Looking to defend their title, Far Eastern University Cheering Squad (FEUCS) head coach Randell Gregorio emphasized the tension of being the last performer in the upcoming University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 Cheerdance Competition (CDC) in its press conference today, November 27, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“It’s more on the stress level kasi hihintayin mong matapos lahat bago ka mag-run, tapos, all eyes on you, buong mundo along with the crowd here, nakatingin lahat sa’yo kasi ikaw ‘yung last, tapos defending champion ka pa (It is more on the stress level, since you are going to wait for all the other performers before you perform, and all eyes on you, the whole world along with the crowd here, they are all looking at you, because you’re the last to perform. Being the defending champion also doesn’t help),” the lead tactician stated in an interview with FEU Advocate.

Coach Gregorio also expressed how their Frozen-themed routine fits perfectly with their situation.

“Sakto ‘yung ‘for the first time in forever’ na part ng Frozen. First time na last performer during my time, tapos may pyramid kami na first time naming gagawin, tapos if ever, first time back-to-back ‘yung FEU (Frozen’s segment “for the first time in forever” fits right with our theme. It is the first time in my tenure that we are going to perform last, the first time that we are going to execute a new pyramid, and if ever, the first back-to-back championships for FEU),” the lead tactician added.

With the pressure mounting on the Tamaraws, team captain Althea Descutido shared how she uplifts her teammates ahead of the competition.

“Being a team captain, it is my responsibility to be the last one to give up on our team, and I think I will handle the team to be more focused, to be determined, and be brave, because we are the Tamaraws,” she stated.

Additionally, co-captain Juneric Gabotero also expressed that he has to be a good role model as one of the seniors of the squad. 

Furthermore, San Gregorio expressed confidence in his team despite not yet executing their routine perfectly.

“To be honest, ‘di pa kami nakaka-run nang buo eh, nang walang nahulog, lagi kaming may hulog, pero I always tell them na hold on to that promise na it will come kasi kaya na nu’ng team, kaya sinabi ko, just keep pushing never lose hope, be faithful, it will come (To be honest, we haven’t completely ran a full set yet, there’s always someone who is falling in the set, but I always tell them to hold to that promise that it will come, and I always tell them to keep pushing, never lose hope, be faithful it will come),” he said.

This year’s competition will follow the same set of rules as last year.

In addition, the competition will be governed by International Cheer Union-certified judges, which are accredited by the International Olympic Committee.

The UAAP Season 87 CDC will be held on Sunday, December 1, at the same venue. It can be viewed live on One Sports, Cignal TV’s Varsity Channel, and the Pilipinas Live app for free.

- Marcus Isaac D.G Bandong
(Photo by Shane Claudine Rodulfo/FEU Advocate)