It's caused quite a stir in media and on the Pinoy online community. Our drop in the rankings has got supporters worried. I can see how the Pinoy online community is trying to boost our candidates before it's too late, but what about everyone else?

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4 RP bets in New 7 Wonders of Nature drop in rankings
AIE BALAGTAS SEE, GMANews.TV
08/14/2008 | 11:16 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The rankings of the country's four nature spots in the ongoing global hunt that seeks to uncover the new Seven Wonders of Nature have plunged, as shown in the online voting results as of August 14.

Dropping one notch from 8th to 9th is Palawan’s Tubbataha Reefs, which has been the home of many endangered species like manta rays, lionfish, tortoises, downfish and sharks.

Likewise, Bohol’s Chocolate Hills – the 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills that turn brown during dry seasons (hence, the name) – had slid from 9th place to 10th.

Meanwhile, Puerto Princesa's Subterranean River National Park went down to 11th position from its previous 10th ranking. This wondrous splendor boasts a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km navigable underground river. It also has major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers.

The most dramatic plunge among the Philippine bets was that of Mayon Volcano in Albay. The active volcano’s ranking appeared not so active after it dropped from 18th to the 20th place.

According to the search's website, the top 77 Official Nominees will be will be considered by the Nature Panel of Experts for shortlisting.

The ranking is updated twice a day and the voting will last until Dec. 31, 2008. To vote, just log in on the website.

The top 21 finalist nominees selected by the panels will undertake another round of voting which will be held from 2009-2010. From these, the new seven wonders will be selected. - GMANews.TV