By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

Far Eastern University Cheering Squad (FEUCS) head coach Randell San Gregorio, along with captains Althea Descutido and Juneric Gabotero, expressed appreciation for the green-and-gold supporters after settling for a bronze finish in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 Cheerdance Competition (CDC) earlier today, December 1, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“Medyo nahihiya nga ako, eh, to be honest, kasi in my nine CDCs with FEU, first time ito na ganu’n ‘yung crowd sa’min. They’ve always been there for us pero iba ‘yung hype nila this year, eh—parang mas hyper pa sila sa’min (I kind of feel embarrassed, to be honest, because in my nine CDCs with FEU, this is the first time that the crowd was like that. They’ve always been there for us but their hype this year is different—it’s like they’re more hyper than us),” San Gregorio said in the post-event press conference.

The Frozen-inspired FEUCS vied for a second consecutive championship this season after clinching the gold last year with a Super Mario-themed performance.

Coach Randell further spoke on the extended efforts of the FEU crowd, showcasing their overflowing support for the team.

“‘Yung mga nag-cosplay kanina, wala ‘yun dati… Ngayon, nag-ready sila with us, bonggang bongga rin sila. Hopefully, hindi ‘yun mamatay. ‘Yung FEU community naman, silent lang pero ‘pag compet[ition] na, andiyan sila parati… Pasensya na po for not delivering (The cosplays, those weren’t a thing before. This time, they got ready with us, also being spectacular. Hopefully, that won’t die. The FEU community is usually silent but during the competition, they’re always there… Apologies for not delivering),” he added.

Meanwhile, flyer Descutido showed gratitude with regrets for not meeting their fans’ expectations.

“Thankful pa rin kami dahil ganu’n ‘yung cheer nila and suporta sa amin… Sobrang nanghinayang kasi ganu’n ‘yung expectations nila sa’min na defending champions pero marami pa rin kaming mga mali. Hopefully, mabawi namin next year (We’re still thankful because of their cheers and support… We feel regretful because they had high expectations for us as defending champions but we still had many mistakes. Hopefully, we can bounce back next year),” she shared.

Fellow captain Gabotero then highlighted how the community support emboldened them, and also vowed to come back stronger.

“Nung naririnig ko silang sumisigaw, ta’s nakita ko pa ‘yung naka-cosplay, sobra talagang na-motivate ako… Kaya nagso-sorry din po kami sa FEU community, babalik po kami next year nang mas matapang. Salamat po (When I heard their screams and I saw the cosplayers, I really got motivated… That’s why we say sorry to the FEU community. We will come next year even braver. Thank you),” the senior cheerdancer stated.

Despite being set back, Coach Randell mentioned their unchanged dream of catching up to University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines, and now National University’s records of most titles with eight by taking it ‘one year at a time.’

(Photo by Gwyneth Mendoza/FEU Advocate)