PH Ice Hockey Team concludes their first match of the year at SM Skating Mall of Asia

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The Philippine Ice Hockey team finished their first game of the year by taking home the bronze medal at the Challenge Cup of Asia (CCOA). The International Ice Hockey Foundation (IIHF)-sanctioned competition was held at the SM Mall of Asia Ice Skating Rink and marks the country’s first time to host the regional event. 

The Philippine Ice Hockey Team, together with their family and friends, celebrate at the close of the Challenge Cup at the SM Mall of Asia Skating Rink.

Team captain, Steven Fuglister, was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament with his split 14.5-second goal hit in the Philippines’ last game against Singapore.

“We want to thank everyone for their great show of support at this year’s Challenge Cup. Our families, friends, and fans gave us an incredible source of strength and motivation during this run, testament to our podium finish,” said Jonathan de Castro, the Philippine Ice Hockey Team’s new coach.

The national team will next play at the Philippine Ice Hockey Tournament in June. Although this will not have any direct impact to their IIHF standing, it will further promote the sport as some of the competing teams will come from neighboring countries.

The 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games will play a big role towards the team’s overall direction as they look to defend their gold title and advance to the IIHF World Championships. With the Philippines as SEA Games host, the team also looks forward to having the home crowd cheer them on.

“We are currently starting preparations for the men’s and potentially the women’s teams for next year. Riding on our motivation from CCOA, the coaching staff is currently breaking down film from our last game to move forward and create the roster for the upcoming 2019 SEA Games,” de Castro added. 

Future ice hockey games of the national team will be held at SM Skating Mall of Asia, which boasts an Olympic-sized ice skating rink that was unveiled last October 2017. SM Lifestyle Entertainment’s support for figure skating and speed skating alongside ice hockey goes hand-in-hand with SM Group’s vision to help and build homegrown talents.

For more updates and announcements on tournaments and events of the Philippine Ice Hockey team, visit SM Skating’s website at www.smskating.com or follow the official social media accounts at @smskating.

SM Skating MOA to host Ice Hockey Challenge Cup of Asia, April 3-8

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The Philippines will host the 2018 Challenge Cup of Asia from April 3-8, 2018 at the SM Skating Mall of Asia in Pasay City. This is the first time that the country will sponsor the annual international ice hockey tournament that is sanctioned by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

“We are very proud and excited to host, for the first time, the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia which has been held in different countries since it was founded in 2008,” said Chris Sy, Federation of Ice Hockey Philippines president.

The 2018 Challenge Cup also marks the first time that the Philippines will compete in the men’s top division of the annual tournament among some of the best ice hockey teams in the region.

Riding on the momentum of its gold medal victory in the first-ever ice hockey event of the 2017 Southeast Asian Games, the Philippine Ice Hockey Team, backed by the SM Group, hopes to make a podium finish in the 5-nation Challenge Cup of Asia as it plays against Thailand on April 3, Kuwait on April 5, Mongolia on April 6, and Singapore on April 8. All games of the Philippine team are scheduled at 7PM.

Other Challenge Cup of Asia games will feature Singapore vs Mongolia on April 3 (3:30PM), Mongolia vs Kuwait on April 4 (7PM), Thailand vs Singapore on April 5 (3:3PM), Mongolia vs Thailand on April 7 (3:30PM), Kuwait vs Singapore on April 7 (7PM), and Kuwait vs Thailand on Aril 8 (3:30PM).

During the Challenge Cup, the Olympic-size ice skating rink at the SM Skating Mall of Asia will be the battleground of the competing ice hockey teams. It is equipped with complete facilities such as a digital scoreboard, players’ boxes, scorekeeper and penalty boxes, locker rooms, and a 200-seater stands located around the rink.

“We are honored to be a part of this wonderful opportunity to host the first official IIHF event in the country. This shows how the Philippines can truly be at par with its Asian neighbors not only in terms of the quality of its sports programs and athletes, but also in the quality of its sports facilities,” said Herman Medina-Cue, COO of SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc., the only company in the Philippines to carry Olympic size ice rinks.

The Philippine Ice Hockey Team hopes to make the country proud as it competes against Thailand, Kuwait, Mongolia, and Singapore in the 2018 IHHF Challenge Cup of Asia at the SM Skating Mall of Asia. All Philippine team games are scheduled for 7PM.

Welcome home National Skater – Michael Martinez from the 2018 Pyeongchong Winter Olympics! - Aspiring ice athletes assured of full support towards winter Olympics dream

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Welcome Home to our National Skater – Michael Martinez from the 2018 Pyeongchong Winter Olympics !

Michael Martinez 

Michael Martinez represented the Philippines in the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea where he came up short in his bid to advance in the men's single figure skating event. Despite the setback, the winter Olympian is honoured to be given the chance to compete once more in the global ice tournament.

“Competing at that level of the winter Olympics, in the company of world-class figure skating talents, and performing in front of the world, is already a reward. I am honoured to have represented the country in that tournament and hope I have become an inspiration to the next generation of ice athletes,” said Martinez.

SM Lifestyle and Entertainment chief operations officer Herman Emiliano Medina-Cue presented Michael Martinez with a certificate of recognition February 22, 2018 held at the SM Skating, SM Mall of Asia

Martinez was welcomed home by his family, supporters and fans. He was also presented with a certificate of recognition for his efforts in representing the country and heralding ice skating in the Philippines to new heights.

Martinez had a relatively short time to prepare as the Philippines was only advised and allowed to compete as a first alternate after Olympic qualifier Sweden withdrew in January. Prior to his return to the winter Olympics, Martinez won the silver medal in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games.

SM Skating

SM Skating, a major patron in the country’s ice sports program, has vowed to continue developing the talents and skills of young, aspiring athletes, to keep alive dreams of qualifying and making a strong finish in future winter Olympics games and other tournaments.

SM Skating executives reiterated their commitment to provide training and offer world-class ice skating facilities to Filipino ice athletes after welcoming home figure skater Michael Christian Martinez at the Olympic-size rink inside the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

“We are grateful for the sacrifices made and dedication shown by Michael Martinez in the just concluded winter Olympics. He has become not only a source of pride but also an inspiration especially for the budding ice athletes who, I believe, will carry our country’s colors in future international competitions,” said Herman Emiliano Medina-Cue, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. chief operating officer.

Home of the country’s ice athletes

SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. has been supporting the development of Filipino ice athletes, including the Southeast Asian Games gold medal-winning Philippine Ice Hockey team, and various ice sports in the country by implementing the SM ice skating sports program and maintaining Olympic-size ice skating rinks in Metro Manila and Cebu City.

Some of the young athletes who train at SM Skating are figure skaters Jules Alpe, Alisson Perticheto, Samantha Cabiles, and Sofia Guidote.

The ice skating rink at the SM Mall of Asia can host not only recreational and competitive figure skating and speed skating events but also ice hockey games.

Located at the main mall’s third level, the 1,800-square meter rink boasts of complete facilities for hockey games such as a digital scoreboard, players’ boxes, scorekeeper and penalty boxes as well as two locker rooms with hot and cold shower.

Visitors can conveniently watch practices, training, exhibitions, shows, games and tournaments at the 200-seater stands located around the rink. Those wanting to take a quick bite can head to the snack booth for hotdogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn, coffee cakes, pastries and ice-cold beverages.

The ice skating rink also has a spacious lobby and multi-purpose rooms for sports training, meetings, and social functions while a clinic provides immediate first-aid assistance for any minor sports-related injuries.

About SM Skating

Starting as a leisure rink built by the inspired Henry Sy Sr. whose interest was piqued by the grace and class of figure skating, the SM Skating Rink possesses the only Olympic sized ice skating rinks in the entire country. Aside from being a venue for events and leisurely skating, the SM Skating Rink also provides lessons for Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, and other sports on ice. Proving right of Henry Sy Sr.’s vision of a tropical country excelling in a winter-based sport, the SM Skating Rink has been home to world class figure skaters, such as Michael Martinez, who internationally compete in prestigious championships such as the Winter Olympics in Sochi. This year, the SM Skating Rink will introduce more sports and activities to learn on the ice, and events that will cater to the existing and new winter-based sports. 

For the skating lessons, please visit: http://smskatingrink.com/rates-and-packages/

Figure Skater Olympian Michael Martinez signs contract with SM Group

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Michael Martinez, the 17-year-old Pinoy pride signed contract with the SM Group for a continuous monetary support in his bid to qualify for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. 

(Photo L-R) Mrs. Teresa Martinez; Michael Martinez; Ms. Nicole Deato, AVP – Education and Leisure Centers, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc; Ms. Linda Atayde, SAVP – Education Programs, SM Foundation, Inc.

The contract is worth P9 million a year for the next four years to finance the Filipino skater’s training. 

SM signed Martinez to a four-year contract extension, the first was inked last year. It was supposed to run for 1 1/2 years and Martinez’ fee was P1 Million for an all-exclusive endorsement. In the extension, SM agreed to cover Martinez’ training and competition expenses of P9 Million a year and allowed him to endorse products not in competition with any SM brand.

Figure Skater Olympian Martinez, left the country last Friday to continue his training overseas. He said he will try to make the Filipinos proud as he joins the Hilton Honors Skate America in Chicago, Illinois from October 22 to 26.

Ranked 27th in the world, the first Filipino figure skater to make it to the Winter Olympics admitted being elated after being one of the chosen few to participate in the event.

During his contract signing with the SM Group at the Mall of Asia Arena last Thursday, young Olympian skater admitted it was difficult for his family to finance his training, that’s why he’s thankful to the SM Group for taking care of his financial woes and allowing him to just focus on competing.

Martinez , who had discovered his love for skating at the early age, honed his skills at the SM Skating Rink. He had joined international competitions such as those developed by the International Skating Institute and the International Skating Union, but his efforts have recently been noticed by the pubic as the only Filipino representative at the Winter Olympics 2014. 

To futher develop his talent, SM Prime Holdings, SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc., and the SM Foundation teamed up to provide Martinez monetary support for the training and needs for skating.

The 17-year old Olympian, Martinez isn’t giving up on someday going back to school. After the Pyeongchang Games, Martinez said he’ll pursue a degree in sports medicine. But he said he wants to take up photography as an alternative field of interest when not training or competing on ice.

His dream is to win a medal for the country at the next Winter Olympics and he’s got a four-year timetable to make it come true. 

The SM Group is proud to support athletes such as Michael Martinez, who has proven that a tropical country can succeed in a winter sports.

Be the next Michael Christian Martinez!

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Filipino Figure Skater Olympian Michael  Christian Martinez,  the first ever South East Asian figure skater to enter the 2013 World Junior Championship and giving an impressive performance at the recently held Soichi Winter Olympics. 

There’s no stopping Michael Christian Martinez in reaping honors for the Philippines as he recently bagged the much coveted gold medal from the Triglav Trophy International Figure Skating Competition in Jesenice, Slovenia.

Inspired by skaters spinning and jumping at the SM Skating Rink in SM Southmall, Martinez took up figure skating when he was eight and began training in 2010 in the United States. Since then, he has been transformed into a world-class athlete and has garnered over 190 medals and trophies from various international and local competitions. 

Martinez’s success is not an overnight thing but the simple decision of his mother and himself to get into the sports changed his life. His achievement is indeed phenomenal but the good news is if you’re open-minded and committed to learn the skill, you too can be like him! 

SM Skating Rink operated by SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. makes this possible as it provides the facilities and programs for the young people who want to develop and hone their skating talents, and who aspire to be the next Philippine Olympian like Michael Christian Martinez. SM Skating Rink offers various skating lessons in its premier branches in SM Mall of Asia, SM Southmall and SM Megamall.

For only P300 on weekdays and P390 during weekends and holidays, you can learn different skating moves by availing open or unlimited skating service offered in both SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall. You can learn and have fun in the SM Skating Rink with your friends by enrolling to one of the Freestyle skating courses available in the three SM branches that come in both four and six sessions

You can also skate your way to being a professional skater by enrolling to Speed Skating, the newest course offering in SM Mall of Asia. Top local coaches who were also trained by international skating coaches like Kelvin Nicolle, an international referee from New Zealand who teaches short track speed skating in Singapore, will provide the lesson and training to the enrolees. 

SM Skating Rink which once served as a training ground for Michael Christian Martinez still provides a house for discovering new young talents. 

Be part of this and fulfill your dreams in the country’s world-class and only skating rink.

For more information, visit www.smiceskating.com or call 556-0471.

Filipino Figure Skater Olympian Michael Martinez Bags Gold in Slovenia Tourney

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Homegrown Figure Skater Olympian Michael Christian Martinez bagged the gold in the recently held Triglav Trophy International Figure Skating Competition in Jesenice, Slovenia. Martinez finished the free skate finals in the Senior Men’s category with a score of 195.13 points, besting Japan, United Kingdom, Korea, Austria and Norway.

Michael Christian Martinez (center) (Photo from Martinez’s Facebook Page)

“I Thank God for this blessing- another gold medal in senior event. It was actually difficult for all of us because the 30 minutes practice sessions were scheduled a day before, and no more practices during the competition days. I'm very happy i made it to first place,” Martinez said and shared on his Facebook page. 

The 18-year old Martinez  now has three gold medals in the senior level, with the Triglav Trophy, the recent Skate Helena in Serbia and the Crystal Skate in Romania last 2012.

Filipino American Samantha Cabiles finished 6th in the Junior Ladies’ category out of 21 skaters with a score of 100.04 points. 

The Philippine Skating Union (PhSU), which is a member of the International Skating Union  (ISU) named Martinez and Cabiles as the country’s representatives to the Triglav Trophy. 

Every year since 1992, the Triglav Trophy gathers over 100 of the best young figure skaters from all over the world. The competition is hosted in Jesenice ice hall Podmežakla and has its roots in 1992. 

Martinez took up figure skating when he was eight, inspired by skaters spinning and jumping while shopping with his mother at SM Southmall. He began training in 2010 in the United States and since then his lifelong dream has been to win an Olympic medal. Martinez has garnered over 190 medals and trophies from various international and local competitions. 

Cabiles, who was born in Hawaii and is now based in Michigan started skating since she was 11. Of Filipino decent, Cabiles also competes in the Philippine Nationals and recently ranked second in the 2013 Philippine National Figure Skating Championships held at SM Mall of Asia every year.

“The Skating Gazelle”

Cabiles also placed 10th in the Junior category of the recent Dragon Trophy competition in Ljubjana, Slovenia in February 2014. She trains in Toronto, Canada. Due to her high and powerful jumps, she earned the moniker, “The Skating Gazelle”. 

SM has been the primary supporter of the PhSU since the latter was established in 2005. SM also provides a venue for the events of PhSU for the promotion of ice skating in the Philippines. PhSU received accreditation from the ISU in 2006, coinciding with the opening of the SM Mall of Asia skating rink that year. In turn, PhSU, as the sole governing body for Figure and Speed Skating provides SM and its ice skating rinks with marketing tools such as local and international skating events and its network of skating athletes. 

Through the years, SM and the PhSU have conducted several figure skating competitions that have given birth to international champions such as Martinez. 

The PhSU is the governing body in the country for figure skating and speed skating. It is a member of the ISU which is the exclusive international sports federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The ISU administers speed and figure skating throughout the world. It is composed of a number of national organizations called ISU members who administer ISU sports at the national level.

Michael Martinez performance at SM Megamall SM Skating Rink

The excellence demonstrated by skaters especially during competitions is a mark of quality that the SM Skating Rink can provide with its world-class venue and facilities. Property conglomerate SM Prime Holdings, Inc. operates skating rinks through SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. at the SM Mega Fashion Hall in Mandaluyong, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, and SM Southmall in Las Pinas.

The Filipino Lifestyle with SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated

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People love to shop and we love shopping with entertainment. We love dining, restaurants and cafes, enjoying a good meal with our family and friends, and enjoying one-stop entertainment place, a comfortable cinemas with a wide selection of food and drink stalls and discovering or going to new places with new things to offer. These places for us to be able to create unique and memorable experiences with our loved ones.

The famous SM now launches Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated or SMLEI that aims to promote bonding activities among Filipino families and friends, through entertainment and leisure facilities, while advocating the ease of use and personalized service created to complement the Filipino lifestyle.

Starting with just SM Cinema under West Avenue Theatres Corporation, also known as “WATC,” it has grown to 267 cinemas in 47 SM Supermalls nationwide. Due to the success of WATC, the company broadens its services from SM Cinema as its sole marque to carrying 12 major brands in a span of five years.

With the success of the company under the leadership of Hans Sy Sr., founder of SM, and management of Mr. Edgar C. Tejerero, President of SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated, WATC could not hold true to its name as a sole corporation for cinemas anymore.

Thus the rebirth of the corporation from WATC to SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated: A 360 degree access to the best in lifestyle and entertainment services that the world can offer. It is an integrated world of services that redefines ‘convenience’ not as a privilege but an amenity.

SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated or SMLEI is now the educational, sports, and recreational arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. that offers the best in movies, events, leisure and technology. SMLEI aims to promote bonding activities among Filipino families and friends, through entertainment and leisure facilities, while advocating the ease of use and personalized service created to complement the Filipino lifestyle.

“At SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated, our mission is to make our entertainment and food brands the first choice among all Filipinos because of the great experience and value for money that we provide through our empowered managers and motivated co-workers. Our world-class recreational facilities, products and services aim to provide Filipinos more venues to create wonderful memories with their families, friends and loved ones,” says Edgar C. Tejerero, President. 

SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. is dedicated to its 12 major brands that caters to all Filipinos and would encourage a lifestyle of entertainment, leisure, and enjoyment.

SM Cinema – The pioneer brand of SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc, SM Cinema began in 1986 as SM’s household brand for movie watching. Now with almost 267 fully digitized theatres in 47 branches nationwide, and three big brands under its name, SM Cinema is the country’s leader in movie entertainment.

IMAX – Under the SM Cinema Chain, the IMAX is an international franchise famous for its state-of-the-art projection system; surround sound system, and .crystal-clear lifelike images that appear so real, it is like you were actually there. 

Director’s Club Cinema - Dubbed as the intimate and deluxe choice for movie watching,Director’s Club Cinema offers the best in comfort and style as it offers plush leather seats, butler service, and a menu created just for the theatre’s guests. With four branches around the metro, and expanding to other regions in the Philippines, the Director’s Club Cinema is open to all movie lovers who prefer the high-end cinema choice.

WM Cinemas - A recent acquire of SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated, WM Cinemas operates in six branches in Luzon, equipped with fully digitized screens and projectors that render clarity to both image and sound. Under SM Cinema, WM Cinemas is now fully renovated with upgraded facilities operating under the largest cinema exhibitor in the Philippines, SM Cinema.

Snack Time – The sole food concession unit of SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc., Snack Time caters to SM Cinema, Mall of Asia Arena, SM Science Center, SM Bowling Center, SM Skating Rink, and WM Cinemas. Snack Time offers a wide variety of food, from snacks such as popcorn, burgers, sandwiches, corndogs, drinks and candies to healthy gourmet meals fit for formal parties, Snack Time is one of the biggest food operators in the entertainment and lifestyle business. Snack Time also caters to events, and is the merchandise arm of SMLEI.

SM Tickets - SM Tickets is the box office and customer care center of SMLEI. SM Tickets is the only Ticket Center available nationwide servicing house brands such as Mall of Asia Arena and SM Cinema, SM Tickets has branched out to other events venues, entertainment parks, holiday destinations, concerts, galleries, zoos, hotels, and even airlines.

ePlus Tap To Pay – As an introduction into cashless consumption, ePLUS Tap to Pay provides not only discounts and freebies to its members, but convenience to travelers, shoppers, movie lovers, and event goers. With one tap of a card, members can enjoy perks in various restaurants, shops, theatres, and concerts. ePLUS is the card of the century.

ePlus Digital – Originally created to service digital sites for SM Cinema and ePLUS, ePLUS Digital formed into a web service brand catering to social media, e-commerce, mobile marketing, web development and other related areas. ePLUS Digital will be expanding into other venues and markets online.

Mall of Asia Arena – Known as the architectural “eyecon,” the Mall of Asia Arena is the venue for international sports and entertainment. Patterned after the centers abroad, the Mall of Asia Arena is the only stadium in the Philippines that has a floor dedicated to the Corporate Suites. Concert House to Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, J.Lo, Aerosmith, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift and the like, as well as sports center to One FC and the NBA, the Mall of Asia Arena is not only a local stadium for international acts but also a tourist destination.

SM Science Center – The SM Science Center, formerly known the Science Discovery Center, has just recently been acquired by SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated. Boasting of its planetarium with the Digistar 5 system (the world’s most advanced full dome digital theatre system), the SM Science Center provides an advance educational experience for children and adults alike. In the coming months, the SM Science Center will be launched with its new exhibits, galleries, and systems to better serve its guests. Branches of SM Science Center are Mall of Asia Science Center and SM Lanang Science Center.

SM Bowling Center - Recently positioned under SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc., and with World Champion CJ Suarez managing the SM Bowling Center Division, it boasts of state-of-the-art and fully-automated bowling facilities, modern billiard areas, extreme games and arcade stations, and a snack bar that caters to each guests cravings. The SM Bowling Center is truly a one-stop-entertainment hub that offers the total fun and recreational experience for the Filipino family and barkada.

SM Skating Rink - Starting as a leisure rink built by the inspired Henry Sy Sr., insert position, whose interest was piqued by the grace and class of figure skating, the SM Skating Rink is the only ice skating rink in the entire country. Aside from being a venue for events and leisurely skating, the SM Skating Rink also provides lessons for Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, and other sports on ice. Proving right of Henry Sy Sr.’s vision of a tropical country excelling in a winter-based sport, the SM Skating Rink has been home to world class figure skaters, such as Michael Martinez, who internationally compete in prestigious competitions such as the World Junior and Senior Championships, and the latest Olympics in Sochi. This year, the SM Skating Rink will introduce more sports and activities to learn on the ice, and events that will cater to the existing and new winter-based sports.

With its enhancements and steadfast vision, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated will be the leader in innovation, technology, and creativity purposed to enhance a lifestyle created for Filipinos.