’Merika

Mila Cruz has lived in New Jersey for about five years, working a hospital shift and a second job at a nursing home. She commutes long hours from New Jersey to Manhattan and maintains contact with home through Corazon (Cora), sending money to her family. Despite her routines, she feels increasingly homesick and uncertain about staying in the United States long term.

Violet, Mila's roommate and fellow overseas Filipino worker, has previously failed the NCLEX and plans to retake it. The two share an apartment in New Jersey, strengthening Mila's sense of missing home. This background sets up Violet's ongoing attempt to pass the exam and Mila's support.

Violet arranges a surprise birthday for Mila at Danny's home, under the pretext of borrowing exam materials. Danny's guest brings Mon Zablan, who immediately piques Mila's interest. The gathering introduces a new figure who will influence Mila's choices in the coming months.

Mila and Mon spend a weekend with Violet and Henry in Midtown Manhattan, visiting sights like the Empire State Building. Mon reveals he recently moved from Los Angeles and has started a new job, prompting Henry to offer a connection to his boss. The trip hints at an aspirational future in the United States.

Mila and Mon deepen their relationship, enjoying dinners and a car ride together, and Mon buys a car after starting a new job. He gifts Mila an expensive box of chocolates and asks to marry him, but Mila remains hesitant about a future either back home or in the U.S. Meanwhile, Mila helps Violet prepare to take her NCLEX, which will be held in Atlantic City.

Henry warns Mila to be careful with Mon, noting that Mon did not attend a job interview he had arranged through Henry. Mila appreciates the concern and tells him they can stay friends, as she already views him as a brother.

Mila notices Violet and Henry growing distant, and she suspects they have become a couple. The changes in the social circle add tension and doubt to Mila's own relationship with Mon. Mila remains unsure about where her loyalties lie.

Mila and Mon continue seeing each other, and there are hints that they have spent a night together. The relationship grows more complicated as Mon's intentions become more ambiguous. Mila's longing for a simpler life and her ambivalence about the U.S. future intensify the tension.

Violet informs Mila that Henry's investigation suggests Mon is an illegal immigrant without a green card. Mila confronts Mon, who cannot fully deny the accusations and reiterates his love. The revelation forces Mila to weigh the viability of a marriage as a path to residency.

Seeking clarity, Mila talks with Lolo Caloy, who reveals his own fears about returning to the Philippines and his long absence from home. After reflecting on her options, Mila decides to return to the Philippines and asks Cora to inform her family. She bids farewell to Caloy, signaling the end of her U.S. chapter.

Mila informs other friends in the United States about her plan to depart and begins wrapping up her life in America. The atmosphere is bittersweet as friendships are left behind and a new chapter awaits in the Philippines.

In the final scene, Mila is escorted to the airport by Violet and Henry as she prepares to fly home. They bid her farewell, marking the end of her American experience and the difficult but hopeful return to her homeland.