Ghosts of WW2: Loss of life and genetic variation in Manila due to war

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


The iconic Oblation stands at its original location ca. 1945 in front of the war-torn ruins of what is now UP Manila. Over 100,000 civilians are said to have died in Manila towards the end of World War II, out of a population of 1 million people. (Photo credit: j&b photos/flickr.com)

The ravages of World War II — particularly the destruction of Manila in 1945 — continue to haunt the Philippines even almost a century after they happened, as evidenced through the difficulty in the search for native Manileños.

Since 1996, researchers from the University of the Philippines - Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) Natural Sciences Research Institute’s (NSRI’s) DNA Analysis Laboratory have been surveying the genetic ancestry of Filipinos across the country. More recently, the laboratory’s ambitious Filipino Genomes Research Program (FGRP) has aimed to document and understand the rich diversity of Filipinos’ genetic heritage. The study’s findings, when completed and made available, will have far-reaching implications on many fields, from forensics and medicine to history and anthropology.

But despite the program’s urgency and lofty goals, there is at least one place in the country where genetics and local ancestry have proven to be difficult to document for the most poignant of reasons.



Searching for native Manileños

Partnering and volunteering for the FGRP seems simple enough: to become a representative of a particular Filipino group from a particular Filipino region, you as well as your parents and grandparents on both sides should also be from the same place. Meeting these criteria outside of the National Capital Region (NCR) would be no problem — especially in largely homogeneous ethnic groups, such as those in the Cordilleras and in Mindanao. However, the researchers have found it next to impossible to obtain samples from Metro Manila, despite repeated efforts.

“Nahihirapan talaga kami hanapin silang mga at least third generation na born in Metro Manila, kahit na ikinalat na namin ang aming recruitment sa iba't-ibang LGUs, universities, at maging sa Facebook at Twitter,” said FGRP researcher Noriel Esteban. “Kaya we are now relaxing our inclusion criteria to at least having both parents born in Metro Manila.” Yet even despite these adjustments to the eligibility criteria, Esteban said that out of over 40 potential partner-volunteers from the NCR, only 17 were able to be accepted into the study.

This present dearth likely hints at an ominous past, according to evolutionary geneticist and FGRP Program Leader Frederick Delfin.



Genetic ghosts of lost people

“Such a massive loss of native populations can be due to a natural event, such as a volcanic eruption, or as is most likely in this case, a man-made event such as war,” Delfin explained.

More than one in ten civilians were killed out of a population of just 1 million people in the Battle of Manila towards the end of the Second World War in 1945, based on historical accounts and census data. This decimated the local population, which never completely recovered and is the likely reason for the near absence of native Manileños today.

“Catastrophic events can severely reduce the population size, with locals either killed or forced to leave. This can result in the reduction of genetic diversity in an area. It takes a very long time for local populations to recover, if at all,” Delfin lamented. “In a way, we can think of the lost genetic variation as the ghosts of the people we lost.”



FGRP seeks partner-volunteers

The FGRP is a comprehensive study that emphasizes the informed consent of its participants, especially indigenous peoples. A similar earlier study, published by the University of Uppsala in 2021, was plagued by ethical issues.

With COVID-19 pandemic restrictions easing up, the FGRP’s nationwide sampling is proceeding at a steady pace as the team is focused on acquiring permission from, as well as explaining the project’s objectives and potential impact to, the country’s various indigenous peoples.

To learn more about the FGRP and to inquire about becoming a partner-volunteer, please contact Frederick Delfin at fcdelfin@up.edu.ph. You may also visit their Facebook page for ongoing and future recruitment postings at https://www.facebook.com/DNAForensicAndEthnicity/.

Geyser: A Comprehensive Guide

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Geysers are a great way to save money on your electricity bill. They can help you reduce your overall energy consumption; it's an investment that will pay for itself in no time. A geyser can be a valuable addition to your home if you live in an area with cold winters.

This is a comprehensive guide on geysers. It covers the different types of geysers, their benefits, and how to choose the right one for your home. It also includes information on installation and maintenance.



How to Choose a Geyser

Types of Geysers:

There are two main types of geysers:

Storage

Tankless

Storage geysers have a built-in tank that heats up water and then stores it until you need it. Tankless geysers, on the other hand, heat water on demand.


Size

Geysers are available in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that's right for your needs. You'll need a larger geyser if you have a large family or live in a warm climate. On the other hand, if you live alone or have a smaller family, a 10-litre geyser will be sufficient.


Features

When shopping for a geyser, be sure to compare features. Some models have additional features, such as a timer, that can save you even more money.


Installation

Anyone can easily install a geyser with some simple instructions. However, if you're not comfortable doing it yourself, you can always hire a professional.


Conclusion

Geysers are a great way to save money and energy. You can find a geyser that perfectly fits your home in various types, sizes, and styles. Be sure to compare features and prices before making your final decision. And once you have your geyser installed, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance.

Masskara Festival Food Trip at Bacolod - 18th Street Palapala Seafood Grill & Restaurant

Wazzup Pilipinas! Our Team goes to Negros together with Wyatt Belmonte and Jayson Biadog to celebrate the much-awaited and exciting 3 weeklong Masskara Festival. Too bad that our Editor in Chief Ross Del Rosario was out, covering several out-of-town events in Ilocos and different regions in the country.

But what happened last Sunday was the final main event highlight of the Bacolod Masskara festival. So before heading to the main event in Lacson Street Bacolod city. Together with Wyatt and the 3 owners of the restaurant we just had a great late lunch. A little talk about being owners managing the 40-staff restaurant now on its 19th year in business. It's the usual routine and different unique tasty menus.

Also, a little chitchat when it comes to who visits the restaurant like it was called 4 times by former VP Leni Robredo, Chavit Singson, and Manny Pacquiao. And supposed to be VP Sarah Duterte, with her staff having lunch beside us at the other table. Also the most viral talks with Joel Torre and Edu Manzano dining in the area.

With lots of car park available and can dined around 300+ persons. I think this will be a perfect lunch or dinner stopover when you are touring around Negros or the Bacolod area to feel the local vibe. To taste the rich taste of local seafood from different Cities and Towns of the Negros Island.

Teodoro, Sister, and Roy Lopez talked to us about how fresh they sourced the seafood with a roving freezer. To make sure the freshness of seafood in different areas in Negros like Ilog, Victorias, Hinobaan, Bacolod, Silay, and much more. The Tuna and Marlin were not coming from Davao or Mindanao area but all from Negros Island.     

Roy told me about that Kinilaw with salted egg and beans. Is kinda unique and he recommends this to anybody that will visit the place. Also, the Chef or Cook recommends the Crab to be cooked with butter and it really tastes good. Also, their crab was fat and tasty. 

You can customize the way you want the seafood to be cooked for as low as 250 grams or 1/4 kilo or more. You can just tell the cook or chef what kind of dish you wanted to be prepared.  The food looks expensive but they have a platter that only cost 1000 peso good for 4 people.  Perfect budget for students, workers, and OFW returning home for vacation. Also with lots of Foreigners as well visiting the restaurant.

See more of photos and videos at Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas and Facebook.com/18thpalapala visit the place at Address: Aguinaldo St., Cor 18th St., Brgy. 4, Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Philippines 6100  Cell no. 0905 543 4136 Email 18thstreetpalapalabcd@gmail.com