Pinay teener to grace Sochi Winter Olympics closing ceremonies

Aside from figure skater Michael Christian Martinez, another Filipino is set to make an appearance in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

An exclusive report by Raffy Tima on “24 Oras” on Friday said 14-year-old Audrey Alcaraz has been invited by South Korea to perform in the closing ceremonies of the Olympics.

“At first po medyo na-shock,” said Alcaraz, who is scheduled to fly to Russia on Saturday, in the report. “Parang hindi ko pa po ma-process.”

The Grade 8 student added, “[I] can't really describe it po because it's a once in a lifetime thing.”

The report said Alcaraz joined a skating competition in South Korea last year where she emerged victorious. It said she believes this is the reason why she was invited to appear in the Sochi Olympics.

“It's a cultural performance,” said Alcaraz on her appearance on the closing ceremonies, where Russia will pass the hosting to South Korea for the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics.

“There are only five of us from other parts of the world,” she said.

Meanwhile, Martinez's recent success in the Winter Olympics has made him an instant idol among other figure skaters in the country.

“Yeah I want to be like him,” said Sabine Katigbak in the same “24 Oras” report.

According to figure skating coach Ronan Capili, the country has a lot of talented figure skaters despite lack of equipment and the fact that the Philippines doesn't have winter season.

“We have a lot of potential,” he said. — KBK, GMA News