Basketball legend Rosalio 'Yoyong' Martires passes away
Basketball legend Rosalio "Yoyong" Martires passed away on June 18. He was 77.
His daughter Moby Leah Martires announced the news on Facebook on June 19.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Rosalio 'Yoyong' D. Martires. He has peacefully joined our Creator yesterday," Moby said, adding that Martires was surrounded by his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
She said her father lived a "very adventurous and colorful life," describing him as 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 said. "You served God, our country, and your fellow men. Rest in Peace, papa. We love you!"
Martires played for the San Miguel Beermen in the Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association and the Philippine Basketball Association from 1972 to 1982.
He served as one of the national delegates for the 1973 Asian Basketball Confederation Championship and helped bag the title.
Martires was also part of the national team that joined the 1972 Olympics in Germany and the 1974 World Championship in Puerto Rico.
He also had an acting career as a comedian, who appeared with Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon, collectively known as TVJ. He also guested on shows like GMA's Eat Bulaga! and TV5's Bawal na Game Show, John En Ellen, Fill in the Bank, Chika Besh, O My Dad, and Wow Mali!.
Later on, Martires pursued a career in politics, serving as Pasig 2nd District's councilor from 1995 to 2004, and from 2013 to 2022.
He also became a vice mayor under Vicente Eusebio from 2004 to 2007, and under Robert Eusebio from 2007 to 2013.
According to Moby's post, the wake will be held at Chapels C and D of The Evergreen Chapels and Crematory in Maybunga in Pasig on June 19 at 7 p.m. Interment will be held at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig.