In a competitive event such as cheerleading—in which participants are flung in the air, perform intricate tumbling passes and dangerous jump sequences, clamber on each other to create a two-story-high human pyramid—hard work makes a good team. But love and passion for cheerleading are also key to surviving the rigorous training behind each performance.

This love and passion are apparent in the Firestarters, the cheerleading team of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P).

One of the country’s leading teams—it won silver in the last WNCAA (Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association) cheerleading competition, and bronze in January’s WCSA (Women’s Colleges Sports Association) cheerleading tilt—the Firestarters are composed of 25 girls whose zeal and determination are the stuff that led them to the top.

Sisterhood

“We are a resilient sisterhood. Our team is like a family. Since I don’t have sisters, I treat my teammates as my cheer sisters. Our bond is solid in and out of the mats,” said team captain Suzette Jimenez.

“Being part of the UA&P Firestarters is like being part of a new family. You gain sisters you cannot find elsewhere. It feels great to know that you have 24 other girls who have your back,” added co-captain Jennifer Davies.

Their coach, Ajjie Mendelebar, strategically uses each girl’s strengths and personality to ensure that the team works harmoniously.

“I love how the different personalities of my cheerleaders jibe during training. I have a diverse pool of talents but we manage to mesh all of these strengths toward a common goal,” he said.

Intense training

This sisterhood is preparing the team for the WNCAA Cheerleading competition on Feb. 25, 11:30 a.m., at the Mall of Asia Arena. It is presented by Inquirer To be You, Vivo and Human.

The girls’ training is intense, using different gymnastics drills, flexibility exercises, stunting, strengthening and conditioning. They also have dance training in basic ballet, jazz, contemporary and hip-hop.

“I have a team of persistent cheerleaders. I know that I can count on them, especially when the going gets tough,” said coach Ajjie.

During the most demanding stages of their training, the girls naturally cheer each other on.

“We are all focused and my teammates make sure that we resonate positive energy during training. We are also our own cheerleaders. We motivate each other to do the stunts and we work together to form a solid pyramid. We literally and figuratively lift each other up,” said Suzette.

Eyes on the prize

Watch last year’s performance

This helps them deal with the pressure that comes with competing; it’s something that motivates them to do well and aim for top honors.

Even with this pressure, coach Ajjie is confident that the Firestarters will pull off a good routine, especially since they’re known as one of the strongest teams, dance-wise.

“We might have a chance. But if there’s one thing I’m sure of, we’re going to deliver a great routine. What sets us apart from the other teams is our choreography. We don’t just do the stereotypical robotic cheer motions. When we perform, we want to make our audience dance with us as well, ” he said.

“I always tell my cheerleaders to make every moment count. Cheerleading is a gift they should enjoy every second they’re doing it. It’s always worth the sweat, tears, fears.

“I also tell the girls to be cheerleaders not just on the hardcourt, but also in life,” he said.

Catch the rest of the UA&P Firestarters on Feb. 25 at the Human x WNCAA Cheerleading Competition at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Photography Maika Anthoni

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