The Official Inauguration of Vigan as a New7Wonders City
VIGAN, the Philippines: Historic Vigan in the province of Ilocos Sur was officially inaugurated as a New7Wonders City. Established in the 16th century, Vigan represents a fusion of cultural elements from the Philippines, China and Europe, creating a city that is without equal in Asia.
Among the dignitaries attending the ceremony held within the precincts of St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, were Philippines Vice President Jejomar Binay, New7Wonders Founder-President Bernard Weber and Mayor Eva Medina of Vigan. The guest speaker at the inauguration, Vice President Binay, said that the event should serve as an inspiration for how heritage preservation can be best harmonized with urban development. “In our quest to become strong competitors in the ASEAN and global economies, we cannot be too quick to tear down the old to build the new without serious deliberation and debate,” he said, adding, “As Vigan has proven, prosperity is not always measured by a city’s skyline. And it is not just malls that can bring in tourists and trade.”
Along with a colourful show featuring light and dance, the event was marked by the unveiling of a specially-commissioned bronze commemorative plaque, which was cast in the Kunstgießerei München, a traditional metal foundry in the heart of Munich, Germany.
Vigan was the first of the New7Wonders Cities to be officially inaugurated and thereby joined in the “canon of 7” by Beirut (Lebanon), Doha (Qatar), Durban (South Africa), Havana (Cuba), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and La Paz (Bolivia).
The Official Inauguration of Havana as a New7Wonders City
HAVANA, Cuba: vibrant capital city, largest city, province, major port, and leading commercial and cultural centre of Cuba, was inaugurated as one of the New7Wonders Cities.
(CCTV) — “Cuba’s capital Havana has become the place for celebrities and VIPs to be seen in. So far this year, the city has played host to US President Obama, the Rolling Stones, the Kardashians and a fashion show by top models for Chanel. And this week at an inauguration ceremony, Havana was officially named one of the New Seven Wonders Cities of the World.”
During the Official Inauguration of Havana as a New7Wonders City, Founder-President of New7Wonders Bernard Weber, unveiled the New7Wonders CityMark icon monument at the Esplanada de la Punta in Havana, the capital of Cuba.
Marta Hernandez, the president of the People’s Power Provincial Assembly in this capital, who accompanied the inauguration expressed her enthusiasm about Havana now being Wonder City of Cuba and the World: “Our city is part of the most significant material culture heritage of the nation and it represents a substantial part of the historical memory with extraordinary architectural and urban values.”
After the ceremony, an artistic gala was held at the Alicia Alonso Gran Teatro with the Lizt Alfonso ballet company, the Habana Compas dance company, the National Folkloric Group and Pancho Amat y el Cabildo del Son.