Rising from the Bottom: How the National University Pep Squad Turned Setbacks into a Legacy of Champions — A Lesson for Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion Fans

MANILA, Philippines — December 2, 2025 — What once seemed impossible has now become a story of hope, resilience, and triumph. The National University (NU) Pep Squad, a program that endured 12 consecutive last-place finishes, has transformed into a dynasty of champions, inspiring athletes and fans across the Philippines — including the Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion (ABB), who recently faced their own challenges in the UAAP Season 88 Cheerdance Competition.

“Your UAAP Cheerdance Competition champion… the NU Pep Squad!” has been bellowed since 2013 nine different times, yet the program’s rise to glory was anything but easy. From laughingstock to podium finishers, NU Pep endured 12 consecutive last-place finishes before finally achieving a breakthrough in 2012, and then consecutive championship titles starting 2013. Driven by elite coaching, grassroots recruitment, and meticulous planning, the squad turned setbacks into gold-winning routines, proving that perseverance and teamwork pay off.

Former NU Pep Squad head coach Ghicka Bernabe Christoff recently addressed the public amid ongoing criticism of the ABB after their last-place finish. In a heartfelt social media post, Christoff urged fans to ease up on bashing the Ateneo team and consider the impact of negative comments on young athletes.

“I’m begging everyone to stop bashing the Ateneo team, come on guys, let’s support them! Imagine yung hurtful words na binabato nyo sa team. Umuwi na nga silang malungkot tapos makikita nila sa social media pinagtatawanan na naman sila,” Christoff said.

She also warned that constant negativity could affect the team’s development, recruitment, and retention of athletes:

“Paano sila makakpag recruit next season e discouraged na yung mga athletes? Paano magtutuloy yung mga present members kung napapagtawanan lang sila… kaya ayun lagi puro bago. Mahirap po para sa coach na majority ng team ay bago.”

Christoff encouraged fans to uplift teams striving to improve, highlighting that even champions like NU Pep Squad started from the bottom:

“If we really want them na mag improve, upgrade or makakita ng competitive routine, I boost na lang po natin sila… Remember where the NU Pep Squad started? Lagi nasa 7th or 8th? Pero nasaan ang NU now? Nothing is impossible.”

She also reminded the public of the physical risks and emotional toll that athletes face during high-level routines, urging compassion and support rather than ridicule.

The NU Pep Squad’s story, paired with Christoff’s message, is more than a tale of victories. It is a lesson in resilience, empathy, and vision. From last place to the most bemedaled program in UAAP Cheerdance history, their journey proves that with hard work, support, and determination, even the underdogs can rise to greatness.