Jun B, icon of RP basketball

Philippine basketball has lost an icon with the demise of Emilio Bernardino Jr. yesterday morning.

A basketball man practically all his life, Bernardino died due to heart attack, at a time when he was being considered to play a major role in what could be a big rebound of the sport at home and abroad. He was 59.

Bernardino and BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny Pangilinan had just set a one-on-one meeting today when he suffered the attack during the birthday party of another cage leader Moying Martelino.

The beloved former PBA commissioner was among those being considered to be SBP executive director,.

"That was shocking. I was just with him that night. It’s sad. He’s a big loss for Philippine basketball," said Pangilinan.

Bernardino embraced basketball from his youth, playing for Ateneo in elementary and high school then UP in college. He briefly coached the Maroons before being tapped as assistant of coach Fely Fajardo at Tefilin in 1979, starting a long stint in the pro league that saw him work as a TV interviewer, executive secretary, executive director, deputy commissioner and finally commissioner.

Bernardino became a PBA commissioner in 1994 at 46. He retired after the 2002 season after suffering his first attack.

Succumbing in his second attack, Bernardino’s passing was mourned by the Philippine sports world.

PBA teams were told to wear black bands for the duration of the Fiesta Cup as the league pays tribute to him.

Bernardino was hailed as a consummate sports leader and a nice fellow.

"The PBA is deeply saddened by the sudden demise of commissioner Jun Bernardino, the epitome of professionalism and vision of the PBA which he nurtured and led through its glory years. The PBA will always remember his record for longevity, his ability to rise above crisis and his affinity to the public and he will forever be remembered," said PBA commissioner Noli Eala.

"We’ve been bosom friends for more than half a century. He has no equal in goodness of heart and was Christ-like with his all forgiving nature. He is irreplaceable in my heart," said Sonny Barrios, a classmate from grade school who went to work with Bernardino in the PBA.

"He was an extremely patient man, an endearing quality that won him countless friends and allowed him to steer the PBA to where it is right now," said Atty. Butch Cleofe, another friend from way back who also served the PBA.

"I was fortunate enough to have seen and be a part of his tenure in the PBA. I can’t forget his diplomacy in trying to make the PBA stronger and bigger. He kept on saying he’s there to bear the brunt of criticism rather than see the governors at odds and divided," said Sta. Lucia governor Buddy Encarnado.

"I remember Jun B very well in his stand making a solid PBA front. He’s full of zest and humor. We’ll definitely miss him," Encarnado added.

"We came in the PBA towards the end of his stint in the league but we know very well his great contribution. We lost a great leader, a nice fellow," said Red Bull governor and team manager Tony Chua.

"I consider him as one of my mentors, among the guiding lights in my career. Inabot ko yung ibang dating PBA leaders but I’m closest with Tito Ibok," said Coca-Cola team manager Allan Caidic.

"He’s a great friend, a well-respected commissioner, a God-fearing man and a devoted family man. He will be missed," said Alaska team manager Joaqui Trillo.

Bernardino was at the helm when the PBA, in 1996, achieved record gate receipts and sales which still stand today.

The current PBA board has set assault at the 1996 records as among its goals this campaign.

In 1998, Bernardino and past PBA commissioners Leo Prieto and Rudy Salud were bestowed Lifetime Achievement Award by the Philippine Sportswriters Association. A year later, Bernardino became the recipient of the Executive of the Year honors during the PBA Press Corps Annual Awards.

Bernardino is survived by wife Mimi and children Stephanie and Rishi, Nolan and Marga, and Kristine. His remains lie in state at the Magallanes Chapel.

The family requested that instead of flowers, cash donations be sent to Kamay ni Hesus Foundation care off Fr. Joey Faller.