PETA brings Lola Basyang back to the stage for a new generation

More than a century after Lola Basyang first appeared in Liwayway Magazine, and 21 years after the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) first brought her beloved stories to the stage, the iconic Filipino kuwentista returns with a new theatrical adventure for today’s generation.

As part of PETA’s continuing commitment to advocacy and educational theater, Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang runs from September 21 to 30, 2026, at the PETA Theater Center, followed by an extended run in February 2027.

The new full-length production brings together three stories that celebrate the timeless appeal of Filipino storytelling. Two are classic tales by renowned Filipino writer Severino Reyes: Ang Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong and Ang Binibining Tumalo sa Hari, adapted for the stage by Christine Bellen. Completing the production is a new story by J-mee Katanyag, Ang Bantay ng Huling Buwan.

 

 Through these stories, Lola Basyang once again invites audiences into a world of imagination, adventure, humor, and lessons that continue to resonate across generations.

Phil Noble directs the full-length production, with Gio Gahol serving as associate director and choreographer. The production features original music composed by Noel Cabangon, with Kabaitan Bautista as musical director and arranger.

With its mix of classic Filipino stories and a new tale created for contemporary audiences, Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang continues PETA’s tradition of bringing Philippine literature and storytelling to the stage in ways that engage young audiences and keep these stories alive for generations to come.