By Krizza Gabrielle Tabora

Following a bronze finish last season, the Far Eastern University Cheering Squad (FEUCS) is set to debut their ‘Larong Pinoy’-inspired choreography in the upcoming University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 Cheerdance Competition (CDC), unveiling the nostalgic concept during its media conference last November 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

FEUCS head coach Randell San Gregorio shared that the green-and-gold squad’s theme this season draws inspiration from traditional Filipino childhood games, many of which have been overshadowed by modern technology.

“Our theme is ‘Larong Pinoy.’ Sadly, nawawala na ‘yun because of [modern] technology, so somehow, magre-reminisce tayo kung paano [mag-laro] nung bata kami, kasi ngayon, puro gadgets na (Our theme is ‘Larong Pinoy,’ and sadly, it’s slowly disappearing because of modern technology. So this is a way for us to reminisce about how things were when we were kids, especially now that everything is about gadgets),” he stated.

San Gregorio also reminded the participating schools to share their talent with the world and to enter the competition with a determined and ‘fighting’ mindset. 

“Safety, and huwag kakalimutan[g] mag-enjoy, because hindi natin masusulit ‘yung gift na ito from above (Prioritize safety and do not forget to enjoy, because we will not be able to make the most of this gift from above). It’s our responsibility to share it beautifully with the audience, with the UAAP, with the country, and with the world. So enjoy lang, have fun, no injuries, and bakbakan na,” the lead tactician added.

After finishing third last season with their Frozen-themed performance, the FEUCS aims to elevate their performance to meet the expectations of the FEU community. 

Meanwhile, after multiple UAAP halftime performances denouncing corruption, including FEU’s during the men’s basketball game against National University, the UAAP invites the audience to back the league’s call: ‘Passion for Victory, Passion for Integrity! No to Corruption!’ by wearing white.

“For this season’s CDC, we are inviting the fans and supporters to wear white. It has been agreed [upon] by the boards, and we have decided for all member schools to ask our alumni and supporters to wear white on Saturday,” UAAP Season 88 President Fr. Rodel S. Cansancio, O.P. cited.

This season will also follow a revised order of performances, with the host university closing the show and the previous season’s rotation determining the lineup, placing FEUCS seventh in the queue.

This year’s CDC will take place on Saturday, November 29, at 2:00 p.m. at the same venue. The competition will be aired on One Sports, Cignal TV’s UAAP Varsity Channel, and the Pilipinas Live app for free.

(Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)