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Description

Here's something both different and familiar that I'd been working on: another new entry for the Doomsday-verse AU. And this one focuses on the Philippines and Southeast Asia in general from 1983: Doomsday. Aka, Maria Clara de la Cruz, Inang Bayan.

As much as possible, I tried to be as true to the source material as possible (seen in these links to name a few), though the consistency for the Southeast Asian portions of the "canon" aren't quite as solid as in previous maps. Though that being said, I have taken some liberties and creative licenses, such as elaborating more on the A.N.Z.C. (as some details hadn't quite been fleshed out in the source material). I also, admittedly liked working on this one, not just for the wealth of content and opportunity to delve more in a less spotlighted portion of the globe. But also out of, I suppose, a sense of patriotism and inspiration from, of all things a bittersweet 1970s Filipino song titled Bato sa Buhangin (Rock on Sand), a Victorian guitar cover version of wgich was recently used in the historical war film Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (Goyo: The Boy General).

Also, on a last note, similarly to "Lady Liberty," "Inang Bayan" pops up a bit.

At any rate, hope you enjoy!

----

Compared to many other parts of the world, Southeast Asia was largely spared from the direct impact of Doomsday. While this was cold comfort in light of social unrest, political turmoil, radioactive fallout and throngs of refugees especing the night The Philippines, however, bore the better bulk of the few nuclear weapons that were targeted there that fateful day on the 26th of September, 1983. Which makes its resurgence as a regional power not only that much more startling and in more than one respect representative of the wider region's successes.

Although the Philippines was a "minor" blip in the wider context of the Cold War, as a consequence Mutually Assured Destruction and being a key American ally in the region, Doomsday would not spare the so-called "Pearl of the Orient." Soviet nuclear warheads were detonated at U.S. military targets, namely Clark Air Base (near Olongapo, Zambales Province), Subic Naval Base (near Angeles, Pampanga Province) and Camp John Hay (in Baguio, Benguet Province), destroying them and the surrounding countryside. Emergency plans were hastily put into action, prompting the evacuation of much of Central Luzon to various evacuation centers over the course of several weeks. Amidst growing unrest and an economy stuttered almost to a standstill, President Ferdinand Marcos reinstated martial law from an increasingly depopulated Manila as the government dispersed into the provinces. As draconian as the "Indefinite Emergency" was, however, it allowed the Bagong Lipunan ("New Society") regime to quickly stabilize the nation amidst the growing realization among Filipinos (especially as largely Cantonese and Hookien refugees from a seemingly obliterated China began arriving in boats) that they may be the last beacon of Christian civilization on Earth. Yet the measures came at great cost, including rumors of forced refugee expulsions at gunpoint and mysterious disappearances of political dissidents. In late 1986, classified documents were leaked into the public by former members of Marcos' inner circle, confirming among many the crimes committed by that man's orders.

Then in 1987, several activists and Catholic clergymen who had blocked themselves inside the old Radio Veritas Building in Manila were massacred by military personnel. At that point, necessity and survival had given way to renewed upheaval, as Marcos' grip on the nation grew increasingly weaker. Various elements of Filipino society, be it traditionalists, the Communist N.P.A. (New People's Army) or even the Islamic M.N.L.F. (Moro National Liberation Front) found common cause in deposing the dictator, who by then had taken sanctuary in the "administrative citadel" in the Cordilleras that had come to be named New Baguio. It all culminated on the 21st of June that same year, as peaceful marches proclaiming solidarity and faith broke out nationwide. Around the same time, rebellious soldiers with a "Mandate of the People" (and under the direct command of former inner circle member Juan Ponce Enrile) seized control, arresting Marcos and his remaining staff. Thus, ended the so-called "Bloodless Coup of '87," with nary a shot fired, and the Third Republic of the Philippines was declared. It would be several months of painful transition, however, involving Enrile and a new National Commission (comprised of surviving congressmen, senators and representatives from various groups), before proper elections were held and a Revised Constitution to even be drafted. Still, as Salvador Laurel was inaugurated as President on the 6th of January, 1988 in Kawit, Cavite, a new dawn had risen for the Inang Bayan.

In the years that followed, various ambitious and far-reaching plans were put into action to put the country back from the brink, going far beyond simply building new roads, seeding new farmland or reopening factories. By the end of the 1980s, Manila and its vicinity were rechristened Manila-N.C.R. (National Capital Region) as efforts began on not just repopulating the metropolis, but rehabilitating it based on Daniel Burnham's old city designs, among others. Even the government managed to pacify both the N.P.A. and M.N.L.F. with relative success, by 1993 contact was made with the Taiwanese Republic of China to the north and with the isolated Malaysian authorities in Sabah, the latter soon brought under Filipino control (and assimilated in 1995). Meanwhile, with the old provincial and district divisions becoming more inefficient to cope with domestic and political interests, support rose for the existing administrative system above the barangay level to be thoroughly redrawn along cultural and economic lines. With the passing of the 1994 Reorganization Act, that too came to pass, which not only further stabilizing the nation and cultivating greater federalism, but also gave the Muslim groups of Mindanao effective autonomy as the League of Moro Sultanates, or Bangsamoro. Slowly but surely, Filipinos were managing to pick themselves up and restore their dignity. As it soon turned out, however, they were not as alone as once thought.

In 1992, the USS Benjamin Franklin was on a return voyage to Australia around the vicinity of the Spratly Islands when it reported receiving garbled, faint radio signals in "mixed English and Tagalog" coming from Palawan and as far as Luzon, followed by unconfirmed sightings of naval vessels at the edge of its radar. While these hinted to what would become the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand (A.N.Z.C.) that some surviving shred of civilization might be present, it wasn't until 1996 that a recon force was sent to the Philippines to confirm growing rumors, arriving off the coast of Davao. In a landmark meeting that culminated in a tour of Manila-N.C.R., broadcast across the country and beyond, the Filipinos were once more "rediscovered" by the outside world and learned for the first time just how much the Earth had changed since Doomsday. Among the most affected were the many American "nationals" (mainly soldiers, tourists, expats and embassy staff) that found themselves stranded in 1983, especially upon learning that not only was the United States as they knew it dead as far as anyone knew, but the "American Provisional Administration" under "President" George H.W. Bush was dissolved a year earlier. While many (including U.S. Ambassador Michael Armacost), welcomed the offer to move to Australia in the weeks after, several also chose to remain as "naturalized Filipinos."

Since that time, the Philippines has emerged as one of the so-called "tigers" of Southeast Asia. A semi-federal democracy currently under President Manuel Villiar, the country has continued Laurel's "Pag-asa para sa Bagong Milenyo" (Hope for the New Millennium) initiative, even beyond its original purpose. Not only does it maintain strong ties with the A.N.Z.C. and Taiwan, but since 2005 it's rekindled historic connections with the Empire of Japan, being among the first to break through the new Sakoku policy that existed back then. Despite the turmoil of the 1980s and early 1990s, most of its infrastructure not only remained intact but had been improved upon over the years, with the authorities continuing to offer incentives to resettle and restore the "Restricted Zones." While still primarily based on both agriculture and mid-industry, the economy has since grown to encompass tourism, real estate and myriad ventures. This in turn is thanks in part to the surviving Filipino Diaspora (such as "Overseas Professionals") and the survival of powerful local corporations such as Ayala Enterprises (which owns around 20% of Taiwanese real estate properties) Lopez and Associates (which operates several media, energy and manufacturing companies) and SM Group (a conglomerate with various financial and commercial investments). Some Filipino entrepreneurs have also gone so far as to promote homegrown products, be it the M1-X Maharlika rifle (meant to replace the aging M-14 and M-16 rifles used by the Armed Forces) or the more controversial "hydro-engine" for automobiles. Granted, some tensions remain with the Sultanate of Brunei-Sarawak over the borders along Sabah and the continuing presence of the Armed Forces there, itself described as potent despite being anachronistic by modern standards (with some equipment dating back to just after World War 2). Which is not to ignore the lingering vestiges of corruption (often involving political dynasties and business families), integration problems with some of the more insular Chinese-Filipino groups and the still persistent presence of poverty, though not the same degree as it was decades ago. These issues, however, have failed to dampen the overall vibrant state of domestic affairs, or hinder the nation's prestige as a founding member of the restored League of Nations.

Much as it was before Doomsday, Filipino culture is a melange of indigenous, Chinese, Spanish, and American influences which is also reflective in the dominant Austronesian, mestizo ethnic groups that make up the majority of Filipinos. Even to this day, centuries of Hispanization can be felt in the conservative countryside as well as the otherwise more Americanized, cosmopolitan nature of urban life. English and Filipino (a Tagalog-derived lingua franca incorporating English, Spanish and various native tongues) are the official national languages, though others such as Cebuano and Chavacano (a Spanish creole) are widely used. But whether one's Christian or Muslim, Communist or Traditionalist, the experiences of Doomsday and the Indefinite Emergency have not only bolstered fervent nationalism among otherwise disparate members of society. But they have also strengthened common Filipino values, such as community, family and faith, even among the Western expats and Chinese-Filipino refugees. It is not for nothing that foreign observers have remarked how these played (and continue to play) a major role in the country being like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

With its renewed commitments with other Southeast Asian nations that have similarly turned their fortunes, notably Singapore, Indonesia and long since democratic Republic of Vietnam (the only other country in the region to have been attacked with nuclear weapons), the Inang Bayan or Motherland, as Filipinos tend to fondly call their country, seems poised for a fairly promising future. Though some wounds from Doomsday are less visible than others. For while many still bear some anger over the U.S. for its part in almost ending the world, similarly to how the Japanese were forgiven for World War 2, most have come to not only forgive the Americans and their children, but have gradually developed a bittersweet nostalgia for what could have been.

But as New America, once believed to be nonexistent until its "discovery" in 2009, begins reaching out to the Pacific, it remains an open question of the Inang Bayan will welcome "Lady Liberty" or not.

-----

As a disclaimer, I don't own 1983: Doomsday, which belongs to its respective owners. Neither is this meant to be a deliberate political/ideological/propaganda screed of any kind.

-----

Alpine Confederation Map-File (Earlier)
Alpine Confederation Map-File (Updated/Revised)
Kingdom of Prussia Map-File
United Magyaria Map-File (Possible Future)
Hungary's Children: Region Profile 2012 (Revised)
Celtic Alliance Map-File
Nordic Union Map-File
Canada Map-File
Flags of Europe: A 1983 Doomsday Map
America Reborn: A 1983 Doomsday Map-Profile

Description

Here's something both different and familiar that I'd been working on: another new entry for the Doomsday-verse AU. And this one focuses on the Philippines and Southeast Asia in general from 1983: Doomsday. Aka, Maria Clara de la Cruz, Inang Bayan.

As much as possible, I tried to be as true to the source material as possible (seen in these links to name a few), though the consistency for the Southeast Asian portions of the "canon" aren't quite as solid as in previous maps. Though that being said, I have taken some liberties and creative licenses, such as elaborating more on the A.N.Z.C. (as some details hadn't quite been fleshed out in the source material). I also, admittedly liked working on this one, not just for the wealth of content and opportunity to delve more in a less spotlighted portion of the globe. But also out of, I suppose, a sense of patriotism and inspiration from, of all things a bittersweet 1970s Filipino song titled Bato sa Buhangin (Rock on Sand), a Victorian guitar cover version of wgich was recently used in the historical war film Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (Goyo: The Boy General).

Also, on a last note, similarly to "Lady Liberty," "Inang Bayan" pops up a bit.

At any rate, hope you enjoy!

----

Compared to many other parts of the world, Southeast Asia was largely spared from the direct impact of Doomsday. While this was cold comfort in light of social unrest, political turmoil, radioactive fallout and throngs of refugees especing the night The Philippines, however, bore the better bulk of the few nuclear weapons that were targeted there that fateful day on the 26th of September, 1983. Which makes its resurgence as a regional power not only that much more startling and in more than one respect representative of the wider region's successes.

Although the Philippines was a "minor" blip in the wider context of the Cold War, as a consequence Mutually Assured Destruction and being a key American ally in the region, Doomsday would not spare the so-called "Pearl of the Orient." Soviet nuclear warheads were detonated at U.S. military targets, namely Clark Air Base (near Olongapo, Zambales Province), Subic Naval Base (near Angeles, Pampanga Province) and Camp John Hay (in Baguio, Benguet Province), destroying them and the surrounding countryside. Emergency plans were hastily put into action, prompting the evacuation of much of Central Luzon to various evacuation centers over the course of several weeks. Amidst growing unrest and an economy stuttered almost to a standstill, President Ferdinand Marcos reinstated martial law from an increasingly depopulated Manila as the government dispersed into the provinces. As draconian as the "Indefinite Emergency" was, however, it allowed the Bagong Lipunan ("New Society") regime to quickly stabilize the nation amidst the growing realization among Filipinos (especially as largely Cantonese and Hookien refugees from a seemingly obliterated China began arriving in boats) that they may be the last beacon of Christian civilization on Earth. Yet the measures came at great cost, including rumors of forced refugee expulsions at gunpoint and mysterious disappearances of political dissidents. In late 1986, classified documents were leaked into the public by former members of Marcos' inner circle, confirming among many the crimes committed by that man's orders.

Then in 1987, several activists and Catholic clergymen who had blocked themselves inside the old Radio Veritas Building in Manila were massacred by military personnel. At that point, necessity and survival had given way to renewed upheaval, as Marcos' grip on the nation grew increasingly weaker. Various elements of Filipino society, be it traditionalists, the Communist N.P.A. (New People's Army) or even the Islamic M.N.L.F. (Moro National Liberation Front) found common cause in deposing the dictator, who by then had taken sanctuary in the "administrative citadel" in the Cordilleras that had come to be named New Baguio. It all culminated on the 21st of June that same year, as peaceful marches proclaiming solidarity and faith broke out nationwide. Around the same time, rebellious soldiers with a "Mandate of the People" (and under the direct command of former inner circle member Juan Ponce Enrile) seized control, arresting Marcos and his remaining staff. Thus, ended the so-called "Bloodless Coup of '87," with nary a shot fired, and the Third Republic of the Philippines was declared. It would be several months of painful transition, however, involving Enrile and a new National Commission (comprised of surviving congressmen, senators and representatives from various groups), before proper elections were held and a Revised Constitution to even be drafted. Still, as Salvador Laurel was inaugurated as President on the 6th of January, 1988 in Kawit, Cavite, a new dawn had risen for the Inang Bayan.

In the years that followed, various ambitious and far-reaching plans were put into action to put the country back from the brink, going far beyond simply building new roads, seeding new farmland or reopening factories. By the end of the 1980s, Manila and its vicinity were rechristened Manila-N.C.R. (National Capital Region) as efforts began on not just repopulating the metropolis, but rehabilitating it based on Daniel Burnham's old city designs, among others. Even the government managed to pacify both the N.P.A. and M.N.L.F. with relative success, by 1993 contact was made with the Taiwanese Republic of China to the north and with the isolated Malaysian authorities in Sabah, the latter soon brought under Filipino control (and assimilated in 1995). Meanwhile, with the old provincial and district divisions becoming more inefficient to cope with domestic and political interests, support rose for the existing administrative system above the barangay level to be thoroughly redrawn along cultural and economic lines. With the passing of the 1994 Reorganization Act, that too came to pass, which not only further stabilizing the nation and cultivating greater federalism, but also gave the Muslim groups of Mindanao effective autonomy as the League of Moro Sultanates, or Bangsamoro. Slowly but surely, Filipinos were managing to pick themselves up and restore their dignity. As it soon turned out, however, they were not as alone as once thought.

In 1992, the USS Benjamin Franklin was on a return voyage to Australia around the vicinity of the Spratly Islands when it reported receiving garbled, faint radio signals in "mixed English and Tagalog" coming from Palawan and as far as Luzon, followed by unconfirmed sightings of naval vessels at the edge of its radar. While these hinted to what would become the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand (A.N.Z.C.) that some surviving shred of civilization might be present, it wasn't until 1996 that a recon force was sent to the Philippines to confirm growing rumors, arriving off the coast of Davao. In a landmark meeting that culminated in a tour of Manila-N.C.R., broadcast across the country and beyond, the Filipinos were once more "rediscovered" by the outside world and learned for the first time just how much the Earth had changed since Doomsday. Among the most affected were the many American "nationals" (mainly soldiers, tourists, expats and embassy staff) that found themselves stranded in 1983, especially upon learning that not only was the United States as they knew it dead as far as anyone knew, but the "American Provisional Administration" under "President" George H.W. Bush was dissolved a year earlier. While many (including U.S. Ambassador Michael Armacost), welcomed the offer to move to Australia in the weeks after, several also chose to remain as "naturalized Filipinos."

Since that time, the Philippines has emerged as one of the so-called "tigers" of Southeast Asia. A semi-federal democracy currently under President Manuel Villiar, the country has continued Laurel's "Pag-asa para sa Bagong Milenyo" (Hope for the New Millennium) initiative, even beyond its original purpose. Not only does it maintain strong ties with the A.N.Z.C. and Taiwan, but since 2005 it's rekindled historic connections with the Empire of Japan, being among the first to break through the new Sakoku policy that existed back then. Despite the turmoil of the 1980s and early 1990s, most of its infrastructure not only remained intact but had been improved upon over the years, with the authorities continuing to offer incentives to resettle and restore the "Restricted Zones." While still primarily based on both agriculture and mid-industry, the economy has since grown to encompass tourism, real estate and myriad ventures. This in turn is thanks in part to the surviving Filipino Diaspora (such as "Overseas Professionals") and the survival of powerful local corporations such as Ayala Enterprises (which owns around 20% of Taiwanese real estate properties) Lopez and Associates (which operates several media, energy and manufacturing companies) and SM Group (a conglomerate with various financial and commercial investments). Some Filipino entrepreneurs have also gone so far as to promote homegrown products, be it the M1-X Maharlika rifle (meant to replace the aging M-14 and M-16 rifles used by the Armed Forces) or the more controversial "hydro-engine" for automobiles. Granted, some tensions remain with the Sultanate of Brunei-Sarawak over the borders along Sabah and the continuing presence of the Armed Forces there, itself described as potent despite being anachronistic by modern standards (with some equipment dating back to just after World War 2). Which is not to ignore the lingering vestiges of corruption (often involving political dynasties and business families), integration problems with some of the more insular Chinese-Filipino groups and the still persistent presence of poverty, though not the same degree as it was decades ago. These issues, however, have failed to dampen the overall vibrant state of domestic affairs, or hinder the nation's prestige as a founding member of the restored League of Nations.

Much as it was before Doomsday, Filipino culture is a melange of indigenous, Chinese, Spanish, and American influences which is also reflective in the dominant Austronesian, mestizo ethnic groups that make up the majority of Filipinos. Even to this day, centuries of Hispanization can be felt in the conservative countryside as well as the otherwise more Americanized, cosmopolitan nature of urban life. English and Filipino (a Tagalog-derived lingua franca incorporating English, Spanish and various native tongues) are the official national languages, though others such as Cebuano and Chavacano (a Spanish creole) are widely used. But whether one's Christian or Muslim, Communist or Traditionalist, the experiences of Doomsday and the Indefinite Emergency have not only bolstered fervent nationalism among otherwise disparate members of society. But they have also strengthened common Filipino values, such as community, family and faith, even among the Western expats and Chinese-Filipino refugees. It is not for nothing that foreign observers have remarked how these played (and continue to play) a major role in the country being like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

With its renewed commitments with other Southeast Asian nations that have similarly turned their fortunes, notably Singapore, Indonesia and long since democratic Republic of Vietnam (the only other country in the region to have been attacked with nuclear weapons), the Inang Bayan or Motherland, as Filipinos tend to fondly call their country, seems poised for a fairly promising future. Though some wounds from Doomsday are less visible than others. For while many still bear some anger over the U.S. for its part in almost ending the world, similarly to how the Japanese were forgiven for World War 2, most have come to not only forgive the Americans and their children, but have gradually developed a bittersweet nostalgia for what could have been.

But as New America, once believed to be nonexistent until its "discovery" in 2009, begins reaching out to the Pacific, it remains an open question of the Inang Bayan will welcome "Lady Liberty" or not.

-----

As a disclaimer, I don't own 1983: Doomsday, which belongs to its respective owners. Neither is this meant to be a deliberate political/ideological/propaganda screed of any kind.

-----

Alpine Confederation Map-File (Earlier)
Alpine Confederation Map-File (Updated/Revised)
Kingdom of Prussia Map-File
United Magyaria Map-File (Possible Future)
Hungary's Children: Region Profile 2012 (Revised)
Celtic Alliance Map-File
Nordic Union Map-File
Canada Map-File
Flags of Europe: A 1983 Doomsday Map
America Reborn: A 1983 Doomsday Map-Profile