Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 1) — It’s the time of the year again when eight schools bring out their best moves and loudest cheers to put on a memorable performance as the UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2023 happens on Saturday, Dec. 2.
Here’s a preview of what to expect from each team in the upcoming competition.
Adamson Pep Squad
Placement last season: 5th place
Last championship: 2017
The Adamson Pep Squad has become a fixture in the top three of the UAAP Cheerdance Competition since 2016.
But a high energy performance inspired by Jennifer Lopez was not enough to get them back on top, falling into 5th place last season.
Head coach Jeremy Lorenzo hopes to get another medal this year with a routine based on the animation film \”Trolls.\”
\”We chose this theme because we know that everyone can relate, all of the music inclined to this movie will be relatable to everyone. Also, we wanna spread joy, fun, colors, and positivity this coming Saturday,” he said during a press conference last Wednesday.
Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion
Placement last season: 8th place
Last championship: N/A
Despite being cellar dwellers in the past seasons, the Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion is no stranger to the UAAP cheerdance podium after finishing second in 2009. Who wouldn’t forget that moonwalk pyramid?
But team captain Julia Tulagan said that there is no pressure for them as they are focused on gaining exposure for the rookie-laden team.
\”Especially since we’re composed of mostly rookies, we want them to be comfortable performing in front of a crowd and actually enjoying what they are doing,\” she said.
Further, the crowd can expect a performance ala Super Bowl halftime show from the Katipunan-based squad.
De La Salle University Animo Squad
Placement last season: 7th place
Last championship: N/A
The DLSU Animo Squad has experienced several podium finishes since the cheerdance competition started in 1994, but a championship remains elusive to them.
The last time the team made it to the top three was 10 years ago.
Although there was no hint on their routine’s theme, the Taft cheerleaders vowed a more challenging routine.
\”I think we have a good fight this year kahit papaano. More challenging this year, kasi nagtaas kami ng difficulty,\” said head coach Lester Go.
[Translation: I think we have a good fight this year. Our routine is more challenging this year because we raised our level of difficulty.]
Far Eastern University Cheering Squad
Placement last season: 2nd place
Last championship: May 2022
The Morayta-based squad was just points away from defending its crown last year after paying tribute to OPM icon Francis Magalona.
The FEU Cheering Squad wants to try something new for this year with a performance based on the popular video game Super Mario.
\”We wanted to step away doon sa usual na nagiging tema namin na pop icon. This will definitely bring out the kid in everyone,\” said head coach Randell San Gregorio.
[Translation: We wanted to step away from our usual routines that were based on pop icons. This will definitely bring out the kid in everyone.]
National University Pep Squad
Placement last season: 1st place
Last championship: December 2022
The NU Pep Squad is challenged to defend its title following the exit of legendary coach Ghicka Bernabe, who led the team to its seven UAAP cheerdance crowns.
The cheerleaders from Sampaloc will aim for their eighth crown with a homage to the King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley.
But newly minted head coach Gabriel Bajacan assured that fans can still expect death defying stunts which the team is always known for.
\”We are happy to collaborate with mga friends namin na mga choreographers, para patuloy na maging NU Pep Squad ang NU Pep Squad,\” he said. \”We will always bring a death-defying routine, a very challenging routine for every season that we will do.\”
[Translation: We are happy to collaborate with choreographer friends so NU Pep Squad will remain as the NU Pep Squad that everyone knows. We will always bring a death-defying routine, a very challenging routine for every season that we will do.]
University of the East Pep Squad
Placement last season: 4th place
Last championship: N/A
The UE Pep Squad last won a medal in 2017 after finishing third. Last year, the team almost made it back to the podium with its P-pop-inspired performance.
As the host school for this season, the Recto-based cheerleaders are hoping to make their school proud with choreography inspired by 90s anime shows.
But head coach Gibson Alegre said that they also aim to set the bar high as they will be the first performers in the lineup.
\”Ang focus namin this year is feel-good routine and also level up yung skills at saka yung dance from the previous years,\” he said.
[Translation: Our focus is a feel-good routine and also to level up our skills and the dance aspect from the previous years.]
University of the Philippines Pep Squad
Placement last season: 6th place
Last championship: 2012
The UP Pep Squad is one of the two teams with the most UAAP cheerdance titles at eight.
The Diliman-based squad never missed the podium from 1995 to 2015.
After skipping the 2016 edition, the UP Pep Squad made a comeback the following year. But it was never the same again as they were locked at 6th place for five straight seasons.
UP is aiming to break the podium drought with a nostalgic routine inspired by legendary OPM band Eraserheads.
\”Coming from a streak of not being in the top three, we really want to break those barriers and bring back what UP does best,\” said head coach Fae Pascua.
University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe
Placement last season: 3rd place
Last championship: 2006
The UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe is among the winningest teams with eight cheerdance titles and the only squad to win for five-straight years.
The España-based squad promised to dance as if it’s their last with a Blackpink-inspired routine for their ninth UAAP cheerdance crown.
\”Of course, yearly, we are really trying to surpass what we have showed from the previous year,\” said head coach Mark Chaiwalla.
\”For this year, what I could confidently say is that it’s going to be another best of Salinggawi. For me, it’s definitely the best and the most fast paced that we have ever built.\”
