Third-generation Filipino-american Andrea Liwanag-Cruz is sent by her mother to visit her grandmother, Dolores, at her remote home outside Stockton, CA. Disillusioned with her disappearing heritage, Andrea is initially hesitant to spend time with her eccentric Lola Lores. However, Lola Lores has some stories to tell. She regales Andrea with tales of her illustrious early life in the Philippines - from her seaside childhood in Ilocos, to her harrowing time as a student journalist during the time of Marcos’ martial law, to her decision to come to America while working as a reporter in Mindanao. As Andrea discovers the journey that brought her family to America, she begins to realize the value of her heritage and of the stories her Lola has collected over the years.