More Filipinos are lacing up their skates and stepping onto the ice as enthusiasm for figure skating and ice sports continues to sweep the nation.
Through the SM Skating Academy’s Learn to Skate program and high-profile competitions like Skate Manila 2026, SM Skating is actively nurturing aspiring athletes at every stage of their journey—guiding them from their very first hesitant steps on the ice to standing proudly on the competitive podium.
A Massive Surge in Ice Skating Popularity
The growing passion for the sport is written in the numbers. Since January 2026, registrations for the Learn to Skate program have nearly doubled compared to the same period last year. This remarkable surge highlights ice skating’s rising status as a favorite sport and recreational activity among Filipino families, children, and teens.
“Every champion starts somewhere, and for many young skaters, that journey begins with taking their first steps on the ice,” says Joseph Francis Silva, Senior Assistant Vice President for SM Sports and Leisure. “Through SM Skating Academy, we provide opportunities for Filipinos to learn, develop their skills, and pursue their passion for skating—whether for recreation, personal growth, or competitive achievement.”
Where Fun Meets Discipline: The Learn to Skate Program
Available monthly across SM Skating rinks in your favorite SM Supermalls nationwide, the Learn to Skate program offers a structured, safe, and encouraging environment. Led by expert coaches, the program focuses on fundamental skating techniques while instilling core values like discipline, confidence, and resilience. By catering to both casual hobbyists and future Olympians, SM Skating is effectively making ice sports highly accessible to Filipinos of all backgrounds.
Spotlighting Grassroots Talent at Skate Manila 2026
As skaters level up their skills, SM Skating provides the ultimate stage for them to shine. Held from June 5 to 7 at SM Megamall, Skate Manila 2026 brought together the country’s finest grassroots talent. Sanctioned by ISI Asia, this premier annual event serves as a critical platform for athletes to gain competitive exposure, showcase their routines, and connect with the broader skating community.
Beyond the medals, Skate Manila plays a vital role in talent identification, allowing top-tier coaches to spot promising young skaters who could one day represent the Philippines on the world stage.
Where Winning Begins
Together, the Learn to Skate program and Skate Manila 2026 underscore SM Supermalls’ holistic approach to sports development. By offering both world-class training and premier competitive venues, SM Skating ensures that local talent has everything they need to thrive.
“Winning does not begin on competition day. It begins with every lesson, every practice session, and every step forward,” Silva adds. “At SM Skating, we remain committed to creating spaces and opportunities where aspiring athletes can grow, develop their potential, and pursue their dreams. This is where winning begins.”
To learn more about the Learn to Skate program, enrollment rates, and upcoming ice events, visit your nearest SM Skating rink or follow SM Skating’s official social media pages.
About SM Sports and Leisure Center
With the mission of revolutionizing fitness and sports engagement in the country, SM Sports and Leisure Centers (SLC) is dedicated to elevating the sports experiences of Filipinos—whether through fun family bonding moments or high-adrenaline competitions. Its commitment is to building spaces Where Winning Begins, creating environments conducive to bringing out the best in every moment, play, and routine.