AdU defends crown in UAAP cheerdance

MANILA, Philippines — After breaking through last year, the Adamson Pep Squad aims to keep its reign as the UAAP Cheerdance Competition supremo today as it takes the floor against determined challengers at the MOA Arena.

The Adamsonians, who surprised the field with a near-flawless, entertaining performance in 2017, eye an encore in the competition that starts at 2 p.m. using a story-telling routine centered on the “Circle of Life” song from the Disney classic The Lion King.

Out to dislodge Adamson, which rallies on the theme “Roaring Falcons” and the hashtag “#OrangeIsTheNewBlue”, are former champs National U Pep Squad, University of the Philippines Pep Squad, Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe, and Far Eastern U Cheering Squad as well as aspirants University of the East Pep Squad, La Salle Animo Squad and Ateneo Blue Babble Batallion.

NU, which fell short of a five-peat and settled for a share of fourth in 2017, seeks redemption with a production filled with colors and festive mood, while 2017 sixth placer UP and 2017 runner-up UST continue their quest for a record ninth cheerdance crown, and FEU, owner of two titles, tries to win a third plum after placing joint fourth last year.

UE hopes to build on its bronze medal feat in the previous event and improve further while La Salle and Ateneo, the bottom two last season, look to climb into contention with their respective numbers.