The University of Santo Tomas will glow yellow with touches of tiger print on Tuesday as they celebrate the Salinggawi Dance Troupe’s 2nd-runner-up finish at the UAAP Cheerdance Competition.

The Thomasian community has a huge reason to celebrate: after three years of going home empty-handed, “nakabawi ang Gawi.”

“Sobrang saya po namin kasi di po talaga kami nag-eexpect na magkaka-place kami,” said team captain MC de la Cruz.

UST has been out of the top three since 2011, when they finished 4th behind Far Eastern University. In 2012, they placed outside the top 3 right after podium rookie National University.

Last year, the troupe hit its lowest ranking in the competition at 7th place, besting only Ateneo De Manila University.

“Ang gusto lang po namin ay mapasaya ang mga Tomasino at magkaroon ng perfect routine,” said de la Cruz.  “Bonus na lang yung nanalo kami.”

UST holds the competition’s longest winning streak with five, from 2002-2006, while they’re tied with the University of the Philippines for the most number of titles won. (by Ronin Bautista and Francis Fulgar)

MORE: UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2014 in photos