NU reclaims cheerdance plum

MANILA, Philippines —  It’s National U’s universe and all the UAAP worlds are revolving around it.

The NU Pep Squad brought the entire Mall of Asia Arena to a different dimension with an absurd space and time concept much to the standing ovation of the 19,121 fans to reclaim the UAAP Cheerdance title via a dominant fashion yesterday.

Clad in space suits, NU redeemed itself from a runner-up finish to the Far Eastern Cheering Squad last year with a flawless and otherworldly routine for its eighth title in 11 seasons.

NU, which topped all departments and swept all special awards, in the process tied the UP Pep Squad and the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe as the winningest cheerdance program in UAAP history with eight crowns each.

The Jhocson-based dancers made it happen by dominating the pyramids (85), dance (368), tumbling (86.5), stunts (91.5) and tosses (91) for a total of 713 points.

Like its superhuman routine, NU was lightyears ahead from all challengers with Adamson U Pep Squad (679.5) and dethroned champion FEU (650) taking the silver and bronze medals, respectively.

Adamson U showcased a Karaoke-themed performance as FEU Cheering Squad, which clinched the title last year via Super Mario-inspired dance, grooved to Disney hits led by the iconic Elsa character and Frozen film.

NU took home a grand prize of P100,000 courtesy of the UAAP and Dunkin Donuts plus P180,000 in special award incentives. Adamson and FEU pocketed P60,000 and P40,000, respectively.

“Ito ‘yung program na patuloy naming pinapataas pa rin. Hindi kami nagiging stagnant, patuloy kaming naga-achieve pa ng something new,” said coach Gab Bajacan, who settled for a bridesmaid finish in his debut season last year.

Bajacan took charge following the retirement of legendary mentor Ghicka Bernabe, who turned NU Pep Squad’s program around in the 2010s with seven CDC championships.

And the night – along with the universe – belonged to the NU cheerdancers as they also wiped out all eight special awards.

NU, with only nine penalities and deductions, won the MWell Power Performance, Juicy-fied Pyramid, AIA Ascend Best Aerial Performance, Jollibee Best Toss, Silka Stay Lit Dance Move, Skechers Stylish Performance, Yamaha Most Unique Dance Move and Max Most Synchronized Dance Move awards.

University of the East, with its Sexbomb Girls-inspired theme, flaunted a clean routine and had the lowest penalty with only two points, barely missing the podium with 641 points.

UST threw it back with the 90s hits for 634.5 points while UP Pep Squad brought a ‘Summer in December’ theme ignited by the megahit Pantropiko song of Nation’s Girl Group BINI for 560 points to place at fifth and sixth, respectively.