Family on vacation among Florida bus casualties

Andrew David Sicam was taking his family on vacation in the Mountain Province to celebrate the fourth birthday of his youngest son when the Florida bus they were riding in fell into a ravine in Bontoc last Friday. David was among those who died in the accident. His wife remains in critical condition while their eldest child is recovering. Ella Sicam, David's sister, said she is worried for David's wife. "She's the only one left for the kids. She must survive," she said. David's relatives believe he gave up his life to protect his youngest who escaped unharmed. "I think David protected him, I think he embraced while the bus is rolling down the ravine," Ella said. On Sunday, another of David's friends, Christian Cabardo, died in hospital. Among those invited by David to trabel to Bontoc was artist-activist Arvin "Tado" Jimenez, who also died in the accident. TV host-comedian Jeffrey Tam said he will sorely miss his friend whom he met up with nearly every week for the past 10 years. Jeffrey said he felt Tado was already saying goodbye when he last saw him on February 6. "Ngayon ko lang nalaman sa misis niya na si tado hindi umalis sa shop. Baka pakita sa amin. Ang bagal ng takbo niya, huling paramdamn sa amin kasi kinabukasan nabalitaan naming patay na siya," he said. Almost all of Tado's friends admire the same things about him, his simplicity. For them, Tado is a big loss to the world of art and culture. More than a comedian, they said Tado was also passionate about his advocacies. "He really tries to marry advocacy with art because he believes if he can inspire people to believe in art and art is a very important tool in inspiring people, they will act," said DAKILA executive director Leni Velasco. Limitado shirts from Tado's clothing line are being sold at his wake, with proceeds going to his family. Until now, the bus company has yet to get in touch with the victims' families. Relatives and friends of David and Tado are now planning to take Florida bus to court. ANC HEADSTART, February 10, 2014