National University vows to stage another show-stopper when it shoots for a second straight crown in the UAAP cheerdance competition on Sept. 14 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Every year our aim is to beat our own standards,” said NU Pep Squad coach Ghicka Bernabe. “Every year, we have to level up.”
NU finished third in 2012, before bagging its first cheerdance title last year by upsetting favorites University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University.
“I am confident of our chances because we’ve been practicing very well,” said Bernabe. “In fact, we reviewed our routine and stunts last year and they weren’t contented, which is very positive.”
Last season, NU showcased an Arabian-themed routine highlighted by acrobatic stunts and garnered 696.5 points, way ahead of runner-up UP’s 620.5 total.
“Our critics claim that we won only last year because the execution of our routine was near perfect,” said Bernabe. “We want to prove to them that NU’s championship was no fluke.”
Aside from eyeing another cheerdance title, NU hopes to top anew the group stunts side event, where gymnast Claire Cristobal displayed flexibility in last year’s routine.
“We’re really preparing hard for our UAAP defense,” said Bernabe.
NU assistant coach Gabby Bajacan and team manager Patricia Chunsim also expect Bernabe to pull out all the stops this season.