On Feb. 25, the Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA) and To be Ultimate, the collegiate sports subsection of To be You, made history with the mounting of the 47th WNCAA Cheerleading Competition for the first time at the SM Mall of Asia Arena—the Human x WNCAA Cheerleading competition, sponsored by Vivo and Human.

School spirit was very much alive as cheerleading squads from 15 member schools went all out executing routines that included lifts, pyramids, gymnastic passes and synchronized choreography.

The event was emceed by ABS-CBN Sports and Action host Janeena Chan, and students Drei Chua and Gemmalyn Priela.

WNCAA courtside reporters Tidri Sen, Joy Asiado, Louisse Nepomuceno and Chloie Ferwelo —PHOTO BY MACXMIL DE RAMOS

Louisse Nepomuceno of Assumption College San Lorenzo, Chloie Ferwelo of Centro Escolar University (CEU), Joy Asiado of San Beda College Alabang, and Tidri Sen of St. Paul College Pasig (SPCP) were courtside reporters.

The crowd needed little coaxing to support their respective schools: sporting team shirts, they screamed their cheers, banged drums, made noise with clappers, and waved balloons, banners and pompoms.

WNCAA host Janeena Chan —PHOTO BYMACXMIL DE RAMOS

Back-to-back wins

Senior division champions, Centro Escolar University —PHOTO BY GERALD REBULADO

Defending champions—St. Pedro Poveda College (midget division), St. Paul College Pasig (junior division) and Centro Escolar University (senior division)—proved they were still the teams to beat when they bagged back-to-back champion titles in their respective divisions.

Improved stunts and tumbles, more complex pyramid formations, dynamic choreography and techniques won the hearts of judges.

“They did what I asked them to do,” said SPCP coach Ramon Pagaduan, whose team achieved an impressive four-peat win. “I just asked the girls for one solid run, that’s it. Kumbaga, kung mag-champion kami ulit, thank you. Kung hindi, okay lang din.”

Special performances by girl group GCG, GAP Cheerleading Philippines, Philippine Daily Inquirer and Vivo phone mascots kept crowds entertained during intermissions.

Before the awarding ceremonies, WNCAA Season 47 host school Saint Jude Catholic School gave a performance tribute to the yearlong run of events, and passed the torch to Season 48 host Saint Pedro Poveda College.

“To all the aspiring cheerleaders, don’t give up on the things you like,” said Danica Ellyn Framil, captain of the CEU pep squad. “If this is really your passion, if this is really what you love, do everything to get it. Do everything to earn what you want to earn, never stop dreaming. Just be yourselves, smile always.”

Fans, supporters and athletes took home goodies from Vivo, Human and Oishi. Winners were also awarded goodies from Vivo smartphone for best “cheer selfies.”

Swatch watches were given to lucky students in the audience.