UP Pep Squad gracious in defeat, vows comeback

MANILA, Philippines — After bowing to 2013 UAAP Cheerdance Competition titlist National University Pep Squad, former champion University of the Philippines Pep Squad remained gracious even after being dethroned by the Sampaloc-based squad.

NU Pep Squad romped to an unblemished routine to conquer UP and complete a historic feat, ending UP’s three-year reign atop the cheerdance stage.

But instead of letting the defeat get into their heads, the UP Pep Squad stood strong and showed sportsmanship, humbly accepting the first-runner up plum.

Captain Lian Melegrito told Rappler the Diliman crew actually felt blessed after finishing behind NU, given the several miscues they’ve had in their performance.

“Hindi siya nakakadepress kasi sa taas ng difficulty ng stunts,” said Melegrito. “Yung three falls na ‘yun hindi gaanong nag break down sa score, and we still managed to make it sa first-runner up.”

Well-deserved

Melegrito also shared that even if the group failed to succeed in their four-peat bid, they were not depressed because they knew NU deserved the championship.

“Syempre, we were vying for a championship, but hindi kami down because it’s well-deserved for NU,” she said.

“Lumakas sila especially from last year, that’s for sure. Sobrang galing nila in terms of assets, competitors talaga sila and they proved themselves worthy of the championship,” she added.

Eyeing revenge next year?

And despite the setback, Melegrito warned everyone of a strong comeback from the Pep Squad ng bayan.

“That’s for sure. Kilala niyo naman ang UP, we don’t settle for anything less than the championship.”

For now, National University will bask in the glory of winning the UAAP CDC championship, but expect an even tougher battlefield when the cheerdance wars resume next year. – Rappler.com