SM Skating is continuously evolving to become a truly world-class ice skating rink. Its operator, SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. (SMLEI), has recently opened another Olympic-size ice rink at the third level of the main mall of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
The 1,800-square-meter rink is huge enough to accommodate up to 300 skaters all at the same time. SMLEI Chief Operations Officer Herman Medina-Cue revealed that it took more than a year to complete the upgrade of the ice rink.
“The whole skating rink especially the facilities were all upgraded,” said Medina-Cue in an exclusive interview with Tech and Lifestyle Journal. “We have a new digital and brand new scoreboard, scorekeeper, players’ boxes, and penalty boxes. There are two new locker rooms, each with hot and cold shower.”
Quality of ice and safety
All equipment and facilities are imported from global suppliers. Even the supplier of ice is international (from Italy). SM Skating assures that hardening and thickness of ice on the rink is well maintained 24/7. “We have to make sure it is always safe for skaters,” Medina-Cue said. The entire facility even has a 24-hour generator on stand-by in case an unexpected and inevitable power interruption occurs.
The newly upgraded SM Skating rink even comes with a multi-purpose room where coaches and players can warm up, do sports training activities, conduct meetings, and hold social functions. A clinic is completely equipped to provide immediate first aid assistance in case players incur minor sports-related injuries while skating.
Some members of the PH Ice Hockey Team (gold medalist at recent SEA Games) pose with SMLEI COO Herman Medina-Cue (center) and several young figure skaters.
Ice sports for Filipino families
Families and friends of players as well as bleacher fans could comfortably watch tournaments and practices, training exhibitions, and shows at the cozy 200-seater stands surrounding the ice rink. To complete the skating and viewing experience, the facility also includes Snack Time booth selling burgers, hotdogs, popcorn, nachos, pastries, coffee, cakes, and ice-cold beverages for those who need to take a quick bite. Meanwhile, a spacious lobby and lounge area is where everyone can gather, socialize, and relax during rehearsals or tournaments.
“It was Mr. Henry Sy Sr.’s vision to introduce the finesse and grace in ice sports through a fully-equipped ice skating rink,” Medina-Cue revealed. “The unveiling of this new facility is both a step forward in our commitment to help grow winter-based sports and our way of inviting more families to step inside the rink and create a fun, memorable experience together.”
29th Southeast Asia Games gold medalist Philippine Ice Hockey Team
Skating for everyone
SM Skating rink at Mall of Asia and even in other locations (SM Megamall, SM Southmall, and SM Seaside Cebu) are open for everyone—for professionals, athletes, and even beginners/learners. In fact, anyone who does not know how to skate but who is eager to learn can come and learn the basics with the assistance of coaches, who are offering their services to learners and beginners at minimal fees.
“In our experience, kids even as young as age 4 come here to learn skating,” Medina-Cue said. “Once they learn skating, these kids usually don’t want to leave the rink. One hour is definitely not enough to enjoy skating. That’s why we have a program that offers unlimited ice skating,” he added.
For just about P490 (price subject to change), beginners and seasoned skaters can enjoy unlimited skating at SM Skating rinks. The package includes the use of all amenities as well as rental for skates and helmets (excluding optional coaches’ fees). There are also many other packages available to make skating more enjoyable and easy on the pockets of skaters and their parents. To know more about such packages, visit this link.