New Lifers Krystle Siy and Sofia Kho Glide to Timeless Songs in “Carols on Ice”

Two MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) figure skaters dazzled the crowd with their performance at Carols on Ice, a fundraising skating event organized by SM Skating and the Philippine Skating Union (PHSU) held last November 12 at the SM Mall of Asia Skating Rink. 

Grade 11 students Krystle Siy and Sofia Kho joined other skaters including Philippine national athletes in performing songs from the ‘50s to modern contemporary hits, based on the theme “Skating Through the Years.” 

With the aim of raising funds to support Filipino skaters and elevate the sport’s awareness, the event featured notable performances by two-time Winter Olympic figure skater Michael Martinez, the first Southeast Asian Worlds Pair Team Isabella Gamez and Alexander Korovin, 2022 National Champion and Junior Worlds skater Sofia Frank, and GMA Sparkle Artist and 2022 National Medalist Charmaine Skye Chua.

Kho shared, “Carols on Ice was a wonderful fundraising event where Filipino skaters from all around the world were able to gather and perform to showcase the sport to our local audience here. The event was also a way for us skaters to have fun, sing, and dance together while not needing to think of it as a competition.”

Given the tropical climate of the Philippines, skating is perceived to be a niche sport. Many view skating merely as a hobby and not an actual sport. Not only is there minimal recognition for athletes who skate, but there is also a lack of support for proper training. As it is, the sports industry in the Philippines already receives an insufficient budget for facilities and coaches, resulting in a pronounced lack of resources for skaters to effectively train. 

“Ice skating in the Philippines is not very common,” Siy commented.  She outlined the dangers and risks associated with limited training venues wherein professional skaters have to share the rink with the general public in malls. “This can be very dangerous for skaters who train, making it difficult for them to excel in their sport. Although the sport is slowly gaining more skaters, it may be difficult for skaters to compete at an international level,” the 15-year-old New Lifer added. 

Despite the challenges figure skaters in the Philippines face, there is no doubt that their talents have the potential to be showcased on a global scale. It is through fundraising events like Carols on Ice that Filipinos get to show their support and appreciation for skaters in the country.