Happy Birthday, Joselito “Jojo” Martin ( June 23 )
Aris Garcia
Happy Birthday, Joselito “Jojo” Martin
Source : Assorted Magazines (PBA Archives Collections)
1989 PBA Rookie Drsft unrestricted free agent
NCBA Wildcats forward
10-season PBA veteran
2x PBA champion
Once upon a time, a little boy dreamt big. He wished to play in the PBA, just like his idols, Mon Fernandez and Philip Cezar. He nurtured this dream and did his best to make it come true. In school year 1976-1977, young Joselito "Jojo" Serrano Martin had his first taste of organized basketball competition. He played for Francisco School (Novaliches) in the Private InterSchool Athletic Association or PRISAA. Little did Jojo know that as early as then, in his fifth grade level, his future was starting to take shape. In the 1979 UAAP season, the Adamson University junior basketball varsity took first place honors in their division. Yes, Jojo contributred to the cause as a Baby Falcon, a stint which paved the way for his decision to continue his pursuit of perfection in the sport. Jojo played college ball for NCBA in the MUCAA where he was spotted and convinced to join the ranks of cagers in the country's premier commercial league. He tried out and was accepted by the Rizal Athletic Association in 1986. It was a good team if we are to consider that Formula Shell's starting point guard, Ronnie Magsanoc, used to be in it. Alas, the team lasted for only one PABL (now PBL) conference and Jojo had to find a new home -and fast! It did not take Jojo long to fulfill his mission. Nat Canson, then coach of ESQ (later re-naamed Sta. Lucia Realty in mid-1987), welcomed him with open arms, a gesture which signalled the start of a long-term relationship between player and team. Not once did Jojo see the necessity of changing loyalties. Even when he has witnessed several mentor-substitutions from Nat Canson to Cholo Martin to Nat Canson (again!) to Nemie Villegas to Francis Rodriguez Jojo chose to stay on. He was amply rewarded for his loyalty with a satisfactory stay with the team. "Mabait naman kasi ang management at tsaka maganda naman ang standing ko.
