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OPTICS / FLEDGLINGS THE QUANTUM ACADEMY Martinez shines in Philippine Winter Olympic Debut by: Aeron Sanidad Michael Martinez shone as he put on a stunning performance being the Philippines’ lone entry in the men’s figure skating finals in the Iceberg Skating Palace during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, February 14. Wearing a suit that made him look prince-like, Martinez the crowd he skated of Stallions dominate Intramurals by: Jared Pestano and Aeron Sanidad T he Junior Stallions put on a stunning performances as they seized the throne in the 2013-2014 intramurals, January 16-19. The stallions dominated almost all the sports events held en route to their first place win, with the Grade 10 Ravens and he Grade 8A Pink Panthers closely behind - placing 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. From their first basketball game against the Senior Ravens to their undefeated volleyball team, it was evident from the first day of the Intramurals that the Junior Stallions would secure the first place. On the following days, the Stallions won event after event furthering their lead among the teams and ultimately attaining the much coveted title-the champion. This batch, which already had exhibited their proficiency during their freshman and sophomore years, (where they placed 2nd in both years) finally got their hands on the most prestigious spot. dazzled and judges as to the tune “Romeo and Juliet”, performing stunts such as triple axels and triple toe jumps that left everyone in awe. He then ended his routine in style to garner a score of 64.81, enough to get him to 19th place. This earned him a spot in the medal round participated by the top 24 contestants. In the medal round, Martinez put on a spectacular performance yet again; this time skating to the famous tune of “Malaguena”. Martinez garnered a score of 119.44, for a total of 184.25, to put himself ahead of the first 6 skaters. His score then was overtaken by experienced veterans who outclassed him with every jump. With all said and told, Martinez wound up in 19th place, with contestants from Japan, Canada, and Kazakhstan taking the gold, silver, and bronze medals, respectively. Although flying back to the Philippines with out any gold, Martinez had no regrets about competing for he earned the respect and the muchneeded support from the world and a spot among the top figure skaters worldwide. Martinez is now known to be the boy who rose from the mall to the Olympics. Q-kids bag medals in Kalilangan Table Tennis Tourney by: Koleen Omila Quantum kids Kim Omila, Patti Royeca, and Angelica Royeca bagged home another recognition was after reigning the table tennis tournament held in celebration of the 2014 Kalilangan Festival at the Gaisano Mall of Gensan, February 22-23. Knocking down a hundred of other players from home ground bests such as Spin Davao and Kidapawan Table Tennis Team, our very own Q-kids along with Table Tennis Association of Gensan (TATAG) coach Jay Omila, surprised their competitors after emerging victorious despite being a part of the underdog cast. “It was overwhelming to have won. I hope to win more medals in the future,” uttered bronze medalist Patti Royeca. 18 I OPTICS / FLEDGLINGS 2014