Senate commends Olympic figure skater Michael Martinez

(Updated 7:46 p.m.) The Senate on Wednesday commended Filipino figure skater Michael Martinez, the sole representative of the country in the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.

Martinez, who placed 19th at the recently concluded Winter Olympics, was honored through Senate Resolution 505, which he personally received during the day's session.

Martinez was feted for his "exceptional talent" and for being the first Southeast Asian Olympic figure skater.

"To excel on ice, even if the only ice we produce in the country is from refrigerators, is exceptional indeed," Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, who sponsored the resolution, said on the Senate floor.

The Filipino Olympian was accompanied by his mother when he received his commendation.

Senators and Senate staff members alike took turns in taking a picture with Martinez. Senate President Franklin Drilon even had to ask people at the Senate gallery to keep quiet before Martinez received his commendation.

'Crown jewels' too

Aside from Martinez, three Filipina beauty queens who won in international pageants last year were also commended by the Senate.

Miss International Bea Rose Santiago, Miss Universe third runner-up Ariella Arida, and Miss Supranational Mutya Johanna Datul also received separate Senate resolutions acknowledging their respective victories.

The beauty queens, described by Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano as the country's "crown jewels," came at the Senate gallery wearing resplendent gold gowns and their crowns.

The Senate also gave commendations to journalists Jiggy Manicad, Malou Mangahas, and Jairus Bondoc for being recognized by the Metrobank Foundation last year.
- AMD/KBK, GMA News