MANILA, Philippines – Manila is the “popular choice” to become the official host for the Declaration of the New7Wonders of Nature event in 2011. But campaign organizers said the Philippines might miss out on the opportunity “to be in the global spotlight” because the government has yet to give its official support to the proposal.
In a statement, Jean-Paul de la Fuente, director of the Zurich-based New7Wonders (N7W) Foundation, said Manila is a favorite in the poll of lead cities around the world to become the official host for the event in 2011, but without official support from the Philippine government, it cannot be considered by the organizers.
“Manila certainly seems to be a popular choice, but unless we hear from the official authorities within the next few days, it may well miss out on the chance to bid,” de la Fuente said.
De la Fuente said the official host would receive a unique global image and branding around the world over three years, being the location for the Official Declaration of the New7Wonders of Nature event in 2011, when the result of 1 billion votes is revealed to the world during a “spectacular gala.”One of the criteria is the desire to represent global unity and the ability to host a huge international event.
At present, the Subterranean River National Park in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, which is the Philippines’ entry to become one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, is leading 55 other entries in the forest, natural parks, and nature reserves category.
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I believe there is politics involved why the national gov't is not taking it seriously to host this event. The president is not 100 percent supportive of The Underground River being on the top spot. She wants Tubataha reef to be out there. Everybody knew that the Great Mayor of Puerto Princesa City who has jurisdiction over The Underground River, is not a political ally of the Pres. She should be proud that the country per se is being given this prestigious recognition to hold such event.
COULD IT BE THE REASON WHY?...