OBITUARY
Activist, Poet, Friend
Jeffrey “Makata” Trinidad
Nov. 12, 1974 – Nov. 1, 2002
Jeff “Makata” Trinidad passed away two weeks before his 28th birthday from heart complications on Nov. 1, 2002. Jeff was a student organizer, educator, mentor, poet, writer, community activist, friend and kasama (family) to all in the community. He was a solid and true friend. He was a giving person who always made himself available to help in any cause — whether it was a friend in need of a ride, a student who needed assistance or a community issue that needed his support. He was driven to build bridges among all he encountered by bringing people together to celebrate culture, education, community and justice. He is survived by his mother, Nenette Trinidad.
Jeff was also a poet and writer who created Kapit Bisig, a student newsletter at City College of San Francisco and whose work was published in various publications. He was a playwright for Teatro ng Tanan, who wrote performance pieces such as “Multo ni Macario [Sakay]” and “Blacklight.”
He was a cultural worker who trained people in the Basic Integrated Theatre Arts Workshop developed by the Philippines Educational Association in the Philippines and supported Filipino community programming at KPFA Radio. He was also a student of Kulintang Master Danongan Kalanduyan.
As a student at City College, he was the unifying and moving force behind creating a thriving community that crossed all cultures, generations and backgrounds. He was president of the Inter-Club Council and supported the following organizations: La Raza Unida, Black Student Union, Muslim Student Association, Queer Alliance, Polynesian Club, Associated Students Council and Students Supporting Students. While at the University of Hawaii, he was also a member of the Katipunan Club.
Jeff will be missed dearly: at karaoke night at Kaleo Cafe, at various Pilipino cultural, artistic, musical and community events, on many late night phone conversations, in his room playing video games, eating out with friends at Toppings, cruising Target and Sportsmart, and undoubtedly at City College of San Francisco’s Student Union.
Donations and cards may be mailed to: Nenette Trinidad, 96 Tioga Street, San Francisco, CA 94134.
— Jeanne Batallones
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