Puerto Princesa makes it to the seven

Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan ended in the New Seven Wonders of Nature based on the first count of votes announced by New7Wonders Foundation in Zurich, Switzerland on November 11. Puerto Princesa Underground River is an 8.2-kilometer traversable river located about 50 kilometers north of the said city. Distinguishing characteristic of this subterranean river are the stalactites and the stalagmites seen in the ceilings of the cave and several large chambers. There is also a lagoon at the mouth of the cave where primordial trees alongside the waters edge. Different species of animals could be found on the beach near the cavern. The said place is regarded as the worlds longest. Aside from this, other haven from different countries complete the list including the Amazon Rainforest, Halong Bay, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, Komodo Island and Table Mountain. The Amazon River which covers nine Latin American countries is considered as the largest rainforest in the world representing almost half of the worlds remaining rainforests. Proof to this is it measures approximately 5.5 million square kilometers. Diverse varieties of animal species could be found inside it. Halong Bay located in Qung Ning Province, Vietnam. It is about 1,553 square kilometers in size beaded with 1969 islets in various sizes and shapes. Some of these islands composed of sunken and vast caves and waters with more than 200 species of animals. There are also lakes within this lake found inside the islets. Beyond the border of Brazil and Argentina is the magnificent Izuazu Falls flowing from the Iguazu River. It is 2,700 meters high with Devils Throat as the highest point among other 275 falls that comprised it. Iguazu Falls is a home to hundreds of rare and endangered species of plants and animals. All the way from South Korea is the 1, 846-square kilometer Jeju Island. It is the largest and volcanic island but the smallest province in Korea. Hallasan which is the tallest mountain and a dormant volcano in the island. This island is commonly seen in television especially Korean dramas and historical shows. Komodo National Park also made it to the list. With a total land area of 1,817 square kilometers, it is founded on 1980 to keep the komodo dragons from being endangered and it also protects other species of animals. From South Africa is the Table Mountain. Do you know that it is the only natural site on earth where the name of the constellation of a star was named Mensa which means the table? It is 1,086 metes high above sea level and it has the richest yet the smallest kingdom of flowers with more than a thousand species.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is a proof that our country is blessed with many natural resources and panoramic views. And we must preserve these riches we acquire from nature because these havens are one of a kind. KEVIN C. BARRERA Information gathered from new7wonders.com