Spirit, Strength, and Stunts: NCAA Season 101 Cheerleading Competition Ignites the Mall of Asia Arena

The tides are high and the spirits are lively at the Mall of Asia Arena at Pasay City as the NCAA participating schools gathered today to witness the much-anticipated Season 101’s Cheerleading Competition.

Performances from the participating schools: the LPU Pirates Pep Squad (LPU), Golden Stags Cheerleading Squad (SSC-R), Mapua Cheering Cardinals (MU), EAC Generals Pep Squad (EAC), Altas Pep Squad (UPHSD), San Beda Red Corps (SBU), AU Chiefsquad (AU), Letran Cheering Squad (CSJL), JRU Pep Squad (JRU) and the Benilde Blazers Pep Squad (CSB) dominated the arena with loud cheers; the atmosphere was blazing with energy and excitement, not only from the performing teams, but also from the communities that showed up to extend their support to their respective schools.

Each team delivered their well-practiced and thrilling performances, all dressed in their best and vibrant costumes while wearing their most beautiful smiles as they performed with their hearts. As the competition came to an end, the judges decided that only the best of three shall take home the bacon, and the titleholders are:

3rd place — Letran Cheering Squad (CSJL)

2nd place — Altas Pep Squad (UPHSD)

Champion — AU Chiefsquad (AU)

In honor of the hardwork and effort put together by our very own, the JRU Pep Squad, The Medal conducted an interview with the JRU Pep Squad’s Team Captain, John Quiambao.

When asked about the team’s preparation for the event, Quiambao shared that their readiness went beyond simply practicing their routine. According to him, the team focused on proper rest, preparation of their costumes, and maintaining a strong sense of faith.

“Marami po kaming pinaghandaan. Magandang tulog, pag-ayos ng mga costume, at laging mag-pray kay God. Importante rin na lagi kaming makinig sa coach—number one—para mabuo yung routine na dapat naming ipakita sa Jolly community at sa mga family na nanonood,” he explained.

Despite their impressive performance, the routine also came with its own challenges. Quiambao revealed that the most difficult elements were the pyramids and tosses, which required a high level of trust and coordination among team members.

“Siyempre, yung pyramids dahil kailangan talaga ng teamwork para mabuo ito. Pangalawa yung tosses, dahil kailangan buong loob at tiwala sa isa’t isa para maipakita yung tamang form,” he said.

Performing in front of a large crowd also brought a mix of emotions for the team captain. While the moment was nerve-wracking, it was equally exciting and fulfilling.

“Nakakaba pero nakaka-excite dahil napakadaming tao. Sobrang saya rin dahil naipakita namin yung routine na pinaghirapan namin,” Quiambao shared.

As the leader of the squad, Quiambao emphasized the importance of setting a strong example for his teammates. He believes that showing strength and determination encourages the team to stay motivated and united.

“Pinapakita ko muna sa kanila na malakas at matibay ako para gumaya sila sa akin. Lagi rin kaming nakikinig kay coach para iisa lang ang galaw at walang pagsisisi sa aming gagawin,” he said.

The journey was not without hardships. During practice, the team faced injuries and physical exhaustion. However, Quiambao explained that constant communication and enjoyment of the sport helped them overcome these struggles.

“Lagi lang kaming nag-uusap at nag-e-enjoy sa ginagawa namin. Kahit maraming injuries at masakit sa katawan, kailangan talaga ng teamwork dahil hindi ito individual sport—teamwork ang susi sa lahat ng ginagawa namin,” he concluded.

The AU Chiefsquad remains a powerhouse in collegiate cheerdance, proudly holding the title of defending champion with an impressive six-peat, showcasing their dominance and consistency in the competition. Their victory today has proven that they are truly unstoppable. 

In an interview with one of the AU Chiefsquad members, Liedy-an Maypay, with The Journal, she was asked to describe how she feels towards winning today’s competition on behalf of her team, “Sobrang saya, sobrang sarap sa feeling kasi first time ko. As in kakapasok ko lang tapos ganito yung bunga. Ang saya.”

According to Liedy-an, the key to her team’s success is sportsmanship and communication, since cheerleading is a team sport and it required strong unity and commitment from one another. Being the reigning champions for six consecutive years, she was asked if their team felt the pressure in preparing for this competition, “Siyempre naman po. Kasi ano na, sa bilang isang defending champ, sobrang hirap kasi kailangan mo siyang i-maintain tapos kailangan mong isipin na dapat champion ka, champion ka sa mata ng mga tao, lalo na sa AU community.“

Through discipline, teamwork, and passion for their sport, the respective teams that represented their communities made a remarkable impact on the audience. Each performance reflected not only the athletes’ physical strength and skill but also the countless hours of practice, dedication, and perseverance behind every routine.