26/11/2025
From District Stages to Regional Glory: Riyana Bascos Leaps as "Tipaklong" to Keep Libertad's Winning Streak Alive
The bright stage lights of the regional Pinoy Book Character competition fell on a small figure in green, big eyes, its long "antennae" twitching as it hopped across the floor. That figure was Riyana Bascos, a Grade 6 learner from Libertad Elementary School, bringing to life "Tipaklong" — the grasshopper from the classic Pinoy fable who learns that hard work beats lazy pleasure — and in doing so, secured her school’s second consecutive championship in the contest.
Riyana’s journey to the top was not an overnight leap. She began her journey in lower-level district competitions, where she first tested her mettle as Tipaklong. With each performance, she refined her movements, mastered her lines, and grew into the role that would eventually carry her to the regional stage. "At first, I was nervous about making the grasshopper’s actions look real," she shared after her winning performance. "But I remembered what Tipaklong learned — that if you work hard instead of playing around, you can achieve anything."
Her success is part of a remarkable streak for Libertad Elementary. Last year, Wakeisha Tabula, also from the same school, took home the title for her powerful portrayal of Sisa from José Rizal’s Noli Me Tángere. Both girls share a common guide: coach Rimel Tined, whose dedication to nurturing young talent has become the backbone of the school’s winning legacy.
"Riyana and Wakeisha are proof that with passion and practice, our students can shine on any stage," Tined said. "Tipaklong’s story is so relatable — we all have moments where we’d rather play than work. Riyana brought that truth to life in a way that touched the judges and the audience."
As Riyana stood on stage to receive her award, her eyes sparkling with pride, she embodied the very lesson her character taught. From district competitions to regional glory, she had turned hard work into victory — and ensured that Libertad Elementary’s name would once again be etched in the history of the Pinoy Book Character contest.