Vigan vies for New 7 Wonders of the World

A toast of indulgence. A taste of the past. Scholarly leisure. Situated 400 kilometers from Manila, on the western coast of the largest island of the country, Vigan never fails to attract history aficionados, tourists or even plain travelers. Vigan, the famous historic city in the north of Luzon, offers a brief respite from busy urban life, with its rows of Spanish ancestral houses line cobblestone streets, where kalesas frequently pass by. A church features unique baroque architecture from over two centuries ago, and a plaza houses a 17th century monument. Vigan has everything to quench one's sentimental yearning for the grandeur of the past.

Being one of the few Hispanic towns left in the Philippines, Vigan is greatly adored for its vast effort in preserving their centuries-old historical edifices, which have survived the ravages of natural calamities and even the horrors of war. The heritage city, formerly called Villa Fernandina during the Spanish Occupation, gained recognition both in local and international communities. In December 1999, UNESCO included Vigan in its World Heritage List. The city also takes pride in being a Hall of Famer as the Cleanest, Greenest and Safest City in Region 1, having been conferred with the recognition for three consecutive years from 2006 to 2008. Just last year, the city bagged another hall of fame award after being proclaimed the “Most Child-Friendly City” for three years in a row. But despite the colorful accolades, Vigan chooses not to rest on its laurels. The city, also known as the “World Living Museum,” embarks on a new journey as it joins the race for the New 7 Wonders — Cities of the World. The city has managed to pass the nomination phase along with six other cities in the country. Now in its qualifying phase, Vigan is on the top spot of the campaign in South East Asia and Oceana. "We are so proud to have been included in the list," Vigan Mayor Eva Medina said. To reap yet another international victory, Vigan is not just banking on its rich heritage, but on the collective effort of its people whose cooperation is behind the city's vast achievement. "We are calling on the Filipinos all over the world to please join us in our quest by voting for Vigan as one of the New 7 Wonders — Cities of the World," Medina appealed. Votes may be cast online at the New Seven Wonders site. After pushing for the inclusion of the now world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River in the New 7 Wonders of Nature, there's no reason Filipinos can't rally behind Vigan. The qualifying phase in the competition is from March 7, 2012 to March 7, 2013. This will be followed by the shortlisting process, which runs until March 21, 2013. Cities that will make it to the finals will compete from March 21, 2013 to July 7, 2014. The announcement of the New Seven Wonders — Cities of the World will be on July 7, 2014. — CGL/KG, GMA News