by Lance Cruz
Carrying the FEPSian spirit through the means of “cheerleading,” students from FEPS Al Shahba and Halwan, along with the recently joined NFPS, partake as performers for the 11th season of the yearly event commonly known as the FIBA 3×3 World Tour, hosting its final games here in Abu Dhabi on the 10th and 11th of December.
The FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2022 is among the various events under the management of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). They host numerous events around the world, and for the past few years, the FEPSians have consecutively participated in 3 events so far: the Abu Dhabi Masters 2021, the World Expo 3×3 Dubai Championship 2022, and finishing with the most recent participation in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final 2022.
The selected students of each respective school came up with a cheer dance choreography in less than two weeks, practicing even during the weekends to perfect and polish the dance, ultimately preparing themselves for the day of the performance, which was due on the 11th of December 2022.
The vast combination of performers from the different schools makes for such a diverse team. We have people like Althea Laxamana (Grade 10, Shahba) and Jhoy Gumatay (Grade 9, Shahba) returning to dance once more for this third event; many others, however, are like Terelene Edera (Grade 10, NFPS) participating for the first time. The team was led under the supervision of Mary Jade De Leon (Grade 12, Halwan).
The final matches were held in the Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, with numerous nationalities participating, including our very own Team Philippines (composed of Filipino women). Besides the brawling teams, there were showcases of talent through stunts and cheerleading by multiple other groups, including the school’s astonishing FEPSian Cheerleading Squad.
The time came and the team executed the performance with great prowess and elegance. Motivating them was the thought of all the hard work and time sacrificed by each individual on the dance floor. In the end, the students were given the spotlight to show the culmination of their hard work, carrying the FEPSian spirit within their hearts.