MANILA, Philippines - The University of the Philippines Pep Squad won’t be performing in this year’s highly anticipated UAAP Season 79 Cheerdance Competition (CDC).
In an announcement made on Wednesday, October 26, the eight-time cheerdance titleholder said that they will skip the 2016 competition as they have failed to reach a resolution with the competition’s organizer. Last year, UP filed a protest after it placed third in Season 78 CDC, finishing behind University of Santo Tomas, which bagged the second prize, and the National University, which took home the top award.
The protest, filed by coach Lalaine Juarez-Pereña and endorsed by UP Diliman Chancellor Michael L. Tan, was dismissed.
In a lengthy statement posted on its Facebook account, the UP Pep Squad disclosed its reasons for not joining the competition as well as its future plans.
“Reared in the institution we represent, we abide with our principles of honor and integrity, and stay true to our word of foregoing with the competition, should the same organizers be hired to handle the event again,” the statement read.
The UP Pep Squad also revealed that they will be joining other events including the 2016 Asian Cheerleading and Dancesport Competition.
Despite their shocking decision not to be part of this season’s CDC, the team is hopeful that their supporters will understand their stand. As consolation, the UP Pep Squad is planning to hold a simple gathering with fellow students and supporters.
“What matters is knowing what you stand for, what you represent, and the freedom to act on it. What matters is knowing your capacity to endure, your value and how your worth is being measured. And again we are reminded, gratefully, that we are measured in love.”
Considered as one if not the most successful cheerleading program in UAAP history, the UP Pep Squad last dominated the CDC in 2012, the last of three straight titles. National University has ruled the competition in the past 3 years.
--Mini, The Summit Express
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| Utak. Puso. Paninindigan. PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Maroon Pride |
The protest, filed by coach Lalaine Juarez-Pereña and endorsed by UP Diliman Chancellor Michael L. Tan, was dismissed.
In a lengthy statement posted on its Facebook account, the UP Pep Squad disclosed its reasons for not joining the competition as well as its future plans.
“Reared in the institution we represent, we abide with our principles of honor and integrity, and stay true to our word of foregoing with the competition, should the same organizers be hired to handle the event again,” the statement read.
The UP Pep Squad also revealed that they will be joining other events including the 2016 Asian Cheerleading and Dancesport Competition.
Despite their shocking decision not to be part of this season’s CDC, the team is hopeful that their supporters will understand their stand. As consolation, the UP Pep Squad is planning to hold a simple gathering with fellow students and supporters.
“What matters is knowing what you stand for, what you represent, and the freedom to act on it. What matters is knowing your capacity to endure, your value and how your worth is being measured. And again we are reminded, gratefully, that we are measured in love.”
Considered as one if not the most successful cheerleading program in UAAP history, the UP Pep Squad last dominated the CDC in 2012, the last of three straight titles. National University has ruled the competition in the past 3 years.
--Mini, The Summit Express
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