After suiting up for La Salle from 1993 to 1997,[3] Trillo did not play professionally. He first got the offer to coach for a private school for boys called Southridge in 1997.[4]
In 1999, he joined the Adamson Falcons and, at 23 years old, became the youngest head coach in the UAAP at the time. His inexperience showed as the Soaring Falcons did not win a game in his first two seasons with the team at 0-28.[5]Those first two years were really trying times for me because, remember, you're inheriting a team that's in last place and then we had to recruit,", he said as he explained the early parts of his 4 and a half years with Adamson.[4]
His hard work resulted in a UniGames title for Adamson. Although his time with Adamson wasn’t the brightest of years, it still remains just as significant to him because it made him “realize how tough coaching was.”
Alaska (Cone's assistant)
Trillo as an assistant coach for the Alaska Milkmen in 2000
While at Adamson, he was also offered by coach Tim Cone, who was then his neighbor, to be his assistant coach at Alaska, which he accepted.[6] He juggled learning about coaching through the UAAP and with the Alaska franchise. He helped his team to steer 4 championships for the team.
In 2012, he left Cebuana and took over the coaching duties of Alaska, replacing Joel Banal.[8] The Elasto Painters spoiled his debut in a score of 107–100 but the Aces recovered and won 104–84 on their game vs. Barako Bull Energy.[9][10]
During the 2012–13 season (Trillo's first full season), he quite made an impression around the league by battling the eventual champions Talk N' Text Tropang Texters to six games during the 2012–13 PBA Philippine Cup semis. In the 2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup, he helped the Aces win its 14th and final championship in franchise history, the first in the post-Tim Cone era. His team also came within a game of ousting the eventual champion San Mig Coffee Mixers in the quarterfinals of the 2013 PBA Governors Cup. Because of his achievements, he was awarded as the 2012–13PBA Coach of the Year by the PBA Press Corps.[11]
After resigning with Alaska, Trillo was offered by its main rival San Miguel Beermen to be their head coach to replace Biboy Ravanes. But that time the Beermen offered him, Trillo was already talking with the Meralco Bolts.[13][14]
In July 6, 2022, he was appointed as interim coach while Norman Black was taking a leave. Trillo guided the team into a win against Rain or Shine.[15] In July 31, 2022, he led the Bolts to defeat Barangay Ginebra in Game 3 of the best of three quarterfinals series. This is the first time that the team defeated Ginebra in a playoff series.[16] He coached the team until August 3, 2022, when Black returned from overseas.[17]
As head coach
In May 8, 2023, he was appointed as head coach while Norman Black was relegated as the team's consultant. In the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup he led the Meralco Bolts to their first ever championship in its franchise history after beating the San Miguel Beermen 4 games to 2.[18]
Trillo served as an occasional courtside reporter on UAAP broadcast by PTV 4's Silverstar Sports.[19] He also served as a color commentator on PBA games after his resignation on Alaska.[20]
Personal life
Trillo is the son of former Alaska team manager/governor Joaqui Trillo. He is married to TV host and former courtside reporter, Ria Tanjuatco-Trillo. They have four children.[21]
