Dubai: Filipino pride was felt all over the world and in the UAE over the weekend, when a city in Northern Luzon, Philippines, founded in 16th century Spanish times, made it to the final round of the New 7 Wonder Cities of the World competition. The inclusion of Vigan City, the capital of Ilocos Sur Province, gives the Philippines another chance to be recognised worldwide. A few years back, the St Paul Subterranean Cave and River in Palawan Province was chosen among the New 7 Wonder Natures of the World. “Being an Ilocano (one of the major ethnic tribes in the Philippines), it stirs in me that sense of pride that Vigan bested other more known cities in the world such as Vancouver (Canada) and Shenzhen (China) where I lived,” said Juliet Pagaduan. The assistant teacher at a Dubai private school believes that what makes Vigan stand out and be a finalist is its “social-cultural construct.” She said Biguenos (locals of Vigan), just like any Ilocano, are known to be hard-working and resolute to flourish, despite having to endure one of the hottest and humid parts of the Philippines, and thus are a vital component to the city’s ability to maintain its history in spite of the onslaught of modernisation. Successful Pinoy Ako Movement founder-chief executive officer Ximo Ramos from Dubai wrote, “Recognition well-deserved! Three success factors are the place, the people, and the history.” “I love looking and being at beautiful places in the world and Vigan is beautiful, every inch of it. In my years of talking to Filipinos from different provinces, Biguenos have this unexplained beautiful strength like the (Ilocano heroes) Diego and Gabriela (Silang). Their history is so extensive that it has survived dating back to the 16th century,” he added. Citing Vigan having been recognised as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, Ramos urged his “kabayans” (countrymen) to cast their vote once more for the final round. From Abu Dhabi, Lloyd Cruz Santos, who originally hails from Marikina City, Metro Manila and Bulacan Province said one would marvel at the ability of the Biguenos to maintain the “historical structures,” ambience and cuisine of Vigan. He wrote, “Even if you are not keen on history, Vigan is like gallivanting through time that feeds on curiosity and interest.” From the website, New 7 Wonders founder-president Bernard Weber said: “(The) New 7 Wonder Cities will be a forum for discussing everything from urban planning to metropolitan governance, from tourism to architecture.” On Facebook, when this reporter once again participated in the polls for the final round that ends on Dec.7, the New 7 Wonder Cities Global Voting Site stated: “The 7 Cities best represent the achievements and aspirations of our global urban civilisation.” Vigan City was founded and established as the Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan of the Ilocos Sur Province in 1572. With the South China Sea on its west, the city is basically agricultural and mountainous, with its people of Malay, Chinese and Spanish stock. The other finalists to the New 7 Wonder Cities of the World are Barcelona (Spain), Beirut (Lebanon), Chicago (USA), Doha (Qatar), Durban (South Africa), Havana (Cuba), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), La Paz (Bolivia), London (UK), Mexico City (Mexico), Perth (Australia), Quito (Ecuador), and Reykjavik (Iceland). The other contenders were Bangkok (Thailand), Istanbul (Turkey), Saint Petersburg (Russia), Seoul (South Korea), Quito (Ecuador), Mendoza (Argentina) and Shenzhen (China).
Posted on: Thu, 16 Oct 2014 04:50:12 +0000
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