Louise Fillmore Blancaflor

An American married a Filipino doctor, Cornel Blancaflor.

December 20, 1942

I am now sitting near the air raid shelter writing. Yesterday was something terrible. The planes came at daylight and bombed and machine gunned all

December 21, 1942

Yesterday, the bombing continued – thank goodness it was not near us. Planes flew overhead, but they went in the direction of Barotac Viejo and

December 23, 1942

Yesterday after 4:20 p.m. no more planes flew over and we all relaxed. We ate our supper at 4:45 and at 6:00 the children and

December 24, 1942 (Christmas Eve)

December 24, 1942

We are very grateful the Japanese have passed and no planes flew overhead today. We are gathered around the Christmas tree singing, “Silent Night, Holy

December 25, 1942 (Christmas Day)

December 25, 1942

This morning I was awakened before daylight by Roland. He went straight to the tree and looked around. I asked him what he was doing

December 27, 1942

Since Christmas Eve all has been quiet and we have been able to relax and rest. This afternoon one plane flew over headed for Banate.

December 30, 1942

It is seven months today that Gen. Christie and the USAFFE forces (including Coné) surrendered to the Japanese and I am wondering how they are

New Year’s Day — January 1, 1943

January 1, 1943

We have spent a quiet day. No planes have flown nor has shooting taken place. Estrella had a young calf butchered, so we had some

January 3, 1943

We just heard that as a result of the ambush, the Japanese were now scouting the hills in front of our farmhouse in Barotac and

January 6, 1943

The days have been quiet since the 23rd of December and what a relief from the bombing and fighting! The enemy is now staying in

January 10, 1943

Today there has been fighting near the barrio of Badyang – 6 km from us. The Japanese tried to get through to Dinglé, but the

January 11, 1943

For the last four days there hasn’t been any fighting, but one never knows when or where. This morning someone came from our farm in

January 13, 1943

The weather has been very stormy since January 1 – strong winds and a cold rain. Sometimes I wonder whether this house can stand the

January 20, 1943

For the last five days there has been bombing taking place somewhere – we are fortunate that it was not near us. The Japanese forces

January 22, 1943

January 24, 1943

Yesterday three planes flew over and bombed Santa Cruz, 3 km from us. They are bombing along the road again, so we expect the Japanese

January 25, 1943

John arrived Sunday noon with eight men carrying our cargo. According to him very few of our things were taken. All the furniture is still

January 27, 1943

Yesterday the planes continued to bomb places where they thought there might be an ambush. Off in the distance we could hear trench mortars and

January 30, 1943

It is eight months today that Coné has been taken prisoner. I wonder how he is and all the prisoners. I have heard there are

February 2, 1943

January 31 was quiet in our vicinity, but yesterday the planes bombed somewhere in the mountains. Every day the planes are flying, and a short

February 9, 1943

Yesterday was quiet. John returned from another trip to the farm in Barotac Nuevo. He said that everything is normal there. Agustin is staying on

February 10, 1943

We have been busy today with our rummage sale. Some people came with only 1 peso, while others have plenty to spend. One girl came

February 11, 1943

This morning the girl that I gave the dress to brought me some eggs and chickens. The day has been quiet and no news of

February 12, 1943

We have spent another quiet day and it is very noticeable as the people move around more and many have returned to their homes. We

February 13, 1943

Today the silence has been broken by the sound of cannon fire coming from the direction of Barotac Nuevo. A relative of Coné (Lt. Hortillosa)

February 17, 1943

The last four days have been quiet. For ten days we have not seen a plane. Today one of the provincial guards told us that

February 20, 1943

No bombing has taken place since February 5 and what a relief! Yesterday at a distance we saw three submarines on the surface of the

February 23, 1943

All has been quiet in our vicinity, but in a barrio near Barotac Nuevo the Japanese machine gunned. The Filipino guerrillas have received an order

February 27, 1943

February 24, 1943

Yesterday our foreman from the farm came and brought us a copy of the Manila Tribune. An article mentioned the release of 122 Filipino prisoners,

March 1, 1943

Joy of all joys! We received a letter from Coné this morning and I shall quote it to you: “February 24, 1943 Dearest Honey, Thank

March 5, 1943

For the last three days from our hilltop home we have seen many Japanese ships sailing toward Iloilo. Yesterday we heard cannon fire coming from