Summary
Highlights
The Mercado family's land in Calamba is seized, leaving them with no choice but to abandon their home, where they had lived for many years. The matriarch expresses her anger and frustration at the injustice.
Pepe's friends express their concern, noting that he has been sought for weeks due to ongoing issues in the Philippines. They emphasize his importance to their strength, fearing what would happen if he were to give up. Pepe, feeling down, is encouraged to try other emotions, having been sad and pitying himself for too long.
While Pepe's sibling is away, someone is sent to deliver something. Suddenly, the family is apprehended, accused of being 'pulbo'. Despite pleas, Pasano is taken away, exiled to Mindoro for an unspecified crime, leaving the family unsure of his return.
Dominican authorities declare strict rules, stating that anyone opposing them will face punishment. Families with the surname Katala are given 24 hours to leave Calamba. Orders are given to burn all houses belonging to the 'PBO' people, ensuring no traces are left behind.
The mother celebrates the acquisition of sugarcane and rice fields. She questions Isidra's lack of enthusiasm, accusing her of sympathizing with others and allowing them to sway her. Isidra, tired, declines to join the festivities, leading to a heated exchange with her mother, who feels disrespected and believes Isidra is taking their side.
Father Amado has been restless since Pasano and others were arrested. Their sugarcane and rice lands were seized, and their home was nearly burned in the past week. Pepe's family is split, with his sister and their in-laws in Manila, while Pasano and two others are imprisoned in Mindoro. Despite the hardships, Pepe survives with help from propagandists in Manila and earnings from the German version of his work.
Rumors circulate that the Mercados live in Santa Cruz, Manila, with their married daughter. Padre inquires about their activities, hearing they import rice to the province and sell it in Manila, owning a warehouse in Binondo. Padre believes the Mercados are wealthy from taxes meant for Spain.
Nelly looks after Pepe, ensuring he eats. He compares her care to that of his mother when he was a child, calling her his caregiver. Nelly responds by saying she's like a pure Filipina, hinting at a deeper connection.
Don Boosted mentions Pepe living with Nelly. Antonio, drunk, suggests changing a book title. He then drunkenly criticizes Nelly, claiming she will only lead Pepe on, just as she did to him and many others. He states Nelly has dated many men.
Theodora Alonso is asked about her name, questioned why she uses 'Alonso' instead of 'Ronda de Rizal'. She clarifies she has always used Theodora Alonso. She is accused of using an alias to cover up betrayal and is arrested. Antonio continues to insult Nelly, comparing her frequent change of partners to changing underwear, which infuriates Pepe.
Pepe fiercely defends Nelly against Antonio's insults, stating that women should be loved and respected. He warns Antonio not to disrespect Nelly in front of him. Antonio, in turn, challenges Pepe to a duel, which Pepe accepts, but postpones due to Antonio's intoxication.
Pepe and Antonio reconcile, recognizing that their conflict over a woman is dividing them. They apologize to each other, emphasizing that they shouldn't be fighting. They discuss the idea of revolution and how anger can be a catalyst for change, realizing they share similar thoughts on the matter, even before Pepe's book is finished.
Pepe expresses his gratitude and happiness to Nelly, acknowledging her support and understanding of his work. He tells her he loves her and wants to marry her soon. Nelly agrees, and Pepe plans to write to his parents in the Philippines with the news.