PH Ice Sports is powered by Hans Sy's vision to build champions

SM has supported sports development for over thirty years by funding easily accessible facilities and initiatives that encourage Filipinos to participate in sports and advance their abilities. Cathryn Limketkai, who appears in the photo, ranked in the Top 10 of the Women’s Singles Short Program at the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, showcased her artistry and precision.

The adventure started in September 1992 with the early vision of Mr. Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the SM Prime Executive Committee, who established a long-term goal to integrate world-class sports development, training, and experiences into regular mall life.

Mr. Hans. T. Sy, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman, with Mr. Myong Hi Chang, Asian Skating Union President, at the opening ceremonies of the 2025 Asian Open Figure Skating Trophy held at SM Skating Mall of Asia

The SM Skating Academy, a prestigious program created to develop the ice skating abilities of people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels, is at the center of this initiative. The Academy is every skater's path to becoming a champion on the ice, from learning to glide at the Learn to Skate program to moving on to Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, or Speed Skating.

SM’s commitment to sports development is already evident in the journeys of Filipino athletes who have made their mark on the international stage. Michael Martinez, the first Filipino and Southeast Asian figure skater to qualify for the Winter Olympics, now shares his expertise as a full-time coach at SM Skating. 

Michael Martinez, the first Filipino and Southeast Asian figure skater to qualify for the Winter Olympics, and now a full-time coach at SM Skating, inspiring the next generation of champions.

Rising talents like Skye Chua, who will compete in the 2025 Winter University Games, and Cathryn Limketkai, who placed in the Top 10 of the Women’s Singles Short Program at the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, highlight the growing potential of local athletes.

Skye Chua, national figure skater and 2025 Winter University Games competitor, is performing her routine with grace and power.

Meanwhile, Hans Matthew Buemio, the first homegrown Filipino skater to qualify for and compete in the ISU Junior World Cup Series in short track speed skating, represents the success of grassroots training.

Hans Matthew Buemio, the first homegrown Filipino skater to qualify for and compete in the ISU Junior World Cup Series in short track speed skating, is in action on the ice.

The Philippine Women’s Ice Hockey Team proudly emerged as champions at the 2025 IIHF Women’s Asia Cup in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates—a milestone win that highlights the country’s growing strength in winter sports.

Beyond figure skating, the Philippine Women’s Ice Hockey Team also recently brought pride to the country by emerging as champions at the 2025 IIHF Women’s Asia Cup in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

Through SM Game Park and SM Bowling, which serve as centers for fostering talent and community involvement in table tennis, archery, billiards, and bowling, SM is creating thriving sports ecosystems off the ice. Permanent pickleball courts have appeared in a number of SM malls to complement these, providing extra areas for people to move, compete, and socialize.

“Building our malls has always gone hand-in-hand with planning how our spaces can serve as platforms for growth—including sports. By creating venues like SM Skating, we give young athletes the opportunity to train, build discipline, and prepare themselves for global representation. Here, kids, parents, first-timers, and pros alike can start, stay, and succeed in sport,” said Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the SM Prime Executive Committee.

For those interested, the SM Skating Academy is now accepting enrollees. For more information and registration, email smlearntoskate@gmail.com.