As one of the most awaited events of the season, the UAAP Season 82’s Cheerdance Competition (CDC) witnessed history in the making at the Mall of Asia Arena as a sold-out crowd was treated to jaw-dropping performances from the eight participating universities. Despite the many trials and tribulations the team faced this year, the DLSU Animo Squad settled for an eighth place finish, but were able to improve upon their previous score of 459.5, garnering 577.5 points this year.
The defending champions, the NU Pep Squad, etched themselves in Cheerdance history by winning their sixth title, dominating the stage with 722 points. FEU and AdU were also able to retain their standings from the previous edition of the competition as they earned podium finishes as first and second runners-up, respectively.
Anticipating a redemption this season, the DLSU Animo Squad opened CDC with a routine inspired by the musical drama, The Greatest Showman. Despite executing an unblemished performance, the level of difficulty showcased by the other teams proved too great to outclass.
Following the Taft-based team was the UE Pep Squad, the lively start of their performance engaged the crowd with a colorful and local remix portraying their OPM Reggae theme. The commendable moves and eye-catching props showcased the team’s improvement from their performance the previous year.
The UP Pep Squad followed, representing the UP community with the hashtag #MaMaWaTaKK that stands for “Matatapang, Matalino, Walang Takot, Kahit Kanino”, based on one of the chants of UP. The iconic Oblation pose, coupled with powerful stunts and pyramid formations, helped the team cap off their routine with a strong finish.
Fourth to perform was the Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion, who took flight and displayed their skills. The Blue-and-White showed an excellent rendition of various cultures from all over the world with their performance.
Dressed in glitter and gold, the FEU Cheering Squad were fifth to perform as they opened the dance floor with sharp stunts and pyramids. Aside from the high level of skill required to execute the routine, their Michael Jackson-inspired theme and music choice emerged as the x-factor that got the entire crowd on their feet. The FEU Tamaraws left it all on the dance floor as their routine paid tribute to the King of Pop.
Afterwards came the Adamson Pep Squad’s Carribean Disco show-inspired theme. The team from San Marcelino bannered an array of colors and glitters matched with the right amount of energy to complete the routine, further impressing the crowd with their stunts and near-perfect run.
Showcasing an enchanting ensemble, the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe flaunted their elegance as they performed their cheer and stunts in an attempt to take home the title this season. The Growling Tigers, who performed second to the last, embodied their battle cry of “OneFORESTpaña”.
As the defending champions, the NU Pep Squad came back this year with a Filipino theme to claim their sixth UAAP CDC crown. NU managed to pull off a jaw-dropping performance, with their theme inspired by their “Mabuhay National U” battle cry—it was this well-executed and exhilarating routine that enabled them to retain their position at the top of the scoreboard.
Despite concluding CDC with an unfortunate outcome, Animo Squad head coach Ramon Pagaduan still commended the Green-and-White for their all-out performance this year, “Syempre, I’m so proud of the team. Sobrang maganda na pinakita nila this year, and we will be strong next year.”
(Of course, I’m so proud of the team. What they showed this year was remarkable, and we will be strong next year.)
Likewise, team captain Ricia Deguito was overwhelmed and grateful for the support of the Lasallian community. She shared, “I’m so happy to hear that they support us even if ‘di kami nag podium finish; the whole DLSU community supported us with our routine.”
(I’m so happy to hear that they support us even if we weren’t able to attain a podium finish.)
