PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF FILINDOSTAN
GeographyFilindostan is a small archipelago located at the depths of Esportiva. This nation is inhabited by Filindostanis, a portmanteau of the words Filis (OOC: Filipino) and Indos (OOC: Indonesian). It consists of four islands of nearly equal land mass. The four islands are named Pelita Raya, Tanjung Pagi, which are Indos-dominated, Kabishawan, and Kabunuklan which as Filis-dominated.
Map of Filindostan The capital of Filindostan is San Marco, and also its largest city in the Kabishawan Island. Although the capital also generates the most income and money for the nation, there are three other metropolitan cities, one in each other island. In Tanjung Pagi, the city of Jakulta is one of the cultural centers of the nation due to its history as the "other capital". San Rafael is known as the greenest city in the nation due to its lush forest and surrounding mountain ranges - there is only one major road that can access the metropolitan area there. The last one is the Tricities of Pelita Raya. Despite the long distance of Bandaroon from the other two of the Tricities, an expressway is connected such that travel time from either of Bandariyan and Bandarito only takes thirty minutes.
Due to the archipelagic nature of the nation, the primary mode of transportation in Filindostan is via air and sea travel. Inter-island airlines have been known and is a popular choice for people due to the promos they offer - in spite of this, air travel in the nation is not much regulated, as a result, only the Nasional Air, the state-owned airline, deemed to be the safest among the carriers, is the only airline allowed to fly passengers in international flights. The maritime transportation however is heavily regulated, with competing shipping lines and some small ships ply the seas to ferry passengers to different islands. This is because despite having bridges from the Kabishawan island to the other islands, there are no bridges connecting the other islands with each other. Bus travel within the islands themselves is a common sight, with San Lomar Bus Lines holding the monopoly of the bus operations in the outer islands. There are some routes that go beyond the islands via the bridges, but the SLC also monopolized the routes there.
There have been plans to interconnect the islands via three major bridges, but it is still in the planning phase due to right-of-way issues.
EconomyFilindostan is a third-world country by multiversal standards. Despite this, economists believe that the Filindostani economy and commerce are strong enough to withstand movements in the stock market and global recession. This is due to the fact that the pineapple and banana exports are one of the forte of the nation. There are many plantation of bananas in Pelita Raya and pineapples in Kabunuklan. Add the tourism income generated from Jakulta and San Rafael which makes Filindostan a good place to invest in.
The national currency of Filindostan is Rupeso/Rupiso (OOC: portmanteau of Rupiah and Peso/Piso, the national currencies of Indonesia and Philippines respectively). 1 NS Dollar is equivalent to around 100 to 115 rupesos.
People and CultureFilindostani is the demonym of Filindostan. According to the latest census done in 90002, the population of Filindostan is 36,475,103, with 56 percent of the population being Indos and 44 percent being Filis. Majority of the Indos live in the islands of Tanjung Pagi and Pelita Raya, while Kabunuklan hosts many of the Filis portion of the population. In Kabishawan, around 65 percent are Filis and the rest are Indos.
Majority of the Filindostani population are Christians, forming 70 percent of the population - 95 percent of Filis and 50 percent of Indos. Twenty-five percent are Muslim while a meager five percent are atheists.
Festivals are a commonplace in the nation, with most fiestas being held in Jakulta, the capital of culture in Filindostan. Festivals ranged from flower festivals, to celebration of tunas, to football. Filindostanis are generally warm and hospitable, but sometimes can be worse as internet trolls.
Filindostanis are also generally present in social media - they even have their own social media platform.
GovernmentThe government of Filindostan is a Democratic Socialist government led by President Dorigo Dutete and Vice President Renee Leonido. While they form the executive branch with the government's cabinet, the legislative branch is led by the congress, with three representatives per island form the upper congress - also called the Senate, and the lower congress, where each town or city being represented along with representatives of the marginalized groups, such as farmers, teachers or tricycle drivers.
National elections are done every four years - the last being the year 90000. Dutete has held the presidency since 89979 when his forces deposed the communist government. Presidents have unlimited terms, but once declared incapable to lead the country, the leader must step down from his/her position.
SportsFilindostanis participated in the survey done during the national census in 90002 in which they were asked their favorite sport. A whopping 59 percent of the 12 and above population answered football as their favorite, followed by basketball, which gathered 28 percent, and 9 percent answered volleyball. Other sports included are rugby, handball and motor racing.
The most storied rivalry in Filindostani sports is the one between two San Marco teams, Fortunas and Venividicci. The two teams dominated football and basketball festivals, and games between them turned into social media spats and riots along San Marco.
Islands and VenuesFor the tournament, Four groups of six are divided into four islands, with each island hosting one group. Three venues per island, listed by priority, were submitted to the SBF, with venue accreditation assisted by the Filindostani National Sports Commission (FNSC). The primary venue hosts two of the three matchday games, whereas the secondary venue hosts the remaining game. A tertiary venue is provided for teams to practice, and will host one of the games for the last matchday, if necessary. Access to the secondary and tertiary venues for the group stage of the tournament in Filindostan are free provided they purchased tickets for at least a matchday game in the primary venue.
For the knockout rounds, Yogyakulta, San Marco, Kabanalan, and Jakulta will host two games each.
Kabishawan IslandKabishawan (ka-bis-ha-wan) is the name of the island at the center of Filindostan. It is comprised of one highly urbanized city, a third class municipality, and two fifth class municipalities. Its lone city is San Marco, which is also its capital. This is the gateway to Filindostan, as the main airport is located here, and many buses, mostly owned by San Lomar Bus Lines, ply around the archipelago. Many of the offices and headquarters of many agencies are located in San Marco, being the busiest city in Filindostan. As such, heavy traffic is already a norm, especially in the city center. The government has proposed to decongest San Marco - Fipocor, the national power distribution cooperative in the nation, moved their offices from the capital to the southern Kabishawan in the town of Kabanalan. The government also decided to build the international airport and the then Islandic Stadium near the border of San Marco and Bagtasan.
Usually the cost of living in Kabishawan is high, due to the urban status of San Marco and its proximity to commercial buildings. Residential units usually cost 15 to 25 million Rupesos, which is five to ten times the cost of units in Jakulta, San Rafael or even Bandarito. Despite that, the transportation system in Kabishawan (especially in San Marco) is one of the most efficient in the country.
VenuesAnetta Coliseum, San Marco (capacity - 17,257)
The Anetta Coliseum is one of the oldest sporting venues in Filindostan. Built in 89965, the arena has hosted multiple Filindostani referendums, basketball league games, concerts, boxing matches, and Hastags concerts. This is also a designated venue for the IUBC in the event of no host bids from other countries. Located in the city center and a train station dedicated to it, the arena is one of the most accessible sport venues in Filindostan. The arena is sponsored by Ismart, one of the biggest telecommunications company in the nation.
The only tenants of this arena are the national basketball and volleyball teams of Filindostan. Sometimes, Venividicci or Fortunas' home games against each other take place here. The arena security is very strict and tight, but with the right price, contrabands (illegal items) can be smuggled into the arena, save for explosive devices and deadly weapons. Games are usually jampacked, as this sport is the most popular in the Filindostani capital.
This arena will host two of Group G games. For the playoffs, one Round of 16 game and the finals of the IBC 27 will be held here.
Kabanalan Astrodome, Kabanalan (capacity - 12,629)
The Kabanalan Astrodome, commonly known as Astrodome, is one of the arenas in Kabanalan, that is capable of hosting international games. Briefly owned by the Fipocor cooperative when they moved their offices from San Marco, the arena is now owned by the owners of the Kabanalan Sports Club 90004 sports club, and a major upgrade is being planned at the completion of the tournament.
The remaining Group G match from MD1 to MD9 will take place here. For the playoffs, one Round of 16 game and one quarterfinals game will be held here.
Universiti Nasional Pilindostan Gymnasium, San Marco (capacity - 500 with standing areas)
This is the home of the Universiti Nasional Pilindostan Luntiang Aguilas (UNP Green Eagles), playing in the UCAAF and will participate in their first NSCAA season. The gymnasium is large, but it is not only used in basketball but for other indoor sports. Bleachers can be setup in ten minutes, and can provide support and training venues to participating teams in the IBC.
One Group G game for Matchday 10 will be held here if necessary.
Tanjung PagiTanjung Pagi (tan-jung pa-gi) is the easternmost island in Filindostan, comprised of one component city, a second class municipality, and three fifth class municipalities. These are: Jakulta City (city center of Tanjung Pagi and the Filindostani Capital of Culture), Massakar, Bonjing, Menodo and Bogo. Jakulta is one of the known tourist destinations in Filindostan (OOC: Think the beach life in Bali plus the waves of Siargao/La Union), having a city center with a lively night market, a white sands beach on the northwest portion of the city and a wavy and trechearous Filindostani Deep at the northeast portion. It also has a heritage site where streets made of blocks and kalesa and stone-age houses (OOC: Think Vigan) near the Jakulta Esportiva Stadium.
The cost of living in Tanjung Pagi is not that expensive than the likes of San Marco in Kabishawan. However, if you are a tourist or a visitor, then you'll be tempted to spend big for a week-long tour along Jakulta. I'm talking about the locals here - visitors may take a hard time looking for accommodation in Jakulta, and some are a bit pricey. Pro tip: rent a car and get a house-for-rent in either Bogo or Bonjing, which is south of Jakulta.
VenuesJakultarena, Jakulta (capacity - 16,830)
Jakultarena is one of the newer indoor venues in Filindostan. Primarily used for the national badminton championships, the arena holds 16,830 in a basketball configuration, with adjustable lower box and VIP areas. The air conditioning in this arena is superb, such that the crowd are advised to wear jackets or bonnets to avoid catching colds. This is the home arena of the FBA's recent champions, Perokojak.
Two Group F games, a round of sixteen and the Filindostani side of the semifinals will be held here.
Massakar Sports Garden, Massakar (capacity - 8,763)
Massakar Sports Garden was built to cater to Massakar's growing population and to be the regional center for indoor sports development in Tanjung Pagi. Home to the quasi-regional team, Perotapam, the arena has acceptable amenities, and a well-maintained ventilation system. The arena has room for redevelopment, and can be expanded up to double its current capacity.
One Group F game per matchday will be held here.
Hendri Barsak Memorial Coliseum, Jakulta (capacity - 3,091)
Named after Universiti Tanjung Pagi-Jakulta's founder, Hendri Barsak, the Memorial Coliseum is the home gymnasium of the Pink Lions. One of the largest gymnasiums in Tanjung Pagi and in Filindostan, the well-maintained arena, with art deco designs, this is almost always selected as venues for different scientific conferences, as well as regional commencement exercises, with permission from the university itself, and various concerts. This arena, unlike other schools, has a separate security system from its campus premises.
A matchday 10 game if necessary for Group F will be held here.
Pelita RayaPelita Raya (pe-li-ta ra-ya) is the westernmost island in Filindostan and is comprised of three component cities, and three fifth class municipalities. The so-called Tri-Cities are located in this island - Bandarito, Bandariyan, and Bandaroon (ban-da-ro-on). The other towns in the island are West Rava, Gurunsing, and Yogyakulta. Like Kabunuklan, the island is full of trees and lush forests along Bandaroon and most of its towns. Despite lagging behind Kabishawan and Tanjung Pagi in terms of economy and tourism, the Island prides itself with the fishing industry, particularly in the outskirts of Bandaroon, West Rava and Yogyakulta.
Many seafood restaurants are located here, testament of the fishing industry the island has. In Bandarito alone, there are tens of known 'dampa' (OOC: place where you can pick live fish and cook them with your desired meals), which may be covered in an upcoming article. Cost of living is much lower compared to the other two islands, but the quality of accommodations is inferior to the two islands but superior to Kabunuklan, which is considered to be the most remote of the four.
VenuesArena Olahraga Yogyakulta, Kota Otonomo Yogyakulta (capacity - 14,271)
Home to Perokotyog, one of the expansion teams in the previous FBA season, the arena is one of the most modern arenas in Pelita Raya. With budget from the assignment of the old municipality as one of the autonomous cities in the island, there are reasons why this venue, despite a two hour land trip from Bandaroon's airport, was selected over old but passable venues from Bandarito and Bandariyan. Since the cityhood, several high-rise condominiums and apartments were built around the arena, so lodging won't be an issue, unlike in the other two of the so-called tri-cities.
Two Group E games per matchday, one Round of 16 and one quarterfinals game will be held in this arena.
Bandaroon Arena, Bandaroon (capacity - 7,172)
This arena, known as Maskapai Regional Pilindo Arena for sponsorship purposes, was built almost adjacent to the regional airport in Bandaroon. There are plans to further expand the arena to 14,000 once the tournament is completed, and once these plans come to fruition, their local basketball team, Perotres, will be moving in from their current Puroll Arena. They are known for good comfort rooms, and strict security, however, the noises of departing jet planes may cause disruptions to games, which they mitigated by noise-dissipating architecture. Once the expansion commences, they will have to re-do the architecture considering their problem.
One Group E game per matchday will occur in the Bandaroon Arena.
University of Western Filindostan Bandaroon Gymnasium, Bandaroon (capacity - 850)
Home of the UWF-B Red Seahawks, this air-conditioned gymnasium can hold up to 850 people all in bleachers, and is located 20 minutes away from the Bandaroon Airport. One of the most prestigious universities in Filindostan and in Pelita Raya, and one of the perennial contenders in UCAAF basketball due to their strong reputation and recruitment program, before they were upended by UNP Green Eagles, and then UTP-J Pink Lions.
A matchday 10 game if necessary for Group E will be held here.
KabunuklanKabunuklan (ka-bu-nuk-lan) is the southernmost and the most remote of the four islands in Filindostan. It consists of a component city (San Rafael), a second class municipality (San Mameng), and three fifth class municipalities (Tapia, Sinukabang-Kambing,and Birdinuguan). The other four towns in this island is almost covered by forest and plains, which is also featured in the city center itself. They take farming , responsible foresting and mining as their main source of income - and let's not forget that the San Lomar Bus Lines main office and bus depot is located in San Mameng, which was established to solve the transportation problems that lie in this island. Once the company got bigger and bigger, they focused on routes out of the capital city San Marco.
Of the four islands, this one's the least prosperous in terms of money and cost of living. The island also suffers from poor network coverage as only San Rafael and San Mameng have good quality of mobile network in the area. Due to the remoteness of the island, there is almost less to none night life in the towns, except for San Mameng and of course, the city of San Rafael. Also, this is the only island with no airport - Roll-on-Roll-off (RORO) ships are the only mode of transportation between Kabishawan and Kabunuklan besides the cramped up bridge in San Mameng.
VenuesSan Rafael Sports Center, San Rafael (capacity - 10,284)
One of the oldest built arenas in Filindostan, 'The Sports Center' has been renovated many times throughout the years to provide indoor sports development to the City and to the entire Kabunuklan region. The latest renovation work to done was to change the ventilation system to a full air-conditioned arena, in preparation for Wardogs' FBA entry last season. In a survey held last season, the best food products came from this arena, and the providers of their products can show it to the international crowd visiting the country.
Two Group H games per matchday will be held in this arena.
San Mameng Athletic Arena, San Mameng (capacity - 5,069)
Among the eight primary and secondary arenas for Filindostan, this is one of the least preferred by the bid committee, showing the lack of sporting infrastructure in Kabunuklan, and one of the reasons why sports teams here fail to flourish, apart from big teams and universities snagging them at youth or collegiate level. Despite several maintenance issues to its ventilation, the facility is still passable, thanks to the municipal government providing portable air coolers around the arena.
One Group H game per matchday will be held here.
San Rafael University Gymnasium, San Rafael (capacity - 2,084)
Home to one of the biggest local universities in Filindostan, the San Rafael University Gymnasium is the venue of not only the home games of the Golden Bulldogs, but also the indoor sports of the Kabunuklan Games Festival held every end of the year. The bid committee only considered San Mameng as the secondary arena due to the capacity of the former compared to the latter. Should the gym can hold at least 80 percent of the capacity of San Mameng, this could have been the secondary arena instead.
A matchday 10 game for Group H, if necessary, will take place here.