The graceful Pinoy dancers also collected a pair of silvers in the discipline, which was contested for the first time in SEAG history, as the Philippines set a bright tone for its bid to win its first overall championship in the biennial sports conclave.
The Filipino dance athletes performed in amazing fashion to come up with a historic feat as SEAG’s first dancesport champions at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino grand ballroom,
Leading RP’s charge on the dance floor were Cebuano Michael Mendoza and Belinda Adora, who bested compatriots John Erolle Melencio and Dearlie Gerodias to seize the gold in Latin category, which features cha cha, samba, jive (boogie), rumba, and paso doble. Thailand’s Watchahakorn Suasueepun and Warapa Jumbala got the bronze.
"It was really overwhelming. Honestly, I did not expect that we will win. We’re so happy to make history as the first gold medalist in SEA Games dancesport," said Mendoza.
Not to be outdone, the tandem of Rico Rosima and Filomena Salvador also waltzed their way to a golden finish in the Standard category which consists of waltz, tango, Vienese waltz, slow foxtrot, and quickstep.
"Well done. It feels good to win," said Rosima, who considers his SEAG triumph as the biggest achievement in his career, so far.
Rosima and Salvador defeated teammates Emmanuel Reyes and Maira Rosete for another 1-2 finish for RP bets. The bronze went to Thailand’s Pawatpong Racha-apai, and Chanawan Potimu.
Team Cebu City-Dancesport director Edward Hayco later congratulated the winners.
"I’m almost speechless. It was the power that our dance athletes projected to our audience that captivated the adjudicators," said Hayco.
"I’m very happy we fulfilled our goal of sweeping the two gold medals at stake in dancesport. Its worth all the hardships and sacrifices we’ve made," said the Team Cebu City-Dancesport head coach Loloi Rendon.
Aside from the golds, the organizers also scored a resounding triumph of sort as some of the foreign delegates have nothing but words of praise and adulation for the impressive manner the hosts ran the competition.
"They (organizers) were so professional. But what really struck me when I arrived at the airport was the hearty attitude and warm welcome of the people. It’s so amazing. The crowd is so appreciative and they cheer for other countries too. They made us feel at home," said Vietnamese athlete Vu Hoai Phuong.