For the Far Eastern University Cheering Squad, one thing was on their minds heading into last Sunday’s UAAP Cheerdance Competition – hitting the routine.
For coach Randell San Gregorio and the entire team, everything they do is for the FEU community.
When Sunday arrived, the overwhelming support of the very community they were performing for was evident. However, a few bumps along the way triggered a series of unfortunate events for the defending champions.
Despite a strong finish, these mishaps led them to face a grim reality.
San Gregorio was the first to verbalize the potential consequence.
“Honestly, after our performance, sinabihan ko na sila na, huwag mag-expect. Feeling ko hindi kami papasok sa top three. Actually, mga ranking ko sa‘min was fourth or fifth ‘eh,” the long-time mentor shared.
“We had too many mistakes. Medyo mabigat ‘yung mga mali para isipin mo na may chance pa mag-podium.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Nevertheless, thanks to their scores in certain areas, the FEUCS still managed to bag second runner-up honors.
They secured a spot on the podium for a sixth consecutive year and a record 23rd time.
“Pero ‘yung cheer elements namin, tumbling lang ‘yung top three, the rest mababa ‘yung ranking. OK pa rin. Hindi lang po kita sa mga mukha namin, pero ok pa rin kasi na-maintain namin ‘yung streak. And nadagdagan po ‘yung podium finishes namin to 23,” said San Gregorio.
The performance, however, was not what the FEUCS had envisioned for the Tamaraw faithful who turned up in droves at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. They were expecting a strong routine that would secure the squad’s first-ever back-to-back title.
In response, San Gregorio was quick to apologize but remained grateful for the support.
“Medyo nahihiya nga ako ‘eh, to be honest, kasi first time ko ‘to eh in my nine seasons with FEU. First time ko ‘to na gano’n ‘yung crowd sa‘min. I mean, they have always been there for us pero iba ‘yung hype nila this year ‘eh. Parang mas hyper pa sila sa ‘min,” said the UP Pep Squad product.
“Ako, personally, nahihiya ako kasi hindi kami nag-deliver. Kasi, like ‘yung mga nag-cosplay ng mga Elsa kanina, wala ‘yun dati. Usually, naka-normal lang sila, normal crowd, pero ngayon pati sila nag-ready with us. Bonggang-bongga rin sila; so, hopefully hindi ‘yon mamatay.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Now that the recent CDC is behind them, FEUCS feels determined to redeem themselves in front of the FEU community they cherish.
As true Tamaraws, they promise to return even stronger.
“’Yung FEU community, bago pa man kami sumalang, sila ‘yung nagbigay sa‘min ng lakas; na dahil nga last to perform kami, iba ‘yung pressure. Narinig ko sila na sumisigaw para sa ‘min, tapos nakita ko ‘yung mga naka-cosplay,” said Juneric Gabotero.
“Na-motivate ako at kinausap ko ‘yung team pero sa kasamaang palad hindi kami nag-deliver kaya nag-so-sorry po kami sa FEU community. Babalik po kami next year ng mas brave po.”
