25 January 2013, 7:47 p.m. – THE COLLEGE of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) emerged as the new champion of the annual Cheermania competition at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion earlier today.
Galvanizing the crowd with their shipshape demonstration of Davao’s Kadayawan Festival, the One Shade Dance Squad of CFAD also bagged three special awards — Best in Costume, Best in Stunts, and Best in Choreography.
The comeback team, which was displaced from the top three last year, wowed the audience with clear-cut pyramids, somersaults, and creative stunts.Team members wore nude-colored unitards lined with the college’s colors, and fancy fruit headdresses.
Ramon Sallegue, CFAD’s new coach, said he was “overwhelmed,” and attributed the success of the team to its clean dance routines and the choreography.
“Hindi man ganoon kahirap ‘yung mga ginagawa namin sa stunts, dinaan naman namin sa linis ng execution ng steps,” Sallegue said.
The College of Commerce Cheering Squad, which dominated the Cheermania dance floor for three consecutive years, came in with a bridesmaid finish after showcasing a contemporary version of the fertility rites of Obando.
Following CFAD and Commerce were the Panagbenga festival dancers of the Cheermania Science Team at third place.
Cheermania 2013 had a “Fiesta El Grande” theme. Special awards were also given to the Pharmacy Dance Troupe, which was named the Most Popular Group; and the Intenzync Danzerge (College of Tourism and Hospitality Management), which bagged the Best in Sportsmanship plum.
Other teams that participated in this year’s competition were the Education Rythmyx Dance Troupe, AB Dance Synergy (Faculty of Arts and Letters), and Engineering Pep Squad. All eight participants received plaques of appreciation. Cez Mariela Teresa G. Verzosa
