The story is set in the resort town of Hermoso, in the province of Laguna in the southern region of Luzon, Philippines. A tourist favorite because of its pristine beaches, healing hot springs, spas and resorts, Hermoso was once also a center of religious devotion, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the country drawn to its spas' healing powers and religious conversions. In those times, the townspeople were devoted to their faith. But on one night, a fire burns down the only church in the town, its parish priest killed over a golden crown encrusted with jewels and the church is never rebuilt. Eventually, the townspeople preoccupy themselves with the material prosperity of their tourist town and lose their devotion to God. One priest, Father Sebastian, serves a remnant of the church's devotees.
