MANILA – In a gravity-defying spectacle that left the Mall of Asia Arena in stunned silence before erupting into thunderous applause, the National University (NU) Pep Squad etched their names into UAAP immortality on Sunday, clinching the 2025 Cheerdance Competition crown with a jaw-dropping 19.6667 score – the highest in the event’s storied 27-year history. The Bulldogs’ flawless fusion of tumbling towers, synchronized stunts, and high-energy hip-hop routines not only dethroned defending champs University of the East (UE), but shattered the previous benchmark of 19.6667 set by the FEU Cheering Squad back in 2016, capping a weekend of aerial artistry that redefined the boundaries of collegiate cheer.
The NU squad, led by head coach Ghicka Bernabe and captain Jessa Rodrigo, stormed the stage with a theme of “Eclipse,” a cosmic odyssey blending dark elegance with explosive light – think shadow puppets morphing into pyramid ascents and LED-lit tosses that lit up the arena like a supernova. Their performance clocked in at a razor-sharp 2:30, weaving street dance flair with precision tosses that peaked at a double-down double-up stunt, earning perfect 10s across tumbling and stunts from all judges. “This isn’t just a win; it’s validation of the blood, sweat, and unbreakable bonds we’ve forged,” Rodrigo beamed post-event, her voice hoarse from cheers but her eyes alight with triumph. “We’ve trained through tears and triumphs to eclipse every doubt – for NU, for cheer, for us.”
UE, the three-time defending titans, mounted a valiant defense with their “Revolution” routine, channeling electric rebellion through hip-hop waves and a gravity-bending liberty stunt cascade, but fell just short at 19.3333 – a razor-thin margin that snapped their streak and handed the crown back to the Bulldogs after a five-year drought. “We’re heartbroken, but prouder than ever – this fire doesn’t dim; it fuels the fight back,” vowed UE captain Mia Andan, her squad’s emotional bow drawing a standing ovation that blurred rival lines.
The rest of the field dazzled in their own rights: University of the Philippines (UP) Fight sealed second runner-up at 18.5000 with a fiery “Ignite” performance heavy on tosses and crowd-hyping chants; Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion nabbed fourth at 18.1667, their “Legacy” tribute to alumni icons blending nostalgia with next-level pyramids; and De La Salle University (DLSU) Animo Squad rounded out the top five at 17.8333, their “Unbreakable” showcase of resilience earning roars for a mid-routine liberty flip. UST Salinggawi, FEU, Adamson, and UE rounded the rankings, with no major injuries marring the high-flying fray.
This UAAP 88 triumph marks NU’s third overall title (previous wins in 2012 and 2020), but the record-shattering score cements them as the undisputed queens of cheer evolution – a feat Bernabe credits to “relentless innovation and unbreakable trust.” As confetti rained and tears flowed, the Bulldogs’ eclipse wasn’t just a routine; it was a revolution, proving that in the UAAP’s cheer coliseum, the stars don’t just shine – they supernova.