UP Pep Squad–#UAAPCDC2012 champs!
Collage by Verabear | Image credits: InterAKTV/Roy Afable and Spin.Ph/Jerome Ascano
The University of the Philippines Pep Squad has defended its championship title for the UAAP Cheerdance Competition held Saturday, 9/22/2012 at the Mall of Asia Arena. They were bold and semi-bald as they executed their routines and stunts in front of a crowd 19,000-strong.
This year, as in years before, UP sets trends. They had moves that no other squad used, showing that they are still a step ahead of their toughest competitors. Last year it was pixie blondes and Madonna; this year, they WOWed us by strutting to the floor with their androgynous look and semi-kalbo hairstyle. From afar, there was no distinguishing between male and female performers.
FREEDOM. The squad’s routine celebrates the freedom we have in the University to be what we want to be, look how we want to look like. Even the freedom to break gender barriers. The Oblation was also a symbol they used: standing tall and proud, free. Truly free, to truly serve.
In 1998 we were Freshman Iskas who screamed our lungs out cheering for the UP Pep Squad. We were so happy then with a 3rd place finish. Of course, they went back to Araneta to claim the top spot the next year, and the year after that… And every year since then, I remained a fan.
You don’t have to be from UP to be a fan. Just look the young men and women of the UP Pep Squad and tell me what you see. Athletes in their own right. Experts. They aren’t just out there to dance and tumble on the floor. They are passionate. They are skilled. This is what sets the UP Pep Squad apart from everyone else. This is also why we, the fans, are so confident that every year they will not disappoint.
So once again, thank you UP Pep Squad for bringing the UP community together (young and old, black and white). Thank you for once again making us proud. What’s next? 
I tried posting the video from ANCAlerts of the winning routine, but somehow even copying directly from Youtube renders the Ateneo vid, so here’s the link instead: http://adf.ly/D5H0u
September 25, 2012 @ 6:53 am
Congrats to UP Pep Squad, I saw their video few days ago and their dance routine is not easy..
Rosemarie- Pinay Singlemom´s last [post] ..Blogging In Spite Of Internet Mess Up
September 25, 2012 @ 3:24 pm
weeee!!!yey UP! haba ng hair pa rin! hehehehe i wasn’t able to watch the full routine yet as i was flying from Cebu to CDO when they were performing… hope il remember to watch tonight!!! yey!!!!
September 25, 2012 @ 4:51 pm
I love them they are really good in dancing…Thanks a lot for sharing with us..
Joyce´s last [post] ..biotene
September 26, 2012 @ 9:10 am
woohoo…i really love how they swag, galing! stil #1,#1,#1 haha!
September 26, 2012 @ 10:42 am
Congratulations UP! Ang fierce ng hair!
September 26, 2012 @ 11:02 pm
Superb performance. So proud of them. Effortless. Quick and smooth stunts.
kat´s last [post] ..Still Grateful
September 27, 2012 @ 8:06 am
I don’t follow each year’s event, but I’m happy to see UP winning this year. I love their performance. Awesome choreography, and I love their idea where in they mention the names of the other competitors. That’s so perfect. Visiting from CommEx Sept25.
Jhari´s last [post] ..4061
September 27, 2012 @ 12:39 pm
Congrats UP! Well-deserved.. From the Silver Hair last year and now shaving their heads. That’s what I call commitment and dedication.
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September 29, 2012 @ 10:17 am
I saw the video of the recent victorious cheer dancing from youtube through FB and it was really superb! I noticed the hairstyles of both the male and female which speaks so much about how dedicated they can be for the sake of their craft. Ang galing! 🙂
September 29, 2012 @ 5:15 pm
they are still the best..:)
January´s last [post] ..Durain Feast
September 30, 2012 @ 7:56 pm
That is the first thing I notice, the semi-kalbo hairstyle for both the men and women.
September 30, 2012 @ 11:43 pm
The girl who won the Samsung Stunner even related in an interview that when she learned about it she really cried, but eventually agreed to have her hair shaved.