If you follow Philippine sports or even just come across it occasionally, chances are you’ve heard of Chino Trinidad – his face, his voice, his impact. Honestly, it’s a no-brainer. He poured his heart into Philippine sports.
Chino Trinidad – whom I affectionately call Kuya Chino – was a radio anchor, TV host, courtside reporter, play-by-play announcer, league commissioner, and much more. In 2022, he was even close to being considered for the chairman position of the Philippines’ professional sports governing body at one point in 2022.
He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to Philippine sports, both literally and figuratively. On Sunday morning, July 14, a somber news of his sudden passing reverberated through the industry.
I was sound asleep when my wife, Faye, woke me with the heartbreaking news. I had just gotten a good night’s rest because I was scheduled to guest on his show, “Larong Pilipino” on DZME 1530, alongside our co-host and good friend Erel Cabatbat on the same day.
Kuya Chino Trinidad, maraming salamat po. 😢
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
— NISSI ICASIANO (@Nissi_Icasiano) July 14, 2024
The pain of his loss was incomprehensible as I reached out to our mutual friends. “Friend” is often a casual term in our thankless profession, but I’m fortunate to truly call him a friend – and at times, a confidant.
Like many journalists in our country, I admired Kuya Chino. I was a fan of his ’90s basketball program, “Hot Stuff.” I followed his career closely, from his vibrant commentary in the PBA to his insightful analysis of Manny Pacquiao’s boxing matches.
I got to know him on a personal level while covering the weigh-in for ONE Championship’s second event in the Philippines back in May 2013. I witnessed his dedication firsthand when he almost came to blows defending his interview time with Eduard Folayang against the promotion’s then-American public relations executive who mistook him for a regular reporter.
Kuya Chino stood his ground, always fighting for the truth. He believed journalism wasn’t about succumbing to pressure or fear; it was about truth.
From that moment, our friendship blossomed. We’d chat often, and I valued his insights on various issues. What struck me most was his selflessness. He never hesitated to help those in need, like when he invited me to interview former WWE superstar Big Show in 2016. He didn’t have to, but that’s what made him truly exceptional.
Even now, as I struggle to find the right words for this tribute, I know that honoring his memory means more than just words on a page. It’s about embodying the principles he stood for and striving for positive change.
Kuya Chino, thank you for believing in me and pushing me forward all these years. Your faith in my potential helped me find my voice in this field. Your legacy isn’t just in the stories you told, but in the lives you touched and the careers you shaped.
Just saying thank you isn’t enough, Kuya Chino. Your presence will be greatly missed.
