The New7Wonders Foundation who organized the search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature has officially announced last January 7 in their website, http://new7wonders.com the qualified nominees to the second and semi-final round. Out of the 430 nominees, 261 natural attractions made it to represent their country.

The Bohol’s Chocolate Hills which strongly stayed in the top ten of the search over the past few months did not qualify to represent the Philippines in the next round. Among the 430 nominees, it stayed in the fifth place until the last day of voting which was last December 31. The committee’s rule was to have only one nominee each country in the second round, thus, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River which has secured the eminent spot of first place forwards onto the next level.

This global search, which is primarily made possible through the internet media, has opened doors to tourist spots to be noticed by a wider audience. People from all walks of life have casted their votes in the New7W’s website and have shown avid support by encouraging their family and friends to vote for their favorite nominees.

For Chocolate Hills to be in the fifth spot over 430 hundred nominees is truly a historic feat that further manifested how these 1268 hills keep on amazing millions of voters around the world. It has established that this blissful sight of chocolate-colored contours can take equal place with famous landmarks like the Grand Canyon, Mount Everest or the Ganges River. And through the search, it has proven that the hills have even beaten them all. The credit goes of course to the countless efforts of the Bohol community here and abroad who have printed tarpaulin ads, posted ads in their blogs or websites and relayed the information all bearing these words “Vote for Chocolate Hills in New7W”.

All hearts congratulate to the success of Palawan and may all Filipinos unite more in bringing this underground river to be one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature!