Ateneo de Naga’s (ADNU) Golden Cavalry overpowers five other competing teams as they claimed the top spot during the 75th Naga City Charter Anniversary Open Invitational Cheer & Dance Competition at Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum, on Saturday, June 17, securing Php50,000 as their cash prize.
Among the competing teams were University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) Greyhounds All Stars who finished second, gaining Php30,000 and SPJ International Technology Institute Inc. Pep Squad from Calabanga, Camarines Sur, who landed in the third place acquiring Php20,000.
Mayon All Stars and Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) Blue Stark Tigers also participated in the said event.
“It means a lot for us po, we sacrificed a lot. We put so much effort in our routine. And thank you sa coaches and alumni na tumulong sa amin. Without them we will not achieve this championship that we have,” Laurence Val Vergara, Ateneo Golden Cavalry lifter said.
Additionally, the Ateneo Golden Cavalry snatched the Best in Costume and Props, receiving another Php10,000 cash prize.
The UNC Greyhounds All Star also won the same amount as they bagged the award for Best in Choreography.
Aside from the competition, the crowd was met with thrilling stunts by the University of the Philippines (UP) Pep Squad and NCAA Cheerleading Champion Arellano University Chief Squad as one of the special guest performers.
“Actually, ‘yung preparation madali-dali lang. ‘Yung mga skills na ipapakita namin later mga ginagawa na namin before pa. So ‘yung mga ginagawa namin before pa, pinagkakabit-kabit nal ang namin ‘yon hanggang sa makabuo kami ng bagong routine,” Joaquin Bantog, team captain of UP Pep Squad said.
Bantog also added that though it is their first time in the province, their team is very grateful for the warm welcome of Nagueños.
A part of legacy
According to Naga City Councilor Lito Del Rosario, the local government has prepared and conceptualized various activities for the Nagueños as the diamond anniversary is a crucial milestone and a symbol of development for Naga City.
The councilor also expressed his gratitude to the private sectors who assisted with the event and to the support of the public.
“Ito pong mga activities ngayon, isa na po itong napakalaking bagay para ma-uplift ‘yung moral at ‘yung spirit ng mga taga-Naga,” Del Rosario added.
The said competition was part of the week-long celebration in lieu of Naga City’s Jubilee Charter Anniversary which started last June 10. | Lou Marie Cuarto
