NU Pep Squad shoots for 5th straight crown

NU Pep Squad. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Behind the bright smiles and jaw-dropping routines, the National University Pep Squad knows the UAAP Season 80 cheerdance competition is all serious business.

Fierce rivalries and interesting storylines have already taken shape—NU as the new dynasty seeking a record-tying feat, the University of the Philippines Pep Squad as the returning traditional powerhouse and the University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe as the old favorite hoping to regain its spark with a new coach.

“We’re embracing the pressure,” said NU coach Ghicka Bernabe. “We know the expectations are high, so we don’t want to disappoint.”

“As long as we have a perfect performance, it doesn’t matter what happens after that,” added Bernabe.

NU shoots for a fifth straight championship at 2 p.m. Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Another championship by NU will tie the record for most number of consecutive titles set by UST at five starting in 2002.

After skipping last year’s competition as protest, UP hopes to put all that behind and focus on its bid to reclaim the crown it last won in 2012.

UP, which competed in international competitions during its break from the league, will perform sixth after NU, the La Salle Animo Squad, Adamson Pep Squad, Far Eastern University Cheering Squad and the University of the East Pep Squad.

UST—now mentored by former squad member Mark Chaiwalla after long-time coach Ramon Pagaduan moved to La Salle—will perform seventh before the Ateneo Blue Babble Batallion closes out the show.