With the Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang: Ang Mahiwagang Bantay ng Bundok Arayat, The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) harnesses the power of storytelling to raise social awareness and advocate for environmental preservation through an animated short film that transports viewers into the enchanting world of Filipino folktales while emphasizes the importance of protecting the Philippine natural heritage.

Featuring the iconic Filipino character, Lola Basyang, the 15-minute animated film follows the adventure of a young boy who discovers a magical world hidden within the slopes of Mount Arayat in Pampanga. Through his encounters with mythical and folkloric creatures, the young adventurer learns valuable life lessons about courage, friendship and the significance of taking care of nature.

According to the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, the series Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang first appeared in the weekly magazine Liwayway in 1925. Written by the prominent Filipino writer and journalist Severino Reyes, the first story ever published was “Ang Plautin ni Periking” (Periking’s Flute), which tells the tale of three orphaned brothers who catch a fish that turns out to be an engkantado, a folkloric being with magical powers.

Over the years, Lola Basyang has become an iconic figure in modern Philippine culture. Her stories have been adapted into books, comics, television shows, and films, captivating generations of readers and viewers.

For this animated adaptation, director Nelson “Blog” Caliguia, Jr. collaborated with Dr. Christine Bellen-Ang, an expert on Lola Basyang stories, who shared that the children’s story series will celebrate its centennial anniversary of its first publication in 2025.

The production team also enlisted the animation department from De La Salle College of Saint Benilde to bring the story of Lola Basyang to life. The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, provided the musical scoring for the film, while Pepe Manikan handled sound design.

The creation of the CCP’s first animated short film is a project of the CCP Board of Trustees, led by chairman Jaime C. Laya, which aims to generate original content that reflects, uses and revitalizes Philippine cultural heritage, including its folktales, myths, and legends. Launched in 2022, the CCP grant program seeks to stimulate the national creative economy by providing financial, technical and educational support to local creative businesses, content developers, artists, and students.

“Part of the objectives of the film project is to use the story of Lola Basyang as an engaging and meaningful source of learning material for children, helping them acquire knowledge of classic Filipino folktales,” said Laya during the launch at the Philippine Normal University (PNU), the National Center for Teacher Education.

He encouraged teachers and students to “embrace the opportunity to learn, create, be inspired, and celebrate the power of art to connect, challenge and illuminate the path toward a brighter future.”

For CCP vice chairperson Margie Moran-Floirendo, who lent her voice to Impong Gubat, one of the film’s main characters, the animated film is not just about preserving Lola Basyang’s stories but also about ensuring that the younger generation learns essential Filipino values and traditions, tools they need to navigate their future.

“Let this showcase serve as a guide and example for the youth to develop a deep love for nature, for we firmly believe that when children learn to protect nature, they not only secure their own future; they ensure the future of all living things,” shared Moran-Floirendo.

The film launch coincided with the CCP Arts Academy, an educational program designed to provide teachers with specialized training in innovative ways to integrate the arts into learning. The program empowers in-service and student teachers in arts education and explores cutting-edge frameworks for arts pedagogy.

The animated film launch and screening was also attended by university officials led by PNU vice president for Academics Dr. Marilyn U. Balagtas and faculty representatives and students. Dr. Balagtas expressed her gratitude to CCP for choosing the university as a partner in the implementation of the arts academy and, as the host for the film launch which she considered as a perfect way of promoting Filipino culture and Filipino artists.

“We are grateful that, though the institution is quite busy and may not be the best in terms of its facilities, that you still considered us as your host for the launching of Lola Basyang,” she said.

During the launch, teacher participants engaged in panel discussions with the production team of the “Lola Basyang.” Caliguia discussed the creative process behind the film, while children’s book writer Dr. Christine Bellen-Ang highlighted its educational impact and provided teaching guides to inspire future generations of Filipino artists.

CCP vice president and artistic director Dennis Marasigan revealed that the country’s leading art institution has exciting plans for Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang: Ang Mahiwagang Bantay ng Bundok Arayat. These plans include upcoming screenings at various educational institutions, a possible television broadcast, and the potential development of sequels to further extend the animated film’s story and impact.