By Azer N. Parrocha
MANILA, Oct 8 (PNA) — When it comes to being a deserving New 7 Wonder Cities finalist, the country’s Heritage City of Vigan makes it to the top 14 cut.
From 21 finalists, the New7Wonders announced on its website (world.new7wonders.com) that Vigan has made it to the next voting phase down with only 14 finalists left.
Among the 13 other finalists include Barcelona (Spain), Beirut (Lebanon), Chicago (United States), Doha (Qatar), Durban (South Africa), Havana (Cuba), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), La Paz (Bolivia), London (United Kingdom), Mexico City (Mexico), Perth (Australia), Quito (Ecuador), and Reykjavik (Iceland).
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has earlier assured full support for Vigan as it takes on the challenge of snagging a spot in the top seven winners.
Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said that the DOT will fully support the global campaign particularly to Vigan.
With the new result, the DOT is urging more Filipinos to help Vigan City by casting their votes online, or through phone call or sending SMS.
There are three ways to vote. One can vote online by logging on to the New7Wonders website at www.new7wonders.com/en/cities.
On the other hand, one can also vote through SMS, by typing the word VIGAN and send to 29290777. Each SMS sent will cost P2.50. The third option is voting via phone call. Visit the website www.new7wonders.com/phonevoting for more details.
Vigan, which has already received the honor of being declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for the preservation of its Spanish-era architecture.
The campaign is a project of the New7Wonders Foundation, an organization looking to promote the beauty of the world as well as respect for cultural diversity.
It is the same institution that endorsed and promoted the underground river in Puerto Princesa City as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. (PNA)