SM gives Michael Martinez Notable Global Pinoy Award

MANILA, Philippines - Young Filipino Olympic figure skater Michael Christian Martinez received the Notable Global Pinoy Award from the SM Supermalls for his outstanding and unprecedented achievements in the recent Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

In simple ceremonies at the SM Mall of Asia in Parañaque, Martinez was given the award in recognition of his achievement as the first Southeast Asian athlete to qualify to the Winter Olympics.

SM Supermalls president Annie Garcia and Glenn Ang, program director of SM Global Pinoy, presented the Award to Martinez.
The Notable Global Pinoy award is given as part of the SM Global Pinoy program that pays tribute to outstanding Filipinos who have made a mark in the international arena.

Among the past awardees were international singers Lea Salonga, Apl de Ap of the Black Eyed Peas, designer Oliver Tolentino, Francis Libiran, world pool champion Efren “Bata” Reyes, boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao, the national soccer team Azkals, the Philippine Dragon Boat Team, Danica Magpantay, and chef Pablo Boy Logro.

Ang said Martinez is clearly a notable global Filipino because he is a world-class athlete who showed how talent, perseverance and determination could break barriers and biases to qualify for the Winter Olympics.

“Who would have thought that a figure skater from a tropical country like the Philippines could make it to the Winter Olympics? But Michael Martinez achieved this and his performance in that sport was sterling. He certainly has a bright future ahead of him,” Ang said.

Ang added SM would always be behind Martinez in achieving more milestones in his career.

“SM has been behind him since he started in his career. We are with him now and we will always be with him as he achieves more triumphs in his career,” he stressed.

He further noted that Martinez has become an inspiration to many young Filipinos to achieve their dreams in whatever field they want to pursue.

“Michael showed us that nothing is impossible if we put our mind and heart into it. We could achieve our dreams and SM will be a support to all our young Filipino dreamers and achievers,” Ang stated.

SM launched the Global Pinoy Program in recognition of the sacrifices and contributions to the country of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

As part of the program, SM put in place SM Global Pinoy Centers in its supermalls to cater to OFWs and their families, providing them with facilities, discounts and privileges for their convenience.

Aside from the Global Pinoy Award, Martinez was given a Lifetime Skating Privilege Card by the SM Lifestyle & Entertainment, Inc. to ensure uninterrupted use of the skating rink to hone his skating skills whenever he is in the country.