PETA brings back “Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang” for a new generation

More than a century after Lola Basyang first began telling stories in the pages of Liwayway Magazine, and 21 years after the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) first brought her stories to the stage, the beloved Filipino kuwentista returns in a refreshed theatrical experience for today’s young audiences.

Part of PETA’s continued commitment to advocacy and educational theater, Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa… returns for a limited run at the PETA Theater Center from September 21 to 30, 2026, before a longer run in February 2027. The production will also be available for school and community touring, in either excerpt or full-length show.

Based on the stories of Severino Reyes, the production brings together two of his classic tales, adapted for stage by award-winning writer Christine Bellen: Ang Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong, about a prince who discovers that worth goes beyond appearance; Ang Binibining Tumalo sa Hari, about a young woman who uses wisdom and courage to overcome power and prejudice; and a new story by J-mee Katanyag: Ang Bantay ng Huling Buwan.

The addition of this third story introduces a new voice to Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa… by bridging the tradition of Filipino folklore with the modern realities of today’s young audiences. Through Uriel, a curious girl navigating a world of phones, vlogs, and questions, the story brings myth in conversation with science and digital culture, exploring fear, critical thinking, misinformation, and collective action.

For Christine Bellen, whose theatrical adaptation was first staged by PETA in 2005, “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.”
For the full-length revival, Phil Noble, who previously directed Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, returns with a new cast and creative team, refreshed visuals, choreography, music, and staging. 

Driving the creative vision alongside Noble 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/arranger Kabaitan Bautista, composer Noel Cabangon, and lights 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, this evolution also means finding ways to make live theater exciting 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.”

For Maribel Legarda, director of the production’s excerpt version, bringing back a classic means allowing it to evolve with its audiences. “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.”

Driving the creative vision with Legarda are production designer Boni Juan, puppet designer Siglo, and lights designer Ian Torqueza.

The excerpt cast features Yhuan Gatbunton as Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong, Ericka Peralejo as Gracia/Bebang, Carlon Matobato as Hari/Duling/Pido, James Pe Lim as Bungal/Lamukot, and Icee Po as Reyna/Kawal/Sharay.

All these approaches come to life through the production’s interactive format. Rather than simply watching a story unfold, audiences are invited to become part of the storytelling. Lola Basyang breaks the fourth wall, asks questions, listens to the children, and plays with the stories alongside them. Through imagination, play, and participation, young audiences can respond, make choices, and even help the characters solve their challenges.

Ultimately, Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa… returns not simply to retell stories from the past, but to create a space where generations can meet, imagine, question, and listen to one another.

The result is an interactive theater experience that invites young audiences to discover the magic of live theater and find their own place in the stories we continue to tell.

For inquiries, school bookings, and touring information, contact King Joshua Nalupa via Viber at +63 993 643 6018 or email kingjoshuanalupa@petatheater.com.