Body-building icon’s remains arrive; burial set Tuesday

AT LONG last, he’s finally home.

Philippine bodybuilding icon Simeon Ayochok’s body arrived Friday and was brought to their residence at Upper Brookside where he will lie in state until August 14 when he will be brought to the Resurrection Church followed by his cremation at Beyond the Sunset after the service.

Known as the Igorot Hercules, Ayochok died after suffering from a suspected stroke July 16 in China, where he was Senior Club Operations Consultant at Megafit China, Inc. for almost six years now.

The late muscle carver was supposed to fly home and stay for two weeks with his family. But he never made it. Instead it was a wait for his body.

Following his untimely death, the City Council approved a resolution mourning the demise of the bodybuilding icon.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan also expressed his sympathies to Ayochok’s survivors.

“The prestige and honor he has given to the City, the Cordilleras and the country is remarkable and has been a source of motivation to his fellow athletes, and also of other young bodybuilding athletes who are still taking their first steps in the bodybuilding industry,” the resolution noted.

“His fame and contribution would be truly unforgettable and shall remain as one of the foundations in the sports industry in the City of Baguio and in the Cordilleras, particularly in the bodybuilding field.”

Ayochok is also a two time competitor in the Mr. Universe where he placed third and fourth in two occasions.

The internationally accredited fitness instructor began working in China in 2006 until at the time of his death due to aneurism. He was 56.

Ayochok was born in Bontoc, Mountain Province in 1956 and went to Saint Vincent’s Elementary School and High School for his basic education. He then went to the University of Baguio (Baguio Tech) upon graduation in 1974 where he got hooked to bodybuilding.

Ayochok is considered as one of the top local athletes of the 20th century and recognized by the City Government along with Olympians Hector Begeo (steeple chase) and Gerry Diño (judoka). Begeo is now in Australia, while Diño died in 2004.

Ayochok is also one of the icons in local bodybuilding after former city councilor Nick Domalsin. Like Domalsin, he also has his gym, Asia Fitness and Rehabilitation Center at Upper Brookside, which he opened in May 1990. (Roderick Osis)