AXE Apollo search for first Filipino astronaut now down to three

Oct 23, 2013
AXE introduces the finalists to the AXE Apollo Space Academy. From left to right are Daniel Angelo Roque, Evan Ray Datuin, Axe Philippines brand manager Gem Laforteza, and Ramil Santos. AXE

THE first Filipino astronaut will either be a jock, an intellectual or a self-confessed tambay.

AXE on Wednesday presented the three finalists who will train at the AXE Apollo Global Space Camp in the US, with one of them guaranteed a ticket to a space flight in 2014.

The three-man team is composed of Evan Ray Datuin, Ramil Santos, and Daniel Angelo Roque, who earned his place when one of the original finalists, Air Force pilot Paolo Mendoza Jr. dropped out due to a conflict with his flight training.

“Through the AXE Apollo Space Academy, we have set out to inspire modern-day Filipino heroes to step forward. The title of ‘first Filipino in space’ will go to the best candidate, someone all Filipinos can look up - figuratively and literally," said Gem Laforteza, AXE Philippines brand manager.

During their presentation at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, the three men were unanimous in their desire to represent the country as its first astronaut. Current records show only 530 people from 38 countries have gone to space.

Among the candidates, Datuin was the only one who outlasted 400 other contestants at the grueling AXE Apollo National Challenge held at The Fort last August 31.

The 24-year old, who studied at La Salle Dasmariñas, said he had always wanted to fly ever since he first saw his father, an aeronautics specialist, work on an aircraft at Villamor Airbase.

The affable Caviteño, who wants to bring a camera to do a ‘selfie’ in case he is selected, said “Gusto ko maging patunay na kahit sino ay maaaring maging bayani para sa kanyang bayan.”

Based on physical attributes alone, the 22-year old Roque seems to have the advantage as the recent psychology graduate from De La Salle is also a crossfit coach who figured in the final five in the AXE National Challenge. Roque said he sees the chance to go to space as an opportunity “to inspire other Filipinos."

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Santos, a 29-year old engineer with a master’s degree in electronics and information engineering from South Korea, gained the third slot via a ‘destiny pick’ through the AXE Apollo Hyperdrive promo.

“I wasn’t able to qualify for the Top 50 during the AXE National Challenge finals so when I learned there was another chance, I immediately submitted entries,” Santos said.

The delegation will be leaving this December for Space Camp in Orlando, Florida, where they will join over a hundred candidates from 60 countries competing for the 23 slots to space. All will undergo astronaut training in conditions that would simulate space flight and their evaluations will determine their selection.

To follow the search for the first Filipino astronaut, visit www.axeapollo.com or search for #AXEApolllo on Twitter or Facebook.

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AXE introduces the finalists to the AXE Apollo Space Academy. From left to right are Daniel Angelo Roque, Evan Ray Datuin, Axe Philippines brand manager Gem Laforteza, and Ramil Santos. AXE
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