THE Philippines hosts the International Skating Union (ISU) World Development Trophy (WDT) 2014 on Saturday at the SM Megamall Skating Rink in Mandaluyong City.

The whole-day event, set from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., will feature 56 figure skaters from 15 countries, including the hosts, who have yet to win a medal in any international event.

Philippine Skating Union (PhSU) President Pocholo Vaguillas  said this will be the second and last time the country will be hosting the event since the ISU has removed the Philippines from the list of developing nations because of 2014 Sochi Winter Olympian Michael Martinez.

“Thanks to [Martinez] we’re no longer going to host the event for we have already developed a world-class athlete,” Veguillas said in jest during Thursday night’s media briefing at a hotel in Mandaluyong City.

“The event will also see how we are helping develop figure skaters in the national training pool and in the Philippines as a whole,” he added.

The 56 figure skaters, ages 11 to 16 years old, attended a five-day training camp from April 21 to 25 conducted by international coach Shanetta Folle of Austria, the former mentor of Olympic silver medalist Mao Asada of Japan.

“There are eight individual events in both boys’ and girls’ divisions. They are vying for eight gold medals each in both divisions. And we’ve gathered the best officials, judges and coaches to help further develop the skills of all participants. There are no clear favorites here,” Veguillas said.

Folle said she was surprised on how the participants performed during the five-day camp and, given the right training program and opportunity, she said they can compete internationally.

“It is a great opportunity for them. This is my first time to conduct a training camp for developing countries. I am surprised with all the participants. They’re skills level are impressive,” Folle said.

“Especially the North Koreans, they’ve worked very hard and they perform with a lot of energy. I am excited to see them perform and it is a pleasure to work with them. There a lot of good skaters.”

Martinez, meanwhile, wished all figure skaters, especially the Philippine delegation, the best of luck in the one-day tournament.

“I am happy that the ISU gave the Philippines the chance to host this competition. It is a good way of developing the skills of all figure skaters. My advice to all of them is to just dream, visualize and practice hard,” said Martinez, who will be competing in the 2014 ISU Cup in Dubai next month.

“I was like them before, I am thankful that a lot of people supported my dream that’s why it inspired me to compete and train harder. Just believe that they can do it,” he added.

In Photo: Participants from 15 different countries, including the host Philippines, pose for a group photo during the media briefing of the International Skating Union (ISU) World Development Trophy that will be held at SM Megamall’s new skating rink. (Stephanie Tumampos)