A total of 243 participants have signed up for Thursday's kickoff of the "Skate Manila 2008" at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Aside from the 243-skater field from the Philippines, five participants from Malaysia and one from Taipei will join the four-day event.

The event will be classified in differest categories.

Tots level showcases the talent of three-year old Angeline Uyyco.

Venicio Rañosa, meanwhile, aims high as he leads the pack in competing at the Beta level at a very senior age of 73.

Stephanie Weingartner, an FS4 level skater at 19, and Delta level skater Renella Wagan, 7, on the other hand, signed up for the most number of events at 13 and 12 events, respectively.