Revered sports journalist Recah Trinidad dies at 83

ICON. Filipino sports journalist Recah Trinidad.

Manolo Chino Trinidad Facebook page

Recah Trinidad dies 'peacefully in his sleep,' two years after the death of his sports journalist son Chino

MANILA, Philippines – Veteran sports journalist and columnist Ricardo “Recah” Trinidad died on Sunday, September 13. He was 83.

His death was announced by his daughter-in-law Nice, who said Trinidad passed away at around 6 am. 

“After suffering a heart attack in June, dad bravely fought for the past few months and finally found his rest. He passed peacefully in his sleep, free from pain and suffering,” wrote Nice on Facebook.

One of the most revered sports journalists of his time, Trinidad wrote for multiple publications, including Daily Express, Tempo, and Malaya, and covered some of the most prestigious sporting events, including the Olympics, Asian Games, and the iconic Thrilla in Manila in 1975, where Muhammad Ali beat Joe Frazier.

He was also an award-winning writer, with his poem Rule Acrobat from Planet F winning second prize for poetry in the 1978 Palanca Awards.

Trinidad passed his passion for sports on to his son Manolo, most commonly known as Chino, who also became a sports journalist, and served as a commissioner of the Philippine Basketball League, and was one of the founding members of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

“Ka Recah” passed away two years after Chino died of a heart attack in 2024. 

“I find comfort knowing that dad is now reunited with his beloved eldest son, kuya Chino Trinidad,” wrote Nice.

Trinidad was also known for his Bare Eye column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, which he started in 1986 and continued writing until his final piece in 2020.

A published author as well, Trinidad wrote the book Pacific Storm, which captured the rise of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

In 2023, Trinidad received the Lifetime Award in Sports Journalism from the Philippine Sportswriters Association alongside many of his peers, including the late Eddie Alinea, Percy Della, Jun Engracia, Ding Marcelo, and Al Mendoza.

Trinidad is survived by his wife, Maria Fe; his sons, Paolo and Baste; daughters-in-law Nice and Babs; and six grandchildren.

“Rest peacefully, dad, No more pain. You are home.  Thank you for being our dad, I love you. We love you! and We will miss you forever,” said Nice. 

The public viewing for Trinidad’s remains will start on Wednesday, September 16, before his cremation on Saturday, September 19. – Rappler.com