By: Women’s Fitness Asia
The Philippines has produced a remarkable roster of figure skaters, from Olympian Michael Martinez to the celebrated duo of Isabella Gamez and Alexander Korovin. Now, a new name is making waves on the ice—Charmaine Skye Chua. A national athlete, a content creator, and a GMA Sparkle artist, Skye is set to represent both the Philippines and the University of the Philippines Diliman at the 2025 FISU Winter World University Games in Turin, Italy. Here are the things to know about this rising star who is capturing hearts with her grace and determination.
A Love for Skating That Never Faded
Skye’s journey into figure skating began at the tender age of five when she first witnessed skaters performing mesmerizing spins and jumps at SM Megamall. Though her parents initially hesitated to let her pursue the sport, she never wavered in her dream. When she turned seven, she reminded them of her passion, and from that moment, there was no turning back. Her cousin would take her skating for fun, but what started as leisure quickly turned into a lifelong commitment to the ice.
A Competitor’s Spirit
In 2014, Skye participated in her first-ever skating competition, Summer Skate—an annual local event sanctioned by the Ice Skating Institute (ISI). Despite not winning, she saw it as an opportunity for growth. “I had a lot of fun there, and I saw it as a way to develop myself,” she shares. Her resilience led her to take more tests with ISI, and with each competition, she climbed higher in skill and ranking. Today, she stands as a proud national athlete, training rigorously six times a week both on and off the ice to hone her craft.
Representing the Country on a Global Stage
Currently studying Sports Science at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Skye is preparing for a major milestone in her career—the 2025 FISU Winter World University Games. “It’s a new experience for me. I’ve been watching a lot of videos and I would have fan-girl moments… It’s like a mini Olympics for university students, and I’m excited. It’s the first time that I’m going to be representing my university,” she says. As the sole representative of the Philippines in figure skating, she is set to showcase her athletic prowess on an international platform.
A Star On and Off the Ice
Beyond being an accomplished skater, Skye is also a celebrated Sparkle GMA artist. She captivated audiences with her role as Sonja Limjoco in the drama series Hearts on Ice—the first-ever Philippine television series centered around figure skating. She also starred in the historical drama Pulang Araw, further cementing her versatility as both an athlete and an actress. Additionally, her presence on Instagram and TikTok gives fans a glimpse into the life of a professional skater, making her a true inspiration to aspiring athletes.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
Skye has faced challenges throughout her career, including a recurring hip injury that tested her strength and perseverance. Despite this, she competed in the 2017 Philippine National Figure Skating Championships, initially hesitant but ultimately triumphant, landing her first-ever double jump just days before the competition and securing a gold medal. More recently, she placed fifth at the 2024 Philippine National Figure Skating Championship and won bronze at the 2024 Southeast Asia Open Figure Skating Trophy. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication.
As she prepares for the 2025 FISU Winter World University Games, Skye Chua continues to embody the spirit of a true champion—dedicated, passionate, and unwavering in her pursuit of excellence. With every glide, spin, and jump, she carries the dreams of a nation and the hope of inspiring the next generation of Filipino figure skaters.
