Push Admin

UP Pep Squad wows supporters with 'Thank U.Po' routines

Article (news)

Karl Cedrick Basco, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/news-special1/sports/11/16/20161116-up-pep-rally.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Members of the UP Pep Squad perform new routines during the Send-off and Pep Rally 2016 at the UP Gymnasium in Diliman. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News</div></figcaption></figure></div>MANILA -- The University of the Philippines (UP) Pep Squad may have broken the hearts of their solid supporters after they decided to skip the UAAP cheerdance competition, but they surely made up for it on Wednesday.In front of hundreds of true and loyal supporters, the UP Pep Squad once again proved its might on the mat as they dazzled with a gratefulness-inspired performance for the Send-off and Pep Rally 2016 at the UP Gymnasium in Diliman, Quezon City.The event was held three days before the annual UAAP Cheerdance Competition, which was marred by controversy after UP opted not join in this year&#x27;s contest.Fans, mostly UP students, were treated to a different kind of cheerdancing show with the UP Pep Squad highlighting seven routines, which kicked off with the mixed group stunt and all-female group stunt.The UP Pep Squad amazed the crowd even more in their third routine which sent a message of thanks to their &quot;genuine&quot; supporters. Tha UAAP-liked presentation was capped with the patented re-enactment of UP oblation and cards that spelled &quot;T-H-A-N-K-U.&quot;Dedicating the event to their loyal fans, UP Pep Squad assistant coach Pio Opinaldo said they chose not to listen to their doubters and give more importance to those who value them through thick and thin.&quot;&#x27;Di na lang namin pinapansin. We know what we are fighting for. &#x27;Yung mga nagsasabi ng ganoon sa amin, &#x27;di nila naiintindihan kung anong mayron sa pinaglalaban namin,&quot; Opinaldo told ABS-CBN News. &quot;We just try to understand them.&quot;&quot;&#x27;Yung mga sumusuporta, alam nila &#x27;yung pinaglalaban namin. So, mas nagfo-focus kami sa mga taong &#x27;yun. Alam namin na nandiyan sila kahit ganito &#x27;yung desisyon namin ngayon. We treasure those people kasi we know sila &#x27;yung mga kailangan namin,&quot; he added.<ul class="op-related-articles" title="Read">	<li>READ: <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/uaap/news/2016/10/26/nu-pep-performing-last-2016-uaap-cheerdance-competition-17093">NU Pep performing last in 2016 UAAP Cheerdance Competition</a></li></ul>The Pep Squad also wowed the viewers with an all-female team cheer. The group is composed of 16 girls who will be its official entry in an international competition.The multi-awarded pep squad also introduced an unfamiliar category to UP fans -- the cheerdance duo -- represented by the UP Filipiniana Dance Group followed by a special performance from the UP Pep Drummers.The event ended with a pure dance cheerdance category featuring dancers from the UP Pep Squad and the UP Filipiniana Dance Group.Most of the routines performed at the pep rally will be UP&#x27;s official entries to the upcoming 2nd Asian Cheerleading Competition in Jakarta, Indonesia this year. The Pep Squad will be donning the tri-colors in the international competition.&quot;&#x27;Yung team is actually excited kasi mas marami kami makakapag-compete dito. Usually &#x27;pag UAAP, 25 lang makakapag-compete. Mas excited kami talaga. We are going to another place na sama-sama. We are there to represent the country,&quot; Opinaldo said.Meanwhile, the UP Pep Squad was also awarded with certificates of recognition after securing several podium finishes in the 8th cheerleading world championships in 2015 in Berlin, Germany.Asian Federation of Cheerleading executive director Evan Alvia stressed in the event that it was the UP Pep Squad who first reaped medals in the international competitions, including the world championships, several years ago.Alvia declined to further talk about issues surrounding the Pep Squad but reminded the UP community about sticking with truth.&quot;If you are on the side of truth, it is a fight worth fighting for,&quot; Alvia said. &quot;UP Pep, we are with you.&quot; The Pep Squad&#x27;s withdrawal from the UAAP contest stemmed from a disputed result that had UP placing third behind National University and University of Santo Tomas in last year&#x27;s competition.UP, a traditional cheerdance powerhouse, filed a protest to the league, which was dismissed.(For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/">ABS-CBN Sports website.</a>)

The University of the Philippines (UP) Pep Squad may have broken the hearts of their solid supporters after they decided to skip the UAAP cheerdance competition, but they surely made up for it on Wednesday.

The University of the Philippines (UP) Pep Squad may have broken the hearts of their solid supporters after they decided to skip the UAAP cheerdance competition, but they surely made up for it on Wednesday.

UP Pep Squad wows supporters with 'Thank U.Po' routines

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Sports

UP Pep Squad wows supporters with 'Thank U.Po' routines

Karl Cedrick Basco,

ABS-CBN News

Published November 16, 2016 08:55 PM PHT

|

Updated December 01, 2017 11:18 AM PHT

Read More:

UP Pep Squad

cheerdance

UAAP

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.