Perpetual tops cheerleading competition

MANILA, Philippines - Former three-time winner Perpetual Help put up a near-flawless effort as it regained the crown in the 2009 Samsung NCAA Cheerleading competition before a huge Wednesday crowd at The Arena in San Juan City.

Combining beautifully choreographed dances with difficult pyramids and stunts, the Perps amassed 335.5 points to run away with this year’s cheerleading title worth P90,000 courtesy of Samsung.

Last year’s champion Jose Rizal U finished a distant second with 311 points and took P55,000.

Guest team Emilio Aguinaldo College emerged the surprise third placer as it edged San Sebastian, 244-243.

The Generals won P45,000.

Angeles U Foundation, meanwhile, took the Samsung Stunner award, given to the most beautiful cheerleader, courtesy of Jojo Cabales.

It was sweet victory for Perpetual Help following its failed bid last year when it came into the competition a heavy favorite but stumbled with several cue mistakes and wound up a dismal fifth.

“Last year we were doing our routine perfectly but when the actual performance came, we committed many mistakes,” said Perpetual Help coach Ruf Vandolph Rosario, who steered the Las Piñas-based school to a three-peat.

“This year our performance in the actual competition was nothing but perfect, maybe it’s really God’s will for us to win,” he said.

Rounding up the top 10 finishes were San Sebastian (243), 2004 titlist Mapua (236.5), AUF (214), St. Benilde (194.5), Arellano U (169), Letran (168.5) and San Beda (148).      – Joey Villar