Stellar cast competes in RP figure skating

MANILA, Philippines - With several talented overseas Filipinos coming over to see action, expect keen competition in the 2009 Philippine Figure Skating Championships set July 18 and 19 at the SM Mall of Asia International Skating Rink in Pasay City.

Leading the bevy of talents vying in the two-day event organized by the Philippine Skating Union is Connecticut-based Elizabeth Stern, who will be out to defend her women’s senior skating crown in a bid to clinch an Olympic qualifying slot to the Nebelhorn Tropy in Obsertdorf, Germany from Sept. 23 to 26.

The German event serves as the final qualifier for figure skating for next year’s Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada.

Actually the men’s and women’s senior champions will represent the Philippines in the Obsertdorf competitions in an attempt for Filipino figure skaters to finally strut their wares with the cream of figure skating at the Vancouver Winter Games. 

“I hope to do my best, I have been training very hard the past few months because I hope to represent our country in the Winter Olympics,” said the 18-year-old skater, who recently finished second in the Lake Placid Figure Skating competition, in yesterday’s PSA forum at the Shakey’s UN Avenue branch in Manila.

Joining her in the session sponsored by Accel, Outlast Battery, Shakey’s and PAGCOR were fellow Fil-Ams Charlene Ang, Kathryn Magno and Lauren Ko, who are expected to provide stiff challenge for Stern in the nationals.

Also with the group was Fil-Am junior figure skater Zhaira Costiniano, 13, who hopes to play for flag and country in the Winter Olympic once she reaches the eligible age of 15 and is currently making waves in her home of Dallas, Texas.

Trophies and medals in the pre-juvenile, juvenile, intermediate, novice, junior and senior divisions will be up for grabs during the nationals, PSU president, Engr. Ric Camaligan, said.

Also present were Philippine Ice Events Org. (PIE) president Sharm Macalua and Joanna Custodio, who are organizing the First Philippine International Ice Hockey Tournament that will coincide with the national figure skating championships also at the SM MOA skating rink.

“We want to introduce Filipino sports to the growing and exciting sport of ice hockey. With the facilities that we have now, we believe that this sports will quickly catch on,” said Macalua, who herself plays the sport despite her petite and pretty features.

Macalua disclosed teams from Qatar, Tokyo/Bangkok, Shanghai plus two local sides - Label 5 and Manila Predators - are vying in the event beginning 6 pm. on Thursday at the SM MOA skating rink.

Camaligan and Macalua said that both ice skating events are open to the public for free.