[1] Set in the Philippines during the period of martial law under Ferdinand Marcos, the film follows the struggles of the middle-class Bartolome family spanning several years.

It stars Vilma Santos and Christopher De Leon as parents raising five sons amidst the tense political background.

Julián becomes furious when he discovers Jules and Willy's involvement, angrily explaining the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus and the disappearance of student leader Charlie del Rosario.

Gani discloses his intention to apply for a position in the United States Navy, arguing that employment with the US government offers a substantial salary and numerous benefits.

Later, amidst another protest against Marcos, the youngest sibling, Benjamin "Bingo" Bartolome, retrieves a fallen kite, which Amanda discovers to be crafted from pages of the Communist newspaper Ang Bayan.

Jules calls Amanda over after two months of not returning, warning that the NPA has been infiltrated, and requests that all of his anti-government pamphlets and Em's written articles be destroyed to save his family from possible persecution.

Motivated by her son's experience of torture upon visiting him, Amanda sends an appeal to a non-governmental organization that reaches out families of victims of human rights abuse.

The Bartolome family attends their wake at the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City and the film ends as Amanda delivers her monologue to the viewers while she joins with a large group of activists at the Post Office Building during the People Power Revolution.