PETA Revives ‘Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang’ for a September 21–30 Run
Last Updated on September 23, 2026 by Over Here Toronto
The Philippine Educational Theater Association has brought “Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa…” back to the stage for a short September run in Quezon City. The show opened on September 21 and runs on select dates through September 30, 2026, at the PETA Theater Center.
The 2026 staging brings back two tales linked to writer Severino Reyes and adds a new story made for children growing up with phones, social media, and a large amount of online information. PETA first staged Christine Bellen’s version of Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang in 2005.
A longer run will follow in February 2027. PETA will also offer full and shorter versions of the production for schools and communities.
Readers can check PETA’s programs and contact details through the official PETA Theater website.
Three Stories Make Up the 2026 Production
The current full show brings together three stories.
Two come from Severino Reyes and were adapted for the stage by Christine Bellen.
“Ang Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong” follows a prince who must learn that a person’s worth goes beyond looks.
“Ang Binibining Tumalo sa Hari” follows a young woman who uses her mind and courage when she faces power and unfair treatment.
The third story is new.
PETA Artistic Director J-mee Katanyag wrote “Ang Bantay ng Huling Buwan.” The story follows Uriel, a young girl who lives in a world of phones, vlogs, science, myths, and fast-moving information.
PETA uses Uriel’s story to talk about fear, false information, critical thinking, and people working together. The story also gives the old Lola Basyang format a link to the way many children get information today.
Children Can Take Part in the Story
The production does not ask young viewers to sit quietly for the whole show.
Lola Basyang talks to the audience. She asks children questions and listens to their answers. At some points, young viewers can help characters make choices or solve a problem.
This approach helps PETA connect stories from the past with children who now spend much of their time around screens.
Maribel Legarda, who directs the shorter touring version, said bringing an old work back does not mean keeping every part the same.
“Reviving a classic does not mean reproducing it exactly as it was,” Legarda said.
She added that stories stay alive when they can speak to new generations.
Who Is in the ‘Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang’ Cast?
Kiki Baento and CB Garrucho take on the role of Lola Basyang in the full production.
The cast also includes:
- 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
- JC Sunto as Uriel
Phil Noble directs the full production. Gio Gahol works as associate director and choreographer.
The team also includes playwrights Christine Bellen and J-mee Katanyag, set and property designer Julio Garcia, costume designer Carlo Pagunaling, lighting designer Satya Edilo, and musical director and arranger Kabaitan Bautista.
Noel Cabangon composed the original music.
Remaining September Show Dates and Ticket Prices
The full September run covers September 21 to 30, but PETA does not hold a show every day.
As of September 23, the September 21 and 22 shows have already taken place.
The remaining public showtimes listed in current production information are:
- September 23: 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- September 24: 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- September 25: 9 a.m.
- September 30: 9 a.m.
Ticket prices range from ₱1,000 to ₱1,800:
- VIP: ₱1,800
- Orchestra Center: ₱1,400
- Orchestra Side: ₱1,100
- Balcony Center: ₱1,400
- Balcony Side: ₱1,000
Current reports say only a small number of public tickets remain.
PETA advises buyers to contact King Joshua Nalupa through Viber at +63 993 643 6018 for ticket inquiries and reservations. Schools and groups can also email kingjoshuanalupa@petatheater.com for touring and school booking details.
The PETA Theater Center is at No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City. The company lists the address and other contact details on its official website.
Lola Basyang Has Been Part of Filipino Storytelling for More Than a Century
Writer Severino Reyes began publishing stories under the name Lola Basyang in Liwayway magazine in 1925.
The stories later moved into other forms, including books, radio, film, television, comics, animation, and theater. PETA brought its own stage adaptation to audiences in 2005.
For this new run, the theater group keeps parts of the older stories while adding subjects that young viewers know today.
The addition of Ang Bantay ng Huling Buwan is one clear example. Its young lead deals with information from phones and online sources while also hearing stories from Lola Basyang.
That lets the production place old tales beside questions about what children read, watch, and believe now.
PETA Plans a Longer Run in February 2027
The September staging will not be the last chance to see the production.
PETA has confirmed a longer run in February 2027, although the sources checked for this article do not yet give the full list of dates and public ticket details for that run.
The company will also bring the show to schools and communities. Organizers can request either a full-length version or a shorter staging.
For families hoping to catch the current Quezon City run, the main dates left are September 23, 24, 25, and 30. Ticket supply is limited, so viewers should confirm availability with PETA before going to the theater.
