A former DEA agent forced into early retirement runs a gift shop in in the Philippines. Despite his best efforts to begin a tranquil new life, he’s pulled back into a world of dangerous people and deadly situations, either through his friends in the local police department or running into people from his old life. And the problem is: he likes it.

Tour guide Berta is having a tough time making ends meet. She’s forced to let her son Omel travel to the big city to take a job at an electronics store. Luis is studying to be a seaman, but can’t seem to pass his exams. His girlfriend Dolores is working as an intern at a resort, and dreams of going abroad as well. Sandra, following a painful event back in Manila, returns to her native Bohol, taking her spoiled son Eric with her.

A group of war prisoners has spilt blood, sweat and tears to construct a bridge over the river Kwai in Thailand. Just when the bridge is ready, an American bomber arrives and destroys it. Camp commander Tanaka wants to set an example and orders that some of the prisoners must be executed. Just in time major Harada arrives with orders that the healthiest prisoners must be transported to Japan by train and boat. A treacherous journey since the allied forces keep a close eye on railroads and practically own the seas.