T’nalak Cheerdance Competition 2016 Champion - Xavier University Crusader Cheer Allstars. Supplied photo.
Xavier University Crusader Cheer Allstars emerged as the champion at the T’nalak Cheerdance Competition in South Cotabato on July 14.
Held at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center, the XU team dominated over seven squads from different parts of Mindanao: Madayaw Cheer Revolution Cheetahs of Davao City, Ace Allstars of the University of Southeastern Philippines in Tagum City, Tagoloan Community College Tigers of Misamis Oriental, Glittering Wildcats of General Santos City, University of Southern Mindanao - Kidapawan Cheer Knights, Quezon Allstar Flamingos of Davao City, and Bananoy Magnate Allstars of Panabo City.
The road to T’nalak for the XU Crusader Cheer Allstars began when the office of Student Activities and Leadership Development (SACDEV) asked the College of Computer Studies Wizards, the 2015 XU Intramurals Cheerdance Champion, to organize a new squad to represent Xavier at the T’nalak Cheerdance Competition.
As rebirth of the former cheerdancing group known as Crusader Cheerforce back in 2009, the XU Crusader Cheer Allstars envision to be officially recognized by the university.
“The ambition to bring back an official university squad has finally begun,” squad moderator and SACDEV head Richel Petalcurin said. “I believe that each student is unique, with talents and skills. I realized how significant support and guidance is in every endeavor.”
Practices and other preparations started as early as April, Petalcurin shared. “We thank the parents of our students who supported them from the first day of practice until the championship."
Due to limited financial resources, Petalcurin agreed with the outgoing CCS council president Seid Arcala and Comstud Wizards team captain Neil Jordan Paña to make use of the Comstud Wizards’ “style-and-color-shifting” cheerdance costumes (which they used during 2015 XU Intramurals Cheerdance Competition) for the T'nalak event. The team’s budget was provided through the contributions of SACDEV, the Office of Mission and Ministry, XU Confederated Parents Faculty Association, and the transportation support of the city government of Cagayan de Oro.
“We look forward to more opportunities to promote sportsmanship and embody magis in and outside the university through cheerdancing. This all is for the greater glory of God,” Petalcurin said.
Arvin Jay Bantigue and Jerah Ebao served as coaches of the XU squad along with team captain Neil Jordan Pana and assistant team captain Francis Carlo Balatero.
The champion squad received the grand prize worth PhpP90,000 while Php70,000 went to the 1st Runner-up and Php60,000 for the 2nd Runner-Up. Non-winning groups also received Php26,000 each as consolation.
The said competition was one of the most anticipated events during the T’nalak Festival that packed the South Cotabato Gym and Cultural Center full.
Held every July, the T’nalak Festival, also known as Tinalak Festival, celebrates the charter anniversary of South Cotabato. Other highlights of the festival included the energetic street parades, diverse sporting activities, and exhibitions of local products. The festival got its name from a colorful cloth made out of abaca, woven by local T’boli women, called “t’nalak.” ∎