Isabella Gamez & Aleksandr Korovin

[aroundtheworld778]

G/K's chance of getting a Grand Prix assignment has been increased after Lucrreza & Matteo have withdraw theirs from Skate Canada.

Yes! I'm sad for Bec/Gur as they are such a cool team. Cht/Wot and Nag/Mor are guaranteed one more spot each and CHt/Woz should get the Skate Canada spot. But if B/G also withdraws from NHK then GamKor gets that spot since Nag/Mor are already in NHK. NHK does coincide with Philippine nationals, but I suppose the Phil Fed would prefer a GP assignment over nationals...

 

[Marirue]

Yes! I'm sad for Bec/Gur as they are such a cool team, but it's good news for Gam/Kor. Cht/Wot and Nag/Mor are guaranteed one more spot each and CHt/Woz should get the Skate Canada spot. But if B/G also withdraws from NHK then GamKor gets that spot since Nag/Mor are already in NHK. NHK does coincide with Philippine nationals, but I suppose the Phil Fed would prefer a GP assignment over nationals...

If that happens, there's a possibility that the PHSU chief will make the PH nationals propone for a later date especially she has been vocal of wanting to send the first Filipina skater through Bella to the Winter Olympics and the NHK Trophy is a prestigious competition which it can bring media buzz to the country.

 

[Marirue]

Speaking of PH fed chief that she'll have to keep her focus on the Gam/Kor with their progress especially with Bella in particular just as she have to eye on Groseclose the short track speed skater.

Someone told me that she got to talk to her behind close doors that she expressed her frustration with the previous administration about handling poorly with MCM while in his Junior days and throughout his career.

I think that she is more on the focusing on the grassroots level & making follow ups with their progress but she didn't have political willpower just like Cynthia Carrion of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines as she needs to do more research with the coaches that these skaters are working with.

Plus she is a former figure skater.

 

[Casualsportsfan]

Speaking of PH fed chief that she'll have to keep her focus on the Gam/Kor with their progress especially with Bella in particular just as she have to eye on Groseclose the short track speed skater.

Someone told me that she got to talk to her behind close doors that she expressed her frustration with the previous administration about handling poorly with MCM while in his Junior days and throughout his career.

I think that she is more on the focusing on the grassroots level & making follow ups with their progress but she didn't have political willpower just like Cynthia Carrion of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines as she needs to do more research with the coaches that these skaters are working with.

I can see why the PHSU might not have big funds, but even if winter sports isn't that big, a bit more financial effort isn't unrealistic (I hope) ?

 

[Marirue]

I can see why the PHSU might not have big funds, but even if winter sports isn't that big, a bit more financial effort isn't unrealistic (I hope) ?

If you said "financial support" it will mean that it come from either taxpayer's money or it was privately sponsored by private individuals particularly local businesses which of current situation of the country's corruption that the PH fed didn't have much and even though that they claim that the provide "support" that just you know that the Philippine peso has little purchasing power when converting to USD which something that this person in the forum jump into conclusions of blaming the PH fed for not providing support to his/her favorite skater yet have failed to know the financial situation of the PHSU.

It also applies to with living and training in North America which it didn't make things easier.

Also that it is only when the National Government & Businessmen provide better financial support to the athletes when they produce good results especially to podium finishes (results oriented)

The annual Carols on Ice is a good start although that she need to find ways to increase the audience that is big enough to do another round at Cebu which is her next step plus she needs to have connections people who knows well with Ice Shows especially with Japan to create their productions outside of Christmas season in the Philippines.

Also that she should take on a overseas tour to areas with strong Filipino communities plus some collaboration with international skaters for in order to create sustainable funding and not to be at the mercy of the national government and local tycoons begging for financial support.

 

[skatingfan1412]

If you said "financial support" it will mean that it come from either taxpayer's money or it was privately sponsored by private individuals particularly local businesses which of current situation of the country's corruption that the PH fed didn't have much and even though that they claim that the provide "support" that just you know that the Philippine peso has little purchasing power when converting to USD which something that this person in the forum jump into conclusions of blaming the PH fed for not providing support to his/her favorite skater yet have failed to know the financial situation of the PHSU.

It also applies to with living and training in North America which it didn't make things easier.

Also that it is only when the National Government & Businessmen provide better financial support to the athletes when they produce good results especially to podium finishes (results oriented)

The annual Carols on Ice is a good start although that she need to find ways to increase the audience that is big enough to do another round at Cebu which is her next step plus she needs to have connections people who knows well with Ice Shows especially with Japan to create their productions outside of Christmas season in the Philippines.

Also that she should take on a overseas tour to areas with strong Filipino communities plus some collaboration with international skaters for in order to create sustainable funding and not to be at the mercy of the national government and local tycoons begging for financial support.

Can you shift general funding topics to the Philippines Skating thread? For funding related directly to Isabella and Alexander, I read a post from their team page something like "We are so thankful for the full support." I was surprised, but really happy to read that since I think even the bigger federations aren't even getting that. It does seem results/medal based for Filipino sports.



Going back to fangirling over Isabella and Alexander on this fan thread, can I just add how extremely attractive they are?

 

[aroundtheworld778]

They've just posted an updated backstory on their webpage. I enjoyed their perspective on the strengths that each brings to the partnership:

“Alexander is results-driven, he’s always wanting to see improvement in overall skating,” Isabella says of her figure skating partner. “That always motivates me to strive for greatness for not just us as a team but for the Philippines. He has taught me difficult elements over the past couple of years.”

Alexander, on the other hand, appreciates Isabella’s passion for the sport. “Isabella loves skating, and she is very happy when she skates. With my experience, I try to show her how to improve in skating, and explain to her how technical elements work. She shows me how to love to skate, enjoy skating and find passion in what I have been doing my whole life. She loves these moments when she is on the ice!"

From isabellagamez IG stories

 

[aroundtheworld778]

For funding related directly to Isabella and Alexander, I read a post from their team page something like "We are so thankful for the full support." I was surprised, but really happy to read that since I think even the bigger federations aren't even getting that. It does seem results/medal based for Filipino sports.

Also, in their backstory, they write "The Philippine government, through the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Skating Union, and SM Skating, provides essential backing for their competitions and training abroad."

It's a big commitment for a small fed from a non-skating country, but the payoff of having athletes in the World Championships and possibly the Olympics is also big. Filipinos as a culture love sports and are so proud to see the Filipino flag in elite competition.

 

[aroundtheworld778]

Going back to fangirling over Isabella and Alexander on this fan thread, can I just add how extremely attractive they are?

If we're gonna fangirl, can I also say how cute Isabella's dog George is? He has his own instagram page.

 

[aroundtheworld778]

ISU just rolled out a new website and I'm really liking the new pages for the skaters.
Gamez and Korovin are competing next at NRW Trophy in Germany, November 13-17.
(I still have my hopes up for a Grand Prix assignment...)

Isabella GAMEZ / Aleksandr KOROVIN - International Skating Union

Isabella GAMEZ / Aleksandr KOROVIN - International Skating Union

isu-skating.com

They are also aiming for the Asian Winter Games in February, if Alexander can get citizenship in time. If they medal at the pairs event, it will be the first ever AWG medal for the Philippines.

Figure skaters Gamez, Korovin eye more competitions in lead-up to Asian Winter Games

Isabella Gamez and Alexander Korovin deliver another silver medal for the Philippines in a figure skating competition in France

www.rappler.com

The amount of "firsts" this team already has and is aiming for is just insane!

 

[aroundtheworld778]

Dream unlocked…our pair is going to NHK Trophy!
Philippines hasn’t gone to the Grand Prix since Michael Martinez in 2016.
And I noticed that Michael just got added to the Carols on Ice show Nov. 10. Looks like all hands on deck for the dream.
Finally, thoughts and prayers for the Philippines as the second typhoon approaches.

 

[Marirue]

Dream unlocked…our pair is going to NHK Trophy!
Philippines hasn’t gone to the Grand Prix since Michael Martinez in 2016.
And I noticed that Michael just got added to the Carols on Ice show Nov. 10. Looks like all hands on deck for the dream.
Finally, thoughts and prayers for the Philippines as the second typhoon approaches.

Unfortunately that the two have withdraw their GP spot at the NHK Trophy...

There are people who are curious about the withdrawal and I have a feeling that there will some people are raising their eyebrows at Bella in particular.

I have to admit that despite she's my compatriot which I was on the fence with her due because of there's something that she yet to show a sense of drive to challenge others. She may have better resources and connections than MCM but she has yet to show drive and determination just like the former.

 

[skatingfan1412]

Dream unlocked…our pair is going to NHK Trophy!
Philippines hasn’t gone to the Grand Prix since Michael Martinez in 2016.
And I noticed that Michael just got added to the Carols on Ice show Nov. 10. Looks like all hands on deck for the dream.
Finally, thoughts and prayers for the Philippines as the second typhoon approaches.

Noooooooooo…. Filipinos need Japanese visas! I just read on their team Instagram a comment that it’s too short notice to receive their Japanese visas in time. I’m so sad for them!! Dream on hold

 

[skatingfan1412]

Unfortunately that the two have withdraw their GP spot at the NHK Trophy...

There are people who are curious about the withdrawal and I have a feeling that there will some people are raising their eyebrows at Bella in particular.

I have to admit that despite she's my compatriot which I was on the fence with her due because of there's something that she yet to show a sense of drive to challenge others. She may have better resources and connections than MCM but she has yet to show drive and determination just like the former.

They said it’s because there’s not enough time to get their Japanese visas, which is soooooo heartbreaking. This is a fan thread… everything I have seen from this pair is intense determination and drive, so I disagree entirely with your statement. It seems like this pair has gone through so many challenges, yet they are here and continue. I am really rooting for them to break into the pack and be medal contenders.

 

[Marirue]

They said it’s because there’s not enough time to get their Japanese visas, which is soooooo heartbreaking. This is a fan thread… everything I have seen from this pair is intense determination and drive, so I disagree entirely with your statement. It seems like this pair has gone through so many challenges, yet they are here and continue. I am really rooting for them to break into the pack and be medal contenders.

I wish that I could be optimistic for them yet I didn't feel the same especially with Bella which she has yet to show it and fortunately there's at least that PHSU president Nikki Cheng to remind her the objectives which she (Cheng as a Filipino Chinese) and Sasha (A Russian) have a good rapport.

I have to play the Devil's advocate.

 

[aroundtheworld778]

Well, in the spirit of Fan Fest, I believe they did everything they could and I am so heartbroken they could not take advantage of this opportunity. I suppose it might have been Alexander who could not get a visa with his Russian passport because Isabella doesn't need a visa with her American passport. But this pair will fight and they will be in the Grand Prix next year.

 

[skatingfan1412]

Well, in the spirit of Fan Fest, I believe they did everything they could and I am so heartbroken they could not take advantage of this opportunity. I suppose it might have been Alexander who could not get a visa with his Russian passport because Isabella doesn't need a visa with her American passport. But this pair will fight and they will be in the Grand Prix next year.

Whether it was him, her or both, it had to be not enough time for the visa because they are still listed on the GP alternate list in case any other withdrawals, which if you decline for any other reasons you’re normally removed I think. I can’t even imagine how sad they must be about this, and still hoping they and the Philippines will get their chance soon. The pair seems to have improved so much and working really hard.

I wish that I could be optimistic for them yet I didn't feel the same especially with Bella which she has yet to show it and fortunately there's at least that PHSU president Nikki Cheng to remind her the objectives which she (Cheng as a Filipino Chinese) and Sasha (A Russian) have a good rapport.

I have to play the Devil's advocate.

This is seriously sooooo weird to assume unless you directly know them, but I’ll take this to the Philippines Skating thread because I see that you only speak negatively about ALL Philippines skaters (except MCM) and clearly favor male skaters despite saying you’re a compatriot.

 

[Marirue]

This is seriously sooooo weird to assume, but I’ll take this to the Philippines Skating thread because I see that you only speak negatively about ALL Philippines skaters (except MCM) and clearly favor male skaters despite saying you’re a compatriot.

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.

 

[aroundtheworld778]

It's cheer time!

As of today (these things are always evolving!), Gamez/Korovin have two competitions coming up: NRW Trophy (Nov 16-17), and PGE Warsaw Cup Challenger (Nov 21-22).

Both NRW and WC are opportunities to get technical minimums for Worlds 2025. The pair is just 6.9 points short. A "clean" free skate will be key. Worlds is important because it is one of two qualifying competitions for the 2026 Olympics.

The pair missed out on valuable World Standings points when they were forced to decline NHK Trophy but they have another chance to pick up points at Warsaw Cup. A top-five finish will give them WS points. WC currently has 21 pairs registered but I do hope G/K could make the top five, since they have the sixth-best SB score of the 21 pairs. There are some new pairs in the mix who might put out higher value SBS and throw jumps, but G/K have the edge of competition experience and high base value in other elements. Plus I hope the judges will be nice and fair with their PCS scores. (At John Nicks this year, G/K's PCS LP scores were all over the place- everywhere from 12th to 5th. I don't really understand how that happens, but we know PCS is the subjective part anyway.)

NRW Trophy will not offer WS points since only four couples are currently registered and you need at least five from three different countries. However, G/K have the highest SB in the group and so it will be a good chance to pick up their first international gold! What a thrill it would be to see the Filipino flag at the top of the podium.

Last but not least, their Grand Prix hopes might not be over quite yet. They should be at the top of the GP alternate list now that Nagaoka/Moriguchi have been invited to a second GP assignment at Finlandia. There are only two GPs left- Finlandia (Nov 15-17) and Cup of China (Nov 22-24). Of course, there's the question of the visas, depending on the timing of withdrawals and what kind of visas G/K need or might already have.

Fingers crossed and let's see how these next two weeks play out!

Throwback to when they made skating history with their Worlds 2023 qualification:

 

[aroundtheworld778]

A new post explaining why they couldn't make it to Philippine Nationals...important ISU competitions ahead!

By the way, their account is just 88 followers short of 10,000. Can we get them some new followers today?