ON FEBRUARY 11, 1861, Severino Reyes, noted playwright, writer, dramatist and acclaimed as one of the giants of Tagalog and Filipino Literature in the early 20th century, was born in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
Reyes was famous for writing “Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang” (Tales of Lola Basyang), a series of fairy tale stories told by Lola Basyang, an old woman with loadful of ancient stories stuck in her ancient baul.
The stories appeared in Liwayway Magazine, which he co-founded on November 18, 1922, and eventually became the most-widely read prose feature of the magazine.
Reyes was also regarded as the Father of Filipino Plays due to his contribution in the arts and literature. One of the most cited and famous plays that he created was the zarzuela “Walang Sugat” (No Wounds) which tackled the bravery and dedication of the Katipuneros or the local revolutionary army of the Philippines during the later years of the Spanish occupation.
Reyes died on September 15, 1942 at the age of 81.
