FAR Eastern University (FEU) goes for history as the FEU Cheering Squad eyes two University Athletic Association of the Philippines cheerdance titles in the same year as Season 85’s most-anticipated competition gets going on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Coach Randel San Gregorio is looking forward not only to his FEU Cheering Squad performing well in the 4 p.m. event but for the rest of the cheerdance teams to put on a show with the league reverting back to its old format.
“We wish everyone the best performance possible,” said San Gregorio, whose squad will pay homage to the late rap great Francis Magalona.
The rehearsals were held Friday at the same Pasay City venue where cheerdance teams were given one hour each to polish their routines.
Unlike in the previous season where there were only a maximum of 15 performers in a three-minute run, this time there will be 15 to 25 cheerdancers doing a six-minute routine in front of an expected capacity crowd.
Drums (two bass and two snare) are back after a one-season absence.
National University (NU) Pep Squad, which won six of the last eight titles, is eager to redeem itself after failing to complete a “three-peat” last May. The Ghicka Bernabe-mentored squad will feature a “Cheerobics”-themed routine this season.
Adamson Pep Squad, the 2018 champion, will be the first performer, followed by University of the East Pep Squad, University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe, La Salle Animo Squad, Ateneo Blue Eagles, FEU, NU and University of the Philippines Pep Squad.