These pop culture references from the routines at the 2024 UAAP Cheerdance Competition were iconic, we fear.
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No matter what you think of their performance, pep squads competing in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Cheerdance Competition always step it up in terms of the pop culture concepts. From nostalgic aesthetics to extraterrestrials, the UAAP CDC references were plentiful and all sorts of fun and playful. The teams may have been ranked differently, but no theme was boring or uncreative. Check out some of our favorite callbacks and references from the teams at this year’s UAAP CDC.
KARAOKE TIME
Bringing out a karaoke machine at the beginning of their performance, the Adamson pep squad went classic Pinoy with a KTV theme and 80s throwback style. Joyful and nostalgic with their aesthetic and music chocies, they made us want to book a room and belt our hearts out.
FROZEN
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The FEU Cheering Squad let it go all on the floor with their Frozen-inspired theme, featuring Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and even Sven! From the soundtrack to the quick outfit changes, they leaned into their concept wholeheartedly, and despite a few mishaps, it was ten minutes of spirit and showmanship.
90s THROWBACK
Donning pigtails, lunchboxes, and outfits straight from the playground, the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe took inspiration from an iconic era—the 90s. Through their playful performance, incorporating even classic playground games into the routine, Salinggawi’s Batang 90s trope was giving epic nostalgia.
SEXBOMB GIRLS
The UE Pep Squad also channeled 1990s-2000s icons. The University of the East squad’s performance paid tribute to the SexBomb Girls, their routine set to songs from the girl group. They even had a segment with the Laban o Bawi boxes with WARRIORS on the back. They went all the way with their outfits as well, referencing the Sexbomb Girls’ performance outfits, complete with the iconic black knee highs and 2000s-style collars.
OUT IN SPACE
The winning pep squad of the 2024 UAAP Cheerdance Competition did nothing less than blow our minds to space. The NU Pep Squad went out-of-this-world with their space-themed routine. (Those windmills were pretty superhuman!). Going from typical astronaut suits to a jumpsuit worthy of an alien superhero, complete with their own little UFOs, the team took off to space with their win in the bag.
BONUS: QUEENING OUT
@rinkutaku99 DRPH Fever lezgow! #UAAPCDC2024 #DragRacePH #drph #fyp #dragqueens @KhiannaWithAK @Maxie Andreison . @Angel Galang @marinaxsummers ♬ original sound – MaxieSlayyyyy
Drag Race Philippines and drag in general were pep squad favorites this season, clearly! Several teams referenced Drag Race moments, songs, and general excellence in their routines—yet more proof of the influence of drag culture on mainstream media.
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