More than a century after Lola Basyang first shared stories in Liwayway Magazine, and 21 years after the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) first brought her tales to the stage, the beloved Filipino storyteller returns in “Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa…”, a refreshed theatrical experience created for today’s young audiences. The production runs at the PETA Theater Center from September 21 to 30, 2026, with a longer run scheduled for February 2027, and will also be available for school and community touring.
Based on the stories of Severino Reyes, the production features two classic tales adapted for the stage by award-winning writer Christine Bellen: “Ang Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong,” which explores the value of looking beyond appearances, and “Ang Binibining Tumalo sa Hari,” which follows a young woman who uses wisdom and courage to challenge power and prejudice. Joining these is a new story by J-mee Katanyag, “Ang Bantay ng Huling Buwan,” which brings Filipino folklore into conversation with science and digital culture through Uriel, a curious girl navigating phones, vlogs, misinformation, and questions about the world around her.
For Bellen, whose adaptation was first staged by PETA in 2005, every return of Lola Basyang offers an opportunity to discover something new. “Laging may bago sa bawat paglabas ni Lola Basyang sa entablado upang magkuwento sapagkat bukal siya tuwina ng harayang mapagpalaya sa isip ng kaniyang mga manunuod,” she shared. The new production continues this tradition by combining familiar stories with contemporary themes that encourage young audiences to think, question, and imagine.
Phil Noble, who previously directed Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, returns to helm the full-length revival with a new cast and creative team, alongside associate director and choreographer Gio Gahol. The team includes playwrights Christine Bellen and J-mee Katanyag, set and property designer Julio Garcia, costume designer Carlo Pagunaling, musical director and arranger Kabaitan Bautista, composer Noel Cabangon, and lights designer Satya Edilo. The cast features Kiki Baento and CB Garrucho as Lola Basyang, Yhuan Gatbunton, Belle Mendoza, Leo Lapitan, Thor Ganchero, Nyla Festejo, Roi Calilong, Ayla Garcia, Mico Esquivel, and JC Sunto.
An excerpt version of the production, directed by Maribel Legarda, also brings the stories to audiences in a format designed for touring. Legarda emphasizes that reviving a classic means allowing it to evolve with each generation, with Boni Juan as production designer, Siglo as puppet designer, and Ian Torqueza as lights designer. The excerpt cast features Yhuan Gatbunton, Ericka Peralejo, Carlon Matobato, James Pe Lim, and Icee Po.
Through an interactive format, Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa… invites children to become active participants rather than simply watch from their seats. Lola Basyang breaks the fourth wall, asks questions, listens to young audiences, and invites them to respond and help characters navigate their challenges. With its mix of folklore, imagination, play, and participation, the production seeks to introduce a new generation to the magic of live theater while creating a space where old stories can continue to evolve and connect with contemporary audiences.
