Iconic barker Rolly Manlapaz. Photo from his Facebook account.
Rolly Manlapaz, the iconic voice of collegiate sports, passed away Thursday afternoon after his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He was 58.
The longtime barker was pronounced dead at 1:10 pm at University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Medical Center.
Manlapaz was already confined in the hospital even before the start of UAAP Season 81. Several players, current and graduates have aired their sentiments over the absence of the barker’s booming vibrato.
His last in-game call was during the women’s volleyball tournament of the UAAP.
Manlapaz got his start as the barker for the PBA before moving to the collegiate circuit, where he had the chance to give monicker to some of the UAAP and NCAA’s most iconic players like Calvin Abueva, called The Beast, and Alyssa Valdez, who was given the alias The Phenom
Known for his antics, Manlapaz would also sub in for the buzzer during the times the shot clock and game clock malfunctioned.
He is survived by his children Dawn Marie Zsazsa Manlapaz-Lainez, Kevin Bon Jovi, Vincent Miles Pele, Christine Amidala, Patricia Ann, and Luke Anakin.