Philippine National Figure Skating Championships

On November 26-27, 2014, SM Skating Rink, along with the Philippine Skating Union will hold the Philippine’s National Figure Skating Championships—a competition that is designed to emerge a pool of skaters positioned to represent the country in the upcoming international skating competitions.

Earlier this year, the world laid witness to the Philippines’ home-grown figure skater, Michael Martinez, make his mark in the global arena as the first South East Asian figure skater to enter the Winter Olympics. Now managed by SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc., SM skating rink aims to develop a group of athletes specializing in winter-based sports who are capable and ready to represent the Philippines in 2015 ice skating competitions.

The 2014 Philippine National Figure Skating Championship is a step toward accomplishing the brand’s goal to recognize the potential of each skater. Catering solely to Filipino and Filipino-Foreign figure skaters, the Philippine National Figure Skating Competition gives Filipinos the chance to showcase their talents on a formal platform. 

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.