Filipinos have clever ways of entertaining. They definitely have a heart of fun and gold, so when dire or awkward moments arise, you know they’re dealt well – merriment just goes along for everyone at the end of the day.
At a stale time waiting for the tallying of scores and official results during the UAAP Cheerdance Competition last Saturday, a fan of the NU Pep Squad caught the attention of many attendees at the MOA Arena through his impromptu beauty pageant like catwalk going down the stairs of the lowerbox section.
Photo by Martin San Diego
Soon, representatives and fans of other schools, such as FEU, UE and Adamson decided to join in the fun.
National University student Jaja Kimura had his moments to shine where many of the NU Community and fans were seated at in the annual UAAP competition.
WHEN IN MANILA was able to reach out to Kimura for an exclusive interview.
“My UAAP experience was a blast – it was fun!! Even though the NU Pep squad wasn’t able to get the gold for 5-peat. I was able to share happiness by entertaining them. I started supporting NU Pep last year when I first watched CDC live.”
The #UAAPCDC2017 was one for the books, but it’s not safe from our blooper reel treatment. Enjoy! ?✌ pic.twitter.com/KqNf3JY15m
— ABS-CBN Sports (@abscbnsports) December 5, 2017
Twelfth-grade senior high school student Kimura was a part of the thousands of UAAP cheerdance fans that supported their respective pep squads last Saturday, December 3.
Kimura described his shining moments as a way to bring joy to the NU community, while waiting anxiously for the competition results.
Donning an orange NU Pep Squad t-shirt and ripped jeans, Kimura strutted down the lowerbox aisle with large-sized paper abanicos in blue and yellow stuck on his arms, with a smaller version of such that stood as a makeshift crown. Kimura also wore a National University banner that dubbed as a sash.
NU crowd: happy lang, walang hate. Spread love, spread happiness!!! ?? #McDoBonFriesNU pic.twitter.com/M4IviztwRP
— National University Forum (@forumNU) December 2, 2017
Pinasaya n’yo kami! All love! ?? pic.twitter.com/E8iEtvDySK
— National University Forum (@forumNU) December 2, 2017
“My beauty queen ramp is for my fellow audience and of course, the NU Pep Squad. I have done this to put smiles on their faces and lighten up the situation even if we didn’t make it to the Top 3,” he explains.
The NU Pep Squad was vying for their fifth consecutive championship title with their under-the-sea themed routine, but garnered points weren’t enough to secure a placement in the Top 3, where they finished fourth place in this year’s season.
“It made me laugh, what I did. Also, I felt challenged – to exert more effort in embellishing the props [I had]. My best friends helped me by attaching to my neck and arms the paper fans using transparent tape.”Â
Photo by Martin San Diego
Despite the outcome, Kimura still felt happy and fulfilled with what he did.
“A true Bulldog never gives up. A Bulldog is humble, strong and confidently beautiful with a heart. That what makes me a proud Bulldog.”
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Follow Martin San Diego’s Instagram account at @martinsandiego.
