The NU Pep Squad’s iconic ‘Ferris Wheel’ pyramid, which has captured the imagination of fans, is not actually inspired by a Ferris wheel but by the image of spinning satellites in space.
At the UAAP Season 87 Cheerdance Competition, the NU Pep Squad dazzled a crowd of 19,121 at the Mall of Asia Arena with a space-themed performance that earned them their eighth title.
The routine was a spectacle of twirls, jumps, pyramids, flips, and tumbling, building up to the unforgettable ‘Ferris Wheel’ pyramid.
In an exclusive revelation, Coach Karl Pabilonia shared the true inspiration behind the striking pyramid.
According to Pabilonia, the team’s idea stemmed from the idea of spinning satellites, not a traditional Ferris wheel.
"Nung nag-uusap kami with coaches, napag-isipan kasi namin na 'yung mga past routines namin ay very out of this world na 'yung ginagawa namin," he explained.
The space theme was an evolution of the squad’s creative journey.
""Kaya naisip namin na bakit hindi pa namin gawing out of this world talaga 'yung theme, sa alien, sa universe, mga astronaut. Kaya mas lalo kaming na-excite."
As the team honed their performance, they embraced the challenge of incorporating familiar, yet exciting concepts into their routine.
"Nung naisip na namin 'yung universe, sabi naman "ano ba 'yung laman ng universe?", 'yung makaka-relate 'yung mga tao. Everyone naman knows kung ano ba yung alien, sa universe, mga astronaut," said the coach.
The decision to go beyond the usual routines was not just about standing out, but also about pushing creative limits. While the squad eventually became accustomed to the routine through repeated practice, the crowd’s reaction was one of awe and admiration.
"Hindi namin in-expect na hahanga 'yung mga tao sa routine kasi nung unang beses namin ginawa parang naisip namin kakaiba siya at magandang tingnan, pero nung paulit-ulit na namin siyang pinapanood kasi pauli-ulit na namin siyang ginagawa, parang nagiging normal na lang."
Pabilonia humorously pointed out that while the fans dubbed it the ‘Ferris Wheel’ pyramid, the design was inspired by the imagery of satellites spinning in the galaxy.
"Actually, hindi talaga siya ferris wheel, nung iniisip ko 'yung galaxy, diba meron 'yung mga bilog na satellite na umiikot. 'Yun yung una ko talagang na-imagine."
Though the pyramid didn’t have an official name, fans embraced it as the ‘Ferris Wheel,’ and the rest became history.
With this victory, NU Pep Squad ties with the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe and UP Pep Squad, each with eight championships, making them all equal in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition’s storied history.
