their members and linked groups to vote for the underground river.

The other six New 7 Wonders of Nature, based on provisional results, were South America’s Amazon River, Vietnman’s Halong Bay, Argentina’s Iguazu Fallas, South Korea’s Jeju Island, Indonesia’s Komodo Island and South Africa’s Table Mountain.

The New7Wondres Foundation, meanwhile, clarified that “it is possible that there will be changes between the above provisional winners and the eventual finally confirmed winners.”

It said that the list released early today was “in alphabetical order” and not in any position of ranking.

The foundation said that the voting calculation is now being checked, validated and independently verified. The official New 7 Wonders of Nature will be announced early 2012, it added.

“The results will now be checked, validated and independently verified. Once the voting validation process is completed, in early 2012, New7Wonders will then work with the confirmed winners to organise the Official Inauguration events,” Bernard Weber, the foundation’s founder and president, said as he announced the provisional winners.

Weber announced that “one or more” may be erased from the list of the provisional winners.

“It may happen that one or more of the provisional winners announced today will not be confirmed during the validation process, New7Wonders will issue a media update should this happen,” he said.

Weber also commended the other participants and the people who joined the voting for the search for the new seven wonders of the world.

“I would like to thank the many champions, citizens, voluntary organisations, public bodies and governments that have helped promote the New7Wonders of Nature campaign over the past four years, starting with over 440 locations from over 220 countries and all the way to the 28 Finalist candidates from whom the New7Wonders of Nature have been chosen,” he said.

The foundation said that more than a million cast their vote since the start of the search. From 440 contenders, the list was trimmed to 220 and then to a shortlist of 77.

From 77, the number of contenders was trimmed further down to 28 and finally the seven provisional winners.

The votes were cast through text, internet and by telephone. — Angelo L. Gutierrez

If there’s one thing we take pride in, it’s the beaches of Antulang. White and pristine against the beckoning turquoise-blue seas, few guests have resisted its allure. Take a walk down a winding staircase from your cottage on the cliff and stroll along the shell-cluttered, secluded beach as you welcome the sunrise. And keep an eye on the water, you just might see a jumping sailfish or a glimpse of a resident spinner dolphin!

Antulang is home to 17 documented dive sites. Manta rays, hawksbill turtles, groupers and a multitude of marine life await the most discriminating diver. Our night dives come highly recommended–guests swear it’s like diving in your very own private aquarium! And if snorkeling is more up your alley, Antulang’s shallow corals are home to colorful clownfish, butterfly fish, eels and the occasional octopus.

While you wander around the resort, you may notice some fruit-bearing trees which are endemic to the area, so by all means, indulge and help yourself to some manzanitas (bears fruit all-year round–try to get some ahead of the fruit bats and birds), sereguelas (abundant in April and May) bayabas (wild guavas, available most of the year) and wild passion fruit; just stay away from the fruits of the noni tree, which are not edible, and the fruits of the ubiquitous tigpud trees, which is strictly for the birds!

And speaking of birds, expect to listen in on their chirping, especially in the early mornings. Meanwhile, please don’t be surprised to spot the occasional monitor lizard (locally called “halo”), hermit crabs (“umang”), sentinel crabs (“kagang”) and geckos (“tuko”) who, like you are also out to enjoy themselves in their natural habitat.

Other than diving and snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding and rappelling are offered along with scheduled cruises to famed Apo Island and nearby Tambobo Bay. An added highlight for our guests: Although sunrise and sunset are both visible from the resort, at certain times of the year one can marvel at Antulang’s sunset and the simultaneous rising of a full moon.

Scuba diving is all about that elusive, natural high of an adrenaline rush, that blend of exhilaration and anticipation that comes with every dive…So no matter how you define diving—sport, hobby, profession, a spiritual experience—at Antulang you’ll discover that first and foremost, diving is all about having fun, respect for nature and the realization that we are indeed very privileged underwater guests who need to be mindful of our safety and environment.

Antulang is home to numerous lush, spectacular dive sites, most of which are a 5-minute boat ride away, with some barely a few meters from our shores. Guaranteed to captivate both novice and seasoned divers, we think one Australian PADI dive instructor put it best: “Unlike other dive spots where you expect to see one or two specific species of fish or coral, at Antulang you are at once immersed in a smorgasbord of marine life! There’s so much variety that every dive goes beyond your expectations.”

How to get there:

FROM MANILA:
4 daily flights to Dumaguete City Airport. Travel time: 1 hour. Book with Air Philippines or Cebu Pacific Air.

FROM CEBU:
2 daily trips to Dumaguete City Seaport via fast ferries. Travel time: 3 1/2 hours.

Facing the South China Sea near Cape Santiago and Palo Bandera Pt., where inter-island and ocean-going vessels pass through, are the white sand beaches of Calatagan, Batangas. Here lies Rosegold Beach Resort & Hotel, home to one of the few over water air con cottages in Luzon group of islands, Philippines. From unforgettable romantic affairs, luau dinners by the bonfire, or any corporate activity from a small seminar to a group of more than 5,000 people, you can assure that we have what it takes to make it memorable and truly relaxing.

Rose Gold´s unique feature is the over water air conditioned cottages, accessible from the shoreline by a bridge made of wooden planks. These can house up to a maximum of 15 to 20 guests each, accessorized with hot and cold shower, its own living room, a kitchenette and a private veranda where one can have a spectacular view of the aquamarine floor. Each cottage has its own sofa bed in the living area where one can open the sliding doors and capture the relaxing breeze from the sea. The kitchenette is equipped with its own personal refrigerator with mini-bar supplies. Dining table and room service is also provided if you fancy eating inside without having to go to the restaurant.The private veranda is the another place to hang out and enjoy your private time alone or with your loved one. You can either watch the sunset, observe the marine life below the cottages, or go down the water through the wooden stairs provided for each cottage.

Sabangan Beach Resort is set along the white sand beach of Laiya. The 5,600 square meter landscaped compound has air-conditioned cottages, beachfront parasols, a gazebo, a pavilion with game tables, common cr, mini convenience store, childrens playground, drivers quarters, free parking for guests. Soon we will have a swimming pool.

Sabangan opened to the public in April 2004 with only 3 bungalows – all with private toilet and bath, patio area with sala set and well equipped kitchenette.

Today, the resort has a total of 6 units of the one-bedroom bungalow, 3 units of the two-bedroom bungalow and 4 units of the loft type cottage. The current lying capacity is 78 persons up to a maximum of 123 persons.

All accommodations are used for overnight stay from 2:00 pm to 12 noon the following day. Each cottage is fully equipped with a kitchenette (complete with refrigerator, electric stove, rice cooker, cookware, dining utensils, hot/cold water dispenser with a 5-gallon Agua Vida purified water). Our guest usually brings in food and drinks into the resort and cook in their designated cottage since there is no in-house restaurant.

The City of Laoag is 488 kms. north of Manila, from where the world Heritage City of Vigan is an hour’s drive south, while the pristine white sand beaches of Pagudpud are an hour’s drive up north. Baguio City, the country’s summer capital, is 6 hours away.

In Laoag, not to be missed are the massive bell tower of Saint William Cathedral, also known as the Sinking Bell Tower, sparklingGem4Iloko Museo and the Tobacco Monopoly Monument.

Close to Laoag City are the must-see tourists sites such as the sand dunes of Suba, now a National Geological Monument; the St. Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, a world Heritage Monument; the Burgos Lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse in Asia; Bacarra Belfry, Sta. Monica Church of Sarrat; Paoay Lake National Park and Paoay Coral Cliffs, Coral Formations of Currimao, Maira-ira Cove, Kaibigan Falls and Patapat Viaduct in Pagudpud; the Kaangriyan Falls of Burgos; the Badoc Island Surf; and Karingking Falls of Solsona.

As the capital of Ilocos Norte, it is the business and trading center of the province boasting of numerous diversified business activities and establishments. Hotels, restaurants, bars, banks and other establishments are located at the central business district. Of particular interest is the Laoag City Commercial Complex, where establishments offers Ilocano products such as INABEL, BAGNET, LONGANISA, SUKANG ILOKO, and many others.

Laoag City is the tourism gateway to the North Luzon Tourism Hub and Growth Quadrangle. It boasts of the Laoag International Airport where there are international flights from Hawaii, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Hongkong, Taiwan, Guangzhou, Shenshen, Macau, Shanghai and Korea. The airport serves as a jump off point for flights to Basco, Batanes alongside with the regular flights to Manila. Truly, radiating endless rays of possibilities, Laoag City is the country’s SUNSHINE CITY.

Oh! You guys might be wondering what you can see in the most aspiring country of Hawaii? Well, this place has everything to offer you! From amazing landmarks, untouchable scenery, and unbelievable buildings and fantastic beaches where you can relax and unwind yourself. Above all those things, you’ll definitely experience the lifestyle, culture, customs and traditions of Hawaiian people.

So, if you guys wants to have a great hide out during this Winter season better grab the chance now to spent it with Karisma Hotel in Hawaii. Just a reminder, before considering to visit this place make sure that you already book your hotel accommodation at hawaii hotel or on the site I’ve mention above. You don’t have to worry if you will booked your accommodation in the said provider simply because they are one of the leading company for the said business and has been to this type of business for several decades now. Through that time they garnered thrust and loyalty of their clients and customers who keep coming back and referring them.

Book at them now and enjoy your winter vacation with your family, friends, and loved-ones. Rest assures that with them, you’ll definitely had a great and ample stay! Enjoy everyone!

Tagaytay, 56km (35mi) from Manila and 750m (2,461ft) above sea level, became a city in 1938. Because of its high location, the place is often foggy.

Accommodation

Taal Vista Hotel National Rd, Tel 109
buffet and folk dances on Sundays

Tagaytay Picnic Grove

Located on 13.5 hectares; 14 rooms ranging from 24 to 15 persons; camping facilities; barbecue pits; picnic tables and huts available for rent; native restaurant; Entrance fee; For further information call Philippine Tourism Authority 508977 or 599031 local 300. p. 434
Tagaytay add
Casino Filipino (opened 1991)

Halfway Drive

Restaurant and Inn on a two hectare lot with a view deck for the scenic Taal Volcano and surrounding countryside. Accommodation

Taal Vista Hotel National Rd, Tel 109
dbl 300750; buffet and folk dances on Sundays
Tagaytay Picnic Grove located on 13.5 hectares; 14 rooms ranging from 24 to 15 persons; camping facilities; barbecue pits; picnic tables and huts available for rent; native restaurant; entrance fee

TAAL VOLCANO AND LAKE

From Tagaytay City, Cavite, a spectacular view unfolds on one of the most interesting volcanos in the world, Taal Volcano (in Batangas Province). In the large crater of an volcano, there is a lake, Lake Taal. And in the center of this lake, there is a smaller crater, formed during a more recent eruption, with another lake. The small volcano is cataloged as active since the last eruption was only some twenty years ago. As of JuneJuly 1991 it is being watched closely as there are tremors which indicate that an eruption may occur. The Manila Standard of July 29, 1991 reported that the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said tremors continued at Taal and that temperatures in the main crater lake had increased from 29 degrees centigrade to 31. It is possible to make a tour to the small volcano in the lake. One has to take a jeepney from Tagaytay to Talisay. A special ride by jeepney costs about 200 pesos. At Talisay, one may make an arrangement with a boatman. The water is dilute sulfurous acid.

Public transport is often difficult especially the return trip.

Even I myself was dreaming to travel the world aside from the fact that I wanted to relax and unwind myself together with loved-ones. One specific thing why I opted to to travel such place was basically to live their lifestyle and eventually explore the beauty of their foods and other delicacies. Specifically, I wanted to visit those popular Restaurants in specific cities I wish to explore. Reason behind that is I love food! I love to cook as well as explore the other cultures food. I actually tasted food of Thailanders, Japanese, Chinese, Americans, Italians, Arabic and Indians except for Filipino foods as its pretty obvious that its my common food. I know, I only have few list yet! But soon enough I wish to taste that I have not tasted yet.

Anyhow, I know I am too ambitious but let it be rather than nothing right? One of the dream Pubs London I wanted to conquer soon is the Churchill Arms. As far as I knew, it was one of the most popular pubs that are basically base in London that offers a great and delicious menus for all their international customers. Oh! You guys might be wondering how do I know them? I actually search them at qype.co.uk one of the popular web portal that offers several services and reliable informations and reviews for all the travelers and people who wants to have a great vacation that will last for a lifetime.

Moreover, there were several Restaurants London that actually offers excellent services for every customers they’ll gonna have. Among of thst restuarants was the Franco Manca. The house of excellent pizza’s in London. If you guys wants to know more about restaurants, bars, hotels and some other related choices just visit the  site of qype.co.uk for a more comprehensive listings on specific restaurants and bars as well as the best recommendation you can have ever had from them as to where you’ll gonna spend your hoilday season. Take a look now!