In a display of precision, daring, and sheer athleticism, the National University Pep Squad cemented its place as the most successful UAAP cheerdance team by claiming a record ninth title on Saturday, thrilling a crowd of 20,129 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Embodying the spirit of a ninja, NU delivered a high-risk, high-reward routine that honored the program’s legacy, earning a total of 695 points.
Apart from a minor mishap in the final pyramid, the squad executed a flawless showcase of stunts, tosses, and formations that left the audience in awe.
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One of the most jaw-dropping moments came when a flyer landed squarely on the base’s body and spun mid-air like a shuriken, perfectly capturing the stealth and precision at the heart of NU’s theme.
With this victory, the NU Pep Squad surpassed both the University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe and the University of the Philippines Pep Squad for the most championships in UAAP history.
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“Mas lalo namin nakita yung purpose namin — kung para kanino yung championships namin. Mas naging united ang community namin. Para itong lahat sa lahat ng naniniwala sa amin,” said second-year head coach Gab Bajacan, who took over from legendary mentor Ghicka Bernabe last season.
NU dominated in tosses (81 points) and pyramids (87 points), complemented by Japanese-inspired choreography that earned triple digits in technique (145) and choreography (103).
For their commanding performance, the Jhocson-based squad also received the Silka Time To Shine Showstopper, MWell Power Performance, Converge Super FiberX Reliable Performance, and Yamaha Most Unique Dance Move awards.
Altogether, it took home a total of ₱160,000 in prizes and MWell watches.
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“Super worth it lahat ng pinaghirapan namin. Walang nasaktan at healthy lahat. Sobrang worth it talaga. Yung pinalo po namin, para sa lahat po ito,” said team captain Iris Arendain.
The Adamson University Pep Squad finished second for the second consecutive season with 659 points, narrowly edging out the Far Eastern University Cheering Squad by just 0.5 points, which finished at 658.5.
FEU was ahead over Adamson in tumbling (90.5 to 79.5), stunts (90-85.5), tosses (79-77), choreography (96.5-95), technique (142.5-139.5), and group execution (67-66). However, the Cheering Squads’ 22 deductions proved costly while Adamson gained the edge in pyramids (84-81.5).
Both squads were tied at 33.5 in the dance overall effect.
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The Soaring Falcons delivered a dynamic performance, featuring twisting mounts and dismounts, well-executed stunts, and pyramids that showcased both skill and creativity, sending the audience into a frenzy early in the competition.
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Adamson also took home the Biogenic “Armor Up Pyramid,” Enervon “Most Energetic Team,” Skechers “Stylish Performance,” and BIC “Smooth Tumbling Pass” awards, each worth ₱30,000.
Meanwhile, the FEU Cheering Squad maintained their podium streak for the seventh consecutive season, marking a record 23rd top-three finish. Leaning on tumbling (90.5 points), FEU transported the crowd into nostalgic Philippine street games, also claiming the Jollibee “Jolliest Toss” award and its ₱50,000 prize.
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FEU relied on clean execution, swift transitions in stunts and pyramids, and a strong dance foundation to remain one of the competition’s powerhouses.
The judging criteria remained the same under the 800-point system, with a maximum score of 100 from each of the four judges for cheer elements and each of the four judges for dance.
Bianca Valera, national director of the National Cheerleading Championship (NCC), headed the panel and also served as penalty judge, while Julianne De Vera, a national NCC judge, served as the technical judge.
The dance panel, composed of Nesh Janiola, Joe Abuda, Arnold Warren, and Dhztine Bernardino, evaluated choreography, group execution, technique, and overall effect.
Meanwhile, international judges Chin Hau Lim (pyramids) and Andy Liao (stunts) joined long-time judges Celine Tanjuatco (tumbling) and Chester Carlos (tosses) to round out the cheer scoring panel.
The University of the East Pep Squad, recipient of the Chingu Bestie Chemistry award worth ₱50,000, narrowly missed the podium with a fun-filled routine inspired by the “High School Musical” film series, finishing with 623 points.
UST Salinggawi’s Halloween-themed show placed fifth with 618.5 points, while the UP Pep Squad’s Christmas performance collected 558 points for sixth.
The De La Salle Animo Squad’s baseball-themed performance finished seventh with 546.5 points and claimed the Dove #ChangeYourPerspective Best Hair from the TOP award (₱30,000).
The Ateneo Blue Eagles, performing to the tune of the movie “Sing,” rounded out the rankings in eighth place with 436.5 points.
