New 7 Wonders of the World

Three Philippine spots are currently nominated as "New 7 Wonders of the World". Please vote at http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/liveranking/.



Chocolate Hills



The Chocolate Hills is an unusual geological formation in Bohol, Philippines. It is composed of around 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills of about the same size, spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometres (19 sq mi). They are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season, hence the name.



The Chocolate Hills is a famous tourist attraction of Bohol. It is featured in the provincial flag and seal to symbolize the abundance of natural attraction in the province. It is in the Philippine Tourism Authority's list of tourist destinations in the Philippines; it has been declared the country's 3rd National Geological Monument and proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list.



Tubbataha Reef



The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park covers 33,200 ha, including the North and South Reefs. It is a unique example of an atoll reef with a very high density of marine species; the North Islet serveing as a nesting site for birds and marine turtles. The site is an excellent example of a pristine coral reef with a spectacular 100-m perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons and two coral islands.



Mayon Volcano



Mayon Volcano is an active volcano in the Philippines on the island of Luzon, in the province of Albay in the Bicol Region. Its almost perfectly-shaped cone is considered by some to be the Philippine equivalent of Mount Fuji in Japan.[citation needed] The volcano is situated 15 kilometres northwest of Legazpi City.



Mayon 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.[citation needed] It is located between the Eurasian and the Philippine Plate, at a convergent plate boundary: where a continental plate meets an oceanic plate, the lighter continental plate overrides the oceanic plate, forcing it down; magma is formed where the rock melts. Like other volcanoes located around the rim of the Pacific Ocean, Mayon is a part of the "Pacific Ring of Fire".







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Hola Zamboanga Cheerdance Competition 2008

Finally, the videos of the Hola Zamboanga 2008 Cheerdance competition is here. The contest is one of the highlights during the Dia de Zamboanga celebration.

1st: Western Mindanao State University
2nd: Pilar College
3rd: Ateneo de Zamboanga University

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Spicy Satti

Satti is a spicy delicacy in Zamboanga City and its neighboring municipalities. Accordingly, this is the Filipino version of the Malaysian Satay. You can easily find this food at carenderias and restaurants in Zamboanga. Read more...

How to Cook Chicken Adobo

This is funny but informative video on how to cook chicken adobo. What makes this fun is that a white guy is is the host and he gives the instructions in Filipino language.

Sarap ng Chicken Abobow...

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Stop Coin Diving

These pictures were taken in Zamboanga Port while I was on board a ship.

If you will be traveling by boat and you see these Badjao divers, please do not throw coins in the ocean. These divers will seek for the coins underwater and they may be endangering their health. If you really want to help them, throw food or money wrapped in plastic or floater. Thanks.







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A Free Trip to Boracay. WOW!

Boracay is in my list of places that I hope to visit this year. I haven't been there, but I know that the island is so great that thousands or millions of tourists visit the place each year. But definitely, visiting the place would mean a slash on my savings. :) While visiting my favorite travel blog "Ivan About Town", I learned that Ivan and SeaAir are giving out round-trip ticket to Boracay by raffle. I thought I must join the contest and wish that I will be rewarded. To read more about the contest visit http://www.ivanhenares.com/2008/02/win-seair-ticket-to-boracay.html.

I know I have been good for a long time. I deserve a good vacation in Boracay. :)

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Another Pinoy in American Idol Season 7

Another Filipino-American made it to the Hollywood audition of American Idol Season 7. Danny Noriega sang "Proud Mary" during his audition. Hope he and Ramiele Malubay make it to the top.



Below are the rumored Top 24 finalist:

Top 12 Boys * Chikeze Eze * Colton Berry * Danny Noriega * David Archuletta * David Cook * David Hernandez * Garret Haley * Jason Castro * Jason Yeager * Luke Menard * Michael Lee Johns * Robbie Carrico

Top 12 Girls * Alaina Whitaker * Alex Lushington * Amanda Overmyer * Carly Smithson * Amy Davis * Brooke White * Kristy Lee Cook * Kady Malloy * Ramielle Malubay * Syesha Mercado * Joanne Borgella * Asiah Epperson

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Ash Wednesday 2008

Today, Catholics are starting the Lenten season by imposing a cross mark on their forehead. The worshiper traditionally retains until washing it off after sundown.

The priest or minister says one of the following when applying the ashes:

Remember, O man, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return. (Latin: Memento homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris.) – Genesis 3:19

Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel. – Mark 1:15

Repent, and hear the good news.– Mark 1:15

Ash Wednesday is a time for repentance and the beginning of Lent. In the Philippines, it signifies the start of fasting for Catholics wherein meat is taken out of their diet.

To all Catholics, have a blessed Lenten Season. Read more...