by Alexia Hernandez
In a show-stopping performance, the College of Business Administration (CBA) Golden Bees claimed the inaugural cheerpop competition championship title during the 2025 All-University Intramurals held at the Lamberto L. Macias Sports and Cultural Complex last Mar. 1.
The CBA Golden Bees delivered strong choreography and synchronized stunts in their bench cheering and modern dance routine, besting 10 other competing colleges.
“It’s [a] mixed emotion but at the same time I am happy because all the hard [work] paid off,” said Melbourne James Wapili, cheerpop captain of the CBA Golden Bees.
Wapili shared that they trained intensively from late January while balancing academics.
“My team dedicated countless hours of training. Aside from the physical aspect, we also focused on team bonding and building trust in each other,” he added.
He also emphasized that their victory came from perseverance, saying teamwork, dedication, and the guidance of their coach and advisors helped them overcome challenges.
Meanwhile, the Institute of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences (ICLS) Hornets finished as first runner-up followed by the College of Engineering and Design (CED) Raptors at second runner-up and the College of Nursing (CON) Blue Warriors at third runner-up.
A set of minor awards was also given to the participating contingents as recognition for their performance in the different categories.
The Institute of Rehabilitative Sciences (IRS) Agilas received the ‘Best Concept’ award, the College of Business Administration (CBA) Golden Bees won ‘Best in Costume’, while the Institute of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences (ICLS) Hornets clinched both ‘Best Cheer’ and ‘Best Team Captain’ awards.
Cheerpop debuts
The Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) Cheering Committee introduced the cheerpop competition, consisting of bench cheering and modern dance.
Each team first presented a 2-minute and 45-second bench cheering routine, where members remained seated while delivering synchronized chants, rhythmic claps, and coordinated upper-body movements.
After a brief intermission, teams then performed a 5-minute modern dance routine, featuring dynamic choreography and expressive movements infused with Filipino elements and references.
SUSG CheerComm Co-Chairperson Head Samantha Rae Sumanoy shared how this year’s pivotal run of the cheerpop competition was realized.
“This moment has been surreal because my team has been working on [it] for years, for years just to bring this back,” Sumanoy said, crediting the team and past chairpersons’ efforts.
