The veteran sportscaster was a respected voice of Philippine sports.
The world of Philippine sports has lost one of its respected voices.
Ed Picson, long among the preeminent voices of the PBA and local boxing, passed away on Wednesday morning due to complications from liver cancer. He was 69. The sad news was confirmed by Picson’s colleague and long-time friend Quinito Henson.
Prior to his passing, Picson was the president of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP), having been elected to the position in November 2021.
As expected, tributes poured in for the esteemed sportscaster, who popularized his humble opening spiel, “Ed Picson po lamang,” and had an uncanny knowledge of different local dialects.
Among those who gave tribute to the Colegio de San Juan de Letran alum was Sev Sarmenta, also a long-time colleague and friend of Picson.
“Ed Picson was one of the best play-by-play announcers. We worked together on PBA radio and learned a lot from him. He never lost the ball, who had it, who scored, or whatever else was important in a play,” Sarmenta told One Sports.
”Ed and I played golf together often and joined him on hot afternoons, which he said was the best golfing prelude to a great dinner and drinks,” the veteran sports commentator added.
Former PBA commissioner Noli Eala, who spent many years beside Picson in both their personal and professional lives, also shared to One Sports how he remembers the sporting icon.
"Ed was my kumpare. Knew him for over 30 years. I will always remember him for his uncanny wit and humor, his frankness and candor, and his passion and love for sports and music," said Eala, who also recognized the excellence of Picson as a boxing executive.
"He told me about his many plans in ABAP and it is unfortunate that he will not be around to see them all come to fruition. He left an indelible mark as a broadcaster for his style, eloquence and knowledge," said the former Philippine Sports Commission chairperson.
Bill Velasco, who worked with Picson in the early 1990s, described the latter as a “great broadcaster” in a moving tribute he posted on Facebook.
"You were always articulate, level-headed, and spoke your mind. A great sportscaster, voice talent, and boxing official," said Velasco.
PBA anchor Charlie Cuna also honored his departed colleague, whom he referred to as "a mentor" and "a friend."
"[He was] someone a younger sports commentator like me could look up to and learn from. He was also a music enthusiast. Sarap kausap, kakuwentuhan, at pakinggan," said Cuna on Facebook.
Even younger colleagues in the media have given tributes and paid their respects to the man of sports. Filipino fans, of course, also celebrated Picson.
Picson's legacy as one of the preeminent voices of Philippine sports won't soon be forgotten. It's not goodbye, but like he always used to say: "We'll see you around."