Axe Apollo candidate drops out of program to focus on air force training

Putting service to his country before the chance to go to space, Philippine Air Force 1st Lieutenant Mario Mendoza, Jr. respectfully withdrew from the Axe Apollo Space Program due to a conflict with his scheduled training for fighter jet pilot duties.

On August 31, he was chosen along with Evan Rey Datuin as one of the two Filipino contenders to train in the AXE Apollo Global Space Camp in Florida this December. Over 100 delegates from 60 countries are set to prepare themselves for suborbital space flight.

Of the 23 people who will eventually be awarded a trip to space, one seat is reserved for a Filipino.

“More than space, AXE Apollo is about heroes and heroes in the making. We respect Mario’s decision to finish his military training and serve the country first as a jet fighter pilot—an AXE man through and through,” said AXE Brand Manager Gem Laforteza in a press release.

“The needs of the country have to come first. With a greater good in mind, everyone agrees with Lt. Mendoza’s decision,” said Unilever Philippines VP for Corporate Affairs Chito Macapagal.

The AXE Council was prompted to evaluate and deliberate on Mendoza's replacement. The new delegate will join Evan Rey Datuin and latest candidate Ramil Santos at space camp.

The new delegate will be announced in due time. — VC, GMA News