The UAAP Season 88 Cheerdance Competition will dazzle fans with a lineup that balances tradition, creativity, and fierce competition, as each squad brings its own unique theme to the floor.
This season introduces a new performance order: the host university will close the show, while previous season hosts rotate through the lineup.
The University of the Philippines Varsity Pep Squad, last season’s host, will open the competition with a festive Christmas-themed routine celebrating the country’s rich holiday traditions.
Following them, the University of the East Pep Squad aims to surpass last year’s fourth-place finish with a vibrant “High School Musical”-inspired routine, transporting the audience to the halls of East High School.
Adamson University’s Pep Squad, Season 87 runner-up, will present a narrative-driven performance showcasing their journey toward a breakthrough championship, blending athleticism and storytelling.
The De La Salle University Animo Squad will honor their school’s storied baseball history — boasting 10 UAAP championships across seniors and juniors divisions — with a baseball-inspired routine that reflects teamwork and precision.
Ateneo de Manila University’s Blue Eagles will charm the crowd with a high-energy routine set to the soundtrack of the animated film Sing, highlighting their signature creativity and flair.
Defending champions National University will perform sixth, aiming to secure back-to-back titles.
Their ninja-inspired routine promises fast-paced stunts and a fresh artistic approach, reflecting NU’s determination to push the boundaries of modern cheerdance.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“This year talaga, since yung last year’s performance, napaka-challenging yung pinerform ng ating mga competitors. It helps us talaga since we’re motivated to create more,” said NU head coach Gab Bajacan.
“Kailangan din namin talunin kung ano yung mga nakita naming maganda sa kanila. ‘Yon yung pinaghandaan namin this year and to create new stuff for the competition and for the sport itself.”
The Far Eastern University Cheering Squad, determined to reclaim the crown they lost in Season 87, will take spectators on a nostalgic journey through childhood street games like patintero, tumbang preso, and lukso tinik, blending fun and athleticism.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Closing the competition, eight-time champion University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe will deliver a Halloween-themed routine.
“For the theme of UST this year, it’s going to be Halloween. Just with the theme itself for UST, I can already say it’s been a journey because we actually decided and needed to change our themes twice before arriving with the idea of Halloween,” said UST head coach Mark Chaiwalla.
“Nevertheless, I am really happy with how it translated to our routine this year, and I believe it’s one of the events in the year calendar which everyone is looking forward to.”
Attendees are encouraged to wear white to align with the UAAP statement calling for integrity and accountability.
Fans can catch all the action live across Cignal platforms: the UAAP Varsity Channel in HD, One Sports on free-to-air TV, and the Pilipinas Live app, which will stream the event for free.
