We are scheduled to watch "Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang" presented by Ballet Manila tomorrow night, Aug. 21, 8pm at Aliw Theater. Other show schedule was on August 22, 28, and 29, at 8:00 p.m., and on August 23 &; 30 at 3:00 p.m.
I chose to watch the first schedule to enable me to at least share my review right after the show.
[UPDATE: We are instead re-scheduled to watch next Friday, Aug.28. due to bad weather last friday cause by typhoon 'Ineng'].
[UPDATE: We are instead re-scheduled to watch next Friday, Aug.28. due to bad weather last friday cause by typhoon 'Ineng'].
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Luz Fernandez as "Lola Basyang" |
Lola Basyang is part of the Filipino culture and heritage, Ballet Manila is honored to do their share in preserving this wonderful gift, through dance and music.
My 7-yr. old son needs an introduction to Lola Basyang, so here goes full story about him.
Yes, him. Did you know that Lola Basyang is male?
Lola Basyang was the pen name of writer Severino Reyes, the genius
behind the enchanting stories that has been adapted to books, comics,
television and films.
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Here are other
amazing Lola Basyang facts:
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.
Lola Basyang's character was closely similar to
Mother Goose the imaginary author of fairy tales and nursery rhymes. The name
was inspired by a woman named Gervacia Guzman De Zamora who was known as
"Tandang Basyang".
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.
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.
“Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin.” was choreographed by the late Tony Fabella with music by
Ryan Cayabyab. The tale is about a poor worker who was given a violin when he helped an old lady.
The enchanting rhythm of the strings sends listeners in a trance bringing about
an unusual change in behavior.
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.
I was entice to watch as it promises to be the perfect weekend treat for the whole family. As Ballet Manila Chief Executive Officer and Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde states that the kids will surely like the snake scene and all the live animals on stage.
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.
Can't wait to read your review on the performance. I'm glad the Reyes estate is now more open to getting the Lola Basyang stories out in different media and that we actually have different outfits doing their own rendition. I've seen some of the stories in theater, now ballet and I've heard that a television series is also coming out. It makes these wonderful literary classics more accessible to the younger generation.
ReplyDeleteI miss going to shows like this. And good to know Ms. Luz Fernandez is still active. :) I'm a fan of hers.
ReplyDeleteLola Basyang is male?? WOW. I've been wanting to see grand ballet performances but I can't seem to find the time to actually purchase tickets. :(
ReplyDeleteI really want to see this show! I grew up listening to the stories of Lola Basyang (who didn't?) and it would be so interesting to see them come to life.
ReplyDeleteReally good advice about prioritizing, delegating responsibilities and seeking outside professional help when tasks becomes overwhelming. Just like when my essay writing and research oriented school work gets painfully difficult I
ReplyDeleteI am the new guy
ReplyDelete