NU Pep Squad Reclaims Crown With ‘Out of This World’ Routine
Photo source: UAAP Media Team
The NU Pep Squad delivered a stellar, out-of-this-world performance on December 1, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, cementing their dominance in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition.
Claiming their 8th championship title, the Bulldogs were overwhelmed with emotion as they received not only the coveted gold medals and trophy but also multiple special awards from the UAAP Season 87 CDC sponsors.
“Hindi pa rin kami bumitaw kay Lord. Kasi hindi natin aasahan o aakalain kung ano talagang result. Iba ‘yung scoring ng special awards sa overall scores,” shared team co-captain Vigie Ann Calleja. “So hindi kami naging complacent na sa’min na ‘yung championship. Talagang pray lang kami nang pray. Nung in-announce na kami ‘yung champions, tsaka lang kami nagsurrender.”
Calleja, now in her 7th year of cheerdance competition, expressed her excitement and gratitude as she held her hard-earned gold medal, reflecting on the journey that led them to this triumph.
“Sobrang saya, sobrang nag-flashback lahat ng paghihirap namin simula February hanggang ngayon. ‘Yung challenges na binigay ni Lord sa’min, na-surpass namin lahat,” she reminisced.
She added, “Sobrang grateful kasi hindi kami binitawan ng managers and coaches namin, kahit may mga times na sobrang down na down kami. Lahat kami, kapit lang hanggang dulo.”
Dressed in vibrant neon pink shirts, the NU Pep Squad electrified the crowd, whose cheers fueled their energy on the mat. Calleja recalled how the roaring support boosted their performance.
“Sobrang saya kasi sobrang dinig na dinig ko sila nung nagpe-perform kami kanina sa loob ng mats. Kapag nakaka-hit kami ng dance, ng stunts, or pyramid, sobrang saya. Ang saya mag-perform, kasi ramdam namin ‘yung support ng NU community.”
Calleja extended her gratitude to the NU community and expressed hope for their continued support.
“Sana ‘wag [sila] magsawa na sumuporta sa NU, sana pagpatuloy lang nila ‘yung gan’yan na lively sila. Grabe ‘yung cheer, ang sigawan, doon kami mas naboboost up talaga,” she said.
This win ties the NU Pep Squad with UST and UP for the most championships in UAAP Cheerdance history, each now holding eight titles. The team remains motivated to continue their winning streak in future seasons.
The Adamson Pep Squad secured first runner-up, while the FEU Cheering Squad claimed second runner-up. The rest of the rankings placed the UE Pep Squad in fourth, followed by the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, UP Pep Squad, DLSU Animo Squad, and Ateneo Blue Eagles, in that order.
Reflecting on the special awards haul, Calleja admitted the team had not anticipated receiving so many accolades.
“Hindi namin inexpect ‘yon. ‘Yung lahat ng awards, sa’min mapupunta. Uupo kami, magppray kami, ‘Sa atin ba ‘to?’ Sobrang ‘di namin inexpect ‘yung awards,” she said.
While the string of special awards built their hopes, Calleja emphasized the importance of staying grounded and prayerful until the championship announcement.
