Tabloid Issue Vol XL No 3
By Ma. Monica Licaros and Jemaima Pacheco
Medals serve as the lifeblood of a team.
While it is nice to have a team for every imaginable sport in the planet, it is also impractical. The sustenance for such a massive team will be insanely expensive and not every team is guaranteed “to return the investment” or to put it aptly, bring back the money invested in them in the form of medals and trophies won from competitions.
Here in Region 3, Bulacan State University (BulSU) Gold Gears has become a powerhouse for athletic prowess backed not by just words but by its dominance of various inter-university and regional competitions held at different schools.
Yet, as the Gold Gears emerge victorious in multiple fronts like what they always do, one squad suffered in silence and wallowed in isolation. One squad tried to clinch for BulSU an all-rounder title. One squad tried to be at the top of its game in its four-year existence. And failed.
Soaring somersaults, airborne flips and dances, an array of one-person stunts, a graceful yet synchronised routine, and a squad ready to yell their hearts out to boost the morale of a fighting team.
One last round of applause for BulSU Pep Squad.
Forming the pyramid
Formed in 2007, the BulSU Pep Squad made its debut re-appearance in the Singkaban Cheerdance Competition where they last won the championship in 1999. They succeeded in trouncing the five-year domination of the University of Regina Carmeli, now called La Consolacion-Philippines University, after eight years of absence.
The momentum was maintained for the following year, as they succeeded in keeping the championship title until 2009. And toting up with their achievements was the 1st runner-up honour from the SM SuperMoves Cheerdance Competition in 2008.
It was also in 2008 when cheer dance was first included as a sports event in the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA), the sports conference BulSU has been actively taking part and dominating with. BulSU Pep Squad grabbed the championship crown and held it until 2009.
“Year 2008 ang golden age namin dahil magkasunod na nag-champion ang pep sa cheerdance ng Singkaban at SCUAA,” added Freddie Flores, the squad’s cheercaptain.
Opportunity kept its doors open for the promising cheering squad, as they qualified for the National Cheerleading Championship (NCC), the Philippines’ first and only cheerleading competition which uses American rules and regulations. But things went off a little rocky, as they cannot seem to pass the elimination rounds from 2010 to 2011.
“Medyo ‘di naging maganda ang performances namin nitong nakaraan [2010 and 2011] kasi ngayon pa lang namin pinapasok ang cheerleading. ‘Yong sa SCUAA at Singkaban kasi cheer dance pa lang ‘yon,” explained Flores.
Cheer dance focuses more on body movements to the rhythm of the music, while cheerleading concentrates on promoting team spirit, bonding, and good sportsmanship. BulSU Pep may have mastered cheer dance more than cheerleading, as their achievements reflects so.
But there are certain circumstances which cannot be predicted and cannot be prevented from happening. The squad’s coach, Maureen Torres resigned last semester. And they were all left by themselves, still together without a mentor to look after them.
The pyramid crumbles
“Mula no’n [Torres’ resignation] nag-stop ang training, pati mga upcoming na laban nahinto dahil hindi naman p’wedeng ang magdecide lang is ‘yong mga kinatawan ng BulSU Pep. Kailangan laging may susuporta, especially ang school,” disclosed a previous pep member.
Cheerleading is a demanding sport that requires endurance, teamwork and strength, but possessing those qualities does not make everyone an instant member. Auditions were held, and only the best made it to the cut. But after a few years, their line-up shrivelled.
“Sobrang nalungkot kami no’ng nalaman namin ‘yon [pep squad split up], kasi sobrang minahal na namin ‘yong grupo eh,” confessed Flores.
They sweat together, laugh together, plan together and even cry together. There comes a point wherein it is very hard to leave it all behind for them. Adding to their anguish are the words of the College of Physical Education Recreation and Sports (COPERS) Dean Racquel Mendoza herself.
“For sure they will not like it [disbandment], pero saan ko sila gagamitin? Imagine, it’s as if you are investing things na hindi ko sila p’wedeng gamitin anywhere. They will just be training here at saka very negative nga ang reaction ng ibang administrators.”
Moreover, the large amount spent in the regionals and nationals is another factor to consider. BulSU competes annually with an immense delegation of athletes, and another big team to join them would not be very economical and practical.
“Just our varsity players competing in NSCUAA and SCUAA, nade-drain ang SCUAA money natin eh. Talagang malaki [amount to spend] because we are also supporting athletes in their stay, they are given their allowances, they are supported by the university by providing rice, residence and everything. Additional 30 people [the pep squad] will mean something,” justified Mendoza.
The pyramid is not safe
On top of all these, the Dean claimed that she is just concerned with the safety of the members who are also students. The pep squad had been doing their trainings and practices outside the university premises. If worst case scenarios are to happen, the school would not be there to assist their needs.
“Looking at it and at the risk of it, natatakot ako. Kasi it’s so nice if the people who will handle it will be really competent. Like for example, sa UP okay lang mag-train sila nang gano’n kasi ang kanilang space is exclusive for training varsity in the pep squad. Pero dito sa’tin, wala silang [BulSU Pep Squad] space, so kung saan-saan lang sila sumisingit. So thats really risky, and I cannot gamble security in replace of fame.”
Mendoza also shared that she was already informed by the President Mariano de Jesus, that she would be having her exclusive spot soon: a gymnasium which will be put up on the developing 25-hectare land of the institution. And if ever, she would personally stand as the trainer of the pep squad because she finds the group’s routines immature.
“Kaya nga kapag nakikita ko ‘yong performance nila—They did their best, I know. The coach, the trainers were really able to exhibit their best. But really, talagang sa’kin hilaw. Kaya nga alam ko kung mananalo o hindi eh. Kasi I’ve been a coach of the cheering squad, kaya alam ko kung ang athlete ay skillful,” said Mendoza.
She also reiterated that the cheerleaders should know how to observe safety posture at all times, and that they should have went through the right process of learning the art of cheerleading slowly but surely.
“Kapag nga nagpe-perform sila dati, lagi kong sinasabi, ‘You must not only try to do some tumbling or throws. You must also be able to identify what movement can be constructive in terms of safety.’ Dapat nagsisimula sila sa Gymnastics. When they are true with gymnastics, present them little by little the pyramid skills, after that ‘yong mga leveling. Kaya maraming na-a-aksidente eh, they are too excited to show off,” voiced out the Dean.
Furthermore, Mendoza spilled that the pep squad do not finish as the top players of their game by saying: “Hindi masyadong nananalo [pep squad]. They get some place pero hindi sila nagta-top.”
The pyramid retaliates
A former veteran member of the BulSU Pep Squad who refused to be named stood to defend the team. It is not true that they started off weak. They did not fail to make the university proud, and their efforts are disregarded by the very people who broke the team apart.
“Unang laban namin no’ng 2007, champion [Singkaban]. Ano ang hindi magandang start do’n? Kung hindi dumaan ang team sa tamang process para maging cheerleader, bakit hindi nila dalhin sa tama? Oo hindi kami magamit sa SCUAA, pero maraming p’wedeng paggamitan sa’min. ‘Pag lumalaban ba kami, pangalan ba namin dala namin? Sa school natin. At this point, kilalang-kilala na ang cheerleading. Bakit bibitawan na lang?” harangued the former member.
Likewise, Marione Fajardo from BSME 4A argued that the pep squad should be given another chance to prove itself and make the university proud.
“Unfair sa kanila ‘yon. Baka kasi maraming mas magaling sa kanila kaya ‘di sila nananalo. Siguro dapat nilang bigyan ng isa pang chance na sumali sa competitions saka dapat mas pagtuunan nila ng pansin ‘yon kasi ‘pag nananalo eh karangalan din sa school natin ‘yon eh,” he reasoned.
It is already a fact that putting up a cheering squad entails a lot of budget. But the former member stressed that their troop can make the most out of it which they already did in the past years. Also, the lack in training grounds has been an issue since then. They have been capable of making use of what is available and making the impossible workable.
“Oo, wala kaming mapag-trainingan. Gano’n naman na halos dati, pero hindi pa rin kami huminto kahit na gano’n. ‘Yong group nga lang namin ang halos walang naging supply galing sa school na tulad ng ibang co-athlete namin,” complained the ex-cheerleader.
Nevertheless, Mendoza cleared that members of the Pep Squad had enjoyed the privileges every BulSU athlete is having. “The previous batches of the squad have received scholarships and some are even residing in our athletes’ quarter.”
And because there is no avenue for them anymore to showcase their cheerdancing prowess, majority of the squad’s members are merging with their respective colleges’ cheer group as observed in the performances last Intramurals.
“Since nawala nga ‘yong grupo [pep squad], do’n na napilitan ‘yong ibang grumupo sa respective colleges nila just to continue their passion. ‘Yong mga nag-perform na BulSU Pep [last intrams], hindi pa namin top players ‘yon. Sayang lang talaga,” lamented the ex-pep affiliate.
Disentangle the pyramid
“Well, walang magagawa dahil sila ang nasa itaas. Sila ang admin. Go with the flow na lang kami,” lamented the ex-cheerleader.
True enough, a state university should carefully prioritize where and to whom it spends the taxpayers’ and students’ money, however, it should also not be so competition-driven and treat sports teams as investments. Profitable ones get better deals while unprofitable ones get axed.
The BulSU Pep Squad has been through a classical arc of obscurity, fame and then gradual oblivion.
However, all is not over yet for the team for hope remains with the dispersed members who are now part of their respective colleges’ pep squads. In time, they might even regroup and once again represent the university in competitions and boost the spirit of athletes competing. But for now, a temporary respite.
Steady that picture-perfect smiles for the last time, BulSU Pep Squad.
Take your last bow.
By Ma. Monica Licaros and Jemaima Pacheco
Medals serve as the lifeblood of a team.
While it is nice to have a team for every imaginable sport in the planet, it is also impractical. The sustenance for such a massive team will be insanely expensive and not every team is guaranteed “to return the investment” or to put it aptly, bring back the money invested in them in the form of medals and trophies won from competitions.
Here in Region 3, Bulacan State University (BulSU) Gold Gears has become a powerhouse for athletic prowess backed not by just words but by its dominance of various inter-university and regional competitions held at different schools.
Yet, as the Gold Gears emerge victorious in multiple fronts like what they always do, one squad suffered in silence and wallowed in isolation. One squad tried to clinch for BulSU an all-rounder title. One squad tried to be at the top of its game in its four-year existence. And failed.
Soaring somersaults, airborne flips and dances, an array of one-person stunts, a graceful yet synchronised routine, and a squad ready to yell their hearts out to boost the morale of a fighting team.
One last round of applause for BulSU Pep Squad.
Forming the pyramid
Formed in 2007, the BulSU Pep Squad made its debut re-appearance in the Singkaban Cheerdance Competition where they last won the championship in 1999. They succeeded in trouncing the five-year domination of the University of Regina Carmeli, now called La Consolacion-Philippines University, after eight years of absence.
The momentum was maintained for the following year, as they succeeded in keeping the championship title until 2009. And toting up with their achievements was the 1st runner-up honour from the SM SuperMoves Cheerdance Competition in 2008.
It was also in 2008 when cheer dance was first included as a sports event in the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA), the sports conference BulSU has been actively taking part and dominating with. BulSU Pep Squad grabbed the championship crown and held it until 2009.
“Year 2008 ang golden age namin dahil magkasunod na nag-champion ang pep sa cheerdance ng Singkaban at SCUAA,” added Freddie Flores, the squad’s cheercaptain.
Opportunity kept its doors open for the promising cheering squad, as they qualified for the National Cheerleading Championship (NCC), the Philippines’ first and only cheerleading competition which uses American rules and regulations. But things went off a little rocky, as they cannot seem to pass the elimination rounds from 2010 to 2011.
“Medyo ‘di naging maganda ang performances namin nitong nakaraan [2010 and 2011] kasi ngayon pa lang namin pinapasok ang cheerleading. ‘Yong sa SCUAA at Singkaban kasi cheer dance pa lang ‘yon,” explained Flores.
Cheer dance focuses more on body movements to the rhythm of the music, while cheerleading concentrates on promoting team spirit, bonding, and good sportsmanship. BulSU Pep may have mastered cheer dance more than cheerleading, as their achievements reflects so.
But there are certain circumstances which cannot be predicted and cannot be prevented from happening. The squad’s coach, Maureen Torres resigned last semester. And they were all left by themselves, still together without a mentor to look after them.
The pyramid crumbles
“Mula no’n [Torres’ resignation] nag-stop ang training, pati mga upcoming na laban nahinto dahil hindi naman p’wedeng ang magdecide lang is ‘yong mga kinatawan ng BulSU Pep. Kailangan laging may susuporta, especially ang school,” disclosed a previous pep member.
Cheerleading is a demanding sport that requires endurance, teamwork and strength, but possessing those qualities does not make everyone an instant member. Auditions were held, and only the best made it to the cut. But after a few years, their line-up shrivelled.
“Sobrang nalungkot kami no’ng nalaman namin ‘yon [pep squad split up], kasi sobrang minahal na namin ‘yong grupo eh,” confessed Flores.
They sweat together, laugh together, plan together and even cry together. There comes a point wherein it is very hard to leave it all behind for them. Adding to their anguish are the words of the College of Physical Education Recreation and Sports (COPERS) Dean Racquel Mendoza herself.
“For sure they will not like it [disbandment], pero saan ko sila gagamitin? Imagine, it’s as if you are investing things na hindi ko sila p’wedeng gamitin anywhere. They will just be training here at saka very negative nga ang reaction ng ibang administrators.”
Moreover, the large amount spent in the regionals and nationals is another factor to consider. BulSU competes annually with an immense delegation of athletes, and another big team to join them would not be very economical and practical.
“Just our varsity players competing in NSCUAA and SCUAA, nade-drain ang SCUAA money natin eh. Talagang malaki [amount to spend] because we are also supporting athletes in their stay, they are given their allowances, they are supported by the university by providing rice, residence and everything. Additional 30 people [the pep squad] will mean something,” justified Mendoza.
The pyramid is not safe
On top of all these, the Dean claimed that she is just concerned with the safety of the members who are also students. The pep squad had been doing their trainings and practices outside the university premises. If worst case scenarios are to happen, the school would not be there to assist their needs.
“Looking at it and at the risk of it, natatakot ako. Kasi it’s so nice if the people who will handle it will be really competent. Like for example, sa UP okay lang mag-train sila nang gano’n kasi ang kanilang space is exclusive for training varsity in the pep squad. Pero dito sa’tin, wala silang [BulSU Pep Squad] space, so kung saan-saan lang sila sumisingit. So thats really risky, and I cannot gamble security in replace of fame.”
Mendoza also shared that she was already informed by the President Mariano de Jesus, that she would be having her exclusive spot soon: a gymnasium which will be put up on the developing 25-hectare land of the institution. And if ever, she would personally stand as the trainer of the pep squad because she finds the group’s routines immature.
“Kaya nga kapag nakikita ko ‘yong performance nila—They did their best, I know. The coach, the trainers were really able to exhibit their best. But really, talagang sa’kin hilaw. Kaya nga alam ko kung mananalo o hindi eh. Kasi I’ve been a coach of the cheering squad, kaya alam ko kung ang athlete ay skillful,” said Mendoza.
She also reiterated that the cheerleaders should know how to observe safety posture at all times, and that they should have went through the right process of learning the art of cheerleading slowly but surely.
“Kapag nga nagpe-perform sila dati, lagi kong sinasabi, ‘You must not only try to do some tumbling or throws. You must also be able to identify what movement can be constructive in terms of safety.’ Dapat nagsisimula sila sa Gymnastics. When they are true with gymnastics, present them little by little the pyramid skills, after that ‘yong mga leveling. Kaya maraming na-a-aksidente eh, they are too excited to show off,” voiced out the Dean.
Furthermore, Mendoza spilled that the pep squad do not finish as the top players of their game by saying: “Hindi masyadong nananalo [pep squad]. They get some place pero hindi sila nagta-top.”
The pyramid retaliates
A former veteran member of the BulSU Pep Squad who refused to be named stood to defend the team. It is not true that they started off weak. They did not fail to make the university proud, and their efforts are disregarded by the very people who broke the team apart.
“Unang laban namin no’ng 2007, champion [Singkaban]. Ano ang hindi magandang start do’n? Kung hindi dumaan ang team sa tamang process para maging cheerleader, bakit hindi nila dalhin sa tama? Oo hindi kami magamit sa SCUAA, pero maraming p’wedeng paggamitan sa’min. ‘Pag lumalaban ba kami, pangalan ba namin dala namin? Sa school natin. At this point, kilalang-kilala na ang cheerleading. Bakit bibitawan na lang?” harangued the former member.
Likewise, Marione Fajardo from BSME 4A argued that the pep squad should be given another chance to prove itself and make the university proud.
“Unfair sa kanila ‘yon. Baka kasi maraming mas magaling sa kanila kaya ‘di sila nananalo. Siguro dapat nilang bigyan ng isa pang chance na sumali sa competitions saka dapat mas pagtuunan nila ng pansin ‘yon kasi ‘pag nananalo eh karangalan din sa school natin ‘yon eh,” he reasoned.
It is already a fact that putting up a cheering squad entails a lot of budget. But the former member stressed that their troop can make the most out of it which they already did in the past years. Also, the lack in training grounds has been an issue since then. They have been capable of making use of what is available and making the impossible workable.
“Oo, wala kaming mapag-trainingan. Gano’n naman na halos dati, pero hindi pa rin kami huminto kahit na gano’n. ‘Yong group nga lang namin ang halos walang naging supply galing sa school na tulad ng ibang co-athlete namin,” complained the ex-cheerleader.
Nevertheless, Mendoza cleared that members of the Pep Squad had enjoyed the privileges every BulSU athlete is having. “The previous batches of the squad have received scholarships and some are even residing in our athletes’ quarter.”
And because there is no avenue for them anymore to showcase their cheerdancing prowess, majority of the squad’s members are merging with their respective colleges’ cheer group as observed in the performances last Intramurals.
“Since nawala nga ‘yong grupo [pep squad], do’n na napilitan ‘yong ibang grumupo sa respective colleges nila just to continue their passion. ‘Yong mga nag-perform na BulSU Pep [last intrams], hindi pa namin top players ‘yon. Sayang lang talaga,” lamented the ex-pep affiliate.
Disentangle the pyramid
“Well, walang magagawa dahil sila ang nasa itaas. Sila ang admin. Go with the flow na lang kami,” lamented the ex-cheerleader.
True enough, a state university should carefully prioritize where and to whom it spends the taxpayers’ and students’ money, however, it should also not be so competition-driven and treat sports teams as investments. Profitable ones get better deals while unprofitable ones get axed.
The BulSU Pep Squad has been through a classical arc of obscurity, fame and then gradual oblivion.
However, all is not over yet for the team for hope remains with the dispersed members who are now part of their respective colleges’ pep squads. In time, they might even regroup and once again represent the university in competitions and boost the spirit of athletes competing. But for now, a temporary respite.
Steady that picture-perfect smiles for the last time, BulSU Pep Squad.
Take your last bow.