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Martinez gets rousing welcome from fans

By Joey Villar (The Philippine Star)
February 24, 2014


Olympic skater Michael Martinez is greeted by fans at the SM Mall of Asia yesterday. VAL RODRIGUEZ 

MANILA, Philippines - Olympic skater Michael Martinez came home to a grand welcome yesterday after a dramatic 22-day journey in Sochi, Russia for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Martinez arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on board flight EK 332 from Russia along with his mother, Maria Theresa.

The flight arrived an hour late, but Martinez’s fans patiently waited for their idol and gave him a rousing welcome when he emerged from the tube of the plane.

Martinez, 17, brought honor to the country by being the first skater from the Philippines, a tropical zone, and Southeast Asia to qualify for the Olympics.

He made a remarkable 19th place finish, a big jump from his 30th rank upon qualifying for the Olympics among thousands of aspirants.

From the airport, a brief motorcade organized by the Pasay City government and the SM Mall of Asia management was held for Martinez shortly before 6 p.m.

more at http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/02/24/1293899/martinez-gets-rousing-welcome-fans

What's his background? Insikon lageh iyang beauty.

He looks 100% Han Chinese to me. Probably a 2nd generation Hua-ren ?

Good Job, Christian! We are all proud of you!

Christian with his mom! Beautiful family.

I was so touched to read that his mother actually mortgaged her house in order to support her son's dream!

Great job, Christian. I am so touched by your dream and aspiration. At your young age of 17, your doors are just opening. Keep up your drive, and your aspirations in this sport and in the professional field.

Good Job, Ondoy!