The National University (NU) Pep attempts distance itself from the rest of the competition when it shoots for back-to-back titles and a record-breaking ninth crown when the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 Cheerdance Competitions unfolds Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Raising the bar high for the past decade, NU Pep will perform sixth in a competition order set for the first time in the event’s history, as the league decided to adopt the hosting order as its basis.

Now in its second season under head coach Gab Bacajan, the multititled squad is ready to outpace and outlast everyone with its signature ninja moves, aiming to claim a ninth title and break the deadlock at eight with University of Santo Tomas (UST) and University of the Philippines (UP).

“Very different from what we were doing last year. Our hardwork the previous years have produced (positive) results,” said Bacajan about their routine this year, assuring it will be fast-paced.

“We are happy that we have new players coming in now, and this will prepare them when they are seniors already. A lot of members are graduating this year.”

Another first in this year’s competition is the united call of the UAAP and its member universities for accountability and transparency in government, urging spectators to wear white at one of the league’s biggest events, following the call of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

“Cheerdance can also be a platform,” said UAAP Season 88 president Fr. Rodel Cansancio of host UST. “We are inviting fans and supporters of the CDC (Cheerdance Competitions) to wear white. It has already been approved by the Board of Directors. We have decided that all member schools ask our alumni, fans, and supporters to wear white.”