NU Pep claims record ninth cheerdance title in UAAP Season 88

 

c/o UAAP

In a display of precision, daring, and sheer athleticism, the National University Pep Squad cemented its place as the most successful UAAP cheerdance team by claiming a record ninth title on Saturday, thrilling a crowd of 20,129 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Embodying the spirit of a ninja, NU delivered a high-risk, high-reward routine that honored the program’s legacy, earning a total of 695 points.

Apart from a minor mishap in the final pyramid, the squad executed a flawless showcase of stunts, tosses, and formations that left the audience in awe. One of the most jaw-dropping moments came when a flyer landed squarely on the base’s body and spun mid-air like a shuriken, perfectly capturing the stealth and precision at the heart of NU’s theme.

With this victory, the NU Pep Squad surpassed both the University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe and the University of the Philippines Pep Squad for the most championships in UAAP history.

"Mas lalo namin nakita yung purpose namin — kung para kanino yung championships namin. Mas naging united ang community namin. Para itong lahat sa lahat ng naniniwala sa amin," said second-year head coach Gab Bajacan, who took over from legendary mentor Ghicka Bernabe last season.

NU dominated in tosses (81 points) and pyramids (87 points), complemented by Japanese-inspired choreography that earned triple digits in technique (145) and choreography (103).

For their commanding performance, the Jhocson-based squad also received the Silka Time To Shine Showstopper, MWell Power Performance, Converge Super FiberX Reliable Performance, and Yamaha Most Unique Dance Move awards, taking home a total of ₱160,000 in prizes and MWell watches.

"Super worth it lahat ng pinaghirapan namin. Walang nasaktan at healthy lahat. Sobrang worth it talaga. Yung pinalo po namin, para sa lahat po ito," said team captain Iris Arendain.

The Adamson University Pep Squad finished second for the second consecutive season with 659 points, narrowly edging out the Far Eastern University Cheering Squad by just 0.5 points, which finished at 658.5.

FEU was ahead over Adamson in tumbling (90.5 to 79.5), stunts (90-85.5), tosses (79-77), choreography (96.5-95), technique (142.5-139.5), and group execution (67-66). However, the Cheering Squads' 22 deductions proved costly.

The Soaring Falcons delivered a dynamic performance, featuring twisting mounts and dismounts, well-executed stunts, and pyramids that showcased both skill and creativity, sending the audience into a frenzy early in the competition.

Adamson also took home the Biogenic "Armor Up Pyramid," Enervon "Most Energetic Team," Skechers "Stylish Performance," and BIC "Smooth Tumbling Pass" awards, each worth ₱30,000.

Meanwhile, the FEU Cheering Squad maintained their podium streak for the seventh consecutive season, marking a record 23rd top-three finish. Leaning on tumbling (90.5 points), FEU transported the crowd into nostalgic Philippine street games, also claiming the Jollibee "Jolliest Toss" award and its ₱50,000 prize.

FEU relied on clean execution, swift transitions in stunts and pyramids, and a strong dance foundation to remain one of the competition’s powerhouses.

The judging criteria remained the same under the 800-point system, with a maximum score of 100 from each of the four judges for cheer elements and each of the four judges for dance. Bianca Valera, national director of the National Cheerleading Championship (NCC), headed the panel and also served as penalty judge, while Julianne De Vera, a national NCC judge, served as the technical judge.

The dance panel, composed of Nesh Janiola, Joe Abuda, Arnold Warren, and Dhztine Bernardino, evaluated choreography, group execution, technique, and overall effect. Meanwhile, international judges Chin Hau Lim (pyramids) and Andy Liao (stunts) joined long-time judges Celine Tanjuatco (tumbling) and Chester Carlos (tosses) to round out the cheer scoring panel.

The University of the East Pep Squad, recipient of the Chingu Bestie Chemistry award worth ₱50,000, narrowly missed the podium with a fun-filled routine inspired by the "High School Musical" film series, finishing with 623 points.

UST Salinggawi’s Halloween-themed show placed fifth with 618.5 points, while the UP Pep Squad’s Christmas performance collected 558 points for sixth.

The De La Salle Animo Squad’s baseball-themed performance finished seventh with 546.5 points and claimed the Dove #ChangeYourPerspective Best Hair from the TOP award (₱30,000).

The Ateneo Blue Eagles, performing to the tune of the movie "Sing," rounded out the rankings in eighth place with 436.5 points.

UAAP institutionalizes performance order for Cheerdance, joins call to wear white

c/o UAAP

The UAAP Season 88 Cheerdance Competition promises to be more than just a dazzling display of athleticism and artistry—it will also serve as a statement for integrity.

The UAAP is encouraging the community to wear white during the event on Saturday, November 29, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, in support of the league’s call: “Passion for Victory, Passion for Integrity! No to Corruption!”

The initiative aligns with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ call to wear white, a collective action against corruption and a push for accountability.

“The Cheerdance Competition is not only a showcase of skill and teamwork but also a platform to inspire values-driven action. We hope that this initiative encourages everyone in our community to stand together for integrity and hope,” said UAAP Season 88 President Fr. Rodel Cansancio, OP of University of Santo Tomas.

Backed by BIC, this year’s competition will also introduce a new order of performances. Starting this season, the host university will close the show, while the rotation of previous season hosts will determine the lineup.

The University of the Philippines Pep Squad—Season 87 host—will kick off the competition, followed by the UE Pep Squad, Adamson Pep Squad, DLSU Animo Squad, Ateneo Blue Eagles, defending champion NU Pep Squad, and FEU Cheering Squad. The University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe will close the show.

“Every team will now have an equal opportunity to experience when to perform, and everyone gets the chance to go through the entire order of performance,” said UAAP Cheerdance Commissioner Paula Nunag.

The University of the Philippines Varsity Pep Squad will open with a Christmas-themed routine celebrating the country’s rich holiday traditions.

Eager to surpass their fourth-place finish last year, the University of the East Pep Squad will transport the audience to East High School, swaying to hits from the iconic Disney movie High School Musical.

The Adamson University Pep Squad, Season 87 runner-up, will take the audience along on their journey toward a breakthrough championship with a narrative-driven routine.

Paying homage to their school’s rich history in baseball—ranking as the fifth-best UAAP team in the sport with 10 championships across the seniors and juniors divisions—the De La Salle University Animo Squad will deliver a baseball-inspired routine.

The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles will perform to the tunes of the animated film Sing.

As defending champions, the National University Pep Squad will perform sixth, aiming for a second consecutive cheerdance title to further cement their dominance in the modern era of the competition.

Expected to be a jaw-dropping routine, NU will feature a ninja-inspired performance designed to showcase fast-paced stunts and a fresh approach to cheerdance artistry.

“This year talaga, since yung last year’s performance, napaka-challenging yung pinerform ng ating mga competitors, it helps us talaga since we’re motivated to create more. Kailangan din namin talunin kung ano yung mga nakita naming maganda sa kanila. ‘Yon yung pinaghandaan namin this year and to create new stuff for the competition and for the sport itself,” said NU head coach Gab Bajacan.

In an effort to reclaim the crown they lost in Season 87, the Far Eastern University Cheering Squad will take the audience on a nostalgic journey, rekindling childhood memories with a routine inspired by traditional Philippine street games such as patintero, tumbang preso, and luksong tinik.

Eight-time champion University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe will close the show with a Halloween-inspired theme.

"For the theme of UST this year, it's going to be Halloween. Just with the theme itself for UST, I can already say it's been a journey because we actually decided and needed to change our themes twice before arriving with the idea of Halloween. Nevertheless, I am really happy with how it translated to our routine this year and I believe it's one of the events in the year calendar which everyone is looking forward to," said UST head coach Mark Chaiwalla.

The UAAP Season 88 Cheerdance Competition will be available across all Cignal platforms: the UAAP Varsity Channel in HD, One Sports on free-to-air TV, and the Pilipinas Live app, which will stream the event for free.

In the lead-up to the competition, Cignal will feature exclusive behind-the-scenes content, interviews with squad members, and highlights from past performances.

“The Cheerdance Competition is one of the most anticipated traditions of the UAAP, and Cignal is excited to capture all the excitement, the artistry, and the integrity displayed by the UAAP’s best cheerdance teams,” said Mico Halili, Head of Sports Content at Cignal TV.

National University goes out of this world to claim 8th cheerdance crown

c/o UAAP

NATIONAL University soared beyond the stars, delivering an intergalactic showcase.

With a performance truly "out of this universe," the NU Pep Squad rocketed back to the top, clinching the UAAP Season 87 Cheerdance Competition, presented by MAX, title on Sunday in front of 19,121 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Under the guidance of second-year head coach Gab Bajacan, the Bulldogs returned to the cosmos of champions.

“Yung suporta talaga ng management at community namin at yung program na patuloy pa rin na pinapalakas at hindi nagiging stagnant. Patuloy kami nag-a-achieve ng something new para sa UAAP Cheerdance Competition,” Bajacan said.

NU showcased its championship pedigree through a celestial-inspired performance, far from their Elvis Presley act in Season 86, garnering a total of 713 points by dominating all five categories: tumbling, stunts, tosses, pyramids, and dance.

As the performance peaked, the Spaceman protagonists transported the crowd to a literally and figuratively out-of-this-world experience, embarking on a journey through the eight planets of the solar system.

The routine also effortlessly integrated a fine-tuned mix of twirls, jumps, pyramids, blended flips, tumbling, and a mid-air, mounted spinning rotation while incorporating a UFO to lift the NU faithful beyond the surreal senses of gravity.

This is NU's eighth title in the competition, tying them with the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe and the UP Pep Squad for the most titles in UAAP Cheerdance history, further cementing their legacy as one of the most dominant squads in the competition’s history.

“Sobrang saya talaga namin. Lahat po ng sakripisyo, dugo’t pawis, nagbunga na po. Wala pong nagbago. Binalik lang namin yung tiwala namin sa isa’t isa. Binalik lang namin yung tiwala na binigay sa amin ng coaches namin,” NU Pep Squad team captain JP Cabido said.

The NU Pep Squad also swept all special awards, bagging the MWell Power Performance Award, Juicy-fied Pyramid, AIA Ascend Best Aerial Performance, Jollibee Best Toss, Silka Stay Lit Dance Move Award, Skechers Stylish Performance Award, Yamaha Most Unique Dance Move Award, and the MAX Most Synchronized Dance Move, for a total of P280,000 and a special edition UAAP x MWell Special Edition Power Watch in prizes.

This was in addition to the P100,000 they received from the league and Dunkin’ for emerging victorious in the annual competition.

The Adamson Pep Squad finished a stellar second with their karaoke-inspired performance.

With an ode to beloved karaoke classics, Adamson raced to an early lead with 679.5 points before slipping down to second place for their highest CDC finish since Season 84 (2021).

Adamson swayed the Soaring Falcons faithful with a groovy yet high-risk six-minute routine inspired by the tunes of “Breathless” by The Corrs, “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, and “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor.

Performing last, defending champions FEU Cheering Squad rounded out the podium with a magical Frozen-themed routine, securing third place.

With Frozen’s beloved characters Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Kristoff leading the way, FEU brought the magic to life with a mesmerizing performance to the iconic “Let It Go,” creating a snowflake-like formation that sent chills down the crowd’s spine.

FEU edged out University of the East by a total of nine points, thanks to its stunning 82-point performance in the tumbling category compared to UE’s 60 points.

Adamson and FEU won P60,000 and P40,000 from the league and Dunkin’ for finishing as first and second runner-up, respectively.

The UE Pep Squad barely missed the podium, finishing in fourth place, followed by UST’s ‘Gawi,’ the UP Varsity Pep Squad, DLSU Animo Squad, and Ateneo Blue Eagles, in that order.

Cheerdance themes revealed for UAAP Season 87

c/o UAAP

THE STAGE is set for one of the UAAP’s most anticipated spectacles—the 2024 UAAP Cheerdance Competition, presented by MAX—promising a dazzling fusion of nostalgia and imagination this Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Reigning champion Far Eastern University is poised to bring the house down as it aims for back-to-back titles.

The FEU Cheering Squad, closing the event, also seeks its record 22nd podium finish in this annual showcase.

"As part of the events that we're having in the UAAP, I daresay that the CDC is the entertainment offering of the league," shared UAAP Season 87 Treasurer Bo Perasol from host school, the University of the Philippines.

"Iba po ang naibibigay sa 'ting audience ng CDC dahil isa po ito sa kaunting time na nagsasama-sama ang lahat."

The Ateneo Blue Eagles will kick off the competition with a cosmic tale, telling the story of the universe’s origin.

Next, the University of the East Pep Squad will transport the audience to the height of novelty pop, grooving to hits from the iconic Sexbomb Dancers.

Nostalgia continues as the eight-time champion University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe takes us back to the '90s, rekindling childhood memories through their "Batang '90s" routine.

Closing the first half, the Adamson University Pep Squad will have the crowd singing and dancing to beloved karaoke classics.

The second half will heat up with the UP Varsity Pep Squad, another eight-time champion, bringing summer vibes to the Arena.

Meanwhile, the National University Pep Squad promises to take spectators on a galactic adventure with a space-themed performance.

Returning to earth, the De La Salle Animo Squad will unleash their final move in a battle-themed spectacle, portraying themselves as kings and queens of the battlefield.

Finally, all eyes will be on FEUCS as the defending champions aim to freeze the audience in awe with a jaw-dropping finale.

UAAP Cheerdance set for December 1

c/o UAAP

The date for one of the most highly anticipated events of the UAAP calendar has been finalized.

The 2024 UAAP Cheerdance Competition is scheduled for December 1 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, where the Far Eastern University Cheering Squad will aim for its third title in four seasons.

However, the order of performance  is yet to be determined and will be decided by a drawing of lots in a press conference to be announced later.

"The UAAP CDC for this season promises bigger, better, and more spectacular performances from all eight schools as they prepare stronger, better, and together for one of the league's biggest events," said Rod Roque, the tournament director and University of the East's representative to the UAAP Board of Managing Directors.

The competition will be fierce, with the National University Pep Squad leading the charge as it attempts to dethrone FEUCS and reclaim  the top spot. 

NU is vying for a league-tying eighth CDC title, while the University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe and the University of the Philippines Varsity Pep Squad will battle to break their tie at the top of the all-time standings.

The Adamson University Pep Squad also poses a strong challenge, seeking to build on the momentum from their first title win in 2017.

Meanwhile, the UE Pep Squad, De La Salle University Animo Squad, and Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles are preparing to showcase their new routines in front of what is expected to be a sold-out crowd at the bayside Pasay venue.

NU reclaims CDC crown

c/o UAAP

The title is back at Bustillos, as National University was named as the UAAP Season 85 Cheerdance Competition champions, in front of just over eighteen thousand fans Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

With a "Cheer-obics" inspired routine, the high-risk, high-reward performance netted a total of 723 points, enough to give the NU Pep Squad their seventh title in nine seasons.

The championship is a fitting send off for their head coach Ghicka Bernabe, who is stepping down from her role to get married to her fiance.

She shared to the media afterwards, "Yung happiness ko mas malaki sa arena. It's a milestone for me as a coach."

Defending champions Far Eastern University finished in second place with 719 points, their Francis Magalona-inspired performance was bolstered by its solid scores in tumbling.

FEU Cheering Squad head coach Randel San Gregorio says about the result, "Yung fact na nag-first runner-up ay bonus na sa amin ito."

Finishing in third place is the University of Santo Tomas, as the Salinggawi Dance Troupe used a Lady Gaga-inspired performance to net a total of 640 points, their best finish in five years.

SDT head coach Mark Chaiwalla shares, "Gratitude and being proud I am. It's really overwhelming, it's amazing."

The rest of the scores are as follows: University of the East in fourth with 606.5, Adamson (595), University of the Philippines (575.5), La Salle (528.5), and Ateneo (502.5).

FEU seeks Cheerdance repeat

c/o UAAP

One of the most anticipated events in the UAAP is set to take place on Saturday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena with the Cheerdance competition.

Far Eastern University is looking to retain its title, this time with the familiar format instead of the pandemic-restricted three-minute run involving a maximum of fifteen performers.

15-25 cheerdancers will have a six-minute routine, with a couple of bass and snare drums serving as accompaniment, hoping not just to impress the judges, but also the expected capacity crowd inside the venue.

FEU Cheering Squad head coach Randel San Gregorio shares, "We wish everyone the best performance possible," with the defending champions choosing to pay homage to music legend Francis Magalona.

Serving as the main opposition to a successful title defense is the NU Pep Squad, who will be performing a "Cheerobics"-based routine this time around in an attempt to claim their seventh title in the last nine seasons.

Adamson, who alongside FEU are the only schools to have won the title during NU's recent dominance, will kick off the action at 4pm.

Following them will be the University of the East, UST and the Salinggawi Dance Troupe, La Salle, Ateneo, FEU, NU, and a retooled University of the Philippines Pep Squad.

Teams were given Friday to finetune their performances at the hallowed venue.

Cheerdance competition returns old format

c/o UAAP

The Cheerdance Competition for the 85th season of the UAAP will be reverting back to old format when the action starts on December 10.

Last season's format saw a maximum of fifteen performers doing a three-minute routine, something rooted with pandemic-related restrictions.

This time, fans at the Mall of Asia Arena will be able to witness between fifteen and twenty-five performers do a six-minute routine.

Special events committee chairwoman Gigi Kamus of the University of Santo Tomas shares, "Mas maraming time yung mga performers to enjoy their routine. We will have a full house this time. We will have drums, two bass, and two snares."

Defending champion Far Eastern University is looking forward to this weekend, with FEU Cheering Squad head coach Randel San Gregorio saying, "Excited pa rin. First time magde-defend ang FEU in 13 years. Sana mabuo namin. Mas triple ang kaba kaysa sa excitement. Ibang level ng pressure ito."

He adds, "If we win again, we will win two in a row in one year. Baka hindi na maulit ito."

San Gregorio also shares, "We focused on conditioning also. Sana buo lahat tayo on Saturday so we can give a great show for the crowd. We wish everyone the best performance possible."

Serving as the main opposition in FEU's title defense is National University, with the NU Pep Squad set to have a "Cheer-obics" routine.

NU head coach Ghicka Bernabe notes, "We focused also sa dance ngayon. we focused extra time for that. Very mae-enjoy lahat. Feeling ko mas alive ngayon."

She adds about their preparations, "From Season 84, nagmadali tayo. At least ngayon, I think it's more than enough to prepare for this competition."

As for head judge Paula Nunag, she says, "This competition on Saturday is very exciting. They will be able to showcase their passion."

The order of performances, has been pre-determined, with the order as follows: Adamson, UE, UST, DLSU, Ateneo, FEU, NU, and UP.

UAAP Cheerdance returns for 2022

coming soon

One of the most colorful and liveliest events each season in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines is the Cheerdance Competition, and for the league's 85th season, the CDC will take place on December 10, 2022 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Season 85 President Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM shares, "The Cheerdance Competition is the event where we cheer for the individuals who rally our varsity teams on a daily basis. It's a very special event that everyone in the UAAP community looks forward to. And as what we have seen during the halftime of our men's basketball games, all teams are ready to have their one shining moment on December 10." 

Cignal TV President and CEO Robert P. Galang adds, "We are very pleased that last season’s Cheerdance Competition was a success despite the restrictions and limitations imposed for the safety of all. The love and support of the students, fans and alumni for all eight school squads remain strong, and we at Cignal are happy to once again be able to bring the second CDC this year to fans inside their homes or wherever they may be right at the palm of their hands."

All eight schools will be represented, with the Adamson Pep Squad, Ateneo Blue Eagles, DLSU Animo Squad, defending champions FEU Cheering Squad, NU Pep Squad, UE Pep Squad, and the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe ready to entertain everyone with their routines.

Adamson will perform first, followed by UE, UST, DLSU, Ateneo, FEU, NU, and UP.

The broadcast of the Cheerdance Competition will be LIVE on both One Sports and on the UAAP Varsity Channel, with streaming capability locally on Cignal Play and the SMART Gigaplay app and internationally via iWantTFC.

UAAP Season 80 Cheerdance set

The highly anticipated UAAP Season 80 edition of the Cheerdance Competition is set to take place this afternoon, 2pm, LIVE on S+A and S+A HD, as well as through streaming on sports.abs-cbn.com.

Arguably considered as the biggest one-day event in the UAAP calendar, the spotlight is shown on the different pep squads of all eight schools have the opportunity to strut their stuff at the Mall of Asia Arena. Last year, over seventeen thousand packed the same venue supporting their respective schools.

Shepherding the festivities are the trio of Nikko Ramos, Gretchen Ho, and Angelique Manto, alongside the courtside reporters of each of the schools.

National University is seeking to claim its fifth straight CDC title, while posing as their biggest threats for their title defense are traditional contenders the Salinggawi Dance Troupe of UST, the FEU Cheering Squad, and the comebacking UP Pep Squad.

Meanwhile, the Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion, the Adamson Pep Squad, the La Salle Animo Squad, and the UE Pep Squad are seeking their first title in this competition.

Aside from the main competition, and the UAAP Group Stunts competition, there are also special awards: the Yamaha Toss Winner for the Best Toss, the Jollibee Inextrahan Pyramid for the Best Pyramid.

The champion will be rewarded PhP 340,000 and medals from the UAAP, as well as PhP 30,000 from Yamaha, and PhP 25,000 from Jollibee. The first-runner-up will be rewarded PhP 200,000 and medals from the UAAP, as well as PhP 25,000 from Yamaha. The second-runner-up receives PhP 140,000 and medals from the UAAP, as well as PhP 20,000.