Instead of any war news, we got big headlines on Independence for the Philippines [eventually, or when the Americans arrive], for Burma [on December 31, unless the British launch their counteroffensive earlier], and India too. It was first broadcast at 1830 yesterday, and I expected it to be the main topic today. Well, nobody discussed or cracked jokes about it.

I'm having 100 khaki shorts and 60 shirts made for the POWs with Bishop Binsted's money, and I got a shock at today's prices. I paid P1.50 for Singer Sewing Machine needles (10 centavos prewar) and P25 for a 12,000 yard-spool of khaki thread (P1.20). How do the Japanese stand it? It's worse elsewhere!