PH Internet pioneer Jim Ayson dies at 53

Rappler.com

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PH Internet pioneer Jim Ayson dies at 53
Ayson dies of a heart attack. He is survived by his wife Chette and daughter Gabby.

MANILA, Philippines – Local Internet pioneer James Romulo “Jim” Ayson died of a heart attack on Monday, November 9. He was 53.

His wife Chette confirmed the news on Facebook. 

My husband, my best friend and love of my life Jim Ayson joined our creator last night. There are no details yet about his arrangements. I’ll let everyone know as soon as I’ve sorted it all out. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers,” she said on Tuesday, November 10. 

Quoting Chette, Jim’s brother Jojo said in a separate Facebook post that the tech pionneer died at midnight of a heart attack.

Jim Ayson was head of Smart Communications’ Internet and Media Partnerships until he passed away. He was not only one of the pioneers of the country’s Internet industry, but also created PhilMusic.com, the longest running music website in the Philippines. 

Zach Lucero of Filipino band Imago paid tribute to Ayson and how PhilMusic.com “has connected more Pinoy musicians and artists and fans to each other through trade and music news.”

Ayson was also a tech writer and columnist. His last blog entry was on Sunday, November 8, when he wrote about the alleged bullet-planting scam in Philippine airports.

In a 1999 interview – 5 years after the Philippines was hooked up to the Internet – Ayson said his vision was for the Internet to be available “not only among the upper classes, but to the masses as well.”

“I’m interested in sharing my talents with NGOs and the government sector to see how we can develop web sites that can effect real change and development, and thus indirectly make the Internet beneficial and relevant to more people,” he said then.

Ayson is survived by his wife Chette and daughter Gabby. – Rappler.com

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