For Lolo Rod, My Hero

UAAP Season 88’s first round has been filled with surprises and new stars taking the spotlight. But among the goals and celebrations, one story stood out, not for power or precision, but for heart.

UST’s striker Trez Mariñas scored a brace in their win over the UE Red Warriors, but it was his celebration that truly told the story. As the final whistle neared, Mariñas lifted his shirt to reveal an undershirt that read, “Lolo Rod, my hero.” It was not just a message. It was a tribute.

“Every single game I play, I tell myself that I need to score,” Mariñas said. “For UST to win, someone has to step up. And as a striker, it’s my job to put the ball in the net. I wore my undershirt on purpose because I knew I was going to score, and I dedicated my goals to my late Lolo Rod, who passed away last month.”

That goal, and that message, came from a deep place. Trez spent his childhood vacations in Baccuit Norte, La Union, where his Lolo resided. Trez was inspired by his grandfather, Rodrigo ‘Lolo Rod’ Mariñas, a respected military man known for his bravery and kindness.

“We always called him Lolo Hero,” he shared. “He apprehended a lot of bad people in our town, that’s how he got the nickname. He was the happy pill of our home, always sharing stories from his glory days and always smiling.”

Mariñas was named after him, being the third Rodrigo in the family. “That’s why people call me Trez,” he said. “I carry his name, and I try to carry his strength too.”

The last time his grandfather saw him play was at the Alaska Cup in 2015, when Trez’s team lifted the championship trophy.

“After the final whistle, he danced in the middle of the field and gave his signature thumbs up,” Mariñas recalled. “If he were still here, I know he’d do the same thing, give me that thumbs up and go around the barangay bragging about my goals.”

For Mariñas, football has always been more than competition. It is a connection to the people who shaped him. Each goal is a reflection of his gratitude, his drive, and his memory of the man who taught him courage and heart.

Trez Mariñas is not just playing for UST. He is playing for his Lolo Hero, a true source of strength and the reason behind every celebration.

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