Has there been a Filipino in space?

The First Filipino in Space?

While no Filipino has officially traveled to space under a national space program, one name stands out in the journey toward that milestone: Daniel Angelo Roque, widely known as Chino Roque.

Back in 2013, Roque, a Filipino entrepreneur and wellness advocate, made headlines by becoming one of the 23 finalists selected from over 28,000 global applicants for the Axe Apollo Space Academy. This unique initiative, backed by the personal care brand Axe, aimed to send civilians into suborbital space aboard the planned XCOR Aerospace's Lynx spacecraft.

Chino, born in 1991, beat thousands to earn his spot among this elite group of "space cadets"—a testament to his drive and charisma. The selection included rigorous physical and psychological training, simulating the demands of spaceflight. Though the Lynx program was eventually grounded due to financial and technical setbacks, Roque's achievement remains a proud moment for the Philippines.

His journey symbolizes a growing Filipino presence in global space aspirations. While he hasn't yet crossed the Kármán line, his recognition as a finalist in such a high-profile civilian space effort marks a significant step forward.

In a country where space exploration isn't yet a national priority, stories like Chino’s inspire a new generation to look up at the stars and believe that one day, a full-fledged Filipino astronaut will orbit Earth not as a dream, but as reality.