True to its message during its performance at Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, the University of the East Pep Squad rose from the ashes of countless defeats to clinch third place in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition and end a podium drought that lasted 15 years.

UE surprised everyone with its phoenix-inspired showing, surpassing and stunning perennial champions National University and University of the Philippines along the way.

“Wala na kaming ibang sasabihin kung hindi sobrang saya. Worth it iyong lahat ng pagod. Nakaka-excite. Excited na kami next year,” said head coach Dico Ili, who added that the team was hopeful it would land a top-3 finish after its performance.

"Sabi nga nila palagi, we always fall down during the competition. Lagi kami tumutupi, lagi kami nahihirapan."

But not this time.

"Inisip namin na just like the phoenix, after it rises it will stay there until the time it has to be reborn again," Ili added. "Pinandigan talaga namin iyong theme."

This was UE's second podium finish since joining the competition, the last was in 2002.

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