UP Pep Squad: History and Key Facts

The University of the Philippines Varsity Pep Squad, more popularly known as the UP Pep Squad or simply UP Pep, was formed in 1994.

By the Pop Culture Files editorial team•Updated September 29, 2026•2 min read•✓ Fact-checked

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The University of the Philippines Varsity Pep Squad, more popularly known as the UP Pep Squad or simply UP Pep, was formed in 1994. Beginning as a group of 5 UP basketball fans known as the "Hecklers", the squad eventually became the official cheerleading and cheerdance team of the University of the Philippines. The squad performs at the halftime of the basketball games of the UP Fighting Maroons in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and represents the University in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition, where they were the champions for eight non-consecutive years (1999, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012). UP holds the unprecedented most podium finishes at 20 years straight.

The group holds Elevate: Lift One Another Up, an annual dance concert and cheerdance competition in the University. The squad also performs at different university events and functions.

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