Lola Basyang has been telling stories to Filipino children for generations. The original tales were written by writer and playwright Severino Reyes, and have since been adapted into various media.

With this new run from the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), Lola Basyang welcomes a new audience into her home. Part kuwentuhan, part classroom, and part celebration of stories, Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang proves that there’s still much to learn from the classics, whether you’re eight or eighty.

Walking into the theater, there was an air of wonder — a blend of fantasy and the familiar. The seats were lined with students from different schools and ages, filling the space with laughter.

Stories filled with lessons for all ages

The show opens with Uriel, the youthful, self-proclaimed favorite apo of Lola B, as she calls her, visiting her grandmother’s house to livestream the lunar eclipse to her followers. Enter Lola Basyang, with the warm and endearing presence of everyone’s favorite grandparent. She greets Uriel and welcomes the audience into her home, because in this show, everyone, young and old, is her apo.

She settles into her quaint rocking chair, opens her old storybook, and begins reading her beloved stories to her apos.

The first two tales teach the importance of kindness through Ang Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong, and wisdom through Ang Binibining Tumalo sa Hari. These stories — skillfully adapted by playwrights Christine Bellen and J-mee Katanyag — are simple yet beloved tales with lessons that remain important throughout life.

New additions to the lineup

The third story, written by J-mee Katanyag, is completely new to the lineup — a tradition with PETA’s runs of the show. While haraya, or imagination, was a prevailing theme throughout the show, it feels most relevant in today’s world through Ang Bantay Ng Huling Buwan.

As the lunar eclipse draws near, Lola Basyang tells Uriel an old folktale of the Bakunawa, eating moons until only one remained. Uriel dismisses the story, asking whether it is backed by science. That’s when Lola B explains that these old stories don’t exist to be factual accounts of history, but to teach us what is worth protecting.

Theater will save the world

We live in a time where anything we want can be prompted into existence, where the line between real and fake narratives gets thinner and thinner, and—when given the opportunity to be more understanding—our default is to disregard and get defensive.

Lola Basyang’s stories, though fictional, teach our youth that kindness, wisdom, critical thinking, and haraya are all worth protecting.

Competing with tablets for children’s attention is a tall order, but the medium lets the cast interact with them in a meaningful way. The show’s structure also mimics a real class, dedicating time after each story to discuss the lesson, play games, and answer questions—making it a perfect introduction to theater.

Though the show was made to teach children, the adults were invited to be a part of the story, clapping their hands and stomping their feet with childlike energy. Parents, teachers, media — we were all kids that afternoon.

A labor of love

Many talented people deserve credit for making this show what it is. The directors and writers breathe new life into Severino Reyes’ classic stories, updating them for modern contexts while preserving what made them special.

Each cast member delivered a spirited, lively performance, with Lola Basyang—played by Kiki Baento and CB Garrucho—being especially heartwarming and welcoming. The outfits they don, styled by Carlo Pagunaling, spotlight cultural identities, from full traditional costumes to subtle details woven into modern wear.

The music, composed by Noel Cabangon, gives these stories a heartbeat, with catchy, lively songs that guide the narrative. Every good song needs dance, and associate director and choreographer Gio Gahol injects fun into each track. Together, the music and dance make sure there’s never a dull moment on stage.

A show for the ages

Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang strips away life’s complications and reminds us what matters. It instills values in children through a new and exciting medium. Stories like this can only be told with a true love for the craft, and this team brings that love into every scene.

See it with your kids. See it with your friends. See it by yourself. No matter what stage you are at in life, there is something to be learned from these stories.

Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang will return for a longer run in February 2027. Visit PETA’s social media pages for updates.

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