By Jerome Lagunzad
A formidable force intends to extend its dynasty in record-tying fashion while a traditional powerhouse makes a much-awaited return today as the spotlight falls on the UAAP cheerdance competitions before an expected sellout crowd inside the Mall of Asia Arena.
The National University Pep Squad, under the leadership of coach Ghicka Bernabe, looks to stretch its reign to five straight years, an unprecedented achievement first achieved by University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe from 2002 to 2006.
But NU Pep Squad’s bid to attain more glory will face a stiffer challenge with the return of touted University of the Philippines Pep Squad, the tourney’s co-winningest unit with eight titles which didn’t participate last year as a form of protest following a controversial third-place finish back in 2015.
Instead of being anxious, Bernabe, 29, sounded thrilled to see their familiar rivals back in the hunt. “We’re actually excited and happy to see them back in the competitions. At least, buo na ulit ‘yung list of eight schools competing for the crown,” she said in a phone interview yesterday.
“Basta ang main focus namin ay sa team lang talaga. Whether may bumalik na kalaban, we’re not distracted by our competitors. Para sa akin kasi, ang biggest rivals namin ay ‘yung mga sarili namin mismo. Wala ng iba pa.”
The NU Pep Squad, eager to set the bar, will have that big opportunity as it performs first followed by the De La Salle Animo Squad, Adamson Pep Squad and the Far Eastern University Cheering Squad, which finished as bridesmaid last year.
The University of the East Pep Squad, which has yet to make a Top 3 finish since 2002, will perform at fifth overall before the UP Pep Squad, UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe and Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion take center stage.
Bernabe, a former cheerleader from the FEU Cheering Squad, disclosed that the NU Pep Squad’s title-retention performance will be “more of an underworld theme—more entertaining and lively. Fast-paced routine and lots of tosses and transitions, breathtaking pyramids and a well-choreographed dance number.”
The UP Pep Squad is raring to claim its lost throne which it last ruled in 2012 while UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, which also has eight titles tucked under its belt, is aiming to snap an 11-year drought.
The FEU Cheering Squad last won the coveted title in 2009 while the DLSU Animo Squad, Adamson Pep Squad, Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion and the UE Pep Squad are all determined to clinch that elusive crown for the first time.
