The anatomy of a cheerleader: rough road to hard-fought success and glory

Paolo Pangilinan

Pangilinan, former member of UP

Entering the coliseum with synchronized movements embedded in memory, colorful costumes, a goal to finish first, and with every lift, jump, and cheer – the crowd of maroon and white goes wild.

Former UP Pep Squad member Paolo Victor Pangilinan knew that entering the one of the best cheerleading groups will break new ground and will leave a mark on him.

Striking Identity

The 21-year old Sports Science major from the University of the Philippines, Diliman entered the squad and became a resident member through the Varsity Athletic Admission System (VAAS) program of the University from April 2013 to May 2017.

Pangilinan knew he was signing up for something grand as the squad itself gave him a good impression to start with.

“The squad itself was what gravitated me towards joining…I found it as a unique way to express one's self,” Pangilinan told The Spiral Journal in an interview.

More than the skills and the rigorous training, building physical stamina and endurance, the UP Pep Squad offered more to Pangilinan – it offered new lease of life.

“Being in UP Pep Squad taught me about life…It has changed my level of self-awareness, efficacy, and worldview,” he said.

The UP Pep squad known for its radical display of self-expression and identity can be seen through their performances’ themes.

They made headlines for not joining the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Cheerdance Competition (UAAP CDC) last year as part of a protest against the event organizers that failed to address to their concerns.

For Pangilinan, his journey as a cheerleader felt even more valuable when the UP Pep Squad had their equality and unity theme for the UAAP CDC last 2014.

“It was a pivotal moment in my life…It confirmed and validated my role as a cheerleader – bring people together,” he said.

Bound for something greater

The squad paved way to deeper and more treasured lessons more than the performance itself has to offer – all his sacrifices as a member made sense.

“I realized that what I had been sacrificing and giving up was rooted in something primal: kindness, compassion, and a sense of community,” he said. “[It] made everything that I had gone through, and will face the years to come, worth every moment.”

Today, Pangilinan opted to quit the UP Pep squad since other doors of opportunities opened for him since he entered the group.

Focusing on another branch of gymnastics which is Trampoline gymnastics, he has now been training for Philippine Trampolining.

Still, the virtues and the lessons he gained from the group will remain as his everyday token.

“Know your passion and pursue it with unwavering stubbornness,” he said. “The countless hours dedicated to service were rewarded by lessons about hard work, discipline and perseverance.” he said.

Pangilinan displayed much strength of a true artist and a performer – above all a true Isko whose heart pours out to every routine, every battle in and out of the coliseum.

“Once you've picked your battles, you are setting yourself to challenging your limits [and that, I believe,] will never fail to bring out the best in you.”