Perps score 4-peat in amazing show

MANILA, Philippines - Lucky Seven.

Perpetual Help came through with the toughest and a near-flawless routine to fashion out a first-ever four-peat feat and a league best seventh title in the 88th NCAA cheerleading competition at the MOA Arena in Pasay City yesterday.

The Altas did everything possible – from multiple tosses, to repeated tumblings and spectacular tick-tocks – with synchronicity before capping their amazing effort with a walking pyramid from both sides joined in the middle and iced with a flyer thrown to the top.

At press time, no scores were released but it was crystal clear that the Las Piñas-based school was simply a cut above the rest, including eventual second and third placers Arellano U and Emilio Aguinaldo, respectively.

“We really made sure that we come up with the toughest and best performance that’s why we really worked hard to make it a near perfect performance,” said Perpetual coach Ruf Rosario, who steered Perpetual to all its crowns.

It was the amazing Perps’ seventh championship in nine editions worth another P100,000.

The Mapua Cheerping Cardinals took the 2004 crown while the Jose Rizal U Pep squad topped the 2008 edition of the annual event.

“We know it’s possible that’s why we never lost faith, we know a fourth straight title is achievable,” said the 27-year-old Rosario. “I’m happy that we won again, the feeling is the same as when we first won our first title.”

Arellano, a team full of gymnasts, improved from fourth last year to second this season, while EAC turned in an impressive third place finish after winding up eighth last year.

The victory also augurs well for the Perps, set to compete in today’s National Cheerleading Championship at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City before taking their final exams tomorrow.

“It’s really the most rigorous and most difficult weekend for us because we’re joining the NCC tomorrow (today) and our students will have final exams on Monday (tomorrow),” said Rosario.

As they savored another championship, the Perps thanked their chief backers and supporters, particularly Perpetual owner Antonio Tamayo and family.

“We all know having a complete uniform and tuition fees are expensive and the Tamayo family shouldered everything and supported us all the away so this we paid it back by giving our very best,” said Perpetual team captain JR Sison.

For its routines, Perpetual did four multiple tosses wherein six to seven girls were heaved to the air four times, three spectacular tick-tocks where flyers changed footing while being carried upward and a display of countless perfectly synchronized tumblings.

Then there’s the walking pyramid.