National University Bulldogs Pepsquad. PHOTO by CELEST FLORES/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — From underdog to top dog.
National University dethroned University of the Philippines and completed its rise from the UAAP cheerdance competition’s cellar dwellers to champions on Sunday.
Showcasing the cleanest routine with the theme of Arabian nights, the Bulldogs Pepsquad — clad in shiny gold, red and blue costumes — clinched its first ever cheerdance competition title.
NU garnered a total of 696.5 points.
“The team is very united. That’s the secret. They don’t give up on what we ask them to do. They maximize the time,” said head coach Ghicka Bernabe.
UP Pep Squad, with its disco ball pom-poms to complete a party themed performance, meanwhile, ended its reign in the cheerdance competition with a bridesmaid finish after racking up 620.15 points.
La Salle Animo squad, with its nifty military themed dance complete with rifle props, barged into the top three with 596.5 points.
Perennial contender Far Eastern University Cheering Squad dropped out of the podium battle and managed just 589.5 points.
It was the stark contrast for the Adamson Pep Squad, though, as it leapfrogged from the bottom placing last year to a fifth place this year with 559.5 points after channeling ‘burlesque.’
The fiery University of the East wound up sixth with 559 points, while the multi-titled University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance troupe dropped to its worst finish at seventh place (546 points) after a messy performance.
Ateneo Blue Babble Batallion was last with 514 points.