Cheerdance in the heat of the Ironman race

Members of the Pusok National High School cheerdance squad practice their routine hoping to defend their title this Sunday. (CDN PHOTO/ NORMAN V. MENDOZA)

Aside from just getting extra points for a subject in school, students participating in the cheerdance competition for the upcoming Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines are also quite excited to see triathletes in action this Sunday.

Jonah Mallari, a resident of barangay Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City, is among 30 students of the Pusok National High School that is preparing to defend its title in the cheerdance competition.

The cheerdance contest has been held in all three years of the Ironman event in Cebu and it is part of Lapu-Lapu City’s bid to spice up the race.

Cebu Daily News caught up with the 17-year old Mallari in the 11th day of the team’s practice. She said aside from her love for dancing, her curiousity about the Ironman event is also what led her to joining the team.

“Mahilig naman ko daan og sayaw, mao nga niapil ko ani,” she said. “Gawas pa, gusto sad ko motan-aw og klaro sa mga participants sa Ironman.” (I am really fond of dancing that’s why I decided to join. Aside from that, I also wanted to have a better view of the Ironman participants.)

She added that she is very excited about the upcoming event and at the same time is focused on giving her best in order to defend the group’s title in the cheerdance competition.

Mrs. Carolina Almeda, a representative for music, arts, physical education and home economics (MAPEH) said everything is going well with their choreography.

“Though we started late for this year’s preparation for the Ironman cheerdance, I can see the students’ confidence that they will be able to defend the title,” Almeda said.

She added that aside from the extra points for their grades in MAPEH, the students’ participation will also be a chance for them to be chosen for bigger competitions such as the Palaro.

Aside from the cheerdance competition, Lapu-Lapu Mayor Paz Radaza also asked students to cheer along the race route. The cheering competition will be held at the Discovery Bay, the tip portion of barangay Punta Engano, which is now owned by Sta. Lucia Realty.  The run leg of the Ironman will have its turning point there.