Strong drive on 7 wonders campaign

All three of the Philippines’ entries to the New 7 Wonders search are currently in the top 10 of the ongoing online voting campaign launched by a private foundation that has so far received worldwide recognition and buy in. Thanks to the no nonsense campaigning by individuals and key institutions concerned. Palawan’s two entries, the Tubbataha Reefs and the Puerto Princesa Underground River, are currently 2nd and 6th respectively, while Bohol’s Chocolate Hills is ranked 4th and Mayon Volcano is 10th. With even the Philippine President endorsing the campaign and the entire bureaucracy being tapped to deliver the online votes needed, the Philippines’ is poised to dominate at least this portion of the two-part search; the other part being a shortlisting process by a panel of individuals to segue into a final round of online elections to commence next year. This exercise is good for Palawan tourism as well, as has been shown by the vibrant activity of this sector the past months.

Villamayor tops Palawan Chess Open

By Redempto Anda
Inquirer Southern Luzon Bureau
First Posted 18:34:00 06/08/2008

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines–Grandmaster Buenaventura “Bong” Villamayor drew his final round with National Master Emmanuel Senador Saturday afternoon to clinch the 7th Gov. Reyes Palawan Chess Open Tournament, his first major title after emerging from a five-year pedagogic stint in Singapore.

Reaching peak form following strong finishes in two consecutive international tournaments in Subic, Zambales, Villamayor turned back a posse of rated national players — including three international masters — to emerge undefeated in the 9-round tournament organized by the Palawan provincial government in celebration of its annual founding anniversary.