National University capped its six-minute intergalactic-themed routine with a stunning “Ferris wheel” pyramid to reclaim the UAAP Season 87 Cheerdance Competition title, leaving the 19,121 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in awe on Sunday evening.
NU’s performance, which sought to transport the audience to a celestial experience, combined flawless twirls, jumps, pyramids, flips, and tumbling.
The highlight of the routine was the innovative “Ferris wheel” pyramid – a daring stunt not attempted in over 18 years.
The maneuver drew comparisons to UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe’s iconic helicopter toss during their 2006 title-winning performance.
Second-year head coach Gab Bajacan described the groundbreaking pyramid as pivotal to their victory.
“Sobrang thankful kami kay coach Karl Pabilonia. Thank you so much sa inyong creativity sa pyramid na ‘yon. Kami kasi sa coaches, hinahati namin yung task namin doon and it’s working talaga na yung creativity namin bawat isa is nailalabas doon sa canvas na ‘yon,” Bajacan said.
“The dancers are the canvas of our work talaga. Sila yung gagawa ng masterpiece namin. Yung creativity ni Coach Karl… It’s the three essential factors kung bakit nananalo si NU Pep Squad – it’s the management, the athletes, and the coaches to create a masterpiece for cheerdance.”
The routine earned NU 713 points, built on strong performances in tumbling (86.5 points), stunts (91.5 points), tosses (91 points), dance (368 points), and pyramids (85 points).
With just nine total deductions, the Pep Squad blew past the competition and claimed their eighth UAAP CDC title, tying the record held by UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe and UP Varsity Pep Squad.
Despite their success, Bajacan emphasized that complacency has no place in their culture.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Hopefully, magtuluy-tuloy ng nine, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 – kung kaya po talaga namin, we will do so,” Bajacan shared. “Lagi naming sinasabi na lagi kaming kulang para meron kaming room for improvement.
“And also, inulit ko rin last time, ayaw namin maging stagnant. We want every athlete namin, even the coaches, na mag-aral talaga. Mag-improve pa sa craft. Ayaw po naming sabihin na magaling na tayo. Hindi, lahat yun meron pa kaming pagkukulang.”
NU’s comeback to the top was fueled by the heartbreak of a second-place finish in Season 86, pushing the team to innovate and refine their craft.
Bajacan highlighted their determination to remain ahead of the curve.
“NU will continue to challenge yung mga sarili namin. Kung paano namin chinallenge yung sarili namin this season, yung maging gutom talaga sa knowledge to create something new. To not be stagnant and soon, itong ginagawa namin, siguro magre-reflect din ito para makuha yung 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th championship ng NU sa cheerdance.”
