National University pushed the limits of UAAP cheerdance innovation with a gravity-defying, shuriken-inspired pyramid twist, securing a record ninth title in the Season 88 Cheerdance Competition Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The NU Pep Squad’s six-minute ninja-themed routine blended risk, precision, and creativity, earning a total of 695 points — built on stellar performances in tumbling (87.5), stunts (89.5), tosses (81), pyramids (87), dance (37.5), choreography (103), technique (145), and group execution (69.5) — with only five total deductions.
By topping the podium once again, NU solidified its status as the winningest UAAP cheerdance program. It surpasses the University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe and the UP Pep Squad, now tied at eight championships each.
Building on last season’s intergalactic-themed ‘Ferris wheel’ pyramid, NU elevated the difficulty this year with sharper, stealthier twists that pushed the boundaries of creativity.
“Sobrang kapit na kapit kami sa lahat ng pinapaikot namin sa pyramid na yan. Yung tinatawag nila na Ferris wheel na pyramid last year, we wanted to create a variety of that. Kaya kung napansin niyo, lahat ng pyramid namin, may umiikot, may pa-twist, at merong umiikot na parang washing machine,” third-year head coach Gab Bajacan said.
The standout moment of Season 88 was the so-called ‘washing machine’ — or off-axis twist — where a flyer lands briefly on the base’s body before spinning into a blade-like rotation, fully realizing the shuriken concept. The base would kip up after the dismount, completing the formation of a pyramid.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
With this daring maneuver, NU set a new standard in UAAP cheerdance history, delivering a shuriken-inspired pyramid twist that is believed to be the first of its kind — a testament to the program’s relentless pursuit of innovation.
“We know already na the audience ay nagustuhan talaga nila yung ginawa namin [na Ferris wheel] last year, just to create a variety, sobrang fulfilling ngayon.
“Nahirapan talaga yung mga kids kasi it’s very new sa mata ng community natin. Ang tagal prinactice. Yung last pyramid na ‘yon na parang naka-surfing, parang talagang anytime may titilapon na flyer — isang ikot lang, lumilipad yung flyer. Nabuo lang talaga siya kanina na sobrang happy kami at sobrang saya,” Bajacan explained.
Bajacan also revealed that NU drew inspiration from the routines of the seven other competing UAAP schools, using them as motivation to elevate their own performance.
While NU reigned supreme, the Pep Squad faced stiff challenges from first runner-up Adamson University Pep Squad, second runner-up Far Eastern University Cheering Squad, and other highly respected programs like UE Pep Squad and Gawi.
“Sobrang na-eexcite kasi kami pag may nakita kami na new with the competitors as well. Kami as a team, nagiging palaban talaga and we want to beat that sa nakita namin sa kalaban namin. Nag-iisip na kami na pwede ito, kaya ganon siguro utak namin,” Bajacan shared.
“Hindi kami nagsasawang maging stagnant kung ano lang uso. We want to explore more and we want to create more for the community and for the sport.”
