On Sunday, the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe will revisit the past with the goal of eclipsing it.
Salinggawi won back-to-back bronze medals with a Lady Gaga-themed performance in Season 85 and a BLACKPINK-inspired routine in Season 86. This year, the UST cheerdance squad is determined to exceed its previous routines — as well as those of its rivals.
“We want to surpass our previous routines. And for me, to be honest, it’s not just about surpassing us. If you want to be competitive, you have to look at the biggest picture of the league,” UST head coach Mark Chaiwalla told the Varsitarian.
One significant change this season is the shift in the inspiration behind Salinggawi’s routine. For over a decade, UST has drawn inspiration from international cultures, particularly those of North and South America and other parts of Asia.
After receiving feedback from fans, Chaiwalla decided to create a Filipino-themed performance for Season 87, marking the first time in his coaching career, which began in 2017.
“I think it’s really high time to use something Filipino,” he said.
“What could you expect? It’s just gonna be nostalgic. It’s fun. It’s gonna have that feel of just really being young and free as a kid.”
To pull this off, Chaiwalla said Salinggawi undertook a “more intensive” off-season training program, upgrading key elements of their routine while maintaining the foundation of the team’s system.
“We still have the same system from last year. It’s just that we’re making sure that the elements that are going to be involved in the routine are, of course, upgraded,” he said.
As Salinggawi eyes to outdo past routines, Chaiwalla said mental toughness will be essential to executing the routine successfully.
“’Yon na talaga ‘yong magte-test. Because they are physically prepared already. They are physically capable,” he said.
“It all boils down to how focused and ‘yong grit, how much your grit is para bumuo ng routine. So I think, ’yon na lang ‘yong tina-try namin ipa-realize sa kanila — maging mentally and emotionally ready for the battle.”
Salinggawi will perform third on Sunday, Dec. 1, at the Mall of Asia Arena. with reports from Janica Kate J. Buan
