UP eyes 4-peat in cheerdance

MANILA, Philippines - The University of the Philippines Pep Squad guns for four-peat today when cheerdancers take centerstage in the 2013 Samsung UAAP Cheerdance Competition at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Maroons are determined to protect their dynasty in the competition that has become as fierce as the basketball and volleyball tourneys and as widely-anticipated with competitors constantly beefing up their rosters and improving their routines.

A fourth straight triumph will also crown the UP Pep Squad as the winningest among the eight teams with nine. At present, UP is tied with the University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi with eight diadems each.

“The competition has become tougher the last few years,” said UP coach Lala Perena. “Everyone’s upgrading their level. For me, all schools are the teams to beat. Everyone’s out to get us. I expect all teams to dish out their very best.”

Expected to crowd the Diliman-based cheerdancers are last year’s runner-up FEU Pep Squad and third placer National U Pep Squad.

“This is going to be a close fight. Everybody wants to outperform one another,” said coach Jacqueline Alota of FEU.

NU Pep Squad heralded its serious bid to contend for the crown by ruling the National Cheerdance Championship last March.

“We’ve been preparing hard and, yes, we are very confident of our chance,” said NU Pep Squad coach Ghicka Bernabe. “We’re giving it our best shot – creativity, stunts, costumes, pros and everything.”