Beyond the Game

Yoyong Martires: Missed Halo-Halo date, last conversations with an Olympian

By Brian Yalung

Rosalio “Yoyong” Martires will forever be remembered as an actor, politician, and athlete. He etched his mark in the sports world, starting as a track and field player before transitioning to basketball.

With lots of stories to tell, the former Pasig City Vice Mayor was a person anyone would love to be with. He never ran out of stories from his career, regardless if it was about sports, show business, or politics. Other than that, he was a father figure who gave unsolicited advice. In all, Yoyong was a very loving person who cared about people who came across.

Hence, it was pretty devastating on my part after being informed that my dear friend passed away unexpectedly. Occupied with work, I was surprised to spot a Facebook post where I was tagged by another basketball legend, Ramon Fernandez. I couldn’t believe it and immediately reached out to his family, particularly his son Moby.

After a few minutes, a post was put up by Moby that I had dreaded. It was true that his father had passed away, something that left me in shock. Why you may ask?

Missed Halo-Halo date

For one, Yoyong and I regularly talked on the phone. We had plans of hanging out. His favorite? An afternoon out enjoying some halo-halo. It was something we had planned for years now and unfortunately, I was unable to oblige due to work.

The sad part is that for some reason, Yoyong came to mind just recently. I wanted to push through with that halo-halo date this coming week. Regretfully, that will no longer happen with his untimely passing.

Last conversations

Yoyong and I were in constant communication for a documentary about his life. We had set the date and place but shoots were shelved because of changes in the approach of the show. Rather than a documentary, it was preferred that there would be a host. I had no interest in taking the lead, preferring to stay in the background contrary to what some may think. It was not about fame. It was about featuring a good friend, a father figure whose story deserved to be told.

Alternatively, there were plans to feature him in a healthy living segment. Martires even asked me how we wanted to do it, suggesting it be done at home or on the Ynares basketball courts. Alas, it never materialized and all I could do was hope it would push through before the year ends.

With Yoyong gone, these plans will no longer happen. I already got to interview him on several occasions, bringing out what most people don’t know about him. He had great stories to tell, much of which today’s generation is unaware of. These are stories that not even Wikipedia has right now.

Last time we talked face-to-face

Officially, the last time we spoke was on April 20, 2024. This was during the Toyota reunion where he called me to ask directions on how to get to the venue. He added spice to the event, telling jokes and hailing his fellow basketball players present.

On the way home, and my dear friend Meg Siozon saw him waiting outside the venue for his ride. We offered to bring him home but he preferred to wait for his ride. He was hardly bored and even joked around with us before he let us go.

Little did I know that it would be the last time I would see him. I regret not following up or just checking on how he was the past two months after that. Sadly, all that is irrelevant at this point. Yoyong Martires is now gone and all I can do right now is look back at our conversations. I can only be thankful for having gotten the chance to chat with him up and close, learning about stories that will never get old.

Rest in peace Rosalio “Yoyong” Martires. We will never forget you and all you have done – regardless if it is about sports, entertainment, or politics.