Republic of Balzi
Motto: Honor the Republic | |
Anthem: Marcha Vasillica | |
Status | Active |
Capital | Legue City |
Largest Region | Whistland |
Official languages | |
Recognised national languages | |
Recognized languages | |
Religion (2023) | No official state religion
|
Demonym(s) | Balzians |
Government | Unitary Presidential Republic |
Carl Miguel Salgado Victa | |
Chris | |
Joel De Vega Lirazan | |
• DFA Secretary | Emmanuel Fernandez |
Legislature | 2024 Constitutional Convention |
Independence from the Empire of Rivera and Free Rendonese State | |
• Montessorian Revolution | 29 December 2018 |
• Declaration of Independence | 29 April 2019 |
• Republic Day | 5 June 2022 |
Population | |
• 2024 estimate | 54 |
HDI (2024) | ▲ 0.896 very high |
Currency |
|
Time zone | PST, ICT, TST, JST, LST |
Date format | mm/dd/yy |
Driving side | right |
Calling code | +63 |
Internet TLD | .blz |
Website Government of Balzi |
Balzi,[a] officially the Republic of Balzi,[b] is a community with a governance structure, commonly referred to as a micronation by external observers. It is widely situated in Asia, with its principal territory located in the Philippines and the City of Legue serving as its capital. The Republic also includes overseas regions, territories, and dominions in Indochina, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. Balzi shares borders with the major Philippine islands, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, Lamphun in Thailand, Yokosuka in Japan, and Laos. The Republic extends its influence throughout Southeast Asia via its overseas territories. As of July 27, 2024, Balzi comprises seventeen regions, established during the Mass Territorial and Regional Integration Convention. Currently, Balzi is a unitary full presidential republic, serving as an educational and political simulation. It operates under an interim government due to the absence of a formal constitution. The nation features a two-party system, with the Liberal Party and the Nationalist Party as the primary political entities. Balzi considers itself a community of learners and excellence,[c] aiming to replicate the governance system of the Philippines with minor adjustments to facilitate learning about governance.
The principal territory of Balzi, reffered to as Mainland Balzi, is based in Barangay Sangandaan, Quezon City. Historically, the mainland Balzi was originally a vast rice farm that was gradually developed over time. Prior to the establishment of the Quezon City, the area comprised several small towns, including San Francisco del Monte, Novaliches, and Balintawak. The name Sangandaan, meaning intersection in Tagalog,[1] reflects its strategic location at the crossroads of major roads. The development project for what would become Quezon City began in 1938 following approval from Philippine authorities.[2] President Manuel Luis Quezon enlisted American architect William E. Parsons to plan the new city.[3] On October 12, 1939, Quezon City was officially created through Commonwealth Act No. 502.[4] Despite its intended role as the national capital, it was not until July 17, 1948, under President Elpidio Quirino, that Quezon City was declared it as the national capital. The capital was moved back to Manila on November 7, 1975, following the establishment of Metro Manila under Presidential Decree No. 824 during Ferdinand Marcos’s presidency. [5] Presidential Decree No. 824 in November 7, 1975 formally returned the national capital to Manila.
Mainland Balzi, including Legue City, was under the control of the Riveran Empire, or Empire of Rivera, from 2018 to 2019. The centralized governance of Rivera led to dissatisfaction among various groups, resulting in the Montessorian Revolution. The Montessorian Revolution led to the establishment of the Republic of the Montessori Legue on April 29, 2019, which is now commemorated as National Day. President Carl Miguel Salgado Victa, along with General Donila, General Pengson, and General Jackson, led the effort for independence. After gaining independence, Balzi faced internal conflict, including a Civil War between President Victa and his generals, leading to the dissolution of the Montessori Legue and the formation of the First Unified Balzian Republic. In early 2020, Balzi began to gain recognition through social media trends related to country mapping. This led to alliances with Nanosium, Blazetopia, and EstaGrik, which formed the NanoEstaGrik alliance. The alliance later became the Accande Terrie Ornindo in mid-2020, with Balzi as a founding member and Secretary-General.
Balzi also broke away from the influence of the Association of Micronations in the Philippine Islands, contributing to a more independent micronational community. The country expanded by integrating Estagrik and becoming Kratosia as a colonial government until 2021. Balzi became a Coppacian Dominion of Renderfeit in early 2021. On July 25, 2022, Balzi gained independence from Renderfeit through a presidential decree.
The Balzian Government is currently operating under an interim government due to the formal absence of a constitution, with the 2024 Constitution still in draft.
It is one of the Southeast Asia’s prominent republican micronations, the Republic of Balzi spans eighteen regions across Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Japan, and the Philippines. Balzi ranks 27th in the world for highest Human Development Index (HDI) among micronations and is recognized for its inclusivity, particularly as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly micronations.
The Republic is a founding member of both the Accande Terrie Ornindo and the Great Leguean Sphere. It is also the second Philippine micronation to join the Micronational Olympic Federation and the first to actively participate in its events.
List of National Agencies and Institutions
Seal | Name | Establishment Date | Leader |
---|---|---|---|
Balzian Space Administration | 2 September 2024 | Renzo Niebres | |
National Statistical Institute of Balzi | Jade Tolibas | ||
Balzian National Olympics and Sports Committee | 7 September 2024 | Felix Isaac Tomado | |
National Aeronautical Corps of Balzi | 27 July 2024 | Benjamine Ace Tabirao Mallari | |
National Guards of Balzi | 27 July 2024 | Abdullah Sanchez | |
Social Sciences Department of Balzi |
Etymology and pronunciation
From historical acknowledgment, the name “Balzi” appeared suddenly during mid-2019 to replace “Montessori Legue” after the Leguean Civil War and the establishment of a unified government. The meaning of “Balzi” remains unknown and unclear, especially as it has no definition in the Tagalog dictionary. However, in Italian, “Balzi” means “leaps.” Additionally, “Balzi” is also the name of the Balzi Rossi caves in Ventimiglia comune, Liguria, Italy, one of the most important archaeological sites of the early Upper Paleolithic in Western Europe, which has been continually excavated by archaeologists for more than 150 years. In English, “Balzi” is pronounced English pronunciation: /ˈbɑːlzɪ/, where “Bahl” rhymes with “ball” and “zi” is pronounced as in “sit.” In Tagalog, it is pronounced /ˈbahlsi/, where “Bahl” also rhymes with “ball” and “si” is pronounced like “see.”
History
Prebalzi (2018-2019)
Origins and Early Rule under the Empire of Rivera (2018)
The roots of the Republic of Balzi can be traced back to 2018, under the rule of the Empire of Rivera, also referred to as the Riveran Gang (RVG Empire). This organization gained significant influence among the youth in Mainland Balzi, including Legue City. President Carl Miguel Salgado Victa, now the leader of Balzi, was originally a member of the Riveran Empire. During this period, Mainland Balzi, including Legue City, was controlled by the Riveran Empire from 2018 to 2019.
The centralized governance of Rivera led to dissatisfaction among various factions, which eventually culminated in the Montessorian Revolution. The movement aimed to break free from the Empire of Rivera’s control. On April 29, 2019, the revolution succeeded, marking the establishment of the Republic of the Montessori Legue.
Montessorian Revolution and Independence (2019)
April 29, 2019, is now celebrated as National Day in Balzi. On that day, under a heavy rain, President Carl Miguel Salgado Victa, together with General Donila, General Pengson, and General Jackson, raised the first Montessorian Flag in Legue City. This event symbolized the independence of the Montessori Legue from the Empire of Rivera. After gaining independence, the newly formed republic faced internal conflicts, primarily due to a power struggle between President Victa and his generals.
This internal unrest culminated in a Civil War, leading to the dissolution of the Montessori Legue and the birth of the First Unified Balzian Republic. To avoid further internal conflicts and to symbolize a new beginning, the name Balzi was adopted for the republic. President Carl Miguel Salgado Victa became the first President of the newly-formed Balzi, with General Donila serving as its first Vice President.
One of the earliest national projects in Balzi was a cleaning operation across Legue City, initiated and led by President Victa. This effort involved the cooperation of citizens and was seen as an important step in promoting civic responsibility in the new republic.
First Republican Era (2020-2021)
Expansion into International Micronational Affairs (2020)
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 significantly impacted the Republic of Balzi, as the Philippine government implemented widespread lockdowns. During this time, President Victa began exploring the world of micronations through social media. Inspired by micronations such as Molossia, Victa set out to establish Balzi as a player in the international micronational community.
In May 2020, President Victa engaged with the Nanosium Community on Nathan Arguelles’s YouTube channel, a popular platform for mappers and micronationalists. After exchanging contacts with Arguelles, Victa was welcomed into the Nanosium community on Messenger by Jhurysse Magtoto and James Angelo Nones, two fellow YouTube mappers. Their interest in micronations led to the creation of Nanosium, Blazetopia, and Esta-Grik (now the Region of Kratosia in Balzi).
These micronations, together with Balzi, formed the NanoZiTopium Alliance, the first formal alliance encountered by Balzi. President Victa was appointed as the chairman of the alliance. However, concerns over the alliance’s limited membership led to its dissolution in September 2020 and the establishment of the Accande Terrie Ornindo Organization on September 18, 2020, with Balzi holding the position of Secretary-General. This date, known as Liberation Day, is celebrated annually in Balzi as it marks a significant turning point in Philippine micronational affairs.
Rivalries and Conflict with the Association of Micronations in the Philippine Islands
The formation of the Accande Terrie Ornindo Organization triggered tension with the Association of Micronations in the Philippine Islands (AMPI), an existing micronational organization. During 2020, Balzi’s government focused on improving the Accande Terrie Ornindo under the leadership of President Victa. With increasing membership, the organization became more diverse and influential in the Philippine micronational community.
Balzi, at this time, briefly established Blazetopia as a colony and successfully integrated Esta-Grik, now Kratosia, as a region of Balzi. However, the rapid growth of the organization and its influence alarmed rival micronations, particularly AMPI. By January and February 2021, the Accande Terrie Ornindo began to experience internal strife, with many of its member nations leaving.
Dominion Under Renderfeit (2021-2022)
In response to the challenges facing the Accande Terrie Ornindo, President Rey Jr Mancio of Renderfeit extended an offer to Jhurysse Magtoto, leader of Blazetopia, to become part of Renderfeit’s sovereignty. Following this, President Victa pursued a similar agreement, seeking stability for Balzi. In July 2021, Balzi became a Coppacian Dominion of Renderfeit, while maintaining its autonomous operations within the Accande Terrie Ornindo.
During this period, Carl Miguel Salgado Victa served as both the Prime Minister of Balzi and Secretary-General of the Accande Terrie Ornindo. Notably, on August 4, 2021, Balzi granted its first citizenship outside of the Philippines to Tarun Batra from India.
By 2022, Balzi was actively involved in improving its standing within the Accande Terrie Ornindo, and the rivalry with AMPI began to wane due to AMPI’s decline. However, internal challenges within Balzi led to the drafting of the 2022 Constitution of Balzi, which President Victa and others have since sought to revise through charter change for greater autonomy.
Second Republican Era (2022-Present)
Balzi regained its independence from Renderfeit on July 5, 2022, a day now commemorated as Republic Day. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for Balzi, with a renewed focus on self-governance and international relations. In 2022, President Victa remained heavily focused on the Accande Terrie Ornindo, celebrating the organization’s Second Foundation Day on September 18. However, by 2024, Victa acknowledged that his excessive focus on the Accande Terrie Ornindo had been a strategic mistake.
Ravenian Crisis and Diplomatic Victory (2023)
In early 2023, Balzi faced its first major diplomatic crisis during the Ravenian Crisis. A new micronation, Ravenia, was discovered near the Mainland Balzi, which sparked tensions between Balzi and Monzen, a rival micronation. Both nations sought to influence Ravenia, with Balzi considering Monzen’s potential success a national threat.
Through diplomatic efforts, President Victa managed to secure Ravenia’s alignment with Balzi, marking a significant diplomatic victory over Monzen. This event also deepened the rivalry between President Victa and Matthew De Villa, the Chairman of Monzen.
The Marcha Vasillica, with lyrics drafted by President Victa, was officially declared the National Anthem of Balzi on August 18, 2024, through Presidential Decree No. 8. While national symbols, such as passports and identification cards, were considered for development in 2023, these projects were eventually discontinued.
The Present Era and Constitutional Reforms (2023-2024)
Following a period of relative inactivity in late 2023, Balzi made a significant comeback in early 2024. President Victa delivered a successful State of the Nation Address and initiated recruitment efforts, leading to a 540% increase in participation. On July 3, 2024, Victa dissolved the Senate and the 2022 Constitution, launching a Constitutional Convention tasked with drafting a new constitution. The Interim Government of Balzi was established, restoring the office of the Prime Minister.
Balzi today is a nation focused on self-improvement and advancing its standing in the global micronational community. Its history is marked by conflict, diplomacy, and an unwavering drive for sovereignty under the leadership of President Carl Miguel Salgado Victa.
International Relations
Balzi was elected as the First Secretary-General of the Accande Terrie Ornindo Organization at the convention in 2020 until 2024[6], and Balzi was also elected as the President of the General Assembly in February 2023 following cosloin's merge into the Government of Balzi.
Currently, the Legue's relations with Muskobina is still intense after the MonExit in the Accande Terrie Ornindo.
The Government of Balzi will look forward on establishing Bilateral Ties naming the countries of: Huajiangstan and Geronia which is both a member of the Accande Terrie Ornindo.
Balzi only recognizes a few nations:
- Hesminia, since 2 July 2022
- All member states of the United Nations, since 23 March 2023
- All current member states of Accande Terrie Ornindo, since 18 Sept 2020
- Curimae, since Feb 2023
- Arlandica, since 18 August 2024
Daily News
March 23, 2023 - 9:51 PM (PST): Legue to draft a New Constitution as an replacement for the 2022 Constitution.
March 23, 2023 - 2:00 PM (PST) President Carl Miguel Salgado Victa stated to address in the Weekly Reports of the ATO General Assembly in Balzian and English at the same time for the first time.
March 20, 2023: The Government of Balzi released a statement on requiring all of the citizens of Balzi to have a National Identification Card for security and credibility purposes. On March 20, 2023, Legue said to release a Presidential Decree on requiring all of the citizens of Balzi to have their own National Identification Card as part of the suggestion of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Nguyen Hoang Nam
March 18, 2023: The Accande Terrie Ornindo held it's Eleventh Session, led by President Carl Miguel Salgado Victa, also a Secretary-General of the Organization.
Notes
- ↑ English pronunciation: /ˈbɑːlsɪ/
- ↑ Balzian: ‘’Republika dos Balsi’’ /ˌre.pʊˈbli.kɑ dɔs ˈbɑl.si/
- ↑ The community engages in democratic processes to enhance governance and leadership skills, while strictly adhering to the laws and sovereignty of the Philippines.
References
- ↑ Tagalog.com. "Sangandaan." Tagalog.com Dictionary. Accessed August 10, 2024. https://www.tagalog.com/dictionary/sangandaan.
- ↑ Completing Quezon’s Dream: A Brief History of the Diliman Quadrangle and the Government Landmarks within. Lakbay ng Lakan. (2020, May 9). Retrieved from https://lakansining.wordpress.com/2020/05/09/completing-quezons-dream-a-brief-history-of-the-diliman-quadrangle-and-the-government-landmarks-within/
- ↑ Lakansining. (2020, April 22). Quezon City: The Philippine Commonwealth and the Founding of Quezon City (1934-1941). Lakansining. Retrieved August 10, 2024, from https://lakansining.wordpress.com/2020/04/22/quezon-city-the-philippine-commonwealth-and-the-founding-of-quezon-city-1934-1941/
- ↑ “History of Quezon City.” Presello. Accessed August 10, 2024.
- ↑ Presidential Decree No. 824. (1975). An Act Creating the Metropolitan Manila Commission, Defining Its Powers and Functions, and for Other Purposes. Retrieved from https://lawphil.net/statutes/presdecs/pd1975/pd_824_1975.html
- ↑ The President of Balzi, Carl Miguel Salgado Victa, appointed as the First Secretary-General of the Accande Terrie Ornindo Organization in September 18, 2020.