Aurelio “Epoy” Jalmasco, remembered as one of the most athletic players of his generation, died on Saturday, September 20, at the age of 61 due to a heart attack.
His passing came just three weeks before the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) hosts its 50th anniversary grand homecoming, an event that would have reunited many of his contemporaries.
Former national team coach Joe Lipa, who once mentored Jalmasco, described him as
“a complete athlete, with quick hands, quick feet, quick jump, good shooting, and a big fighting heart.”
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Jalmasco, a product of Feati University, first made his mark as a standout in the Metro Manila Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (MMUCAA), where he became an MVP and scoring champion.
His daughter, Precious Aubreylyn Jalmasco, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a public announcement:
“With heavy hearts, we share the painful news that our beloved Aurelio ‘Epoy’ Jalmasco has passed away this afternoon. After suffering from stroke, heart complications, and the struggle of almost losing his foot, his battle has now come to an end. We ask for quiet respect and understanding as we grieve the loss of a father, a loved one, and a man who meant so much to us.”
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The wake for Jalmasco is being held at La Funeraria San Antonio in Pang Pang, Sorsogon City.
His family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and sympathies during their time of mourning.
For many, Jalmasco’s death is not only a personal loss but also the departure of a player who embodied the grit and passion of Philippine basketball in the 1980s.
From his MVP days at Feati University to his stints in the PABL and the PBA, he left behind a legacy of determination, heart, and humility.
As the basketball community prepares for the PBA’s golden anniversary celebration, many will look back on Epoy Jalmasco’s career with respect and gratitude for the memories he gave to the sport he loved.
Jalmasco entered the PBA in 1988 when Formula Shell selected him in the second round of the draft.
That year, the draft also featured the late Jack Tanuan at No. 1 and Jalmasco’s Shell teammate Ronnie Magsanoc at No. 2.
Standing at 5-foot-11, Jalmasco played two seasons with the Shell Diesel Oilers under coaches Joe Lipa and Dante Silverio.
He contributed an average of 8.3 points in 31 games and helped lead Shell to two finals appearances— the 1988 Reinforced Conference and the 1989 Open Conference—both against powerhouse San Miguel.
Even before joining the professional ranks, Jalmasco was a familiar name in the Philippine Amateur Basketball League (PABL).
Under Lipa’s guidance at ESQ, he helped orchestrate a shocking upset against Lagerlite to clinch the 1985 PABL Invitationals title.
He also played for Philips Sardines, Mama’s Love, and ERDC in the PABL, consistently proving himself as a versatile and fearless player.
Born in Sorsogon, Jalmasco was the fifth of ten children of Telesforo Jalmasco and Celeste Japson.
His basketball journey took him through Mama’s Love under coach Jun Noel, San Sebastian College with coach Orly Castelo, and eventually Feati University, where he cemented his reputation as one of the top amateur players of the early 1980s.
In the PABL and later the PBA, he became known as a hard-nosed defender who thrived on steals and hustle plays.
He once credited Coach Lipa for teaching him the value of defense: “Dati offensive player lang ako. Ang kailangan ko na lang ngayon ay yung pagdiskarte sa loob ng court.”
