Far Eastern University Cheering Squad (FEUCS) head coach Randell San Gregorio wanted everyone to relive their childhood memories with their theme #SuperTAMario in the upcoming University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 86 cheerdance competition on Saturday, December 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“Abangan nilang maging bata ulit, lalo na ‘pag lumabas na ‘yung mga characters. For sure, madaming makaka-relate dito kasi halos lahat naglaro ng Super Mario, ako dumaan ako d’yan and hanggang ngayon may naglalaro pa rin ng Super Mario (Watch out for them to feel young again, especially when the characters come out. For sure, a lot of people can relate to this because almost everyone has played Super Mario, I went there and until now there are still people playing Super Mario),” he said in an interview with FEU Advocate.

In the past years, FEU frequently adapted pop icons in their themes like Francis Magalona, Queen, Michael Jackson, among others.

FEUCS will go out of their comfort zone and will perform a Super Mario inspired routine.

The season 85 silver medalist trained almost eight months in creating and perfecting their cheers and dances to bring home the crown in Morayta.

With their tough and swagger vibe last year, the green-and-gold squad shifted their strategy into playful and child-like fun to touch everyone’s early years’ heart.

Team captain Sarah Jean Quintero guaranteed that they will make everyone, especially the FEU community feel joy and excitement.

“Gusto namin ipakita na kahit light and fun ‘yung mood ng magiging performance namin this year, mapapakilig at mapapa-wow pa din namin silang lahat lalong lalo na ‘yung FEU community. Especially sa dance, kasi yun talaga ‘yung pinaka-highlight ng theme (We want to show that even though the mood of our performance this year will be light and fun, we will thrill and wow them all, especially the FEU community. Especially in the dance, because that is really the highlight of the theme),” she said.

This year's UAAP cheerdance competition will also change its technical rules as they will provide 30 seconds for the teams to exit the floor after performing together with their usual five to six-minute performance time.

The cheerdance competition will be broadcasted live on One Sports channel on TV5, Varsity Channel, and Pilipinas Live app for free.

-Leiniel A. Santos

(Photo courtesy of UAAP Varsity Channel Facebook Page)