The writer was 75 years old when he wrote the first Lola Basyang story entitled "Ang Plautin ni Periking", about a kindhearted boy with a magical flute and flying carpet.
He was known as "Don Pinoy" but for his magical tales he adopted the character of Lola Basyang, an old woman well-loved by her grandchildren because she regaled them with magical stories about kings, queens, dragons and other incredible creatures.
The stories were published in a special section in Liwayway the oldest Tagalog magazine in the country. The publication began in 1922 and included serialized novels, short stories, poetry, comics, essays, news features, entertainment news and articles, and many others.
Writer Severino Reyes is considered one of the giants of Philippine Literature. Aside from Lola Basyang his most famous play was 'Walang Sugat" a Tagalog zarzeula about the brave Katipuneros during the Spanish occupation. On August 21, Ballet Manila opens its 20th performance season Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang,” three captivating dance productions of love, fantasy and adventure. Ballet Manila will bring back the storybook magic of “Ang Prinsipe ng Mga Ibon,” “Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya” and "Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin”, first staged in 2008. |
Choreographed by Osias Barroso set to the melodies of national artists for music
as arranged by Mon Faustino, “Ang Prinsipe ng Mga Ibon” is about a princess
who falls madly in love with a bird prince. Their love is put to a test when her
furious father expresses disapproval over their unusual relationship.
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Ballet Manila Chief Executive Officer and Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde
choregraphed “Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya”. Set to the music of Joey Ayala, it
tells the story a boy in search of his sisters who were captured by a beast, as a
punishment for their father's greedy streak. The boy strives to fulfill their father's
dying wish by coming face to face with the monster that took his sisters.
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The dance production goes onstage at Aliw Theater on August 21, 22, 28, and 29, at 8:00 p.m., and on August 23 and 30 at 3:00 p.m.
The show is co-presented by Manila Broadcasting Company, Anvil Publishing, Aliw Theater and Star City. Other sponsors are ACS Manufacturing, First United Travel, Papa John’s Pizza, Manang’s Chicken, Empire Salon, Slimmer’s World, Island Rose, and whatshappening.com.ph.
Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets, www.ticketworld.com.ph, or call 891 9999 and the Ballet Manila marketing hotline at 552 7502.