Passion was Chino’s trademark

One thing you couldn’t deny about the late Chino Trinidad was he did everything with passion. And he did a lot. Influenced by parents who loved sports, Chino brought the game close to his heart at an early age. His media career started in radio when he was 24 then Vintage owner Bobong Velez opened a whole new world for Chino who became a courtside reporter then anchor then executive producer of the PBA on TV. Chino also did commentary in boxing and branched out to other sports. In 2008, Chino was the play-by-play broadcaster on the live on-site airing of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers.

Beyond his role as a talent, Chino embraced the responsibility of leadership. He was PBL commissioner and took the initiative to honor the country’s sports greats in a 2014 “Pagpupugay” project that featured the presentation of awards on stage and an exhibit of artefacts on the Resorts World lobby walkway. Chino stayed in touch with the public through his long tenure as a GMA sports reporter on “24 Oras” and later elevated his patriotic advocacy through a cable channel Pilipinas HD. After ending his stint at GMA, Chino went back full-circle to radio, continuing to keep close ties with fans. Only a few weeks before his passing last Saturday, Chino was in Masbate to anchor a boxing broadcast and lead a TV production team that he planned to move around the country.

“Blessed lang to be doing what we both love passionately,” he messaged last week. “And to also provide extra work for our long-time colleagues. I’m working on a developmental tournament for boxers in the age range of 15 to 18. May ongoing discussions na ako with the WBO. Praying na mabuo ko at makatulong sa Philippine boxing.”

Chino’s plate was never empty. He had amazing plans as commissioner of a newly-organized pro billiards league and his next immediate project was a boxing event in Bohol late this month. Chino spoke about an exciting new relationship in sports with Rep. Claude Bautista and had already made trips to Davao Occidental to cement the foundations of a wide-ranging collaboration.

While Chino went about his busy schedule, he was confronted by challenges. He brushed off threats and criticism as par for the course but his health was an issue. There was gout and about three weeks ago, he felt chest pains while doing brisk walking. He was advised by Dr. Tony Leachon to undergo cardio tests. Chino was supposed to meet Dr. Leachon at his Manila Doctors Hospital clinic last Saturday but the appointment was postponed to tomorrow. Dr. Leachon, meanwhile, provided Chino a recipe for a healthy lifestyle and prepared a program to address what appeared to be a heart condition. “Maglilinis ako ng ref and snack bar,” Chino texted Dr. Leachon. “Marami akong projects for Philippine sports kaya dapat up to the task ang katawan ko. Love you, Doc and can’t wait to meet.” Unfortunately, the meeting never took place. Chino collapsed during an early Saturday evening conference at Resorts World. He was rushed to San Juan de Dios Hospital in an ambulance and on the way, spoke to his wife Babette on the phone. Chino suffered cardiac arrest in the emergency room where doctors performed CPR for 50 minutes.

Chino leaves behind his parents Recah and Fe, both stalwarts of sports media, his wife of 34 years Babette and children Florian, 33, Florenz, 30 and Floresse, 24. Florian is a fashion stylist, Florenz an English university teacher in Japan and Floresse a marketing associate. Florenz, the only son, is married to Rosanne. Our sincere condolences to Chino’s family. Chino would’ve turned 57 on July 23. In a tribute before the PBA draft last Sunday, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said, “Sa kasaysayan ng PBA, hindi mawawala ang pangalan ni Chino gawa ng kaniyang malaking kontribusyon sa pagunlad ng ating liga … rest in peace, Chino.”