The Far Eastern University (FEU) once again proved their prowess in cheerleading as they reclaimed the title of the UAAP Cheerdance Competition at the 86th edition of the tilt held at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday. Dazzling a crowd of 18,122 with their Super Mario-themed performance, FEU garnered 702.5 points, securing their fourth overall title.
FEU’s exceptional performance not only earned them the championship but also several special citations. They received the Skechers Most Stylish Award, Yamaha Most Unique Dance Move, BYS Best Toss, Juicy-fied Pyramid, and Sikat Best Awra Dance Move. As a result, the FEU Cheering Squad took home a grand prize of P250,000.
Coach Randell San Gregorio expressed his happiness over the victory, stating that it validates their win in Season 84. The team faced a two-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and their triumph in Season 86 showcased their full potential. He emphasized that this year’s championship had more significance as FEU made the podium for the 21st time, which is the most in UAAP history. In Season 84, their routine was limited to just 15 minutes, unlike now, where they have a full 25 minutes. Additionally, they lost the championship within a short span of six months.
Despite their efforts, last season’s champion, National University, had to settle for second place with 597 points. They delivered an Elvis Presley-inspired performance that captivated the audience. The Salinggawi Dance Troupe of the University of Santo Tomas secured the third spot for the second consecutive time with their impressive Blackpink-themed performance, earning 684 points.
The Adamson University Pep Squad, which finished fifth last year, showed significant improvement this time around with their lively “Trolls” performance, garnering 665 points. The University of the Philippines Pep Squad also climbed up the ranks, earning 602 points with their Eraserheads-inspired routine.
The University of the East Pep Squad, with their ’90s anime-themed routine, placed sixth with 559 points, dropping two spots from last year. The De La Salle University’s Animo Squad maintained their seventh-place finish with a captivating Latin-themed performance that earned them 555.5 points. The Ateneo Blue Eagles’ Super Bowl-inspired routine secured them the seventh spot as well, with 532 points.
The UAAP Cheerdance Competition is not only a showcase of talent and athleticism but also a platform for universities to demonstrate their school spirit and creativity. Each team invests countless hours in training and preparation to deliver an unforgettable performance. The competition has become a highly anticipated event, drawing thousands of spectators who eagerly cheer for their respective schools.
FEU’s victory in this year’s competition is a testament to their dedication and hard work. They have once again solidified their reputation as one of the top cheerleading squads in the UAAP. As the competition continues to evolve, it is exciting to see how each team pushes the boundaries of creativity and athleticism, creating a spectacle that captivates audiences year after year.
Congratulations to all the participating teams for their outstanding performances in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition. Your passion and commitment are truly commendable, and you have undoubtedly inspired future generations of cheerleaders.
Source: The Manila Times
