by Arizha Bumatay and Rozelle Javier
The National University Pep Squad garnered 677.5 points in the main competition at this year's University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Cheerdance Competition. The University of the Philippines Pep Squad came in 2nd with 658 points, and the University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe came in 3rd with 625 points.
For the group stunts competition, the Far Eastern University Cheering Squad bagged the 1st place with the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe coming in at 2nd place and the NU Pep Squad at 3rd place.
Each performing team had a theme: Martial Arts for the University of Santo Tomas, Native American for the National University, Equality for the University of the Philippines, Chinese dynasties for the Far Eastern University, Pirates for the Adamson University, Navy for the Ateneo de Manila University, Ethnic for the University of the East, and Otherwordly for De La Salle University.
The UP Pep Squad passed around a rainbow-colored flag, a symbol usually attributed to the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual) Community. But according to Coach Opinaldo, the group intended it to be a symbol of hope. "We want to give each one a sign of hope."
The NU Pep Squad was also last year's champion. UST, however, hasn't been among the top performers since 2010.
For the group stunts competition, the Far Eastern University Cheering Squad bagged the 1st place with the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe coming in at 2nd place and the NU Pep Squad at 3rd place.
Each performing team had a theme: Martial Arts for the University of Santo Tomas, Native American for the National University, Equality for the University of the Philippines, Chinese dynasties for the Far Eastern University, Pirates for the Adamson University, Navy for the Ateneo de Manila University, Ethnic for the University of the East, and Otherwordly for De La Salle University.
The UP Pep Squad passed around a rainbow-colored flag, a symbol usually attributed to the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual) Community. But according to Coach Opinaldo, the group intended it to be a symbol of hope. "We want to give each one a sign of hope."
The NU Pep Squad was also last year's champion. UST, however, hasn't been among the top performers since 2010.