Puerto Princesa's Subterranean River a Provisional Winner of New 7 Wonders of Nature!

The New Seven Wonders of the World Foundation, an official organization that declares 7 of the most top beautiful and amazing places in the world, has brought good news to the Philippines! Yes, our very own Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Palawan was declared by the aforementioned foundation to be included as one of the provisional winners in the search for the new seven wonders of nature. Selections of the new seven wonders of the world were done through casting of votes online. The voting had just ended last November 11, 2011.

Image via Wikipedia

This recognition given to the Philippines is one prestigious award that will put Puerto Princesa as one of the beautiful places in the world! The remarkable beauty of the Underground River is only one of the many beautiful places here in the Philippines! 

However, the New Seven Wonders Foundation has clarified that the announcement was not yet final. The results may still change. They said "it is possible that there will be changes between the above provisional winners and the eventual finally confirmed winners." The foundation added that calculation of votes are still being checked, validated and independently verified. The official declaration of the new seven wonders will be announced early 2012.

Other six winners that made it through are the following: 

Amazon River in South America

Halong Bay in Vietnam

Iguazu Fallas in Argentina

Jeju Island in Soun Korea

Komodo Island in Indonesian

Table Mountain in South Africa

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Scary New Species Discovered in Year 2011!

As Halloween starts tomorrow, I've found some interesting photos of 9 New Species Discovered This Year (2011) in National Geographic's website that may raise a few hairs in your skin. These new creatures are quite fascinating and I believe its great to be aware of such creatures to exist.

Image via Wikipedia

The following are the National Geographic's 9 Spooky New Species Found This Year:

Alarming Truth About Geckos in the Philippines

                           Gecko                        Photo from WikipediaIts been a year already since I first heard about the news regarding geckos being a cure for AIDS, cancer, asthma, tuberculosis and many other diseases. Though there was no scientific study made to prove that these claims were true, many people especially in countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines, have made their business in trading geckos for a huge amount of money. And surprisingly, the amount ranges from P30,000 up to  a staggering P20 million pesos! Depending on the size and weight of a gecko. People everywhere are frantic in trying to hunt geckos and sell it. Strangely, many interested party are actually advertising in websites about buying geckos for a very unreasonable price! Prices offered that you can't resist to accept!

What are Geckos?
Geckos or "tuko" in our native Filipino language, are lizards that belongs to the family Gekkonidae. These reptiles are most commonly found in tropical or warm regions of the world. Most geckos are found in countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines. Geckos are also commonly and naturally found in residential houses because these wall crawlers mostly feeds on insects like cockroaches, moths and termites.

Claims
News about geckos' saliva as a cure for AIDS had erupted. Though no scientific experiments and research were made to justify these allegations, many people had actually believed that these are true.

Wildlife Issues
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are now enforcing and warning the public in engaging in illegal collection and trading of geckos despite the reports on it being a cure to AIDS, cancer, asthma, tuberculosis and impotence. The law attests that the collection, trading and transporting of geckos without any permit from the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), under DENR, is punishable by imprisonment of up to four years and a fine of up to P300,000. Another P100,000 will be charged on the violator if the reptile dies during capture or in the process of capturing.

The Philippines is one of the richest country in terms of natural resources and wildlife. The gecko species listed by the PAWB in the country are 26, out of 34. People in neighboring countries like Malaysia are enticing Filipinos for this high profitable business in trading geckos. Wildlife conservationists are now alarmed for the possibility of geckos in the Philippines becoming an endangered specie in the future.

Sources: www.philstar.com. Simply click here to see article.

Four Earthquakes Hit the Philippines Today!

           Photo via WikipediaEarlier this morning after arriving at work, I've read an email sent by a friend, that really caught my attention. In her email, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) announced that a 6.2 magnitude earthquake had hit Cauayan, Negros Occidental (my home province) just 4:47 AM this morning! Another earthquake then had followed after 16 mins, with a magnitude of 5.7 also in Cauayan. At 5:05 AM in the morning, another earthquake occurred at 5.5 magnitude in Dumaguete City, Negros Occidental. And just this afternoon at 4:56 PM, another earthquake strike Cauayan for the third time with a magnitude of 4.9.