By Angel Joyce C. Basa

Far Eastern University (FEU) Cheering Squad’s Larong Pinoy routine allowed them to retain their second runners-up placement for a seventh consecutive podium appearance in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 Cheerdance Competition earlier today, November 29, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The green-and-gold cheering squad placed third once more, with their streak starting in 2018 under head coach Randell San Gregorio’s lead.

FEU also marks this year’s podium finish as their 23rd overall, still being the highest record in the league’s history.

In the post-competition conference, San Gregorio commended the team for their consistent appearance in the top three despite the growing competition. 

“Siyempre, super proud ako kasi hindi naman madali [ang] mag-podium. I mean, hindi kasi ‘to kagaya before na ‘yung trifecta… ‘pag nabuo nila [‘yung routine], alam mo na, automatic na agad. Ngayon kasi, ang naglalaban talaga sa podium [ay] lima (Of course, I am super proud because it is not easy to get a podium finish. I mean, it is not the same as before with the trifecta… when finished performing, you already know it, it is automatic. Now, the number of podium contenders are five),” he stated.

The Morayta-based cheerdancers garnered a total of 658.5 markers, ranking first in the tumbling and stunt categories with 90.5 and 90 points, respectively, second in tosses with 79, and third in pyramids with a score of 81.5.

Meanwhile, FEUCS scored a total of 339.5 in dance, ranking second in the category.

However, due to the 22-marker deduction, the Tamaraw cheering team were 0.5 points shy from tying with Adamson University (AdU).

With the deductions, team captain Mark Atizon shared his insights on the team's encounter with sudden mishaps during the performance. 

“Siguro may mga hindi lang po talaga inaasahang mali and happenings po na hindi namin in-expect na puwedeng mangyari sa loob ng routine and during sumasayaw (I guess there really are unexpected mistakes and happenings we did not anticipate that could happen inside the routine and during the performance),” he said.

Apart from the bronze medal, the Morayta-based cheering squad also took home the Jollibee Jolliest Toss special award for their excellent execution of the tosses in the cheering category which scored 79 points.

Meanwhile, defending champions National University took the season title with a total of 695 points, while AdU took the silver medal with a score of 659.

(Photo by Shane Claudine Rodulfo/FEU Advocate)