During the Philippine Revolution, Celso Resurrección, a Spanish mestizo, falls in love with Feliza Reyes, the daughter of a Katipunero.
Celso's garrison in Baler, led by Captain Enrique de las Morenas Fossí is isolated and unaware they had lost the war.
As months pass, the hot climate spoils their food supply, and the soldiers risk getting shot at when they forage at night for fruits, berries and various herbs.
One night, Morenas orders Celso and another soldier on a foray to burn nearby houses to distract the Filipinos and show them that their spirits are not broken.
Succumbing to pressure, the Filipinos convince the Spaniards for an hour-long truce to allow Padre Gomez to say mass outside the church.
One night, the Spaniards hear gunshots from outside and celebrate, unaware that the Philippine-American War has broken out and the Americans are trying to invade.
The sound of the doorlatch opening awakens Martin, who catches Celso and Mauro (one of the Indios serving in the garrison) about to escape.
That evening, Martín reads an article concerning a close friend's posting, plans of which only he knew, which convinces him the newspapers are genuine and that Spain lost the war.