Despite hailing from differing clusters, the Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM) x Humanities and Letters (HUMLET) x School of Education (SOE) Pegasus rose above all odds as they were crowned as champions for this year’s Palarong Atenista cheerdance competition.

SOE Cheerdance Event Representative Kim Yarso noted that despite being comprised of the smallest clusters in the university, their commitment drove them to victory. 

“One of my dream jud kay maapil jud sa top three. Knowing na ang SOE, NSM, and HUMLET are really [the] smallest clusters in AdDU, it’s really rewarding… Each one of us really showed our passion for this event, and… everyone really sees the passion and effort of the members of the clusters,” Yarso expressed.

Yarso further underscored that their cohesion as a team became instrumental in overcoming the unfamiliarity among members.

“Our biggest obstacle is the [lack of] exposure to one another… cause we are from different clusters… and we really overcame it by bonding. I can sense the oneness of the clusters, and we are really grateful that throughout the journey kay mapakita jud namo [that] each of the cluster have really good chemistry.”

NSM Cheerdance Event Head Gilbert James Cantiga also pointed out that unity enabled them to make a big impact on par with other big clusters.

“It’s not easy to really handle three clusters, so the preparations and the efforts of the heads are really worth it, and I think that being champions for this Palarong Atenista [cheerleading competition] really means a lot to small clusters like us because it really emphasizes that little clusters can also bring a lot to our Ateneo community,” Cantiga shared.

NSM x HUMLET x SOE Overall Cheerdance Event Head Kimmie Jorenne Valdres reflected on their team’s mental fortitude during the competition, envisioning victory even before stepping on the floor.

“We were expecting it, we were claiming it from the very start of the practice. But we don’t just manifest, we do it with work. Thank you, Lord, nakuwa ra jud namo and gagmay pero yayay,” Valdres said.

The Accountancy (ACC) Griffins claimed 1st runner-up, while the Business & Management (B&M) Vipers placed 2nd runner-up in this year’s cheerleading competition.

The Palarong Atenista ’25: To The Top officially opened on September 12, 2025, at 4F Martin Hall, Ateneo de Davao University.

Editor’s Note: As of the time of publication, the scores have not been disclosed to Atenews.