IN PHOTOS: UP Pep Squad defies gravity in concert

MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines' (UP) award-winning cheerdance group, the UP Pep Squad, made another statement on equality or "pantay-pantay" in a dance concert late February.

The squad performed their trademark formations, showed off some impressive choreography and led chants familiar with students and alumni in their February 28 concert "Elevision".

UP College of Human Kinetics Dean Ronualdo Dizer praised the UP Pep Squad for having raising the bar for cheerdance groups around the country and for being a "treasure" to the university.

"The passion, determination, perseverance and hard work of these talented dancers and coaches made the group an epitome for aspiring cheerdancers in the country and…  an inspiration to the Filipino youth," Dizer said in a statement.

University officials led by Chancellor Michael Tan, faculty members and students attended the concert to witness the eight-time UAAP Cheerdance Competition champions in their yearly concert.

In 2014, the UP Pep Squad with their equality-themed performance landed second in the competition with the National University's pep squad earning the top prize. The University of Santo Tomas' Salinggawi Dance Troupe, meanwhile, ranked third.