‘Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang’ Returns with a New Story This September
The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) brings back Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa… for a limited run from September 21 to 30, 2026 at the PETA Theater Center, with a new story joining two of Severino Reyes’ classic tales.
The production, first staged by PETA in 2005, will return for a longer run in February 2027 and will also be available for school and community touring in excerpt and full-length versions.
Based on the stories of Severino Reyes, the production features two of his classic tales adapted for the stage by Christine Bellen: Ang Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong, about a prince who discovers that worth goes beyond appearance, and Ang Binibining Tumalo sa Hari, about a young woman who uses wisdom and courage to overcome power and prejudice.
Joining them is a new story by J-mee Katanyag, Ang Bantay ng Huling Buwan. The story follows Uriel, a curious girl navigating a world of phones, vlogs, and questions, bringing myth into conversation with science and digital culture while exploring fear, critical thinking, misinformation, and collective action.
“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,” says Bellen.
Phil Noble, who previously directed Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, returns to direct the full-length production, which features a new cast and creative team as well as refreshed visuals, choreography, music, and staging.
Joining Noble on the creative team are associate director and choreographer Gio Gahol, 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 lighting designer Satya Edilo.
The cast features Kiki Baento and CB Garrucho as Lola Basyang, Yhuan Gatbunton as Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong, Belle Mendoza as Gracia, Leo Lapitan as Bungal and Pido, Thor Ganchero as Duling, Nyla Festejo as Sharay, Roi Calilong as Datu, Ayla Garcia as Bebang, Mico Esquivel as Lamukot, and JC Sunto as Uriel.
For Noble, the revival also involves finding ways to make live theater engaging for children accustomed to screens, social media, and AI.
“I want them to discover another kind of world—the world of live theater. 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,” he says.
Maribel Legarda directs the production’s excerpt version. “Reviving a classic does not mean reproducing it exactly as it was,” she says. “Stories live because they are able to speak to changing generations. 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.”
Joining Legarda on the creative team are production designer Boni Juan, puppet designer Siglo, and lighting designer Ian Torqueza.
The excerpt cast features Yhuan Gatbunton as Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong, Ericka Peralejo as Gracia and Bebang, Carlon Matobato as Hari, Duling, and Pido, James Pe Lim as Bungal and Lamukot, and Icee Po as Reyna, Kawal, and Sharay.
The production uses an interactive format that invites audiences to participate in the storytelling. Lola Basyang breaks the fourth wall, asks questions, listens to the children, and plays with the stories alongside them, allowing young audience members to respond, make choices, and help the characters solve their challenges.
Remaining performances are scheduled for September 23 at 9 AM and 2 PM; September 24 at 9 AM and 2 PM; September 25 at 9 AM; and September 30 at 9 AM.
Limited tickets are available to the public. To purchase tickets, contact King Joshua Nalupa via Viber at +63 993 643 6018.
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