March 20, 2015 – SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. (SMLEI), through SM Skating Rink, took home the bronze award for Best Sports Campaign during Marketing Magazine’s annual PR Awards Night held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore.

Stephanie Henares (left) PR and Advertising Manager of SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. with Marketing Magazine’s Editor, Rayana Pandey.

Exactly one year ago, the world stood still as a young Filipino figure skater named Michael Martinez shook an internationally renowned competition by solely representing the Philippines at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Coming home to a hero’s welcome, Martinez had not only gained attention for his unique technical executions in skating, but had also increased traction as an athlete who proved that Filipinos can do anything they set their mind to – including excelling in a sport outside the country’s usual weather conditions.

SM Skating Rink, being the only Olympic-sized ice rink in the Philippines, was envisioned by Henry Sy Sr. to be a venue wherein Filipinos can develop their skill in winter-based sports. As home to athletes such as Michael Martinez, SM Skating Rink through the SM Group vowed to continue to support skaters-on-ice in their goal to one day represent the country in the global arena. Starting with the monetary sponsorship of Michael Martinez for his journey to the 2018 Winter Olympics, SM Skating Rink went on to develop other athletes through strengthening its programs for ice hockey and introducing a new sport – speed skating.

Because of the successful results garnered by SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. for the SM Skating Rink campaign, SMLEI received the bronze award for the Best Sports Campaign category in the 2015 Marketing PR Awards. Beating contenders from competing countries in South East Asia, the Philippines took center stage for its growing opportunity in field of sports as SMLEI placed third for its skating campaign, Unilever Philippines placed second for its basketball campaign, while OneFC placed first for its mixed martial arts movement.