Figure Skating in the Philippines

[Marirue]

Yes I was talking specifically about pairs. I was thinking about it because Korovin has now Philippine Citizenship and totally renounced his Russian citizenship since Russia doesn't allow duality.

If Martinez is really serious in exploring pairs, there are 2 Russian female pairs skaters in Ice Search right now, Loskutova 17yo and Sevastianova 18yo but i don't know what their levels are since I haven't heard their names before.

I thought about with regards with MCM of switching disciplines either Pairs or Ice Dance for a long time before I bring it up right now which I noticed that he is also experiment with certain lifts, sbs spins with random adult skaters who are bold enough to ask him to do as such in his Instagram account.

Also that ever since with last season's Men's event at Worlds that memorable that I have a gut feeling that Michael will not be able to come back to singles due to he is staying out at that time from 2018 Olympics despite of having a 3A as his most difficult jump. (with Pocholo Veguillas' wife was there as acting president of PHSU since he died in 2017 which something to do with the misunderstanding which I'm not surprised that her husband was also committed corruption from another sports fed from my country) So with his age and the body that he's got right now that it's good chance for pairs.

If ever there is a private sponsor who can give him the needed funds but suggested to switch to Pairs which is the catch. I know that his gofundme is still open but I pray that he will consider to do pairs.

I almost forgot that Sofia's younger sister Natasha is also express her interest in representing the country but in pairs according to an interview two seasons ago although that she's either 15 or 16 years old and a bit taller than Sofie.

 

[Marirue]

In the light of Edrian fed transfer back to Canada after 6 years in the PHSU that the importance of getting the needed technical content such as a 3A and a quad in Singles Skating in Men's singles skating aside from certain artistic qualities which Filipinos are also known for excel in the realm of art, music and performance arts before representing under the Philippine Flag especially with the Men since the said PH Fed don't have the financial capability or the means (especially with the Philippine Peso don't have the purchasing power against other foreign currencies such as US Dollar along with the cost of living expenses in the US is a lot harder) to aid them on their training let alone rehabilitation and additional funding for summer camps.

This is a stark reminder to any Foreign-born Filipino or Half-Filipino figure skaters in all four disciplines (possibly 6 for Solo Ice Dance and Synchro) who have plans of representing the Philippine Flag to plan in advance and plan it well especially during off-season where there are a lot opportunities to improve their tech content thru summer camps and don't expect the PHSU/The Philippine National Government/To Any Local Tycoons to give financial aid (*Please look what happen to Michael Christian Martinez*) to these activities since they are incapable of providing these (PHSU) or have different sports interests (The Philippine National Government/To Any Local Tycoons). Even the local population (myself included) are incapable of providing assistance due different factors such as smaller salary and those who are capable have different priorities.

If it means of upgrade other skills that will earn ranges from decent to handsomely during the ongoing season, learning Russian at a decent capacity, and train with Russian coaches with solid technique (especially with singles and pairs skaters) such for 2-3 months or the whole off-season for in order to stretch the purchasing power of US Dollars (note: put 10 to 25 percent of your earnings to precious metals as a hedge regarding with the BRICS) will do a lot of good for the said skater's development.

 

[moonvine]

I almost forgot that Sofia's younger sister Natasha is also express her interest in representing the country but in pairs according to an interview two seasons ago although that she's either 15 or 16 years old and a bit taller than Sofie.

She was learning pairs moves with Danny O’Shea but last I heard had lost interest.

 

[aroundtheworld778]

Yes I was talking specifically about pairs. I was thinking about it because Korovin has now Philippine Citizenship and totally renounced his Russian citizenship since Russia doesn't allow duality.

If Martinez is really serious in exploring pairs, there are 2 Russian female pairs skaters in Ice Search right now, Loskutova 17yo and Sevastianova 18yo but i don't know what their levels are since I haven't heard their names before.

Did Korovin actually say he renounced his Russian citizenship? Russia allows multiple citizenship which is different from dual citizenship. Lots of skaters have additional citizenship or are in process of getting them: Annabelle Morozov, Alisa Efimova, Nikita Volodin, etc.

 

[aroundtheworld778]

Hey everyone, I've just created a Fan Fest page for Bella and Sasha, so please head over and watch and comment.

Fan Fest for Gamez/Korovin

 

[skatingfan1412]

Does anyone know what's going on with Sofia Frank? I saw she withdrew from CS Trophee Metropole Nice Cote d'Azur this week. She hasn't done an international competition since Jr. Worlds last year, just SEA Open Trophy, which seemed mostly local, regional competitors.

Also I saw a junior named Cathryn Limketkai who won Philippine Nationals (Jr Women) last year, but I didn't see her on the JGP circuit or any international competitions yet. Anyone know?

 

[Kittosuni]

Does anyone know what's going on with Sofia Frank? I saw she withdrew from CS Trophee Metropole Nice Cote d'Azur this week. She hasn't done an international competition since Jr. Worlds last year, just SEA Open Trophy, which seemed mostly local, regional competitors.

Also I saw a junior named Cathryn Limketkai who won Philippine Nationals (Jr Women) last year, but I didn't see her on the JGP circuit or any international competitions yet. Anyone know?

Limketkai aged out of juniors this year.

 

[skatingfan1412]

Limketkai aged out of juniors this year.

Oh that's too bad. I thought she was going for the Junior Worlds CTES minimums late last season.

 

[Marirue]

Does anyone know what's going on with Sofia Frank? I saw she withdrew from CS Trophee Metropole Nice Cote d'Azur this week. She hasn't done an international competition since Jr. Worlds last year, just SEA Open Trophy, which seemed mostly local, regional competitors.

Also I saw a junior named Cathryn Limketkai who won Philippine Nationals (Jr Women) last year, but I didn't see her on the JGP circuit or any international competitions yet. Anyone know?

Tbh, I did a backtrack with her performance ever since she and her family moved to Colorado and there's the writing on the wall but I'm not sure if they noticed it plus I believe that Sofia's mom is one of the members of this forum which she might check it out from time to time.

 

[skatingfan1412]

Tbh, I did a backtrack with her performance ever since she and her family moved to Colorado and there's the writing on the wall but I'm not sure if they noticed it plus I believe that Sofia's mom is one of the members of this forum which she might check it out from time to time.

I hope her mom does reply or see this. I love Sofia Frank. I was so excited for her during 2022, so I just genuinely would like to know what's going on. I think she was hurt? But then she was doing all this modeling/Vogue/TikTok stuff, so would love to just see her out competing internationally again and hopefully performing better for the Philippines.

 

[Marirue]

I hope her mom does reply or see this. I love Sofia Frank. I was so excited for her during 2022, so I just genuinely would like to know what's going on. I think she was hurt? But then she was doing all this modeling/Vogue/TikTok stuff, so would love to just see her out competing internationally again and hopefully performing better for the Philippines.

I wish that it could be the case but something about her coach which a good number of people who are wary about especially in reddit.

 

[skatingfan1412]

Well you're not familiar with the Philippine Sports scene as I do because in the recent days particular in the Olympics that the more successful athletes whose sports leaned towards one gender over the other which it always does like Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz which precise as a Man's sport while Gymnast Carlos Yulo whose sport viewed as a woman's sport in the eyes of majority of Filipinos which these two have become successful despite ot it which a number of people in my country wanted to break away from the Basketball/Volleyball culture due to the fact that most of the money went there and nothing much left for others including FS which is sensible that for starters that the PH fed needs to be able to properly build a internationally competitive male figure skater before the female one because they need to be responsible with the funds before people pour in with the money.

About Bella in particular when she stated that they received support form these entities means that these two need to improve and perform well at sustainable levels because it's not easy to scape money from other sources especially from local tycoons with the expectation of better performance and medals at major competitions. Not to mention that costs of living expenses in the US is much higher than in Sochi.

What If they didn't get the Olympic spot next year either Worlds or the qualifier despite of the support that the said entities provide them which puts the PHSU president into jeopardy of why they didn't make it under her watch which may sound harsh but true because these tycoons have put a considerable amount of money onto the athletes that they invested with hence Nikki Cheng is answerable about these.

I sympathize with MCM's plight because he's so determined to get the difficult content in his arsenal to be competitive despite of the limited amount of resources and the cost of living expenses in America which is insanely high if only they try to learn Russian at that time while he was in his Junior days to stretch the limited funds that they have at that time that he will be more competitive which is akin to other top small fed skaters today.

I followed the Men's discipline since the Ladies discipline is my least favorite because I easily lost my attention and it is not weird at all.

Shifting this conversation back to Philippines Skating since your comment is about more generally Philippines sports, funding, including other skaters, and doesn't seem appropriate for a Fan Fest thread!

I too sympathized with MCM's situation. It seemed like a very difficult situation regarding bureacracy and misunderstandings, but I'm hopeful about the direction of Filipino skaters under this new leadership. More domestic juniors going to international competitions, ISU scholarships for coaches, athletes, lots of international trainings in the Philippines, etc. from what I read on the philippineskating team page, and of course the breakthrough of Isabella and Alexander in a new discipline for the country and even this young speed skater Peter Groseclose.

I really don't understand your comment that the Philippine Skating federation needs to "properly build a internationally competitive male figure skater before the female one because they need to be responsible with the funds." This doesn't make sense. I saw how proud the country was with the Philippines Women Soccer Team making the World Cup, so it shouldn't be gender based. It also seems like there were soooo many sponsors and funding for EJ Obiena with the expectation of him winning a medal, but he sadly didn't, and that's just sport. Carlos Yulo missed out on all medals in his first Olympics bout. I want to see the Philippines government stepping up for athletes with potential.

You're right I am still learning the details for all of this, and I'm not sure we'll know entirely the full situation unless we know the skaters directly. Isabella and Alexander are significantly improving from previous season so it seems the work and dedication is there, and training in Sochi is probably not easy either. This team seems to have gone through so many challenges, yet they are continuing. To doubt their dedication and commitment is unfair unless you know them directly. To even be invited to a Grand Prix is worthy of accomplishment. It's still early in the season for Isabella and Alexander, and only their 3rd season competing. With pairs, it takes time.

That's fine to prefer the men's disciplines, but it does seem like you're actively trying to put down the females, which is just not cool. I'm pretty passive normally on the forums, but I do think it's important to support these Philippines skaters from a small federation, trying to get their chance.

 

[Marirue]

Shifting this conversation back to Philippines Skating since your comment is about more generally Philippines sports, funding, including other skaters, and doesn't seem appropriate for a Fan Fest thread!

It may be general but it's also applies with the pair especially with involves the funds.

I too sympathized with MCM's situation. It seemed like a very difficult situation regarding bureacracy and misunderstandings, but I'm hopeful about the direction of Filipino skaters under this new leadership. More domestic juniors going to international competitions, ISU scholarships for coaches, athletes, lots of international trainings in the Philippines, etc. from what I read on the philippineskating team page, and of course the breakthrough of Isabella and Alexander in a new discipline for the country and even this young speed skater Peter Groseclose.

Don't forget about economics that what the country provides Philippine Peso wise for their skaters GamKor included is pretty less in terms of US dollars which is near impossible especially training in North America which is hefty expensive. There's a lot of reorganizing which Cheng need to work on after the damages has been done by the Veguillas couple which takes a lot of time.

I really don't understand your comment that the Philippine Skating federation needs to "properly build a internationally competitive male figure skater before the female one because they need to be responsible with the funds." This doesn't make sense. I saw how proud the country was with the Philippines Women Soccer Team making the World Cup, so it shouldn't be gender based. It also seems like there were soooo many sponsors and funding for EJ Obiena with the expectation of him winning a medal, but he sadly didn't, and that's just sport. Carlos Yulo missed out on all medals in his first Olympics bout. I want to see the Philippines government stepping up for athletes with potential.

That's where that you're so wrong on this part because there are biases against athletes who are working on their respective sport due to the country's view that "it is not appropriate for that athlete to do certain sports because of their gender" and it's still running strong up to this day.

In FS that it is still view as a woman's sport just like Gymnastics in the country and only way to break the Filipino's perception or psyche of certain gendered sports especially in FS is find a child who has good potential that has secured financial support (from certain key individuals but not from the Philippine government) to be sent to overseas training to a country that is pretty known for excelling on this particular sport with a good yet sustainable coaching environment and time to bear fruit. As a Filipino that it is more impactful and meaningful for an athlete who excel and win a major competition in a sport that "deemed inappropriate due to their gender" than another athlete who excel the same sport and fit in because to their gender that is appropriate in the eyes of my compatriots.

Sure that my countrymen appear to be proud in the PH Women Football Team for example that there's a good chunk of an amount of them are spectators who are just bandwagoning and forget about it when the said event is over to go back of being a hardcore Basketball/Volleyball fan which the said sports are incompatible due to the fact that Filipinos in general are very short people (my countrymen will want to deny it but the average height of Filipinos are 5'4 for men and 4'10 for women which is the 5th shortest people in the world is a bitter pill to swallow).

As for EJ Obiena and Carlos Yulo that I am happy for them for what they have accomplished and they couldn't be in this high level in their respective sport if it was for the scholarships that that have been offered to them and the key people who stick with them through especially a sport that is not common in Philippine Sports scene and the mood of the populance of my country can be volatile at best.

It's not about the Philippine National Government but more on the active involvement of the Filipino people especially with its respective fans in the funding regardless of if the government stepping up or not. Also that relying on the government alone to help the skaters in their needs is good as lip service since words are cheap which GamKor needs to thread carefully because of the bureacracy and corruption that the country is suffering from which is complex and deeply rooted especially they're trying to promote the pairs discipline which is new in the country which one misstep and it will be problematic if they are not careful enough.

You're right I am still learning the details for all of this, and I'm not sure we'll know entirely the full situation unless we know the skaters directly. Isabella and Alexander are significantly improving from previous season so it seems the work and dedication is there, and training in Sochi is probably not easy either. This team seems to have gone through so many challenges, yet they are continuing. To doubt their dedication and commitment is unfair unless you know them directly. To even be invited to a Grand Prix is worthy of accomplishment. It's still early in the season for Isabella and Alexander, and only their 3rd season competing. With pairs, it takes time.

If you think that doubting them is unfair, well the rumors of them splitting from last season at the Autumn Classic thread is wild which I noticed earlier that they need to have a common ground as a team which one user pointed out at the Philippine Skaters thread that of the two different aspirations in their careers in one of the interviews a few seasons ago is a red flag which they need to address it right away together with their support systems and key people to work things out which they did and now that they have to continuously improve themselves and play catch up.

That's fine to prefer the men's disciplines, but it does seem like you're actively trying to put down the females, which is just not cool. I'm pretty passive normally on the forums, but I do think it's important to support these Philippines skaters from a small federation, trying to get their chance.

Here's the thing, there are discussions on reddit FS that an average number years of a single ladies skater in general lasted for 7 years and there are some outliers that longer and successful ones which is why navigate them to success is liken to walking into an open field with numerous landmines and no proper equipment which Nikki Cheng acknowledge that getting medals in the pairs discipline thru GamKor is much attainable than in the Ladies discipline after they got their first medal in 2022-23 season.

She even pointed out that for in order to support Sofia that it requires to pay 1 million in Philippine pesos per month (at least $17k at Colorado Springs) which most of us are unwilling to commit, also you know her coach which I don't need to explain because I've seen enough which there's a lot of issues going on with her skaters especially with the jumps which is sad but true as if it's impossible for them to switch coaches and they pay the price.

 

[skatingfan1412]

That's where that you're so wrong on this part because there are biases against athletes who are working on their respective sport due to the country's view that "it is not appropriate for that athlete to do certain sports because of their gender" and it's still running strong up to this day.

In FS that it is still view as a woman's sport just like Gymnastics in the country and only way to break the Filipino's perception or psyche of certain gendered sports especially in FS is find a child who has good potential that has secured financial support (from certain key individuals but not from the Philippine government) to be sent to overseas training to a country that is pretty known for excelling on this particular sport with a good yet sustainable coaching environment and time to bear fruit. As a Filipino that it is more impactful and meaningful for an athlete who excel and win a major competition in a sport that "deemed inappropriate due to their gender" than another athlete who excel the same sport and fit in because to their gender that is appropriate in the eyes of my compatriots.

You’re entitled to your opinion but that doesn’t mean I agree. You’re referring to funding issues with MCM almost 10 years ago now, Sofia Frank and G/K interviews and rumors from several seasons back - not today, this season. I see that you also spoke very harshly and negatively about Edrian Celestino as well making all sorts of incorrect assumptions. We don’t know what’s going on. Skating at the elite level is hard, but any sport at the elite level is hard to navigate - team dynamic, funding, shifting goals, etc. You say Sofia’s mom sometimes read this thread, so just want to say to these skaters and parents if they ever come across this - there may be negative fans, but there are also sooooo many that support you!!

 

[aroundtheworld778]

You’re entitled to your opinion but that doesn’t mean I agree. You’re referring to funding issues with MCM almost 10 years ago now, Sofia Frank and G/K interviews and rumors from several seasons back - not today, this season. I see that you also spoke very harshly and negatively about Edrian Celestino as well making all sorts of incorrect assumptions. We don’t know what’s going on. Skating at the elite level is hard, but any sport at the elite level is hard to navigate - team dynamic, funding, shifting goals, etc. You say Sofia’s mom sometimes read this thread, so just want to say to these skaters and parents if they ever come across this - there may be negative fans, but there are also sooooo many that support you!!

I agree with this. I'll admit I'm a new Philippines skating fan and not an expert by any means. But it seems obvious to me that when feds and countries fund elite athletes, they know there are risks involved, and even when athletes put in the 100%, so many things can happen: injuries, mental health, bad timing...and we all know in figure skating that there is politicking going on and the small feds always have less influence to boost their athletes. Then there are the international relations that affect visa mobility: Russians for example are required to get visas for nearly every country where figure skating competitions are currently held and so cannot take advantage of any last-minute opportunities, such as we saw with G/K being forced to withdraw from NHK and losing the opportunity for WS points. Neither the Philippines nor the athletes could do anything about that. If one goes investing in an elite athlete and demands a specific medal or qualification result, they have to know that many factors do not depend on the will of the athlete or even the will of the federation. That's being realistic. There are many other benefits to supporting elite athletes, which should also be taken into account in terms of "payback" and "results".

 

[aroundtheworld778]

By the way, is anyone here going to be at Philippine Nationals in person? (I'm not, I'm thousands of miles away...)

 

[ice coverage]

... Also I saw a junior named Cathryn Limketkai who won Philippine Nationals (Jr Women) last year, but I didn't see her on the JGP circuit or any international competitions yet. Anyone know?

In August 2024, Cathryn Limketkai competed in Junior Women's SP at Cranberry Cup international, hosted by Skating Club of Boston.

Limketkai aged out of juniors this year.

2024-25 is her last season of eligibility for junior internationals, according to her birthdate in ISU bio.

 

[skatingfan1412]

By the way, is anyone here going to be at Philippine Nationals in person? (I'm not, I'm thousands of miles away...)

Just looking at results after Day 1. There seem to be some new PHI Senior women - Maxine Marie Bautista and Cathryn Limketkai are leading Sofia Frank and Skye Chua. This will be interesting to see how the Philippines federation handles international assignments moving forward as Sofia Frank previously received most of them for senior women.

https://www.phsuresults.org/PNFSC2024/CAT002RS.htm

 

[aroundtheworld778]

Just looking at results after Day 1. There seem to be some new PHI Senior women - Maxine Marie Bautista and Cathryn Limketkai are leading Sofia Frank and Skye Chua. This will be interesting to see how the Philippines federation handles international assignments moving forward as Sofia Frank previously received most of them for senior women.

https://www.phsuresults.org/PNFSC2024/CAT002RS.htm

Yes, they look good!
So I assume Gamez/Korovin are skipping Nationals because they are not on the list.

 

[skatingfan1412]

Yes, they look good!
So I assume Gamez/Korovin are skipping Nationals because they are not on the list.

I don’t see them on the Nationals list either, but I’d say this is probably a good decision since they are on the entries lists for NRW Trophy in Dortmund, Germany next week, and Challenger Series Warsaw Cup the following week. They need those WS points, three weeks of competitions would not be wise.