The NU Pep Squad successfully clinched their eighth title in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition.
They showcased an 'out of this world' performance with a space-themed routine in front of a crowd of 19,121 at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday during the UAAP Season 87 Cheerdance Competition.
Their routines were executed effortlessly, featuring a combination of twirls, jumps, pyramids, blended flips, tumbling, and their show-stopping 'Ferris Wheel' spinning rotation.
"Hindi rin namin in-expect na magugustuhan ng lahat 'yon kasi last year meron kaming tornado... pero siguro it's a ferris wheel pyramind," said NU Pep Squad coach Gabriel Bajacan.
In addition to the grand prize, NU swept all the special awards, earning the MWell Power Performance Award, Juicy-fied Pyramid, AIA Ascend Best Aerial Performance, Jollibee Best Toss, Silka Stay Lit Dance Move Award, Skechers Stylish Performance Award, Yamaha Most Unique Dance Move Award, and the MAX Most Synchronized Dance Move, totaling 280,000 pesos in cash prizes and a special edition UAAP x MWell Special Edition Power Watch.
This is on top of the 100,000 pesos they received from the league.
"Naramdaman nmin kung anong naramdaman ng FEU last season na palaging sila 'yung tinatawag sa special awards, at sobrang saya namin nung pauli-ulit kaming tinawag," said captain John Paul Cabido.
With this victory, NU ties with UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe and UP Pep Squad for the most titles in UAAP Cheerdance history.
"It's a history for NU Pep Squad na makasabay na namin 'yung mga magagaling na teams like UP and UST na may 8 titles. Veyr very happy na our program is still effective and we will continue na ayusin pa siya," Bajacan added.
"Maraming maraming salamat po sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa amin kasi sa kanila kami kumukuha ng strength at energy. Lagi kong sinasabi sa mga bata na 'yung crowd ay kunin niyo as a positive thing para maging gasolina niyo para lalo kayong ganahan."
The NU Pep Squad scored a total of 713 points, followed by the first runner-up Adamson Pep Squad with 679.5 points, who performed to greatest videoke hits like 'Dancing Queen' and 'I Will Survive'.
Defending champions FEU Cheering Squad secured third place with a Frozen-themed performance, bringing characters Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Kristoff to life with a captivating rendition of “Let It Go,” forming a snowflake-like pattern that delighted the audience.
Adamson and FEU received 60,000 pesos and 40,000 pesos, respectively, from the league and Dunkin’ for their finishes as first and second runner-up.
The UE Pep Squad narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth, followed by UST’s ‘Gawi,’ the UP Varsity Pep Squad, DLSU Animo Squad, and Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Here is the full tally sheet for the UAAP Season 87 Cheerdance Competition:
