The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) brings the beloved stories of Lola Basyang back to the stage with Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa…, a lively and interactive production that connects Filipino folklore with the realities of growing up in today’s digital world.
Currently running at the PETA Theater Center in New Manila, Quezon City, the production will return for an extended run in February 2027 before embarking on a national tour.
Severino Reyes introduced Lola Basyang through Liwayway Magazine in 1925. More than a century later, her iconic rocking chair returns in a revival first adapted for PETA by Christine Bellen in 2005. The new staging responds to a generation growing up with smartphones, social media, artificial intelligence, and an endless stream of digital content.
The production features two of Reyes’ classic stories adapted by Bellen: Ang Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong, which explores self-worth beyond physical appearance and standing up to bullying, and Ang Binibining Tumalo sa Hari, which highlights how wit and intellect can challenge arbitrary authority. Joining them is Ang Bantay ng Huling Buwan, a new piece by PETA Artistic Director J-mee Katanyag.
Katanyag’s story introduces Uriel, a curious young girl navigating a world of smartphones, vlogs, and constant online noise. Her encounter with Lola Basyang brings ancient mythology into conversation with digital culture, exploring media literacy, misinformation, fake news, critical thinking, community action, and the mythical Bakunawa.
“The children who first encountered PETA’s Lola Basyang in 2005 have grown up. Some may now be parents, teachers, artists, and storytellers themselves,” Katanyag said. “The children encountering her today are growing up in a slightly different world, where stories arrive through screens, feeds, memes, videos, and algorithms.”
For director Phil Noble, who has helmed earlier versions of the production, bringing Lola Basyang to today’s young audiences also means introducing them to the unique experience of live theater.
“Today’s children live in a world of vlogging, AI, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and so much more. They can create their own worlds with just a screen,” Noble said. “This time, I want them to discover another kind of world, the world of live theatre. I want them to open themselves to other possibilities, to immerse themselves in the stories, and to become part of the magical world of Lola B.”
Noble and his creative team have refreshed the production through new choreography, updated visuals, and expanded musical arrangements designed to engage young audiences accustomed to fast-paced digital media. The team includes associate director and choreographer Gio Gahol, set designer Julio Garcia, costume designer Carlo Pagunaling, musical director Kabaitan Bautista, composer Noel Cabangon, and lighting designer Satya Edilo.
The production also brings the audience closer to the action. Lola Basyang speaks directly to the children in the theater, asks questions, and invites them to participate in key moments of the story.
Maribel Legarda, director of the mobile excerpt version, sees this audience interaction as an important part of keeping the classic relevant.
“Reviving a classic does not mean reproducing it exactly as it was. Stories live because they are able to speak to changing generations,” Legarda said. “As PETA always does, we take the time to finesse certain elements so they can speak more meaningfully and responsibly to children and audiences today.”
As PETA approaches its 60th year, Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa… demonstrates how Filipino folklore can continue to evolve while creating space for different generations to gather, question familiar ideas, and imagine new possibilities together.
Kiki Baento stars as Lola Basyang, with Yhuan Gatbunton, Belle Mendoza, Leo Lapitan, Thor Ganchero, Nyla Festejo, Roi Calilong, Ayla Garcia, Mico Esquivel, and JC Sunto as members of the main cast. CB Garrucho, Gatbunton, Ericka Peralejo, Carlon Matobato, James Pe Lim, and Icee Po are part of the excerpt cast.
For inquiries and bookings, contact King Joshua Nalupa via Viber at 09936436018 or email [email protected].
