JUST like its theme, the National University Pep Squad came back from the dead with its Coco-inspired routine to reclaim the title in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition on Saturday at the MOA Arena.
From a fourth-place finish last year, the NU Pep Squad garnered a total of 711 points to capture its fifth title in the last six years.
The Sampaloc-based cheerdancers showcased a solid performance based on the 2017 animated film that featured the Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead.
The NU Pep Squad wowed the crowd with stunts, smooth transitions and three-tier pyramids in front of the 20, 117 fans who trooped the venue.
“‘Yung makabalik sa championship, napamahal na samin ang championship for four years so ang hirap pakawalan ulit,” said NU Pep Squad coach Ghicka Bernabe. “So ‘yung championship na ito, sa amin ito ulit.”
“Tama na ‘yung isa, tama na ‘yung isa na pinahiram namin sa kanila (ang championship) tama na ‘yun, amin na ito ulit,” added NU Pep Squad team captain Kevin Lacbong.
NU Pep Squad also took home P50,000 cash prize.
Far Eastern University Cheering Squad made its way back to the podium with a 70’s inspired routine.
The Morayta-based cheerdancers had a total of 655.5 points and bagged P30,000 cash prize.
Last year’s champion Adamson University Pep Squad slid to third place with its Lion King-themed performance.
AdU Pep Squad, which earned P20,000, had 638.5 points, just half a point ahead of fourth placer University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe (638).
UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe showcased a fierce and sassy routine that featured Beyoncé’s hits Crazy in Love and Run the World (Girls).
University of the East Pep Squad was fifth (602.5), University of the Philippines Pep Squad came in sixth (568.5), bottom finisher for the last five years Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion improved to the seventh spot (558), while La Salle Animo Squad dropped to the eight spot (459.5).
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