Donya Lolay was pregnant of National Hero Jose Rizal, and her due was nearing. While Dominican friar Amado commented about the indiscretion of the Indios, the cry of a baby would be heard. Prior to his birth, the infant was already grieving for the people he would go out, and that baby would be Pepe.
The Mercado family will arrive in the home of Jose Alberto, the brother of Donya Lolay (Eula Valdez). At the gathering, the Monteverde family were intoduced as the Mercado family's lifelong rival. The widow Donya Conchita Monteverde (Jacklyn Jose) had always despised the Indios. In this episode you will find Pepe's first tasting in the grip of defeat in a battle - singing!
The Mercado family faces a trial as Doña Lolay is accused of committing a crime. How will they cope?
How will the Mercado family defend themselves from an unjust system?
Doña Lolay has been freed but the cruelty of the Spaniards still reigns. Pepe, already grown into a young man, meets Leonor Rivera, the love of his life.
Pepe tries to win the heart of Leonor Rivera.
Pepe tries to have a word with the Governor General but fails. How will this experience move him to fight for justice?
Pepe and Leonor's romantic relationship slowly grows. However, Leonor's mother doesn't approve of her daughter's connection with someone from the Mercado family.
Pepe flies to Europe for a very special mission.
What will Pepe's fate be in Europe?
As he settles in Europe, Rizal gets to meet another woman in his life. What kind of relationship will he have with Consuelo Ortiga?
Has Pepe completely forgotten Leonor?
When Victor finds out the truth, how will he accept it?
Due to the Pepe's novel 'Noli Me Tangere', the Filipinos are going to blaspheme Spain's reign in the Philippines.
Authorities' eyes are on Pepe because of Noli Me Tangere's rebellious message. Before he gets arrested, Pepe flies back to Europe and once again leaves his loved ones behind.
As Pepe gets to know Nellie Boustead, what will happen to the space in his heart for Leonor Rivera?
Back home, Pepe's family and town experience further oppression from the friars. In Europe, he gets into a heated conversation with Antonio Luna regarding Nellie Boustead.
Despite knowing that he will come face to face with death, Pepe continues his fight for freedom and justice.
Pepe returns to the Philippines to fight for justice despite the prosecution that awaits him.
All good things come to an end and in Ilustrado's explosive ending, we are treated to an epic crossover: Andres, Oryang and Sebastian of "Katipunan" star in the final episode, where the battle for Philippine Independence intensifies.