COUNTRY before self.
Philippine Air Force pilot Mario Mendoza Jr. has given up the chance to become the first Filipino astronaut as he chose to focus on his training as a jet fighter pilot.
The 31-year old lieutenant was one of two entries who beat 398 other applicants in the AXE Apollo Space Academy Philippines during the national finals last August at Bonifacio Global City.
In a statement on Wednesday, AXE Apollo Space Camp said Mendoza, who is currently undergoing training to fly supersonic aircraft, has decided to withdraw from the program due to a scheduling conflict.
Mendoza and fellow finalist Evan Rey Datuin, 24, were slated to attend Space Camp in Orlando, Florida this December as part of their training for the 2014 space flight.
“Unfortunately, in the midst of preparations, conflict arose with Mendoza’s scheduled military training and duties prompting him to withdraw from the AXE Apollo space program,” the statement said.
Unilever Philippines vice-president for corporate affairs Chito Macapagal said, “The needs of the country have to come first. With a greater good in mind, everyone agrees with Lt. Mendoza’s decision.”
The organizers said they are now studying who will replace Mendoza to represent the Filipino contingent and will be announced "in due course".
Axe brand manager Gem Laforteza said, “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.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
