Ina ni Rene Baterbonia, tumatangging ibenta ang mga jersey ng anak: 'Kahit ilang milyon pa 'yan'
- Rene Clert "Bobet" Baterbonia's mother said she would never sell the basketball jerseys her son entrusted to her, regardless of the amount offered
- The grieving family recalled the financial hardships they overcame together before Bobet's basketball career flourished, GMA News reported
- Despite earning major basketball honors, Bobet remained humble and continued helping support his family's livelihood
- His family continues to honor his memory while pursuing truth and justice following his untimely death
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The family of the late young basketball standout Rene Clert "Bobet" Baterbonia continues to hold on to the memories he left behind, with his mother saying no amount of money could ever convince her to let go of the jerseys he personally entrusted to her.
Source: Youtube
During an emotional interview on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, Bobet's mother, Rovelyn Baterbonia, reflected on why the collection of jerseys has become one of her most treasured possessions following her son's passing.
"Sabi ko, ayaw ko, kahit ilang milyon pa 'yan, hindi ko 'yan ibibigay kasi lahat ng mga jersey niya na nag-MVP siya at Mythical Five champion, binibigay niya sa akin pero 'yung iba binibigay niya na sa iba. 'Yung mga memorable talaga ma'am, nasa akin talaga," she said.
For Rovelyn, those jerseys are worth far more than any monetary offer because they represent the memories, sacrifices, and milestones she shared with her son throughout his basketball journey.
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"Ako kasi hindi nangangarap ng one million, memorya ng anak ko, hindi na 'yon mababalik," she added.
The feature revisited Bobet's life, highlighting not only his accomplishments on the basketball court but also the strong bond he shared with his family. While they continue mourning his loss, they remain grateful for the moments they experienced together.
Rovelyn also recalled the financial struggles they endured before Bobet became widely recognized in basketball. Looking for additional income, she came up with the idea of selling souvenir keychains inspired by her son's growing popularity.
"Yung keychain ma'am is isa rin 'yun [na paraan] para mapunan 'yung kulang sa amin kasi 'yung income namin is kulang talaga sa loob ng bahay. So kailangan talaga namin gumawa ng another income para mapunan 'yon. Kaya sabi ko sa kanya na, 'Anak, may mga nakakakilala na sa 'yo, ano kaya kung 'yung mga jersey mo, 'yung mga keychain mo, sign-an mo tapos gawa tayo ng page tapos doon tayo magbebenta," she shared.
Before discovering that opportunity, Rovelyn earned a living by selling fish in the public market, a demanding job that required her to leave home before dawn and return late at night.
"Yung isda, madaling araw ka pang pupunta sa palengke, makakauwi ka, gabi na. Tapos 'yung iba kong mga anak, hindi ko na matutukan talaga," she said.
Even while balancing his studies and basketball commitments, Bobet made time to help support the family's livelihood by assisting in selling fish whenever he could.
As his basketball career continued to rise, Bobet collected several prestigious achievements, including being named the 2025 Palarong Pambansa Most Valuable Player and earning Mythical Five honors. His impressive performances also attracted the attention of college recruiters. Despite these accomplishments, his mother said he never allowed success to change his character.
"Sabi niya, 'Nakilala lang ako dahil sa basketball, pero hindi ako sikat.' Hindi siya feeling sikat," she recalled.
Bobet's father, Rene Baterbonia Sr., likewise remembered his son for his humility, kindness, and obedience.
"Si Bobet, mabait talaga. Kapag pinagsabihan mo, masunurin talaga. Walang problema, napakabait na bata," he said.
Although nothing can replace the son they lost, the Baterbonia family continues to cherish every memory Bobet left behind. His jerseys, achievements, and acts of kindness now serve as lasting reminders of the dreams they built together and the love they shared as a family.
As they continue to grieve, the family remains steadfast in honoring Bobet's legacy while continuing their pursuit of truth and justice for the young athlete whose life inspired many.
In another report, several former Ateneo athletes disputed earlier public statements made by their former coach, Tab Baldwin, by recounting their own experiences during past team activities. According to their testimonies, a serious water-related emergency had already occurred at the same location during a 2016 training session. Records cited in the report indicated that Baldwin personally used a rescue board to assist a player identified as Gboy, who was reportedly caught in a dangerous current.
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has recommended the filing of complaints under the Anti-Hazing Act against former Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin and 10 others in connection with the deaths of players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. Investigators alleged that the athletes were subjected to physically strenuous activities, including dangerous sea-based training exercises in Aurora. The recommendation came after former players came forward with accounts of similar near-fatal incidents dating back to 2016, raising questions over earlier statements made by team officials regarding the training sessions.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
