March 19, 1945
I have not written in almost four weeks. It seems like I have passed a terrible nightmare and have awakened in Barotac, where it is peaceful and calm. I shall try to take you back to where I left off. On the night of February 15, exactly at midnight, both sides ceased fighting. The Philippine Army retreated as the Japanese …
October 19, 1944
This is a continuation of yesterday. When I heard the heavy drone of planes, Susie, Dolly and I went downstairs to the dining room, which is all concrete. There were already many people there seeking shelter, and I was somewhat amused to see two men trying to get under a table. Some of us went outside to see the planes …
October 18, 1944
Last night we had more excitement. I had already retired, when Susie said, “I wonder what the commotion is downstairs”, for we could hear men’s voices and they were all carrying a light. I then knew we were in for another flood! The river had overflown its banks and was coming into the yard very rapidly! Everyone was busy trying …
October 18, 1944
I have not written for several days as I have been ill in bed with influenza and severe asthma. Coné remained with me at night. After each injection I was able to sleep. Thank God I am better today. This is no time to be sick when one needs to get up and seek shelter from the raids. During the …
October 5, 1944
The sirens no longer warn us of approaching planes. Everyone must be on the alert and take precaution. We can usually tell by the sound of the motors whether they are American or Japanese. Telephone connections have also been cut, and the printing press has been discontinued because of lack of fuel. The oil shipment that the Japanese expected from …
July 29, 1944
I am thinking of sending our most valuable things to San Jose College for safekeeping. Many civilians are living there now. Susie Gurrea is one of them living in the college. The Japanese had taken over the operation of her Ice Plant, and it became too dangerous for Susie to live upstairs, as the guerrillas had shot at the house …
July 5, 1944
Yesterday Susie spent the day with us. We had a good spread of chicken and pork adobo chop suey, ham (homemade), rice and pickles. For desert we had canned apples and cream. The canned applies I had bought several months before the Japanese invasion. It sure didn’t look like wartime chow. Our thoughts were with you again, mother dear, and …
April 7, 1943
I have been resting in bed for several weeks to regain some of my lost weight. I have gained eight pounds and am feeling fine. Coné is well and he, too, has regained his former weight. He has no more trouble with his stomach, but must watch his diet. The children are well and attending school at Colegio de San …