FIGURE skater Michael Christian Martinez was largely unknown before the Sochi Games, but it didn’t take too long for the Philippines’ lone Winter Olympian to skate into the hearts of his people.
To the hundreds of people who went to see the 17-year old phenom’s special performance at the ice skating rink of the SM Southmall in Las Pinas City, and hundreds of thousands more around the country, Martinez has become a source of inspiration and a symbol of the Filipino's resilient spirit.
Jason Pineda, who left Pampanga the day before to make sure he can be a part of the first 20 ticket holders who would be given the chance to ‘meet and greet’ the trailblazing figure skater personally during the first of his three performances for the SM chain of malls, was one of his earliest supporters.
The 22-year-old, who has a scoliosis-like medical condition, arrived at 8:30 a.m. and eighth in line when the mall opened since there were figure skaters who were already practicing in the skating rink who have lined up for the chance to meet Martinez, currently the 19th ranked male figure skater in the world.
“Naiyak ako doon sa part na hawak niya yung jacket na may ‘Philippines,'" Pineda said, recalling how Martinez's Sochi sojourn had touched him. "Doon tumulo 'yung luha ko.”
“Umiiyak ako kasi even though hindi siya nakakuha ng support from the government, sinangla nila bahay nila to support yung skating journey niya parang nakaka-overwhelm siya. Tinaas pa rin niya yung pangalan ng ‘Philippines’ na nag-iisa lang (syang competitor from a) tropical country.”
Meeting his idol face to face, a visibly emotional Pineda said he was overwhelmed.
“Ang nasabi ko lang, ‘Hi Michael. Congratulations. I’m proud of you,’ to which the figure skater replied with a simple ‘Thank you.’ Pineda gave the figure skater a tarpaulin with several images of him performing with a message written on the back.
“Nakikita ko lang siya dati sa news, hindi ko siya kilala. Nung first nakita ko siya mag-perform nagpe-pray ako na crossed fingers na sana huwag siya magkamali. Kasi yung first four nagkakamali sila. Ayun sinagot nga ni Lord na hindi siya nagkamali sa routine niya,” Pineda added.
For 76-year old retiree Barbara Montfort, Martinez was a source of "humble pride."
Montfort, who waited six hours just to see Martinez at SM Southmall, said she offered prayers and asked the 'Guardian Angel' to guide Martinez so he can have a good showing in the Winter Games.
“Guardian Angel, huwag siyang madadapa ha? Ang mga legs niya bantayan niyo at ang mga ikot niya. Before that ang dami nadadapa. Ang sabi ko Guardian Angel bantayan niyo ha?’”
One of Martinez’ oldest fans said she made it a point to watch him compete in the Sochi Games.
“Oh my goodness, of course! I’ve been watching all ng games niya. Eleven ng gabi iyon, ginigising ako ng mga anak ko. They would tell me, ‘On na siya! You have to watch him!’”
Asked how she felt when she first saw the Philippines’ newest sports hero in person, said, “Pride. So much pride. Humble pride.”
“All those youth who came here to witness in their minds and in their hearts will grow something. Produkto ni Michael ito. Sana maging ganoon din sila," she said.
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