Salute to the Fallen: A Tribute to Deceased Co-Backpackers

  The family of Victor Joel Ayson, the outdoorsman who had a fatal fall at Mt. Maculot, Batangas,  had finally found his remains. He was cremated for his remains are in its decomposition state and may not viewed on a coffin for its health hazard state. 

 

The late Victor Joel Ayson in one of his journeys.

  We were in Mt. Batulao last March 29 and 30 for our family's overnight outdoor trip. I keep on staring at a scooped ice cream like land formation adjacent to Mt. Batulao. It is the well known Mt. Maculot. I have not experienced the trails of this haven.

  When we got back to Manila, we were saddened to learn that a fellow enthusiasts ( although we don't know him personally) is missing. I felt goosebumps, for I know how dangerous the hobby is. Posts on a social networking site hinted me that its getting serious and might be another hot topic on a Philippine online group.

  A lot of things come to my mind. Well, I planned to explore this mountain with my one-year old daughter and my wife. After seeing a suspected site in the news where Victor might have tripped, I felt thankful for not pushing the exploration.

  The Pinoys are more outgoing nowadays. I started trekking when Sir Romy Garduce succeeded Mt. Everest. It is true that I have named myself  "A MOUNTAINEER" after descending my first climb. As I climb and explore different trek destinations, I got more acquainted with the trend and different idealism of this hobby. The danger, creepiness, and hardship stories were shared on camp socials. Some stories flared up the desire of getting into the dangerous leisure despite of its unfortunate stories.

  Some of the stories were of Roly Fabro who died in Mt. Mayon, the search,  rescue and retrieval in Mt. Halcon, the campers in Buruwisan falls in Mt. Romelo, the drowning in flash floods and boat wreck, the creepy stories of enchanted rivers and mountains who took lives as sacrifice, spirit sightings, and many more. 

  I would like to salute those who were lost and joined our creator in paradise. I also lost a sibling ( but not in the same manner - he was murdered ) whom I carry along in my heart where ever my itchy feet takes me.