Chino, my brother

He was a brother, colleague and friend in the fight to seek the truth, and battle for athletes’ right. He was always there for me, and I for him. Chino Trinidad was one of the first comrades to earn my trust and loyalty. And now, he’s gone.

I first met Chino at Vintage Enterprises in 1991. He was brash, quick-witted, tough, born of erudite media parents, a Don Quixote of sorts. If you needed someone grounded or take down a notch, you put them in a conversation with him.

We parted ways when I left Vintage, but had forged a strong band. We were kindred spirits. When my house burned down before the birth of my second son Daniel, Chino gave me clothes to wear. When I got into spats with erring sports leaders and fellow media, Chino stood with me. In this industry, that was painfully rare.

Chino fought for what was right, consequences be damned. He stood squarely on the side of the truth and the athlete against Goliaths, unmindful of whose fearsome toes needed stepping on. Harsh words, rebuttals, lawsuits, he weathered it all, no matter the scars.

He was a memorable commissioner of the Philippine Basketball League for a decade, staunchly defending his association from all enemies from without and within. He always bravely said what we were only thinking. It was a marvelous, fearful thing to see. The proud Mandaluyong boy gave himself to the world.

Chino also boldly set up PilipinasHD, because he firmly believed that Filipinos could be more. He wanted to make a dent in our consciousness, because good enough never is. When a friend’s protege needed shoes, Manolo from Manila was there. He told stories of our rich history so we would not forget who we have been, and could be again. He honored our greatest athletes with his own award, and they never forgot it.

We played basketball together, stood against giants together, and privately shared our pains and dreams for the Philippines together. He believed in this country and its people, unfailingly. Now the crusade for what is right is a  lonely one. Farewell, Chino. Thank you for your service to the Filipino. I will never forget you. I love you.