Rene Baterbonia Sr., may masakit na mensahe sa unang Father's Day na wala si Bobet

• Rene Baterbonia Sr. spent his first Father's Day mourning the loss of his son, basketball standout Bobet Baterbonia
• The grieving father recalled the pain of celebrating the occasion without his son by his side
• Bobet's father revealed that he personally guided and trained his son from a young age
• Despite the tragedy, Rene Sr. hopes parents will remain active and involved in their children's lives

Rene Baterbonia Sr. marked Father's Day with grief and memories as he spent the occasion without his son, late basketball prospect Rene Clert "Bobet" Baterbonia, whose untimely passing recently saddened many in the local sports community.

The emotional day carried a different meaning for the former basketball player, who had long been one of the biggest influences in his son's life and career.

Speaking about celebrating Father's Day without Bobet, Rene Sr. admitted that the pain remains difficult to bear.

"Siyempre Father's Day tapos ito ang nangyari kay Rene, siyempre malungkot dahil magfa-Father's Day, wala na siya. Malungkot, masakit na masakit."

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Rene Sr. introduced his son to basketball at an early age and became his first coach and mentor. Through years of guidance and discipline, he helped develop the skills that eventually turned Bobet into one of the country's most promising young players.

Bobet rose to prominence after earning Most Valuable Player honors in the Palarong Pambansa and was preparing to join the Ateneo Blue Eagles before his promising journey was cut short.

Amid his sorrow, Rene Sr. shared words of advice for fellow fathers, emphasizing the importance of staying close to their children and keeping track of their daily lives.

"Sa mga tatay dyan, sana'y ingatan n'yo ang mga anak n'yo bantayan niyo nang maigi. Dapat alam n'yo mga ginagawa nila araw-araw, para sa mga ama nanonood ngayon para sa kanilang anak, dapat yung mga anak niyo is, number one discipline,mino-monitor n'yo."

The grieving father also spoke with pride about the values that he and his family instilled in Bobet while he was growing up.

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"Kaya si Rene Clert Baterbonia lumaki siyang may respeto talaga at inarugaan namin siya nang mabuti para maging mabuting bata at magalang."

Beyond basketball success, Rene Sr. said education had always been one of his biggest dreams for his children.

"Ang pangarap ko sa mga anak ko, makatapos sila lahat ng pag-aaral."

Although Bobet's basketball career ended far too soon, Rene Sr. continues to remember him not only for his achievements on the court but also for the kindness and respect that made him a source of pride for their family.

For the grieving father, this year's Father's Day became a painful reminder of a son lost too early, but also a celebration of the legacy and values that Bobet leaves behind.

In another report, grieving mother Rovelyn Baterbonia was invited to a touching tribute organized by JBTadz NeverFades Picture Frames. During the emotional gathering, she was presented with a large covered gift that turned out to be a portrait of her late son. Upon seeing the image, the bereaved mother broke down in tears and repeatedly cried out “Nak” in a heartbreaking moment captured on video. The clip has since gone viral, earning millions of views and drawing thousands of messages of sympathy from netizens.

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Meanwhile, Robin Padilla shared a News5 update confirming that the remains of student-athlete Rene Baterbonia had arrived in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur. Public viewing for the late basketball player was scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at the Talacogon Gym. In his message, the senator honored Baterbonia’s sacrifices and dreams for his loved ones. Padilla also reflected on what he described as the realities behind the “Filipino dream” and how opportunities are often concentrated in Metro Manila.

Source: KAMI.com.gh