ALL eyes will be on defending champion National University Pep Squad in the much-awaited UAAP Season 82 Cheerdance Competition on November 17 at the MOA Arena, but the coaches are unanimous in saying that safety is the top priority.
On Wednesday's UAAP Cheerdance Competition press conference, Jam Lorenzo of Adamson, Justice Jimeno of Ateneo, Ramon Pagduan IV of La Salle, Randell San Gregorio of FEU, Ghicka Bernabe of NU, Gibson Alegre of UE, NJ Antonio of UP, and Mark Chaiwalla of UST had the collective hope of all teams not only pulling off heart-stopping stunts and impressive pyramid formations, but also clean and injury-free routines.
“Safety talaga sa performance day and we hope all of the teams will be entertained sa lahat ng napaghandaang routine ng bawat school,” said Lorenzo, whose team finished second last year.
Chaiwalla added, “We just want everyone to be safe and have fun at the same time. There will be camaraderie and unity among all the schools, while we’re enjoying the sport that we all love.”
During the presser, the order of performance was also determined through drawing of lots.
DLSU Animo Squad will open the competition, followed by UE Pep Squad, UP Pep Squad, and Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion.
Season 81 second placer FEU Cheering Squad and third placer AdU Pep Squad will perform fifth and sixth, respectively, while UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, which fell short of a podium finish last year, will be seventh.
Saving the best for last, back-to-back seeking NU Pep Squad will be the eighth performer. Bernabe said, “Actually para sa amin lucky ang eight. Noong nag-back-to-back champion kami, last to perform din kami.”
Like her fellow coaches, the five-time UAAP CDC champion coach wishes for a safe and successful run.
Bernabe said, “I know that the upcoming competition is going to be more exciting, and I think everyone naman nag-prepare nang maayos, nag-practice. Sana lahat ng efforts ng mga bata and coaches maging worth it pagdating ng competition.”
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