MANILA: Jaymee del Rosario, 28, may become the first Filipino to reach Mars in 2026 as the chief executive officer of International Metal Source in the United States is up to the challenge.
Del Rosario, speaking at the weekly Pandesal Forum at the Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City, has been quoted as saying by Tempo that she was excited to avail the chance with another Filipino to go to Mars in 2026.
According to her, the chance to go to the Red Planet is a “dream come true”.
She reportedly said that to have the chance to go to Mars and live there brings tremendous pride for her especially since she will be representing her country.
“This experience of being able to be a part of a great opportunity of space exploring, it makes me very happy,” Del Rosario reportedly said.
“This is a once in a lifetime experience that anyone can get. Talagang happy ako kasi from 200,000 plus worldwide applicants and then I’m Filipina. Very proud talaga kami maging Filipino and to be able to carry that heritage from outer space and beyond,” Del Rosario added.
The news report quoted Del Rosario, born in Quezon City, as saying that she hopes that her interest in travelling to Mars will encourage better interest in Science and Technology all over the country and empower women.
She reportedly cited the recent victory in the Miss Universe beauty pageant of Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach as proof that Filipinos are world-class.
Del Rosario was one of only two Filipinos among 100 shortlisted from 202,586 applicants to join the ambitious Mars space voyage under the “Mars One” project, the report said.
She reportedly said she does a lot of hiking and half marathon and works out at the gym to keep her physically fit and prepare her for the seven-month journey to Mars.
In order to know her possible or potential teammates, Del Rosario was quoted as saying that she has traveled to London, England; New York City and Washington D.C., and France, to talk to them.
She has also been reading a lot of books and doing lots of research to understand Mars better, Tempo reported.
