Olympian Michael Martinez Is Back And Buff!

Philippines' Winter Olympian Michael Martinez comes back home to pursue new heights in his career. Though he might have put his skates aside, his passion for the sport still continues. His presence was quite quiet in the past few years as he stayed in the US and even got a day job.

His online presence is still followed by fans and was very surprised with his transformation from a lean teenager now buffed up as he also grew in size and even got the Olympic rings tattooed on his chest. Now 21, he said that his comeback here in the Philippines will also mean meeting brands and partners which will open old and new partnerships for him.

Though he was quite disappointed when he failed to qualify for the recent Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, he will continue to work to make the Olympic dream come true. He shared that made a successful quad axel jump which was considered an impossible feat for competitive figure skating.

First Speed Skating Event to Take Place in SM Skating Rink

For the first time in the Philippines, the country will host an international speed skating tournament from October 21-23, 2014 – a recreational competition to hone skaters for events such as the Winter Olympics.

More than 72 delegates from neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, and Indonesia will be competing for the gold medal. Usually held in South Korea, China, or Japan, this is the first time that the Philippine Skating Union and International Skating Union will hold the event in the Philippines.

Representing the country is Fil-Am speed skater, Kathryn Victory Magno, who has been coached by ice skating big wigs such as David Glenn and Justin Dillon. Having been trained in the United States, she has won second overall in her division during her first speed skating race, and is currently being trained for the NorCal Speed Skating Association’s State Championships and Age Group Nationals. Kathryn hopes to continue to represent the Philippines for speed skating in succeeding competitions, and in the Winter Olympics 2018.

Short track speed skating is a competitive Olympic sport that requires four to six players to swiftly race against each other on an oval ice format. To introduce a prestigious ice sport and develop the range of sports for the Filipino, the SM Skating Rink along with the Philippine Skating Union introduces speed skating through a 3-day international competition sanctioned by the International Skating Union and its regional organization for all Asian countries, the Asian Skating Union.

The Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2014 takes place in SM Megamall’s Mega Fashion Hall on October 21-23, 2014 from 12:40 PM to 6 PM. Admission for guests in the audience is free. 

For more information on the Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy 2014, visit www.facebook.com/smiceskating or dial 556-0471. 

Be the next Michael Christian Martinez!

As the first ever South East Asian figure skater to enter the 2013 World Junior Championship and giving an impressive performance at the recently held Soichi Winter Olympics, there’s no stopping Michael Christian Martinez in reaping honors for the Philippines as he recently bagged the much coveted gold medal from the Triglav Trophy International Figure Skating Competition in Jesenice, Slovenia.

Inspired by skaters spinning and jumping at the SM Skating Rink in SM Southmall, Martinez took up figure skating when he was eight and began training in 2010 in the United States. Since then, he has been transformed into a world-class athlete and has garnered over 190 medals and trophies from various international and local competitions.

Homegrown Olympian Bags Gold in Slovenia Tourney

Homegrown Olympian Michael Christian Martinez bagged the gold in the recently held Triglav Trophy International Figure Skating Competition in Jesenice, Slovenia. The 18-year old Martinez finished the free skate finals in the Senior Men’s category with a score of 195.13 points, besting Japan, United Kingdom, Korea, Austria and Norway.

“I thank God for this blessing, another gold medal in the senior event. I’m very happy I made it to first place,” Martinez said on his Facebook page. 

Win Disney On Ice Presents Princesses and Heroes Tickets From Araneta Center!

Kids and kids-at-heart I know that you are excited for the biggest Disney event happening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with Disney On Ice Presents Princesses and Heroes! See you favorite characters come alive and do amazing stunts and slides on ice starting on Christmas Day! And the most exciting thing is Araneta Center is giving away tickets to the show!

Win tickets to the Disney On Ice Presents Princesses & Heroes!

Promo period:  December 21 – 30, 2012

See below for the mechanics of the contest