YESTERDAY, July 13, it was confirmed by Floresse Trinidad, daughter of beloved sports journalist and broadcaster Manolo “Chino” Trinidad, that the writer had passed away.
In a text message, she said: “Yes, we are very sad to share the news of his passing last night, July 13, 2024.”
It was reported that Trinidad’s death was caused by cardiac arrest. When it happened, he was on his way to Newport World Resorts to meet with a group of people, including Efren “Bata” Reyes, a renowned professional pool player in the Philippines.
Though he was brought to San Juan de Dios Hospital, he passed away soon after.
In a message discussing their father’s death, his children wrote: “Known to many through his storytelling, he never stopped sharing the greatness of Filipinos. He was a loving husband and a supportive father. He will truly be missed.”
Before his death, Trinidad was known for being a sports analyst for GMA Sports for the last 23 years. He was also a commissioner for the Philippine Basketball League and later became commissioner of the Pilipinas Super League.
Before this, he worked on Balitang Bayan Numero Uo’s Sports Ngayon segment on DZRH and became a Vintage Television sideline reporter. He was known for his play-by-play commentaries, serving at one point as one of the anchors for “Blow by Blow.”
He then went on to focus on Pilipinas HD, a cable channel he owned and founded, which featured shows like “Pamana,” “Panahon TV,” and “Ugat ng Lahi.”
When he organized an exhibit entitled “Pagpupugay: 100 Taon ng Philippine Sports” in 2015, he received a minor citation from the Philippine Sportswriters Association.”
In 2019, At the Dangal ng Maharlika Awards, he was given the special award for meritorious conduct.
Trinidad’s last post on Facebook was of him smiling brightly, his arm wrapped around Coach Nemie Villegas, the Former Head Coach of the Philippine National Team in Basketball, Metropolitan Basketball Association, UAAP Senior Mens Basketball, and many more.
Close friends offer condolences
Bill Velasco, a fellow sports journalist, and close friend to Trinidad, wrote on Facebook: “I am beyond broken-hearted at the loss of Manolo Chino Trinidad, my brother, colleague, friend. A fighter, patriot, truth-seeker. There will [never] be another like you. I love you.
“Very saddened by the passing of my good friend Manolo “Chino” Trinidad,” wrote Ryan Songalia, a reporter for Ring Magazine, on X.
“You’ll rarely find anyone who loved Philippine sports or his country as much as Chino did. He was a good man who helped me tremendously when I first moved to Manila. He was a truth teller even when that wasn’t popular.”
Nissi Icasiano, a former sports editor and a boxing and MMA specialist, posted a clip with the journalist on X, saying: “Kuya Chino Trinidad, maraming salamat po.”
Kuya Chino Trinidad, maraming salamat po. 😢
— NISSI ICASIANO (@Nissi_Icasiano) July 14, 2024
Today, I am overwhelmed with a deep sense of loss and gratitude as I remember Kuya Chino, a towering figure in the Philippine sport journalism industry and one of the few people I looked up to. pic.twitter.com/lbKUCupgAD
“Today, I am overwhelmed with a deep sense of loss and gratitude as I remember Kuya Chino, a towering figure in the Philippine [sports] journalism industry and one of the few people I looked up to,” he continued.
Concerning his passing, Tempo sports editor Rey Lachica stated: “Chino Trinidad: A visionary leader, fighter, and genuine lover of sports. Forever grateful to you, my ‘kum’ and everybody’s commissioner.”
Daily Tribune managing editor, Aldrin Cardona, wrote: “Trinidad was full of dreams and passion. He will be remembered for his fire and friendship.”
