01-28-2026, 09:51 PM
Maria Orosa was a Filipino food scientist who used nutrition as a weapon during World War Two. She created survival foods that kept prisoners and civilians alive during severe starvation.
Soyalac was a high-protein soy powder used as a milk substitute. Darak was a rice bran vitamin food that prevented early beriberi.
These foods were smuggled into prison camps hidden inside hollow bamboo poles. To survive transport, Darak was mostly prepared as a thick, concentrated paste rather than a liquid. Once inside the camps, it could be mixed with water to make a nourishing drink. Soyalac, being a dry powder, was easy to transport and resistant to spoilage. These clever methods allowed life-saving nutrition to reach the starving prisoners undetected.
Maria refused to flee Manila even when danger increased. She worked until the day she died because feeding people was her duty.
SOYALAC RECIPE
Ingredients
• Soybeans
• Water
Steps
Wash soybeans and soak overnight.
Rub beans to remove the hulls.
Boil beans until soft to remove the raw smell.
Drain well.
Roast beans in a dry pan until fully dry and slightly brown.
Grind into fine powder.
Store in a dry container.
How to use
Mix 2–3 teaspoons of Soyalac powder with hot water to make a protein drink.
DARAK RECIPE
Ingredients
• Fresh rice bran
• Water
• Sugar optional
Steps
Sift rice bran to remove large particles.
Lightly toast in a pan to reduce rancidity.
Mix with water and boil for several minutes to form a thick paste.
Strain if needed to remove excess fiber.
Add sugar if available.
Store in small containers or bamboo tubes for transport.
How to use
Dilute the paste with water before drinking to provide energy and vitamin B1.
HER IMPACT
Maria Orosa created over 700 food formulas. She invented banana ketchup, Soyalac, and Darak. She used science to fight starvation and saved thousands of lives. She died at her post during the Battle of Manila.
Soyalac was a high-protein soy powder used as a milk substitute. Darak was a rice bran vitamin food that prevented early beriberi.
These foods were smuggled into prison camps hidden inside hollow bamboo poles. To survive transport, Darak was mostly prepared as a thick, concentrated paste rather than a liquid. Once inside the camps, it could be mixed with water to make a nourishing drink. Soyalac, being a dry powder, was easy to transport and resistant to spoilage. These clever methods allowed life-saving nutrition to reach the starving prisoners undetected.
Maria refused to flee Manila even when danger increased. She worked until the day she died because feeding people was her duty.
SOYALAC RECIPE
Ingredients
• Soybeans
• Water
Steps
Wash soybeans and soak overnight.
Rub beans to remove the hulls.
Boil beans until soft to remove the raw smell.
Drain well.
Roast beans in a dry pan until fully dry and slightly brown.
Grind into fine powder.
Store in a dry container.
How to use
Mix 2–3 teaspoons of Soyalac powder with hot water to make a protein drink.
DARAK RECIPE
Ingredients
• Fresh rice bran
• Water
• Sugar optional
Steps
Sift rice bran to remove large particles.
Lightly toast in a pan to reduce rancidity.
Mix with water and boil for several minutes to form a thick paste.
Strain if needed to remove excess fiber.
Add sugar if available.
Store in small containers or bamboo tubes for transport.
How to use
Dilute the paste with water before drinking to provide energy and vitamin B1.
HER IMPACT
Maria Orosa created over 700 food formulas. She invented banana ketchup, Soyalac, and Darak. She used science to fight starvation and saved thousands of lives. She died at her post during the Battle of Manila.