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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider U.S. Olympic figure skaters Maia and Alex Shibutani visit the Philippines

U.S. Olympic figure skaters Maia and Alex Shibutani visit the Philippines

Published Mar 3, 2025 07:47 am
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ALL IN: Alex and Maia, with the rest of the skating group pose for the cameras

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with SM Supermalls, hosted the visit of two-time Olympic medalist siblings Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani.

Maia and Alex, also known as the “Shibutani Siblings” or “Shib Sibs,” visited the Philippines to lead a two-day on-ice sports clinic for Filipino ice skaters. While in Manila, they also engaged with fellow athletes, students, youth leaders, and other key figures in Philippine sports to promote ice dancing and the important role of sports diplomacy in enriching U.S.-Philippine ties.

The ice skating clinic was conducted on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the SM Mall of Asia Ice Skating Rink in Pasay City.

Filipino two-time Olympian Michael Martinez and celebrity figure skater Skye Chua also joined the on-ice sports clinic.

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Alex and Maia sharing tips with the participants on what they do best

The Shib Sibs have served as sports envoys for the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs since 2017. Currently, Maia is on the advisory council for Asia Society’s AWE initiative and was named the Winter Olympic athlete representative of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation NextGen Program in 2023. Alex was selected to join the LA28 Athletes’ Commission in 2021 and is a professional fine art and portrait photographer.

During the clinic, Maia and Alex showed new drills and tricks to the young Filipino aspirants, sharing their techniques and tips from their years of experience. The 33-year-old Alex shared words of encouragement and wants to see more Filipinos thrive in the sport.

"We want to see more people from the Philippines competing internationally and in figure skating competitions. So what we're teaching and focusing on today is the connection to the ice," Alex told the press.

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DARLING OF THE PRESS:  the Shibutani siblings smiles for the camera as they answer questions with the media

"Ice skating is a sport for everyone, and I know that it can be intimidating for people to try for the first time, especially in a place like Manila where there aren't so many rinks, but this is a beautiful rink here at MOA, and we've really enjoyed the ice here,” he added.
His sister Maia shared the same sentiment and was impressed by how passionate Filipinos are about the sport.

"Anything is possible. All it takes is enthusiasm and passion, and we saw so much of that today," she said.

Alex and Maia won bronze medals in the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, on top of numerous accolades in the U.S. Championships, and the siblings believe Filipinos can shine in winter sports.

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Everyone listens intently on every word and advice shared by the Shib Sibs
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Even Filipino two-time Olympian Michael Martinez is present to take on the learning during the clinic
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Everybody joins hand in one of the exercises
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Alex and Maia showing them how to do it 
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CELEBRITIES ALL: (from Left) celebrity figure skater Charmaine Skye Chua, two-time Olympian Michael Martinez  and first Filipino Disney On Ice member Leonardo Arenton with his students

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