Mapúa Cheerping Cardinals clinch fourth place finish in NCAA 100 Cheerleading

Article by: Sean Carlo O. Samonte

Graphics by: Albert Dylan D. David and Sean Carlo O. Samonte

Photo by: Sean Carlo O. Samonte

Electrifying the Ethafoam mats with a fresh and energetic routine, the Mapúa Cheerping Cardinals (MCC), Mapúa University’s official pep squad, pumped their cheer shoes to land a fourth-place finish in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 Cheerleading Competition (CLC) last May 22 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Performing third out of nine participating institutions with a “Wake Up!” themed performance, the squad flared new and improved stunts, pyramids, tumbling passes, and tosses to score 193.5 points, surpassing last season’s tally of 184 points.

With the Captain Mike Gerald V. Ocay and Co-Captain Divo Jazz R. Joson at the helm, the powerhouse 21-member Cheerping Cardinals squad united talent across seven generations—spanning from the battle-tested Batch 2017 to the fiery newcomers of Batch 2024. Behind their jam-packed performances were the sharp minds and steady hands of coaches Francis M. Obenario and Anthony M. Ombac, whose guidance helped turn raw energy into high-caliber execution.

However, their journey from the university gym to the performance mats was certainly not an easy flight. Being a group sport that required immense physical activity, the utmost demand for the body is a catalyst for potential injuries. Yet, amidst the unseen blood, sweat, and tears, the team still stood strong to deliver the Mapúan community a piece worthy of applaud, praise, and respect.

Crowned as the first-ever NCAA Cheerleading Competition (CLC) champions back in 2004—a historic victory that earned them their first and only gold medal—the MCC have long carried the flame of potential and perseverance. Though their last podium finish came in 2019 with a hard-fought bronze, the squad has continued to evolve, sharpen their skills, and strengthen their team spirit with every season.

With their recent resurgence and consistent climb in rankings, the Cardinals are steadily shaping themselves into a formidable contender—one with the drive, discipline, and determination to reclaim their place at the top and emerge as the next NCAA CLC powerhouse.

Earlier in the year, the Cheerping Cardinals soared to greater heights as they competed in the National Cheerleading Championships (NCC) Season 18 held last March 29 to 30 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. As one of the NCC’s founding squads, the red and gold’s comeback snatched a silver in the Open All-Girl Pom Duo Category through Alyssa E. Cabading and Mikaela Beatriz D. Po’s Burlesque-themed piece that bested two other competitors on March 29. On the next day, the MCC took the fourth-place spot in the College Co-Ed Cheer Division with a dazzling routine built by beats of the famous popstar, Kesha.

Now that the NCAA Season 100 has come to its conclusion, there is still more to the Cheerping Cards than being the cheerleaders clad in vibrant and shiny uniforms. From flying high on competition mats to grinding through academic deadlines, the Mapúa Cheerping Cardinals continue to prove that their strength isn’t just in stunts or tosses—but in heart, discipline, and unshakable school pride.

As the echoes of Season 100 fade, this squad isn’t just cheering for the moment—they’re building a legacy, one cheer at a time.