Rosalio “Yoyong” Martires, renowned as the fastest player of his era, passed away on Tuesday (June 18, 2024) at the age of 77.
Family, friends, fans, and former colleagues honored his memory and celebrated his multifaceted life.”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,” his daughter Moby Leah Martires posted on social media. “Difficult steps to follow, indeed. You served God, our country, and your fellow men. Rest in peace, Papa. We love you.”
Martires’ basketball career was illustrious.
Over 362 games with four teams in the PBA, he averaged 6.41 points, 3.37 rebounds, 3.99 assists, and 2.08 steals per game. From 1975 to 1984, he amassed 752 career steals in 126 games and contributed to two championship teams — Royal Tru-Orange under coach Ed Ocampo in 1979 and San Miguel Beer with coach Tommy Manotoc in 1982.
Before his PBA career, Martires was a standout point guard for the Philippine national team.
He played a crucial role in the 1973 ABC Championship (now the FIBA Asia Tournament) in Manila, where the team triumphed over South Korea, 90-78.
His teammates included legends like Francis Arnaiz, Manny Paner, Bogs Adornado, Sonny Jaworski, Jimmy Mariano, Alberto Guidaben, and Ramon Fernandez, who later became a four-time MVP in the PBA.
“Rest in peace with eternal love, my dear friend and former national basketball team and San Miguel teammate, Pasig City Councilor and former Vice Mayor Yoyong Martires. You have served your constituents well,” Fernandez posted.
“I will forever be proud of your accomplishments. Your legacy as a sportsman and public servant will remain an inspiration to many. Maayong pagpahuway, Yong!”
Martires also represented the Philippines at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany.
Following his basketball career, Martires joined the entertainment industry, gaining fame as a comedian with his memorable line, “Hindi ako galit, nagpapaliwanag lang.”
He then ventured into politics, serving as a councilor for the City of Pasig from 1995 to 2005 and again from 2013 to 2022.