In the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit I am a fan of yours. Even before that, I am a fan of your father, Recah Trinidad who was a long time sports columnist of PDI. Who had no fear insights in PBA and boxing, even billiards, all staples of Pinoy sports. And you, Chino managed to carve out your own niche as sports broadcaster. In some ways, exceeding the audience reach of your dad because of TV and radio.
I can’t forget the time you got sick covering the SEA Games in Chiang Mai. Because of the spicy Thai food there. Which only highlights, you’re human, on top of the fact sports media is a tough job.
That’s why when I saw your video interview with politiskoop (Sept. 6 2023), I wanted to watch it. I wanted to hear what you had to say especially about Gilas and FIBA in general.
MOST REVERED. The Lifetime Awards in Sports Journalism is handed to (2nd to 5th from left) Percy Della, Al S. Mendoza, Eddie Alinea and Recah Trinidad during the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards Night at Diamond Hotel Manila on Monday (March 6, 2023). PSA president and Tempo sports editor Rey Lachica (left) said it is only fitting that the names behind the stories that chronicle the exploits of sports heroes are recognized, including Ding Marcelo and Artemio Engracia Jr. who did not attend the ceremony. (PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.)
Waiting for the Scoop
I was waiting to hear your own ‘scoop’, literally regarding Coach Chot Reyes. Maybe he has the goods on him that we don’t know. Other than the fact Gilas performed below expectations. Because that’s something we all saw and witnessed. Chot (and family) has already received an avalanche of criticism from Pinoy basketball fans.
As you said, even during competitions he was already getting booed. Can you imagine the ire that he and his family has received online or in person?
I was waiting for specific accusations of corruption or a scandal of ANY sort, that you’d reveal. But I didn’t really get anything.
Grand Betrayal?
Sad to say, your gripe was mainly the assignment of Chot as Gilas coach. Everything stemmed from there. I thought there would be a more substantial accusation of some sort. Because you can’t accuse MVP and Al of anything other than committing an honest mistake, IF that’s the case. That’s if Al Panlilio sincerely believes that Chot was a qualified coach, a qualified choice. Which he is actually.
The only real accusation was them defending that decision and not replacing him sooner. But according to you that misjudgment is equal to a ‘betrayal’ to Filipino basketball fans.
I was trying to understand WHY you were so angry, or what made their seeming honest mistake as an intentional betrayal, the way you put it. No one’s disputing that Chot could have done better. No one can dispute he should’ve been replaced sooner. But you also can’t impugn their motives as a ‘betrayal’ as opposed to an honest mistake. Sounds more like a gross exaggeration, if not, an unfair accusation.
Peping Connection
By your own admission, you had a personal beef when your accreditation was taken away (in FIBA). This was when you resigned from GMA, or your term ended.
AND THEN you cited your time with Peping Cojuangco as POC President. Whom everyone in sports knows had very questionable decisions during his multiple terms.
To the point where he was investigated by Congress for corruption: “In the 13 years under Cojuangco, the Philippines has won only one Olympic medal in 3 Olympiads, slumped from 1st place to as low as 7th in the SEA Games, and consistently slipped in Asian Games rankings. Two Senate hearings have questioned Cojuangco’s leadership, blaming him for the dismal performance of Philippine athletes in international competitions. Aside from that, Cojuangco also faces charges of malversation of funds in relation to the country’s hosting of the 2005 Manila SEA Games.” From Rappler.com: 13 years of decline: PH sports nose-dives under Peping Cojuangco
former POC Pres. Peping Cojuangco
And in a Philstar.com article entitled: House to probe POC under Peping
“Angara had questioned the decision of the POC not to allow the multi-awarded and world champion Philippine Dragonboat Team to participate in the SEA Games in Myanmar in 2014. They said Trillanes filed a malversation case against (Peping) Cojuangco in 2013 in connection with the release of funds to alleged bogus national sports associations. They added that former Philippine Sports Commission chairman Harry Angping had filed another malversation case against the POC for its failure to account for P73.2 million in PSC financial assistance. Belaro and Salo pointed out that the POC was asked to account for P130 million in funding aid from the PSC.”
Chino, listening to your tirade in the Politiskoop video, I was waiting for substantial accusations, just like the ones made by Senator Trillanes and Senator Angara against your boss/colleague Peping Cojuangco. Because then you would have had a real basis to accuse them of that ‘betrayal of basketball fans’ you were speaking of.
SUPER CALOY! Tolentino awards one of world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo’s five gold medals. Photo from POC
Contrast to Bambol
Contrast Peping’s 13 year term to that of current POC President Bambol Tolentino (since 2019) who has already garnered successes in SEA Games, the Olympics and is upbeat for the next Asian Games this October: “In the last Asiad in 2018, the Philippines claimed four gold medals: two in golf (women’s individual, women’s team), and one each in roller sports (women’s street skateboard) and weightlifting (women’s -53kg).
Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino awards one of the four gold medals the Philippines won in dancesort at the Vietnam 31st Southeast Asian Games on Monday. Photo from POC
“Since then, the country has produced more elite athletes like the top-ranked Asian pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and boxers such as Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial, Irish Magno, among others. Teenage tennis player Alex Eala is also expected to join the women’s singles and doubles events but her partner is still to be determined. Around 400 Philippine athletes will participate in the 2023 Asian Games”. From Rappler.com: POC ‘looking to exceed output’ of Philippines in Asian Games
POC Pres. Bambol Tolentino congratulates Chloe Isleta for winning the women’s 200 meters backstroke of swimming at the National Sports Complex’s Aquatics Sports Palace. Photo from POC
Not to mention a memorable 30th SEA Games held in multiple cities in the Philippines in 2019. Where our country became the overall champion for the first time in 14 years, breaking its own medal count record in 2005. The success has been largely attributed to the leadership of POC President Bambol Tolentino.
By your own metrics, can’t we impugn that same ‘betrayal of fans’ to Peping Cojuangco looking at his long dismal track record?
Clarify Facts
A lot of basketball fans who watched the video with Politiskoop just blindly agreed with you Chino without really checking out the facts. This is based on the comments it received on youtube and facebook. Since there was an avalanche of criticism against Chot’s and Gilas’ dismal performance in FIBA.
I don’t want to sound like an apologist for MVP or AL but, facts should just be clarified.
Especially since RSA stepped up to force Tim Cone into accepting the Gilas Coaching gig.
IF there’s anyone who would know MVP’s true intention with FIBA it would be his bitter business rival in RSA.
Ibig mong sabihin mas marunong pa si Chino Trinidad kay RSA? Siyempre hindi.
RSA has also been there for Gilas. Di naman magpapaloko yan e, lalong lalo na kay MVP.
SMC also happens to be a major sponsor of FIBA.
Ever wonder why even Two time PBA Grandslam Champion Tim Cone initially refused the Gilas Coaching position? Because he knows he’s going to be crucified for each loss. Whether it’s in the Asian Games or Olympic qualifiers, Pinoy basketball fans will inevitably blame him if Gilas doesn’t make it.
Every Right
I agree with you 100% Chino, you have every right to cover FIBA, no question. Problem is, most of the time, it’s based on the organization you represent. When you left your post in GMA, the justification for you to be in FIBA was invalidated, fair or not.
I was a sportswriter and Sports Editor, in my college days in the La Sallian. In recent years as photographer my contacts, my coverage is in the realm of entertainment and culture. Even then, there are concerts and events I’m not allowed access to as photographer and writer.
Klay and Loon
BUT I am Pinoy, I’m a huge Golden State Warriors fan. SO when Klay Thompson arrived August 31, 2023 in SM Megamall, I had to be there. I had to cover and shoot. Anta, the organizers wouldn’t give me access. While they denied me entrance I saw a video camera on the second floor overlooking the basketball court in the Fashion Hall.
I planted myself beside that video camera, (whose operator was kind enough to allow me to do so) I had to make do with that camera angle and position, just like a majority of other fans.
So if you look at my photos of Klay and Kevon Looney in my blog, they are all looking down from a higher angle.
Kevon Looney and Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista
I could have chosen to walk away completely not shooting. OR I could have chosen to shut out any ANTA branding or not mention them at all in my article. Since they didn’t give me any access. But I wanted to give credit where credit is due. After all, they were the ones who brought Klay and Loon here. I mentioned the 4×4 tourney Anta organized and even used the Anta event poster with their logo.
Klay Thompson, 4-time NBA Champion, at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista
Know Thyself
I’m not saying do things the way I have. Or that I’m better or right. I just realize as communicators, writers, broadcasters, photographers, journalists we’re all human. We’re subject to biases, disappointments and personal conflicts. You can never totally remove any of that from our reporting, because we are human. Then again, it’s up to us to recognize that and know ourselves well enough to adjust, if need be.
I cannot wait to watch the next chapter of your career Chino. You’re already on your way with your newest project: GAME ON Philippines. A show with your own concept of sports, history and culture airing on Pilipinas HD, available on TV boxes from ABS and GMA.
More power on your online presence. Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe have their own popular Youtube channels. I have complete faith in you that you can pull that off if you wanted to. I continue to be an admirer of yours and your father Recah. Mabuhay!
Jude Bautista
