One of the pioneers of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and a member of the last Philippine basketball team to participate in the Olympic Games, Rosalio Yoyong Martires, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, at the age of 77.
Namalaam na sa edad na 77 si Rosalio “Yoyong” Martires—isa sa mga haligi ng Philippine Basketball Association at miyembro ng huling Philippine basketball team na naglaro sa Olympics.
— Radyo 630 (@Radyo630) June 19, 2024
Ayon sa kanyang pamilya, pumanaw si Martires dahil sa komplikasyong dulot ng pneumonia. pic.twitter.com/S9HLLti9eZ
Martires’ daughter, Moby Leah, announced the death of the Philippine basketball legend, who also enjoyed decades-long career in show business and politics after retiring from the sport. It was reported that Martires died due to complications from pneumonia and that he had been attending events with fellow PBA legends at the time.
“He was surrounded by his family and loved ones during this difficult time. He lived a very adventurous and colorful life. A loving husband, a doting father, a caring grandpa, a self-made man, an Olympian, a prolific basketball player, a comedian, a devoted public servant, and a child of Christ. Difficult steps to follow, indeed,” Moby Leah wrote in a post on social networking site Facebook.
Martires emerged on the basketball scene when seen playing for San Miguel Beermen in the now defunct MICAA and his performances, especially in defense, led to a national team call-up for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany.
The Philippines could only finish 13th in the men’s basketball event, and he was next seen representing his country in their 1973 title-winning ABC Championship (now called FIBA Asia Cup) team and the 1974 World Championship.
The guard played for San Miguel in the PBA from 1972 to 1982, leading the franchise to their maiden PBA title in 1979 (Open Conference) and adding a second championship three years later in 1982 (Invitational Conference). He retired from competitive basketball in 1982, after which he became an actor, primarily a comedian, appearing in several movies and television shows featuring comedians Vic Sotto and Joe de Leon.
He later moved to politics, serving as a councilor and vice mayor for the city of Pasig.
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