NU Pep Squad coach Gabriel Bajacan didn’t hold back on the acknowledgments after their historic win in the 2025 UAAP Cheerdance Competition on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Fresh off winning the gold for the second straight year and ninth overall, Bacajan was quick to acknowledge those who helped National U on its way to history.
Surprisingly, one of those names was Ghicka Bernabe, one of the architects of NU’s legacy.
‘I want to thank the people behind us. Earlier, I saw the coaches’ value and how they calm down these kids. The people who we don’t see on screen really helped,’ Bacajan said.
‘Even the previous coaches like coach Ghiecka, they really called us because sometimes, we have things that only other people can provide, not just us coaches,’ he added.
Before retiring in 2022, Bernabe handled the NU Pep Squad for 12 seasons, leading the team to seven titles and two podium finishes.
Bernabe blazed a trail, and Bacajan is paying it forward, steering NUto its second title since the former’s retirement in 2022.
‘We’ll continue to research and achieve more creativity. We need to not get tired of what we’re doing. At the same time, we’re getting older so our minds have to be there as kids who want to achieve a lot.’
‘The more we get older, the more we lose our drive and that shouldn’t happen.’