Cover Alex and Maia Shibutani with the Filipino skaters (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
Alex and Maia Shibutani with the Filipino skaters (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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Maia and Alex Shibutani visit the Philippines for a two-day masterclass on ice skating
In an effort to promote ice sports in the Philippines, sibling duo Maia and Alex Shibutani held a two-day on-ice sports clinic at the SM Mall of Asia Ice Skating Rink. On the ice, the two have dominated arenas with their elegant choreography—emerging to be two-time Olympic Bronze medallists, three-time World medallists, Four Continents champions, and two-time US National champions, as well as becoming the first Asian ice dancers to bag a medal at the Winter Olympics.
More from Tatler: Blades on borrowed ice: The fight to keep skating alive in the Philippines
Above Alex and Maia Shibutani teaching young skaters at the SM Mall of Asia Ice Skating Rink (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
Alex and Maia Shibutani teaching young skaters at the SM Mall of Asia Ice Skating Rink (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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Known together as the ShibSibs, Maia and Alex have served as Sports Envoys for the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs since 2017 and have been inducted into the US Figure Skating Hall of Fame. Off the ice when they’re not inspiring budding skaters all around the world, they tell their story through art—launching their new middle-grade book series in 2020.
Above Maia Shibutani teaching two young skaters (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
Maia Shibutani teaching two young skaters (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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After warming up with a couple of laps around the rink, Alex and Maia taught the group of skaters—budding and established—their signature flair. “We’ve been very impressed with the level and the focus of the skaters… We want to see more people from the Philippines competing internationally in figure skating competitions so we focused on their connection to the ice, shares Alex.
Read also: The Many Lanes of Angie Mead King: A life driven by passion, innovation, and authenticity
Above Alex Shibutani teaching a student a partner move (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
Alex Shibutani teaching a student a partner move (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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Optimistic about the ice skating industry in the Philippines, Alex and Maia believe that the country has great potential to produce world-class figure skaters to join the likes of Michael Martinez. “I definitely think that ice skating can thrive here. All it takes is enthusiasm and passion and we saw so much of that in the skaters [here],” says Maia.
Above Alex Shibutani signing a polaroid taken by a fan (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
Alex Shibutani signing a polaroid taken by a fan (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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While ice skating in the Philippines is still in its infancy, the ShibSibs encourage the next generation of skaters to find their passion on the ice. “There are so many things that can bring people to figure skating. If you love music, dance, choreography, and storytelling—and I know all of those things are loved by Filipinos—ice dance has a bright future here in this country and we’re excited to help it grow,” says Alex.
“If you want to try the sport, please do. I think that experiencing it and having that spark of interest is the beginning,” shares Maia.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
