Salinggawi Dance Troupe makes podium comeback
by Gillian Patricia Geronimo and Justin Emmanuel Magat
The University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe made it back to the podium in the UAAP Season 80 Cheerdance Competition Saturday, Dec. 2.
UST placed first runner-up behind the Adamson University Pep Squad, who won their first-ever championship.
“Sobrang crazy, the feeling is crazy, sobrang overwhelming, sobrang unexpected. We’re so thankful whether we landed first place or not. We’re already that thankful,” UST head coach Mark Chaiwalla said.
Salinggawi, with their “Crouching Tigers”-themed routine, scored 638.5 points, 25 points short from first-placers Adamson University.
With their 80s-inspired performance, Adamson pulled away from the pack with 663.5 points out of the maximum 800.
The University of the East Pep Squad landed third with 634.5 points.
With an eight-point deduction, Salinggawi landed second in tumbling (83.5 points,) first in dance (340.5,) seventh in stunts (65,) fourth in tosses (74.5) and fourth in pyramids (83).
UST finally returned to the podium after finishing fourth last season.
“Lumabas kami sa comfort zone namin. Talagang sumugal kami,” Salinggawi President and Captain Benjo Gutierrez said.
In the group stunts competition, UST ranked fourth behind University of the Philippines (UP), Adamson and champion Far Eastern University.
UP Pep Squad, who made a comeback after their protest last season, failed to reach the podium and landed in sixth place.
“Maraming salamat. Kulang yung pasasalamat. Alam ko pinagdasal nila kami. Alam ko nagtiwala sila sa amin, and eto kami ngayon, first runner-up. We’re back!” Gutierrez ended.
