Reports say we “easily” repulsed a Lingayen attack^*. The best way into Luzon’s heartland — its central plains — is via the Lingayen Gulf, where we’ve been preparing defenses for some time. The Japanese, of course, know all about them.

The Stock Exchange voted to remain suspended indefinitely. Found out my cables hadn’t been reaching Pierce due to the slowness of the censors — a fiasco! News at noon of a B17 sinking one Japanese battleship cheered us all^†.

At noon, sirens caught Paul Meyer and I buying food supplies at the dangerous Port Area. We retreated to the ground floor at Marsman’s, waiting 1-1/2 hours there for the all clear. No planes came. The United States Armed Forces Far East [USAFFE] said the Japanese planes were beaten back.

Casa Blanca 105 Manga Avenue
from Lou Gopal's 'Manila Nostalgia'

Afternoon: I worked to properly black-out our house before visiting Paul and Conchita Meyer. After dinner, spent a quiet night listening to the news and playing the piano, unable to escape a foreboding of dark, unpredictable and perilous times. I resolved to keep a diary for the duration.

MacArthur moved out of his Manila Hotel penthouse suites and into the mansion of automobile magnate E.M. Bachrach. Called the “Casa Blanca” [White House], it’s right next door to our home!

^* A boat possibly taking soundings in pitch darkness triggered an all-out barrage.
^† No capital ships were in the area bombed by Capt. Colin Kelly.