UAAP: FEU Cheering Squad, gunning for fifth CDC title

FAR Eastern University (FEU) Cheering Squad is more than ready to dance their guts out and defend their title at the 2024 UAAP Cheerdance Competition (CDC), which takes place on December 1. 

The excitement surrounding one of UAAP’s flagship events, the cheerdance competition, grows as less than a month remains until heart-stopping acrobatics are unleashed on the central floor of SM Mall of Asia Arena. 

Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group

This year, the FEU Cheering Squad has the target on their back, as they are the team to beat. Nonetheless, the Tamaraws are more than capable of rushing through the dense crowd and possibly bring home another title.

Save the best for the last

The much-anticipated performance order for the competition was eventually chosen yesterday morning, November 6, at the MOA Arena’s Press Center through a drawing of lots. 

The defending champions FEU will be the last team to take the mats after seven other teams do their routines in front of an expected sold-out crowd on the first day of the month. 

For FEU head coach Randell San Gregorio, eighth place represents the squad’s golden opportunity. He is overjoyed that his squad would perform last, believing that the man above may have answered his prayers.

Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group

“Happy kasi ‘yun ‘yung gusto namin [to perform eighth]. Kasi sa nine years ko sa CDC, hindi pa ko nag-eighth. Lagi akong fourth, fifth, sixth, o seventh, naglalaro lang do’n, but never eighth,” he said.

San Gregorio and his squad are now aiming for back-to-back titles and a record 22 podium finishes, and he is convinced that his team’s experience will help them reach the promised land.

“Alam na nila ‘yung feeling na tumapak sa mats and it should bring them confidence,” said San Gregorio, a UP Pep Squad product. “Pero other than that, every year, new team, new theme.”

“Hindi naman kami nag-uulit. Siguro ang pinakamaganda nilang madadala sa competition is nakapag-laro na sila; yun lang,”  added the head coach.

Order of Performance

Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group

This year, Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles will kick off the competition, followed by the University of the East Pep Squad, the University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe, and the Adamson University Pep Squad. 

The second half begins with the season hosts, the University of the Philippines Varsity Pep Squad, looking for a podium finish, and the National University Pep Squad, trying to recapture the crown. 

The De La Salle Animo Squad will perform next and try their luck this season, followed by the FEU Cheering Squad, which is aiming for the university’s fifth cheerdance competition title.