UAAP: NU claims record 9th title in UAAP Cheerdance Competition

National University completed its historic quest for a ninth title in the 2025 UAAP Cheerdance Competition on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The NU Pep Squad garnered 695 points to become the most successful team in the history of the competition.

NU was previously pitted to take the top spot against former powerhouses University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas, both with eight titles each.

After bringing the audience along to an out-of-this-world performance last year, the Bulldogs featured a ninja-inspired routine with nods to fast-paced stunts and quick movements in front of the 20,129-strong crowd.

More than its fresh take on cheer artistry, the NU Pep Squad’s consistency on the dance floor put it ahead of the Adamson University Pep Squad’s 659 points, followed closely by the Far Eastern University Cheering Squad’s 658.5 points in second and first runners-up, respectively.

“Kabang-kaba ako nung una kasi magaling din talaga ang Adamson, lalo na may error kami sa dulo. I know the UAAP pag may mga ganoong error, may chance na hindi sa amin ibigay 'yung crown. But I'm happy na naniwala kami sa lakas ng routine namin,” said NU head coach Gab Bacajan.

It was a repeat of last season’s results, with all eight schools finishing in the same order from first to eighth places.

Turning to nostalgia this year as the inspiration for its ‘High School Musical’ themed dance, University of the East earned 623 points to land in fourth place.

Performing last in this year’s order, on the other hand, the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe’s Halloween-themed performance earned them 618.5 points for the fifth spot.

UP Pep Squad (558 points) opened the competition this season after performing a timely Christmas-themed routine to showcase the rich holiday traditions of Filipino households, eventually finishing in sixth place.

Meanwhile, De La Salle University’s Animo Squad (546.5) and Ateneo de Manila University’s Blue Eagles (436.5) wound up in seventh and eighth places, respectively.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News