By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The National University Pep Squad proved they are still the best team after retaining the UAAP Cheerdance Competition crown on Sunday before a huge crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Wearing the country’s tri-colors, the NU Pep Squad saved the best for last with its “Filipino pride” theme by displaying jaw-dropping stunts and breath-taking tosses that had fans on their feet.
NU scored 722 points, banking on a high level of difficulty en route to starting a new winning streak. They scored 90 points on tumbling, 81 on stunts, 89.5 on tosses, 96 on pyramids, and 369.5 on dance.
It was NU Pep Squad’s sixth title in seven years after missing a five-peat bid in 2017 won by the Adamson Pep Squad.
NU Pep Squad coach Ghicka Bernabe said this was her favorite season so far, noting the tight competition among other squads.
“This is one of the best seasons so far kasi lahat ng teams were able to pull of their routines. Standard na ‘yung pagalingan, hindi na yung naghahanap lang ng butas sa ibang teams kaya nanalo,” she said.
Bernabe attributed their winning formula to their attitude of being more creative and skillful from their previous championship performance.
She also thanked the management for the unending support. “Championship is just a title but the love that we have for each other, ‘yun ang nagpapanalo sa amin,” Bernabe said.
The Far Eastern University Cheering Squad finished second with 706 points, performing to the greatest hits of Michael Jackson, including the iconic “Moonwalk” and “shoe lean” stunts, while the Adamson Pep Squad settled for third with 658.5 points with its festive and colorful Caribbean theme.
Incidentally, the Top 3 winners this year was also last year’s Top 3 winners.
The University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe settled for fourth with 650, followed by the University of the East Pep Squad (645), University of the Philippines Pep Squad (622.5), Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion (593), and De La Salle Animo Squad (577.5).
