Here's a summary of the story:
- Joey, a Filipino American who grew up in New York City, decides to visit the Philippines for the first time as an adult.
- He arrives in Manila and meets his cousins, who take him to Tondo, where they live. Tondo is a crowded, impoverished neighbourhood known for its high crime rates and lack of basic services.
- Joey is initially overwhelmed by the harsh living conditions in Tondo, but he gradually becomes involved in the lives of the people there, including a group of street children he meets.
- He learns about their struggles, their dreams, and their daily challenges. Through these interactions, he starts to understand the complexity of Philippine society and the issues facing the urban poor.
- Joey faces a personal crisis as he grapples with his own identity, torn between his American upbringing and his Filipino roots. He realises that he cannot fully connect with his culture without also confronting the realities of inequality and poverty in the Philippines.
- The movie explores the broader sociopolitical context of the time, including the widespread poverty, corruption, and social injustices in the Philippines.
- Joey eventually makes the difficult decision to return to New York, but his experiences in Tondo leave a lasting impact on him, shaping his perspective and understanding of the world.