CAGAYAN de Oro lost two ‘bigs’ in basketball with the passing of veteran center Julieto ‘Rex’ Armojallas and gentle giant James Timonera, over the weekend.
The 53-year-old Armojallas, the poster face of Cagayan de Oro’s Philhealth where he served as clerk-frontliner since pandemic and the government-controlled company’s focal figure in sports, was laid to rest here on Tuesday at the Golden Haven cemetery in Barangay Bulua, this city.
Only under 40, the six-foot-four Timonera died in Butuan where he worked at the Caraga branch of Metrobank. On his Facebook account, there is no announcement yet about his internment, except for the overflowing messages of sympathy from his countless friends from work and hoops circle.
One of the dominant centers in the local commercial leagues, Armojallas was best remembered as the undersize rim protector, who at six-foot-one, became the most valuable player in the National Inter-Collegiate Basketball during his heydays with the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in Bacolod.
In his civic years, he continued to reign with teams from Ballpals, Opol Eagles, Green CdeO Eagles, and, of course, PhilHealth in numerous leagues in the locality where he’s feared most for his tough defense.
Armojallas succumbed to cancer developed after what had been earlier perceived as just minor problems with his intestine and esophagus. While the much younger Timonera reportedly had dialysis and heart bypass that apparently weakened his condition.
“Tinuod gyud ang ga-ingnon nila nga ‘sayo kuhaun sa Ginoo ang mga maayo nga tao.’ You were truly an epitome of an ideal human being. An outstanding family man. You put your heart into everything you do. You don’t want to lose any basketball game even when there’s nothing at stake. You were a diligent government employee. God-fearing. A very good and loyal friend. Rest easy, Coach. You will surely leave lots of good memories to us,” the now US-based Jerome Pagute said of his former office mate, who was even featured in the Philhealth Plus’ video as a public servant with the “Heart of a Champion.”
Timonera, on the other hand, was one of the towering presence of the multi-titled junior basketball champion Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori School (SHJMS) under coach Edgardo ‘Boy’ Dacoco. He progressed as a senior varsity cager in Manila, playing two years for San Beda Red Lions in the NCAA Season 2004 and 2005.
Timonera’s sports resume, however, was often overshadowed by his humble demeanor and friendliness that led him to marry a beautiful medical doctor in Butuan, Lara.
They have a daughter, Sofia of which James had excitingly come up with the name even before the baby was born.
“Grabe ka buotan ug ka responsible kadto nga bata (James). Tanan niyang higala in Mindanao and Manila gisayangan gyod sa iyang pagkawala,” coach Dacoco said.
Also a friend to the late Armojallas, coach Boy had these words of caution to any aspiring athlete to mellow in taking energy drinks as a consistent substantial amount of it, before and after games, is not good for the long-term effect to the body.
“Even in physical activities, I will only drink water. Energy drinks can boost energy but consuming lots of them may not be advisable. Anything that is too much is bad,” shared the now 67-year-old Dacoco.
