Powerhouse UP Pep Squad snubs 2016 UAAP Cheerdance Competition

The University of the Philippines (UP) Pep Squad, a perennial powerhouse in the annual UAAP cheerdance competition, will not take part in the event this year.

In a statement, the UP Pep Squad explained that this is due to lingering issues from last year’s contest, where the group won only third place beind defending champion National University and runner-up University of Santo Tomas.

It can be recalled that this outcome was immediately criticized by netizens through social media. UP has won the cheerdance title eight times (1999, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012) since the competition began in 1994.

“From our first request for an informal meeting, to the letter of protest advised by the organizers themselves, we have exhausted all our efforts to reach a resolution. We have repeatedly sought out the delegated individuals to no avail. And after many weeks, months, and now a year of waiting, our issues and questions remain unresolved,” the group pointed out.

UP Pep Squad 2016 UAAP Cheerdance Competition — UP Pep Squad will not take part in the 2016 UAAP Cheerdance Competition

“Reared in the institution we represent, we abide with our principles of honor and integrity, and stay true to our word of foregoing with the competition, should the same organizers be hired to handle the event again,” the group said.

They nevertheless pointed out that they will still be participating in various international competitions in the coming months. “Our team continues to prepare for other commitments including our participation in this year’s Asian Cheerleading and Dancesport Competition. The national governing body of cheerleading in the Philippines has granted us the honor of representing the country in this event and we are thrilled to carry our flag alongside Asia’s best teams,” the group added.“What matters is knowing your capacity to endure, your value and how your worth is being measured. And again we are reminded, gratefully, that we are measured in love,” the group concluded.

Year after year, the performance of the UP Pep Squad is one if not the most highly anticipated moment in the annual UAAP Cheerdance Competition. It is likely that the gate attendance for the one-day competition will be down significantly this year.

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Mark Pere Madrona

The Filipino Scribe (TFS) is managed by Mark Pere Madrona, a multi-awarded writer and licensed professional teacher from the Philippines.

Mr. Madrona earned his master’s degree in history from the University of the Philippines-Diliman last 2020. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in journalism cum laude from the same university back in 2010. His area of interests includes Philippine journalism, history, and politics as well as social media.

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