MANILA, Philippines -- Because she is a passionate environmental advocate, Sen. Loren Legarda is elated by the inclusion of the Puerto Princesa Underground River in the list of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

She expressed jubilation even as she stressed the need to strengthen efforts to protect and preserve the country’s natural heritage.

The indefatigable lady solon said, “I am happy that the Puerto Princesa Underground River made it to the New Seven Wonders of Nature. I congratulate our government, and most especially the city government of Puerto Princesa, led by Mayor Edward Hagedorn, for its efforts and intensive campaign to make this possible.” She noted the exceptional beauty of the world’s longest navigable underground river.

“But more important than being included in this list of wonders is the continuous preservation not only of the Puerto Princesa Underground River but also of the other natural resources which we are very fortunate to have,” she stressed.

The senator explained that as one of the New Seven Wonders, the underground river would attract more tourists to Puerto Princesa. In fact, even during the campaign period, the city government of Puerto Princesa already saw a dramatic increase in its tourist arrivals – from 11,981 tourists in 2010 to 20,411 tourists between January and May 2011 alone.

However, more visitors would also mean that it would be more exposed to exploitation by both tourists and tourism-related entrepreneurs who would want to gain more at the expense of this natural wealth.

GMA strengthens lead in nationwide ratings

From the pigeonhole:

Broadcast giant GMA Network, Inc. (GMA) strengthened leadership in television ratings nationwide in October, according to data provided by Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

In fact, GMA was the only TV station that grew its ratings record across all day parts – morning, afternoon, and primetime – in all areas this October relative to September.

Based on full October data (Oct. 23-31 based on overnight readings) nationwide, GMA posted an average of 35.3 total day (6 a.m.-12 m.n.) household audience share points, or an impressive 5.8-point lead over ABS-CBN’s 29.5; and a whopping 18.5-point margin over TV5’s 16.8 points.

Using the assumption that there are five viewers per household, GMA’s lead is equivalent to about 1.1 million more viewers from all over the country than ABS-CBN; and 3.4 million more viewers than TV5 in October. GMA’s strong nationwide win was largely due to its unrivaled performance in the afternoon block, where it posted a double-digit advantage over its competitors this October.

There were 14 entries from GMA in the list of overall top 30 programs in National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM). Longest-running noontime show “Eat Bulaga,” which ranked third on the list, was the only daytime program that made it to the top five.

In Urban Luzon, GMA finished the said month with 38.9 share points, dominating over ABS-CBN’s 25 points and TV5’s 17.8 points.

There were 18 GMA programs that made it to the list of overall top 30 programs in Urban Luzon. “Eat Bulaga,” “Munting Heredera,” “Amaya” garnered the top three spots. Other Kapuso programs that made it to the top 10 list were “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” “24 Oras,” “Iglot,” “Pepito Manaloto” and “Time of My Life.

Sam Milby invades Davao City

Hot actor and rockoustic heartthrob Sam Milby turned what could have been an ordinary day into an exciting affair for the dealers and independent business managers (IBMs) of Tupperware Brands Philippines in Mindanao.

Sam, currently Tupperware Brands’ celebrity endorser for men’s fragrances with his latest own signature scent called Sam Milby Signature, recently visited Davao to grace Tupperware Brands’ sales development training held at the Pinnacle Hotel and Suites.

Welcoming Sam, the dealers and IBMs of Tupperware Brands branches in Mindanao were Jing Ganalon, Tupperware Brands marketing manager for beauty; Jem Ramos, category manager for fragrances; Evelyn Tabaniag, sales training and development director; and Ros Pua, Tupperware Brands Mindanao regional sales director.

During the visit, top 10 IBMs of Tupperware Brands Mindanao Eagles lined up for a chance to meet and have their pictures taken with Sam. Sam also made the event even more memorable when he serenaded his guests with his acoustic hits.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 16, go to Gen. Mario Espina, Chuck Perez, Fundador Soriano, Mary Anne Cuevas, Cindy Lilles-Maceda, Chola Yu, Joseph Liao, Ester de Leon, Agnes Reyes, Jennifer Gonzalez, Elizabeth Racelis, Mark Maristela, US-based Haydee Lagana-Talampas, Jerbie Santos, Dong Kim, and Bocaue Councilor “RDL” de Leon…