Far Eastern University entered this season’s UAAP Cheerdance Competition aiming to deliver a flawless routine.
However, as the competition unfolded on Sunday, pressure and a few missteps disrupted their performance.
These errors caused the defending champions to miss several key moments in their routine, leaving FEU Cheering Squad head coach Randell San Gregorio doubting their chances of securing a podium finish.
Despite the challenges, FEUCS leaned on their strength in dance, scoring an impressive 352.5 points – just behind eventual champions National University Pep Squad’s 368.
This allowed the Tamaraws to extend their streak of podium finishes to six consecutive seasons in the UAAP CDC.
However, reactions on social media were polarized, with some fans expressing disappointment, while others directed criticism toward the FEUCS.
In response, San Gregorio took to Facebook to address the situation.
“Yung mga nanlalait sa FEU, ‘wag po kami ang awayin nyo kasi just like any other team, naglaro lang din po kami! Hindi namin hawak ang utak ng mga hurado,” he wrote.
The long-time mentor revealed that he had prepared his team for the possibility of missing the podium, given the strong performances of other squads.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Personally, I knew there was a big chance na hindi kami papasok sa top three. Kinausap ko na agad yung team na wag sila magexpect kasi (University of the East), (University of Santo Tomas), (Adamson University), and (National University) did really well. Sinabihan ko rin po ang mga bata na baka fourth or fifth lang kami,” he shared.
San Gregorio also shared his appreciation for the UE Pep Squad, whose routine, paying homage to the iconic OPM group Sexbomb Dancers, captivated the audience.
UE’s overall score of 334 in dance fell short, though, despite their notable strength in tosses and stunting. There, they scored 87 and 82 points, respectively, out of 100.
“Anong gusto nyo, ibalik namin yung trophy or ibigay sa ibang school? Kung ako lang masusunod, gagawin ko talaga. Pramis! Pero kung gagawin ko yun, parang binastos ko na rin ‘yung mga hurado, ‘yung organizers at lalung-lalo na yung UAAP. Di ba mali naman ‘yun,” San Gregorio explained.
He also shared his personal rankings: “My personal rank is NU, UE, and AdU. Pero hindi ako judge e. So, kung bad trip kayo sa resulta, ‘wag n’yo idamay ang FEU Cheering Squad!”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Having been with FEU for nine seasons, and with prior stints as a coach for Ateneo and as a cheerdancer with UP, San Gregorio concluded with a message of congratulations and encouragement.
“Congratulations sa NU for winning their eighth title and to Adamson for winning first runner-up!” he wrote.
“FEU Cheering Squad, mahal ko kayo! Palag lang nang palag!”
