The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park  is one of the most distinguished biodiversity conservation areas of the Philippines. It is located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines.

It is known for scenic natural beauty, intact old growth tropical rainforest, interesting wildlife, pristine white sand beaches and a spectacular limestone formation that possess a most impressive cave system.

The main focus of the park  is an 8.2 km long underground river that is reputed to be the longest navigable underground river in the world.

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.

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.

The Santacruzan is a popular religious festival held in many towns and cities throughout the Philippines as the highlight of the month-long celebration of Flores de Mayo during the month of May. It is usually celebrated with a parade of decorated floats and elaborately dressed characters, representing various aspects of the Virgin Mary and other figures. The festival was introduced to the country during the Spanish period and continues to be celebrated by Filipinos all over the world.

Department of Tourism together with Intramuros Administration will bring back the glamour of the 1900s Manila Carnival Queen in this year’s Santacruzan sa Intramuros.

Santacruzan sa Intramuros will be held on Sunday, May 29, starting at Fort Santiago at 5:30 p.m., passing through Gen. Luna, Sta. Potenciana, Sta. Lucia and Anda Streets, ending at Clamshell 1 at 6:30 p.m. Mounted by the Intramuros Administration in cooperation with Camp Suki, the event features debutantes and models in gowns reminiscent of the traditional Maria Clara. The santacruzan adds color to the Pasundayag Northern Mindanao activities ongoing at the Philippines’ Bests (Wow Philippines) area.

There’s something that Puerto Princesans are happy about these days. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park now tops the search for the “New 7 Wonders of Nature”, outranking Tubbataha Reef, also in Palawan, Chocolate Hills in Bohol, and Mayon Volcano in Albay which are among the nominees.

Popularly known as “Underground River”, it is the world’s longest navigable underground river.

The local government has vigorously promoted the national park. Recently, Mayor Edward Hagedorn spearheaded the “U R a Wonder of Nature” campaign which gives free tours to the park, and in turn, invite more votes for the Underground River in the 7 wonders of nature search.

I guess it’s no wonder why it is now at No. 1.

Earlier, President Arroyo has urged the Filipinos to vote for the Philippines’ four entries.

Currently, Tubbataha Reef in Palawan ranks fourth, Chocolate Hills and Mayon Volcano at 5th and 11th, respectively.

Voting is open until December 31, 2008 through the new 7 wonders’ website.

Too bad only one natural site per country can be a finalist.  But hey, whether it’s Palawan or Bohol or Albay, it’s still in the Philippines.