Whistland
Whistland,[a][b] officially the Region of Whistland,[c][d] is one of the eighteen regions in the Republic of Balzi. Located in Tabontabon and La Paz, Leyte, Philippines. The region was recently integrated into Balzi through the Mass Territorial and Regional Integration Convention, which took place on July 27, 2024. The capital of the region is Whitewood.
Whistland
Rehiyon ng Pislanda | |
|---|---|
Region | |
| Region of Whistland | |
  | |
 Flag  Seal | |
| Nickname: Land of the Sunset (Unofficial) | |
| Mottoes: Where the Sun Sets on a Day, and the Wind Carries Whispers of Tomorrow | |
| Anthem: | |
| Country |  Balzi |
| Regional Capital | Whitewood |
| Largest City | Monchaville 1,2 & 3 (Greenleaf - Former) |
| Smallest City | Victa (City of Victa - Annex) |
| Foundation | May 2023 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council |
| • Body | Whist Regional Authority (WRA) |
| • Governor | Jade Tolibas |
| • Vice Governor | Kennie Wisthley Cervantes |
| Demonyms | Whist, Whistian/Whistlandian |
History
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Whitewood Origin
The name "Whitewood" comes directly from the image of a white egret flying through a forest. The contrast of the egret's white plumage against the dark woods is what inspired the name. As the egret flies freely, its white wings light up the dark forest, creating a beautiful and inspiring sight. It's a simple combination of two elements found in nature, creating a sense of beauty and serenity. Whitewood represents a place of freedom and hope.
Flag Origin
My flag, with bands of white, gold, and crimson red inspired by a sunset, symbolizes purity, optimism, and passion. It reflects the beauty and transience of life, embodying hope, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of humanity.
— Jade Tolibas
The flag of Whistland features a tri-color band arrangement:
- White Band (Top): Symbolizes purity, peace, and the hope that remains as day ends.
- Yellow Band (Middle): Represents warmth, optimism, and the resilience of the human spirit.
- Red Band (Bottom): Embodies passion, courage, and determination in the face of change.
This design draws inspiration from the sunset, using colors to represent different aspects of life's journey. The flag’s arrangement highlights the transition from day to night, reflecting both the end of one cycle and the beginning of another.
Etymology and pronunciation
The name Whistland is derived from the words “whistle” and “land.” The name was chosen due to the presence of many trees in the region, especially bamboo, which creates a whistling sound when the wind blows. Additionally, the region is known for its singing birds. The term “land” signifies the area as a place or region.
The name Whistland is pronounced in English as /ˈwɪstˌlænd/, similar to the words “whist” as in “whistle” and “land.” In Waray, it is pronounced /ˈwistˌland/. The full term “Region of Whistland” is pronounced in English as /ˈriː.dʒən əv ˈwɪstˌlænd/, where “region” sounds like “reason” and “land” remains the same. In Waray, “Region of Whistland” is rendered as “Rehiyon han Whistland,” pronounced /ˈri.dʒi.ɔn hɒn ˈwistˌland/, with “Rehiyon” sounding somewhat similar to “reh-hee-yon.” The phrase “Rehiyon han Whistland” itself, when rendered in English, is pronounced as /reɪˈhiː.ɒn hən ˈwɪstˌlænd/, with “Rehiyon” having the sound of “ray-hee-yon” and “land” as in “band.” In Waray, the pronunciation remains /rɛˈhi.jon hɒn ˈwistˌland/. Similarly, “Rehiyon dos Whistland” is pronounced in English as /reɪˈhiː.ɒn dɔs ˈwɪstˌlænd/, where “dos” is pronounced like “dose.” In Waray, it is /rɛˈhi.jon dɔs ˈwistˌland/.
Notes
- ↑ English pronunciation: /ˈwɪstˌlænd/
- ↑ Waray: /ˈwistˌland/
- ↑ English pronunciation: /ˈriː.dʒən əv ˈwɪstˌlænd/
- ↑ Waray: ‘’Rehiyon han Whistland’’ /ˈri.dʒi.ɔn hɒn ˈwistˌland/