IT's double the pressure for Far Eastern University as it tries to defend the UAAP Cheerdance title less than a year after claiming it.
Due to the unusual collegiate sporting calendar of 2022, the squad is faced with the unenviable task of perfecting a grueling routine within six months.
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"Sobrang hirap kasi dadaan ka sa burnout phase. Ewan ko I’ve been competing sa iba’t ibang competitions, local and international pero walang bibigat dito sa UAAP, ibang level ng pressure talaga to," head coach Randell San Gregorio told SPIN.ph.
Training was so much different this time, for the cheerdancers did not enjoy the luxury of being in a bubble.
San Gregorio recalled that every team enjoyed an advantage since they were housed inside a bubble and could be called for practice any time he wanted.
After a pair of consecutive runner-up finishes in Seasons 81 and 82, FEU claimed its first title since 2009 behind a rock n'roll-themed performance.
However, due to the uncertainty brought by the sudden spike of COVID-19 cases in late Dec. 2021, the UAAP had to settle for a shorter routine with less participants.
Now back to the original format, San Gregorio's squad shoots for a repeat bid, an occurence that the school hasn't done ever.
First revealed just hours after winning last May, FEU will be using the music of the Philippines' Master Rapper - the late Francis Magalona.
"I’m a fan of the sport din so whether nanonood ako or nagco-compete the excitement is the same," said San Gregorio.
"Ngayon lang mas iba yung kaba kaysa sa excitement kasi nga magde-defend. First time ko kasi under me, nanalo yung FEU, so since magdedefend kami kahit di ko isipin talagang kakabahan din," he continued.