The Real Queen of Beauty

"High tide or low tide?”, that’s probably one of the smartest question or should I say answer that has ever been given in the Miss Universe Pageant. That of course pertains to the eloquent reply of Miss Philippines Charlene Gonzales when asked about how many were the islands that make up the Philippines. Then she completed by saying, that it’s 7,107 during high tide and 7,108 on low tide. The fabulous line has indeed became a by-word during that time, selling mostly to people who borrows that line to respond to whatever question , some totally unrelated just to be able to use that line. Aside from that, we had never really taken that context so seriously. That we have indeed 7,107 wonderful islands scattered like rosary across the richest marine area in the world.

Charlene Gonzales produced one of the most famous answers in an international beauty competition. When asked by the host about the number of islands in the Philippines, she boldly asked back, "At high tide or low tide?"

Ours is a beautiful and rich country, history will testifies that many races in the past had tried to own us simply because of our rich and abundant natural wonders. Our seas flourish with vast marine species of fish and underwater flora and fauna. Our mountains are filled with high value elements and mineral deposits. Our forests thrive with exotic plants and rare animals never to be found elsewhere. Our lands are fertile for crops and our beaches are the best in the world. Our scenic landscapes are incomparable and one of a kind. Our hidden natural wonders are simply awesome and breathe-taking. Our climate is the envy of the people above the Equator. Our people are the sweetest in the world, sadly just the same, our people are the least likely to believe and appreciate that we are indeed a beautiful and rich country.

So we never really care about what we have or for what is left. Look at us today? The mountains are gone, the seas are polluted, the air is contaminated, the lands are wasted and dirty and the people, well I couldn’t say much cause I myself is part of it. Guess we have exercised too much freedom and democracy that we have acted beyond our limits. The grasses do not grow anymore, the fishes are floating dead in the shores, the animals are endangered, the waters are rushing from the high hills because the trees are no longer there to stop it and there still many more mess which are unpleasant to the eyes and irritating to the ears that need not be mentioned. Guess we have become too complacent to think that all of these things would never run out.

Then it all comes back to us. We pay for all our negligence, abuse and disrespect for the things that we have blessed with. Numerous flash floods and landslides have unjustly claimed the lives of our fellowmen. We are running out of steady food supply and the prices of food commodities are always increasing. Lot of diseases are spreading out of our dirty and uncontained misbehavior like throwing garbage wherever we want. We go on with our daily lives as if nothing alarming is going on. We are too concerned with our individual families that we forget the Mother that always provides, Nature.

And like all other mistake, we will never know that we have made one unless we are badly affected and until we learn our lessons and rise from it. It’s never too late too make up for all our shortcomings. We could always undo whatever falling out we may have with our friends and with our loved ones. Same for our environment, whatever abuses and disregards we may have done to her, it’s still within our reach to bring her back to her original glory. Plant more trees, stop illegal logging, don’t hunt the animals in the forest, avoid dynamite fishing, don’t throw your wastes everywhere at your convenience, conserve water and electricity, the possibilities for a renewed and healthy environment is limitless and just waiting…

Mirriam Quiambao had almost brought home the Miss Universe crown in 1999 after falling off the stage and regally picking up her shoes like nothing has ever happened. We may have caused a lot of damage to Mother Nature but it’s not tool late to pay her back for all the bounties and all the beauties she gave our land. In 2007, the new7Wonders Foundation, in an official declaration in July 07, 2007 formally launched the campaign for the world’s New Seven Wonders of Nature. They are the same organization that officially selected the New Seven Wonders of the World, the latter being consisted of outstanding human architectural and engineering marvel. Now it is nature’s turn to grab the spotlight as seven of the world’s most amazing and incredible natural wonders will be selected and recognized.

Now what am I saying? Here’s the deal, as of to date, the committee had already shortlisted 77 candidates (thru internet votes) from over a thousand of submitted entries. Of the seventy seven remaining candidates, four are from the Philippines, as follows: the Chocolate Hills, the Mayon Volcano, the Tubbataha Reef and the St. Paul Subterranean Park in Palawan. At the end of the campaign period next year, 21 Finalists will be selected from there the new Seven Wonders of Nature will chosen. Currently, all our four bets are placed within the Top 11 (as of July 11, 2008 midnight), with Tubbataha Reef at No.8, the Chocolate Hills at No.5, the St. Paul Subterranean Park at No.2 and the Mayon Volcano at No.11.

OUR PRIDE BEARERS.

Tubbataha Reef is an atoll coral reef in the Sulu Sea that belongs to the Philippines. It is a marine sanctuary protected as Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. The reef is composed of two atolls, North and South Reefs. Each reef has a single small islet that protrudes from the water. The atolls are separated by a deep channel 8 kilometers wide. Over one thousand species, including many that are endangered, can be found at on the reef. These include manta rays, lionfish, tortoises, clownfish and sharks.

The Chocolate Hills is an unusual geological formation in Bohol, Philippines. It is composed of around 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills, all about the same size, spread over an area of more than 50 sq km The hills are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season, giving them the name ''Chocolate Hills.''

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The underground river is reputed to be the world's longest. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water's edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.

Mayon Volcano is an active volcano on the Filipino island of Luzon, 15 km northwest of Legazpi City.It is classified by volcanologists as a stratovolcano (composite volcano). Its symmetric cone was formed through alternate pyroclastic and lava flows. Mayon is the most active volcano in the country, having erupted over 47 times in the past 400 years, and is a part of what is called the Pacific Ring of Fire.

We have screwed up many things before but many times we have proven our worth as a united nation. Four times we have won thru internet votes the Miss Universe Miss Photogenic Award. Now we can make it happen again, this time for the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Let us show to the world that no matter how bad our image is as far as politics, corruption, economy, peace and order is concerned, ours is nation blessed with extra ordinary God Given natural wonders. Let us give Mother nature the respect and recognition she deserves. Let us be aware that we have 7,107 islands that other nations can only dream of. Let’s take pride and join hands together to place the Philippines in the list where she rightfully deserves to be included. This is the right time.


To vote for the Philippine candidates in the new seven wonders of nature, please visit www.new7wonders.com