FEU cheerdance: Climbing back up

Devon Wong

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

The FEU cheerdance team is banking on their passion to take back the coveted top spot that they held 3 years ago -- and that they believe is theirs for the taking

MANILA, Philippines – If bruises are any indicator, the Far Eastern University cheerdance team is fully committed to their craft — mind, body and soul. Each member trains vigorously, pushing themselves beyond their physical limits, and it shows in their performance.

The last time the FEU Tamaraws placed first was in 2009. In 2010, they fell to the second spot and last year, they took home third place. Critics say they are on their way down as the results show.

But the squad refuses to believe it. This year, they are convinced the title is theirs for the taking.

When asked about this year’s squad, head coach Jacqueline Alolor-Alota said her team has put in the work needed to emerge as winners.

“They’re the kind of team that’s very hardworking and very determined to win,” she said.

Statistically, the FEU cheerdance squad has some of the most consistent rankings, almost always placing in the top three of the UAAP cheerdance competition. Alota projects a strong showing by this year’s squad, saying their goal is to raise the bar from previous years.

“We’re doing many dangerous things this year,” she added, refusing to give specifics. “We are very competitive.”

Conquering fears

Roshel De Roxas never thought she’d take the reigns as co-captain when she first joined the team in her first year. She was more attracted to the dance and cheering elements, and oblivious to the stunt aspect of the sport.

“I had a fear of heights before I entered the team, but I conquered it,” she said.

De Roxas believes that cheerdance taught her to push her limits because “you get to see just how tough you can be.”

“I get scared when I’m being tossed in the air, but I trust that they will catch me,” she said.

In cheerdance, this trust is crucial. It allows cheerdancers to only focus on perfecting their move, knowing full well that their teammates are doing the exact same thing. Because of the trust among the FEU squad, each one is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that all goes well on competition day.

“When I dance, I don’t think about how tired I am. I just think I’m doing this for my school and for the FEU Tamaraws.”

Fierce competition

With surprise results from underdogs like the DLSU Animo Squad last year who finished second, Alota knows that anyone has a chance to win this year’s UAAP cheerdance title. Co-captain Giovanni Perturbo knows it will take a little extra to standout from the competition.

But Perturbo isn’t worried. He knows they have something that makes them stand out — spirit.

When asked to describe their team, Perturbos responded with a one-word answer: “Fierce.”

Their love for what they do keeps him and his squad focused, in spite of moments where their determination has been tested, he said. It is that passion and determination to conquer their fears that he and his teammates hope will fuel them to victory. 

And certainly, they have been tried in recent years if their fall from the number one spot is any indication.

As Alota always tells the squad when they feel discouraged, “You belong here.”

This year, the FEU squad believes they belong on top. – Rappler.com

This article is the third of a series of cheerdance stories, as part of Rappler’s coverage of the UAAP Season 75 Cheerdance competition. Rappler will liveblog the UAAP Cheerdance event on Saturday, September 22. 

Read Part 1 about DLSU cheerdance

Read Part 2 about UP cheerdance.


For more on the UAAP Cheerdance Competition, read:

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