The Philippines has lost its sporting voice. The man who captivated the fans with his unique commentary style, remaining brutally honest and fearless with his words, won’t be able to call on fights or narrate a basketball play anymore, as the sporting world lost Chino Trinidad on July 13. This disheartening news has plunged the sporting world into sorrow, including WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman.

You could look at Trinidad and tell that he could pull people and also call out things for what they were. Born to Recah Trinidad, it was no wonder that he also took the path of sports journalism, as his father, Recah, had also penned ribbing articles in a column. However, the 56-year-old first began his career on radio, as he called Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games on the radio, where his storytelling skills didn’t go unnoticed, as he was soon elevated to television, becoming a household name in the process.

Trinidad’s association with DZRH also allowed him to establish himself, which he later utilized to become the only face that fans could associate with PBA. It wasn’t soon that he also attached himself to the popular boxing program Blow-by-Blow, which became the reason he later developed a closer bond with Manny Pacquiao. The 56-year-old’s later association with GMA made sure the platform became the home to his blow-by-blow accounts of ‘PacMan’ fights, which fans thoroughly enjoyed. You knew he would be the voice whenever the former world champion’s fights were up for screening in the Philippines.

Trinidad also doubled up as the commissioner of the Philippine Basketball League around 2000. That’s not it. He also supported athletes with special needs. So, when the news of his demise reached the WBC President’s ear, the latter turned to his X handle and penned a heartfelt message for him. Paying his respects, he wrote, “Rest in peace.”

It wasn’t only the WBC lynchpin who paid his tribute, but also his close friends and colleagues whose lives he had touched. All remembered him for his sharp tongue, and his tendency to not sugarcoat things. But all of them acknowledged his contributions to their careers and added more vibrancy to their lives.

Chino Trinidad’s friends and colleagues recall their fond memories and pay their respects

PBA legend and former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioner, Ramon Fernandez, opened his heart and spilled his emotions for Trinidad, who also seemed to have helped him with his career. Fernandez’s post read, “No words can adequately convey the deep sorrow we feel upon learning of the untimely passing of our dear friend, Manolo Chino Trinidad. He was more than a friend.”

Noli Eala also recalled working together with Trinidad on broadcasting. His emotional long post on his X handle declared, “A true independent mind and advocate of nationalism in sports. You will be missed Chino. RIP partner.”

Undoubtedly, Trinidad steered the Philippine sport to popularity, weaving tales and incidents while calling the event. The country will surely miss the man whose voice they have grown accused of listening to. We send our thoughts and prayers to Chino Trinidad’s family in these trying times.