Louise Fillmore Blancaflor

An American married a Filipino doctor, Cornel Blancaflor.

August 17, 1944

Beginning tonight there will be a total blackout and it will be continuous from now on. Any light seen in the houses or buildings will

August 18, 1944

Well, we prepared for the blackout, but it was postponed until further orders! Coné covered the light in the hallway. Meñing had all the windows

August 20, 1944 (Sunday)

August 20, 1944

While I am waiting for Coné to return from Iloilo, I thought it would be a good time to jot down a few lines. It

August 22, 1944

The prices of commodities continue to soar. Rice is now 50 Pesos a ganta (about 2 lbs.), mongo beans about 45 Pesos a ganta. One

August 25, 1944

The Japanese Bulletin Board revealed that Davao (in Mindanao) waterfront has been bombed many times by the American planes. We have heard that the Japanese

August 28, 1944

Last night there was shooting in Molo (a suburb of Iloilo) and also in Tanza, near the beach, where the clubhouse “Treasure Island” is located.

August 31, 1944

Rice today has now gone up to 60 Pesos a ganta (went up 10 Pesos in one week). Pork costs 40 Pesos a kilo, beef

September 3, 1944

John, the cook, struck a bargain this morning. He was able to buy three hens for 60 Pesos. We shall have one for lunch with

September 6, 1944

Manila radio announced today that yesterday two American planes were shot down over Davao. The planes usually raid during the early morning about dawn.

September 8, 1944

The prices of commodities are soaring so high I just wonder when they will stop. I suppose the sky is the limit. Small chickens are

September 9, 1944

Some people are leaving the city and going out into the country looking for a safer place. Since the American bombing of Davao, many people

September 11, 1944

Last night we put a light on the front steps hoping it would keep the looters away. About 10:30 p.m. we were awakened by gunfire.

September 13, 1944

Yesterday we had our first air raid warning. The children were on their way from school when the whistles began to blow and the church

September 15, 1944

Yesterday the sirens began blowing at 2:30, and shortly after we sighted six planes flying very high. We immediately went to our shelter downstairs. We

September 16, 1944

We were eating breakfast at 7:30 this morning when the siren began blowing! Ten minutes later we sighted 30 planes flying towards the Santa Barbara

September 18, 1944

I am writing this from San Jose College. Roland and I are now staying here, while the rest of the family are still at Dr.

September 19, 1944

Last night we spent a quiet night and I slept well. I woke up at 5:30 and attended 6:00 o’clock mass. The price of food

September 20, 1944

The prices of food continue to soar. An egg which cost 5 Pesos a few days ago now costs 10 Pesos. Yesterday was another quiet

September 21, 1944

It has been another quiet day. Only Japanese planes flying around. More civilians keep coming to the college every day, and we are like a

September 22, 1944

Food is getting very scarce and there is practically nothing to buy in the market. A small chicken costs 150 Pesos and egg 10 Pesos

September 23, 1944

All is quiet today and one continues with his normal routine. Prices of food continue to soar, and in spite of the free kitchens, children

September 24, 1944

This morning I decided to go back home to stay, but we had barely reached the house when the sirens began blowing. We all went

September 25, 1944

Last night I did not sleep well and felt nervous in the house. The Japanese across from us are always shouting and it bothers me.

September 27, 1944

This morning I awakened early to attend the 6:15 mass in honor of St. Vincent de Paul, the founder of this order (Sisters of Charity).

September 28, 1944

We have spent a very quiet day and life has been normal. News posted on the bulletin board states that a large American fleet has

September 29, 1944

No raids today. The bulletin news says, “People of Panay be alert.” The Japanese are expecting an American invasion any day now. The Japanese garrison

September 30, 1944

Two days ago, Agustin came from Barotac with two bull carts just in case we wished to evacuate. It is dangerous to go out of

October 1, 1944

Yesterday’s news: Negros (nearby island) was raided twice and there was a dog fight. No sirens have sounded today, but the Japanese are always on

October 2, 1944

Today is very stormy and it is raining very hard. The fox holes and shelters are filled with water. We have not heard the drone

October 3, 1944

It is still raining and the school campus looks like a miniature lake. Many children are sick with colds. Roland was ill for six days,