The NU Pep Squad made history after winning its ninth title in the UAAP Season 88 Cheerdance Competition.
The NU Pep Squad aims to keep improving — and achieving — even as it became the sole winningest team in UAAP Cheerdance Competition history Saturday, Nov. 29.
NU blew the competition away with a ninja-inspired routine to garner 695 points and clinch a historic ninth title at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Pep Squad collected its championship haul over the last 12 seasons.
NU overtook former powerhouses UP Pep Squad and UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, which are tied with eight each.
[RELATED STORY: ‘Ninja’ routine propels NU Pep Squad to historic 9th UAAP Cheerdance crown]
Despite establishing itself as the gold standard in this era of UAAP Cheerdance, the NU Pep Squad simply is not satisfied with all its accolades.
As the moment sank in for head coach Gabriel Bajacan, he knew that NU must keep raising the bar.
The NU Pep Squad is as nimble as ninjas in the UAAP Season 88 Cheerdance Competition Saturday, Nov. 29. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
“[We] continue to research. 'Yon lang talaga for us. Continue to research, continue to achieve more, [be] creative,” Bajacan said.
“Kailangang hindi kami magsawang mahalin 'yong ginagawa namin.”
NU's closest rival, the Adamson Pep Squad, trailed behind by 36 points, scoring 659.
Joining them at the podium is third-ranked FEU Cheering Squad as it accumulated 658.5 points.
[RELATED STORY: Gravity-defying highlights: Notable UAAP Cheerdance performances in Seasons 84–87]
'Stay hungry' mindset
After completing its goal of gaining the elusive ninth CDC title, there is no stopping the NU Pep Squad.
The team admitted that they have already started working on pyramids for the next season even before Saturday’s competition.
As the competition grows tougher each year, it’s up to Bajacan and the rest of his coaching staff to keep the fire burning within the NU Pep Squad.
“At the same time, dahil tumatanda na rin tayo, so kailangang nandoon pa rin 'yong utak namin as parang bata [pa rin kaming] gusto talagang mag-achieve ng maraming bagay,” Bajacan said.
“Kasi habang tumatanda ka, talagang nagsasawa ka. Kailangang hindi mawala sa amin 'yon. Especially kaming coaches, ang tagal na namin dito, so kailangan, 'yong fire lang na magiging hungry sa championship pa rin,” he added.
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Luisa Morales is a sportswriter with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.