ALAMINOS CITY—The Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) found here ranked third, out of 20 nominees, in the on-line survey conducted by the Asia Pacific Management Forum for the Best Place in Asia.

Mayor Hernani Braganza told local reporters that this good news brings back to the consciousness of tourists that there is this world-famous Hundred Islands, famous for its clear waters sparkling like diamonds as the sun’s golden rays touch the pristine sea, its white fine sand, lush green vegetation, deep blue water, unique rock formation and vast marine resources.

The 100 Islands is the only natural attraction in the Philippines located in Pangasinan province that made it to the paramount line-up all over Asia. It garnered an approval rate of 15.13 per cent or 477 votes out of 3,153 on-line voters besting other popular and beautiful tourist destinations in the country.
Penang, Malaysia was the top favorite followed by Koh Samui Thailand.

The “Best Place” category includes cities, small towns, country areas, event natural attractions or “special places” that for various reasons may have a unique and special attraction.

The HINP’s control, management and ownership was turned over to the city government from the Philippine Tourism Authority on Sept. 29 last year after 65 long years of dreaming.
He said that the city earned more than P600,000 in two and a half months after it was turned over to the city government out of tickets sold at P20 each for visitors going to the islands.
He noted an increase of tourist influx even during lean season. Ten percent of visitors here are tourists.
He added that in a recent tourism seminar held in Clark, Pampanga, statistics showed that of the favorite tourists destination, Hundred Islands had about 8000,000 hits from all over the world wanting to know more about the islands.
He added that they have improved on basic services in the islands like provision of comfort rooms, water, security against illegal fishing and in the dive sites, floating balsa, new structure put up in Quezon island like wooden bridge connecting other islands, more picnic huts and tables, overnight cottages manned round the clock by the City Tourism and Bantay Dagat personnel, jetski, parasailing, kayak, snorkel available to adventure seekers.
He added that he has been receiving proposals from Japanese and British entrepreneurs about putting up of solar power in Quezon island. There are only three developed islands, namely, Quezon, Governor’s and Children’s.
Braganza said he is inviting all Alaminians abroad to take a second look at the 100 Islands, help promote it, help secure investments for this “ God’s gift to mankind, nature’s gift to Alaminians and Pangasinenses”
Meanwhile, Braganza said there was a dolphin sighting in the islands as evidenced by a photo sent him by Regie Fernando, a local tourist and freelance photographer, while on his way to Romulo Island few months ago.
Romulo sent an e-mail to the Mayor with attached digital image of the dolphins upon learning the city’s official website
The mayor said this is another welcome development for the city.