Amazing 17 year old Pinoy Skater is the first Filipino of SEA to qualify for the Olympics; Support him tonight!

<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05zEIfRF7YHPU87hYvRLaLMbmgUw6I-OGhd9JbD3RDBKZRjQQ1gvzHhEB6SqpQHtapJJcUi9yo78TMuTsIEwO0TiTPEjPNHjyqRr3wMu_N41PcXJVYmqMZe0wTMjF_mpXbC1OEK6bFAs/s1600/2014-01-31T114212Z_1_CBREA0U0WIN00_RTROPTP_3_SPORTS-US-OLYMPICS-USA-OBAMA_JPG_475x310_q85.jpg" width="640" /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Michael Christian Martinez </b>and his mother have gone to the ends of the Earth to gather funds for his ice skating hobby where his talent goes international.</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever since he was a young boy, Michael Martinez has had a passion for ice skating. Martinez, as frail as he was, still took up ice skating lessons at the </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SM </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">skating rinks where his mother found promise in his abilities and supported him fully through thick and thin. The result: Martinez gathering over 180 medals at countries all over the world at the age of 13.</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since 2010 both Martinez and his mom have gone back and forth from the Philippines to the U.S. in order for Martinez to receive proper training from international coaches like <b>Ilia Kulic </b>and <b>John Nicks</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their sacrifices to the travel and expenses were worth it as Martinez won two senior international competitions which included the <b>2012 Crystal Skate </b>in <b>Romania</b>. The competition where he placed seventh was the <b>2013 Nebelhorn Tournament </b>in <b>Germany</b> which qualified him to participate in the <b>2014 Winter Olympics.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although the earnings from their family agri-business were available, it wasn’t enough to finance all of Martinez’ trainings, lodging, and other expenses during international competitions.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A blessing to their financial needs, Martinez received financial help from the <b>Philippines Skating Union</b>, <b>SM</b>, the <b>Metro Ice Skating Club</b>, and some of his friends. Meanwhile the <b>Philippines Olympic Committee </b>also helped out with his training fees while a <b>zumba </b>club in the U.S. even organized a fund-raising event to help fund Martinez.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>Nung May, nagbigay ang Shoemart ng P1 million. 'Yung Philippine Olympic Committee, P250,000, and P500,000 'yung sa [Philippine] Skating Federation,</i>" said Martinez's mom, Theresa.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, at the age of 17, Martinez is now to compete in the <b>2014 Winter Olympics </b>in <b>Sochi, Russia</b>. A dream come true for Martinez and the best part is he is the first Filipino from Southeast Asia to qualify for the figure skating competition in the Olympics.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Martinez proudly showed his Pinoy Pride as he carried all his excitement and happiness carrying the Philippine flag at the Olympic Game’s opening ceremonies over the weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> "<i>Sobrang saya. I feel like a champion. I'm so happy and proud na I'll be competing in the Olympics,</i>" Martinez described his emotion.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Out of the 30 competitors in the men’s figure skating competition, Martinez is the youngest and the pressure is on as he has to finish among the Top 24 to continue on to the finals. However, Martinez is pretty confident this time as he quotes how his spins are fine, but his jumps may need a little more work but the ice at the venue is perfectly soft.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>I think maganda po ang chances natin dito... 'yung ice po natin dito malambot po siya so pag tumalon po ako dito maganda ang spring sa talon ko,</i>" Martinez said.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>[Ini-improve ko] 'yung choreography at mga jumps ko... spins are okay na po kasi doon po ako nakilala. Sa talon ko na lang po, kailangan i-perfect ang technique,</i>" he added.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Martinez stated that his full focus at the moment is on his final practices because the judges are speculative and watchful during the pre-judging phase.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although much support has been shown from all around the world, more funds to prepare for the <b>Winter Olympics </b>were needed, Martinez and his mom were forced to mortgage their house in <b>Muntinlupa.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>Kasi kailangan n'yang mag-train... eh mahal kasi ang training sa US. 'Yung isang coach nya charges a $150 an hour. His other coaches charge $130 an hour, 'yung isa charges $100. The ice time is about $96 per hour. He stays on the ice six hours a day," </i>said Mrs. Martinez.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"If he's on the ice six hours a day, that's $96 per hour, so you're talking something like $500 to $600 a day.</i>" She added.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As part of more preparations, Martinez and his mother flew to Russia last January. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Sa lahat ng competitions po nagdadasal ako. Dito sana pinag-pray ko lang po na sa Kanya muna ang mga worries ko, sa Kanya muna ang mga kaba ko. Ipine-pray ko na sana maging consistent ako</i>," he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 13.5pt;">To begin </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">tonight</span><span style="line-height: 13.5pt;">, this Thursday at 11pm Manila time, the preliminary competitions will be starting for the men’s figure skating competition where Martinez will give his all for his dreams and for his country.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Posted on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MichaelChristianMartinezOfficialFanPage">Michael Christian Martinez's Official Facebook Page</a> was the schedule and list of the contestants for tonight. Don't miss out on Martinez's performance tonight at 11pm!</span></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG36wU1GP4QW5atKZZ4jo0BfVQbjJA4YZCJsJK8H0F46W15VeYsw3TQfuIft2zguiP4yGP8tElW9RWJVLiP8wz6amICGDbiuzadgYJtM-Tc-A1IaoJPsCGfz_6HZXNfZIWFoXsbIE6t24/s1600/1932284_683824458326559_604264265_n.jpg" width="342" /></div> <div style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13.5pt;">Full of prayers and hope, Martinez and his mother have belief and faith that he will do well and make his country proud.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let’s keep sending him prayers so that his dream will come true!<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Post your support below!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>

Competition Ice Skating Ilia Kulic John Nicks Michael Christian Martinez News Olypmics Pinoy Skater Russia SM Skating Sochi Amazing 17 year old Pinoy Skater is the first Filipino of SEA to qualify for the Olympics; Support him tonight!

Michael Christian Martinez and his mother have gone to the ends of the Earth to gather funds for his ice skating hobby where his t...

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