SHOWCASING GRIT, the Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion competed in the Open All-Girl Group stunts and Open Co-ed Group stunts at recently concluded 2026 National Cheerleading Championships (NCC), held from March 28–29 at the Blue Eagle Gym. 

Among five competing schools, the Blue Babble Battalion’s squad for the Open All-Girl Group stunts bagged the first runner-up award. Head Coach Jerome Hernandez mentioned that they faced difficulties from the outset, as the athletes adjusted to level six routines after competing in level five in their high school. 

Composed of Alexia Abrigo, Doyeen Galicia, Hanna Ramos, Margarita Reyes, Zoe Tabaque, and Andrea Tabberrah, the smaller unit were challenged  to meet the added demands of the group stunts division, making their podium finish a testament to the hard work and dedication they poured into their preparation.

As the group initially focused on the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89, they did not expect to compete in the NCC. However, with the competition set at the Blue Eagle Gym, the squad was determined to represent the Blue and White on their own home turf.

The Blue and White also performed in the Open Co-ed Group Stunts, ranking seventh out of eight competitors. The team was composed of Geryna Abarcar, Archie Cilot, Victor Medina, Ghian Valderamo, and Val Vergara. 

Stepping into the competition, Abarcar shared that their overall goal was to “give a clean performance that could compete against others.” She emphasized that the Blue Babble Battalion wanted to prove that they were capable of competing against some of the top teams in Philippine cheer.

Coach Hernandez highlights this year’s NCC as a stepping stone toward their UAAP preparations after seeing higher morale, more intensity, and sharper focus from the team. Carrying this drive into the UAAP Cheer Dance Competition Season 89, the Blue Babble Battalion is motivated and ready to showcase more of their capabilities next season.