Photo by Gelay Davocol
For some, Letran’s Lakas Arriba Cheerleading Team (LACT)’s return to the 93rd NCAA Cheerleading Competition did not turn out well.
But for the team, it was all worth it.
Last season, LACT failed to join the annual cheerleading competition due to the suspension of some members. Wanting to make things up, however, the whole squad focused on rebuilding and started filling in the missing pieces by recruiting rookies, most of them were boys from senior high school.
Things quickly fell into the right place as LACT regained their stage spirit, announcing their big comeback in the NCAA last month.
Although they fell into 7th place this year, members strongly believed that their lowly ranking won’t define LACT’s talent. After all, the hard work, effort, and blood and sweat in practices are all that matters.
“To be honest, hindi kami after sa kung anong magiging rank namin,” said flyer Princess Jean Basister. “Ang goal lang namin is mag-enjoy lahat kami habang nag pe-perform and makapagbigay ng maganda show para sa mga manonood and sa supporters namin.”
After their comeback performance, the team turned emotional backstage as the thought of them finally getting back in the spotlight finally sunk in.
“Lahat umiiyak sa saya, kasi alam namin binigay ng bawat isa yung best nila kaya wala kaming pinagsisisihan,” said Basister.
Despite not giving Letran many accolades in the cheerleading scene, LACT is thankful to represent the Colegio, believing that the obstacles they face will not stop them from putting on a show.
“Napatunayan namin sa lahat na may LACT pa ring lumalaban. Napakita namin sa Letran community, sa mga alumni ng Pep (squad), na kaya pa rin namin.”