ThemovietellsthestoryofAbigaelEdadeswhoreturnstoherPhilippinehometownfromherfive-yearstintasanurseinCanada.Hertownmatesrousinglywelcomeherasahero,thecrassmonikerascribedbythegovernmenttohundredsofthousandsofFilipinosworkingabroad.Shefindsherfamilyintatters,herparentsestrangedandlivingapartandherbrotherJepoylivingthelifeofdrugs.ButshebasksinthewelcomeofhermotherandyoungestbrotherNoelandthedevotionofherboyfriend,whoproposesmarriage.Herhappinessisshort-lived.SheisdiagnosedwithSARSandcontaminatesNoel.Theycauseanationalscare,arequarantinedinManilaandareshunnedbytheirowntownspeopleandthemunicipalgovernment.Evenherboyfriendleavesher.Theherobecomesaheel."Justamonthaftermyreturn,myviewsonlifeandthepeoplearoundmehaveirrevocablychanged,"shesaysatthestartofthemovie.