Gamez/Korovin

[Hedwig]

I am not speaking about his reaction to her so much as his general attitude of distain to be skating with her and that it is beneath him. He does not need to kiss or hug her but his appearance of I am so much better than you and it is embarrassing to be on the same ice is a totally different vibe from Aljona with her partners for instance.

 

[kwanfan1818]

It’s pretty telling if the emotions he’d be forced to fake are anppreciation and respect.

If he’s skating with her, and has no appreciation that she’s the reason he can skate — otherwise, he’d have found a better deal — he has the option to stop skating. Similarly if he has no respect for her.

 

[marshallpond]

I don't think that they would ever be eligible, since they are training in the United States. Philippine citizenship by naturalization requires at least five years residency in the Philippines in the best of circumstances. He would also have to achieve fluency in a Philippine language.

Philippine nationality law - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Remember that this is the Philippines, where lots of miracles routinely (and I mean routinely LOL) happen under the table. Gamez's uncle was also a former senator so they've got political clout.

The Philippines is heavily pushing them, and I think they can make things happen to hasten the process to ensure that they'd have athletes in the Olympics. The Philippines is a sports-crazy nation, and they really celebrate athletes who have made it to the international stage. Even the YOG Olympics competitors have gotten good mileage in the press, including newspaper and TV interviews (something that's not done here in the US). With soooo very few athletes with a chance to make it to the Olympics, expect that things will be done to smoothen the process.

 

[Ananas Astra]

Remember that this is the Philippines, where lots of miracles routinely (and I mean routinely LOL) happen under the table. Gamez's uncle was also a former senator so they've got political clout.

The Philippines is heavily pushing them, and I think they can make things happen to hasten the process to ensure that they'd have athletes in the Olympics. The Philippines is a sports-crazy nation, and they really celebrate athletes who have made it to the international stage. Even the YOG Olympics competitors have gotten good mileage in the press, including newspaper and TV interviews (something that's not done here in the US). With soooo very few athletes with a chance to make it to the Olympics, expect that things will be done to smoothen the process.

cough Melissa Bulanhagui cough

 

[tony]

cough Melissa Bulanhagui cough

More-so Michael Martinez. He gained a massive social media following before that was even necessarily a 'thing' and the country did the most to get him exposure. No doubt the Philippines gets behind the athletes!

 

[Vagabond]

cough Melissa Bulanhagui cough

Citizenship was never Bulanhagui's problem.

 

[marshallpond]

More-so Michael Martinez. He gained a massive social media following before that was even necessarily a 'thing' and the country did the most to get him exposure. No doubt the Philippines gets behind the athletes!

They had a parade for Michael Christian Martinez when he came home from the Olympics to honor him!

 

[skatingfan412]

Remember that this is the Philippines, where lots of miracles routinely (and I mean routinely LOL) happen under the table. Gamez's uncle was also a former senator so they've got political clout.

The Philippines is heavily pushing them, and I think they can make things happen to hasten the process to ensure that they'd have athletes in the Olympics. The Philippines is a sports-crazy nation, and they really celebrate athletes who have made it to the international stage. Even the YOG Olympics competitors have gotten good mileage in the press, including newspaper and TV interviews (something that's not done here in the US). With soooo very few athletes with a chance to make it to the Olympics, expect that things will be done to smoothen the process.

I'm a long time figure skating fan, but new to FSUniverse. Actually came across this site trying to find more about SE Asian skaters - the "Obscure" skaters thread was really interesting to me! I live in the Philippines so would like to explain our process here as Alexander's naturalization has been covered in our media.

There's a special naturalization law here for athletes since we have so few that are able to compete on an international level. It's common for basketball players, soccer, and other sports. Here's some info: https://www.spin.ph/life/guide/column-how-does-an-athlete-become-a-citizen-a4598-20210219-lfrm
It looks like Congress is taking this route with Alexander based on Philippine Skating Union's recent posts from Congress.

@marshallpond pointed out that the Phils is heavily pushing them so maybe this is adding to their stress during competition. We are a small country, and it's not like if one athlete doesn't make it to the Olympics we have many others to follow. We didn't have any figure skaters in the 2022 Winter Olympics.

I and so many others are really rooting for Gamez and Korovin!!!!

 

[marshallpond]

Philippine Skating Union on Instagram: "This week, House Bills 8486 and 9537, along with Senate Bill 2461 (By: Reps. A.B. Tolentino and F. Dy and Sen. Tolentino) were approved by the Committee on Justice and Human Rights after public hearings. The

217 likes, 7 comments - philippineskating on February 15, 2024: "This week, House Bills 8486 and 9537, along with Senate Bill 2461 (By: Reps. A.B. Tolentino and F..."

www.instagram.com

"The first reading passed for granting Philippine citizenship to figure skater Aleksandr Korovin. Second and third reading at the House and Senate to follow."

Me thinks it's just a formality. Korovin will get his citizenship soon; the Philippines really, really wants to be represented in the Winter Olympics so they will super fast-track Korovin's naturalization.

 

[Jonas]

I gotta say he looks mighty dapper rocking that barong (traditional Filipino formal wear shirt for men.)

 

[airgelaal]

More-so Michael Martinez. He gained a massive social media following before that was even necessarily a 'thing' and the country did the most to get him exposure. No doubt the Philippines gets behind the athletes!

"Recollections may vary"

Olympic skater’s mother clarifies financial aid from gov’t

Maria Teresa Martinez, mother of figure skater Michael Christian Martinez who competed in the Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia, has communicated her gratitude to all those who helped and supported her son.

www.philstar.com

 

[marshallpond]

"Recollections may vary"

Olympic skater’s mother clarifies financial aid from gov’t

Maria Teresa Martinez, mother of figure skater Michael Christian Martinez who competed in the Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia, has communicated her gratitude to all those who helped and supported her son.

www.philstar.com

They certainly want their athletes in big competitions, but it doesn't mean the government is funding them

When I talked with Gamez's mom, she said that the Philippine Skating Union funds their travel and competition fees. However, they don't get funds to offset the cost of training, though she is working to change that and get funding.

That's why Elano, who was 6th in Junior Men at the Nationals and would be a really good bet for the Philippines, is not as enthused to switch feds and skate for the Philippines because it's not sure they'd be given funds for training. If they'd be sure to get funds, they'd switch in a heartbeat.

And that's the problem with these smaller feds - there's just not a lot of money. You'd have to go and ask for financial support from private corporations yourself.

 

[airgelaal]

They certainly want their athletes in big competitions, but it doesn't mean the government is funding them

When I talked with Gamez's mom, she said that the Philippine Skating Union funds their travel and competition fees. However, they don't get funds to offset the cost of training, though she is working to change that and get funding.

That's why Elano, who was 6th in Junior Men at the Nationals and would be a really good bet for the Philippines, is not as enthused to switch feds and skate for the Philippines because it's not sure they'd be given funds for training. If they'd be sure to get funds, they'd switch in a heartbeat.

And that's the problem with these smaller feds - there's just not a lot of money. You'd have to go and ask for financial support from private corporations yourself.

I was talking about Martinez. I followed him from his first appearance in the juniors and I did not get the impression from his interview that the country was behind him.

 

[skatingfan412]

I gotta say he looks mighty dapper rocking that barong (traditional Filipino formal wear shirt for men.)

I saw a clip on one of our TV morning shows where Korovin spoke Tagalog to Congress this week. I fell out of my chair.

There is definitely some void potential for their skating that we haven't seen yet, but on a more shallow note they are extremely attractive and quickly gaining celebrity status here in Philippines. I hope philippine skating federation is stepping up for them. They're getting people to talk about figure skating in the country.

 

[Karen-W]

Aleksandr Korovin in his barong testifying to Congress -

Philippine Skating Union on Instagram: "This week, House Bills 8486 and 9537, along with Senate Bill 2461 (By: Reps. A.B. Tolentino and F. Dy and Sen. Tolentino) were approved by the Committee on Justice and Human Rights after public hearings. The

293 likes, 8 comments - philippineskating on February 15, 2024: "This week, House Bills 8486 and 9537, along with Senate Bill 2461 (By: Reps. A.B. Tolentino and F..."

www.instagram.com

@AngieNikodinovLove - gonna add him to your harem now?

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

@AngieNikodinovLove - gonna add him to your harem now?

There is a vetting process, it’s very complicated. And it all starts with the fax you just sent me.

 

[myhoneyhoney]

I saw a clip on one of our TV morning shows where Korovin spoke Tagalog to Congress this week. I fell out of my chair.

I would love to see this clip! I want to see if I can understand what he’s saying.

 

[ice coverage]

I saw a clip on one of our TV morning shows where Korovin spoke Tagalog to Congress this week. I fell out of my chair. ...

I would love to see this clip! I want to see if I can understand what he’s saying.

Full video of a Philippine Senate committee hearing on Feb 15 with Korovin and Gamez is on Facebook.
After answering many questions in English, Korovin also spoke some Tagalog in a prepared statement (combined with English). His prepared statement begins at approx. 3:16:00.

Committee on Justice and Human Rights | Feb. 15, 2024 | 🛑WATCH LIVE NOW‼ Public Hearing of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights joint with Finance Thursday | February 15, 2024 | 9:00 AM AGENDA: S. Nos.... | By Senate of the Philippines | Facebo

🛑WATCH LIVE NOW‼ Public Hearing of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights joint with Finance Thursday | February 15, 2024 | 9:00 AM AGENDA: S. Nos....

www.facebook.com

Throughout the hearing, I found Korovin to be gracious and earnest, and I am impressed.
At one point, he explained that he has been in the process of learning English at the same time that he is learning Tagalog with the help of the Gamez family.
Korovin showed both his poise and his sense of humor when he answered one of the questions about his commitment to the Philippines. The question was specifically something about preferring to die in the Philippines; he pleasantly replied, "I am not preparing for dying yet!" -- to which others joined him in laughter.
(At other times during the hearing, Korovin did speak of learning about the culture of the Philippines; of ongoing and future participation in teaching/coaching young athletes in the country; etc.)

 

[myhoneyhoney]

Ok I suck, . I don’t really understand what he said, and I was born in the PI. We permanently moved to US in 1982. Oye, time for me to take some Tagalog lessons.
Thank you so much for the link!

 

[Seerek]

I was talking about Martinez. I followed him from his first appearance in the juniors and I did not get the impression from his interview that the country was behind him.

Unfortunately when it comes to athletes, you have to be of the level of a Carlos Yulo or Ernest Obiena to get "noticed" by the Philippine government.

 

[marshallpond]

I was talking about Martinez.

I know you were talking of Martinez -- and the lack of government funding support for Martinez is the same that the current crop of skaters in the Philippines are experiencing. Money for athletes in the Philippines is always tight, and the priority is for those athletes bringing the medals.

During Martinez's time, there was a lot of finger-pointing about his funding. I thought it was a very unfortunate situation. The Phil Skating Union did not submit their budget to the Phil Olympic Committee, so the POC could not give anything as nothing was asked from them; Martinez's parents did not follow the protocol and went directly to POC when PSU should have submitted the funding request. It was a bureaucratic nightmare. And I think the POC did not feel compelled to give as they knew the tycoon Henry Sy, the owner of the only rinks in the Philippines (all located in his shopping malls), was funding Martinez. But POC said they did give something, though of course skating being what it is, the $7.5K was not enough.

But other than the funding issue, the country was definitely behind him. The Filipino people went all-out of their support for Martinez. He was hailed as a hero for simply reaching the free skate https://sg.news.yahoo.com/philippin...EGJgioAGw8pOJGG1kpAsk10Wdsj8YRWYstJYv2L-nakKt

I don't think Nathan Chen got a parade when he won the gold medal. But Martinez certainly did. For simply being in the Olympics.

 

[skatingfan412]

I know you were talking of Martinez -- and the lack of government funding support for Martinez is the same that the current crop of skaters in the Philippines are experiencing. Money for athletes in the Philippines is always tight, and the priority is for those athletes bringing the medals.

During Martinez's time, there was a lot of finger-pointing about his funding. I thought it was a very unfortunate situation. The Phil Skating Union did not submit their budget to the Phil Olympic Committee, so the POC could not give anything as nothing was asked from them; Martinez's parents did not follow the protocol and went directly to POC when PSU should have submitted the funding request. It was a bureaucratic nightmare. And I think the POC did not feel compelled to give as they knew the tycoon Henry Sy, the owner of the only rinks in the Philippines (all located in his shopping malls), was funding Martinez. But POC said they did give something, though of course skating being what it is, the $7.5K was not enough.

But other than the funding issue, the country was definitely behind him. The Filipino people went all-out of their support for Martinez. He was hailed as a hero for simply reaching the free skate https://sg.news.yahoo.com/philippin...EGJgioAGw8pOJGG1kpAsk10Wdsj8YRWYstJYv2L-nakKt

I don't think Nathan Chen got a parade when he won the gold medal. But Martinez certainly did. For simply being in the Olympics.

The financial problems of Martinez were almost 10 years ago. Do we know for sure that’s the case of Philippine skaters today? Trust me I was a big Michael Martinez fan for what he did for skating here but at the same time it seemed like all his family did was complain about the federation and the government publicly. I don’t think that helps to get more support from the people that are supposed to give you money.

With other athletes and sports here in the Philippines, it seems results driven for support. EJ Obiena is a pole vaulter who ran into financial issues, but now is making millions of dollars, Hidilyn Diaz, the champion weightlifter too, and even the women’s soccer team. I think a lot of that money comes from private sponsors too. I don’t feel suitable to weigh in on other country’s skaters because I’m not from there but I’ve read about financial challenges for bigger skating federations too like US, Canada, Germany. Is it not results driven as well their financial support?

I want to see more skaters for the Philippines, and just generally from underrepresented countries, smaller federations. For me coming from one of these countries, it makes the skating competitions more interesting when you see an underdog succeed.

 

[skatingfan412]

Ok I suck, . I don’t really understand what he said, and I was born in the PI. We permanently moved to US in 1982. Oye, time for me to take some Tagalog lessons.
Thank you so much for the link!

Korovin says things like good morning, thank you very much, I’d like to request your support and help for my naturalization, my name is Sasha, and he replied to almost every question by saying “po” which is a form of respect to elders and people of authority. He also talked about how much he loves Filipino food. That goes a long way for us!! Thanks for sharing link! I was super impressed.

 

[livetoskate]

Speaking of Michael Martinez, he has a youtube channel. Looks like he's coaching in the Philippines now. In this video, he tries teaching a couple of celebrities:

Giving Alex Gonzaga & Eruption a Figure Skating Lesson! ð±â¨| Michael Martinez

Hello everyone! Thank you for watching today's video! HAYAYYY! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~// SUPPORT THE CHANNEL (& get something back) ðâ¤ï¸ ...

youtu.be

 

[Sylvia]

May 9, 2024:

Congress okays Filipino citizenship for figure skater Alexander Korovin

The House of Representatives has approved on third reading a measure granting Philippine citizenship to figure skater Alexander Korovin.

www.philstar.com

The House of Representatives has approved on third reading a measure granting Philippine citizenship to figure skater Alexander Korovin.
The Lower House on Wednesday approved House Bill No. 10048, which gives the Russian figure skater, partner of Filipina Isabella Gamez, Filipino citizenship.
The measure substituted House Nills no. 8486 and 9537.
“Korovin is hereby granted Philippine citizenship with all the rights, privileges and prerogatives, as well as the duties and obligations appurtenant thereto under the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of the Philippines,” it read.
According to the bill, the 30-year-old will have to take an oath of allegiance to the Philippines before an officer, which will also be registered with the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
After the registration, the BI will issue the certificate of naturalization of Korovin, who will then have full enjoyment of his citizenship.

 

[farahfan]

I'm a long time figure skating fan, but new to FSUniverse. Actually came across this site trying to find more about SE Asian skaters - the "Obscure" skaters thread was really interesting to me! I live in the Philippines so would like to explain our process here as Alexander's naturalization has been covered in our media.

There's a special naturalization law here for athletes since we have so few that are able to compete on an international level. It's common for basketball players, soccer, and other sports. Here's some info: https://www.spin.ph/life/guide/column-how-does-an-athlete-become-a-citizen-a4598-20210219-lfrm
It looks like Congress is taking this route with Alexander based on Philippine Skating Union's recent posts from Congress.

@marshallpond pointed out that the Phils is heavily pushing them so maybe this is adding to their stress during competition. We are a small country, and it's not like if one athlete doesn't make it to the Olympics we have many others to follow. We didn't have any figure skaters in the 2022 Winter Olympics.

I and so many others are really rooting for Gamez and Korovin!!!!

Huge Gámez/ Korovin fan here and I’m just catching up to this thread. Agree with you on this! I think people underestimate how much motivation this pair has to succeed. Thanks to their unique partnership, each bringing different strengths, they are competing at the world championships and have the Olympics within their grasp, every skaters dream! Korovin committed to citizenship and has learned two languages totally unrelated to his own. They have both come so far since they teamed up. I so hope this pair breaks into the midpack this year and starts challenging for medals.

 

[barbk]

Welcome, @farahfan!
I hope you get the chance to see them skate live this year!

 

[farahfan]

Welcome, @farahfan!
I hope you get the chance to see them skate live this year!

Thanks! Unfortunately, I am not living in a figure skating country at the moment so will have to be content with YouTube...
I just started a FanFest for Bella and Sasha over at Golden Skate if anyone would like to hop on over and join.
I'm not sure how the fan threads work here on FS Universe, do you just start something in the Trash Can?

 

[Wyliefan]

I'm not sure how the fan threads work here on FS Universe, do you just start something in the Trash Can?

Yes, that's right. Anyone can go ahead and start one in here.