Perpetual Help flaunted the form that made it one of the most successful pep squads in the league, dishing out a near-perfect performance to top the 2009 Samsung-NCAA Cheerleading competition before a huge Wednesday crowd at The Arena in San Juan City.
Perpetual Help cheerleaders celebrate their grand return to the throne. Mike Taboy
Combining beautifully choreographed dance moves with difficult pyramids and stunts with the latest pop music in the background, the Perps amassed 335.5 points to romp off with the win and reclaim the title it lost year.
The Las Piñas-based crew pocketed P90,000 for topping the event, which marked the first time that the NCAA teamed up with the National Cheerleading Championship, the only association in the country that follows international cheerleading standards.
Finishing a distant second was last year’s champion Jose Rizal with 311 points, the only other school that breached the 300-point grade from the panel of judges.
The pep squad from Mandaluyong took home the first runner-up purse amounting to P55,000.
Guest team Emilio Aguinaldo College sent shockwaves down the competition venue as it snatched a surprise third place effort, edging powerhouse San Sebastian by just a hairline, 244-243.
The Perps cheerleaders show off their winning moves. Mike Taboy
The Generals took home the third place purse worth P45,000.
Sharing the limelight was Angeles U Foundation, which snared the Samsung Stunner award — a plum given to the most beautiful cheerleader — courtesy of Jojo Cabales.
It was grand return to the throne for the Perpetual Help, which came into last year’s contest as heavy favorites only to stumble in the competition proper with several cue mistakes.
Jose Rizal U’s pep squad perform its routine. GMANews.TV
After winning three straight titles, the Perps finished fifth overall in 2008, its worst placing since the event’s inception six years ago.
“Last year we were doing our routine perfectly but when the actual performance came, we committed many mistakes," said Perpetual Help coach Ruf Vandolph Rosario. “This year our performance in the actual competition was nothing but perfect. Maybe it’s really God’s will for us to win."
Rounding up the top 10 were San Sebastian (243), 2004 titlist Mapua (236.5), AUF (214), St. Benilde (194.5), Arellano U (169), Letran (168.5) and San Beda (148).
- GMANews.TV
