WITHOUT the guidance of coach Ghicka Bernabe, will the National University Pep Squad prove Suspicious Minds wrong or will they end up in a Heartbreak Hotel? It is a storyline straight out of an Elvis Presley ballad.
With an Elvis-themed routine, the defending champions in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition are ready to defend their title in the wake of the departure of their esteemed coach.
Bernabe, who led the Bulldogs to an impressive seven championships from 2013 to 2022, decided to part ways with the team for personal reasons.
READ Rival coach weighs Ghicka Bernabe's importance to NU Pep Squad
Stepping into her shoes is Gab Bajacan, a former member of the squad and a coach since 2015. Despite the transition, Bajacan remains confident, asserting that the NU Pep Squad will maintain its strength and continue to be "death-defying."
“People can still expect surprises from us,” Bajacan said, adding that the team remains connected with former coaches Bernabe and Estong Ocampo through online calls.
“Kaming mga coaches kasi, we have our own forte, and I have to fill in for the ‘motherly love’ of Ghicka, but we’re grateful for their help and assistance via Zoom,” he added.
FEU
On the other side of the competition, the Far Eastern University Cheering Squad plans to showcase a 'Super Mario' routine, aiming for a safe and nostalgic performance.
“This year, gusto namin ipakita sa tao paano ‘yung video game concept, ‘yung approach ng nostalgia,” said coach Randell San Gregorio.
UST
The University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi, last year's third-placer, promises a vibrant and energetic routine set to the beats of K-Pop sensation BlackPink.
"We're gonna be hype and savage. We have equipped additional coaches for this, and our goal is for people to have fun during our routine, and let them have a concert feel," coach Mark Chaiwalla said, adding that they are aiming to increase the difficulty level in keeping with their “dance royalty” persona.
UE
The University of the East Pep Squad embraces a '90s Anime' theme, aiming for a feel-good routine to break the jinx of being the first performer.
“First to perform kami, we want a feel-good routine to break the jinx of being a first performer, and at the same time, ‘kabataan’ memories never die,”
ADAMSON
Adamson Pep Squad faces challenges of a 'generational shift' in athletes' personalities, prompting a holistic approach to training. Their performance will revolve around the fantasy movie 'Trolls.'
"It's gonna be very far from what we've been doing from the past seasons, this year, since habang tumatagal, nagiiba ang ugali, we went for a holistic approach in training since this is a fragile generation," said Adamson coach Jam Lorenzo.
UP
The University of the Philippines is going OPM in its bid to break a five-year streak of placing sixth.
"Our theme this year is 'Alapaap', the music of Eraserheads. This gives us sense of freedom from our personal struggles to come off a streak of not being on the top three. This is also a tribute to everyone who's been part of the UP Pep," said the UP coach.
OPM, particularly the music of Eraserheads in a theme titled 'Alapaap,' is their key to achieving freedom from past struggles and climbing the ranks.
LA SALLE
La Salle's Animo Squad confronts its past self with a 'LS Get Loud' theme, focusing on elements that held them back last year.
"Every year is challenging, and this year we focused on elements na mababa kami last year. We'll give a good fight, we leveled on difficulty," coach Lester said.
ATENEO
Ateneo, inspired by the world-famous 'Super Bowl Halftime' shows, aims to change the game with its youngest roots, composed mostly of rookies. Their goal is to enjoy the performance, showcase their skills, and captivate the audience, according to its team captains.
The UAAP Season 86 Cheerdance Competition, promising an array of captivating themes and performances, is set to unfold this Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The order of performance will be UE, NU, Ateneo, Adamson, UP, La Salle, FEU, and UST.
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