MANILA, Philippines – Excitement is building as the UAAP Season 88 Cheerdance Competition (CDC) takes center stage today, November 29, 2025, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
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| The NU Pep Squad is eyeing a historic 9th Cheerdance Competition crown. | Photo: The UAAP |
Eight member schools are set to bring their loudest cheers and most spectacular routines to fans and viewers of this 31-year-old sporting tradition. Each squad will perform for 5 to 6 minutes, with the timer starting as soon as they step on the blue mats, following the format of previous seasons.
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In a move inspired by the season's anti-corruption halftime performances, the UAAP has encouraged fans to wear white to express their dismay against corruption in the country.
“Cheerdance can also be a platform,” said UAAP Season 88 president Fr. Rodel Cansancio of host UST. “We are inviting fans and supporters of the CDC to wear white. This has been approved by the Board of Directors, and all member schools are asking their alumni, fans, and supporters to join.”
Fans will also have a special moment to participate in a cheer before the actual performances, a move officially sanctioned by the UAAP.
The spotlight will be on the reigning champion, the National University (NU) Pep Squad, as they aim for a back-to-back title and a record-breaking ninth crown. Under second-year head coach Gab Bacajan, the squad will showcase their signature “ninja” moves, seeking to surpass the UP Varsity Pep Squad and UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe to become the most successful cheering squad in UAAP history.
The competition opens at 2:00 PM with the UP Varsity Pep Squad performing a Christmas-themed routine. They will be followed by:
- UE Pep Squad with a High School Musical inspired routine
- Adamson Pep Squad with their AdUVenture journey-themed routine
- Ateneo Blue Eagles performing to the Sing soundtrack
- De La Salle Animo Squad with a baseball-themed routine
- Far Eastern University drawing inspiration from Filipino childhood games
- NU Pep Squad with their signature high-energy 'ninja' performance
- UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe closing the show with a Halloween-themed routine, aiming to end a nearly two-decade title drought
Order of Performances:
- UP Varsity Pep Squad
- UE Pep Squad
- Adamson Pep Squad
- DLSU Animo Squad
- Ateneo Blue Eagles
- NU Pep Squad
- FEU Cheering Squad
- UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe
Where to Watch or Livestream CDC 2025
UAAP official partners One Sports, Cignal, and Pilipinas Live will broadcast the cheerdance competition:
- One Sports: Free TV Ch. 41 and Cignal TV Ch. 6
- UAAP Varsity Channel: Cignal Ch. 263 HD
- Cignal Play App: Watch on-the-go. Free for Cignal subscribers who LINK their TV account at cignalplay.com
- Pilipinas Live: Free livestream worldwide via Google Play or App Store
Don’t miss the biggest event of the season! Catch the #UAAPSeason88 Cheerdance Competition LIVE this Saturday, November 29, at 2:00 PM.
— The Summit Express