by Dennis Eroa
“For they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection” – Luke 20:36
Last week while having my regular blood spa, I received a call from Manolo “Chino” Trinidad asking about my condition. Thanks to the grace of the Lord, I gleefully told him that my condition was getting better and better.
Nothing to worry about, I told him. Chino, known for calling a spade a spade in the topsy-turvy world of Philippine sports, asked me to meet him as soon as possible to speak my mind regarding the latest happenings in the world of sports.
Without thinking twice, I said yes. But being based out of Manila and still recuperating from brain surgery, I didn’t give a date for our meeting. Suffice it to say, I make up by following his posts on social media. I am truly glad that Chino never lost that raging fire in his heart to correct the wrongs in the country’s sporting scene.
So typical of Chino, whom I remember bursting with energy when his parents Ka Recah and Fe Trinidad introduced him to yours truly at the Ultra (now the Philsports). Teach him, Fe, also my wedding godmother, told me while I was covering a PBA double-header.
Saved for a few tips, I didn’t mold Chino to become that person everybody knows. He’s a man of his own, full of passion and unrelenting in his mission to steer Philippine sports in the right direction.
His contribution to Philippine sports is immeasurable.
Our friendship lasted for many years. I headed the PBL Press Corps during the time of Yeng Guiao and Chino.
To some, Chino’s sharp-tongued is very hard to stomach. Let me put it this way. He is not in the mood to sugarcoat things, quitting a TV network when he feels the new management isn’t on his side.
But Chino’s crusade isn’t limited to the usual basketball menu. He supports athletes with special needs and his new baby is to move billiards closer to the hearts of Pinoys.
After hearing mass on Sunday at the Holy Trinity Parish in New Cabalan, Olongapo City, I received a text message from his mother: “Bossing, Chino went home to Jesus and Mary yesterday. Please keep him in your prayers. God Bless.”
I am shocked beyond belief.
Former Philippine Sportswriters Association and Tempo sports editor Rey Lachica confirmed the news. Aldrin Cardona of Tribune wrote a column about Chino’s passing. Chito de la Vega was devastated and many friends from the compact sports writing community needed to digest the shocker. He’s only 56, turning 57 on July 23, and conscious of his health.
As of this writing, I have no details yet of the wake. All that I can do is offer my prayers for the eternal repose of Chino’s soul.
There is a time for hope and acceptance. I need to tell Babs Trinidad and her children to keep their faith.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
For my second parents Ka Recah and Ninang Fe, I pray that the abundant love being showered by known and unknown Chino will lessen the pain of losing your eldest son. Al Mendoza, another giant in the industry, also treated me as a son and I knew that he was saddened by Chino’s passing.
Chino’s a vibrant spirit and we can rest knowing that he is now in paradise. Thank you, Lord. I love you all.
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