In this special series marking National Literature Month, we revisit in photos the three tales of distinguished Filipino author Severino Reyes, as retold by Christine Bellen, which were adapted into Ballet Manila’s Tatlong Pang Kuwento ni Lola Basyang in 2013.

Following its forerunner which premiered in 2008, the new trilogy translated into dance the folksy tales spun by Philippine literature’s most popular storytelling grandmother, Lola Basyang. That these narratives remain relatable and relevant decades after being written and now presented in a new medium is a tribute to their being classics, brimming with age-old values of love, hope, kindness and humor. 

Labindalawang Masasayang Prinsesa

Illustrator: Abi Goy

Choreographers: Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Rudy De Dios, Sofia Sangco-Peralta and Francis Jaena

Composer/ musical arranger: Arnold Buena

Costume designer: Michael Miguel

Lighting designer: Jaime Villanueva

Production designer: Jonathan Janolo.

Stage director: Roxanne Lapus

Photos by Ocs Alvarez