UAAP: NU’s Cabido turned disability into a golden trophy

THE National University (NU) Pep Squad grabbed the UAAP Season 87’s Cheerdance Competition title with an extraterrestrial performance at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday. 

Aside from impressing the 19,121 fans with a stunt resembling a spinning propeller, John Paul “Longlong” Laurence Cabido has also helped them return to a place where they belong: the top of the podium. 

After performing a near-perfect routine in front of a raucous crowd, Cabido, who has a disabled hand, demonstrated that nothing can stop a squad as prepared and intact as the NU Pep Squad.

Longlong, who serves as one of NU’s team captains, continues to demonstrate that despite his lack of an abled arm, he remains a critical component of the champion squad in every pyramid, toss, and stunt.

An inspiration to many

NU welcomed Cabido in 2019 after impressing scouts with his medal wins at the Palarong Pambansa. He hopes that his path would inspire others to believe in themselves, regardless of the obstacles they confront.

Photo Courtesy: Bark Studio – NU Manila | Facebook

“Sinasabi sakin ng coaches ko, ako yung simbolo ng impossible naging possible,” said Cabido during the post-competition press conference with the media.

“Lahat ng tao basta may pangarap matutupad basta may sakripisyo at tiyaga. Nothing is impossible pag may tiwala sa sarili. Sa lahat ng may gantong kapansanan, o sitwasyon,” he reasoned.

As a disabled person, problems may leave you believing that some things will always be impossible. However, Cabido emphasized that surrounding yourself with individuals who would empower you is the best thing to do.

“Lagi sinabi ng coaches, ‘di ako iba sa ibang tao. Nagagawa ko lahat ng ginagawa nila. Lagi tumingin sa sumusuporta at nagtitiwala sa inyo,” said the cheerdancer, inspiring other disabled individuals to pursue their dreams.

Turning a disability into an opportunity

NU head coach Gab Bajacan is proud of the system they’ve developed over the years. Most of their members came from different provinces inside the country, and were given an opportunity to pursue their dreams.

“Sila nagre-represent ng Pilipinas. All over the Philippines, we recruit them at nakikita natin effectivity. At nakakatulong tayo sa kanila to get an opportunity outside,” said head coach Bajacan. 

NU now has as many cheerdance titles in UAAP history as the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and the University of the Philippines (UP). Adamson University came in second, and Far Eastern University in third place in this year’s competition.

Furthermore, witnessing an individual like Cabido and a welcoming squad like the Bajacan-coached NU Pep Squad win another UAAP title is unquestionably a breath of fresh air in the always-pressured sports world.

The team captain demonstrated to many that missing an arm will never prevent him from pursuing his dreams. Just focus on your craft, keep your head down, and let the results speak for themselves.