Sports barker Rolly Manlapaz passes away at 53

A familiar voice in sports will never be heard again.

Veteran barker Rolly Manlapaz has passed away on Thursday afternoon at the age of 53, after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

On Facebook, his daughter Dawn Manlapaz-Lainez asked for prayers for Rolly. "I’m sure heaven is a much much better place than anywhere else. I love you so much daddy!! All the pain is gone now, magpahinga ka na," read a portion of her post.

Manlapaz has been the voice of different leagues, being the announcer for leagues such as the UAAP, NCAA, and the PBA. He also coined monickers for different players, such as "The Phenom" for basketball star Kiefer Ravena.

The sports community took to social media their grief in the loss of Manlapaz.

My guy. The name “Phenom” will never be remembered without you. Rest east, Brader Rolly. https://t.co/PdiiVQUcQu

— Kiefer Ravena (@kieferravena) September 27, 2018

RIP Rolly Manlapaz

— Chot Reyes (@coachot) September 27, 2018

We are one with the Filipino sports community in mourning the loss of barker Rolly Manlapaz, whose voice and talent added color, excitement, and life to countless games. On behalf of our whole team, we send our deepest condolences to Rolly's loved ones.

— NLEX Road Warriors (@ArangkadaNLEX) September 27, 2018

R.I.P Rolly Manlapaz

UAAP will never be the same ????

— Shaun Ildefonso (@ShaunIldefonso) September 27, 2018

One post-Finals match, I remember telling him I could hear his superbly modulated voice inside Araneta Col. better than the cheers from the crowd. Grateful to have you during our matches, sir. It won't be the same. RIP and thank you, Sir Rolly Manlapaz. You'll be deeply missed. https://t.co/pMudGx6Pgp

— Ish Polvorosa (@ishpolvorosa) September 27, 2018

 

 

 

 

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Lifting the 2015 UAAP Championship trophy. Oooh yeah!

A post shared by Rolly Africa Manlapaz (@rolly.manlapaz) on

Dec 3, 2015 at 5:27am PST

Rest in peace, Rolly Manlapaz.
You will be missed ????????????????

— Kevin Louie Alas (@kevinlouiealas) September 27, 2018