Senate commends Pinoy Olympic skater Michael Martinez

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate has adopted a resolution commending 17-year old Olympic skater Michael Martinez for bringing pride to the Philippines with his achievement in the recent Winter Olympics.

Senate Resolution No. 505, which was filed by Sen. Vicente Sotto III last week, praised Martinez, the first skater from Southeast Asia to qualify for the Winter Olympics in Russia.

Martinez is the lone Philippine representative who served as the country's flag bearer during the opening ceremony of the Sochi games. He finished 19th overall with a total score of 184.25.

"Despite his family's limited financial resources and a severe asthma condition, Martinez pursued his dream by developing his skills in figure skating in various shopping mall skating rinks in the country," the Senate resolution said.

"Martinez' achievement has brought pride, recognition and honor to the country and to the Filipino people," it added.

Meanwhile, the Senate also adopted resolutions commending Ariella Arida and Bea Rose Santiago for their victories in their respective beauty pageants last year.

Arida was crowned Third Runner Up in the 2013 Miss Universe tilt while Santiago won as Miss International.