ASIDE from the heart-stopping games, one of the much-awaited events in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines is the cheerleading competition. Not only does it set the hype, but the UAAP Cheerdance Competition also showcases the wit and creativity of its eight-member schools, namely Adamson University (AdU), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), De La Salle University (DLSU), Far Eastern University (FEU), National University (NU), University of the East (UE), University of the Philippines Diliman (UP), and the University of Santo Tomas (UST).
For the past years, these universities have given the arena a taste of cheerful yet transformative performances, making the cheerleading competition more exciting.
Ahead of this year’s cheerdance competition, here are some memorable performances to look back on:
University of the Philippines’ Bald and Bold (2012)
Who will forget UP Pep’s performance in 2012 when the whole squad (yes, even the girls) went bald for the season? This performance left the audience in awe as the members of the squad showcased their routines. As a result, the UP Pep Squad was hailed as the season’s champion – achieving a 3-peat triumph.
National University’s Coco (2018)
Who says death is the end of life? The NU Pep Squad seemingly rose from the dead as its members brought their Coco-inspired performance to the arena. Rising from the ashes, the NU Bulldogs reclaimed their title and was hailed champion during the 2018 UAAP Cheerdance Competition.
University of the Philippines’ Rainbow (2014)
No wonder the crowd went wild when UP steered its advocacy and protest to the cheerleading stage during the UAAP Season 78 Cheerdance competition, and put on a unique rainbow-themed performance. The UP Pep Squad members passed a rainbow flag to the audience during their performance to send the message of equality for all, a message it also sought to convey in its routine. Despite not clinching the title and placing first runner up to NU, UP’s message was heard loud and clear.
University of the East’s Pintados (2018)
Even if Iloilo is miles away from Manila, the University of the East Pep Squad grooved in a Pintados-themed performance and painted the MOA arena with festive colors. The UE Red Warriors, however, fell short of the podium and only placed fifth in the season. The NU Pep Squad won the title.
University of the Philippines’ Madonna (2011)
Beyond entertainment, the UP Pep Squad defied gender stereotypes after it put on a Madonna-inspired performance. The team members came out with their hair dyed blonde and defended their season title, winning a back-to-back victory from 2010’s Hala Bira Fiesta routine.
Far Eastern University’s Rock (2022)
Rock n’ roll is not just for concerts. It could also be done on the cheerleading stage. The Far Eastern University Cheering Squad rocked the arena last May. Not only did it have an amazing routine, it also clinched a historic win in the UAAP Season 84 competition following a 13-year drought.
For UAAP Season 85, the FEU Cheering Squad is eyeing a back-to-back triumph. Will it be victorious?
Who do you think will win in this year’s season? Share your fearless forecast in the comments section.
Photo Credit: The UAAP Manila
