Why This Generation Needs Lola Basyang: PETA Revives a Filipino Classic
September 22, 2026
Veronique Nazareno
In an age of smartphones, social media, and artificial intelligence, PETA brings Lola Basyang back to remind young audiences of the power of imagination, critical thinking, and human connection.
What does a storyteller from more than a century ago have to offer a generation growing up with smartphones, social media, and artificial intelligence? As it turns out, quite a lot.
The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) brings back Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa…, reintroducing one of the Philippines' most beloved storytellers to young audiences through a refreshed theatrical experience that combines classic Filipino tales with contemporary themes.
It returns 21 years after PETA first staged Christine Bellen's theatrical adaptation in 2005 and will have a longer run in February 2027.
Rediscovering imagination in the age of screens
For children accustomed to consuming entertainment through digital devices, live theater offers a different kind of experience. Theater unfolds in real time, unlike videos. Performers and audiences share the same space, creating an experience that cannot be replicated in exactly the same way.
For returning director Phil Noble, the challenge is to introduce children familiar with screens, social media, and AI to the possibilities of live performance. "I want them to discover another kind of world—the world of live theater," Noble explains.
He hopes young audiences will immerse themselves in the stories and become part of Lola Basyang's magical world.
Lola Basyang breaks the fourth wall, asks questions, and invites them to participate. Young audiences can respond to the characters, make choices, and even help solve the challenges presented in the stories.
In doing so, storytelling becomes more than entertainment. It becomes an opportunity for children to exercise their imagination and discover that their voices matter.
Teaching children to question what they see and hear
One of the production's most significant additions is Ang Bantay ng Huling Buwan, a new story written by J-mee Katanyag. The story introduces Uriel, a curious girl navigating a world filled with phones, vlogs, and questions. By bringing Filipino folklore into conversation with science and digital culture, the story explores fear, misinformation, critical thinking, and collective action.
The story provides an opportunity for young audiences to consider the importance of asking questions, examining what they encounter, and thinking critically rather than simply accepting information at face value.
Through the familiar magic of storytelling, PETA introduces contemporary concerns in a form that children can engage with imaginatively.
Timeless lessons for a changing world
Alongside the new story, the production brings back two classic tales by Severino Reyes, adapted for the stage by Christine Bellen.
Ang Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong follows a prince who discovers that a person's worth extends beyond physical appearance.
Meanwhile, Ang Binibining Tumalo sa Hari tells the story of a young woman who uses wisdom and courage to confront power and prejudice.
Although these stories originated in a different era, their themes remain relevant to young audiences today.
The first encourages children to look beyond appearances, while the second presents intelligence and courage as powerful responses to injustice.
Together with Ang Bantay ng Huling Buwan, the three stories connect enduring values with the challenges of contemporary life.
Lola Basyang first appeared in the pages of Liwayway Magazine more than a century ago, becoming an enduring figure in Philippine storytelling. Her return to the stage also creates an opportunity to introduce younger Filipinos to a literary and cultural tradition that previous generations grew up with.
But keeping a classic alive does not necessarily mean presenting it exactly as audiences remember it. Maribel Legarda, who directs the production's excerpt version, emphasizes that stories must evolve alongside the people who experience them. "Stories live because they are able to speak to changing generations," she explains.
Phil Noble returns to direct the full-length production, with Gio Gahol serving as associate director and choreographer.
The creative 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 lighting designer Satya Edilo. Kiki Baento and CB Garrucho take on the role of Lola Basyang.
The cast also features 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.
The production will also be available for school and community touring in excerpt and full-length formats.
Remaining performances are scheduled for September 23 and 24 at 9 AM and 2 PM, and September 25 and 30 at 9 AM with a longer run in February 2027.
Tickets range from ₱1,000 to ₱1,800, with very limited seats available to the public.
For school bookings and touring inquiries, email kingjoshuanalupa@petatheater.com.
Photos courtesy of PETA.