Pepito, growing up in a remote fishing village in the Philippines is destined to become the successor of his mother: the only midwife in the whole district, a job given from generation to generation. As Pepito's mother Rosa who is a widow, becomes pregnant she tries everything to abort the baby because of the shame this would bring. This fails and she sees the only way to protect her son is to commit suicide. After a while Pepito falls in love with a teacher from the capitol, Mrs. Santiago. But this relationship cannot have a future.