How Mitch Valdes gave her nod to play Lola Basyang
PLAYING Lola Basyang came without any hesitation for veteran singer-actress and comedienne Mitch Valdes, who steps into the title role of Ballet Manila’s second offering for its 26th season.
Mitch will narrate Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang (May 11, 12 and 18 at the Aliw Theater) that will feature stories well-loved by generations.
“Lisa (Macuja, Ballet Manila head) has been an old friend,” Mitch said proudly. “I’ve watched all her other performances especially when she came from Russia. I was very proud to call her a friend.
“The drive and investment that she brought back to the Philippines are invaluable. So when she messaged me, ‘Do you want to do Lola Basyang?’ My answer was ‘But of course!’ So I will study very carefully when we have the script.”
Having been active in the entertainment scene for over 50 years – film, television and stage – the seasoned actress and comedienne will inject her signature wit and humor to playing Lola Basyang.
She plans to make her character different.
“I will ask Lisa (Macuja) if Lola Basyang can get up from her rocking chair for some choreography,” Mitch said. “Maybe up on pointe for five seconds.
“I never thought they would one day go to me and ask me to play a lola. But I am at that age. Lisa and I had a conversation regarding the treatment of Lola Basyang and how to prepare for this classic.”
As Lola Basyang, Mitch bravely steps into a turf that is not really new to her. Not that she is doing a pas de deux and dancing the ballet in the well-loved Filipino tale.
She jokingly admitted she is still in training for next year’s 27th season of Ballet Manila. “I’m still learning my pas de deux,” she teased. “And if they can find a guy who will lift.”
For this special production, Mitch shares with Anvil Publishing the common aim to bring the legacy of renowned Filipino writer Severino Reyes alive.
The ballet versions are based on the works of multi-awarded children’s book writer, Christine Bellen Ang’s retelling of Reyes’ stories.
“A long time ago, in the nineties, I was a guest in one of the ballet productions of the CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines),” Mitch said. “But this is a world I barely absorbed. I was always in the audience.
“I found the discipline, the artistry, the credibility and the dedication so beautiful. Thank God for companies like Ballet Manila who keep it going. My goodness. They deserve applause.”
Mitch has not admittedly seen the previous performances of Lola Basyang, particularly that of veteran actress Luz Fernandez who played the character on TV, so she is not won’t to compare.
“I will never compare,” Mitch insisted. “Luz Valdez is a colleague of mine on television. I know she did a fabulous job playing Lola Basyang.
“But I don’t know how far the director will allow me to insert a little humor and comedy without digressing from the beauty of the ballet itself.”
“As Lola Basyang, I’m very happy that there is a Filipino repertoire and we can reach a new generation to bring her to life.
“But I will not train very much yet. I’m still recovering from an injury,” Mitch teased.
“I shall immerse myself into the Kwento ni Lola Basyang literature which I have not delve into since high school. I will do that. That will be my preparation.
“I’m very, very excited to work with young people, to work with Lisa Macuja and to work in the ballet world.”
Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang was reborn and was consistently reinvigorated. Ballet Manila will restage Ang Prinsipe ng mga Ibon, The Adventure of Pekto, Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya and the magical comedy, Mahiwang Biyulin.
The tales were selected from 12 stories that complete the children’s book, Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang. That was transformed into a trilogy in 2008, when the tales enjoyed unprecedented success after its partnership with Anvil Publishing, who came out with the books.
For the first time, Lola Basyang will join the dancers and get up from her rocking chair, according to Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s chief executive officer (CEO) and artistic direct
“That was what I asked for,” Mitch smilingly said.
Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang was reborn and consistently reinvigorated. Ballet Manila will restage Ang Prinsipe ng mga Ibon, The Adventure of Pekto, Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya and the magical comedy, Mahiwang Biyulin.
The children’s book, Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang, was transformed into a trilogy in 2008 when the tale enjoyed unprecedented success after its partnership with Anvil Publishing, who came out with the books.
Lisa recently welcomed everybody to the company’s “auspicious” 26th performance season of Ballet Masterpieces.
“I really like it very much, that we open every season at the start of every year,” Lisa said. “The season closes in September at the Aliw Theater. We have an off-season that’s not very off because sometimes, we get more receipts during the off season than the regular season.
“Announcing a new season at the beginning of the New Year also gives us a sense of confidence, excitement and hope. Certainly, Ballet Masterpieces, our 2024 season, is going to be a busy one.
“The company has grown in leaps and bounds since we opened after this pandemic. We didn’t expect things to move this fast and this strongly.”
To start its 26th season, Ballet Manila opens with Le Corsaire (The Pirate), re-choregraphed and re-born, the first presentation that goes onstage February 24.
Ballet Manila will also restage Giselle, one of the most romantic ballets of all time. Following the success of Florante at Laura and last year’s Romeo and Juliet, Gerardo Francisco and Martin Lawrence are doing Ballet Manila’s special event in October, the premiere of the Filipino classic tale, Ang Ibong Adarna, to be staged at the Ateneo de Manila University’s (ADMU’s) Arete Theater on October 12, 13 and 19.
In December, Ballet Manila continues to celebrate the Christmas tradition and will end the year bringing the holiday spirit alive with its Holiday Cheer series by presenting Lisa’s take on Snow White, December 25 to 30.
