TEAM PHILIPPINES. From left to right, Shayanne Casapao, Samantha Cabiles, Jules Alpe and Michael Martinez. (photo courtesy of Francis Casapao)

Filipino figure skater Michael Christian Martinez will lead team Philippines set to compete at the 2017 Asian Winter games in Sapporo, Japan. The figure skating event starts on Feb. 23, 2017.
Other figure skaters joining the 20-year-old Martinez are Shayanne Casapao and Samantha Cabiles for Ladies division and Jules Alpe for the Men’s division.

Both Shayanne and Samantha were Podium finishers during the 2015 national figure skating challenge that paved the way for their slots.

Alpe on the other hand got his slot after being elevated to the seniors this year, according to Metro Ice Skating Club president Smith Chua.

Michael Martinez is coming off a recent competition in Gangneung, South Korea. Martinez became the highest-ranked Southeast Asian skater of the tournament after he finished 14th in the men’s singles category of the ISU Four Continent Championships.

The eighth Asian Winter Games raised its curtain at the Sapporo Dome in Japan last Sunday. The Pinoy skaters are hoping to earn a spot at the Winter Olympics in Korea set for 2018.