SUBIC - Team Philippines scored twin gold medals in the 30th Southeast Asian Games rowing event on Saturday at the ACEA Beach Resort here.
Cris Nievares delivered the first gold for the contingent after topping the men's lightweight singles sculls with a time of 7:34.27.
The 19-year-old rower from Quezon Province didn't expect this conquest right in his first SEAG stint, but he revelled in the victory nonetheless.
"I really didn't expect this. The Lord guided me throughout the race," said Nievares in Filipino.
"The undying support of my family, my friends, and coaches: they are my motivation coming into this competition."
Thailand's Siripong Chaiwichitchonkul finished the race in 7:35.01 for silver, while Kakan Kusmana of Indonesia logged 7:39.54 seconds to settle for the bronze.
Meanwhile, Joanie Delgaco and Melcah Jen Cabellero paddled their way to the gold medal of the lightweight women's double sculls.
The Filipina duo clocked in 7:24.21 to rule the tournament at the Triboa Bay.
Vietnam's Thi Hao Dinh and Than Huyen Ta claimed the silver medal (7:27.65) whileShwe Zin Latt and Nilar Win of Malaysia seized the bronze mint (7:30.23).