MANILA, (PNA) — Earlier this year, the no. 1 fragrance brand in the world AXE unveiled a global space program that promises to take 23 people to space.The ambitious campaign marks the worldwide launch of AXE Apollo, the brand’s newest fragrance.
With the announcement made to the international press at the Hayden Planetarium in New York, AXE Philippines, on the same day, declared its participation in the campaign by announcing a search for the first Filipino astronaut.
Over 28,000 Filipinos joined the program, competing for three slots to train at the AXE Apollo Global Space Camp® in Florida where over 100 delegates from 60 countries are set to train for suborbital space flight. 23 from among the 100+ delegates will eventually be awarded a trip to space with a sure seat reserved for a Filipino.
Last August 31st, AXE Philippines announced two Filipino finalists – Mr. Evan Rey Datuin, and Philippine Air Force 1st Lieutenant Mario Mendoza, Jr. The two were to submit themselves for training and the final selection process at the international space camp in the U.S.
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. Mendoza is currently in-training to become a jet fighter pilot in the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
“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,” says AXE Brand Manager Gem Laforteza.
After consulting with Lt. Mendoza and the PAF leadership, who are very supportive of AXE’s space program, Unilever Philippines VP for Corporate Affairs Chito Macapagal also commented on the news of Mendoza’s withdrawal.
“The needs of the country have to come first. With a greater good in mind, everyone agrees with Lt. Mendoza’s decision,” says Macapagal.
The AXE Council is currently evaluating and deliberating on Lt. Mendoza’s replacement, who will be joining the other finalists of the AXE Apollo Space Academy® at space camp. The new delegate will be announced in due course.