NU Pep Squad’s debuting coach Gab Bajacan after the team finished first runner up in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2023. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — National University Pep Squad failed to defend its throne in coach Gab Bajacan’s debut as the team settled for silver in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Ushering a new era in after the departure of Ghicka Bernabe, Bajacan had mixed emotions in his first competition with the NU Pep Squad performing an Elvis Presley-themed routine in front of 18,122 fans.
“To be honest, it’s sad because we were prepared before entering the blue mats. But the main competition is different and we couldn’t avoid some things during the performance,” said Bajacan in Filipino.
“Like in 2017, despite having a lot of errors, we got something positive and we will bring it to the next competition. We will carry that to bring the crown back to Jocson and we want to stay that way, we want to keep the brand of NU Pep Squad, which is competitive in cheerdance,” he added.
NU, which performed second, had 697 points with only a five-point deduction but fell short of the Far Eastern University Cheering Squad, which earned 702.5 points with its Super Mario-themed routine.
Only just the beginning
We will have a new champion as NU PEP Squad settles for silver. #UAAPCDC2023 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/uAktBRmg9l
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) December 2, 2023
Bajacan already took notes about the things they need to improve next season while his team was performing.
“I took notes and shared points of improvement with our manager. It’s nice that it’s my first time as head coach and I already thinking [of the things we can improve] while the competitions are ongoing,” he said.
“Our consultant dance coach said that we’re just getting started. It’s a very different dynamics between coaches.”
The new NU coach said he has “to be more like Ghicka” although he admitted it would be hard to replace such a successful coach. That’s why he hired a set of coaches to help him so they can continue the team’s winning tradition.
“She’s like a mother coach. So I have to understand everyone. It’s hard to be a Ghika Bernabe, and she’s the one and only Ghika Bernabe. It’s very very hard to fill in her shoes and other senior coaches,” Bajacan said. “I’m happy that we survived this season and we will make to get the right mix this UAAP Cheerdance Season 87.”