MANILA – Call them what you want, but the University of the Philippines (UP) Pep Squad is unperturbed with all the criticisms being thrown at them.
UP Pep Squad team captains stressed on Wednesday that the team was not being bitter when they decided to skip the forthcoming UAAP cheerdance competition on Saturday.
The withdrawal of UP, which stems from a disputed result in last year's competition, earned jeers and cheers even from fans with some criticizing the eight-time UAAP champions as sore losers.
“They can say whatever they want, basta alam namin na hindi kami sore losers,” Karlene Sison told ABS-CBN News after their performance during a send-off and pep rally at the UP Gym on Wednesday. “May paninindigan kami. May rason kami kung bakit ginawa namin ito.”
Jari Buenaventura, one of the captains of the team, also insisted that negative comments only help the Fighting Maroons to push themselves even more.
“Everyone naman is entitled to their opinion and I think it is also good to have those negative comments. It pushes us to do better, to be a stronger team, and to show them na hindi kami sore losers,” Buenaventura said.
‘NO REGRETS’
The Pep Squad team captains also stressed that the decision to pull out from the UAAP contest was a consensus of the entire team.
“Para sa akin, no regrets, kasi nag-decide kami as a team. Buong team ang nag-decide. Sa tingin ko, iisa lang ang pananaw namin. Wala naman ako nakikitang umaangal,” Joseph Guevara said. “Nasa puso namin ang desisyong ito.”
The veterans pointed out that the UP Pep Squad is more than just about competing in the UAAP.
“Yes, it’s sad na last year na nga namin tapos ‘di kami makakapag-compete pero I think what's important is the message we are sending. We want to show na we do stand on our principle, we stand on our decision,” Buenaventura said.
Buenaventura also said that amid all the controversies surrounding the group, they remain grateful to the team for sticking together and to their true and loyal supporters for standing by them.
The UP Pep Squad showcased numerous routines on Wednesday before the UP community as a sign of gratitude for their unwavering support. Some of the routines were the official entries of the team in an upcoming international competition in Jakarta, Indonesia.
STILL HURTING
While it has been a year since the controversial result of UAAP cheerdance competition, Buenaventura admitted that the pain still lingers on and takes a lot of time to heal.
Guevara shared the same sentiment that it is important for them to remain united and strengthen their relationship while they move forward.
“Para sa akin, importante ‘yung pagsama-sama ng tao okay ‘yung team, okay ‘yung relationship namin with each. Iyon ang importante,” Guevara said.
Now counting months before they finally bid goodbye, Sison, Buenaventura and Guevara said it will be difficult for them to leave the UP Pep Squad.
“Masakit na iwanan ‘yung team, especially these are the people I spent almost everyday in the past five years so talagang more than just teammates, family talaga, very hard to let go,” Buenaventura said.
The three hoped that they have imparted good values, as well as a legacy to the team as they set to join the roster of UP Pep alumni.
“Sana lang may naiwan akong mga traits and legacy sa UP Pep, may mapi-pick up sila sa mga captain,” Guevara added.
He even shared that he extended for a year to give back to his beloved UP Pep Squad.
“I’m still proud of this [team] kasi alam ko na even if we leave, they are in good hands. I know na kahit wala na kami next year, they will continue to improve and be better pa,” Buenaventura said.
The UP Pep Squad is set to represent the Philippines in the 2nd Asian Cheerleading and Dance Sport Competition on November 26 and 27.
(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)
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