FROM UAAP CHEERDANCE CHAMPIONS TO GYMNASTICS RISING STARS
FROM UAAP CHEERDANCE CHAMPIONS TO GYMNASTICS RISING STARS
From sharing the limelight in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) to
representing the country, Jean Caluscusin and Roanne Beltran, both from Far Eastern
University (FEU) had the privilege to be part of the gymnastics national team.
During their playing years in UAAP, Caluscusin and Beltran helped their team, FEU
Cheering Squad bag the crown and medals.
UAAP CHEERDANCE CHAMPIONS TO GYMNASTICS
UAAP Experience
Beltran’s first competition in UAAP placed the second runner-up. Their batch was also the
first team in FEU who completed the National Cheerleading Competition (NCC).
It was just Beltran’s dream to be part of the UAAP, ” I remember when I was in high school, I
always watch UAAP halftimes and Cheerdance Competition,” narrates the 26-year-old
Bulacan native.
“Isa sa dream school ko FEU kasi alam ko malakas FEU pagdating sa UAAP. Sabi
ko sa sarili ko, someday I will join CDC.”
“Dapat hindi ako sa FEU mag-audition nun. May nag-invite sa akin na mag try out
sa UE, kasi alumna ng high school namin captain nila. Pero, swerte ako kasi
tinanggap ako ng FEU, nila Mam Lot at Mam Jack.”
On the other hand, Caluscusin was part of the second title of the team in 2009.
But before the 25-year-old Manila gymnast entered FEU, she recalled she went there to try her luck and get a scholarship.
“Nag-inquire kami ng mama ko sa head ng cheering squad kung my slot pa ng
dancer and laking bagay then ng pagiging gymnast ko kasi yun ung required nila
sa team.”
“Pinagtraining nila ako for how many weeks before the ranking for UAAP cast
then finally nakasama ako sa UAAP casting ng FEU Cheering Squad by Coach
Jacquiline Alolor Alota.”
When Caluscusin entered FEUCS, their batch was tagged as the most flexible group of
having rhythmic and artistic gymnasts in the team. But bringing the FEU on top was not easy.
“We had this mantra: discipline, determination, and dedication. It was printed on our team \
shirt.” Beltran said.
Every year, the two national gymnasts make sure that they will not miss the UAAP CDC. But
when asked about what they can say in UAAP CDC.
“Lahat ng team ngayon malaki ang inimprove. Andun ‘yung eagerness and
fighting spirit nila para magawa lahat ng skills nila.” Caluscusin said.
“Sobrang nag-level up na. Hindi mo masasabi kung sino ang papasok sa top 3.
Andun pa rin yung excitement and kaba.” Beltran shared.
International Arena
They may be newbies in bringing medals on the international stage but Caluscusin who
competed for the first time in Southeast Asian (SEA) Games brought the bronze medal for
the rhythmic gymnastics group (RGG).
They were also fortunate to experience courtesy call with President Rodrigo Duterte.
“ Sobrang proud sya sa mga atletang Pilipino.”
While fresh from Australia, Beltran finished 5th overall in her category.
Even without any Filipino coaches to assist her in Australia, her bravery and determination
did not stop there. It was not excused for her yet she managed to perform her best with the
help of Australian coaches and gymnasts.
“Im so thankful with GAP and of course Gymnastics Australia for allowing me to
compete there. Lalo na kay God, hindi ko kasi expected na makakapunta ako
sa Australia.”
Even after competition, she shared of meeting and training with an Italian coach and Aussie
gymnasts,”Kung mas matagal pa siguro ako dun, mas maganda kasi iba yung feeling na
nakakasabay sila magtraining.
Last two weeks ko, bakasyon ko ‘yun with my relatives dahil sa anila I got to tour around
Sydney and New South Wales.”
After their experiences, both Caluscusin and Beltran are looking forward to competing and
winning medals in 2019 Manila SEA Games.
“Marami pang pagdaanan, wala pa ako napapatunayan, kailangan ko pang magtraining at
suporta. Hindi madali maging athlete at the same time nagta-trabaho.
Time management, patience and proper rest kailangan,” Beltran stressed.
Calusucusin also eyes gold medal in the next biennial meet.
“Pinaghahandaan ko sa 2019 SEA Games yung gold medal na gusto namin
makamit, syempre kailangan ng matinding training, matinding self confidence at
focus pa sa mga ginagawa.”
Aside from being a national athlete, Beltran juggles working for a broadcasting company as a
writer and as a gymnastics coach in British School Manila.
While Caluscusin is part of the coaching staff of pep squad in Ateneo de Manila University,
and now preparing her team for the upcoming UAAP CDC.
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