Lola Basyang Returns With A Fresher Approach for New Generation

PETA brings back Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa… with a new story and fresher approach for young audiences. 

Words Rolan Muyot
Photo courtesy of Philippine Educational Theater Association 
October 20, 2026

From “Lola Basyang” to “Lola B”. 

The Philippine Educational Theater Association reimagined Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa… with a fresher approach that adapts to the realities of the new generation. 

Before its longer run in February 2027, PETA reopened its doors for Lola B and her stories, with a limited run on September 21-30, 2026. 

The production staged Severino Reyes’ classic tales adapted for stage by Christine Bellen, Ang Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong, a story of being different, belongingness, and discovering one’s worth goes beyond physical appearance. And Ang Binibining Tumalo sa Hari brings the story of a young woman and how her wisdom and courage overcome power and prejudice. 

Filipinos’ beloved storyteller comes back with an addition of J-mee Katanyag’s Ang Bantay ng Huling Buwan, a story that brings Lola B’s grandchild Uriel, a girl who finds herself between mythical narratives and modern realities of science and digital culture. 

Uriel (JC Sunto) is the representation of Lola B’s young audiences today—curious, on loop with technological trends, and vulnerable to misinformation. 

Through Uriel, Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa… once again found its way to immerse children to live theater that widens their imagination outside the internet. 

Designed for younger viewers, the play’s interactive approach keeps the children engaged through Lola B’s (Kiks Baento) participative activities where she asks questions and plays along with them. 

Lola B breaking the fourth wall is also one of the production’s magics as it invites the audiences to become part of the storytelling rather than simply watching the stories unfold. 

With the use of emerging styles of speaking and some internet slang, Lola B is not just making her stories relatable to kids, she, herself is trying to adapt and meet the youngsters in their wavelength where understanding one another becomes easier. 

For Phil Noble, director of full-length revival, 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.”

Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa… came back not just to retell classic stories, but to create a space for generations to meet, listen, question, and imagine. 

Lola B and her stories invite the younger generation to discover the magic of live theater and imagine themselves being part of the stories they continue to tell. 

Despite the rapid and continuous advancement of technology, Lola B reminds everyone to keep on telling stories. “Patuloy tayong magkuwento para patuloy tayong mangarap at mapalawak pa natin ang ating imahinasyon.”

Part of its commitment to advocacy and educational theater, the production will also be available for school and community touring, in either excerpt or full-length shows.