Philippines has surrendered to the Japanese, and General Douglas MacArthur has retreated with the promise to return. The Filipino people's defense of their homeland has failed, and while they have surrendered to the Japanese occupation, they refuse to see themselves as defeated.

Along with his fellow soldiers, Torio is malnutrioned and sick with malaria, but at least he manages to elude the 25-mile Bataan Death March. Rissing's friend, Juan Delacruz, is not as fortunate. He watches firsthand the atrocities perpetrated by Japanese soldiers, as well as unexpected acts of kindness from them. By now the Japanese have infiltrated all of the Philippine islands, and the Filipino people are using guerrilla tactics to rebel against their presence. In Manila, Lucing faces her conflicting emotions for the Camp Commander. In Panay, Torio signs up to work in a Japanese mining camp with his family. Responsible for the Camp Commander's laundry, Rissing earns his respect and trust, and the Commander proves instrumental in her family's survival in camp. Rumors of America's plans to liberate the Philippines prompts Torio to move his family out of the mining camp. Then news of MacArthur's imminent return electrifies the Filipino people.