Some Happy Adventures

just some of my adventures.... more to come... :)

Philippines' Bet for the New 7 Wonders of the World

I got to see this for the first time in 2008, and since then I got struck by its beauty, its wonders.... truly a heavenly-made spot right here on earth, and yes in my very own country, the Philippines.

I first blogged on this in 2008 here, when at that time it's leading the survey of the Wonders of the World.
I featured it in the site "Take Me To Asia" to encourage more people to come and visit that amazing place.

They said, it's been discovered by foreigners who taught the local people on how to protect it and  promote it as a tourist spot. They were never wrong, as today it's our bet for the New 7 Wonders of the World.

More and more people got to see it, as they got curious how it became popular and even reaches to the top 28 of the world's best destinations so far. And if you're like us who got amazed especially when you saw how nature formed the stalagmites and stalactites inside the cave, cast your vote and let's put it as one of the New 7 Wonders of World.

For those who haven't been there, what are you waiting for? It's one best place to go to, I promise you.
For more information, visit http://www.puerto-undergroundriver.com/

Once Upon A Time in Vietnam

I got the chance to see Vietnam recently. Because of an official invitation to our office to participate in an international conference, I was sent to go and see what's in store for us there. So that's when I got to see another nature's wonder, another finalist in this year's Wonders of the World -- the Halong Bay of Vietnam.

The Halong Bay, with 1,969 islands and about 100 caves to boast with. The bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes and about 120 kilometer long coastline and approximately 1,553 square kilometers in size. Most of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves, other support floating villages of fishermen, who ply the shallow waters for 200 species of fish and 450 different kinds of mollusks. Another specific feature of Halong Bay is the abundance of lakes inside the limestone islands. All these island lakes occupy drowned dolines within fengcong karst.

Its legendary stories would even describe it as "when the Vietnamese were fighting Chinese invaders, the gods sent a family of dragons to help defend the land. This family of dragons began spitting out jewels and jade. These jewels turned into the islands and islets dotting the bay, linking together to form a great wall against the invaders. The people kept their land safe and formed what later became the country of Vietnam." (wikipedia). So Halong means the 'descending dragon'.

It's 165 kilometers away from Hanoi City, about three hours drive, but getting there eased all our backaches... pictures will explain it all... During the tour, I got to meet other tourists who went to Vietnam to see the Halong Bay and what Vietnam still has to offer.

We also passed by some souvenir shops showcasing Vietnam's handicrafts, arts and silk... all a pride of the country...

Location: Halong Bay, Quang Ning Province of Vietnam

Boracay is no. 7 in the world survey!

So I would be starting with how the Philippine bets in the world survey in terms of natural wonders... and I would brag that I've also been there. Hence, I can be sure of what I'm blogging about.

So I've said Puerto Princesa's Underground River is currently no. 1 in the World Survey for Wonders of the World.

This time, it's the Boracay Island where many investors are actually foreigners... who got attracted to the island's unique qualities for a white beach. Its powdery sand and crystal-clear blue water make it one of the most beautiful tropical islands in the world. Now Boracay is no. 7 in the world survey (based on Yahoo Travel survey). I remember years ago, it's one of the top 5 (just can't remember if it's according to Discovery Channel Travel & Living or National Geographic Channel). Ranking may change but still it belongs to the Top 10 of the world's best of the best.

More and more resorts are being established there, the area which they call the "back beach" is likewise being developed now. The back beach just lacks the resorts and establishments but the beach has the same potentials.

Fortunately I've been there for a few times now and I'm still willing to go back as I'm not yet through with the beach... Allow me to share some pictures...

Philippines' pride to Wonders of the World is no. 1

Great news to all! Just learned that as of 28 October 2008, the number 1 in the world survey for the New 7 Wonders of the World is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Check it out here.

I remember when we got the chance to go there last year, I feel so blessed to see with my own very eyes what they say a truly natural wonder of the world.

We really appreciated how nature shapes itself into something we can never imagine. We saw how the stalactites and stalagmites were able to form naturally the different figures inside the cave, which can belong to the historical landmarks of a country.

I can never forget that trip, because from then on, I learn how to appreciate nature more than ever. I urge, not just request, all to see it for yourselves why we are just so proud of this.