The Philippines continues to receive global recognition for its beautiful islands and tourist destinations. Three Philippines beaches - Palau Island in Cagayan Valley, El Nido in Palawan, and Puka Beach in Aklan -made it to the "100 Best Beaches in the World," a list published by Atlanta-based Cable News Network (CNN) on its travel website on May 30, 2013.

Palau Island, No. 10, was praised for its "raw beauty" of white sands meeting volcanic rocks, coral gardens, blue-green waters, diving site, rich marine species, and mangrove forest. Declared a marine reserve in 1994, it is the only island in Southeast Asia which entered the top 10 of the list.

El Nido, No. 14 was cited for its 50 species of corals, powder-fine beaches and gin-clear waters complementing the karst limestone formations, lagoons, marble cliffs, prehistoric caves, and waterfalls. Its waters attract whales, whale sharks, sea cows, manta rays, dolphins, and turtles. El Nido, a cluster of four eco-resorts, received the Community Benefit Award during the World Travel and Tourism Council's Tourism for Tomorrow Awards on April 9, 2013, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It also received global awards for its green practices and commitment to sustainable tourism.

Puka Beach, No. 84, is the 2nd longest secluded beach in Boracay in Aklan, the country's top tourist destination. It has powdery beaches, water sports, and spas. Here is found the rare Puka shells gathered by residents to make accessories for a living.

The Manila Bulletin, led by its Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. Emilio T. Yap, President and Publisher Atty. Hermogenes P. Pobre, Executive Vice President Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Cris J. Icban Jr., Business Editor Loreto D. Cabaes, Officers and Employees, congratulate Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. and Undersecretary of Tourism Planning and Promotions Daniel G. Corpuz, Cagayan Valley Governor Alvaro T. Antonio, Palawan Governor Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra, and Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez, in their efforts to showcase the wonders and beauty of the Republic of the Philippines and place the country in the global tourism map. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!

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Editorial: Philippine beaches on global list