Valdez overcomes tricky challenge of hosting UAAP cheerdance

Alyssa Valdez was one of the hosts of the 2016 UAAP Cheerdance Competition. Photo by Mark Giongco

With an illustrious volleyball career that saw her win several MVP awards and volleyball titles, Alyssa Valdez has proven she can thrive under pressure.

But on Saturday, Valdez had to overcome a new hurdle that has routinely drawn the ire of many: hosting the UAAP Cheerdance Competition.

Valdez was tapped as one of the hosts of the 22-year competition and the three-time UAAP MVP said she had to learn hosting without much help.

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“It was new to me, I don’t know how to prepare,” said Valdez after the celebrations settled at Smart Araneta Coliseum. “Sa game I know I’ll train. [For this] I just did my research sa mga nanalo last year, anong nangyari last year and ano mga challenges ng teams, I asked questions.”

“I don’t know if that’s preparation, di ko alam ang field eh.”

Valdez for her part managed to go through her near three-hour ordeal without much problems, something past guest hosts have experienced.

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Jessy Mendiola mispronounced the word “plaque” in 2014 and Sofia Andres was incessantly bashed online after hosting the competition in a nonchalant way in 2015.

“Thank you so much sana na appreciate nila, sana nagawa ko nang maayos and napasaya ko mga tao,” said Valdez. “I was just really happy makita and ma appreciate much closer ang mga nag chi-cheer sa atin sa Big Dome, sa MOA [Mall of Asia] Arena, and sa [San Juan] Arena.”