Veteran sports journalist Manolo “Chino” Trinidad died on Saturday, July 13, at the age of 56, his family confirmed to Rappler. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

Chino’s passing was confirmed by his daughter, Floresse.

In a statement, Chino's children paid tribute to their father: “A passionate member of the media and sports community. 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.”

Chino reportedly succumbed to a heart attack en route to a meeting at Newport World Resorts with Efren “Bata” Reyes and other personalities. He was rushed to San Juan de Dios Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A second-generation sports journalist, Chino was well-known in the Philippines' sports community. His career began on radio in the early 1990s, anchoring a sports segment on dzRH.

He then transitioned to television, starting as a sideline reporter for Vintage Television's PBA coverage before becoming a play-by-play commentator. His involvement in boxing began during this period, notably as an anchor for Blow by Blow.

Chino's prominence grew as the face of GMA Network’s sports coverage for about two decades. He worked as a boxing commentator and produced segments for the network's flagship newscast, 24 Oras.

After leaving GMA, he founded Pilipinas HD, a cable channel, and organized the exhibit “Pagpupugay: 100 Taon ng Philippine Sports,” which earned a minor citation from the Philippine Sportswriters Association in 2015.

Throughout his career, Chino was recognized for his dedication to sports journalism and the promotion of Filipino martial arts. In 2019, he received a special award for Meritorious Conduct at the Dangal ng Maharlika Awards, acknowledging his efforts in promoting arnis and Filipino martial arts.

In May 2024, Chino was appointed commissioner of the Sharks Billiards Association, the country’s first professional billiards league.

His contributions to sports extended beyond journalism; he served as the eighth commissioner of the Philippine Basketball League from 2000 to 2010. He was also a founding member of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

As of writing, details about the wake have not been released. Chino's passing marks a significant loss for the sports journalism community in the Philippines, leaving behind a legacy of passionate storytelling and commitment to the sports he loved.

— By Samantha Prats