2nd Placer Mapúa Cheerping Cardinals Deliver ‘100% Performance from the Heart’

The raging drumbeats and ear-splitting screams filled Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan as the Cheerping Cardinals performed before hundreds of spectators who packed the arena during the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Cheering Competition on March 2.

The cheering squad from Mapúa Institute of Technology did not disappoint. The 30-member group wowed the crowd with its clean and well-choreographed routine combined with precision and flawless execution of spectacular pyramids and complicated stunts.

It was the best performance of the Cheerping Cardinals, with the squad executing its most difficult routine so far.

“Just like in the past, we got the highest score for the stunts. Over the years, Mapúa cheerleaders have been known for their engineered stunts and exceptional pyramids,” Mr. Marquiz Don Sevilla, assistant coach for the Cheerping Cardinals, said of his group’s performance during the competition.

Unlike in 2011 when they did what Mr. Sevilla described as a “play safe routine,” the squad this year took a gamble.

“Our routine this year is very unique because our stunts - the mounting of the partner stunts - have never been done in the Philippines before. [We] also tried our best to [combine] creativity and difficulty together. I can say that this year’s difficulty is way difficult than last year.”

Mapúa clinched the second slot, beating its neighboring school, Colegio de San Juan de Letran (3rd), and Arellano University (4th). The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta was the champion.

Mr. Sevilla said the Cheerping Cardinals gave their best during the competition. And if he were to rate their performance, it would be “100% for effort, 100% for passion, 100% for the school’s name, and 100% for performance coming from the heart.”

“Our squad's edge is that every year we have new unique stunts to show not only here in the Philippines but also worldwide,” he said. “Next season, we'll be doing our best to show more and make each one even prouder to be a Mapúan.”

The squad’s outstanding performance was the result of regular and rigid practice before the actual competition. The practice, which was done thrice a week, included enhancing the team’s flexibility, strength and techniques, said Mr. Sevilla.

But the Cheerping Cardinals did a great job in executing the most important factor of all – teamwork.

Cheer captain Carla Eunice Cabacungan agreed that, aside from technical skills, the Cheerping Cardinals’ high sense of camaraderie makes the squad a formidable opponent. She also attributed the team’s strength to the support of its former members.

Meanwhile, Ms. Cabacungan said some squad members will enroll in gymnastics class in preparation for the next cheering competitions.

“The Mapúa Cheerping Cardinals will soar high in the coming seasons, equipped with more fiery passion in order to grab that championship crown,” she said.

Mr. Sevilla, on the other hand, added that the squad will improve more on its “tumbling sequence” and “level up our stunts and pyramids as well” to finally grab that elusive top spot.

Disclaimer: The original article has been archived from its original site (mapua.edu.ph) and is no longer viewable. The story was originally published on March 27, 2012, written by David Joseph C. Gonzales for the Corporate Communications Office of Mapúa Institute of Technology (now known as Mapúa University). Original source: http://mapua.edu.ph/News/Default.aspx?newsID=623&Month=3&Year=2012