Frequent A380 flyers to judge Star-SIA writing contest

MANILA, Philippines – Flying onboard an A380 aircraft is inarguably one of life’s most exciting experiences. An extra factor or two, however, may have made the experience more special that makes it worth sharing with others.

Through “SIA A380 and Me,” a writing contest launched by Singapore Airlines and The Philippine STAR, passengers who share their unique experiences are offered the chance to fly once more on the same magnificent aircraft to any of SIA’s seven A380 destinations. Tasked to choose the contest winners of this contest are a prestigious panel of five judges, all with dynamic and exemplary lives that have taken them to various attractions around the world, including destinations served by the SIA A380.

Heading the panel is Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines A. Selverajah, who has enjoyed a distinguished career in Foreign Affairs, having served his country since July 1979. His work has taken him to countries in Asia, the US, and Europe. He was awarded the Public Administration Medal in 2000 and conferred the decoration of the Grand Cross of the Order of St. Gregory by Pope John Paul II.

Ambassador Roberto Romulo is the executive director of President Arroyo’s International Board of Advisors, and is currently chairman of Chartis Philippines Insurance, PETNET Inc., and MediLink Network Inc. He also chairs several non-profit foundations, and holds board memberships in esteemed organizations and corporations. His work as a distinguished diplomat and as a businessman has allowed him extensive travel experience to some of the most exciting and exotic capitals of the world. Ambassador Romulo has been decorated by the governments of Belgium, Thailand, Spain, Chile, France and the Philippines.

Solitaire PPS Club Life member Augusto Nilo has traveled and lived overseas for half of his life. A chemical engineer by training, he has had 40 years of corporate experience in various industries such as banking, manufacturing, agribusiness, and diversified conglomerates, culminating in chief executive positions for major business organizations in the Asian region and the US.   

Philippine STAR president and CEO Miguel G. Belmonte has led the paper’s phenomenal growth since taking on his position in the company. Belmonte has traveled to many countries both as head of one of the biggest publications in the Philippines and a doting father of a growing family.

Rounding out the panel is Andrew Budiman, general manager of Singapore Airlines in the Philippines. Since joining the company in 2001, he has served as VP for Canada, head of Airline Partnerships & Market Development, and assistant manager for Direct Sales.

“The judges were pleased to have been chosen as part of this panel and are looking forward to reading what could be very rich and interesting stories from those who have traveled on board the SIA A380,” says Nenita Dy, SIA manager, marketing communications & services. “As there is still time left before the deadline, we continue to invite our passengers to share their own experiences to get the chance to travel on board this state-of-the-art aircraft and enjoy the SIA services to any of the seven destinations of the A380 that SIA offers.”