Rumor is that our forces recaptured Olongapo and the teller swears he heard it on the radio. All I know is that a fire near the eastern shoreline of Bataan is on not more than five kilometers from Mariveles, the southernmost point.

It took three days to clean out the Yucuanseh Drug Store and I believe Beck’s is next on the list. New prices have been published in the papers, except for cigarettes as the Osaka Bazaar has a monopoly on cartons. The Japanese have banned transactions in U.S. currency now that it has all but disappeared from even private transactions.

Mrs. Preysler, as kind and dear an old lady as one could meet, has taken refuge at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). Early in the occupation the Japanese visited her home when her husband was out, and a soldier slapped and spat on her. She doesn’t want to leave the hospital now and risk getting caught alone again.

A song contest has been announced and it’s going to be a tough one. First Prize is P100 ($50) and it’s due at the end of the month. The theme: “The dawn of a new happier day has come to the P.I.”

Which reminds me of the latest joke: Someone pointed to my sunglasses and asked, “Are those Japanese glasses?”

— “Nope.”

— “No wonder you can’t see the co-prosperity.”