A dancesport couple did not only win in love but also in #SEAGames2019, which is being held in the country.
Filipino ballroom dancers Mark Jayson Gayon and Mary Joy Renigen grabbed two golds and a silver medal at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games at the Royce Hotel this Sunday after reigning in Standard Waltz and Standard Slow Foxtrot dancesport events.
But unlike other competitors, the two athletes’ sweet gestures and glances on the dance floor are expressions of their love.
According to dance athletes, dance chemistry is not a problem for them because every movement is real, and they think of each other even before they start their routine.
“You don’t have to fake it. It’s already there. I’m so proud that we’re together,” said Renigen, who is a first time participant in the dancesport #SEAGames2019.
Read: 2019 Southeast Asian Games medal tally updated
It was four years since the couple began dating when Renigen applied for her internship at Gayon’s Studio 116.
“Super tested yung relationship namin through dancing kasi minsan yung pasensya mo. Everyday kami magkasama and minsan yung galit namin about each other ay about dancing na,” Renigen shared.
(Our relationship is super tested through dancing because it’s your patience. Every day we’re together and sometimes our anger about each other is about dancing.)
Meanwhile, Gayon and Renigen thanked the Filipinos for coming to the venue and for their warm and friendly support. According to Gayon, it is a great privilege for him to represent the Philippines.
“Sobrang saya ng feeling kasi you have your the Filipinos at your back. Hindi lang ikaw yung nirerepresent, hindi lang kami, hindi lang yung flag, kundi lahat ng taong nanonood sa amin,” said Renigen.
(It’s a great feeling because you have your Filipinos at your back. It’s not just you who gets represented, it’s not just us, not just the flag, but everyone who watches us.)