The NU Pep Squad climbed their way back on top and ruled the UAAP S85 Cheerdance Competition but will have to say goodbye to their mentor Ghicka Bernabe after 12 years in their team.
The National University Pep Squad reclaimed their throne at the UAAP Cheerdance Competition in Season 85 in front of 18,029 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City last December 10.
After clinching their 7th title in the last nine editions of the competition, the NU Pep Squad were in the clouds as they climbed back up on the highest place in the podium in their colorful aerobic themed costumes.
However, amidst the celebration, the squad knew that it was the end of an era as NU Pep Squad head coach Ghicka Bernabe announced that that was her last CDC with the team and will be stepping down from the post after an illustrious career with NU.
According to PhilStar, the decorated coach admitted that she didn't see herself coaching at first as she was a cheerleader herself as part of the Far Eastern University pep squad, but was able to find her place as a coach and ended up as one of the best in her generation.
"Yung seven championships na naibigay natin sa University, I believe achievement yun. It's a milestone for me as a coach kasi before, I don't consider myself na magwwork as a coach for these years na matagal talaga. Hindi ko lang siguro nakita yung sarili ko at first, na mag-ccoach ako. Pero nung time na nakikita ko yung improvement and kinakaya naman natin magchampion, I'm just grateful to the management na nagtiwala sa akin." she said.
Paying tribute to her alma mater, Bernabe admitted that she never tasted victory with her team when she was competing from 2005-2009, but still cherished her time with the team and was grateful to them for her foundation in the sport.
"Nung cheerleader kasi ako, hindi ko siya naexperience na makahawak ng isang gold, or isang magandang trophy. Natapos yung season ko ng nasa FEU ako na isang memorable at masaya and forever akong grateful. Kung hindi ako napagaling ng FEU, hindi ko rin ito maachieve, yung nandito ako." she said.
Bernabe also disclosed the reason why she was stepping down from her post, saying that she is set to get married after being engaged last January 2021.
Bernabe’s run, together with the NU Pep Squad, is definitely one of the most dominant showing in the history of the UAAP in any sports as she forced everyone competing in the CDC to step up and bring the level of play of the sports to new heights.
NU bagged the gold with a total of 723 points to take over the defending champions FEU, who clinched the second place with 719 points, while the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe is finally back in the podium as this year’s second runner up with 640 points.
Tags: #UAAP, #CDC, #NU