Repeating NU seeks UAAP Cheerdance dynasty

MANILA, Philippines – The National University Pep Squad accomplished its “Bark to Back” mission after successfully retaining the UAAP Cheerdance Competition crown with an electrifying “Pocahontas-inspired” routine at a packed Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.

The Bulldogs impressed with their balance of cleanliness and good execution of difficult pyramids, tosses and stunts, garnering a winning 677.5 points to become only the third team to cop back-to-back titles.

University of the Philippines Pep Squad, which did an "Equality"-themed number, finished runner-up with 658 points while University of Santo Tomas’ Salinggawi Dance Troupe, with its Dynasty-centered set, broke a four-year absence at the podium with a third-best 625 points.

UP captain Audrey Munoz said they're happy with their performance.

"Our goal is to give a perfect run and I think na-achieve naman namin yun (we achieved that)," she said.

Adamson Pep Squad placed fourth with 600, followed by FEU Cheering Squad with 599.5, La Salle Animo Squad with 557, University of the East Pep Squad with 503 and Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion with 494.5.

“Mahirap kasi mas nakaka-pressure pala pag champion ka na. Before kasi nag-aim lang kami ng Top 3, after that nag-aim kami mag-champion. This time, gusto naming ma-defend ang title not only this year but for three, four, five years (It’s doubly difficult and pressure-laden being the defending champion. There was a time we only aimed for Top 3, then we aimed for the title and now our target is to win it for a second, third, fourth and even fifth year,” said NU coach Ghicka Bernabe.

The Bulldogs mentor said after their breakthrough CDC diadem last year, they also set in motion their preparations for the 2014 competitions.

“After the competition, the coaches started collaborating immediately. And last summer, we started experimenting new stunts,” said Bernabe.

NU cheerdancers drew oohs and ahhs with their near-flawless execution in the competition watched by 22,093 spectators.

“Lahat ng standard of difficulty ng pyramids, tosses and stunts naming talagang nag-level up (We raised the level of the standard of difficulty of our pyramids, tosses and stunts),” said Bernabe, adding they also improved on their dance routines.

“Sabi ng iba, hindi raw kami magaling sa dance so nag-focus kami doon para wala silang masabi. Prinove naming na magaling kami sa dance. Kung ano ang gusto ng tao, yun ang ibibigay namin (There are some who say we’re not good in dance so that’s what we focused on, prove that we’re good in dance),’ she added.

NU chose the Native American theme for this routine, with the Indian representing strength and a happy nature, according to team captain Precious Chavez.

FEU ruled the Group Stunts event. Emjae Villarey

The Bulldogs’ title-retention bid in the Group Stunts category, however, was spoiled by FEU, which snatched the title with 258 points. UST Salinggawi placed second with 251 points while NU settled for third with 239.5 points.