Dagupan City (30 April) -- There's an online voting for the world's "Seven New Wonders of Nature".

No less that President Arroyo has exhorted here and abroad to support thru their online votes at least three Philippine natural wonders ...

In the current Top 77 Live Rankings of the worldwide online poll, Tubbataha ranks seventh, Choco Hills ninth and the Underground River, 20th.

What the Pangasinenses would give to have their very own Hundred Islands in Alaminos—as natural can be—included in the list of top natural sites to stir a sense of pride! With the city government led by Mayor Hernani Braganza having its own well-designed website, and in the midst of promoting their unique scenic spot, we see no reason why our famous Islands should not be entered in the worldwide online Search (at www.newssevenwonders.com) to vie for the honor—and probably get GMA's own enthusiastic endorsement. (correct url = http://www.new7wonders.com/ - pub )

Without belittling the claim to fame of the top three Philippines spots in the search which are admittedly all breathtaking, we believe the Hundred Islands should also be there fighting for that special spot for its sheer natural beauty and pristine.

Nothing, you know, beats being acknowledged and recognized in the world stage even if, as it happens, even our own Department of Tourism hardly finds it worthwhile to include the Islands in its map for Most Recommended Spots. (PIA-Pangasinan)