THE University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 Cheerdance Competition is set Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena with the league reverting back to its exciting traditional format.
Unlike in the previous season when each team was allowed a maximum of 15 performers in a three-minute run, this time around there will be 15 top 25 cheerdancers doing a six-minute routine in front of an expected capacity crowd.
“The performers will have more time to enjoy their routines,” said UAAP special events committee chairman Gigi Kamus of University of Santo Tomas during Sunday’s press conference at the Mall of Asia Arena. “We will have a full house this time. We will have drums, two bass and two snares.”
With the cheerdance competition is back to its pre-pandemic rules, all eight schools are expcted to go all-out in their routines.
“This competition is very exciting,” head judge Paula Nunag said. “They will be able to showcase their passion.”
Far Eastern University (FEU) Cheering Squad’s coach Randel San Gregorio is looking forward for their first title defense.
“We’re excited on our first title defemnse and we hope we’ll do well,” he said. “The pressure is tripled this time, the pressure is at a higher level.”
FEU hinted on a performance that pays tribute to the late Francis Magalona.
Determined to regain the crown it won in 2019,
The National University Pep Squad, champion in pre-pandemic 2019, will focus on “cheer-robics.”
“We focused also on dance this time,” said NU coach Ghicka Bernabe.
Adamson Pep Squad, winner in 2018 champion, will perform first, followed by University of the East Pep Squad, University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe, De La Salle Animo Squad, Ateneo Blue Eagles, FEU, NU and University of the Philippines Pep Squad.