Edmonton figure skater representing the Philippines looking for funds
Posted July 30, 2026 6:03 pm.
Last Updated July 30, 2026 6:39 pm.
An Edmonton-based figure skater is headed to Boston to compete in an international figure skating competition, representing her home country of the Philippines — 13,000 kilometres away from Canada.
Isabella Miel Hazelton is preparing for the upcoming competition in August at the Booster Juice Rec Centre.
She was born in Calgary and moved to Edmonton in 2024. Skating has been her passion, with her international debut in the 2024 Cranberry Cup representing the Philippines.
“I really like performing. I really like making people like feel emotions, feeling connections to the music,” said Hazelton.
She will be heading to Boston again for the 2026 Cranberry Cup.
“Being able to represent the Philippine flag is always such an amazing opportunity to be able to represent such a close-knit community. Such a community that feels so much like family,” she explained.
Coach Ben Ferreira is proud to see her improve since he began coaching her last year, and to see more Filipino representation in the sport.
“It’s great that the Philippine skating federation is now – you know – sending these skaters to these events and now these skaters can get out and see how they fare,” said Ferreira.
But competing at an international stage as an independent skater comes with challenges. Hazelton is racing against the clock to reach her fundraising goal for the competition.
“There’s a lot less readily available support for athletes representing other countries, like training somewhere else. So definitely the financial parts, getting fundraising sponsorships,” said Hazelton.
She is hoping to compete in the 2030 Winter Olympics representing the Philippines.
“She could be kind of a model for what’s possible within the Philippines skating federation,” said Ferreira.
Hazelton added, “Salamat, thank you all so much for supporting me so much for being there for me, especially through all of the hard times.”
