The video introduces the series, which aims to summarize Filipino movies for those without time to watch them fully, emphasizing the presence of spoilers. It then delves into 'Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?', a 1976 film about Nicolas Ocampo (Kulas), a naive man who learns about his Filipino identity during Spanish colonization. The story begins with Kulas mourning his mother, followed by an offer from a man named Soprano to buy his property. Kulas accidentally burns his house and accepts Soprano's offer.

Kulas encounters bandits and later a priest, Padre Hill, who deceives his fellow priests, claiming Kulas kidnapped him. Despite this, Padre Hill tasks Kulas with delivering his six-year-old son, Bindoy, to Manila. Kulas meets Bindoy, and they form a bond. They join a group of performers led by Mr. Atong and his daughter, Diding, with whom Kulas falls in love. During a performance, Kulas takes the spotlight. Mr. Atong delivers speeches on Filipino unity, but the group is irresponsible. Diding, aspiring to be a famous actress, impresses Kulas, who, being uneducated, has no aspirations.

The group hides from Spanish soldiers, then rejoices when they see the Spanish forces retreating. However, a Filipino soldier recognizes Mr. Atong as Fortunato, a spy who betrayed her brother, leading to the arrest of Fortunato and the group. The group is later released, but Fortunato is imprisoned, and Diding is held for further investigation. Kulas and Bindoy proceed to Manila. They encounter a Chinese man named Lim, who helps them. Lim explains that Manila is chaotic due to various nationalities, while Kulas wonders why there are no Filipinos. Lim, born in the Philippines, asserts he is Filipino, and they conclude that shared life experiences define their identity.

In Manila, Kulas is arrested while looking for Padre Hill. He observes prisoners discussing their unjust treatment. Another prisoner, Baltau, plans an escape. Kulas is later released and meets Attorney Tibor Lainez, Padre Hill's lawyer, who questions him about Padre Hill. Kulas denies knowing anything, earning Padre Hill's trust and a share in his tobacco business. Padre Hill introduces Kulas to his housemaid, Concordia, and her daughter, Leonor. Kulas transforms into a knowledgeable person through study. Padre Hill hosts a party where Lainez discusses the Spanish claim to being the 'real Filipinos,' which Kulas struggles to understand. Kulas is drunk and stumbles, observed by Padre Hill and a woman.

Kulas recognizes someone resembling Diding. Bindoy, stubborn, refuses to go to school. Padre Hill, worried about Americans taking over, advises Kulas to protect his fortune before leaving the Philippines. Kulas seeks Diding, encountering Baltau, who accuses Kulas of being a traitor. Kulas hides in a theater, finding Diding. Baltau enters and leaves. Kulas is then questioned by soldiers but denies knowing Baltau, recognizing him only by the name of his horse, 'Kidlat.' Kulas dates Diding, offering marriage and money, but she seeks to achieve her dream of being an actress, so Kulas decides to help her instead. Lainez, initially hesitant, agrees to help Diding after seeing her. Diding undergoes a transformation with photo shoots, singing lessons, and jewelry.

Kulas sees Bindoy punished and discusses what it means to be Filipino. Kulas and Lainez attend Diding's audition, where Lainez's cousin is unimpressed, but Lainez persuades him. They celebrate, but Kulas leaves after Diding rebuffs his concern. Leonor comforts a heartbroken Kulas. Diding arrives, saying Lainez is drunk. Kulas and Diding assist Lainez to his room, where she forces a kiss on Kulas. Kulas and Diding announce their engagement. During the ongoing revolution, Kulas and Diding enjoy their lives, but Lainez shows interest in Diding, who seems bored with Kulas. Kulas finds his former manager, Mr. Atong, now homeless. Kulas insists he come home, but Diding is disappointed and bored with her life as a housewife. Kulas discovers Diding is gone and searches for her with Mr. Atong, who is surprisingly calm. Kulas finds Diding with Lainez and punches him, leading to a fencing match that devolves into a fight. Mr. Atong stops Kulas, telling him he has much to learn.

Mr. Atong confesses that Diding is not his daughter. Kulas witnesses an argument between two men claiming to be Spanish and realizes the ease of killing. He decides he cannot return to his old life. Soldiers take Kulas to prison, where he refuses to acknowledge Baltau. Baltau punches Kulas, who accepts his fate. Kulas and Baltau escape and hide at Lim's house, who helps them. Baltau speaks of revolution. Lim's family, fearing the soldiers, helps them. Kulas and Baltau are transported during wartime but are blocked by soldiers. They reveal themselves during a Filipino victory. Kulas and Lim are shot. Lim dies, leaving Kulas distraught. He leaves Lim's grieving family.

Kulas collapses and is taken to a shelter, where he discovers Americans have taken over. He returns home to find Concordia and Leonor with an American, who has taken possession of the house, and Kulas is thrown out. Bindoy informs Kulas of Diding's achievements as an actress. Kulas faints and dreams of Diding. Kulas and Lainez discuss how the Americans changed everything and how Filipinos are hard to understand, and Lainez reveals Kulas still owns his house, though his business is failing. Diding interrupts, asking Kulas to rest, promising marriage. Diding is famous. Later, Kulas and Lainez go to Kulas's house to claim ownership but are stopped by Concordia, who shouts that Leonor is dead. Concordia tries to flee but is caught. Lainez falls, and Kulas takes him home. Lainez's wife arrives, choosing not to treat him immediately, aiming to take him home due to Diding. Lainez tells Kulas he wasted his life. This prompts Kulas to confront Diding, who confesses her feelings for Lainez but still loves Kulas, admitting she was bored with their relationship.

Kulas tells Bindoy that having everything is not enough; one must be useful to others. He realizes he needs to make a difference. Kulas talks to Diding one last time, informing her he's joining the Filipino revolutionaries. He leaves her, deeply in love, to fight for his identity and have an impact. The movie ends with Kulas asking kids where the Filipinos are, and telling them they are Filipinos too. The video concludes by stating that Filipinos adapt to situations, and 'Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?' uniquely describes what a Filipino is: a masterpiece acknowledged for its costumes, cinematography, music, dialogue, and acting.