Proving that they are more than one-hit wonders, the Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM) x Humanities and Letters (HUMLET) x School of Education (SOE) Pegasus reigned as the defending champions of the Palarong Atenista 2026 cheerdance competition (CDC). 

Behind their historic back-to-back win, NSM performer Kobe Yancee Berbigal shared how they navigated the difficult balance between stressful training and academic responsibilities in preparation for the competition.

“Our practice schedules, actually, were very hectic. Because for NSM, our schedule is from 7:30 to 7:30, and then our practices are at 8:00, so we have thirty minutes lang to change, get ready, then go to the meeting place, and then practice,” Berbigal said.

Despite the overwhelming fusion of student and performer deliverables, Berbigal noted that forming genuine connections with their fellow cheerleaders helped them push through exhaustion and eventually win the gold. 

“Before and after we practice, we always hold hands to pray, we always hold hands to connect with each other. When you hold each other’s hand, you feel each other’s heartbeat. And once you feel each other’s heartbeat, you can feel yours syncing with theirs.” 

SOE Cluster Representative Jericka Niña Paculaba pointed out that monetary resources and manpower were two of the most pressing challenges they faced, as the three clusters were considerably smaller than their opponents. 

“As you all know, ang reason why merged ang Pegasus is small kami na cluster. So ang main problem or main challenge talaga is the budget and the people. So pugsanay jud talaga siya and I’m very happy that we are able to unite and have a good coordination with the other cluster representatives and other participants at the same time.”

Despite the challenges, she underscored how instilling a collective vision and a shared sense of harmony allowed them to persevere amid continuous setbacks and manifest their victory.

“Meron kaming ginasabi, chant everytime: do you believe in God? Do you believe in us? Do you believe in yourself? And every time we chant that, we answer yes, yes, and yes. I believe that because of that unity, the trust we have for the people that we serve made us win once more.”

The performers’ efforts evidently paid off, as their routines were met with roaring cheers and thunderous applause from the audience, in solidarity and support for the different clusters.

Identical to last year’s CDC rankings, NSM x HUMLET x SOE Pegasus garnered gold, with the Accountancy (ACC) Griffins secured silver, and the Business & Management (B&M) Vipers settled for bronze.

The cheerdance competition was held on September 18, at 4F Martin Hall, Ateneo de Davao University.