Photo: Character Dramatic Spotlight as Ballerina “FS2 Gold Medal” Skate Emirates 2018. Dress by Filipino fashion designer Carla Fuentes.
ABI DHABI: Eight-year-old Filipina Megan Orcilla made her country proud by bringing home two medals at the Skate Emirates 2018 held in Abu Dhabi. She participated in Skate Emirates 2018’s Freestyle 2 level winning gold for Character Dramatic Spotlight and Silver for Solo Compulsories.
Megan, who was born and raised in the UAE, started skating when she got curious about it at Dubai Ice Rink in Dubai Mall. “I asked mom and dad if I can skate. A few weeks after that, I was learning to step and walk on ice with a private coach. Since then, I have experienced dancing as Rapunzel, Cinderella and most recently Ballerina,” said Megan.
Her mother, Kath Orcilla, said that Megan always looks forward to dressing up as her favorite cartoon character. “She is just enjoying her childhood, but in this case, on ice,” said Kath.
When asked how she balances her time between skating and studies, Megan said her parents help her out a lot to manage her time. “My parents make sure I accomplish my school academic targets and have enough time to hit the ice,” explains Megan.
Her mom added that there are also days when Megan finds it hard to find the motivation to skate –but she always reminds her daughter of their goals. “I do not dwell on her petty whining. I remind her of the goal and what we want to achieve at the end. This will encourage her to stand up and continue,” said Kath.
Skate Emirates 2018 wasn’t Megan’s first competition. She also competed last year in the same event and won 3 gold medals in the Delta level. When she was 6 years old, Megan participated in Figure Skating Dubai held at Al Nasr.
Megan said nothing makes her more proud than to get a chance to represent her country: “I am proud to represent my Dubai Ice Rink Ice Skating team and the Philippines. It is a privilege to have our country’s flag on my jacket.”
My sister is her coach, Coach Mei ????