2014 UAAP Cheerdance Competition

Which side are you on? Taft, Katipunan, Diliman, España or Morayta? You decide! (Photo courtesy of UAAP CDC Facebook page)

Last year, the National University wins both the cheerdance (a Arabian theme) and the group stunts, in order to bring the spirit of the Bulldog Nation alive. The anticipated cheerdance event of the year, now on it's 20th year since its inception in 1994 (I was five years old), is finally here that is the 2014 UAAP Cheerdance Competition held on Grandparents Day, September 14th at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, and it's hosted by Boom Gonzalez and making a comeback is none other than Jessy Mendiola, despite that there is a monsoon outside. With over a near-record 22,000 strong crowd, mainly the supporters for their respective eight schools, are cheering their beloved alma mater to win the ultimate prize: a whopping PHP340,000 in cash plus medals and flowers. And in addition to this event, there is a another contest that is the Group Stunts Competition (introduced in 2011). There will be more pyramids, more moves, more acrobatic craziness, and more importantly, school spirit.

Ever since I managed to download anime (I complete Inu x Boku SS and several episodes of Kuroshitsuji: Book of Circus), I managed to enjoy afternoon lunch with myself to enjoy watching the competition, even you watching it live at the coliseum, or watching it on TV.

(Photos courtesy of ABS-CBNnews.com FB page.)

The Warriors' spirits are kicked in into high gear for their ethnic theme.

First up in the cheerdance was the mighty UE Pep Squad from the University of the East, and this time, they have the ethnic theme for this year's cheerdance. And during the performance however, the squad is having difficulties in coordination and execution of routines and stunts, which could be affected to decrease points from the judges.

Attempting to charge back to win the crown is hard work.

Someone has say that the costumes of the FEU Pep Squad are like 'Chun-Li Rangers' (A portmanteau between the character from Street Fighter and Power Rangers), but their Shaolin-inspired theme has given the Tamaraw Nation a boost of the school spirit with good coordination and good execution of routines as well.

The perfect theme for a pep squad like this (I AM CRYING RIGHT NOW SERIOUSLY)

Ahh yes! My favorite pep squad, the almighty iskolar ng bayan (Scholars of the Nation), the UP Pep Squad is having a theme that everyone have could been remember for: sporting the colors of the rainbow (good thing the STARISH guys from UtaPri are here to see them in action) to represent equality. And just as said, they used pompoms that came in every color of the rainbow. It's more than just a theme, it's an advocacy. Male members of the squad are sported with a Mink-inspired hairstyle. Everyone in the Coliseum is going nuts and having goosebumps during the squad's execution of stunts and routines. I particularly saw comments on social media that UP Pep Squad are the heavy favorites to win back the crown. And in my opinion, if UP wins the cheerdance this year, will they be able to have a bonfire party?

The heart and souls of the Dance Troupe brings excellent execution.

The archenemy and rival of the Iskos and Iskas of the UP Pep Squad, the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe are doing the right thing with their routines and stunts to increase the spirit of their school in order to win back the crown and taking it back to España. The costumes for the group has a kanji (虎 - tora) on their backs, hence the meaning. According to Wikipedia, both of these teams are tying the most cheerdance championships with 8. The last time the Troupe wins the competition was in 2006. This year, the Troupe has the martial arts-theme routine (Thank God it's not MMA).

Not to be confused with the uniforms of the United States Navy, but this one's good.

If you are a fangirl (or fanboy) of the hit TV anime, Free!, then get this. The costumes of the members of the Ateneo Blue Babble Batallion are getting the hang of it with their sailor-themed performance. Good Lord, it's a battle between the sailors and pirates in one ridiculous event. Near the end of the performance, the King Eagle is set to sail to end this remarkable performance.

It's DLSU Animo Squad and its intergalactical uniforms.

Everyone at DLSU, as well as their Animo Squad are having a good performance in their out-of-this-world theme. Last year, their theme was military inspired, and this year, they have to ditch their assault rifles and military uniforms for lightsabers for their interstellar intergalactic theme (Sword Art Online references are included!). And thus, the members of the Animo Squad are indeed, the Army of the Universe. The best part of the performance was they form a star.

ARRRRR!! Only if the pirate captain will sees this!

The brave souls of Adamson Pep Squad has an incredible performance this year with some good choreography, as well as excellent stunts. Their costumes are dressed as pirate crewmates, but their pirate-themed performance is great with great routines and well-crafted stunts.

So perfectly clean than Levi's!

When I say the best for last, there is one incredible squad that could barely take the cake and bacon. The entire Bulldog Nation cheers their beloved NU Pep Squad as they managed to get their clean performance with their Native American-inspired theme (good thing they have borrowed the props from San Beda because of the feather headgear). And in my opinion of course, the spirits of Chief Jay Strongbow, Wahoo McDaniel, Tatanka, and Mink (from DMMD) are gonna be so proud for them.

After the cheerdance, there is Group Stunts. In which all of the eight teams from eight school will compete to see the best stunts in the competition. But in the end, FEU takes the Group Stunts title, when UST and NU are taking 1st and 2nd runner-up respectively.

In the end after a grueling performance from all eight schools, National University and the entire Bulldog Nation takes its second title, and you know what I said, it's Bark to Back. In conclusion, here is the final tally for this year's competition:

1. National University: 677.5
2. University of the Philippines: 658
3. University of Santo Tomas: 625
4. Adamson University: 600
5. Far Eastern University: 599.5
6. De La Salle University: 557
7. University of the East: 503
8. Ateneo De Manila University: 494.5

Naru's reaction when NU wins the title.