Anna Isabelle Villafuerte, also known as Issai, 11 years old, is the youngest amongst 8 siblings, and the only athletic child among her 5 brothers and 2 sisters. She is a typical teenage girl that loves to go to the mall and hang out with friends. At home, she spends most of her time in the computer, doing researches for school or assists her mom at work. Being a Year 6 student in the British School of Manila, she is one of the smartest student in her class and is active in the school’s extra curricular activities. Aside from that, she was able to receive numerous merits and awards in school.

When Issai was about 8 years old, her initial interest is to go into ramp modeling. She is fascinated with how the models walk and move in the runway.  One day, she went to the mall, saw the ice rink. She watched the skaters as they graciously gliding and moving to the sound of music. Finding it somewhat similar to ramp modeling, she was encouraged to start figure ice skating. Her mom did not expect her to be that serious because she was already involved with football and swimming in school, but still, they let her be. That same year, Issai joined a competition which is a pre-alpha (beginners level) sponsored by SM Southmall (Philippines) where she won her first Bronze medal. Her parents saw her potential in this sport so they encourage her to pursue in it. But when Issai started to be busy with her school, she stopped practicing ice skating for almost a year.

In 2005, Issai dreamed to be a ramp model again. But then, they passed thru SM Megamall where Issai saw that the ice skating rink is bigger than the one in SM Southmall. From that time on, she was encouraged to step into the rink and take up ice figure skating once more.

Issai joined her first competition in the Skate Asia 2006 in Shenzhen China held last August 12-19, 2006. There were 2,000 competitors from different Asian countries and among them are 200 Filipinos who participated in this competition. Her parents were not expecting Issai to win any medals so her mom secretly purchased a medal of her own to give to her daughter after the event, a sign of recognition, just in case. But surprisingly, out of 7 events, Issai was able to win 4 Gold medals, 1 Silver medal and 2 Bronze medals from this event. Her mother then just hide the medal she brought for it will not match any awards her daughter was able to achieve that day.

Since then, Issai was able to collect medals from various events. In Skate Bandung Indonesia held last November 3-5, 2006, out of 5 events, she was able to take home 3 Gold medals and 2 silver medals. In the Singapore Winter Classic 2006 held last December 1-3, 2006, out of 6 events, she was able to take home 1 Gold medal, 4 Silver medals and 1 Bronze medal. In Manila, she also joined Skate Manila last December 5-7, 2006 and out of 5 events, she was able to win 4 Gold medals and 1 Silver medal. Not only that, she was 2nd runner up in the Ice Princess 2006 held in Manila Philippines last December 10, 2006.

Nobody can stop the rising of a new star. With perseverance, hard work, dedication and God on her side, Issai joined the Skate Beijing 2007 held last April 6-8, 2007. Issai spend at least, more or less, 11 hours a week to practice and prepare for this competition. She was able to squeeze it in between her studies, and seems to never get tired of what she does. She enjoyed it so much that spending time in the ice is a mere play for her. Denise Martinez, Issai’s coach, stood by her and guided her throughout this competition. Ms. Martinez also performed with Issai in two events. Out of 8 events, Issai was able to take home 8 Gold Medals. This is an achievement that nobody can beat.

From that time on, nothing can stop Issai from moving forward to her career. Sponsors are now flooding in to get Issai as their endorser. At present, she is preparing herself to join the World ISI competition in Chicago on July 2007, and eventually, join the Olympic team, just like her inspiration in the form of Sasha Cohen. It is not a surprise to see her achieve more in the near future. For only in less than a year, she was able to accomplish so much and she is just starting.

Her message to aspiring athletes: “Don’t loose hope. Don’t give up. You know what you want, just go for it. Your talent is a blessing. Use it, share it, treasure it”

Issai, congratulations! You made every Filipino proud and you have brought great honor to the Philippines. Mabuhay Ka!