Press Release
From the Office of the Prime Minister
Birland State
Prime Minister Celebrates Valentine’s Day and Birland’s Spirit at CARESAS International Foundation Festival in Capas, Tarlac
Capas, Tarlac, Philippines – February 14, 2025
On Valentine’s Day, I had the profound honor of serving as the Keynote Speaker at the inspiring Festival organized by the CARESAS International Foundation in Capas City, Tarlac—a first-class municipality renowned as the home of World War II heroes.
During World War II, Capas served as the final destination of the infamous Bataan Death March and the location of Camp O’Donnell, the notorious concentration camp where tens of thousands of Filipino and American prisoners of war (POWs) tragically perished due to starvation, disease, and brutal treatment by the Imperial Japanese Army. The site stands as a somber reminder of one of history’s darkest chapters, with extraordinarily high mortality rates among captives. Today, Capas continues to honor this legacy through community efforts that promote remembrance, compassion, and progress.
The event was graciously hosted by Mr. Henry Balagtas, Revival Founding President of CARESAS International Foundation, and his wife, Mrs. Balagtas—proud sons and daughters of Tarlac. Mr. Balagtas has long been a steadfast believer in my vision and in the establishment of Birland State as a sovereign entity dedicated to dignity, humanitarianism, and opportunity for all.
Our connection dates back to 2024, when the couple warmly hosted and accommodated me during my visit to Washington, D.C., for a conference at the US Federal Government Building. Since then, Mr. Balagtas has repeatedly invited me to speak about Birland State, and I was deeply grateful for the opportunity to finally fulfill that commitment at this meaningful gathering.
Distinguished guests, including members of the CARESAS Board of Directors and supporters who traveled from the United States, Canada, and various cities in the Philippines, joined the celebration. Their enthusiasm was overwhelming—they expressed immense pride in seeing a fellow Filipino, their own compatriot, serve as Prime Minister of a new and emerging nation. The atmosphere turned festive, with attendees cheering and declaring that the day felt like a personal celebration of Birland State’s 11th Founding Anniversary.
The program focused entirely on Birland State—no other topics or guest speakers took the stage. Only the Prime Minister and Queen of Birland were highlighted, as the community danced, sang, and shared joy for hours. Countless group photos captured the warmth and solidarity of the moment.
A special highlight was the presentation of a beautifully designed plaque, crafted by an engineer from the CARESAS International Foundation who previously worked in Dubai. The plaque prominently features the symbol of the Martyrs of Capas, Tarlac, during World War II—a poignant tribute that bridges historical remembrance with contemporary support and friendship.
This experience reaffirmed the global reach of Birland State’s message of hope, unity, and self-determination. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Balagtas, the entire CARESAS International Foundation team, and all who attended for their unwavering belief in our shared future.
Birland State continues to build bridges of friendship and goodwill across borders, inspired by stories of resilience like those from Capas.
For inquiries or further information:
Office of the Prime Minister
CARESAS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC. PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION TO QUEEN EDEN SORIANO TRINIDAD – KEYNOTE SPEAKER February 14, 2026 at Vez Food, Hotel and Restaurant Capas Tarlac Philippines
Day tour with CARESAS International Foundation team and Founding President Henry Monterey Balagtas
We visited the Death March Monument initiated by Captain Rufino Balagtas, Admin officer of I O’Donnell and the Capas National Shrine in Tarlac, Philippines
“The Capas National Shrine in Tarlac, Philippines, is a 54-hectare memorial park dedicated to over 30,000 Allied soldiers (approx. 25,000 Filipinos and 6,000 Americans) who died at the Camp O’Donnell concentration camp following the Bataan Death March in 1942. Established in 1991 and inaugurated in 2003, it features a 70-meter obelisk and a black marble wall engraved with the names of the deceased, marking the final site of the infamous World War II march.
Historical Background and Significance
Original Site: The site originally served as Camp O’Donnell, a pre-war Philippine Army training center established in 1940.
POW Camp: After the Fall of Bataan and Corregidor in April 1942, the Japanese Imperial Army turned it into a concentration camp for Allied prisoners of war.
The Death March: Survivors of the brutal Bataan Death March were brought here, where thousands more perished due to disease, starvation, and inhumane conditions.
Commemoration: The shrine is the focus of the annual Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on April 9.”
#instagram#homeofwwiiheroes#CapasTarlac#birlandpm#birlandqueen #Philippines
Plaque of Recognition from Harris Memorial College Batch 1986
I am truly grateful, honored and humbled for awarding me this Plaque of recognition for my achievements in the field of Literature and Poetry. Thank you so much HMC classmates.
Honorary Professor of Literature
BIRLAND INTERNATIONAL ROYAL UNIVERSITY- BIR U President Prof. Dr. Queen Eden Soriano Trinidad, GCBS, D.Univ.
TESTIMONY OF JOE KIDD AND SHEILA BURKE from MICHIGAN USA – the Power couple among the pioneer graduates of Birland International Royal University_BIR U, 6mos. Professional studies on International Diploma on International Diplomacy and Relations-IdDIR
“WE BEGIN THIS YEAR WITH A MILESTONE IN OUR CAREER:
Joe Kidd & Sheila Burke have achieved virtually everything we have set out to accomplish together. Two time World Music Songwriters of the Year Detroit Music Awards, three time International Singer Songwriter Association Vocalists of the Year, National Beat Poetry Foundation Beat Poet Laureates, Michigan Rock & Roll Legends Hall of Fame inductees, Honorary Doctorates from Federation of Writers International, Ordained Ministers in nondenominational church.
We have opened our hearts and minds to possibilities and it has brought forth great rewards. Not without cost. This is in no way intended to be a self aggrandizing post. Sheila and I have been gifted with certain powers and the talent to put them to work in the world. We work tirelessly and fearlessly to create an environment and an atmosphere of beauty, truth, and goodness. We often struggle against adversaries seen and unseen. We have always known it is a world of treachery, but also of love.
2025 was among our busiest of years. Thousands of miles of travel.
Athens and Larissa Greece, Frankfurt Germany, then home and off to Chicago, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Tennessee, New Orleans, Atlanta, Connecticut, New York. In addition to appearances in all of those locations, we performed well over 100 dates in our home region, and many appearances on zoom. We wrote material for more than 100 anthologies, magazines, and various publications.
***At the same time we served as regional representatives for ISSA as well as Official Poets of Birland North Africa.
While we were doing all of that, we were enrolled in a six month course in International Diplomacy at Birland Royal University.
This was no piece of cake. It was as comprehensive, detailed, and challenging as any course I had at Sacred Heart Seminary. Online lectures, reading, writing, problem solving. These documents that you see in this post did not come easily. They are not something that someone printed at home. They are being shipped to us from offices in the Philippines. They are the result of a season of study. They will hold a prominent position in our home. They give us the authority to serve as official diplomatic representatives in the fields of economics, human resources, military engagement, and more.
You may be certain that as we progress through 2026 speaking on behalf of all of the organizations mentioned above, that we will do so with enthusiasm, respect, and the intent to promote social justice, world peace, and cultural diversity in all of our capacities.”
Announcement: Appointment of WIG Regional President – Africa (2025-2027)
Inbox
| World Council of Indigenous Games (WIG) |  Thu, Dec 18, 2025, 2:08 AM | ||
| to stateofbirland, me | |||
Subject: Announcement: Appointment of WIG Regional President – Africa (2025–2027)
Dear Excellency,
Warm greetings from the World Council of Indigenous Games (WIG).
We are delighted to formally announce the appointment of H.R.M. Prof. Dr. Queen Eden Soriano Trinidad, President of the Birland State Government, as the WIG Regional President – Africa for the term 2025–2027.
This appointment, approved by the WIG Board, recognizes Her Royal Majesty’s outstanding leadership, long-standing commitment to youth development, and remarkable contributions toward the promotion of indigenous culture and traditional sports across Africa.
As many of you know, WIG is a global platform dedicated to preserving and promoting indigenous heritage through sports, cultural exchange, and sustainable development. Our mission is to revive traditional games, empower indigenous communities, support youth engagement, and strengthen global cultural unity.
In her excellency new role, H.R.M. Prof. Dr. Queen Eden Soriano Trinidad will:
· Strengthen partnerships with national and regional institutions supporting indigenous games;
· Promote cultural preservation through traditional sports and knowledge systems;
· Lead capacity-building and empowerment initiatives for indigenous youth and women;
· Represent Africa in WIG’s prestigious global programs, events, and policy forums.
We kindly seek your support and cooperation in facilitating her engagement with national institutions, youth bodies, and community organizations across Africa.
We would also be honored to receive your message of goodwill or endorsement, which may be featured on WIG’s official communication platforms.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to uplifting indigenous communities across the region.
If you have any questions or require assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@indigenousgames.org.
Members page has been updated in the Website. Kindly review https://indigenousgames.org/images/WIG-Members.pdf
Thank you for joining us — we’re thrilled to have you on board!
Note: If you notice any errors in your letter, please let us know so we can correct them promptly.
With Regards,
| Dr.Ramya (She/Her) General SecretaryWorld Council of Indigenous Games (WIG) |
| T +91-6383635532 E info@indigenousgames.org W www.indigenousgames.org A WIG Office, Sathy Rd, Housing Unit,Sri Laxmi Nagar, Ganapathy,Coimbatore-641006, Tamilnadu, India. |
