NU Pep Squad wins back-to-back UAAP cheerdance crowns

The National University Pep Squad successfully defended their UAAP Cheerdance Competition title at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, scoring a total of 722 points to bag their sixth crown in seven years.

The NU Pep Squad paid tribute to the Philippines with their flawless performance, impressing the audiences and judges with synchronized dance moves, tumblings and tosses, and breathtaking pyramids.

The NU Pep Squad showed national pride in their routine! #MabuhayNationalU #UAAPCDC2019 pic.twitter.com/juLsrriAWr

— GMA News Sports (@gmanews_sports) November 17, 2019

“Oras na para mag-balikbayan!” NU Pep Squad Coach Ghika Bernabe said in an aired interview after their performance.

NU closed out the annual CDC with a routine donning the Philippines’ national colors and used music that is originally Filipino.

To support them in their performance, the NU fans brought out a Philippine flag, and a person even dressed like Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s famous lava gown.

The Far Eastern University Cheering Squad's tribute to the King of Pop Michael Jackson were hailed first runner up with 706 points.

The FEU Cheering Squad with their Michael Jackson-inspired performance! #taMJam #UAAPCDC2019 pic.twitter.com/Xl7zamZdu4

— GMA News Sports (@gmanews_sports) November 17, 2019

The Adamson University Pep Squad, meanwhile, won 2nd runner up for their Carribean-inspired performance, tallying 658.5 markers.

Colorful performance from the Adamson Pep Squad with their Carribean-themed routine! #LabanAdamson #UAAPCDC2019 pic.twitter.com/pEwNCxFtiw

— GMA News Sports (@gmanews_sports) November 17, 2019

Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe showcased an enchanting forest-themed routine for fourth place anew with 650 markers.

UST’s magical and enchanted theme performance! #UAAPCDC2019 #OneFORESTpaña pic.twitter.com/VJDuEEuSbd

— GMA News Sports (@gmanews_sports) November 17, 2019

The University of the East Pep Squad remained at fifth this season with 645 points for their Carribean-inspired performance, while the University of the Philippines Pep Squad finished at sixth place with 622.5 points.

The UE Pep Squad! #EastReggaeTime #UAAPCDC2019 pic.twitter.com/96ZkRhLz03

— GMA News Sports (@gmanews_sports) November 17, 2019

The UP Pep Squad! #MaMaWaTaKK #UAAPCDC2019 pic.twitter.com/U4XBObImeg

— GMA News Sports (@gmanews_sports) November 17, 2019

The  Ateneo de Manila University Blue Babble Battalion finished seventh with 539 points, followed by the De La Salle University Animo Squad, which registered 577.5 markers for eighth place.

The Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion toured the crowd #AroundTheWorldIn6Minutes #UAAPCDC2019 pic.twitter.com/jIyYAKy2M8

— GMA News Sports (@gmanews_sports) November 17, 2019

The DLSU Animo Squad! #RewriteLaSalle #UAAPCDC2019 pic.twitter.com/yRTFSZpkr7

— GMA News Sports (@gmanews_sports) November 17, 2019

NU dominated the special awards winning Best Toss, Best Stunt, and landing in first place for Best Pyramid. Completing the list of winners for Best Pyramid are Adamson in second place, and UP in third. 

NU, FEU and Adamson dominated the group stunts category, finishing first, second and third, respectively. — with reports from Justin Kenneth Carandang/LA, GMA News