UP Pep Squad reigns UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2012 for 3rd Year in a Row

The University of the Philippines (UP) Pep Squad bags the championship in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2012 for the third straight year held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, September 22, 2012. 

UP Maroons Pep Squad

 It may not be a flawless routine due to the mishaps in the closing stages wherein a fall marred the last stunt, yet still UP Pep Squad outperformed their rivals because of the outstanding overall rendition and execution. The difficult and breathtaking performance of aerial stunts and transitions earned the nod of the judges. 

Adamson Falcons

Ateneo Blue Eagles

DLSU  Green Archers

FEU Tamaraws

NU Bulldogs

UE Warriors

UST Tigers' Salinggawi Dance Troupe

UST Tigers' Salinggawi Dance Troupe

Eight competing pep squads joined the competition –  UP Pep Squad performed with a shaved head to signify equality and freedom inspired by their famous symbol the Oblation, the UST (University of Santo Tomas) Salinggawi Dance Troupe on their Brazillian theme, the FEU Tamaraws(Far Eastern University) with its jungle inspired theme, NU Bulldogs (National University) Cheer Squadron with its Disney/royale inspired number, DLSU Green Archers (De La Salle University) Animo Squad dons gloves in a boxing inspired theme , Ateneo Eagles (Ateneo de Manila University) Blue Babble takes on Japanese anime in a routine capped off with a Voltes V replica., Adamson Falcons (Adamson University) Pep Squad goes K-pop and UE Warriors (University of the East) Pep Squad channels immortal gods in their cheerdance rendition.

And the winners are:

Cheerdance Competition:

Champion – UP Pep Squad

(P340,000 plus trophy and Samsung Galaxy Pocket smartphones)

1st runner-up – FEU Cheering Squad

(P200,000 plus trophy)

2nd runner-up – NU Pep Squad

(P140,000 plus trophy)

Samsung Group Stunts:

Champion – UP Pep Squad

2nd place – FEU Cheering Squad

3rd place – NU Pep Squad

2012 Samsung Stunner:

Nicolette Erika Ambulo (UP Pep Squad)

Criteria for judging:

Dance technique – 10 to 20 points

Jumps and tumbling – 10 to 15 points

Tosses – 10 to 15 points

Lifts and stunts – 10 to 15 points

Pyramids – 10 to 15 points

Choreography and synchronization – 6 to 10 points

Audibility and clarity – 3 to 5 points

Audience impact – 3 to 5 points

Total of 100 points

A point is deducted from the groups for minor errors, while major errors are penalized five points.

This year’s competition judges came from various international bodies such as the Asian Federation of Cheerleading and cheerleading officials from Chinese Taipei, Romania, Indonesia and the United States.

Although I am an Alumna of the University of Santo Tomas, I am not that satisfied with their performance this year, hoping they could get back to the limelight next year as they are the winningest squad in the annual competition. Anyway, there’s still a lot of time to practice and prepare – Go Tigers! Viva Tomasino!!

All photos are courtesy of ph.sports.yahoo.com