Marc Camligan won three gold medals in the recently concluded Skate Asia 2006 held at  the World Ice Arena in Shenzhen, China from August 10-20,2006.

      People say that in every opportunity, there is always a trade off or a sacrifice, but after which there is always a treasure waiting to be unfolded for you. During the past weeks of August, I was given another opportunity to partake in Skate Asia 2006, a figure skating competition where I represented both my country and my school.

      The said competition was held last August in Shenzhen, China and it was participated by around 30 teams from 15 different countries like America, China and even countries from the east, UAE.

      This year’s competition was very important to me since this might be my last time competing as a current Xavier student. Since I am now in the last year of my high school, there are so many requirements to be submitted and a lot of tasks to be done. In fact, sometimes, it seems that it is really impossible to combine my school work with training and practice.

      Added to the school work are the deadlines for college requirements and of course, preparation for college entrance tests. Definitely, this year was the hardest.

      Joining a competition was a big risk for me knowing that missing school could affect my performance, but looking back at the things that happened, I could proudly say that it was all worth it. Yes, it was very tough for me especially in the last few weeks before the competition because of the pressure that I was having in school and in my training. Most of our practices were held late at night that sometimes could take us till midnight to finish.

      I would never forget the time where I slept at almost around 3 in the morning before taking my 6:30am UPCAT test the following day. I also remember taking my school books like El Filibusterismo in Filipino or my Chinese book to read and study between practices. There were even days when I come to school not feeling any of my arms and my feet because of exhaustion from the previous night’s practice. Thus, I end up wishing that I could sleep for at least 6 hours on the following night.

      Nevertheless, I consider the last 12 years of my life competing in ice skating, including all the sacrifices that come along, as years to be treasured. It is during these years where opportunities of a lifetime came along. The feeling of being able to represent the Philippines at a young age is an indescribable feeling. Moreover, by being part of the Philippine contingent, I was able to prove to the world that Filipinos who live in a tropical country can achieve and excel at anything. Furthermore, knowing that I have done something for my country is one thing that I will always be proud of.

      The experiences that I had, helped me to become the person I am now. They have taught me the importance of determination and discipline in achieving my goals in life. Furthermore, they gave me the self confidence to pursue my dreams.

      More importantly, I learned that dreams cannot be achieved alone. I know for a fact that I wouldn’t be able to achieve any of my victories without the help and support of the people around like my family, friends, coach, teachers, and to all the people who have helped me. I will always be grateful to them for always supporting me in my every endeavor in skating.

      Above all, I treasure all the opportunities that God has given me to share my talent and to give Him glory.  Thus, I thank Him above all.

Go back to the top ^