UAAP cheerdance war back today

MANILA, Philippines — Fiery routines and explosive stunts, loud cheers and finesse moves will be on full display once again as the UAAP Cheerdance Competition returns today after almost three years of absence due to the pandemic.

The UAAP ushers in the highly-anticipated sideshow of its ongoing tournaments at the Mall of Asia Arena with an array of changes including the number of participants and the duration of performances under the new normal.

From the huge 25-strong pep squads, only 15 members will now comprise each team for a three-minute routine from the previous duration of six minutes. Group stunts competition is also out of the event this time.

The UAAP said the decision was made months prior to the tournament when a stricter alert level was still in place in the country.

“This is not the normal CDC. We just went on with the safest way of conducting the CDC,” said UAAP president Nonong Calanog as schools have prepared for months with the new rules in mind.

In spite of the changes, the UAAP CDC is promising equally exciting and entertaining shows starting at 4 p.m.

The Ateneo Blue Eagles, formerly the Blue Babble Battalion, will be the first on the floor followed by two-time defending champion National U Pep Squad and eight-time titlist University of the Philippines Pep Squad.

Far Eastern U Cheering Squad, Adamson Pep Squad, De La Salle U Animo Squad, University of the East Pep Squad and Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe complete the order of performance.

A P50,000 grand prize awaits the UAAP CDC champion with the second and third placer taking home P30,000 and P20,000, respectively.