VOL. 1 NO.

7 SEPTEMBER 14-22, 2012

YYYY
Akala niya sad ka pero superhappy ka pala
SCORPIO Love:

Ang lagay ng puso, career DLSU Animo Squad

at bulsa mo sa Bilog ang Bola page 4 UNPREDICTABLE page 3

SALINGGAWI out for

payback page 6

NU Pep

Squad ready to shock the opposition page 7

FEU cheering squad FEU cheering squad

Going wild to spoil the party

Page 2

SEPTEMBER 14-22, 2012

UP PEP SQUAD

Ready to take on all comers

By Patrick Leonard Mayo

F
SMILING PRETTY
THE Diliman-based cheerdancers are expected to erase the bitter losses of the UP Maroons. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

ILLING up the arena has never been attributed to the UP crowd as far as UAAP basketball is concerned.
But when the annual UAAP Cheerdance Competition comes, expect the Maroon and Green community to come out in full force to support the back-toback defending champion UP Pep Squad, even if the Mall of Asia Arena and UP Diliman are at both ends of the metro. With perennial contenders FEU Cheering Squad and the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe (SDT) out to reclaim lost glory along with the rest of the other squads, the UP Pep Squad knows very well that it should not rest on its laurels and has to prepare for the CdC as early as possible. We started training for the routine as early as summer, along with the conditioning program and gymnastics skills. As for the dances, we started naman noong July, said assistant coach Pio Opinaldo. And with the competition getting tighter every year, the coaches had to make sure that they improve on all aspects, not only in their gymnastics. We also increased the level of difficulty ng mga dances and stunts namin kasi all the other teams are improving na rin so kailangan naming sabayan yon, he added. But these kids do not only have dancing and practicing for

the CdC on their minds as their roles as students come first before being athletes. The 25-member strong UP Pep Squad has a mix of rookies who compose practically half of the team and some graduating

FEU CHEERING SQUAD

By Danielle Nakpil
BEING the lone school to break the UP-UST party in the history of the UAAP Cheerdance Competition, the Far Eastern University Cheering Squad makes sure that it will be a team to watch this season. Sporting a wild and fierce look this year, Far Eastern University is more than ready to rock the Mall of Asia Arena. We are wild to win! These were the words from elated FEU Cheering Squad Coach Jacqueline Alolor-Alota when asked by INQUIRER LIBRE in an exclusive interview about what the people should expect from them on Sept. 22. Ang edge namin ay ang confidence, said Alota who has been coaching the squad for 10 years. Just like other member schools of the UAAP according , to Alota, the FEU Cheering Squad has been practicing and preparing for its routine since summer. We have been preparing this routine since June. And

Going wild to spoil the party

we are really working hard for this, said Captain Eryka de Roxas. According to De Roxas, a fourth year Mass Communication student, her squads advantage is its wild, fierce performances. She also added that they are well prepared for the competition. After finishing third last year, the squad does not feel any pressure for the most awaited cheerleading event in the country. They say that all they have to do is to enjoy their performance and be the best that they can be. Wala kaming biggest contender, said Coach Alota. Lagi kong sinasabi sa mga bata that we compete against ourselves. Being a true-blue Tamaraw herself, graduating with a degree in Secondary Education, Coach Jacqueline has always been on the teams side no matter what. Minsan maiiyak ka. Pero in the end, ikaw talaga ang nandiyan para sa kanila, said Alota.

students as well who all need to stay focused on their studies despite the rigors of intensive training. We usually train four to six hours a day after class. We start at six then we usually last up at 12 in the midnight, said Kiko Cortez who is one of the three co-captains of the team. Medyo mahirap din magbalance but with the training that we have, we have learned to develop the right discipline and responsibility to be able to balance our academics and our training, added co-captain Irish Planes. This years CdC will be a memorable one for the UP Pep Squad since not only is it out to defend its back-to-back titles but also to tie its longtime rival the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe for most number of championships, with eight. Yes, it adds pressure but as much we dont try to think of that as much as possible but rather focus on a perfect run. Whats important is mapasaya namin ang UP community, Opinaldo said. And with the reputation of surprising the audience that they have built over the years, fans may be in for another breathtaking treat. They can expect our dances to be more creative than last year and our lifts and stunts as well, said co-captain Beatrice Segundo.

FANS can expect a breathtaking routine from UP.

AUGUST DELA CRUZ

SEPTEMBER 14-22, 2012

TRAINING hard to turn silver into gold.

ROMY HOMILLADA

DLSU ANIMO SQUAD

Unpredictable
By Randolph Leongson

HEY say when youre almost at the top, there is no way to go but up. But for the DLSU Animo Squad, bridesmaids for four UAAP Cheerdance Competitions, its a new year and its virtually a new team.
We lost a lot of members from last years squad due to graduation, said female cheerdancers captain Natasha Mendoza. Thankfully, our rookies picked up fast. After a 13-year drought, the Taft-based cheerers made their triumphant return to the Top Three last year by finishing at second place, just behind seventime champ UP But the squad is . determined to defer the traces of pressure against their favor. We realized that we could win it all last year. Its an added pressure, but well set our mind and try our best to win the big

one, said Paolo Ian Lucero, the captain of the male cheerleaders. For the multi-titled Rhufa Rosario, the coach who took over the DLSU Animo Squad last year, he believes this group has something special to bring for La Salle. Knowing that we lost a lot of our veterans, our target is to maintain our spot in the Top Three, he said. Well give and show na kaya naming makipagsabayan sa mga pinakamagaling sa UAAP .

ROOKIE-LADEN
THE team with new faces aims to bring something special this season.
ROMY HOMILLADA

After all, Rosario was the one who anchored the Perpetual Help Altas Perpsquad to three straight NCAA Cheerleading Championships since 2009. Rising to the occasion is on his repertoire, and bringing that winning tradition he started in Perpetual wont really be much of a problem for the Animo cheerdancers. We believe were one of the elites, he said. Rosario added that theyll be looking out for the usual suspects, especially UP because, sila na lang yong di pa namin natatalo (from last year). This year, our focus will be on difficulty, but well still have our gimmicks, Rosario said. We have new drills employed to us by Coach (Rosario). Aside from the basic drills of forward rolls, cartwheels, and handstands, we worked hard to get in our form, said the 19-year-old Mendoza. What we are excited about are the new ones like the round-off backhand spring. She adds, We believe were a strong team, and were willing to prove it. The 20-year-old Lucero said, our stunts are the ones to watch out for. That is what the Animo Squad is known for.

Yong choreography namin, iba-iba. Punong-puno talaga at mas daring kaysa sa mga nakita nila dati, he added. But if theres something the highly touted La Salle mentor has in store for his fans, Rosario said that the DLSU Animo Squad will be nothing short of unpredictable. We train harder to improve their skills. Iba ang cheerleaders ng La Salle, he said. Well keep our belts on and hopefully, the silver can be gold this time. On a possible teaser on what they would bring into the table on Sept. 22, the eye-candy Mendoza only has one thing to say. The gloves are going to come off.

DEADLY FORM
A CHEERLEADER gives a preview of what to expect. ROMY HOMILLADA

Bilog ang Bola

YYYYY
CAPRICORN
ANDREW PAMORADA

Ni Hormel Delata

Kung anong hindi nagastos, ipunin

PPPP PP
Ingat sa mga taong maglalaglag sa iyo

Tatambling silang lahat Walang pampaligong Handa mo nang gawin sa sobrang ganda mo sabon? Eh di panlaba! kung ano man yon

NCCS FEARLESS FORECAST

YYY YY
Tutubuan ka ng muscle--sa face

AQUARIUS

Kailangan mo na talaga Mahalin mo siya magpa-liposuction kahit ganun kumilos

PPP
Matuto kang tiwala na may sasalo sa iyo

PISCES

YYYY
ARIES

Maglakbay habang bata ka pa

UP ahead bu
1
UP The UAAPs premier cheerdance squad lives to entertain. And so far, the judges have been impressed. With gifted athletes and a veteran coaching staff, UP remains the team to beat. Last years combination of choreography and technical skills enabled it to beat all the other squads. Will this year be different? We predict UP still having enough to hang on, despite the retooling of all other squads. tented with top 3 finishes.
STRENGTHS: Choreography, flexibility, tumbling

PPPP
Anumang mangyari, dapat kang bumitaw

Di ka lang bubuhatin, ihahagis ka pa niya

YYY
TAURUS

Kumain ng maraming protina, kailangan mo

PPP PPPP PPPP

Dinadaan mo lang sa tawa pero seryoso ka

Siya na ang lalaking ok na nasa ilalim mo

Bawal nang kumain ng Maigi na hindi kumibo marami, yehey! Tipid! kesa dumaldal

YYY
GEMINI

Nung past life, ikaw parati nasa baba

Makihingi na lang ng Dapat umunlad din kanin sa mga kasama yung creative side mo

Y
CANCER

Mas makembot pa sa iyo krush mo teh

YYYY
LEO

Ang nagbabayad, madaling makautang

PPP
Bawasan ang laman ng backpack

Bigyan mo ng cake kahit hindi niya bday

YY
VIRGO

Hindi sanay tiyan mo sa sosyal na pagkain

PP
Hindi na pantay ang mga balikat mo

NU The squad is tighter this year, with new recruits from the provinces, and a veteran coaching staff, they will continue their climb towards the top 3. With strong support from the alumni and school, it is one of the best supported squads in the UAAP They . are also competing in their homecourt at the Arena.

Sobra gel mo, ipahid buhok mo sa pader

STRENGTHS: Choreography, athletic ability, dance

STRENGTHS: Tosses, tumbling

YY
LIBRA

Kahit dukutan ka, walang madudukot

PPPP
Kung gustong lumakas, buhatin mo team mate

Installment ang pagmamahal niya

YYYY
SCORPIO

Basta may pera ka, malakas loob mo
Money:

PPP
Bigyan mo ng permission sarili mo

Akala niya sad ka pero Makakakuha na kayo ng bigating sponsor superhappy ka pala

Y
SAGITTARIUS

P
Mapipilayan sila kapag napilay ka
Career:

Masusuka siya oras na makita ka

Love:

FEU Coming from its 2nd place finish in the 2012 Nationals, the squad comes into the UAAP Cheerdance Competition with added swagger. Last years finish was a fluke, and the Tamaraws expect nothing less than the top spot. With their unique combination of grace, tumbling, and choreography, they remain favorites to win it as well. Veteran coach Jackie Alolor is not one to remain con-

DLSU The combination of 6-time NCAA champion coach Ruffa Rosario and former NCC stunt coaches Andro Garde and Andrew Maravillas pushed the squad to the number 2 last year. Some solid recruits from high school, and the veteran cast may virtually assure another top 3 finish. If they can hit their stunts and tosses when it matters, they should finish higher.

STRENGTHS: Stunts, skills, tosses, tumbling

Editor in Chief

Chito dF. dela Vega Dennis U. Eroa Francis Ochoa Romel M. Lalata
Graphic artist Desk editors

Ritche S. Sabado
Telephone No.: (632) 897-8808 connecting all departments

Fax No.: (632) 897-4793/897-4794 E-mail: libre_pdi@inquirer.com.ph Advertising: (632) 897-8808 loc. 530/532/534 Website: www.libre.com.ph All rights reserved. Subject to theconditions provided for by law, no article or photograph published by INQUIRER LIBRE Varsity Action may be reprinted or reproduced, in whole or in part, without its prior consent.

The National Cheerleading Championship is the f and competitions around the country. It also sup

SEPTEMBER 14-22, 2012

ut FEU not far behind

5
ADMU Benefitting from its prized recruits from Team Pilipinas from Poveda and Holy Spirit, the squad does not lack the tools to compete for a top 3 finish. Having 2time Southeast Asian champion coach Randell San Gregorio doesnt hurt either. The Eagles usually come up with something surprising every year. Again, they have to execute to perfection if they want to crack the top 3.
STRENGTHS: Dance, choreography, tumbling

ADAMSON Led by 4-time National Champion Arnold Villanueva, the Falcons continue to improve every year. Though not able to retool as well as other squads, the Falcons will put on a show.

STRENGTHS: Stunts, choreography,

STRENGTHS: Choreography, dance, pyramids

PHOTO COURTESY OF FACEBOOK GROUP UAAP CHEERDANCE COMPETITION

UST Salinggawi continues to be a squad to watch out for. Increased emphasis on technical skills, however, will have to force this squad to level up. They start their climb back to the top with champion high school coach and Team Pilipinas assistant coach Ramon Pagaduan. With some Team Pilipinas squad members in the fold, expect the revitalized squad with higher technical scores, and fresh dance routines. They may end up higher than we predict.

UE Former CCP assistant coach Jomel Bernardo joins the Warriors this season. This only means UE is serious about making waves in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition in the coming years. UE was one of the original cheering squads back in the day, and we hope they carry this same passion with them as the squad moves forward.

NOTE: Rankings will really depend on the judges. Last year, a new judge was inserted at the last minute by UAAP CdC ManComm, surprising all other schools. In case there will be international judges again this year, that means there will be more technical skill emphasis.

first and only nationwide cheerleading organization in the Philippines holding camps pports TEAM PILIPINAS CHEERLEADING , the two-time SouthEast Asian Open Champions.

SEPTEMBER 14-22, 2012

ented. Its just that for years, they didnt have a coach to guide them. They didnt have any formal training in tosses and the lifts. They would watch stunts in YouTube and try to copy that themselves, he said. Mascarias capitalized on the innate resiliency of the squad and developed their talents. He said that over the summer they focused on dancing lessons. This was what was lacking in the team. Last year, the Pep Squad had a marionette and toy soldiers theme. INQUIRER LIBRE was told that it would be completely different routine this year. That audience could expect a more streamlined approach and a more relatable and trendier theme.

ADAMSON PEP SQUAD

Surprise, surprise
By Ruth L. Navarra

HIS season, the Adamson Pep Squad wants to be known as the squad who can.
the bottom tier and into a higher the highly competitive Central Colleges of the Philippines Bobcats. Hes been in the cheerleading sports for 13 years. The members of the competing squad are mostly freshies. Their coach, however, adds that they are more competitive than the squad of previous years. I am not saying that the squad before was any less tal-

That they can get out of position in the overall rankings. That they can give other contenders a run for their money. That they can win hearts over trophies. We want to prove to everyone that we are worth supporting. That we are worth the respect, said sophomore coach Joseph Mascarias. The coach has been a part of

RESPECT THEY SEEK

THE Adamson Pep Squad will flash a new routine this season.
When they have presented their routine to school officials, they were told that this was the Adamson Pep Squad from years back. From the time when they placed second in the overall
ANDREW PAMORADA

rankings of the UAAP Cheerdance competition. With all the high hopes and the changes, this could be the year when the Adamson Pep Squad surprises everyone.

Rejuvenated Salinggawi out for payback

By Ruth L. Navarra

HE UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe (SDT) promises to be tougher, stronger and definitely faster this year.
new members. Some of those who joined the squad already have high level of cheerleading skills. We didnt have to start from scratch with them, said Dimaculangan. The character and perseverance of the team was tested earlier in the school year. It was late in July and so close to the competition when the contract of their long-time choreographer Ryan Silva was not renewed. It left the squad rudderless for more than a week.

Our problem last year was that we had a clean execution but it was very slow, said SDT president Danrev Dimaculangan. It is this very problem that they are addressing in their current routine. This years SDT is a rookieladen squad, he said, but their confidence is so sky-high that the squad is daring to try some stunts they have never done before. Last summer was the first time we actively recruited for

It was very difficult time for us but we kept our training hours. We also used the time to conceptualize for our theme in this years competition, Dimaculangan said. It is this theme that their new coach Ramon Pagaduan IV worked on, sprinkling some of his ideas on it. Pagaduan is a former SDT member and a senior to Silva. The two are said to be close friends. He previously coached the De La Salle Pep Squad and St. Paul College-Pasig. He has his own record of titles under his belt. There was no honeymoon phase for the squad and the

new coach with the Cheerdance Competition looming over their heads. They had to adapt quickly to his style of coaching. The SDT received a favorable twist of fate with the postponement of the schedule of the cheerdance competition to a later date. It gave the squad more time to work on their routine. Although squads normally keep their cards close to their chests when it comes to the CDC, Dimaculangan gave a hint of what the SDT will do during competition. He said they are working on a routine that will be a departure from the fierce theme the

school has fleshed out in the past years. This years routine will be less gritty and will aim to please. The pressure to win is always there. The Thomasian community expects us to go out and win all the time. We take this as a challenge. We take even the negative comments as a challenge, Dimaculangan said. The relatively young squad is already over the disappointment of failing to crack the top three last year. The SDT is invigorated and inspired. And maybe, just maybe, the new leadership was the shot in the arm they sorely needed.

UNBOWED, UNTAMED
SALINGGAWI remains a potent force.
JOASH MARAMARA

SEPTEMBER 14-22, 2012

NU Pep Squad ready to shock the opposition

By Denison Ray Dalupang

MAIN COURSE
AFTER appetizers, NU Pep will treat the crowd to the main course. ROMY HOMILLADA

HANGE could either be bad or good. And while National Universitys hoops squad is busy translating change into wins, its cheerleading squad is trying to follow suit on Sept. 22s UAAP Cheerdance Competition at SM Mall of Asia Arena.
vided with everythingfrom a new building to a fullyequipped weight room for conditioning, she recalled. Bernabe, who has been around cheerleading and gymnastics since her elementary years, also saw action in the Cheerdance Competition during her college years with FEU. At times, my intentions for the team were misinterpreted since I am a Tamaraw. There are small arguments on the side too, but we managed to handle it and become a cohesive unit, Bernabe said. Trying to top last years matador-inspired routine, Bern-

But the road to glory is never easy, and building a contender from the ground up is no joke, said NU Pep coach Ghicka Bernabe. There are lots of adjustments from all of us, she said. It was not easy for me and the dancers to get close, but we eventually able to weave ourselves into one family. All of the changes couldnt have been possible if not for mall magnate Henry Sys acquisition of NU in 2008. It was a game-changer for the whole university. Before, we just practiced in a small and old gym. Now, were virtually pro-

abe said the squad tweaked its synchronized dismounts, taking notes from last years sour, sixth-place finish. Last year was just an appetizer, we are now ready to serve the main course, she quipped. Bernabe believes they will again pull off a shocker on Saturday and hopefully complete the metamorphosis into a champion squad. Our routine was authentic and refreshing, said Bernabe, noting the crowds reception of

NU in last years CdC hostilities. We believe that we won the crowd last year, basing on how they reacted prior to the announcement of the 1st runnerup and comments over YouTube. They were actually expecting NU to win! said squad captain Rose Anne De Leon. I firmly believe our routines execution and stunts difficulty will bolster our chances, she added. Most of the squads gymnasts

were recruited from a pool that saw action in the Palarong Pambansa and the Norzagaray Gymnastics Group, and Bernabe is confident that they will deliver. NU will also bank on its key membersveterans Jerome Elpedes, Cleon Cepillo, Adrian Alban and Kyle Pangilinan; and will draw electricity from its newcomers Nikki and Marnelli Calleja, Micah Javier and Alludin Panaraag. Beware of the Bulldogs, warned Bernabe.

NO MORE
THERELL be no sour finish this season for NU judging from its pre-season form. ROMY HOMILLADA

SEPTEMBER 14-22, 2012

ATENEO BLUE BABBLE BATALLION

By Alexx Esponga

No way but up

FOR the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Babble Battalion, it is time for them to stretch their majestic wings, get themselves ready for take off as they take the flight of their lives.

The Blue Eagles believe they will have a triumphant season. Last year, hindi kami sumali at hindi rin kami masyado nag-ha-halftime, said John Simbajon. This year, mas nagprepare talaga kami since FilOil so, malaking difference yon in terms of our confidence. With support from the sea of Blue and White, the Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion is ready to bring out the One Big Fight they have in themselves and give everyone one electrifying performance. Our routine is a lot harder from last year, quipped senior cheerleader Bea Crisologo. Our theme, which we arent allowed to reveal yet, is really something different, something that is not expected from Ateneo. The squad of coaches Randel San Gregorio and Ivan Claudio are hopeful that they create a big surprise in the tournament. Of course, we want to have a perfect run, said team captain Desiree Fadri. We also want to place this year and we are ready for that. The maturity of the squad also contributed a lot and helped them master the routine faster and easier. Senior Laurence Arceno shared that they didnt have a hard time teaching the newbies because everyone had their own cheerleading backgrounds. Sobrang nag-step up yong mga rookies namin this year, Arceno added. Hindi rin naman namin napapansin kung sino ang bago at hindi kasi may tiwala kami sa isat isa. Crisologo said they treat each other as family. They are well bonded before, during and after practice sessions that gives them more reason to enjoy what theyre doing. We just need to love what were doing and of course, concentrate, said Simbajon. We want to be focused on just one goal and as long as we are united as one team, things will not go wrong.

ELECTRIFYING
THE Blue Babble will not disappoint.
ROMY HOMILLADA